HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019_01_29 Quiz 2 Ethics FINALQuiz # 2
Ethics
1. Under the Political Reform Act (“PRA”), with regard to gift limits, you must report a gift
if it is over a specified limit and may not accept a gift if it is above a specified limit. What
are the amounts provided for in the PRA?
a. Must report gifts over $25 and may not accept gifts over $500
b. Must report gifts over $50 and may not accept gifts over $470
c. Must report gifts over $25 and may not accept gifts over $500
d. Must report gifts over $50 and may not accept gifts over $500
2. The City of Progress is working on a study to find the best use for a two -acre vacant lot.
The City hired a consultant Busy Bee, LLC, to study the property and make
recommendations on proposed uses. The consultant completes and submits its report to
the City, including specific steps for environmental remediation on the property. The City
sends out a RFP to complete the specified remediation. Busy Bee LLC submits a RFP
application and is eventually selected. Is this a concern?
a. Yes, the fact that Busy Bee is doing City work may violate the incompatible offices
doctrine
b. Yes, Busy Bee’s contract to perform the remediation may be in violation of
Government Code section 1090
c. No, because Busy Bee is as an LLC and there are two different contracts, Busy Bee
LLC may perform City work
3. Barry Boss is the director of the Building Department for Energy City. Other cities are
interested in the City’s sustainable energy program where developers are required to install,
in each new residence, electric charging stations for cars and home solar panels. Luna
Solar Company, a private entity, is offering to pay for Barry Boss to attend a Sustainable
Cities one-day conference, put on by a 501(c) (3) entity, to speak on Energy City’s
program. The cost to attend the conference is $400. Can Boss accept the funding for the
costs to attend the conference?
a. No
b. Yes
4. If a decision creates a conflict under the Political Reform Act, the conflicted individual is
following the law if they (1) announce the conflict before the vote, (2) limit their
discussions to matters not in conflict, and (3) remain on the dais but abstain from voting.
True or False?
5. Board and commission members are exempt from the Political Reform Act?
a. True
b. False
c. True, but only of the board or commission is advisory
6. Which one of the following is not a requirement to be considered a “mass mailing:”
a. That the item be tangible
b. That more than 400 similar items be delivered in a calendar month
c. That public funds were used to pay for the mass mailing
d. That it features elected official via photo, name/title, or has their signature
e. That it was delivered to home, place of employment, or post office box
7. Failure to disclose “ex-parte” communications, when the Planning Commission is acting
in its quasi-judicial capacity may result in the invalidation of the Planning Commission
action and may subject the offending commissioner to civil liability.
True or False?
8. Fred McGruff loves dogs and has been active raising money for a non-profit called “Homes
for Howlers,” which cares for stray animals. McGruff is elected to City Council. As a
councilmember, he solicits donations for a Homes for Howlers spay/neuter clinic. A local
pet shop (Fancy Paws) donates $10,000 for the clinic. McGruff sends a thank you letter to
the pet shop and, at a council meeting, announces their generous support. He later recuses
himself on a decision involving Fancy Paws.
a. Was he legally required to do so?
b. Does McGruff need to do more? Yes or no?
9. Councilmember Tina Terrific served two terms on the Cool City Council and her term
ended in December 2018. During her tenure, she developed an expertise in affordable
housing. After leaving office, she works as a consultant on affordable housing issues.
Reasonable Homes, an affordable housing developer, has a project before the Cool City
planning commission. Ms. Terrific volunteers her time with Reasonable Homes because
they are a start-up. Can Ms. Terrific lawfully appear before the Planning Commission for
Reasonable Homes at its June 2019 special meeting?
Yes or no?
10. A valid complaint may be filed with the Board of Ethics for violating the “Guiding
Principles” set forth in Chula Vista Municipal Code section 2.01.
True or False?