HomeMy WebLinkAboutEthics Policy City Staff and Officials CITY OF PALM DESERT
REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
TO: City Manager, Members of the City Council
FROM: Dave Millheim, Director of Human Resources
DATE: August 31, 1993
SUBJECT: ETHICS POLICY
RECOMMENDATION
By minute motion, adopt the attached Ethics Policy for City Staff
and City Officials .
BACKGROUND
A few months ago, staff formed a task force to create an ethics
policy for city staff and city officials . Even though there has
been no problem in this area, staff felt that a simple policy like
the one attached would provide clear guidelines for city staff and
city officials . It also sends a clear message to the community of
the high standards which can be expected from those serving the
City of Palm Desert. This item was tabled at the August 26 , 1993
Council meeting so that some minor changes could be made to better
clarify the draft policy.
The process of creating this policy was a worthwhile and
educational effort for all involved. The Ethics Task Force
included Steve Buchanan, Agnes Flor, Dick Folkers, Sheila Gilligan,
Dave Millheim, Carlos Ortega, Doug Phillips, Ken Weller and Roy
Wilson.
Respectfully submitted, Review and Concur,
Dave Millheim Bruce Altman
Director of Humar t Li RATION:' City Manager
APPROVED �/ DENIED'" _
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SUBJECT: ETHICS POLICY DATE: August 31, 1993
PAGE: 1 OF 2
1. PURPOSE
It is the purpose of this document to describe general standards for City Employees
and City Officials regarding ethical action and behavior during the performance of
City business.
2. POLICY STATEMENT
All employees are expected to conduct business according to the highest ethical
standards of conduct. As stewards of the public trust, the City also expects its
employees to be fair and honest to avoid situations which could give an impression
of impropriety, unfairness, dishonesty or misconduct.
3. DEFINITIONS
For the use of this document the following definitions are used:
3.1 "Employee" is defined as a person currently employed either part-time
or full-time, or those on leaves of absence. Employee does not include
applicants for employment, designated agents or other persons.
3.2 "City Official" is defined as a City Councilmember or any person
appointed to serve on any of the City's Boards or Commissions. Unless
stated otherwise, a City Official is considered to be an employee.
4. GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF CONDUCT
All employees can help maintain the integrity and reputation of the City of Palm
Desert and shall strive to:
4.1 Uphold the Constitution, laws and ordinances of the United States,
State of California and the City of Palm Desert.
4.2 Be dedicated to the ideals of honor and integrity in public and personal
relationships and conduct themselves in a manner which maintains
public confidence in their performance.
4.3 Address citizen concerns and needs, striving to provide the highest
level of public service with equity while granting no special favors to
nor discriminating against anyone.
4.4 Use City property, equipment, supplies, etc. , only for official City
business and not for personal purposes.
SUBJECT: ETHICS POLICY DATE: August 31, 1993
PAGE: 2 OF 2
4.5 Abstain from any job behavior which may tarnish the image of the City.
4.6 Make a sincere effort to be present for work and to use work time
productively for City business.
4.7 Avoid conflict of interest situations and the appearance of conflict of
interest which could jeopardize the manner in which work is performed.
4.8 Take personal responsibility for his or her own conduct.
5. CITY POLICY AGAINST CERTAIN GIFTS
No City official or employee shall directly or indirectly solicit, accept, or attempt to
accept any money, fee, credit, gift, gratuity, thing of value, or compensation of any
kind which the official or employee knows, or has reason to know, is being offered:
5.1 For the purpose of improperly obtaining or rewarding favorable
treatment.
5.2 With the intent to influence the official or employee in the discharge of
official duties.
5.3 In consideration of having exercised official powers or performed
official duties.
This does not prohibit a City official or employee from tentatively accepting anything
of value by way of gift or loan when such a gift is made to, and accepted on behalf
of, the City of Palm Desert. All such gifts to the City should be forwarded to the
City Manager's office for final acceptance.
6. COMPLIANCE
This policy is approved to be effective immediately. Individual Department Heads
are responsible for implementing this policy and working with all employees and City
Officials to insure its success.
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Bruce Altman Date
City Manager
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