Agenda - Council Work Session - 02/19/2013 - Strategic Planning

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Code of Conduct City of Ramsey — Draft for Discussion February 19, 2013 We are dedicated to promoting values and integrity of local government and democracy and committed to governing efficiently and effectively. We hereby agree to conduct ourselves in accordance with the following code of conduct: • The professional and personal conduct of all members of our organization must be above reproach and avoid the appearance of impropriety. We should refrain from abusive conduct, personal charges or verbal attacks upon the character or motives of members of the council, boards, commissions, staff or the public intended to disrupt and not further the city's business. • We shall abide by applicable state laws, city ordinances and other doctrines relating to conduct of a public official, including, but not limited to: conflict of interest, data practices and the open meeting law. • We shall maintain the confidentiality of information concerning property, personnel or legal affairs of the city. They shall neither disclose confidential information, without proper legal authorization, nor use such information to advance their personal or family financial or other private interests. • No member of our organization shall use their official position to secure special privileges or exemptions for themselves or others. • No member of our organization shall, except as specifically permitted by Minnesota statutes, accept or receive any gift of substance, whether in the form of money, services, loan, travel, entertainment, hospitality, promise or any other form under circumstances in which it could be reasonably expected to influence them in the performance of their official duties or intended as a reward for their official actions. • Each member of our organization supports the maintenance of a positive and constructive work place environment for city staff, private citizens, property owners and businesses dealing with the city. We will recognize their individual roles and responsibilities as outlined above and as delineated in the city charter, city code and state statutes. • We serve as a whole when representing the official policies and positions of the City. If speaking as an individual citizen, it is important to share that is the perspective being presented and not on behalf of the City. • No member of our organization will testify in their capacity as a City official, before any other board, commission, administrative officer or agent of the federal government, the state of Minnesota or of any county or other municipal corporation, including cities, except as authorized by the City, or testifying in such capacity pursuant to a lawfully issued subpoena. Page 4