HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015/05/14 Additional Information California's Open
+Government and Ethics
Requirements
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Chula Vista Giy Council Workshop
� May 14,2015
Resaued By:Cda�R Goo9i�s,Gty Attwney aM
Snm SNa.DcpRY GlY�ttn�V�n '
Presentation Outline
�
I. Open Govemment
. e�o�.��
. cwfca�ea '
. rw:m oms�re C��N
II.Ethia Overview
. m,.gmolm:vac
[�
. iayWro
. FavRV�
III.Training&erdse
N.Questions @ Mswers
LMG Quote# 1
1
"Oh, sweetheart,you don't need law
school. Law school is for people who are
boring and ugly and serious. And you,
button, are none of those things."
(2001)
1
I. Open Government
.
� rr:`:
�
6��%: .F, i _
I
The Ralph M.Brown Act
Cal.Govt.Code §§54950,et.seq. �
� �+Core Principles
° Local agencies can only deliberate and take �
actions at public meetings
° Public must be notified in advance of all
meetings and matters to be considered
• Public must be given access to information
and opportunity to provide input to decisions-
makers
° 6cceptions are limited �
Application:
Who is Subject to the Act? .
+
. Appliestoalllocal"IegislaUvebodies"andtheir � '
members
—City Councils and County Boards
—Boards and commissions
—Sub-Committees of a legislative body,wi[h
limited exceptions -
� —RegionalBaards
—BIDS and PBIDS Oer StreeTS and Highway Code
. Does not govem conduct of City staff
2
Definition of "P7eeting"
+
o Any congregation of a majority of the members
—at the same tlme and place
� —to hear,discuss or deliberate
—an issue in the subject matter jurisdiction of � �
the body
� o No action is required;"Mere"discussions qualify
o Includes inforznal gatherings, with or without �
public attendance or Gty sponsorship
What Else is a Meeting?
-Other forms of communiotlon constituting a
"meedng"include:
e Writings: Written communicatlon, induding e-
mails,between a majority of the members
o Serial Communications: a chain of
communicatlons from member A to member B, �
then member A or B to member C (until a
quorum of inembers contacted)
o Intermediary Communications: communications
behveen employees or agents on behalf of a
majority of inembers
- Examples of Each:
+
e Email between hvo Planning Commissioners
regarding their support for a project,with
copies to two other Planning Commissioners
e One Gty Councilmember to anoffier: "I've
[alked with so and so and he thinks. . ."
. A departrnent head telLs a City Council �
person that two other City Councilmembers
are°onboard"with a pending item.
3
W9eeting Exceptions
}. Not a"meetlng"if a majonry of inembers attend:
—Conference open to[he pu6lic
—Open and publicized local public meeting
-�pa n,notlred meedng of another legislative
Y
—Social or ceremonial event
—Open,nodced meeting of a standing committee
(but canR partidpa[e)
. Gray area: seek legal'advice firs[ �
—ORen advisable to nodce the meetlng or limit
attendance to less than majority
e Quorum s[ill can2 discuss city business�
Wieeting Exceptions
(cont'd)
� o Memoranda from City Manager or City
Attorney to all City Council Members
o Communications for purposes of
calling a special meeting or setting an
agenda
o Individual contacts or conversations
between less than a majority of
members and a member of the public
LWYG QUOTE # 2
"I want the truth."
"You can't handle the truth:'
(1997)
4
Meeting Rules
+
1. Proper Notice
. In Advance
-TL liaas RttiuFa�Meetin9
-24 haus Sp_•tlal Mee[Ing
. Indirate locatlon and time
. Descriptlon of Iterta to be Disassed
. Posted and Mailed M Those Requesting .
. Gty Counul Agendas must al'so be posted on intemet
Meeting Rules
2. Qualified Location
�Must be held within[he jurisdlNOnal boundaries of the
Gry,unles a spedfic ezemptlon applies �
'�dY with a law w murt arda
-��Y ww�v out9ae af tlry
_MWpyBgrymeeW9 .
-No�9 fmGry xitttln the l�ctbn
-Metla�9 wl�falaal a sbte ottitlak on a k9��Vre w
teg��Y Lmie
-A faoTiN outvtle W the GN,w1Ydi ts the topk of G�Im
-Or�i 25sm at legal mu�l's off�reQarNm peMUg
G[kpuon whai It nqAd 2Mxx la�(eg w msEs
. Locadon mus[be ADA acoesslble.
