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VII-2 VII'-C-2 Memorandum To: From: Re: Date: Mayor Werner & City Councilmembers Melanie Mesko Lee Code of Ethics Proposed Amendment April 1, 2004 Q2..uncil Action ReQuested: Conduct the public hearing and second reading of a code amendment to Section 2.81 relating to the Code of Ethics requirement. At this time, staff has not taken any public comment on the proposed changes. Background Information: Section 2.81 of the City Code requires that those defined as "public officials" annually complete a code of ethics form, which outlines property and business interests and is intended to disclose where there may be a conflict of interest. The vast majority of "public officials" required to complete this form annually fill in the same information every year and staff spends an inordinate amount of time " trying to get them all back from the various officials. This item was presented to the Administrative Committee of the Council on March 8 for their consideration. Based on their comments, staff is recommending that the section be amended as noted below. This amendment would not remove the code of ethics provision nor would it eliminate public officials from being required to disclose the same information. Instead, it would provide that any public disclosure filing made by a public official will remain in effect until information on the disclosure has changed or until they are reelected or reappointed, whichever comes first. Staff members which fall under this provision would be required to complete the form at time of appointment and every four years thereafter, in the year in which the Mayor and two at-large councilmembers are elected. If you have any questions, please let me know. SEC. 2.81 CODE OF ETHICS sueD. 1. DEFINITIONS. As used in this ordinance. "Public Officials" shall mean only the following persons: (a) All persons elected to serve in any public office, or appointed to serve in any public office for the unexpired term of any person vacating said office. All appointed Commissioners serving on City Commissions. City Administrator. City Attorney and Assistant City Attorneys. All City Department Heads. City Clerk. (b) (c) (d) (e) (f)