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HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 7588RESOLUTION N0.7588 CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW COUNTY OF RAMSEY STATE OF MINNESOTA RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW "CODE OF CONDUCT" AND "STATEMENT OF VALUES" POLICY DOCUMENTS WHEREAS, the League of Minnesota Cities assembled aten-member ethics advisory panel to discuss ethical behavior and to formulate a product that would promote high standards of ethical behavior while providing a helpful framework to city officials who deal with such issues; and, WHEREAS, two model documents were prepared by the Panel, a "Code of Conduct" and a "Statement of Values," both of which were approved by the League's Board of Directors; and, WHEREAS, the Mounds View City Council reviewed both model documents and determined both should be incorporated into the City's Administrative Policy Manual to help guide ethical and responsible behavior and to establish a process to respond to allegations or complaints alleging unethical behavior. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mounds View City Council approves the attached City of Mounds View CODE OF CONDUCT and the City of Mounds View STATEMENT OF VALUES policy documents. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mounds View City Council directs that said policy documents be provided to all commission and committee members as well as employees and volunteers of the City as a guide and reminder of the City's expectation regarding ethical behavior. Adopted this 8th day of March, 2010. e Fla ayor ATTEST: James Ericson, Clerk -Administrator (seal) MoUNns ViEw Code of Conduct Policy Purpose The City Council of the City of Mounds View determines that a code of conduct for its members, as well as the members of the commissions and committees of the City of Mounds View, is essential for the public affairs of the City. By eliminating conflicts of interest and providing standards for conduct in City matters, the City Council hopes to promote the faith and confidence of the citizens of Mounds View in their government and to encourage its citizens to serve on its Council, commissions and committees. Standards of Conduct Subd. 1. No member of the City Council or a City commission or committee may knowingly: a. Violate the open meeting law. b. Participate in a matter that affects the person's financial interests or those of a business with which the person is associated, unless the effect on the person or business is no greater than on other members of the same business classification, profession, or occupation. c. Use the person's public position to secure special privileges or exemptions for the person or for others. d. Use the person's public position to solicit personal gifts or favors. e. Use the person's public position for personal gain. f. Except as specifically permitted pursuant to Minn. Stat. 471.895, accept or receive any gift of substance, whether in the form of money, services, loan, travel, entertainment, hospitality, promise, or any otherform, under circumstances in which it could be reasonably expected to influence the person, the person's performance of official action, or be intended as a reward for the person's official action. g. Disclose to the public, or use for the person's or another person's personal gain, information that was gained by reason of the person's public position if the information was not public data or was discussed at a closed session of the City Council. h. Disclose information that was received, discussed, or decided in conference with the City's legal counsel that is protected by the attorney-client privilege unless a majority of the City Council has authorized the disclosure. i. Represent private interests before the City Council or any City committee, commission or agency. Subd. 2. Except as prohibited by the provisions of Minn. Stat Sec. 471.87, there is no violation of subdivision 1 b of this section for a matter that comes before the council, board, or commission if the member of the council, board, or commission publicly discloses the circumstances that would violate these standards and refrains from participating in the discussion and vote on the matter. Nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit a contract with a member of the city council under the circumstances described under Minn. Stat. Sec. 471.88, if proper statutory procedures are followed. Complaint, Hearing Complaints alleging a violation of these standards of conduct may be submitted in writing to the City Administrator. The complaint must contain supporting facts for the allegation. The City Council may hold a hearing after receiving the written complaint or upon the Council's own volition. A hearing must be held only if the City Council determines (1) upon advice of the city attorney, designee, or other attorney appointed by the council, that the factual allegations state a sufficient claim of a violation of these standards or rise to the level of alegally-recognized conflict of interest, and (2) that the complaint has been lodged in good faith and not for impermissible purposes such as delay. The City Council's determination must be made within 30 days of the filing of the allegation with the City Administrator. If the Council determines that there is adequate justification for holding a hearing, the hearing must be held within 30 days of the City Council's determination. At the hearing, the person alleged to have violated these standards shall be provided an opportunity to be heard. After the hearing, if the Council finds that a violation of a standard has occurred or exists, the Council may censure the person, refer the matter for criminal prosecution, request an official not to participate in a decision, or remove an appointed member of an advisory commission or committee from office. Policy approved via Resolution 7588 Adopted March 8, 2010 Moviws Vi~v Statement of Values Preamble The proper operation of democratic government requires that decision-makers be independent, impartial, and accountable to the people they serve. The City of Mounds View has adopted this Statement of Values to promote and maintain the highest standards of personal and professional conduct in the City's government. All elected and appointed officials, City employees, and volunteers are required to subscribe to this statement, understand how it applies to their specific responsibilities, and practice its core values in their work. Because we seek public confidence in the City's services and public trust of its decision-makers, our decisions and our work must meet the most demanding ethical standards and demonstrate the highest levels of achievement in following this statement. The Values As a Representative of the City of Mounds View, 1. I serve the public interest 2. I fulfill the duties and responsibilities of holding public office 3. I am ethical 4. I am professional 5. I am fiscally responsible 6. I am conscientious 7. I communicate effectively 8. I am collaborative 9. I am forward thinking Value expressions 1. I serve the public interest. In practice, this value means that: a. I provide courteous, equitable, and prompt service to everyone. b. I am attuned to, and care about, the needs and issues of citizens, public officials, and city workers. c. I am interested, engaged, and responsive in my interactions with constituents. d. I recognize and support the public's right to know the public's business. 