City of San Bernardino - Administrative Policy Manual
City of San Bernardino
Administrative Policy Manual
Subject: Code of Ethics and Conduct
Purpose: To establish a clear and affirmative set of professional and ethical standards for the City, including elected officials, as they carry out their respective roles on behalf of the public. These standards are intended to enhance the quality of service and instill confidence in local government from residents, community stakeholders, and outside entities.
Authority: Resolution No. ______________
Scope: The provisions of this Code of Ethics and Conduct shall apply to the City, including elected officials, as they carry out their respective roles on behalf of the public.
Furthermore, the provisions of this Code of Ethics and Conduct shall only apply to individuals when acting in their official capacities and in the discharge of their duties.
Individuals employed by the City under contractual agreements must also observe the provisions of this policy for the term of their contract or as the contract may stipulate.
Policy:
Dedicated Service
In the performance of their duties, individuals shall support governmental objectives expressed by the electorate and interpreted by the City Council and the City programs developed to attain these objectives. Individuals shall adhere to work rules and performance standards established for their positions by the appointing authority. The City requires all to use good manners, be considerate, be accurate and truthful in statement, and to exercise sound judgment in the performance of their work. While acting in their official capacity, no individual shall perform work for any other employer or agency and neither conduct nor pursue any unauthorized activity.
Nondiscrimination
No person shall grant any special consideration, treatment, or advantage to any person beyond that which is available to every other person in similar circumstance. No person shall be favored or discriminated against with respect to any appointment in the City Code of Ethics and Conduct
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service because of family or social relationships, sex, race, religion, national origin, marital status, age, physical handicap, political opinion or political affiliation.
Confidential Information
As appropriate, every appointing authority shall make known to subordinates which information is regarded as confidential. No person shall disclose or remove from City offices such confidential information except as authorized or required by law or office nor otherwise use such information for personal gain or benefit. All personnel records shall be confidential except when disclosure is required by law.
No person shall use confidential information acquired by or available to them in the course of their relationship with the City for personal gain or for personal, non-City business- related reasons. Any persons who is aware of a breach of confidentiality is expected to bring forth that information to the appropriate officials in a timely manner.
Use of Public Property
Persons shall not use City time, City funds, City facilities, equipment, or supplies for personal use, personal gain, or campaign related political activities; nor shall they use or attempt to use their position to secure unwarranted privileges or exemptions for themselves or others.
Conflict of Interest
No person shall engage in any business or transaction or shall have a financial or other personal interest or association, which is in conflict with the proper discharge of duties or would tend to impair independence of judgment or action in the performance of duties.
Personal as distinguished from financial interest includes an interest arising from blood or marriage relationships or close business, personal, or political association. This section shall not serve to prohibit independent acts or other forms of enterprise during those hours not covered by an active relationship with the City providing such acts do not constitute a conflict of interest as defined herein.
Outside Employment
Non-elected officials shall not engage in any work, employment, or occupation outside City employment, which is detrimental to City service, which prevents or impedes the efficient performance of their duties in City employment, or which is in any way in conflict with their employment with the City. Non-elected officials shall not engage in any work, employment, or occupation outside City employment unless they have notified their Code of Ethics and Conduct
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department via a Notification of Outside Employment form, and the permit has been approved by the Department Director.
Political Activity
It is the intent of the Mayor and City Council that every City employee participates in the political process to the extent that such participation does not interfere with the orderly performance of City employees’ duties and functions. Employees engaged in political activity in violation of any personnel rule, City policy, labor contract, or regulation governing the conduct of City employees shall constitute cause for disciplinary action.
Personal Responsibility
The City shall provide all newly elected officials and employees with a copy of the Code of Ethics and Conduct Policy. It shall be the responsibility of the individual to become aware and knowledgeable of this document.
Core Values
The proper operation of democratic government requires that all persons be impartial, and accountable to the people they serve. The City of San Bernardino has adopted this Code of Ethics and Conduct to promote and maintain the highest standards of personal and professional conduct in the City's government. All persons who participate in the City's government are required to subscribe to this Code, understand how it applies to their specific responsibilities, and practice its ten core values in their work. Because we seek public confidence in the City's services and public trust, our decisions and our work must meet the most demanding ethical standards and demonstrate the highest levels of achievement in following this code.
