HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC RES 98-149bre
RESOLUTION NO. 98-149
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT
APPROVING AND ADOPTING AN AMENDED CONFLICT OF INTEREST
CODE PURSUANT TO THE POLITICAL REFORM ACT OF 1974
WHEREAS, the Legislature of the State of California has enacted the Political
Reform Act of 1974, Government Code Section 81000 DI seq. (the "Act"), which
contains provisions relating to conflicts of interest which potentially affect all officers,
employees and consultants of the City of Palm Desert (the "City"), and requires all
public agencies to adopt and promulgate a Conflict of Interest Code; and
WHEREAS, the City Council adopted a Conflict of Interest Code which was
amended on December 12, 1996, in compliance with Government Code Section
81000 fit seq.; and
WHEREAS, subsequent amendments to and changes in the Act and the
regulations of the Fair Political Practices Commission (the "Commission") by the
Legislature, the Commission and the Courts. as well as changed circumstances within
the City, have made it advisable and necessary pursuant to Sections 87306 and
87307 of the Act to amend and update the City's Conflict of Interest Code; and
WHEREAS, the potential penalties for violation of the provisions of the Act are
substantial and may include criminal and civi liability, as well as equitable relief which
could result in the City being restrained or prevented from acting in cases where the
provisions of the Act may have been violated; and
WHEREAS, notice of the time and place of a public meeting on, and of
consideration by the City Council of, the proposed amended Conflict of Interest Code
was provided each designated employee and publicly posted for review at the offices
of the City Clerk; and
WHEREAS, a public meeting was held upon the proposed amended Conflict of
Interest Code at a regular meeting of the City Council on December 10, 1998, at
which all present were given an opportunity to be heard on the proposed amended
Conflict of Interest Code.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Palm
Desert that the City Council does hereby adopt the proposed amended Conflict of
Interest Code, a copy of which is attached hereto and shall be on file with the City
Clerk and available for inspection to the pubic;
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the said amended Conflict of Interest Code
shall become effective 30 days after the date of its adoption.
AYES:
NOES:
APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 10th day of December, 1998.
Benson, Crites, Ferguson, Kelly, Spiegel
None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Desert
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APPROVED:
Mayor, City of ' i e,=rt
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CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE
OF THE
CITY OF PALM DESERT
Amended December 10, 1998
The following amended Conflict of Interest Code of the City of Palm
Desert was approved and adopted by Resolution No. gg_tyq of the City Council
on December 10, 1998.
Dated: /)//D/981
City Cler It of Palm :.ert
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
Section A. PURPOSE 1
1. Statement of Purpose 1
Section B. DEFINITION OF TERMS 2
1. Definitions 2
Section C. DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS 2
1. Designated Employees 2
2. Disclosure Requirements 3
3. Statements of Economic Interests: Time of Filing; Contents Thereof 3
4. Statements for Persons Who Resign Prior to Assuming Office 5
5. Place of Filing Statements 6
6. Forms for Statements 6
Section D. MANNER OF REPORTING 6
1. Contents of Reports of Investments and Interests in Real Property 6
2. Contents of Reports of Personal Income 7
3. Contents of Reports of Business Entity Income 9
4. Contents of Reports of Business Position Disclosure 9
5. Acquisition or Disposal During Reporting Period 9
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
(Continued)
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PAGE
Section E. HONORARIA AND GIFTS: 10
1. Prohibition on Receipt of Honoraria 10
2. Prohibition on Receipt of Gifts 10
Section F. LOANS 11
1. Loans to Public Officials 11
2. Loan Terms 12
3. Personal Loans 13
Section G. DISQUALIFICATION• 15
1. Disqualification Requirements 15
2. Procedures for Disqualification 16
3. Rights as Citizen 17
4. Rule of Necessity 18
Section H. OPINIONS OF THE COMMISSION AND COUNSEL: 18
1. Request for Opinion and Reliance 18
2. Evidence of Good Faith 18
Section I. LEGISLATIVE OR JUDICIAL AMENDMENTS: 19
1. Automatic Amendment of Code 19
Section J. FORCE AND EFFECT OF CODE: 19
1. Violations 19
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
(Continued)
PAGE
Section K. STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS 20
1. Civil Actions 20
2. Criminal Actions 20
3. Administrative Actions 20
APPENDIX 21
1. EXHIBIT "A' - Officials Who Manage Public Investments 21
2. EXHIBIT "A" - Designated Positions 22
3. EXHIBIT "B" - Disclosure Categories 26
ADDENDUM 27
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ADDENDUM
REFERENCE DEFINITIONS
FOR
CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE
OF THE
CITY OF PALM DESERT
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
1. "Other Public Officials Who Manage Public Investments" A-1
2. "Designated Employee" A-3
3. "Public Official" A-3
4. "Making Governmental Decisions" A-5
5. "Participating in the Making of Governmental Decisions" A-6
6. "Using Official Position to Influence" A-8
7. "Financial Interest" A-10
8. "Investment" A-11
9. "Interest in Real Property" A-12
10. "Real Property Within the Jurisdiction" A-13
11. "Income": A-13
12. "Gift" A-16
13. "Honorarium": A-22
14. "Material Financial Effect" A-22
15. "Business Entity" A-24
16. "City" A-25
17. "Filing Officer" A-25
18. "Act" A-25
19. "FPPC" A-25
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DEFINITIONS
1. 'Other Public Officials Who Manage Public Investments':
(a) As used in the City's Conflict of Interest Code, this term
means:
(1) Members of boards or commissions, including
pension and retirement boards or commissions, or of committees
thereof, who exercise responsibility for the management of public
investments;
(2) High-level officers and employees of the City who
exercise primary responsibility for the management of public
investments, such as chief or principal investment officers or chief
financial managers. This definition shall not include officers and
employees who work under the supervision of the chief or principal
investment officers or the chief financial managers; and
(3) Individuals who, pursuant to contract with the City,
perform the same or substantially all the same functions that would
otherwise be performed by the public officials described in this
definition.
'NMI Mt (b) The following definitions shall apply to this Section:
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(1) 'Public /nvestments'means the investment of public
moneys in real estate, securities, or other economic interests for the
production of revenue or other financial return.
(2) 'Public Moneys" means all moneys belonging to,
received by, or held by the City, or by an officer thereof acting in his or
her official capacity, and includes the proceeds of all bonds and other
evidence of indebtedness, trust funds held by public pension and
retirement systems, deferred compensation funds held for investments
by public agencies, and public moneys held by a financial institution
under a trust indenture to which the City is a party.
(3) 'Management of public investments' means the
following non -ministerial functions:
IA) Directing the investment of public moneys;
(B) Formulating or approving investment policies;
(C) Approving or establishing guidelines for asset
allocations; or
(D) Approving investment transactions.
Ic) Those public officials coming within the definition contained
in Subsection (a) above are subject to the conflict -of -interest disclosure
requirements of Article 2, Chapter 7 of the Political Reform Act and must file
a Statement of Economic Interests accordingly. (Reg. § 187201
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2. "Designated Emoloyes": Any officer, employee, member or
consultant of the City whose position is so designated in the Appendix of the City's
Conflict of Interest Code. The Appendix sets forth those positions which entail the
making or participation in the making of decisions which may foreseeably have a
material effect on financial interests, but does not include any unsalaried member of
any board or commission which serves a solely advisory function, or any public
official specified in Government Code Section 87200. [Gov. Code § 82019]
3. "Public Official': Any natural person who is a member, officer,
employee or consultant of the City. The term public officia/"also includes individuals
who perform the same or substantially the same duties as an individual holding an
office listed in the Conflict of Interest Code including other public officials who
manage public investments' as defined in Definition No. 1, above.