. Remote attendance by teleconference possible.
. Gty Charter 4308 aLso govems meetlng location.
Meeting Rules
3. What You Can Talk About
T
. Only items listed and deady described on timely �
posted agenda can be discussed or aRed upon
-Agenda must Indude a dear dewiptlon of each item
to be considered(geneally need not ezceed 20
words)
-Should reference what is wught mgarding the ttem
(approval,directlon,eK)
. If any question,better not to ad .
5
EXAfWPLES
+
o Good:
Resolution Approving Proposed Amendments to City
Parks Master Plan to Add Recreatlon Facilities and
Corresponding Amendments ro City Master Fee �
Sthedule to Increase Public Fa6lities Development
Impact Fees -
o Not so qood:
Parks and Park Fee Increases
IWeeting Rules
4. What You Cannot Talk About
�. Cannot consider,discuss,deliberate or take actlon
on matters not on the agenda
. Otherwise,only ap0�o0nate action is to refer item to
staff and/or for consideration on a(uture agenda
e Brief response,ques[ion or statement o.k.
e Limited F�cceptions:
—Majoriry vote deterrnines an"emergency'exists;
(e.g.cnppling naMal disaster,termnst act,or
major work stoppage);or
—Two-thirds(4 of 5)vote detertnines the need to
take immediate action exists and agency
knowledge of need arose aRer the agenda was
posted .
IWeeting Rules
5. Subcommittees
. The Act genealty appnes to all boards,commissions,
mmmittees aM other botlies aeated by charter,rewWUOn or
formal acUOn of a IegislaUVe boCy
• Applies wheNer Ne body is permanent w[empo2ry,
atlNwry or detlsbn maltlng
• LlmltetlE+tteptlon-Atrue"AdHa"SUbcommittee
-Comprised mlety of less Nan a quorum of the members of ' .
the appolnUng body;antl '
- Dces not have mntlnuing jutlsdiction over a paNCUlar
' subjec[matter
-Cannot have members of other legislative badies or oNer
3i°partla
- llmited tlu2tbn: Neally 6 mon[hs or less
• Marry9�Yareas. SeekGryA[mmeyadvim
6
Closed Session:
The Exception, IVot the Rule
+
. The Aa limits what can be disased behind dosed
doors tn spedfied topia and drevrm�nces
—��,a�o��m,r«rehamea o+�ww c§xsw.n
—aeai vmvertr e,�m�—a.��a r�c§sa9ss.s> .
-�mm9��qatw�[§u�s�.XaN
-nnmpa�f uogamn[s49ss.5@)1
-uab&N oalms(45a956.957
-Thr�i m PubBC Safe[Y/Servl�s[5495/(a)1
-Pu66c EmdoSre APV�bna�VEmpbyment/rMartarce
cvahenoNotsnv�/osm�Vadaise Isa9si@)7
-labor NttM�tlons(454957.fi)
Closed Session:
Not Available to Most
Boards and Commissions
+. General Rule for Most Boards and Commissions:No legal
basis for dosed session
. tlosed Sesion may be used In very Ilmited
drartstances by: -
-Ibhte Mome Ren[ReWex Cnrtimisim
_pldmi^9 Conu�on
-OW Sa��Canmmim
_gpard pt pppea�s
-BoNd a(EUu6
To d'iscuss final dedsions legal challenges or remands
. ONy go In on advice from legal counsel
Closed Session:
Confidentiality
+e Confidential information obtained during .
dosed session wnnot be disdosed oufside
the session
-Confidentlal informatlon indudes Gty negotlatlng
� posidons in real�te and labor talks,and Gry
wlneabilities or settlement posidons In litigation
. Only a majority vote of the legislative body
can authorize disdosure �
. Penalties for unauthorized disclosure indude
referral[o[he grand jury, injunctive relief,
and disciplinary action
7
Rights of the Public:
1. Attendance
iPublit must be allowed to attend,observe and
speak at meetings .
