HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017 Annual Review of the City Code of EthicsCITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
INTERDEPARTMENTAL COMMUNICATION
TO: Honorable Mayor Pro d City Councilmembers
FROM: Barbara Delgleize, Ma
DATE: February 5, 2017
SUBJECT: Annual Review of the City Code of Ethics
At the City Council meeting of October 4, 1993, Resolution No. 6524 was adopted
approving a Code of Ethics for all elected officials, officers, employees, advisory board
members, commissions, and committees. The Code of Ethics (Code) was amended most
recently by Resolution No. 2016-73 to clarify the process for filing Acknowledgement of
Receipt forms. In addition, Resolution No. 2016-73 specifies that an annual review of the
Code should occur each year.
As stated in the Code, its purpose is "to set a standard of conduct for all elected officials,
officers, employees, and members of advisory boards, commissions, committees of the
City of Huntington Beach." The Mayor, City Manager, and Chairpersons are responsible
for accomplishing this annual review.
With this memorandum, I am formally presenting the Code of Ethics to the City Council,
City Manager, Chairpersons, and City Department Heads for their review and distribution
as specified by Resolution No. 2016-73. An explanation of the Code and link to
Resolution No. 2016-73 can also be found on the City's website under Transparency in
Huntington Beach — HB Open.
Recommended Action:
Direct the City Clerk to record in the official minutes that the Code of Ethics was
presented to the City Council, the City Manager, Chairpersons, and City Department
Directors for their review and distribution as required by Resolution No. 2016-73.
Attachments:
City of Huntington Beach Code of Ethics
c: Fred A. Wilson, City Manager
Executive Team
City of Huntington Beach Board/Commission Chairpersons
Board/Commission Staff Liaisons
H -83- Item 3. - 1
City of Huntington Beach
Code of Ethics
Preamble
The citizens of the City of Huntington Beach are entitled to responsible, fair and honest city
government that operates in an atmosphere of respect and civility. Accordingly, the Huntington
Beach City Council adopts this code to:
1. Describe the standards of behavior to which its leaders and staff aspire.
2. Provide an ongoing source of guidance to elected leaders, city officials and staff in their
day-to-day service to the city.
3. Promote and maintain a culture of ethics.
Pledge
On November 21, 2016, the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach adopted a Code of
Ethics, which applies to all City elected or appointed officials, city employees, and members of
its boards, commissions, committees, and task forces and requires the following pledge:
Code of Ethics
Responsibility
• I understand that the community expects me to serve with dignity and respect, as well
as be an agent of the democratic process.
• I avoid actions that might cause the public to question my independent judgment.
• I do not use my office or the resources of the city for personal or political gain.
• 1 am a prudent steward of public resources and actively consider the impact of my
decisions on the financial and social stability of the city and its citizens.
Fairness
• 1 promote consistency, equity and non-discrimination in public agency decision -making.
• I make decisions based on the merits of an issue, including research and facts.
• 1 encourage diverse public engagement in our decision -making processes and support
the public's right to know.
Respect
I treat my fellow city officials, staff, commission members and the public with patience,
courtesy, civility, and respect, even when we disagree on what is best for the
community and its citizens.
Honesty
• I am honest with all elected officials, staff, commission members, boards, the public and
others,
• 1 am prepared to make decisions when necessary for the public's best interest, whether
those decisions are popular or not.
• I take responsibility for my actions, even when it is uncomfortable to do so.
Item 3. - 2
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT PROCESS FOR THE
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
CODE OF ETHICS
• All current elected and appointed city officials including current members
of all city boards, commissions, committees, and task forces, and all
current city employees will be given a copy of the newly adopted City Code
of Ethics following its adoption on November 21, 2016 and asked to sign an
acknowledgement form at that time.
THEREAFTER:
• All elected officials of the city will be given a copy of the City Code of
Ethics and asked to. sign an acknowledgement form at the time of their
swearing in.
• All new employees of the city will be given a copy of the City Code of
Ethics and asked to sign an acknowledgement form as part of their new
employee, orientation.
• Each new member of a city board, commission, committee, or task force
will be given a copy of the.City Code of Ethics and asked to sign an
acknowledgement form at their first meeting.
• Acknowledgment of Receipt forms for elected officials and members of
boards, committees and commissions shall be maintained on file with the
City Clerk. Said acknowledgments for officers and employees shall be
maintained on file with the Department of Human Resources.
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CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
CODE OF ETHICS
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RECEIPT FORM
Name:
(Please type or print first and last name)
Title:
Board/
Department:
Signature:
Date:
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