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HomeMy WebLinkAboutR2006-003II SAOur Documenls\ResolulionAMEdvics Policy-AmendmmWOC RESOLUTION NO. OO ' O~3 A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE ETHICS POLICY FOR ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFICIALS FOR THE CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE WHEREAS, on May 18, 2004 City Council passed Resolution R2004-025 adopting an Ethics Policy for Elected and Appointed Officials and upon a recommendation by the Council Ethics Sub-committee hereby approves an amendment to the policy as set forth herein; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Denton acknowledges that our government is a representative democracy and those who are elected or appointed to serve others as representatives accept a public trust that requires them to faithfully and diligently fulfill their public responsibilities; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Denton recognizes the those individuals who serve as public servants must adhere to a higher ethical standard of conduct since the activities of government should benefit the community as a whole and should never benefit the individual interest of public decision makers; NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DENTON HEREBY RESOLVES: SECTION 1. That the following ETHICS POLICY for Elected and Appointed Officials - City of Denton, Texas, which shall apply to all elected and appointed officials of the City, is hereby amended to read as follows: ETHICS POLICY for Elected and Appointed Officials - City of Denton, Texas. This Ethics Policy has been adopted to encourage and ensure the highest standards of personal and public conduct during tenure in office. Adherence to this Policy will maintain the confidence and trust in the decision-makers and representatives of the City who must remain independent, impartial, and accountable to the people they serve. In addition, elected and appointed officials must adhere to Texas state statues and City Charter provisions and City Council Rules of Procedure governing their conduct. These are listed at the end of this Policy. Thus, elected City Council Members as well as appointed members of the City's Boards and Commissions are asked to subscribe to the Texas statutes, City of Denton Charter, Rules of Procedures for City Boards and Commissions, and this Ethics Policy. 1.As a representative of the City of Denton, I will be ethical. I will act with integrity and moral courage. I will be absolutely truthful. I will make impartial decisions that are free of bribes, unlawful gifts, narrow political interests and other personal interests that might impair my independence of judgment. I will always decide what is best for the whole city. I will respect confidences and information designated "confidential" to the extent S'1Our Documenls\Rcs0Iudons106TddCs Policy-AnlendmmlDOC permitted by law. I will use my title and city logo or letterhead only when conducting official City business and will not exceed my authority. 2.As a representative of the City of Denton, I will be service-oriented. I will be friendly, receptive, courteous, and respectful to everyone. I will be attuned to and care about the needs and issues of all Denton citizens. 3.As a representative of the City of Denton, I will be fiscally responsible. I will make prudent decisions, taking into account the long-term financial needs of the City and its financial stability. I will make decisions that seek to promote programs and services for City residents. 4.As a representative of the City of Denton, I will be communicative. I will communicate that I am approachable, open-minded and willing to enter into dialog. I will listen carefully and my response will add value to the conversation. 5.As a representative of the City of Denton, I will be cooperative. I will work toward consensus building and gain value from diverse opinions. I will approach my position and relationships with a positive attitude. I will consider the broader regional and statewide implications of decisions. I will work with the Universities, DISD, the Chambers of Commerce, other governmental entities, and local nonprofit agencies and others as partners on common issues. 6.As a representative of the City of Denton, I will be progressive and receptive to new ideas. I will promote intelligent and thoughtful innovation whenever possible. I will be sensitive to the need for compromise, to think creatively, and improve existing models when necessary. I will keep my knowledge of local government current and growing. 7.As a representative of the City of Denton, I will not be delinquent in paying monies owed the City. I will not be in arrears on any city taxes, utility service charges, or other obligations owed the City. Elected officials and appointed officials, boards and commissions must adhere to the following Texas statutes: Civil Statutes Open Meetings Act (Tex. Govt. Code. Ann. Ch. 551) Public Information Act/Open Records Act (Tex. Govt. Code. Ann. Ch. 552) Conflicts of Interest (Tex. Loc. Govt. Code, Ch. 171, Ch. 212) Official Misconduct (Tex. Penal Code, Ch. 36, Ch. 39) Nepotism (Tex. Rev. Civ. Stat. Ann., arts. 5996a & 5996b) Whistleblower Protection (Tex. Rev. Civ. Stat. Ann., art. 6552-16a) Page 2 of 3 SAOur DocnnwntsuResolutionsW6\Ediics Policy-Amendmenl.DOC Competitive Bidding and Procurement (espec. Tex. Loc. Govt. Code, Ch. 252) State Penal Laws Bribery (Tex. Penal Code, § 36.02) Coercion of Public Servant or Voter (Tex. Penal Code, § 36.03) Improper Influence (Tex. Penal Code § 36.04) Tampering with a Witness (Tex. Penal Code § 36.04) Retaliation (Tex. Penal Code § 36.06) Gifts to Public Officials (Tex. Penal Code § 36.08) Offering Gift to Public Servant (Tex. Penal Code § 36.09) Abuse of Office (Chapter 39) Official Misconduct (Tex. Penal Code § 39.01) Official Oppression Tex. Penal Code § 39.02) Misuse of Official Information (Tex. Penal Code § 39.03) City Documents In addition, the City of Denton Charter, the City Council Rules of Procedure, House Rules and Code of Election Ethics are applicable. The Ethics Policy is designed as a positive guide to the behavior and decorum of Council and board members as they represent the citizens of Denton. I will voluntarily accept reprimand from my colleagues if I should act contrary to this policy. SECTION 2. This resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage and approval. PASSED AND APPROVED this the day of 2006. cf:1 AegAe EULINE BROCK, MAYOR ATTEST: JENNIFER WALTERS, CITY SECRETARY BY: APPROVED AS O LEGAL FORM: EDWIN M. SNYD, CITY A ORNEY BY: i I i Page 3 of 3