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Councilmember Riley stated this document is doing what the Council intended. He noted the <br />League's document is 40 pages long and does cover violations, related laws and punishments, <br />and defines processes to follow. He asked if the Council wants to adopt something like the <br />League document. <br />City Administrator Ulrich stated part of the Code of Conduct covers transparency and the level <br />of transparency the Council wants. He stated even if a conflict is known, without statutory <br />backing, the Council would not have the authority to prevent participation. <br />Mayor Strommen pointed out that if no one is aware of the conflict, that discussion would not <br />occur. She stated some of the League language could be adopted by reference but that would not <br />be a City of Ramsey Policy. She felt the process and expectations in the City of Ramsey need to <br />be included, what the Council can expect from each other, and what the public can expect when <br />there is a conflict. <br />Human Resources Manager Lasher stated this is a complex issue and in talking with City <br />Attorney Goodrich, he referred to the League's value based statement. She noted facilitator <br />Anita Duckor's draft identifies procedures with conflicts of Councilmembers, staff, and when <br />there is doubt to refer the issue to the City Attorney. <br />Councilmember Kuzma stated during his League training, they were specific about conflict of <br />interest, penalties, and to not do it. He stated in his short tenure on the Council, any time there <br />has been a remote possibility of conflict, he has passed. <br />Mayor Strommen agreed the statutory definition of conflict of interest is narrow and relates to <br />financial gain. She asked if the Council wants to stick with that narrow definition or also address <br />perception and ethical conflicts, which can cause stress for the Council and community. She <br />stated it is difficult to draw hard lines because it depends on the situation and relationship. She <br />asked if a member can raise his/her hand and disclose the relationship that may be a conflict and <br />have that discussion or whether it is all right for that member to vote or to get a legal opinion. <br />Councilmember LeTourneau stated this document is a great start and proposed staff conduct <br />further vetting and then bring it back for the Council's consideration. <br />Mayor Strommen added that the Council should also spend time reviewing the document and if <br />there are specific issues, to address them as the City Council also needs to "own" this document. <br />Councilmember Riley asked if there had been comment or a preference by City Attorney <br />Goodrich. <br />Human Resources Manager Lasher stated City Attorney Goodrich had mentioned the drafted <br />policy was "long and fuzzy" and the League has better material. <br />Mayor Strommen suggested staff use the League's Conflict of Interest Policy and marry the two <br />for future consideration. <br />City Council Work Session / June 4, 2013 <br />Page 15 of 22 <br />