o Cannot be required to register,or fulfll any
"condition precedent"to attendance; name and
address can be requested,but no obligation to
provide
o Allowed to record the meeting with audio or
video recorder;take photographs
Rights of the Public:
�
2. Access to PNaterials
o�Allowed to review agendas and other documents
distributed to a majonty of the board
o If distributed less than 72 hours prior to
meeting,documents must be made available at
public location
Rights of the Public:
+
3. Public Comment
o Regular Meeting
-Agenda Items:Comment must be allowed;
reamnable dme limits can be adopted
-Non-agenda items:Agenda must provide an
opportuniry for members of the pu6lic to direRly
- address the legislative hody on any item of in[eres[[o
[he public wi[hin its purview
.No acLbn or Glscussion tan 0¢ur
.Can refer ro s[aff for Information;mques[a report bad;
request Item be placei on fuNre agenda
8
Rights of the Public:
Public Comment (cont'd)
+
o Special Meeting
—Must allow comment on agenda items
. —Comment on non-agenda items is pertnissible
but not required
o Criticisms and Complaints
—Must be allowed
—Disruptive behavior does not have to be
tolerated
o Important to Treat everyone the same. .
Violations of the Brown Act:
- Remedies and Penalties -
:Crvil Reinedies
-can ee trwyn�nr am�e�ad a�«on
.�m.aedamn xtim:m wid pau xss �
•InlurctNe«Detlaraaxy rse7ief:tn w�t tunire vNatims
-Pro�[kcd rcqulremencs a➢ov+opportiNN m are aM mrtect
actfm t2kbl . .
-Costs and attmcYS(�s may be awarded agah4 agary;Gty .
may remva rr8 rc lawsric is rrivdws. �
. GiMnal Penaltles
- Memba maY be suClai m niisdemearor Pa�altles If:
.RtteMS meetl�9 at whkh action taken vblaas tlre/�ct uid
.Nteds to deM�Wbbc of WomNtion
-'Arlim pken'h�dudes a m0athe CetlSlm,cnmMtrnen[n
PwNSe W a majoriN >
LMG QUOTE #3
+-
"Mister Hart, here is a dime. Take it, call
your mother,and tell her there is serious
doubt about you ever becoming a lawyer."
(1973)
9
Emerging Area:
Social Media and the Brown Act
�
e InaeasedRiskof"Serial"Meetings
. Increased Risk of Bias"Pre-determination'and
Due-Praess violations '
e Emails,TeMS,Tweets or Postr during meetings
deny Public Access to Decision Making Pmcess
e Brown Act applies,but no case law existr to clarify
how and when
Practice Tips for
Brown Act Compliance
+
�. AwldsharinglnfoahoutanoNer
muntll/mmmitteeJmmmissbn membe/s vlev+s;
z. Do not tllrec[or a emails ro a quorum or more of your
rountll/boaN mlleagues,or"reply all"on ary buslness;
n. Refraln form publk stacemen[s Qnduding use of soclal
media)that state fnal positlonson matters pendlig before
wu;
.. Revlew AgenOas In advance W meeting and Nlnk about
&ovm A�pammetets;
s Don2 disass Items erot on ageMa;In5tea0,refer them ro
staff far future tliscusvorts with mnsertws of yaur board;
Q DonR forget ro albw fw Wblic inWt
>. whm In doub4�nR aR;
e. Seek advke from Gry Attomeys oRke In advairce whenever
posslbte. ^ .
Conclusion
Essence of Brown Act
T
o City Council, Board &Commission
business must be conducted at
Public Meetings.
oAll persons have a right to be
notified of, attend and participate in
the meetings.
■ Compliance is key to earning and
keeping public trust. Takes
knowledge, discipline and integrity.
10
Additional Resources
ro Attomey General Website:
ag.ca.gov/publications/brownact2003.pdf?
o League of Califomia Cides Publication:
"Open&Public IV: A Guide to the Ralph M.