(a) Member" shall include, but not be limited to, salaried or
unsalaried members of boards or commissions with decision -making authority.
A board or commission possesses decision -making authority whenever:
(1) It may make a final governmental decision;
(2) It may compel a governmental decision, or it may
prevent a governmental decision either by reason of an exclusive power
to initiate the decision or by reason of a veto which may not be
overridden; or
(3) It makes substantive recommendations which are,
and over an extended period of time have been, regularly approved
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without significant amendment or modification by another public official
or the City.
(b) 'Consultant' means an individual who, pursuant to a
contract with the City:
(1) Makes a governmental decision whether to:
(A) Approve a rate, rule, or regulation;
(B) Adopt or enforce a law;
(C) Issue, deny, suspend, or revoke any permit,
license, application, certificate, approval, order, or similar
authorization or entitlement;
(D) Authorize the City to enter into, modify, or
renew a contract provided it is the type of contract which
requires City approval;
(E) Grant City approval to a contract which
requires City approval and in which the City is a party or to the
specifications for such a contract;
(F) Grant City approval to a plan, design, report,
study, or similar item;
(G) Adopt, or grant City approval of, policies,
standards, or guidelines for the City, or for any subdivision
thereof; or
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(2) Serves in a staff capacity with the City and in that
capacity performs the same or substantially all the same duties for the
City that would otherwise be performed by an individual holding a
position specified in the City's Conflict of Interest Code. [Reg. §
18700(a)1
4. 'Making Governmental Decisions": A public official makes a
governmental decision," except as provided in Definition 5(b) herein, when the
official, acting within the authority of his or her office or position:
(al Votes on a matter;
(b) Appoints a person;
(c) Obligates or commits the City to any course of action;
(d) Enters into any contractual agreement on behalf of the City;
(e) Determines not to act, within the meaning of Subsections
(a), (b), (c), or (d), unless such determination is made because of his or her
financial interest. When the determination not to act occurs because of the
official's financial interest, the official's determination must be accompanied by
disclosure of the financial interest, and made a part of the City's official record
or made in writing to the official's supervisor, appointing power, or to any
other person specified in the City's Conflict of Interest Code. (Reg. §
18700(b) I
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5. "Participating in the Making of Governmental Decisions':
(a) A public official participates in the making of a
governmental decision; except as provided in Subsection (b) of this definition,
when the official, acting within the authority of his or her office or position:
(1) Negotiates, without significant substantive review,
with a governmental entity or private person regarding the decision to:
(A) Approve a rate, rule, or regulation;
(B) Adopt or enforce a law;
(C) Issue, deny, suspend, or revoke any permit,
license, application, certificate, approval, order, or similar
authorization or entitlement;
(D) Authorize the City to enter into, modify, or
renew a contract provided it is the type of contract which
requires City approval;
(E) Grant City approval to a contract which
requires City approval and in which the City is a party or to the
specifications for such a contract;
(F) Grant City approval to a plan, design, report,
study, or similar item;
(G) Adopt, or grant City approval of, policies,
standards, or guidelines for the City, or for any subdivision
thereof; or
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(2) Advises or makes recommendations to the
decision -maker, either directly or without significant intervening
substantive review, by:
(A) Conducting research or making any
investigation which requires the exercise of judgment on the part
of the official and the purpose of which is to influence a
governmental decision as referenced in Subsection 5(a)(1) above;
or
(B) Preparing or presenting any report, analysis,
or opinion, orally or in writing, which requires the exercise of
judgment on the part of the official and the purpose of which is
to influence a governmental decision as referenced in Subsection
5(a)(1) above. (Reg. § 18700(c))
(b) 'Making"or participating in the making or a governmental
decision shall not include:
(1) Actions of officials which are solely ministerial,
secretarial, manual or clerical;
(2) Appearances by a public official as a member of the
general public before the City in the course of its prescribed
governmental function to represent himself or herself on matters related
solely to the official's personal interests as defined in 2 Cal. Code of
Regs. § 18700.1(b)(1); (Def. 6(b)(1), herein); or
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(3) Actions by public officials relating to their
compensation or the terms or conditions of their employment or
contract. In the case of public officials who are consultants," as
defined above, this includes actions by consultants relating to the terms
or conditions of the contract pursuant to which they provide services to
the City, so long as they are acting in their private capacity. [Reg. §
18700(d)]
6. 'Using Official Position to Influence':
(a) An official is attempting to use his or her official position to
influence a governmental decision if, for the purpose of influencing the
decision, the official contacts, or appears before, or otherwise attempts to
influence, any member, officer, employee or consultant of the City. Attempts
to influence, include but are not limited to, appearances or contacts by the
official on behalf of a business entity, client, or customer.
(b) Notwithstanding Subsection (a) of this definition an official
is not attempting to use his or her official position to influence a governmental
decision of the City if the official:
(1) Appears in the same manner as any other member of
the general public before the City in the course of its prescribed
governmental function solely to represent himself or herself on a matter
which is related to his or her personal interests. An official's personal
interests' include, but are not limited to:
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(A) An interest in real property which is wholly
owned by the official or members of his or her immediate family;
(B) A business entity wholly owned by the official
or members of his or her immediate family; or
(C) A business entity over which the official
exercises sole direction and control, or over which the official and
his or her spouse jointly exercise sole direction and control.
(2) Communicates with the general public or the press.
(3) Negotiates his or her compensation or the terms and
conditions of his or her employment contract.
(4) Prepares drawings or submissions of an architectural,
engineering or similar nature to be used by a client in connection with
a proceeding before the City. However, this provision applies only if the
official has no other direct oral or written contact with the City with
regard to the client's proceeding before the City except for necessary
contact with City staff concerning the processing or evaluation of the
drawings or submissions prepared by the official.
(5) Appears before a design or architectural review
committee or similar body of which he or she is a member to present
drawings or submissions of an architectural, engineering or similar
nature which the official has prepared for a client if the following three
criteria are met:
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(A) The review committee's sole function is to
review architectural or engineering plans or designs and to make
recommendations in that instance concerning those plans or
designs to a planning commission or other agency;
(B) The ordinance or other provision of law
requires that the review committee include architects, engineers
or persons in related professions, and the official was appointed
to the body to fulfill these requirements; and
(C) The official is a sole practitioner.
