Item 7A and 7BITEM 7A
Ordinance No. 635-A, 2nd Reading
Amending Chapter 2, Article VI, Code of Ethics and Conduct of the Southlake City Code
Amendment to Code of Ethics
HB 914 enacted by Texas Legislature in 2005; effective 2006.
Codified in Chapter 176 Texas Local Govt Code.
Requires conflicts disclosure statement where a business relationship and/or affiliation may exist between local government officer and person(s) who do business with City.
Amendment to Code of Ethics
Chapter 176 may be extended to all or group of employees of City in addition to local government officers.
March 21, 2006: City Council direction to staff to:
Incorporate provisions and make applicable to all employees;
Incorporate an Employee Business Code of Conduct.
Amendment to Code of Ethics
Changes to Code of Ethics and Conduct:
Update to reflect changes in Local Govt Code Chapter 171 (change in definition of “substantial interest” to reflect current dollar amount of $15,000);
Incorporate Chapter 176 requirements and ensure Chapter 171 and 176 provisions are met.
Amendment to Code of Ethics
Changes (cont.)
Clean up language to reduce repetitiveness;
Add Section 2-268 requiring City Manager to bring forth Employee Business Code of Conduct for adoption by resolution.
(Next item: Resolution No. 06-029)
Approved on 1st reading May 16, 2006
ITEM 7B
Resolution No. 06-029
Adopting an Employee Business Code of Conduct
Employee Business Code of Conduct
Expands on legal requirements of the Code of Ethics and Conduct.
Describes how employees will demonstrate ethical and professional service in keeping with adopted Values.
Does not address every situation nor supersede existing policies – references applicable Personnel Policies.
Highlights of Business Code
Our relationship with each other
(diversity, workplace safety, etc.)
Our relationship with elected, appointed officials
(professionalism, political involvement, distributing information)
Our relationship with the City
(outside employment, conflicts of interest)
Highlights of Business Code
Our relationship with citizens and public
(responsiveness, respect for private property)
Our relationship with vendors and consultants
(gifts, bidding and contracting)
Stewardship of information
(information access and management)
Highlights of Business Code
Stewardship of the environment
Stewardship of public resources
Financial Integrity
Responsibility to report violations of ethics
Implementation
Conflicts Disclosure Statements
CSO working with officers, advisory board members
HR/CSO/Finance to familiarize employees with new requirements and complete statements
Employee Business Code of Conduct
Effective July 1, 2006
Training / round-table discussions with staff
New Employee Orientation
Amendment to Code of Ethics Employee Business Code of Conduct
Staff Recommendation: Approval
Amendment to Code of Ethics Employee Business Code of Conduct
QUESTIONS?