HomeMy WebLinkAbout36 - NB-3 - Ethics Policy - 4/15/2014CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: APRIL 15, 2014 ITEM NUMBER:
SUBJECT: ETHICS POLICY
DATE: APRIL 4, 2014
FROM: THOMAS R. HATCH, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PRESENTATION TAMARA S. LETOURNEAU, ASSISTANT CHIEF EXECUTIVE
BY: OFFICER
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: TAMARA S. LETOURNEAU, ASSISTANT CHIEF
EXECUTIVE OFFICER AT (714) 754-5328
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve City Council Policy 000-15 establishing an
Ethics Policy.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION:
The residents and businesses in the City of Costa Mesa are entitled to have a fair, ethical
and accountable local government that has earned the public's full confidence for integrity.
The proper operation of democratic government requires that decision -makers be
independent, impartial, and accountable to the people they serve.
Attachment A is the Administrative Regulation 2.36 establishing the ethics policy for City
employees. In addition to the Administrative Policy, it is recommended that the City Council
adopt this Ethics Policy as a Council policy as well. Attachment B is a draft of a new City
Council Policy 000-15. These policies are identical but apply to the groups governed by
each type of policy.
The Ethics Policy covers the following topic areas:
• Act in the Public Interest
• Respect for Government Structure and Process
• Conduct
• Comply with the Law
• Conflict of Interest
• Use of Public Resources
• Confidentiality
• Development Projects
• Gifts and Favors
• Positive Work Environment
• Compliance and Enforcement
The purpose of this policy is to promote and maintain the highest standards of personal and
professional conduct in the City's government. All elected and appointed officials, City
employees, volunteers, and others who participate in the City's government are required to
adhere to this policy, understand how it applies to their specific responsibilities, and practice
these 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 highest ethical
standards and demonstrate the highest levels of achievement.
ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
1. Approve the Ethics Policy with modifications.
2. Do not adopt the Ethics Policy.
FISCAL REVIEW:
There is no fiscal impact as a result of this report.
LEGAL REVIEW:
The City Attorney has reviewed the policy and approved it as to form.
CONCLUSION
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt Council Policy 000-15 establishing an Ethics
Policy for the City of Costa Mesa.
TAMARA S. LETOURNEAU
Assistant Chief Executive Officer
THOMAS DUARTE
City Attorney
Attachment A: Administrative Regulation 2.36
Attachment B: Council Policv 000-15 Ethics Poli
THOMAS R. HATCH
Chief Executive Officer