(c) With regard to a governmental decision which is within or
before the City not covered by Subsection (a) of this definition, the official is
attempting to use his or her official position to influence the decision if, for the
purpose of influencing the decision, the official acts or purports to act on
behalf of, or as the representative of, the City to any member, officer,
employee or consultant of an agency. Such actions include, but are not limited
to the use of official stationery. IReg. § 18700.11
7. "Financial Interest": An official has a financial interest in a decision
if it is reasonably foreseeable that the decision will have a material financial effect,
distinguishable from its effect on the public generally, on the official or a member of
his or her immediate family, or on:
(a) Any business entity in which the public official has a direct
or indirect investment worth $1,000 or more;
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(b) Any Leal orooertv in which the public official has a direct or
indirect interest worth $1,000 or more;
(c) Any source of income other than gifts and other than loans
by a commercial lending institution in the regular course of business on terms
available to the public without regard to official status, aggregating $250 or
more in value provided to, received by, or promised to the public official within
12 months prior to the time when the decision is made;
(d) Any business entity in which the official is a director,
officer, partner, trustee, employee, or holds any position of management; or
(e) Any donor of, or any intermediary or agent for a donor of,
a gift or gifts aggregating $250 or more in value provided to, received by, or
promised to the public official within 12 months prior to the time when the
decision is made. The amount of the value of gifts by this subdivision shall be
adjusted biennially by the FPPC.
(f) "indirect Investment or Interest: Any investment or interest
owned by the spouse or dependent child of a public official, held or owned by
an agent on behalf of a public official, or by a business entity or trust in which
the official, the official's agents, spouse and dependent children own directly,
indirectly or beneficially, a 10% interest or greater. 1Gov. Code § 87103).
8. "Investment": Any financial interest in or security issued by a
business entity, including but not limited to common stock, preferred stock, rights,
warrants, options, debt instruments and any partnership or other ownership interest
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owned directly, indirectly or beneficially by the public official, or other filer, or his or
her immediate family, if the business entity or any parent, subsidiary or otherwise
related business entity has an interest in real property within the jurisdiction, or does
business or plans to do business within the jurisdiction, or has done business within
the jurisdiction at any time during the two years prior to the time any statement or
other action is required under the City's Conflict of Interest Code. No asset shall be
deemed an investment unless its fair market value equals or exceeds $1,000.
The term Investment'does not include a time or demand deposit in a
financial institution, shares in a credit union, any insurance policy, interest in a
diversified mutual fund registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission
under the Investment Company Act of 1940 or a common trust fund which is created
pursuant to Section 1564 of the Financial Code, or any bond or other debt instrument
issued by any government or government agency.
Investments of an individual include a pro rata share of investments of
any business entity, mutual fund, or trust in which the individual or immediate family
owns, directly, indirectly or beneficially, a 10% interest or greater. IGov. Code §
820341
9. 'Interest in Real Property': Includes any leasehold, beneficial or
ownership interest, or an option to acquire such an interest in real property located
within the jurisdiction owned directly, indirectly or beneficially by the public official,
or other filer, or his or her immediate family if the fair market value of the interest is
$1,000 or more. Interests in real property of an individual include a pro rata share
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of interests in real property of any business entity or trust in which the individual or
immediate family owns, directly, indirectly or beneficially, a 10% interest or greater.
(Gov. Code § 82033]
10. 'Real Property Within the Jurisdiction": Jurisdiction is the region,
county, city, district, or other geographical area in which the City has control. Real
property shall be deemed to be 'Within the jurisdiction' if the property or any part of
a parcel of real property is located within or not more than two miles outside the
boundaries of the jurisdiction of the City or within two miles of any land owned or
used by the City. (Gov. Code § 82035)
11. 'Income':
(a) income" means, except as provided in Subsection lb), a
payment received, including but not limited to any salary, wage, advance,
dividend, interest, rent, proceeds of any sale, gift, including any gift of food or
beverage, loan, forgiveness or payment of indebtedness received by filer,
reimbursement for expenses, per diem, or contribution to an insurance or
pension program paid by arty person other than an employer, and including any
community property interest in income of a spouse. Income also includes an
outstanding loan. Income of an individual also includes a pro rata share of any
income of any business entity or trust in which the individual or spouse owns,
directly, indirectly, or beneficially, a 10% interest or greater.
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(b) "Income, "other than a gift, does not include:
(1) Income received from any source outside the
jurisdiction and not doing business within the jurisdiction, not planning
to do business within the jurisdiction, or not having done business within
the jurisdiction during the two years prior to the time any statement or
other action is required;
(2) Campaign contributions required to be reported under
Chapter 4 of the Political Reform Act of 1974;
(3) Salary and reimbursement for expenses or per diem
received from a state, local or federal government agency and
reimbursement for travel expenses and per diem received from a bona
fide nonprofit entity exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the
Internal Revenue Code;
(4) Any devise or inheritance;
(5) Interest, dividends or premiums on a time or demand
deposit in a financial institution, shares in a credit union or any insurance
policy, payments received under any insurance policy, or any bond or
other debt instrument issued by any government or government agency;
(6) Dividends, interest or any other return on a security
which is registered with the Securities & Exchange Commission of the
United States government or a commodity future registered with the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission of the United States
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government, except proceeds from the sale of these securities and
commodities futures;
(7) Redemption of a mutual fund;
(8) Alimony or child support payments;
(9) Any loan or loans from a commercial lending
institution which are made in the lender's regular course of business on
terms available to members of the public without regard to official status
if the proceeds thereof secured by the principal residence of the filer or
the balance owed does not exceed $10,000;
(10) Any loan from or any payments received on a loan
made to an individual's spouse, child, parent, grandparent, grandchild,
brother, sister, parent -in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, nephew,
niece, uncle, aunt or first cousin, or the spouse of any such person,
provided that a loan or loan payment received from any such person
shall be considered income if he or she is acting as an agent or
intermediary for any person not covered by this paragraph;
(11) Any indebtedness created as part of a retail
installment or credit card transaction if made in the lender's regular
course of business on terms available to members of the public without
regard to official status, so long as the balance owed to the creditor
does not exceed $10,000;
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(12) Payments received under a defined benefit pension
plan qualified under Internal Revenue Code Section 401(a).
(13) Proceeds from the sale of securities registered with
the Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States
government or from the sale of commodities futures registered with the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission of the United States
government if the filer sells the securities or the commodities futures on
a stock or commodities exchange and does not know or have reason to
know the identity of the purchaser. [Gov. Code § 82030]
12. rat:
(a) Except as provided in Subsection (b), below, a gift is any
payment that confers a personal benefit on the recipient to the extent that
consideration of equal or greater value is not received and includes a rebate or
discount in the price of anything of value unless the rebate or discount is made
in the regular course of business to members of the public without regard to
official status. Any person, other than a defendant in a criminal action, who
claims that a payment is not a gift by reason of receipt of consideration has the
burden of proving that the consideration received is of equal or greater value.
[Gov. Code § 820281
(b) None of the following is a gift and none is subject to any
limitation on gifts:
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(1) Informational material serving primarily to convey
information and which is provided for the purpose of assisting the
official in the performance of his or her official duties or the elective
office he or she seeks. Informational material may include:
(A) Books, reports, pamphlets, calendars,
periodicals, videotapes, or free or discounted admission to
informational conferences or seminars;
(B) Scale models, pictorial representations, maps,
and other such items, provided that where the item has a fair
market value in excess of $290, the burden shall be on the official
to demonstrate that the item is informational material;
(C) On -site demonstrations, tours or inspections
designed specifically for the purpose of assisting public officials
or candidates in the performance of either their official duties or
of the elective office they seek.
