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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1982 12-01 CHCA BROOKLYN CENTER CHARTER COMMISSION AGENDA December 1, 1982 City Hall 8:OOpm Call to order. Roll call. Ethics committee report. Old charter amendment proposals. 5. Old business. 6. New business. 11 Annual meeting agenda. 8. Next meeting date. 9. adjournment. I A. General Integrity The City of Brooklyn Center values its reputation for integrity. Its affairs must be conducted in keeping with the highest moral and ethical, as well as legal standards. Our practices must at the least be compatible with the economic and social priorities of the locales in which we operate, but we believe that honesty and ethical conduct are not out of place or subject to criticism anywhere. Even though customs may vary from community to community and ethical standards may vary in different environments, honesty and integrity must characterize all of our activities. We are not permitted to achieve results by means of violation of laws or regulations or through other unethical dealing. B. Compliance with Laws and Regulations We strive to be in compliance with all laws and regulations that are applicable to the City. In some instances, laws and regulations may be ambigous and difficult to interpret. We have access to legal advice and are expected to seek such advice as is necessary in complying with this policy. C. Political Contributions The City does not make political contributions or otherwise support political candidates or parties regardless of whether lawful in any particular other jurisdiction. We believe that individual supervisors and employees should be free, indeed encouraged, to participate on their own time in political activi- ties and to make voluntary contributions to political candidates and parties. No supervisor or employee shall be rewarded or penalized directly or indirectly, for their participation or non participation. D. Solicitation of Business We do not condone commercial or political bribery of any kind to gain advantage or for any other purpose thought to be beneficial to the City. No funds of the City are to be so used, directly or indirectly. E. Agents The services of any outside consultant, attorney, accountant, or other agent may not be used for any purpose which, were the agent an employee of the City, would be contrary to this policy. Fees, commissions and expenses paid to agents are to be based upon actual and proper services rendered. F. Candor among City Staff and with Auditors We believe that our staff must be informed at all times of matters which might be considered sensitive in preserving the City's reputation. In addition to being wrong in itself, concealment may be considered a signal that City laws and policies can be ignored. There is to be full communication of such sensitive matters to City staff even when it might appear that less candor is desirable to protect the City or staff. All information provided to or requested by the audi- tors of the City is to be furnished completely and accurately. G. Proper Accounting We believe in following Governmental Auditing Accounting and Finance Reporting (GAAFR) Standards and establishment of necessary internal and management controls adequate to safeguard the City's assets. The books of account, budget proposals, economic evaluation for projects, expense accounts and the like must fairly reflect the transaction or pro- jection they record. All assets of the City, including all bank accounts in which City funds are deposited must be recorded on a timely basis in the books of account. No payment of funds of the City is to be approved or made with the intention or understanding that any part of the funds is to be used for any purpose other than as described in the supporting documents. H. Conflicts of Interest We believe that there should never be a conflict between our loyalty to the City and our personal activities, interests or relationships with out- side persons and concerns. Situations giving even the appearance of con- flict should be avoided. Councilmembers, City staff members or employees having or contemplating a personal interest which is or might be in conflict with the interests of the City is required to disclose the interest to their supervisor and to the City Attorney. Although it is impossible to anticipate each situation, the following examples are intended to illustrate the possible nature of such conflicts; ownership interests in concerns with which the City does business, such as suppliers (exclusive of investments in securities listed on recognized security exchanges); buying, selling or leasing property from or to the City or new location known to be of interest to the City; acceptance of payments, services, or loans from rendering consulting services to, persons or concerns dealing with the City; activities or interest such as the above by members of the immediate family of a councilmember, staff member or employee. a r I. Acceptance of Gifts or Entertainment Gifts of nominal, non- commercial value may be accepted under appropriate circumstances. Although no specific monetary limit on acceptable entertainment would be practicable, entertainment may not be acceptable unless it is reasonable in the circumstances and suitable to the occasion. No gift or entertainment, however small, may be accepted which may imply a conflict between our personal interests and the interests of the City. Offers of gifts or entertainment should be considered with the expectation that acceptance will become publicly known. Reasonable transportation, samples and awards provided by suppliers are not regarded as gifts or entertainment. J. Discovery of Questionable Acts Discovery of acts of questionable nature, such as apparent violation of City policy or possible illegal acts, shall be reported in confidence to the City Attorney, who will take such steps as are appropriate to protect the interests of the City and to eliminate any questionable actions that have occurred or might occur. K. Compliance The City Manager and the Mayor shall submit by January 15 each year, covering the year just completed, a compliance letter to the City Attorney. The letter shall affirm the City Manager's and the Mayor's knowledge and understanding of this policy and shall report their implementation of this policy and any transactions or events occurring since the last report where it might appear that their policy has not been observed. Staff members, Councilmembers or employees violating this policy may expect to be disciplined, and discipline may include termination of employment or a request for resignation by the appropriate authority. I