12-09-2025 City Council Workshop Packet

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13 12/2024 #130 CODE OF CONDUCT In accepting city employment, employees become representatives of the city and are responsible for assisting and serving the citizens for whom they work. An employee’s primary responsibility is to serve the residents of Lake Elmo. Employees should exhibit conduct that is ethical, professional, responsive, and of standards becoming of a city employee. To achieve this goal, employees must adhere to established policies, rules, and procedures and follow the instructions of their supervisors. Honesty is an important organizational attribute to our city. Therefore, any intentional misrepresentation of facts or falsification of records, including personnel records, medical records, leaves of absence documentation or the like, will not be tolerated. Further, dishonesty in city positions may preclude workers from effectively performing their essential job duties. The following are job requirements for every position at the City of Lake Elmo. All employees are expected to: • Perform assigned duties to the best of their ability at all times. • Render prompt and courteous service to the public at all times. • Read, understand, and comply with the rules and regulations as set forth in these personnel policies as well as those of their departments. • Conduct themselves professionally toward both residents and staff and respond to inquiries and information requests with patience and every possible courtesy. • Report any and all unsafe conditions to the immediate supervisor. • Maintain good attendance while meeting the goals set by your supervisor. • Approach our organization and operational duties with a positive attitude and constructively support open communication, creativity, dedication, and compassion. FALSIFICATION OF RECORDS Any employee who makes false statements or commits, or attempts to commit, fraud to prevent the impartial application of these policies will be subject to immediate disciplinary action up to and including termination and potential criminal prosecution. CONFLICT OF INTEREST City employees are to remove themselves from situations in which they would have to act or make a decision where that action or decision could be a perceived or actual conflict of interest or could result in a personal benefit for themselves or a family member. If an employee has any question about whether such a conflict exists, they should consult with the city administrator. POLITICAL ACTIVITY City employees have the right to express their views and to pursue legitimate involvement in the political system. However, no city employee will directly or indirectly, during hours of employment, solicit or receive funds for political purposes. Further, any political activity in the workplace must be pre-approved by the city to avoid any conflict of interest or perception of bias such as using authority or political influence to compel another employee to apply for or become a member in a political organization. City employees cannot use their official authority or influence through their employment with the city to compel a person to apply for membership in or become a member of a political organization, or to compel a person to pay or promise to pay a political contribution, or to compel a person to take part in political activity. While at work, city employees must be politically neutral in the performance of their job duties and cannot engage in political activity while at work, on city property, or by using city resources (such as city branded clothing or uniforms, photos, ID badges, nametags, or using the city’s email system or technology). Furthermore, employees should not use their city job title in conjunction with any political work or endorsements.