Governance and Ethics Committee

CONSENT CALENDAR

PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS

GENERAL BUSINESS

Presentation by Outside Consultant for the Review of and Recommendations Regarding Potential Adoption of Ethics Commission and the Approval of Proposed Changes to City's Ethics Policies Previously Presented to Committee

Summary

This agenda item involves a presentation by outside consultant LCW regarding a review of and recommendations for the City's ethics policies, including the potential adoption of an Ethics Commission and approval of proposed changes to existing policies. The documents provided outline proposed edits to several key ethics policies:

City Council Code of Ethics & Values: Reaffirms core values (Accountability, Fairness, Impartiality, Diversity, Transparency, Integrity) and 7 responsibilities for elected officials, emphasizing public interest, impartiality, disclosure of conflicts, fiscal responsibility, and respectful conduct. A new provision includes a signature line for Council members to affirm their understanding and commitment to the Code.
Behavioral Standards for Councilmembers: This document, largely a re-presentation of existing standards, translates the City's 8 core values (Ethical, Professional, Service-Oriented, Fiscally Responsible, Organized, Communicative, Collaborative, Progressive) into specific positive behaviors to practice and negative behaviors to avoid for Council members.
City Council Admonition and Censure Policy (Council Policy 047): Defines procedures for formal expressions of disapproval (admonition for minor misconduct) and public rebuke (censure for inappropriate conduct). Notably, concerns warranting censure must first be submitted in writing to an Ad Hoc Ethics Commission for findings before returning to the City Council for a vote.
Chapter 2.145, Restrictions on activities of City officials and certain City employees (Revolving Door Ordinance): This document, also a re-presentation of existing code, prohibits former City officials and designated employees from using their influence for personal gain for one year after leaving service, including working on previous matters, representing others before the City, or receiving gifts above Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) limits. Exceptions exist for non-profits, government entities, or transitional services.

The City has a long-standing Ethics & Values Program, developed since 2000 with consultant Dr. Tom Shanks, which has received national recognition for its comprehensive approach to fostering public trust.

Citizen Impact

These policy updates aim to ensure accountability, transparency, and ethical conduct from elected officials and City employees. The formalized procedures for admonition and censure provide a clear process for addressing misconduct, while "revolving door" restrictions protect against undue influence, ultimately working to build and maintain public trust in local government.

Confidence

high

other

STAFF REPORT

2026 Meeting Schedule: March 2, 2026, June 1, 2026, September 14, 2026, December 7, 2026.

COMMITTEE MEMBER REPORTS / FUTURE REFERRALS FOR CONSIDERATION

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Agenda Items (8)