2. I fulfill the duties and responsibilities of holding public office. In practice, this value means that: a. I observe the highest standards of integrity in my official acts and undertake my responsibilities for the benefit of the greater public good. b. I faithfully discharge the duties of my office regardless of my personal considerations, recognizing that the public interest is my primary concern. c. I uphold the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Minnesota and carry out impartially the laws of the nation, state, and city and thus foster respect for all government. d. I comply with both the letter and the spirit of the laws and policies affecting operations of the City. e. I recognize my obligation to implement the adopted goals and objectives of the City in good faith, regardless of my personal views. f. I conduct myself in both my official and personal actions in a manner that is above reproach. g. I do not use my position to secure for myself or others special privileges or exemptions that are different from those available to the general public. h. I understand and abide by the respective roles and responsibilities of elected and appointed officials and city staff and will not undermine them in their work. i. I am independent, impartial, and fair in my judgment and actions. 3. I am ethical. In practice, this value means that: a. I am trustworthy, acting with the utmost integrity and moral courage. b. I am truthful, doing what I say I will do, and am reliable. c. I am accountable for my actions and behavior and accept responsibility for my decisions. d. I make impartial decisions, free of influence from unlawful gifts, narrow political interests, and financial and other personal interests that impair my independence of judgment or action. e. I am fair, distributing benefits and burdens according to consistent and equitable criteria. f. I oppose all forms of harassment and unlawful discrimination. g. I extend equal opportunities and due process to all parties in matters under consideration. h. I show respect for confidences and confidential information. i. I avoid giving the appearance of impropriety and of using my position for personal gain. 4. I am professional. In practice, this value means that: 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, contributing to a supportive, respectful, and non-threatening work environment. c. I keep my professional knowledge and skills current and growing. d. I am respectful of all city staff, officials, volunteers, and others who participate in the City's government. 5. I am fiscally responsible. In practice, this value means that: 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), follow established procedures, and do not use public resources for personal gain. c. I make decisions that seek to preserve the financial capacity of the City to provide programs and services for City residents. d. I provide full disclosure of any potential financial or other private conflict of interest. I abstain from participating in the discussion and vote on these matters. e. I prevent misuse of public funds by establishing, maintaining, and following strong fiscal and management controls. f. I report any misuse of public funds of which I am aware. 6. I am conscientious. In practice, this value means that: a. I act in an efficient manner, making decisions and recommendations based upon research and facts, taking into consideration short and long term goals. 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. d. I prioritize my duties so that the work of the City may move forward. e. I prepare for all meetings by reviewing any materials provided ahead of time. When I have materials to contribute, I make sure all others involved have ample time to review these materials prior to the meeting. 7. I communicative effectively. In practice, this value means that: 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 ineffective two-way communication by listening carefully, asking questions, and responding appropriately which adds value to conversations. d. I do not interfere with the orderly conduct of meetings by interrupting others or making personal comments not germane to the business at hand. e. I follow up on inquiries in a timely manner. f. I encourage and facilitate citizen involvement in policy decision-making. g. I am respectful in disagreements and contribute constructively to discussions on the issue. 8. I am collaborative. In practice, this value means that: a. I act in a cooperative manner with groups and other individuals, working together in a spirit of tolerance and understanding to accomplish common goals. b. I share information with others in a timely manner so that, together, we can make informed decisions. c. I work towards consensus building and gain value from diverse opinions. d. I accomplish the goals and responsibilities of my individual position, while respecting my role as a member of a team. 9. I am forward thinking. In practice, this value means that: a. I promote intelligent, proactive, and thoughtful innovation in order to advance the City's policy agenda and provide City services while considering the broader regional, state- wide, national, and international implications of the City's decisions and issues. b. I maintain consistent standards, but am also sensitive to the need for compromise, creative problem solving, and making improvements when appropriate. c. I am open to new ideas and processes, adopting them as they conserve resources and provide efficient and cost-effective service. d. I consider the potential long-term consequences and implications of my actions and inactions. Policy approved via Resolution 7588 Adopted March 8. 2010 M:\administration\jime\Admin\Ethics\MV Statement of Values.doc