No payment for transportation to an inspection, tour,
or demonstration site, nor reimbursement for any expenses
therewith, shall be deemed 'Informational material"except insofar
as such transportation is not commercially obtainable. [Gov.
Code § 82028(b)(1); Regs § 18942.1)
(2) Except for passes and tickets as provided in 2 Cal.
Code of Regs. § 18946.1, gifts which are not used and which, within
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30 days after receipt, are returned to the donor or donated to a non-
profit entity exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal
Revenue Code or government agency without being claimed as a
charitable contribution or deduction for tax purposes.
(3) Gifts for which, within 30 days after receipt or
acceptance, reimbursement is made to the donor, or the donor's agent
or intermediary, for all or a portion of the gift. In such event the value
of the gift is reduced by the amount of the reimbursement, and the
amount of any gift or activity expense which must be disclosed is
reduced by the amount of the reimbursement.
(4) Gifts from an individual's spouse, child, parent,
grandparent, grandchild, brother, sister, parent -in-law, brother-in-law,
sister-in-law, nephew, niece, aunt, uncle, or first cousin, or the spouse
of any such person, unless the donor is acting as an agent or
intermediary for any person not covered by this paragraph.
(5) Gifts given directly to members of an official's
immediate family unless used or disposed of by the official or given by
the recipient member of the official's immediate family to the official for
disposition or use at the official's discretion.
(A) Gifts delivered by mail or other written
communication are given directly to members of the official's
immediate family if the family members' names or familial
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designations (such as "spousel appear in the address on the
envelope or in the communication tendering or offering the gift
and the gift is intended for their use or enjoyment.
(8) A gift given to the official, but designated for
the official and spouse or family, is a gift to the official if the
official exercises discretion and control over who will actually use
the gift.
(C) If the official enjoys direct benefit from a single
gift, as well as members of the official's family, the full value of
the gift is attributable to the official.
(6) Campaign contributions required to be reported under
Chapter 4 of the Act.
(7) Any devise or inheritance.
(8) Personalized plaques or trophies with an individual
value of Tess than $250.
(9) Hospitality to an official (including food, beverages,
or occasional lodging) provided by an individual in his or her home when
the individual or a member of the individual's family is present. INOTE:
See 2 Cal. Code of Regs § 18630 for rule concerning 'home hospitality'
provided by a lobbyist.)
(10) Presents exchanged between an official who is
required to file a statement of economic interests and an individual,
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other than a lobbyist, on holidays, birthdays, or similar occasions
provided that the presents exchanged are not substantially
disproportionate in value.
(11) Leave credits, including vacation, sick leave, or
compensatory time off, donated to an official in accordance with a bona
fide catastrophic or similar emergency leave program established by the
official's employer and available to all employees in the same job
classification or position. This shall not include donations of cash.
(12) Payments received under a government agency
program or a program established by a bona fide charitable organization
exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue
Code designed to provide disaster relief or food, shelter, or similar
assistance to qualified recipients if such payments are available to
members of the public without regard to official status.
(13) Free admission, and refreshments and similar non -
cash nominal benefits provided to an official during the entire event at
which the official gives a speech, participates in a panel or seminar, or
provides a similar service, and actual intrastate transportation and any
necessary lodging and subsistence provided directly in connection with
the speech, panel, seminar, or service, including but not limited to meals
and beverages on the day of the activity. These items are not payments
and need not be reported by any filer.
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(14) The transportation, lodging, and subsistence
specified by 2 Cal. Code of Regs. Sections 18950.4 (connection with
campaign activities).
(c) The following items, if they are otherwise gifts, are exempt
from the limitations on gifts described above:
(1) Payments for transportation, lodging, and subsistence
that are exempt from limits on gifts by Government Code Section 89506
and 2 Cal. Code of Regs Sections 18950, fit seQ.
(2) Wedding gifts.
(A) Notwithstanding the provisions of 2 Cal. Code
of Regs Section 18944, Definition 12(b)(5), herein, wedding gifts
given to an official and his or her spouse or spouse -to -be are
considered as gifts to both spouses equally, and the official is
deemed to receive one-half of the value as determined by 2 Cal.
Code of Regs Section 18946, unless the gift is peculiarly
adaptable to the personal use and enjoyment of one spouse or
specifically and unequivocally intended exclusively for the use and
enjoyment by one spouse, in which event the full value of the gift
is attributed to that spouse. ( Gov. Code § 82028; Reg. §
18942, 18942.1, 18953, 18944, 18946.31
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13. "Honorarium":
(a) 9-lonorarium"is any payment made in consideration for any
speech given, article published, or attendance at any public or private
conference, convention, meeting, social event, meal, or like gathering.
(b) The term honorarium"does not include:
(1) Earned income for personal services which are
customarily provided in connection with the practice of or employment
in a bona fide business, trade, or profession, such as teaching,
practicing law, medicine, insurance, real estate, banking, or building
contracting, unless the sole or predominant activity of the business,
trade, or profession is making speeches.
(2) Any honorarium which is not used and, within 30
days after receipt is either returned to the donor or delivered to the City
for donation to the City's general fund or equivalent without being
claimed as a deduction from income for tax purposes. (Gov. Code §
89501; 2 Cal. Code of Regs § 189321
14. "Material Financial Effect': The following rules shall apply in
determining whether it is reasonably foreseeable that the effects of a governmental
decision will be significant:
(a) Material Financial Effect -- Specific Rules. The following
regulations, governing specific types of governmental decisions which affect
certain specific types of economic interests, shall be utilized in determining
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whether the reasonably foreseeable effects of the decision will be material with
respect to the economic interest.
(1) Where an official's economic interests are directly
involved in the decision, 2 Cal. Code of Regs. Section 18702.1 applies.
(2) Where an official's economic interests are indirectly
involved in the decision the following apply:
(A) Business entities -- 2 Cal. Code of Regs.
Section 18702.2;
(6) Ownership interests in real property -- 2 Cal.
Code of Regs. Section 18702.3;
(C) Leasehold interests in real property -- 2 Cal.
Code of Regs. Section 18702.4;
(D) Nonprofit source of income -- 2 Cal. Code of
Regs. Section 18702.5; and
(E) Individual source of income -- 2 Cal. Code of
Regs. Section 18702.6.
In order to determine if a decision's effect is material, it must first
be determined if the official's economic interest is directly involved and the
effect of the decision is material under 2 Cal. Code of Regs. Section 18702.1.
If the official's economic interest is not directly involved in the decision, or the
effect of the decision is not material under 2 Cal. Code of Regs. Section
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18702.1, then it must be determined if the effect is material under the
appropriate regulation of 2 Cal. Code of Regs. Sections 18702.2 through
18702.6. (Reg. § 18702(a)I
(b) Material Financial Effect -- General Rule. Whenever the
specific provision of 2 Cal. Code of Regs. Sections 18702.1 through 18702.6,
inclusive, cannot be applied, the following general rule shall apply:
The financial effect of a governmental decision is material if the
decision will have a significant effect on the official or a member of the
official's immediate family, or on the source of income, the source of gifts, the
business entity, or the real property, which is an economic interest of the
official.
