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HomeMy WebLinkAbout[08a] Ethics - Value StatementsCITY OF ST. J()SKPH Council Agenda Item 8(a) MEETING DATE: April 15, 2010 AGENDA ITEM: Ethics — Value Statements SUBMITTED BY: Administration BOARD /COMMISSION /COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION: The City Council has discussed this matter at three different meetings. The matter was first discussed in January at which time the Council made a motion to table until March. The Council then discussed the matter at the March workshop at which time the League of Minnesota Cities staff member who worked on the statements came to discuss with the Council. After the Council workshop it was again placed on the agenda for the March 18 meeting. At this meeting a motion was made to table and with only four members present, the vote was tied. The tied vote left an open action of the Council, that being the initial motion in January. The matter of the open item was discussed at the April 1, 2010 meeting and it was agreed that this matter would be placed on the agenda for the April 15 meeting. BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The City Council on March 18 adopted the Code of Conduct for Officials which will be Ordinance 29. This Ordinance mirrors MN Statute and but adopting as a local ordinance provided a quick reference. The Value Statements are not enforceable; rather they are similar to mission statements of organizations. They are aspirational in nature and would be included in the City polices. City's that have adopted value statements or ethics policies place them in a manual that is provided to all elected and appointed upon commencement of their term. BUDGET /FISCAL IMPACT: ATTACHMENTS: Extract of City Council Minutes [ 01- 07- 10] ........ ............................... 8(a):1 Extract of City Council Minutes [ 03- 18- 10] ........ ............................... 8(a):2 ValueStatements .................................................. ............................... 8(a):3 -6 REQUESTED COUNCIL ACTION: The Council needs to take action based on a tabled action to March of 2010. Extract of City Council Minutes January 7, 2010 Code of Conduct: Weyrens reported at the December Council meeting the EDA recommended the City considering adopting a Code of Conduct for all elected and appointed officials. Since that time staff has researched models used by other agencies and have submitted the draft Code of Conduct and Ordinance as prepared by the League of Minnesota Cities. Since the staff reviewed the League model policy, it has been brought to our attention that the City of St. Cloud in 1999/2000 implemented a similar Code of Conduct as prepared by the League. Wick stated that he is involved with some other non -profit organizations and it seems as though auditors are beginning to look for a code of conduct/ethics. He stated that the draft Ordinance does mirror State Statute but is easier to find than reading the State Statutes. Wick noted a minor change to the proposed ordinance. Wick also reminded the other Councilors that there are two documents, one is an ordinance and the other is a code of conduct which is more like a value statement, with the Ordinance being the enforceable document. Wick made a motion authorize the Mayor and Administrator to execute the Ordinance Amendment establishing a Code of Conduct for City Officials, cause the same to be published and become effective upon publication; and authorize the Mayor and Administrator to execute the Resolution adopting the statement of values to be implemented upon publication of the Ordinance entitled Code of Conduct. The motion was seconded by Loso. Discussion: Rassier stated that he would rather see this as a policy that is part of the employee handbook rather than a separate ordinance. Frank believes that this process is moving too fast. He stated that he is familiar with code of ethics and they are nice value statements; however, he questioned how they will hold board members accountable to those things. As a Council Person, the biggest check is that citizens will not vote for them and for others if they are not acting in manners as identified in the value statements. It was stated that the League is recommending both documents. Wick stated that these are value statements and members need to realize that what they do has consequences. Frank stated that he has many questions regarding the value statements and would request that this matter be discussed when the City Attorney is present. Wick made a motion to table the discussion regarding code of conduct until the first meeting in March. The motion was seconded by Frank. Discussion: Weyrens was advised to contact both the League and the Attorney and have more information available at the Council Workshop. The motion passed unanimously. 8(a):1 Extract of City Council Minutes March 18, 2010 Ethics Policy: Weyrens stated that previously the Council has discussed the adoption of a Code of Conduct for City Officials and Statement of Values. The Code of Conduct Ordinance is a reiteration of the State Statute that governs City Officials. However, adopting such an Ordinance provides a concise reference. In contrast, the Statement of Values is not an enforceable document; rather they are guidelines that the City would ask all City Officials to adhere to. Frank made a motion to approve Ordinance 29: Code of Conduct for City Officials authorizing the Mayor and Administrator to execute the amendment. The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously by those present. Frank made a motion to table, Indefinitely, the value statements until the City receives further clarification from the League. The motion was seconded by Loso. Ayes: Rassier, Frank Nays: Wick, Loso Loso made a motion to approve Resolution 2010 -007 authorizing summary publication of Ordinance 29: Code of Conduct for City Officials.. The motion was seconded by Wick and passed unanimously by those present. 8(a):2 RESOLUTION _ CITY OF ST. JOSEPH RESOLUTION REGARDING STATEMENT OF VALUES WHEREAS, The City Council for the City of St. Joseph has adopted the following Statement of Values: PREAMBLE: The proper operation of democratic government requires that decision - makers be independent, impartial, and accountable to the people they serve. The City of St. Joseph has adopted this Statement of Values to promote and maintain the highest standards of personal and professional conduct in the City's government. All elected and appointed officials and volunteers are required to subscribe to this statement, understand how it applies to their specific responsibilities , and practice its nine (9) core values in their work. Because we seek public confidence in the City's services and public trust of its decision- makers, our decisions and our work must meet the most demanding ethical standards and demonstrate the highest levels of achievement in following this statement. THE VALUES: As a Representative of the City of St. Joseph, 1. I serve the public interest. 2. I fulfill the duties and responsibilities of holding public office. 3. I am ethical. 4. I am professional. s. i am fiscally responsible. 