TO:
FROM:
DATE:
CITY COUNCIL
CITY ADMINISTRATOR
NOVEMBER 15, 2022
Placentia City Council
SUBJECT: CODE OF ETHICS AND CONDUCT POLICY
FISCAL
IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact
SUMMARY:
AGENDA REPORT
Kelly Associates Management Group (KAMG) was retained by the City to facilitate a City Council retreat and workshop for the purpose of establishing a 5 -Year Strategic Plan. Based upon input obtained from a City Council Strategic Planning Workshop held on April 14, 2022, eight (8) goals were outlined for the City's Five -Year Strategic Plan (see Attachment "A"). At that meeting the City Council directed Staff to update the City's Code of Ethics. Subsequently, on May 10, 2022, the City Council adopted the 5 -year Strategic Plan which outlines several goals and objectives.
More specifically, under Goal 8: Improve City Governance, Objective Number 8.6, states to update City Council Code of Ethics and Conduct ("CEC"). Approval of this action will adopt the proposed CEC policy.
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
1. Review the proposed Code of Ethics and Conduct Policy; and
2. Following any input from the City Council, adopt the Code of Ethics and Conduct Policy.
STRATEGIC GOAL:
This item is consistent with the City Council approved 5 -Year Strategic Goal to Improve City Governance under Objective #8.6, which is to update City Council Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics.
DISCUSSION:
Kelly Associates Management Group (KAMG) was retained by the City to facilitate a City Council retreat and workshop for the purpose of establishing a 5 -Year Strategic Plan. Based upon input obtained from a City Council Strategic Planning Workshop held on April 14, 2022, eight (8) goals were outlined for the City's Five -Year Strategic Plan (see Attachment "A"). At that meeting the City Council directed Staff to update the City's Code of Ethics. Subsequently, on May 10, 2022, the City Council adopted the 5 -year Strategic Plan which outlines several goals and objectives.
3.b.
Nov 15, 2022
City Council Agenda
November 15, 2022
More specifically, under Goal 8: Improve City Governance, Objective Number 8.6, states to update City Council Code of Ethics and Conduct ("CEC").
In conducting the people's business, it is the stated policy of the City of Placentia to uphold, promote and demand the highest standards of ethics from all of its officials, whether elected, appointed or otherwise hired. Accordingly, all elected officials, City employees and members of City appointed commissions and/or committees are expected to maintain the highest standards of personal integrity, truthfulness, respect, professionalism, honesty and fairness in carrying out their civil service duties. In addition these representatives should avoid any improprieties in their roles as public servants; and never use their position or powers for improper personal gain or influence.
The proposed CEC policy incorporates research and information prepared by William R. Kelly of Kelly Associates Management Group and is an amalgamation of best practices from other municipalities that have Codes of Ethics and Conduct documents for their respective city representatives.
The CEC Policy covers the following specific categories of conduct and conflicts of interests for civil servants:
1. They comply with both the letter and the spirit of the law and policies affecting operations of the City of Placentia;
2. They are independent, impartial, and fair in their judgement and actions;
3. They use their public office for the public good, not for personal gain; and
4. They conduct public deliberations and processes openly, unless legally confidential, in an atmosphere of respect, civility and transparency.
At the conclusion of any input from the Council on the matter and recommended changes approved by the City Attorney, the final Code of Ethics and Conduct Policy will be distributed electronically to all City elected officials and employees for signature, and all new employees will be required to sign the policy as a condition of their employment. Additionally, if adopted, the City will regularly review this policy along with other administrative policies and make revisions when appropriate.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with the adoption of the Code of Ethics and Conduct Policy.
Prepared by:
-Fr
Cel ly
Pres dent and CEO
Kelly Associates Management Group
Reviewed and approved:
nette ga
A tant to the City Administrator
City Council Agenda
November 15, 2022
Reviewed and approved:
Christian L. Bettenhausen
City Attorney
Reviewed and approved:
Damien R. Arrula
City Administrator
Attachments:
1. City of Placentia 5 -Year Strategic Plan
2. Code of Ethics and Conduct Policy