1. As a Representative of the City of San Bernardino, I will be ethical.
In practice, this value looks like:
a. I am trustworthy, acting with the utmost integrity and moral courage. b. I am truthful, do what I say I will do, and am dependable. c. I make impartial decisions, free of bribes, unlawful gifts, narrow political interests, and financial and other personal interests that impair my judgment or action.
d. I am fair, distributing benefits and burdens according to consistent and equitable criteria.
e. I show respect for persons, confidences, and information designated as "confidential."
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f. I use my title(s) only when conducting official City business, for information purposes, or as an indication of background and expertise, carefully considering whether I am exceeding or appearing to exceed my authority.
2. As a Representative of the City of San Bernardino, I will be professional.
In practice, this value looks like:
a. I apply my knowledge and expertise to my assigned activities and to the interpersonal relationships that are part of my job in a consistent, confident, competent, and productive manner.
b. I approach my job and work-related relationships with a positive attitude. c. I keep my professional knowledge and skills current and growing.
3. As a Representative of the City of San Bernardino, I will be service-oriented.
In practice, this value looks like:
a. I provide friendly, receptive, courteous service to everyone. b. I am attuned to, and care about, the needs and issues of citizens, public officials, and city workers.
c. In my interactions with all staff members, I am interested, engaged, and responsive.
4. As a Representative of the City of San Bernardino, I will be fiscally responsible.
In practice, this value looks like:
a. I make decisions after prudent consideration of their financial impact, taking into account the long-term financial needs of the City, especially its financial stability. b. I demonstrate concern for the proper use of City assets (e.g., personnel, time, property, equipment, funds) and follow established procedures. c. I make good financial decisions that seek to preserve programs and services for City residents.
5. As a Representative of the City of San Bernardino, I will be organized.
In practice, this value looks like:
a. I act in an efficient manner, making decisions and recommendations based upon research and facts, taking into consideration short and long term goals.
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b. I follow through in a responsible way, keeping others informed, and responding in a timely fashion.
c. I am respectful of established City processes and guidelines.
6. As a Representative of the City of San Bernardino, I will be communicative.
In practice, this value looks like:
a. I convey the City's care for and commitment to its citizens. b. I communicate in various ways that I am approachable, open-minded, and willing to participate in dialog.
c. I engage in effective two-way communication, by listening carefully, asking questions, and determining an appropriate response which adds value to conversations.
7. As a Representative of the City of San Bernardino, I will be collaborative.
In practice, this value looks like:
a. I act in a cooperative manner with groups and other individuals, working together in a spirit of tolerance and understanding.
b. I work towards consensus building and gain value from diverse opinions. c. I accomplish the goals and responsibilities of my individual position, while respecting my role as a member of a team.
d. I consider the broader regional and State-wide implications of the City's decisions and issues.
8. As a Representative of the City of San Bernardino, I will be innovative.
In practice, this value looks like:
a. I exhibit a proactive, innovative approach to setting goals and conducting the City's business.
b. I display a style that maintains consistent standards, but is also sensitive to the need for compromise, "thinking outside the box," and improving existing paradigms when necessary.
c. I promote intelligent and thoughtful innovation in order to forward the City's policy agenda and City services.
9. As a Representative of the City of San Bernardino, I will be fair/accountable.
In practice, this value looks like:
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a. I promote meaningful public involvement in the agency’s decision-making processes.
b. I treat all persons, claims and transactions in a fair and equitable manner; I make decisions based on the merits of the issue.
c. If I receive substantive information that is relevant to a matter under consideration from sources outside the public decision-making process, I publicly share it with my fellow governing board members and staff. d. I work to contribute to a strong organization that exemplifies transparency and open communication.
10. As a Representative of the City of San Bernardino, I will be respectful to fellow members of the organization.
In practice, this value looks like:
a. I treat my fellow officials, staff and the public with patience, courtesy and civility, even when we disagree on what is best for the community. b. I work towards consensus building and gain value from diverse opinions. c. I respect the distinction between the role of office holder and staff; I involve staff in meetings with individuals, those with business before the agency, officials from other agencies and legislators to ensure proper staff support and to keep staff informed.
d. I conduct myself in a courteous and respectful manner at all times during the performance of my official City duties.
e. I encourage full participation of all persons and groups; I am aware and observe important celebrations and events which reflect the values of our diverse population.
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