Brown Act"
www.caci ties.org/resources/pu blica ti ons
o Contact City Attomey or City Gerk
rfiai k f
Public Records Act
(GOVemment Code Sections 6250 thru 6270) _
Core Principles
+. The Public has ihe righi to see records related to
fhe public business-'DOCVmeni Transparency'
. Right to infortnation wnceming candua of people's
business mnsldered"fundamentalty and nxessary'
right of every person
. A'record"isany'Wridng'(6roadlydefined)
mntzining informatlon related to the mnduct of the
publi�s business,retained in course of business
6mmples: Stzif reports,mertq2nda,letters,maps,
spread sheets,emails,Form 700s,even your AB1234
Ceruficate "
Public Records Act
Exceptions
. E+icceptiors are limited and Narrowly Constrved �
-GC 6254 fists exceptions sudi as: daR davments,
�personnel files, privileged documents(i.e. attomey-dient
privilege), police reports/rap 5heM5, finandal data '
submitted by private partes for litenses/pertnits, trade �
seaets
� —GC 6255 Invufves a balandng of competing InTemsis - -
public benefit of disdosure v.need or dghts to privacy
—Dont have to produce(provide rewrds that donT e�dst w
where request is"unduly burdensome°
—Can Redaa Private/Confidential Infortnatlon '
—�Delibe2tive Pro[ess Records may a150 be exemp[
11
Public Records Act
Responsiveness Required
-I-
. A response must 6e provided within 10 days of reques[.
. Additlonal dme may be allowed if Recnrd requested
voluminous,diffmlt to asemble or require attomey
review.
. Additlonal dutles Indude:
- Provitle recartl more quid�ly If you can
- help mquester farmuW[e eHecVUe mquest
- FxpWin why rxnNS wlNheid
- C�n charge reawnable mpy fees before pmviding remNS,
butinspectlonisfree
- Can't[ha`ge for sfafl time unlp5s creating a record that
dcem't ewst and reques[er agrees in ativaMe
Public Records Act
+
Practical Tips
i. Be prepared to promptly disclose
records if requested
z. Communicate carefully, especially in
emails
3. Don't assume communications made
via private email or cell phone are
private if they relate to City Business
LiWG QUOTE # 4
+
"Stand up.... Your father is passing."
(1962)
12
Form 700
Financial Disclosure
[Government Code Section 7200]
o public Officials (elected, appointed o�cials
and manager level employees) are
required to disdose specified financial
informatlon
■This is done on a Form 700
a The Form 700 must be completed and filed
with City Clerk when assuming office,
yeariy, and upon leaving office
o Available to the Public on City's Website�
Form 700
Reporting Requirements
o Must report the following:
-Income(except govL income) �
-Real Property(e�ccepi primary residence)
-Investrnents
-Business Positions
-Loans(exceptinstltutionalloans)
-Gifts(rtwre Man S��any one giver/falendar year
-TravH Payments �
-&nines entlry ownership-10%interests or greater
o Rules qn be complex. Consult Form Instrudions or
FPPC for guidance
ETHICS
t
°The minute you read something you
can't understand,you almost can be
sure that it was drawn up by a lawyer"
Will Rogers
13
ETHICS
+
°People who try hard to do the right
thing always seem mad."
Stephen King,The Stand
LWIG QUOTE #5
1.
"You're gonna need a bigger boat"
( 1975)
ETHICS
+
n Ethics involves the rules(whether they
are laws or guiding principles) by which
we conducts ourselves.
o Ethics rules try to capture values.
Universal values include: fairness, loyalty,
compassion,truslworthiness,
responsibility,and resped.
e There are many laws which govern the
conduct of public officials and they try to
capture those universal values.
14
ETHICS
+
. Three Conceptr to keep in mind when actlng: �
_ —Pu[the public's interest above your ovm
—Obtain no personal galn from your positlon
—Treat people fairty
. Recusal v.PardciDadon(a balandng act)
—As elected or appointed ofidal you are in place � ,
to do the public's business
—Recusal required for ac[�ai conflic[s
ETHICS
+
We are going to cover wme of the ethicai
laws covering:
�. Conflicts of Interest-Hoiding Office
z Conflicts of Interest-Bias
3. Conflicts of Interest-Financial Interests
a. Temptations(Personal
Advantages/Perks)
s. Fair Process
s. CVMC 2.01 [Code of Ethia]
LMG QUOTE #6
+
°Uh. . . Everything that guy just said is
bull****:...Thank you"
(1997)
15
Conflicts of Interest-HOlding Office
+
o GC1099(Incompatible Offices)
o GC 1126(Incompatible Activities)
Incompatible Offices
(Government Code Section 1099)
-'t
o GC 1099 prohibits a person from
simultaneously holding two public
offices that are incompatible
o First step: Are there two public
offices?
—Does not apply to employment '
o Second step: Are they incompatible?
