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• <br />• <br />Mva-ter t4 <br />CODE OF CONDUCT <br />Purpose <br />To establish a code of conduct and associated remedies that council members agree to abide <br />by in carrying out their duties as elected officials. This code of conduct does not supersede <br />any existing or future statutory or constitutional rights, but simply outlines appropriate council <br />expectations, behavior and interactions with each other, city staff, citizens and all other <br />groups encountered as a result of city business, so as to efficiently and effectively develop and <br />carry out the mission, vision, goals and established policies of the city. <br />Roles/Responsibilities <br />Meetings — By Charter, the mayor presides over meetings of the city council. Speakers, <br />including council members, do not speak until recognized by the mayor. <br />Act in the Public Interest — Recognizing that service to our citizens must be our primary <br />concern, council members shall work for the common good of the people of Lino Lakes and <br />not for any private or personal interest. Council members will treat all persons, claims and <br />transactions in a fair and equitable manner. <br />Preparation — Council members are expected to be prepared for city council meetings and <br />work sessions. <br />Agenda Preparation — The city administrator directs preparation of draft meeting agendas. <br />The final agenda is determined by the city council prior to the meeting. At the council <br />meeting, agenda items may be added or deleted by council members per procedures <br />established in the city code. <br />Conduct of Members <br />Staff Direction — The mayor and city council members direct city staff, contract employees <br />and consultants only through the city administrator, as determined by majority vote. At work <br />sessions, the mayor will state the concerns of the council or specific directions provided by <br />the council to the staff. The city administrator will request further clarification if he feels it is <br />required so that there is a clear understanding of what the council's expectations are in terms <br />of the actions to be taken by staff. <br />Respect for Staff Time — If a council member is utilizing an inordinate amount of staff time, <br />the city administrator is required to bring this to the attention of the city council for resolution. <br />Interactions — Council members shall refrain from abusive conduct, personal charges or <br />verbal attacks upon the character or motives of other members of the city council, boards, <br />commissions, committees, staff or the public. <br />Respect for Process — Council member duties shall be performed in accordance with the <br />processes and rules of order established by the city council. <br />Use of Public Resources — Public resources not available to the general public (e.g., city staff <br />time, equipment, supplies or facilities) shall not be used by council members for private, <br />personal or political purposes. <br />'l'0 ttie best of [heir ability, et,un‘,il m ntheis shall speak with uric voit,e ill <br />representing the official policies and positions of the city - council. When presenting their <br />personal opinions or positions, members shall explicitly state that they do not represent the <br />council or the city. <br />Improper Influence — Council members shall refrain from using their position to improperly <br />influence the deliberations or decisions of city staff, boards, commission or committees. <br />Positive Work Environment — Council members shall support a positive, efficient and <br />effective environment for residents, businesses and city employees. <br />Steward of City Funds — When the end of a council member's service on the city council has <br />been determined by means of not seeking re- election, resignation, or the results of an election, <br />that council member shall not subject the city to unnecessary travel and/or tuition costs. <br />