ORD 668 03/22/2005 ORDINANCE NO. 668
AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A CODE OF ETHICS FOR THE CITY
OF CIBOLO, TEXAS.
WHEREAS, the Cibolo City Charter adopted by the citizens provide for the
establishment of a Code of Ethics for the City officials; and
WHEREAS, it is the City Council's intention to fulfill this obligation by the
adopting this Code of Ethics ordinance; and
WHEREAS, it is the City Council's desire to have all the appointed members of
our Boards and Commissions agree to abide by the Code of Ethics; and
WHEREAS, the City Council believes that this Code of Ethics will reaffirm the
City Council's intention to establish a code of conduct for all current and future elected
and appointed officials; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CIBOLO, TEXAS:
SECTION 1. The City Council hereby adopts the City of Cibolo Code of Ethics as
attached hereto and incorporated by reference.
SECTION 2. The City Council will review the Code of Ethics annually.
SECTION 3. Saving Clause. If any section, sub-section, or sentence, clause, or phrase
of this Code of Ethics is for any reason held invalid, such decision or decisions shall not
affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Code of Ethics.
PASSED AND APPROVED this c9szQ day of Ma C k\ , 2005.
4
CHARLES RUPPERT, Mayor
ATTEST:
YV NNE GRIFFIN, City Secure ry
CITY OF CIBOLO
CODE OF ETHICS
A. Code of Ethics
The office of an elected official is one of trust and service to the citizens of Cibolo. This
position creates a special responsibility for the Cibolo City Council member. The
professional and personal conduct of members must be above reproach and avoid even
the appearance of impropriety. In an effort to further these objectives certain ethical
principles shall govern the conduct of every council member,who shall:
1. Be dedicated to the highest ideals of honor and integrity in all public and personal
relationships so that every member may merit the respect and confidence of the
citizens of Cibolo.
2. Recognize that the chief function of local government at all times is to serve the best
interest of all the people. Members shall respect the confidentiality of information
concerning the property,personnel or affairs of the City. They shall neither disclose
confidential information without proper legal authorization,nor use such information
to advance their personal financial or other private interests. Members shall not use
public resources not available to the public in general, such as City staff time,
equipment, supplies or facilities, for private gain or personal purpose.
3. Be dedicated to public service by being cooperative and constructive, and by making
the best and most efficient use of available resources.
4. Not take any special advantage of services or opportunities for personal gain,by virtue
of their public office,that is not available to the public in general. They shall refrain
from accepting any gifts, favors or promises of future benefits,which might
compromise their independence of judgment or action or give the appearance of being
compromised.
5. Assure their independence and impartiality on behalf of the common good. Members
shall not use their official positions to influence government positions,which may give
the appearance of a conflict of interest. Members shall represent the official policies or
positions of the City Council,board or commission to the best of their ability when
designated as delegates for this purpose. When presenting their individual opinions
and positions,members shall explicitly state they do not represent their body or the
City of Cibolo,nor will they allow the inference that they do.
6. In accordance with the law, members shall disclose investments,interest in real
property, sources of income and gifts; and they shall abstain from participating in
deliberations and decision-making where conflicts may exist.
7. Recognize that public policy decisions,based on established values, are ultimately the
responsibility of the City Council.
8. Conduct business in open,well-publicized meetings in order to be directly accountable
to the citizens of Cibolo. It is recognized that certain exceptions are authorized by
Texas Government Code, Chapter 551, The Open Meeting Act, for discussion in
executive session,however any action must be taken in open session."
9.Respect and adhere to the council-manager structure of Cibolo City government as
outlined by the Cibolo City Charter. In this structure,the City Council determines the
policies of the City with the advice, information and analysis provided by the public,
boards and commissions, and City Staff. Except as provided by the City Charter,
members shall not interfere with the administrative functions of the City or the
professional duties of City staff;nor shall they direct/interfere with the ability of staff
to implement Council policy decisions.
10. Because of the value of the independent advice of boards and commissions to the
public decision making process,refrain from using their position to unduly influence
the deliberations or outcomes of board and commission proceedings.
11. Support the maintenance of a positive and constructive work place environment for
City employees and for citizens and businesses dealing with the City. Members shall
recognize their special role in dealings with City employees and in no way create the
perception of inappropriate direction to staff.
B. Compliance and Enforcement
The Cibolo Code of Ethics expresses standards of ethical conduct expected for members
of the Cibolo City Council, boards and commissions. Members themselves have the
primary responsibility to assure that ethical standards are understood and met, and that
the public can continue to have full confidence in the integrity of government.
The chairs of boards and commissions and the Mayor have the additional responsibility
to intervene when actions are brought to their attention of members who appear to be in
violation of the Code of Ethics. Therefore, the City Council may impose sanctions on
members whose conduct does not comply with the City's ethical standards, such as
reprimand, formal censure, loss of seniority or committee assignment, or budget
restriction. Under the City Charter, the City Council also may remove members of
boards and commissions from office.
A violation of this code of ethics shall be considered a basis for challenging the validity
of a Council,board or commission decision.
Cibolo City Council,Boards and Commissions
MEMBER STATEMENT
As a member of the Cibolo City Council, Board or Commission I do hereby agree to
uphold and abide by the Code of Ethics for elected and appointed officials adopted by the
City and conduct myself by the following model of excellence. I will:
- Recognize the worth of individual members and appreciate the individual
talents,perspectives and contributions.
- Help create an atmosphere of respect and civility where individual members,
City staff and the public are free to express their ideas and work to their full
potential.
- Conduct my personal and public affairs with honesty, integrity, fairness and
respect for others.
- Respect the dignity and privacy of individuals and organizations.
- Keep the common good as my highest purpose and focus on achieving
constructive solutions for the public benefit.
- Avoid and discourage conduct which is divisive or harmful to the best interest
of Cibolo.
- Treat all people with whom I come in contact in the way I wish to be treated.
I affirm that I have read and understood the City of Cibolo's Code of Ethics
Name (Print)
Signature Date
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