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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Resolution 94-23 RESOLUTION N0.94-23 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA ADOPTIMG A PROTOCOL FOR PUBLIC OFFICIALS WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Saratoga believes that it is necessary and desirable to adopt a protocol for public officials. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the following protocol, consisting of five sections, is hereby adopted: Section 1. DECLARATION OF POLICY It is the policy of the City of Saratoga that public officials maintain the highest standards of conduct and ethical behavior to secure the proper operation of a democratic government. Such behavior requires that public officials conduct themselves individually and as a council or commission so that: oGovernment decisions and policy are made through the proper channels of the government structure oAll matters related to the City are conducted in a fair, impartial, and responsible manner o City business is handled through appropriate communication channels o Public office promotes public confidence and trust Section 2. ORGANIZATIONAL FRAMEWORK Our City government is a democratic institution which exists to carry out the will of the people of Saratoga within the established legal and financial framework. The organization remains responsible to the people by being accountable in the performance of its duties. To ensure that democratic principles are followed, City Councilmembers and Commissioners: o Will not try to influence or otherwise pressure City employees into making, changing or suppressing staff decisions or recommendations oWill not attempt to coerce or influence City staff in the making of appointments o Will not attempt to influence commission or committee recommendations, or to influence or lobby individual commission or committee members on any item under their consideration o Will not attempt to change or interfere with the operating policies and practices of any City department o Will follow the requirements of the City Code in relationships with the City Manager and City staff, by dealing with the administrative services of the City only through the City Manager, except for the purpose of inquiry. All orders and instructs to City staff shall be given to the City Manager, not to subordinates of the City Manager (Section 2-20.060). Section 3. CITY BUSINESS Councilmembers and Commissioners will conduct their public duties in a professional, responsive, and caring way. They will respect the importance of American ideals of government, of the rule of law, and of the principles of public administration while performing City business. Furthermore, Councilmembers and Commissioners will provide fair and equal treatment for all persons and matters coming before the Council or Commission. Section 4. COMMUNICATION A fundamental part of the democratic process is open meetings. Therefore, the Council and Commissions will adhere to the provisions of the Ralph M. Brown Act. Additionally, Councilmembers and Commissioners will publicly disclose any information they have received individually (ex parte communication) which could bear on a decision being made. Conflict of interest must be disclosed. If a Councilmember or Commissioner feels there may be a potential conflict of interest, he or she should excuse him or herself from deliberations. To ensure fair, impartial deliberations, individual City Councilmembers and Commissioners should refrain from inserting themselves into or taking positions on matters which will or are likely to be appealed or recommended to the Council from City Commissions or Committees. While most issues are open for public examination and comment, there are times when information is not disclosed. Matters pertaining to employee discipline, the prosecution and defense of legal matters, salary negotiations, and matters handled in closed meetings will be kept confidential. Individual City Councilmembers or Commissioners will direct neither City staff nor the City Attorney to initiate actions, prepare a report that is significant in nature, or initiate any project or study relating to City business. Such instruction is to be given only by the City Council, as a whole, in public session. Section 5. PUBLIC OFFICE Public office will not be used for personal gain. Nor will it be used to induce or coerce others for personal economic benefit. In the same manner, Councilmembers and Commissioners will decline any employment incompatible with public duty. Public officials will respect, and work for, the common good of the people of Saratoga. They will faithfully perform all duties of office and engage in productive teamwork. In the course of their duties, Councilmembers and Commissioners will refrain from abusive conduct, personal charges or verbal attacks upon the character, motives, ethics or morals of other members of the Council or the public, or other personal comments not germane to the issues before the Council. The Council and Commissions will maintain the highest standard of public conduct by refusing to condone breaches of public trust or improper attempts to influence legislation and by being willing to censure any member who willfully violates this Protocol for Public Officials. The above and foregoing resolution was passed and adopted by the Saratoga City Council at a meeting held on the 18th day of May, 1994, by the following vote: AYES: Councilmembers Anderson, Burger, Kohler, Monia and Mayor Tucker NOES: None ABSENT :None ~ ) Mayor ATTEST: