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The statutory conflict of interest provisions do not require a Council member to disclose or report conflicts of interest, even if an action or decision will substantially affect the member's financial interests or the financial interests of an associated business, if the effect on the Council member is no greater than on other individuals who belong to the member's business classification, profession, or occupation. If a Council action or decision has an industry- or occupation -wide effect, a Council member may fulfill the member's responsibilities as a public decision -maker and may act on or decide issues that substantially affect the member's personal or business - related financial interests. However, even if no statutorily recognized conflict exists when an action or decision affects an entire business classification, profession or occupation, a Council member still should consider whether participation in a matter which substantially affects personal or business financial interests .. will create the appearance of a conflict, and whether the appearance of a conflict might negatively reflect on the Council's particular action or decision, or adversely affect the. Council's ability to fulfill its public responsibilities. Even if no actual conflicts of interest exist under the Ethics in Government Act, the Council still must be concerned with the appearance of conflicts because the Council is a public entity conducting public activities. Entities like the Council which transact public business have a legitimate interest in ensuring public confidence in decision - making processes and in ensuring the integrity of public actions. Accordingly, Council members should consider whether it is appropriate to participate in Council deliberations, actions or decisions if the Council members are involved in circumstances which might give rise to an appearance of a conflict. Council members also should review the provisions of the Council's adopted Code of Ethics that address potential conflict of interest situations. Depending on the specific circumstances surrounding a potential conflict and the proceedings involving the conflict, failure to abstain from participation in the matter to which the conflict relates may nullify a Council action or decision, or render a Council action or decision void. Failure to comply with the conflict of interest provisions of the Ethics in Government Act, including the written statement and filing requirements, can result in penalties or sanctions and may result in personal liability. Each conflict situation is unique and the facts must be considered on a case -by -case basis. The Council's Office of. General Counsel is available to provide assistance and advice regarding specific circumstances and potential conflicts of interest. ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS Metropolitan Council members are subject to additional ethical requirements in the following areas: . Statutory Prohibition on Gifts from Lobbyists. Metropolitan Council members are prohibited by state law from accepting any gift from a lobbyist or a lobbyist principal, unless the gift has only . insignificant or nominal value. Limitations on Gifts Under the Code of Ethics. The Code of Ethics for Metropolitan Council Members limits the types of gifts and other benefits Council members may receive for activities -5-