Incompatible Activities
(Government Code Section 1126)
�
� . GC 1126:A local agency officer or employee shall '
not engage in any employment or activity for
mmpensahon which is inconsistent,inmmpatible,
in conFlict with,or Inimical to his or her dutles as
a local agency offcer or employee.
e The local agency may define what is prohibited
and prohibit such employment(activity
o GC 1126 does not apply to elective off�e such as
muncilmem6er
e Commonly used to regulate City employee's -
outride employment �
16
Conflicts of Interest Bias
+
o°Common law"
a"Nepotism" .
Common Law
t
. ,,,e-m��w������,�-
seeks N prMibit a diut9on W byalry,ImdWrg Ne pu7c
o(ficefs duty m Ne Wtdic aM hls or her pers��al Ntse4s
• A77��when Ya are makln9 a tlttlsim or bian9 an amon
whce Y�G��I Intsest k yaced abwe ym dury af
M�b m me W�
. CmNnJ/�n whae P�oflx�rs fifw�tlal m47at may
be trrvahretl,a famAY memba,fiied,w dnse gmup ts �
4nahai in actia�
• Su61�t'aM ObJecti�e
Common Law
+
Practice Tips:
■ A self audit of one's personal interest
is required in determining if a conflict
exists
e A lot af times,this is mixed with
"appearance"issues-- Ask yourself,
what would the headlines read?
17
Nepotism
+
o Nepotism is favoritism based on
familial relationship.
o Implicates"common law bias"which
would require recusal
o Generelly, should not participate in
matters which involve family members
Conflicts of Interests
Financial Interest
� a GC 1090(prohibited interest in
contrad)
o Political Reform Act(GC 87100-
prohibited financial interests)
�PNG QUOTE #7
�
"Daddy's a litigator. Those are the
scariest kinds of lawyers. He's so good he
gets paid five hundred dollars an hour just
ta fight with people, but he fights with me
for free'cause I'm his daughter."
(1995)
18
Government Code section
1090
+
. �,.,,m«�,���m�����a
�������
. Ba9c Me:Of�[s tt �Y not m3ke u PartidNie N
rtiatlng a mnbact in th oREal mpatlry it Poia�%4�reresreE
' . Rava161wffrlenG CmUart k vdd. Vartitlpntion mry be '
uhN(ul oRaise anG rc9utre respnatbn.
. It Nee B a'ram[e IntaeA'the contrttt mn be rtaGe,bu[
otf[alaroM�muY ra�ae Nn/hvseL aM not P3��Nte h
airy�re�usr.
Rxli(e Tip:
. n�raosgar��a�N�Q emerrt r�m��?
. Th's 6 a trkkY azea. S�k adMCe in aMarce
Political Reform Act
+
���P���)
e Under the PRA,a"Public O�cial"may not
take part in any govemmental decision in
which the offidal has a�disqualifying �
economic interest.
" = A Public Official has a conFlict of interest
when it is reasonably foreseeable that the
decision will have a material financial effect
on his or her spxified xonomic inter�
mvered
o If there is a mnFlid recusal is required. ,
PRA —Economic Interest
+
. THIS IS WHERE YOU SHOUID BEGIN YOUR INQUIRY
. Economic Interests Indude: .
- e�s:ctiso.e s�P�tmes er w�+yvrm��u.+
-��o-.:act-o.c uaoo(n aWm soo rcc rts�lm a
- s�ai�o.e ssoo.�w�:�a a�,
- sa�,m dcas o.e s++o.mm�:�a a�
- Gas+ul Finartial9'cE�PameW 4m K�.�,a
IapEtic at Ue rF•gtinal a tn:qta.e fEmll y�,
C�L�N dl�a Ctt:t.t�Yy1�L'tl'.+WSm`m R 0'l�Y d�jNSG�d '
5150
19
Political Reform Act
(Government Code Section 87100)
�..
• memPCnasuen�etlamucCpanbtwee�mn�renarmimnerbE
. meaepso-cmae:
.a u•rezm�anv rwecade"wi ux ammn.�m w.e a r ia.i ercen -
0o xm rc me wot wimn mmnmi n�e,ae u�,w�Kn w sico x.
11 re,Nee 6 m rptl02 'RCssmaply Irc�nbp'k OtlIrcO In
R[yuhtbnl8]01.
.\Vd Ne lemndqy(ores�pk'IYa�al 91ac�e matc6p If yes,Nen
pMem b SIeV 3. P m�IIGt 6 n0¢n�'A. Na't�6Py stl YNS aR
1aM N RegWa(nn velYl.
