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HomeMy WebLinkAbout6170 - ADMIN Resolution - City Council - 1978/11/20November 20, 1978 8d RESOLUTION NO. 6170 RESOLUTION ADOPTING A CODE OF ETHICS FOR CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS WHEREAS, there is increasing public awareness on the part of the need for the codification of the principles of ethical behavior respecting the conduct of elected officials; and WHEREAS, the recognition of accountability by elected officials dictates the need for codification of principles of ethical behavior; and WHEREAS, the public and elected officials alike recognize the potential for division of loyalty in public office, not always encompassed by law, dictates the need for a code of ethics; and WHEREAS, government must not divorce its actions from the public interest, and must compel recognition of ethical principles by nonpublic interests; and WHEREAS, the City Council of St. Louis Park has found it appropriate to have a code of ethics governing its members' conduct; therefore, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council to further the Council -Manager form of City government, certain ethical principles shall govern the conduct of every member of the St. Louis Park City Council, who shall: 1. Respect the importance and effectiveness of representative local government, the St. Louis Park Home -Rule Charter, the law, and ethical conduct in the performance of public duty. 2. Be efficient, courteous, and impartial in the performance of public duties, assuring fair and equal treatment of all persons, claims and transactions coming before the Council in its official capacity. 3. Affirm the dignity and worth of the services rendered by government and maintain a constructive, creative, and practical attitude toward urban affairs and a sense of social responsibility as a trusted public official. 4. Dedicate himself/herself to the highest ideals of integrity in all public and personal relationships in order that he/she may merit the respect and confidence of other officials, employees, and of the public which he/she serves. 5. Recognize that the chief function of local government at all times is to serve the best interests of all of the people, and to that end, work in cooperation with other elected officials and public employees to promote the public welfare and to make decisions and set goals and policies conscientiously in compliance with public law, to serve the best interests of the community. 6. Encourage communication between citizens and municipal officials; emphasize friendly and courteous service to the public; and seek to improve the quality and image of public elected officials. 7. Be honest in the handling of public funds and in the conservation of public property; refrain from using city -owned vehicles, equipment, materials, property, labor or services for personal convenience, political activity or profit. 8. Disclose any relationships that may constitute a conflict of interest with his/her official duties and disqualify himself/herself from acting on said matters on behalf of the city. 9. Refrain from accepting gifts or favors or promises of future benefit which might compromise his/her independence of judgement or action as a public official. 10. Refrain from disclosing confidential information concerning the city government. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Clerk shall distribute a copy of this resolution to Council members upon assuming office and to all Council members annually in December; and that each Council member will annually acknowledge receipt thereof. Adopted by the City Coticil November 20, 1978. Attest: illiewed for a, ministration: ' a aq- C Mayor Approved as to form and legality: Cityt�ey