(c) Public Generally Exception. Notwithstanding any
determination that the reasonably foreseeable effect of a decision is material
under this regulation or under 2 Cal. Code of Regs. Sections 18702.1 through
18702.6, an official is not disqualified from participation in a governmental
decision if the decision affects the official's interest in a manner which is not
distinguishable from the manner in which the decision will affect the public
generally, as set forth in 2 Cal Code of Regs 18703, Qt seq. [Reg. § 187021
15 "Business Entity": Any organization or enterprise operated for
profit, including but not limited to, a proprietorship, partnership, firm, business trust,
joint venture, syndicate, corporation or association. (Gov. Code § 82005)
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16. "City": City of Palm Desert.
17. "Fling Officer': The filing officer is the person who receives and
retains original statements of economic interests with duties as set forth in 2 Cal.
Code of Regs Section 18115. The filing officer shall also be the filing official for
statements filed by all other public officials who manage public investments.
The filing officer/official for the City shall be the City Clerk.
18. "Act": Political Reform Act of 1974, Government Code Section
81000 at seq
19. "FPPC': The Fair Political Practices Commission which was
established by the Act to administer and implement the Act.
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LAW OFFICES OF
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CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE
OF THE
CITY OF PALM DESERT
(Amended December 10, 1998)
Section A. PURPOSE:
1. Statement of Purpose It is the purpose of this Code to provide
for the disclosure of Designated Employees' assets and income which may be
materially affected by their official actions, and, in appropriate circumstances, to
provide that Designated Employees should be disqualified from acting in order that
conflicts of interest may be avoided. Nothing contained herein is intended to modify
or abridge the provisions of the Political Reform Act of 1974 (Government Code
Section 81000 fit seg.). The requirements of this Code are in addition to other
requirements of the Political Reform Act and to other state or local laws pertaining to
conflicts of interest. (Gov. Code § 81002(c); 2 Cal. Code of Regs. § 18730(all
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Section B. DEFINITION OF TERMS:
1. Definitions This Code contains a number of key terms, such as
"Designated Employee," "interests in real property within the jurisdiction,"
"investments in business entities," "income," and decisions "made" or "participated in"
by a Designated Employee, which are defined in the Political Reform Act of 1974 and
the regulations of the Fair Political Practices Commission (2 Cal. Code of Regs.
Sections 18100 gt seat). These definitions and regulations, and any amendments to
the Act or regulations, are incorporated by reference into this Conflict of Interest
Code.
12 Cal. Code of Regs. § 18730(b)(1)]
Summaries of certain definitions are contained in the attached Addendum
which is provided for convenience of reference only and is not a part of this Code.
The definitions of key terms contained in the Act or the regulations are amended and
changed from time to time. The summaries of definitions contained in the Addendum
will be updated accordingly on a periodic basis.
Section C. DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS:
1. Designated Employers. The persons holding positions listed in
Exhibit "A" of the Appendix of this Code are Designated Employees.' It has been
determined that these officers and employees make or participate in the making of
decisions which may foreseeably have a material effect on financial interests. [Gov.
Code §§ 87302(a), 82019(c); 2 Cal. Code of Regs. § 18730(b)(2)1
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2. Disclosure Requirements. Each Designated Employee shall file
statements, as described herein, disclosing interests in real property, investments in
business entities, business positions held, and income or sources of income received
which might foreseeably be affected materially by the operations of the City. The
disclosure categories set forth in Exhibit "B" of the Appendix specify which kinds of
financial interests are reportable. It has been determined that the types of
investments, interests in real property, business positions, income, and sources of
income assigned to each Designated Employee in Exhibit "A" of the Appendix are of
the type that may be affected materially by decisions made or participated in by the
Designated Employee by virtue of his or her position and are reportable.
This Code does not establish any disclosure obligation for those
Designated Employees who are also specified in Government Code Section 87200.
Such persons are covered by this Code for disqualification purposes only. [Gov. Code
44 87302(a), 87302(b); 2 Cal. Code of Regs. § 18730(b)(3)1
3. Statements of Economic Interests: lime of Filing: Contents
Thereof.
(a) initial Statements. All Designated Employees employed on
the effective date of this Code, as originally adopted, promulgated and
approved by the code -reviewing body, shall file statements within 30 days
after the effective date of this Code. Thereafter, each person already in a
position when it is designated by an amendment to this Code shall file an initial
statement within 30 days after the effective date of the amendment. Initial
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statements shall disclose any reportable investments, interests in real property,
and business positions held on the effective date of this Code, and income,
including gifts and loans, received during the 12 months prior to the effective
date of this Code.
(b) Assuming Office Statements. All persons who are elected,
appointed, promoted or transferred to a designated position after the effective
date of this Code shall file statements within 30 days after assuming the
designated position, disclosing any reportable investments, interests in real
property, and business positions held on the date of assuming office, and
income, including gifts and loans, received during the 12 months prior to
assuming office.
(c) Annual Statements. Annual statements shall be filed by all
Designated Employees on or before April 1 of each year, disclosing any
reportable investments, interests in real property, business positions and
income held or received during the previous calendar year provided, however,
that the period covered by an employee's first annual statement shall begin on
the effective date of the Code or the date of assuming office, whichever is
later.
(d) Leaving Office Statements. Every Designated Employee
who leaves office and does not assume another designated position for the
City shall file a statement within 30 days after leaving office, disclosing any
reportable investments, interests in real property, business positions and
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income held or received during the period between the closing date of the last
statement filed and the date of leaving office. (Gov. Code § 87302(b); Regs.
§ § 18730 (b)(5), 18730(b)(6)]
4. Statements for Persons Who Resign Prior to Assuming Office.
Any person who resigns within 12 months of initial appointment, or within 30 days
of the date of notice provided by the filing officer to file an assuming office
statement, is not deemed to have assumed office or left office, provided he or she did
not make or participate in the making of, or use his or her position to influence any
decision and did not receive or become entitled to receive any form of payment as a
result of his or her appointment. Such persons shall not file either an assuming or
leaving office statement.
(a) Any person who resigns a position within 30 days of the
date of a notice from the filing officer shall do both of the following:
(1) File a written resignation with the appointing power;
and
(2) File a written statement with the filing officer
declaring under penalty of perjury that during the period between
appointment and resignation he or she did not make, participate in the
making or use the position to influence any decision of the City, or
receive, or become entitled to receive, any form of payment by virtue of
being appointed to the position. (Gov. Code § 87302(d); Regs. §
18730(b)(5.5)I
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5. Place of Filing Statements. All Designated Employees required to
submit a statement of economic interests shall file the original with the City Clerk as
the City's filing officer. The filing officer shall make and retain a copy of all
statements filed by the Mayor, City Council, Planning Commission, City Manager, City
Attorney and City Treasurer and forward the originals of such statements to the Fair
Political Practices Commission (the "FPPC"). The filing officer shall retain the originals
of the statements of all other City officials who manage public investments and all
other Designated Employees. (Gov. Code §§ 82011(a), 87500(k); Regs. §§
18730(b)(4), 18115(b)11), 18753(d)]
6. Forms for Statements. Forms for filing disclosure statements shall
be supplied by the filing officer, and shall adhere to the form prescribed by the Fair
Political Practices Commission. (Gov. Code § 81010(a); Regs. §§ 18730(b)(7), 18115
(b)(2)]
Section D. MANNER OF REPORTING:
1. Contents of Reports of Investments and Interests in Real Property.
Investments and interests in real property which have a fair market value of less than
one thousand dollars ($1,000) are not investments and interests in real property
within the meaning of the Political Reform Act.