6. I am conscientious. 7. I eommuaicate ei%ctively. 8. I am collaborative. 9. I am forward thinking. VALUE EXAMPLES/EXPRESSIONS: 1. I serve the public interest. In practice this value means that: a. I provide courteous, equitable, and prompt service to everyone. b. I am attuned to, and care about, the needs and issues of citizens, public officials, and city workers. C. I am interested, engaged, and responsive in my interactions with constituents. d. I recognize and support the public's right to know the public's business. 2. I fulfill the duties and responsibilities of holding public office. In practice this value means that: a. I observe the highest standards of integrity in my official acts and undertake my responsibilities for the benefit of the greater public good. b. I faithfully discharge the duties of my office regardless of my personal considerations, recognizing that the public interest is my primary concern. C. I uphold the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of 8(a):3 Minnesota and carry out impartially the laws of the nation, state, and municipality and thus foster respect for all government. d. I comply with both the letter and the spirit of the laws and policies affecting operations of the City. e. I recognize my obligation to implement the adopted goals and objectives of the City in good faith, regardless of my personal views. f. I conduct myself in both my official and personal actions in a manner that is above reproach. g. I do not use my position to secure for myself or others special privileges or exemptions that are different from those available to the general public. h. I understand and abide by the respective roles and responsibilities of elected and appointed officials and city staff and will not undermine them in their work. i. I am independent, impartial, and fair in my judgment and actions. 3. I am ethical. In practice this value means that: a. I am trustworthy, acting with the utmost integrity and moral courage. b. I am truthful, do what I say I will do, and am reliable. C. I am accountable for my actions and behavior and accept responsibility for my decisions. d. I make impartial decisions, fee of influence from unlawful gifts, narrow political interests, and financial and other personal interests that impair my independence of judgment or action. C. I am fair, distributing benefits and burdens according to consistent and equitable criteria. f. I oppose all forms of harassment and unlawful discrimination. g. I extend equal opportunities and due process to all parties in matters under consideration. h. I show respect for confidences and confidential information. i. I avoid giving the appearance of impropriety and of using my position for personal gain. 4. I am professional. In practice this value means that: a. I apply my knowledge and expertise to my assigned activities and to the interpersonal relationships that are part of my job in a consistent, confident, competent, and productive manner. b. I approach my job and work-related relationships with a positive attitude, contributing to a supportive, respectful, and non - threatening work environment. C. I keep my professional knowledge and skills current and growing. d. I am respectful of all city staff, officials, volunteers, and others who participate in the City's government. 5. I am fiscally responsible. In practice this value means that: a. I make decisions after prudent consideration of their financial impact, taking into account the long -term financial needs of the City, especially its financial stability. 8(a):4 b. I demonstrate concern for the proper use of City assets (e.g., personnel, time, Property, equipment, funds), follow established procedures, and do not use public resources for personal gain. C. I make decisions that seek to preserve the financial capacity of the City to provide programs and services for City residents. d. I provide full disclosure of any potential financial or other private conflict of interest. I abstain from participating in the discussion and vote on these matters. e. I prevent misuse of public funds by establishing, maintaining, and following strong fiscal and management controls. f. I report any misuse of public funds of which I am aware. 6. I am conscientious. In practice this value means that: a. I act in an efficient manner, making decisions and recommendations based upon research and facts, taking into consideration short and long term goals. b. I follow through in a responsible way, keeping others informed, and responding in a timely fashion. C. I am respectful of established City processes and guidelines. d. I prioritize my duties so that the work of the City may move forward. e. I prepare for all meetings by reviewing any materials provided ahead of time. When I have materials to contribute, I make sure all others involved have ample time to review these materials prior to the meeting. 7. I communicative effectively. In practice this value means that: a. I convey the City's care for and commitment to its citizens. b. I communicate in various ways that I am approachable, open - minded, and willing to participate in dialog. C. I engage in effective two -way communication by listening carefully, asking questions, and responding appropriately which adds value to conversations. d. I do not interfere with the orderly conduct of meetings by interrupting others or making personal comments not germane to the business at hand. e. I follow up on inquiries in a timely manner. f. I encourage and facilitate citizen involvement in policy decision- making. g. I am respectful in disagreements and contribute constructively to discussions on the issue. 8. I am collaborative. In practice this value means that: a. I actin a cooperative manner with groups and other individuals, working together in a spirit of tolerance and understanding to accomplish common goals. b. I share information with others in a timely manner so that, together, we can make informed decisions. C. I work towards consensus building and gain value from diverse opinions. d. I accomplish the goals and responsibilities of my individual position, while respecting my role as a member of a team. 8(a):5 9. I am forward thinking. In practice this value means that: a. I promote intelligent, proactive, and thoughtful innovation in order to advance the City's policy agenda and provide City services while considering the broader regional, state -wide, national, and international implications of the City's decisions and issues. b. I maintain consistent standards, but am also sensitive to the need for compromise, creative problem solving, and making improvements when appropriate. C. I am open to new ideas and processes, adopting them as they conserve resources and provide efficient and effective service. d. I consider the potential long -term consequences and implications of my actions and inactions. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of St. Joseph, Minnesota, adopts the above Resolution. This Resolution is adopted by the City Council of the City of St. Joseph the day of January, 2010. Al Rassier, Mayor ATTEST: Judy Weyrens City Administrator 8(a):6