07-08-2010 Charter Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Use of Public Resources — Public resources not available to the general public (e.g., city staff time, equipment, supplies or facilities) shall not be used by council members for private, personal or political purposes. Advocacy — To the best of their ability, council members shall speak with one voice in representing the official policies and positions of the city council. When presenting their personal opinions or positions, members shall explicitly state that they do not represent the council or the city. Improper Influence — Council members shall refrain from using their position to improperly influence the deliberations or decisions of city staff, boards, commission or committees. Positive Work Environment — Council members shall support a positive, efficient and effective environment for residents, businesses and city employees. Steward of City Funds — When the end of a council member's service on the city council has been determined by means of not seeking re-election, resignation, or the results of an election, that council member shall not subject the city to unnecessary travel and/or tuition costs. Communication Sharing of Information — It is the responsibility of council members to publicly share information with all other council members that they have received from sources outside of the public decision-making process, which pertains to a topic under consideration. Whenever possible, new information or data obtained by council members, pertinent to a topic being discussed, will be distributed through the city administrator to the city council members. Upon reviewing the "new information" the council may adopt a motion to postpone further consideration of the information until all members have had time to review and interpret this new information. Focused Discussions — Council members shall work to keep discussions and debates focused on the item under discussion without introducing extraneous or irrelevant information. Request for Information- All council members shall receive the same information at the same time when deemed ready for distribution by staff. If an elected official requests information in advance of others on the city council, the matter shall be resolved by a majority of the city council. Coordination with City Staff — City staff should be involved when council members meet with officials from other agencies and jurisdictions to ensure proper staff support as needed and to keep staff appropriately informed. Citizen Questions — Elected officials should refer questions and concerns from citizens to the city administrator or appropriate department director. City staff should report back to the city council on the resolution of the referral.