Investments or interests in real property of an individual include those
held by the individual's spouse and dependent children, as well as the pro rata share
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of any investment or interest in real property of any business entity or trust in which
the individual, spouse and dependent children own, in the aggregate, a direct, indirect
or beneficial interest of 10% or greater.
When an investment or interest in real property!' is required to be
reported under this Code, the statement shall contain the following:
(a) A statement of the nature of the investment or interest;
(b) The name of the business entity in which each investment
is held, and a general description of the business activity in which the business
entity is engaged;
(c) The address or other precise location of the real property;
(d) A statement whether the fair market value of the
investment or interest in real property exceeds one thousand dollars ($1,000),
exceeds ten thousand dollars (S10,000), or exceeds one hundred thousand
dollars ($100,000). [Gov. Code § § 82033, 82034, 87206, 87302(b); Regs. § §
18730(b)(7)(A)]
2. Contents of Reports of Personal Income. Personal income of a
Designated Employee includes his or her own income as well as his or her community
property interest in the income of his or her spouse but does not include salary or
t'
For the purpose of disclosure only (not disqualification), an interest in real property does not
include the principal residence of the filer. [Gov. Code §§ 87302(b), 87206(f), Regs. §
18730(b) fn 3]
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reimbursement for expenses received from a state, federal or local government
agency.
When personal income is required to be reported under this Code, the
statement shall contain:
(a) The name and address of each source of income
aggregating two hundred fifty dollars ($250) or more in value per year, or fifty
dollars ($50) or more in value if the income was a gift, and a general
description of the business activity, if any, of each source;
(b) A statement whether the aggregate value of the income
from each source, or in the case of a loan, the highest amount owed to each
source, was one thousand dollars ($1,000) or less, greater than one thousand
dollars ($1,000), or greater than ten thousand dollars ($10,000);
(c) A description of the consideration, if any, for which the
income was received;
Id) In the case of a gift, the name, address and business
activity of the donor and any intermediary through which the gift was made;
a description of the gift; the amount or value of the gift; and the date on which
the gift was received;
(e) In the case of a loan, the annual interest rate and the
security, if any, given for the loan and the term of the loan. (Gov. Code § §
82030(a), 82030(b)(2), 87302(b), 87206(f). 87207(a); Regs. § 18730(b)(7)(B))
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3. Contents of Reports of Business Entity income. Income of a
business entity is reportable if the direct, indirect or beneficial interest of the filer and
the filer's spouse in the business entity aggregates a 10% or greater interest. The
disclosure of persons who are clients or customers of a business entity is required
only if the clients or customers are within one of the disclosure categories of the filer.
When income of a business entity, including income of a sole
proprietorship, is required to be reported under this Code, the statement shall contain:
(a) The name, address and a general description of the
business activity of the business entity; and
(b) The name of every person from whom the business entity
received payments if the filer's pro rata share of gross receipts from such
person was equal to or greater than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) during a
calendar year. [Gov. Code §§ 87302(b), 87207(b); Regs. § 18730(b)(7)(C)]
4. Contents of Reports of Business Position Disclosure. When
business positions are required to be reported, a Designated Employee shall list the
name and address of each business entity in which he or she is a director, officer,
partner, trustee, employee, or in which he or she holds any position of management,
a description of the business activity in which the business entity is engaged, and the
Designated Employee's position with the business entity. [Gov. Code § 87302; Regs.
§ 18730(b11711D)]
5. Acquisition or Disposal During-Reportlnp Period. In the case of
an annual statement or a leaving office statement, the statement shall include any
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investments and interests in real property that was partially or wholly acquired or
disposed of at any time during the period covered by the statement, whether or not
they are still held at the time of filing, and shall contain the date of acquisition or
disposal. [Gov. Code §§ 87302(b), 87206, 87204; Regs. § 18730(b)(7)(E)1
Section E. HONORARIA AND GIFTS:
1. Prohibition on Receipt of Honoraria. No Designated Employee shall
accept any honorarium from any source if he or she would be required to report the
receipt of income or gifts from that source on his or her statement of economic
interests.
This Section does not limit or prohibit payments, advances, or
reimbursements for travel , including actual transportation and related lodging and
subsistence which is reasonably related to a governmental purpose as specified in
Government Code Section 89506. [Gov. Code § 89501(c), 89502(c); Regs. §
18730(b)(8)IA)1
2. Prohibition on Receipt of Gift,. No Designated Employee shall
accept gifts with a total value of more than $29021 in a calendar year from any single
source if he or she would be required to report the receipt of income or gifts from that
source on his or her statement of economic interests.
Beginning January 1, 1993, the FPPC shall adjust the gift limitation in this section on January
1 of each odd -numbered year to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index, rounded to the
nearest $10. [Gov. Code § 89503(01
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This Section does not limit or prohibit payments, advances, or
reimbursements for travel and related lodging and subsistence permitted by
Government Code Section 89506; or wedding gifts and gifts exchanged between
individuals on birthdays, holidays, and other similar occasions, provided that the gifts
exchanged are not substantially disproportionate in value. [Gov. Code § 89503; Regs.
§ 18730(b)(8.1)(A)]
Section F. LOANS
1. Loans to Public Officials.
(a) No elected officer of the City, from the date of his or her
election to office, and no public official who is required to file a Statement of
Economic Interests pursuant to Government Code Section 87200 shall, while
he or she holds office, receive a personal loan from any officer, employee,
member or consultant of the City or any agency over which the City has
direction and control.
lb) No elected officer of the City shall, from the date of his or
her election to office, and no public official who is required to file a Statement
of Economic Interests pursuant to Government Code Section 87200 shall,
while he or she holds office, receive a personal loan from any person who has
a contract with the City or any agency over which the City has direction and
control.
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This Section shall not apply to loans made by banks or other
financial institutions or to any indebtedness created as part of a retail
installment or credit card transaction, if the loan is made or the indebtedness
created in the lender's regular course of business on terms available to
members of the public without regard to the public official's status.
(c) This Section shall not apply to the following:
(1) Loans made to the campaign committee of an elected
officer.
(2) Loans made by a public official's spouse, child,
parent, grandparent, grandchild, brother, sister, parent -in-law, brother-
in-law, sister-in-law, nephew, niece, aunt, uncle, or first cousin, or the
spouse of any such persons, provided that the person making the loan
is not acting as an agent or intermediary for any person not otherwise
exempted under this Section.
(3) Loans from a person which, in the aggregate, do not
exceed two hundred fifty dollars ($250) at any given time.
(4) Loans made, or offered in writing, before January 1,
1998.
2. Loan Term.
(a) No elected officer shall, from the date of his or her election
to office, and no public official who is required to file a Statement of Economic
Interests pursuant to Government Code Section 87200 shall, while he or she
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holds office, receive a personal loan of five hundred dollars (S500) or more,
except when the loan is in writing and clearly states the terms of the loan,
including the parties to the loan agreement, date of the loan, amount of the
loan, term of the loan, date or dates when payments shall be due on the loan
and the amount of the payments, and the rate of interest paid on the loan.