•U�Me W���I EumWn@ W�N¢ma@�I fwrcNl eHeII m Ne
puG[MqaIS(mantlal Ntrmt k Metingu'slwbk fmn Ne tll¢t an Ne
pu�4 genera9y? V ya,Vm Nere k na mnlW. If no,Nm pmceM lo
Stt09�'�b'k gmenlly'k EU af In 0.eguNtion IBIOJ.
.1/,aRU zylyl�g Ne'Nrtc S�ep awly45'antl tletuminNg Ne O��IIc
OR�I M1s a mnNtt o!NIGtq aRTnt d�et[eptlm,M w stie mry�OL
WrttlNR. E�¢V��: aWEI[o'I�ImaYW�WtEmNnNStnnEln9 .
Ilce arJ41,J{a�fiµvtlon k kga%rtyu've Wrsuant N Wxmonen[ '
We salbn BJIOlaM PdJuNIM IB)VS
PRA
+
o Practice Tips:
' 1. Knmv your ecoiromic In[erests ,
2. Ask yourself—does the decBlon Impac[in any way my �
¢COnomic interests?
3. if It dces,renise yoursel!
4. when in doub4�asstsbnce w mnsidu reaial
5. Remember making a dalsion ls rtwre[han wGng,Ic is
indutles infiuentlng Nat dedslon
6. If recusing oneself-priw ro matter beUg discuss,stace _
basls(or rm�sal a�leave room.
LiWG QUOTE # 8
+
"YOUr out of order! You're out of order!
The whole trial is out of order!"
(1979) '
20
Temptations
+
. �
. rw�w w�n,/Gn w wm�r�m
. r�naa�.
. c�ts
. Haarare
. 7�yveyLnp9ing/peJmbur�rtm(F�ys�s
• Travel Pases
. Lms
. Gm{.egnCOntrihutbns
. Bdtas
Bribery
(PC 68)
+
. Bribery means requesting,aaepting or
agreeing to receive money or any ot{�er �
consderadon in exchange for your vote w �
action on any matter.
. It is a felony, carries prison time(2-4 years),
fines, and loss of office�and ban from holding
office again. May alw result in loss of
retirement(PEPRA).
Also,a violation of Federal law,which indud�
up tn 15 years in Federal Prison
Misuse of Funds/Gift of public funds
(PC 424/GC 8314/Cal.Const.Art XVI,§6)
t
. Penal Code sectbn 424 an0 Govemment Code sectim
8314 make i[unWwful[o ise'public furbs"for persorel
or�mpaign amvitlg
. May be char9ed as felom/mtsdemearor ana violatiore
may msult m jaiVPnson,Fines,and bar m holAirg offi�
. Public fiuWs indude:money,equipmen4 suppfies,
mmpen�[ed staff tlme,�ae of telephon�,mmputers, .
fax maUines,tt2
. Ulifomia Consti[utlon Artltle XVI,Section 6,pmhibi6
9iRS of pu61i6 fuMS.
All funds should be used for oublic ourooses
21
Mass IWailings
(Government Code Section 89001)
f
. FPPC regulaGons pmhibi[s mass mailings.Mas mailings
are:
1.Tangible item delivered by any means,[o a ersons
residence,plare of business,or pos[o�ce box;
2.The tangible item either.
a.Features an elec[ed offceraffilia[ed with agency
which produces or sends the maiiing;or
� b.Indudes Ne name,off[e,photograph or other
reference to an eleRed offuai with the a9ency that
produces or sends[he mailing;
3. Any of the msts is paid Por with public monies;anA
9. More than 200 subsWntlalty similar i[ems are sent in a
single olendar monN.
