Chapter 2.14
CODE OF ETHICS
Sections:
2.14.010 General purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to promote public confidence in city government, to provide guidance to members of City Council, members of city boards and commissions, and city officers, employees, and independent contractors by this code of ethics. This chapter is intended to supersede Article XXIX of the Colorado Constitution approved by the electorate as Amendment 41 at the election held on November 7, 2006. As a home rule city, Glendale is herein addressing matters covered by Article XXIX. (Ord. 2006-12 § 1 (part))
2.14.020 Definitions.
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this chapter, except if the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
“Board” means an appointive board or commission or other appointive body or authority of the city, but shall not include members of advisory ad hoc committees who are not otherwise elected officials, officers, board members or employees of the city.
“Board member” means a regular or alternate member of a board or commission.
“Elected official” means each elected member of the City Council.
“Employee” means any person holding a paid position of employment with the city, whether full-time, part-time, regular, temporary or by contract.
“Independent contractor” means one who has an agreement with the city to furnish any material, service or other thing of value to the city for a valuable consideration to be paid by the city.
“Officer” means each member of City Council, Municipal Judge, City Manager and City Attorney. (Ord. 2006-12 § 1 (part))
2.14.030 Penalties.
In addition to any other penalty provided for in the Charter, this code or any other applicable law, any elected official, officer, board member, employee, or independent contractor who violates any provision of this chapter is subject to the following penalties:
A. If a violation is established to the satisfaction of the majority of members of the City Council, the person may be subject to an official reprimand or disciplinary action as allowed under the applicable rules and regulations and standards of the city.
B. The penalties provided for in this section shall not preclude the application of any other penalty or remedy if applicable to elected officials, officers, board members, employees, or independent contractors of the home rule city of Glendale. (Ord. 2006-12 § 1 (part))
2.14.040 Violations.
A. No elected official, officer, board member, employee, or independent contractor shall engage in a substantial financial transaction for his private business purposes with a person whom he inspects or supervises in the course of his official duties.
B. No elected official, officer, board member, employee, or independent contractor shall perform an official act directly and substantially affecting to its economic benefit a business or other undertaking in which he either has a substantial financial interest or is engaged as counsel, consultant, representative or agent.
C. The following shall not be prohibited under this section:
1. Campaign contributions as allowed by law.
2. An unsolicited item of trivial value.
3. An unsolicited token or award of appreciation such as a plaque, trophy, desk item, wall memento or similar item.
4. Unsolicited informational material, publications or subscriptions related to the recipient’s performance of official duties.
5. Payment of, or reimbursement for, actual and necessary expenditures for registration, travel and subsistence for attendance at a convention or other meeting at which an elected official, officer, board member or employee is scheduled to attend or participate.
6. Reimbursement for or acceptance of an opportunity to participate in a social function or meeting which is offered to an elected official, officer, board member, employee, or independent contractor which is not extraordinary when viewed in light of the position held by such elected official, officer, board member, employee, or independent contractor.
7. Items of perishable or nonpermanent value, including but not limited to, meals, lodging, travel expenses or tickets to sporting, recreational, educational or cultural events.
8. Payment for speeches, debates or other public events, reported as honorariums.
9. Payment of salary for employment, including other government employment, in addition to that earned from being an elected official, officer, board member, employee, or independent contractor.
10. Items available for free to the general public at trade conventions or other public exhibitions, and items offered at a discount to elected officials, officers, board members, government employees, or independent contractors.
11. The use of Glendale government facilities or equipment to communicate or correspond with constituents, family members or business associates.
12. The receipt of a benefit as an indirect consequence of transacting local government.
D. No member of the City Council shall vote on any question concerning the member’s own conduct.
E. The City Council may dismiss frivolous complaints submitted by persons under this chapter. Complaints dismissed as being frivolous shall be maintained confidential by City Council.
F. With respect to complaints under this chapter that City Council does not deem to be frivolous, City Council may hold a public hearing. City Council may render findings on nonfrivolous complaints orally or in writing. There is hereby established a presumption that the findings shall be based upon a proof beyond a reasonable doubt standard. (Ord. 2006-12 § 1 (part))