(b) This Section shall not apply to the following types of loans:
(1) Loans made to the campaign committee of an elected
officer.
(2) Loans made by a public official's spouse, child,
parent, grandparent, grandchild, brother, sister, parent -in-law, brother-
in-law, sister-in-law, nephew, niece, aunt, uncle, or first cousin, or the
spouse of any such persons, provided that the person making the loan
is not acting as an agent or intermediary for any person not otherwise
exempted under this Section.
(3) Loans made, or offered in writing, before January 1,
1998.
(4) Nothing in this Section shall exempt any person from
any other provision of this Code.
3. Personal Loans. A personal loan received by any Designated
Employee shall become a gift to the Designated Employee for the purposes of the
Code in the following circumstances:
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(a) If the loan has a defined date or dates for repayment, when
the statute of limitations for filing an action for default has expired.
(b) If the loan has no defined date or dates for repayment,
when one year has elapsed from the later of the following:
(1) The date the loan was made.
(2) The date the last payment of one hundred dollars
($100) or more was made on the loan.
(3) The date upon which the debtor has made payments
on the loan aggregating to less that two hundred fifty dollars ($250)
during the previous 12 months.
(c) This Section shall not apply in the following types of loans:
(1) A loan made to the campaign committee of an
elected officer.
(2) A loan that would otherwise not be a gift under the
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Act.
(3) A loan that would otherwise be a gift as set forth in
this Section, but on which the creditor has taken reasonable action to
collect the balance due.
(4) A loan that would otherwise be a gift as set forth in
this Section, but on which the creditor, based on reasonable business
considerations, has not undertaken collection action. Except in a
criminal action, a creditor who claims that a loan is not a gift on the
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ter s
basis of this subsection has the burden of proving that the decision for
not taking collection action was based on reasonable business
considerations.
(5) A loan made to a debtor who has filed for bankruptcy
and the loan is ultimately discharged in bankruptcy.
(6) Nothing in this Section shall exempt any person from
any other provision of this Code.
Section G. DISQUALIFICATION:
1. Disaualification Reauirementg. Designated Employees must
disqualify themselves from making, participating in the making, or using their
governmental positions to influence the making of any governmental decision when
it is reasonably foreseeable that such decision will have a material financial effect,
distinguishable from its effect upon the public generally, on the official, or a member
of his or her immediate family, or on:
(a) Any business entity in which the Designated Employee has
a direct or indirect investment worth one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more;
(b) Any real property in which the Designated Employee has
a direct or indirect interest worth one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more;
(c) Any source of income, other than gifts and other than
loans by a commercial lending institution in the regular course of business on
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terms available to the public without regard to official status, aggregating two
hundred fifty dollars ($250) or more in value provided to, received by, or
promised to the Designated Employee within 12 months prior to the time when
the decision is made;
(d) Any business entity in which the Designated Employee is
a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee or holds any position of
management; or
(e) Any donor of, or any intermediary or agent for a donor of,
a gift or gifts aggregating two hundred ninety dollars ($290) or more in value
provided to, received by, or promised to the Designated Employee within 12
months prior to the time when the decision is made. [Gov. Code § 87302(c);
Regs. § 18730(b)19)1
2. Procedures for Disqualification. When a Designated Employee
determines that he or she has a disqualifying interest in a decision, the determination
not to act must be accompanied by disclosure of the disqualifying interest. If there
is a disqualification, the following procedures are to be followed:
(a) Members of the City Council. Plannina Commission. and all
other City Boards or Commission: In the case of a Designated Employee who
is a Member of the City Council, Planning Commission, and any other City
board or commission, determination and disclosure shall be given at the
meeting during which consideration of the decision takes place and shall be
made a part of the official record of the Council, Board or Commission.
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(b) City Manager: In the case of a Designated Employee who
is the City Manager of the City, determination and disclosure shall be made in
writing to the City Council.
(c) Other Designated Employees: Determination and disclosure
shall be made in writing to his or her supervisor so that the work may be
reassigned to another.
(d) Consultant: Determination and disclosure shall be made in
writing to the City Manager. [Gov. Code §87302(c); Regs. § 18730(b)(10)1
3. Rights as Citizen. Nothing contained herein shall abridge the right
of any Designated Employee to contact the City to submit information or express
views in the same manner as any other member of the general public before the City
in its prescribed governmental function solely to represent himself or herself on a
matter relating to his or her personal interests. An Official's "personal interests"
include, but are not limited to:
(a) An interest in real property which is wholly owned by the
person or members of his or her immediate family;
(b) A business entity wholly owned by the person or members
of his or her immediate family;
(c) A business over which the person exercises sole direction
and control, or over which the person and his or her spouse jointly exercise
sole direction and control.
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Nothing contained herein shall be construed to abridge the right of any
Designated Employee to communicate with the general public or with the press.
fRegs. § 18700.1(b)(1)&(2))
4. Rule of Necessity. This Code does not prevent a Designated
Employee from making or participating in the making of a governmental decision to
the extent that his or her participation is legally required for the action or decision to
be made. The fact that the vote of a Designated Employee who is on a voting body
is needed to break a tie does not make his or her participation legally required for the
purposes of this Section. The City Attorney shall advise any Designated Employee
on a case -by -case basis whether or not the "Rule of Necessity" is applicable. [Gov.
Code §§ 87101, 87302(c); Regs. § 18730(b)(9.3)]
Section H. OPINIONS OF THE COMMISSION AND COUNSEL:
1.
Reauest for Ooinion and Reliance. Any Designated Employee who
is unsure of any duty, right, or privilege of participation in any matter under this Code
or under the provisions of the Political Reform Act of 1974 may request a formal
opinion or letter of advice from the Fair Political Practices Commission or an opinion
from the City Attorney. Nothing in this Section shall require the City Attorney to
issue any formal or informal opinion. [Gov. Code § 83114; Regs. § 18730(b)111))
2. Evidence of Good Faith. If an opinion is rendered by the City
Attorney or the Fair Political Practices Commission stating in full the facts and law
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upon which the opinion is based, compliance therewith by the Designated Employee
is evidence of good faith in any criminal proceeding and is a presumption affecting
the burden of proof of any civil proceeding brought under the Act or this Code. The
Designated Employee's good faith compliance with such opinion shall also constitute
a complete defense to any disciplinary action brought by the City under Section
91003.5 of the Act or this Code. [Gov. Code § 83114; Regs. § 18320]
Section I. LEGISLATIVE OR JUDICIAL AMENDMENTS:
1. Automatic Amendment of Code. All amendments or changes to
the provisions of the Political Reform Act of 1974, occurring as the result of
legislative amendment or judicial decision only, shall automatically and immediately
be incorporated into this Code and this Code shall, without further action, thereupon
be deemed amended and changed to reflect such legislative or judicial amendment or
decision.
Section J. FORCE AND EFFECT OF CODE:
1. Violations. This Code has the force and effect of law. Designated
Employees violating any provision of this Code are subject to the administrative,
criminal and civil sanctions provided by the Political Reform Act of 1974, Government
Code Section 81000 el sep.
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Additionally, a decision in relation to which a violation of the
disqualification provisions of this Code or Government Code Section 87100 has
occurred may be set aside as void pursuant to Government Code Section 91003.