Gifts
-r
. Mus[report giRs of wer$SU m(wm]00 �
• May not accept gift wer�40
-GIR(sl rnv 54�0 in 11 monN perkq Is a fnarqal in[erxt unEet
Ne PPA antl yau may not wte an Ne matter
. fvreMMOXY�ISa`anpayn[mIRUW�'mla9iRm'emme
. wmvesecom.�smmmaen•re��mwms-wo-ssso
pMtle rymppaM F m3ttc
• �Rp[�OM1S:
— ReNrn�witNn 30 tlays
- Gfts fmn famip'membas
. - Gfts N MsF<m�M1Y
- E-0wl vaM1re 9fh(fnen65 mmindW ettlange),dR Ee nary
Gifts
+
. PRAPmhibi[ioncanno[acceplgiR(s)[otnlingmore�hanS�O
in a caiendar year
• PRA Recusal-may not parGCip3te It receNN gift(s)[otaling
$990 12 mmths prior[o Item being�tslGered - �
• PRA ReporGng-must re�wit gift(s)rotalirg a[more than$50
from a vrgle source
. n"gift"is airy paYment w othu benefit provided to an offitlal
Na[confers a personal benefit fw which the o�tlal dces not
proNAe 9oods or services of equal or greater value
. A giR intlutles a rebate a dixwnt In Ne price of anything
unless Ihe rebate or Gismunt is made in Ne regular murse o!
business to members af[he public
22
Gifts
+
Fxceptlons to Prohibidon aM Reporting Requirement:
• Gifts reNmed within 30 days - �
• Gifts from dose reladves �
� Unused ddcets
� Infortnadonal material �
� Personalized plaques
• Hospitaliry in a friend's Irome
� Two tickets to polidal w 501(c)(3) .
organizatlon's fundraiser
Gifts
+
Gifts exempt from Limit Prohibition,but are
repor�ble:
• Wedding giRs
• Praes that result from a bona fide competidon '
• Same giRs of travel within the United States(induding
travel within Califomia)[Be aware of Cal.Const.Free
T2nsportation Ban]
Gifts
+
Practice Tips: .
�. Keep track of items(Gifts)you are given. That
way you have information to know:what you
were given,by whom you were given,when you
were given,and the value(induding keeping
aggregate mtal). �
z Be wary of gifts�-low will the public see your
re[.eip[of the giR? w0 ii be seen as a bribe?
23
Honoraria
(Government Code Section 89502)
+
o Honoraria prohibited
o Honorarium is a payment for speech,
article, or attendance at event such as
conference or meeting
o Exception—If it is your job to give
speeches
Travel/LOdging/Reimbursemen[Expenses
(GOVernment Code Section 89506) �
1
o General Rule:payment for travel,lodging,and
reimbursement for expenses are mnsdered giRs
. Not considered giRs and not reportable:
—Payment fmm ano[her sG[e local or federal agency
as part of the employee's of�icial dutles for
educatlory taining,inteagency programs of
D��W�s '
—Travel for o�dal agency b�siness paid by Me
agency.
—Payment for travel ihat consti[utes a rampai9n
mntnhuhon-repoded as required by campaign
wnVi6ution rules
Travel/Lodging/Reim6ursement Expenses
Government Code Section 89506
+
o No Considered gifts, but reportable:
-Travel for legislative or governmental
purpose or an issue of sWte, national,or
international policy so long as:
.(1)in connection with a speech given by .
official within the US;or
a Provided by government agen�y(including
foreign govemment),educatlonal insti[utlon,
or 501(c)(3)(induding foreign organization
this is like a 501(c)(3))
24
TravelPasses
(Cal. Const. Art. XII, §7)
1
o Califomia Constitution pmhibitr gifts of travel
to public offidals by transportation mmpanies
. Applies to public officers,not empioyees
o Applies to inierstate or foreign carriers
e Applies regardless if travel is for personal or
offidal business' �
e Voladon will result in forfeiture of office
o Dates badc to days of Califomia Southem
Padfic Railroad's activides in 1900's. �
Loans
�
. Loans must be disdosed on form 700 -
-6¢pptions-loans from commerdal banks,lendirg
Irstltufims,or from dose famiry members do fmt
have to 6e eisAAOSed
. Cannot receive loans greater than$250 from aty
employees or from mmpanies with whom the
Gty mntracts—Advice: Dont get such loans
. A personal loan of over$500 to an elected offiaal
mus[in writlng,set forth the date of loan,the
amount,interest ate,mllateral,and other terms.
Campaign Contributions
(Government Code Sedion 84308)
t
. No Officer of a Agency may mlidt,accept,or
direct a�mpaigm m�tr�butlon of$250 or more �
while an item inwNingpe rtnit,license,or other
entitlement is pending,3 months after the final .
deCison,or 12 months before the decision.
. Thts section does no[appiv to munolmembers
uni�theY are sitting on 6oard separate from
Gty Counal
. Partiapation may be permitted if the mntribution
Is retumed withm 30 days of leaming about the
mntribution and pending matter.
25
Behests
+
o When a person donates for charitable, �
governmental, or legislative purposes on
behalf of or in response to a solicitatlon
- o Disdosure required
—When it is a behest for elected offivals
� —Donor makes payments toUling$5000 or more �
in a calendar year ,
—Charitable,legislative,or governmental purpose
—Disclose within 30 days of donors paymentr on �
Form 803
Fairness
r
a Hearings v. Legislation
o Competitive Bidding
ETHICS
Quasi-judicial v. Legislative
Ouasi-iudicial .
—Involves acting as a trier of fact-like a jury
—Due Process-unbiased dedsion-maker and make
decision evidence presented at hearing. Should
not advocate positlon.
—Ex-parte Contacts-Dixouraged. However,
. disdosure at a minimum.
Leoislative -
—Involves setting or recommending policy or
adopting resolutions or ordinances
—Can advocate a posiHon „
26
Public Contracts
Competitive Bidding Requirements
+
o General Rule-No competitive bidding is
required unless specifically required by
s�tute, local rule,or policy.
o Competitive bidding generally requires:
=Widely publidze
—Rovide ume information to everyone
—Apply evaluadon aiteria consistently
o Contract goes to lowest, responsive,
responsible bidder
Don't let the door hit you
+
o Post Employment Rules
Post Employment
,_
���g
-GC 8]5063 pmi0a�aYel Ofiida6 and Gry Mar�apgs are
r�tln9 en1'�persp��caaP.sn0 e��a �re.fmm
appeanng before w cmnuNmtin9 MN it�r fomcr agaxy
m InOUerce Ne EcY4n at ihe agecy In an adMN#raUve
' nle9'1aWeaNm
-CVMC 2.01.o30(Q(6�a StrMar ptohidTbn(a Boazd
aM CnmYSlm
- No In'himtlrn RvsveLne B�mbmia�[
-G[8]40]pwtla no puEYC aRrial�a0 make.�aN[Ipate N
rtekvm9,v uu IYS a ha ot6tla�lP�pn�9b90n m 6t(him[4 .
M�m� t�ie wlsfie �tln9,or nas anY ae2Me�ent
��]Vu�IM1e e�4by�n�
27
Post Employment
+
Pradice Tips: �
i. Be aware that aRer leaving office compensated
lobbying prohibitions apply.
z. When participaUng in any matter 6efore you,that
you should not be seeWng or have future
employment relatlonship with the person or party .
before you.
Decision Making
+
CVMC 2.01 Code of Ethics
+
. [n 2013 Ne Qry passetl CVMC section 2.01[Cdk of ENia]
. [t estnblisheC a mde af ethi¢whkh was tlMtletl Into Mro
wtegones-"GUltllrg Ptlndples"antl"Spetlfic Pmhibi[ions"
CVMC2010?O(Fl-"Gu'dnaPrincloles" �
- GuNirg GMtldes were mean[ro Ge a5yi2Wnal In naNre anC
tlo no[rault fn erctbns
.Set�Ms�aa4r4 d btxYUr-iiastctl slatlu6 rtpWaJ W Nw
•AvW M'phNk F tltlr�Nn nx4'q P�� 'R-�9�eb
rvwc z.m.a?oroso�rK v�oniaihm^
5pmfcNMip[msweremean[ropdJdtspsifrca¢ImsanG,
i(vida[a�,S�bJxI[he Gry Micial to a fvqvg o1 mtsmntluc[
ZV
CVMC 2.01 Code of Ethics
+ Practice Tips: ,
1. ReNew the Cade of Ethia. �
2. If you follow the Guiding Prindples,you wili 6e
(n a positlon where you do not vioiate any
. ethia laws-They facvs on ensuring that you do
not place your interes[above the public's and
that you do not personalty gain from your
posidon
3. If in doub4 ask for help
ETHICS
"Good advice is something a man gives
when he is tbo old to set a bad
example."
- Fran�oise De La Rochefoucauld
Ask if you need help
RESOURCES
�
■ Fair Political Practices Commission
(FPPC): www.fopc.ca.qov
o Califomia Attomey General:
www.caag.ca.us
o Institute for Local Government:
www.ca-i la.orq/AB 1234Com ol ia nce
29