[Gov. Code § 87300; Regs. § 18730(b)(12)]
Section K. STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS:
1. Civil Actions. No civil action alleging a violation of any provision
of this Code shall be filed more than four (4) years after the date the violation
occurred.
2. Criminal Actions. Prosecution for violation of this Code must be
commenced within four (4) years after the date on which the violation occurred.
3. Administrative Proceedings. No administrative action alleging a
violation of any of the provisions of this Code shall be commenced more than five (5)
years after the date on which the violation occurred. [Gov. Code §§ 91000,
91000.5, 91011]
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Resolution No. 98-149
APPENDIX
CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE
OF THE
CITY OF PALM DESERT
EXHIBIT "A"
The Mayor, Members of the City Council and Planning Commission, the
City Manager, the City Attorney, the City Treasurer, and All Other City Officials who
manage public investments are included in and governed by this Conflict of Interest
Code only with respect to its disqualification provisions. For purposes of disclosure,
the Mayor, Members of the City Council and Planning Commission, the City Manager,
the City Attorney, the City Treasurer, and All Other City Officials who manage public
investments, as defined by 2 Cal. Code of Regs. § 18720, are subject to the
statutory conflict of interest provisions of Article 2 of Chapter 7 of the Political
Reform Act of 1974 (Government Code Section 87200 et &eq.) . fRegs. §
18730(b)13)]
OFFICIALS WHO MANAGE PUBLIC INVESTMENTS
It has been determined that the positions listed below are Other City
Officials who manage public investments.
Investment and Finance Committee
Investment Manager
Financial Consultant u
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Resolution No. 98-149
DESIGNATED POSITIONS
GOVERNED BY THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE
DESIGNATED EMPLOYEES' DISCLOSURE CATEGORIF,S
TITLE OR_FUNCTION ASSIGNFD
Administrative Fire Captain (Fire Marshal) 2, 3, 6
Architectural Review Commission 1, 2
Art in Public Places Commission 2, 6
Assistant City Manager/Director of Administrative Services 1, 2
Assistant City Manager / Public Works Director / Engineer 2, 3, 6
Assistant Engineer 2, 3, 6
Assistant Planner 2, 3, 6
Associate Engineer 2, 3, 6
Associate Planner 2, 3, 6
Battalion Chief 6, 7
Building and Safety Director 2, 3, 6, 7
Building Board of Appeals and Condemnation 1, 2
Building Inspector I, II 2, 3, 6, 7
Building Inspector, Senior 2, 3, 6, 7
Building Inspector Supervisor 2, 3, 6, 7
Building Maintenance Coordinator 6
Building Permit Specialist I, II 2, 3, 6, 7
Business Support Manager 3, 5
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DESIGNATED EMPLOYEES' DISCLOSURE CATEGORIES
TITLE OR FUNCTION ASSIGNED
Business Support Technician I, II 6
City Attorney (not filing under Gov Code 87200) 1, 2
City Clerk / Director of Community Affairs 1, 2
Civic Arts Committee 2, 3, 6
Code Compliance Officer I, II 2, 3, 6, 7
Code Compliance Supervisor 2, 3, 6, 7
Community Affairs Specialist 6
Community Arts Manager 2, 3, 6
Deputy Building Official 2, 3, 6, 7
Deputy City Clerk 5
Development Manager 1, 2
Director of Community Development 1, 2
Economic Development Advisory Committee 1, 2
Engineer, Senior 2, 3, 6, 7
Engineering Manager 2, 3, 6, 7
Engineering Technician I, II 2, 3, 6, 7
Engineering Technician, Senior 2, 3, 6, 7
Environmental Conservation Manager 1, 2
Finance Operations Manager 6
Fire Chief 2, 3, 6, 7
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Resolution No. 98-149
DESIGNATED EMPLOYEES' DISCLOSURE CATEGORIES
TITLE OR FUNCTION ASSIGNFQ
Graphic Artist 6
Housing Commission 1, 2
Housing Manager 1, 2
Human Resources Manager 5
Maintenance Services Manager 6
Management Analyst I, II 5
Management Analyst, Senior 5
Parks and Recreation Commission 1, 2
Parks and Recreation Planning Manager 1, 2
Parks Maintenance Supervisor 6
Planning Manager 2, 3, 6, 7
Planning Technician 2, 3, 6, 7
Police Captain 6, 7
Police Chief 6, 7
Police Lieutenant 6, 7
Project Area Committee 1, 2
Project Administrator 2, 3, 6
Promotion Committee 1, 2
Public Safety Commission 1, 2
Public Works Inspector 2, 3, 6, 7
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Resolution No. 98-149
DESIGNATED EMPLOYEES' DISCLOSURE CATEGORIES
TITLE OR FUNCTION ASSIGNED
Public Works Inspector, Senior 2, 3, 6, 7
Redevelopment Agency Executive Director 1, 2
Redevelopment Finance Manager 2, 3, 6
Redevelopment Manager 2, 3, 6
Rent Review Commission 1, 2
Risk Manager 5
Streets Maintenance Supervisor 6
Transportation Engineer
Visitor Information Center Coordinator
Consultant a'
2, 3, 6
6
Consultants shall be included in the list of Designated Employees and shall disclose pursuant
to the broadest disclosure category in this Code subject to the following limitation:
The City Manager may determine in writing that a particular consultant, although a
"designated position," is hired to perform a range of duties that are limited in scope and thus
is not required to fully comply with the disclosure requirements described in this Section.
Such written determination shall include a description of the consultant's duties and, based
upon that description, a statement of the extent of disclosure requirements. The City
Manager's determination is a public record and shall be retained for public inspection in the
same manner and location as this Conflict of Interest Code.
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Resolution No. 98-149
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EXHIBIT "B"
DISCLOSURE CATEGORIES
The disclosure categories listed below identify the types of investments,
business entities, sources of income, or real property which the Designated Employee
must disclose for each disclosure category to which he or she is assigned.
Category 1: All investments and business positions in, and sources of
income from, business entities that do business or own real property within the
boundaries of the City, plan to do business or own real property within the boundaries
of the City within the next year, or have done business or owned real property within
the boundaries of the City within the past two (2) years.
Category 7: All interests in real property which is located in whole or
in part within, or not more than two (2) miles outside, the boundaries of the City.
Category 3: All investments and business positions in, and sources of
income from, business entities that are engaged in land development, construction
or the acquisition or sale of real property within the jurisdiction of the City, plan to
engage in such activities within the jurisdiction of the City within the next year, or
have engaged in such activities within the jurisdiction of the City within the past two
(2) years.
Category 4: All investments and business positions in, and sources of
income from, business entities that are banking, savings and loan, or other financial
institutions.
Category 5: All investments and business positions in, and sources of
income from, business entities that provide services, supplies, materials, machinery,
vehicles or equipment of a type purchased or leased by the City.
Category 6: All investments and business positions in, and sources of
income from, business entities that provide services, supplies, materials, machinery,
vehicles or equipment of a type purchased or leased by the Designated Employee's
Department.
Category 7: All investments and business positions in, and sources of
income from, business entities subject to the regulatory, permit, or licensing authority
of the Designated Employee's Department, will be subject to such authority within the
next year or have been subject to such authority within the past two (2) years.
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