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O-2030-2-02�rnrmc.T�i:c�az�xl�aa�l ' AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALLEN, COLLIN COUNTY, TEXAS, AMENDING CHAPTER 2 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES TO ADD ARTICLE VIII, PROVIDING A CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PUBLIC OFFICIALS; BY AMENDING CHAPTER 2 TO ADD ARTICLE IX BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS; PROVIDING A REPEALING CLAUSE; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALLEN, COLLIN COUNTY, TEXAS, THAT: SECTION 1. The Code of Ordinance of the City of Allen, Collin County, Texas, be, and the same is hereby amended, by amending Chapter 2, in part, to add Article VIII to read as follows: "ARTICLE VIII CODE OF CONDUCT Sec. 2.215 Purpose It is hereby declared to be the policy of the city that the proper operation of democratic government requires that public officials be independent, impartial and responsible only to the people of the city; that no officer shall permit any interest, financial or otherwise, direct or indirect, or engagement in any business, transaction or professional activity to conflict with the proper discharge of their duties in the public interest; that public office not be used for personal gain; and that the City Council at all times shall be maintained as a nonpartisan body. To ' implement such a policy, the City Council deems it advisable to enact a Code of Conduct for all officials, whether elected or appointed, paid or unpaid, who exercises responsibilities beyond those that are advisory in nature, to serve not only as a guide for official conduct of the city's public servants, but also as a basis for discipline for those who refuse to abide by its terms, the overriding interest being that such officers of the city shall at all times strive to avoid even the appearance of impropriety. Sec. 2.216 Title; Application (a) This Article shall be known as the Code of Conduct. (b) This Code of Conduct shall apply to all officials as defined herein. (c) This Code of Conduct does not apply to employees, including those individuals employed on a full-time, part-time or internship basis nor to independent contractors of the City. The standards of conduct for employees are governed by the Allen Personnel Policies and Procedure Manual and City Charter. (d) This Code of Conduct does not apply to members of City boards, committees or commissions who do not exercise quasi-judicial responsibilities or responsibilities beyond those that are advisory in nature. L Sec. 2.217 Definitions ' The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them herein, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning: Benefit means anything reasonably regarded as pecuniary or economic gain or pecuniary or economic advantage, including benefit to any other person in whose welfare the beneficiary has a direct and substantial interest. Business Entity means any person, entity, corporation (whether for-profit or non-profit), general or limited partnership, sole proprietorship, joint venture, unincorporated association or fine, institution, trust, foundation, holding company, joint-stock company, receivership, or other entity recognized by law, whether or not organized for profit, which has an economic interest, or seeking such, in conducting business with the city. Business Entity also includes any business entity that represents a party conducting or seeking to conduct business with the City. Confidential information means any information to which an official has access in such person's official capacity which may not be disclosed to the public except pursuant to state and/or federal law and which is not otherwise a matter of public record or public knowledge. Contract means any lease, claim, account or demand against or agreement with any person, whether express or implied, executed or executory, oral or written. ' Corporation means any corporation that has a board of directors appointed in whole or in part by the City Council. City shall mean the City of Allen, Collin County, Texas City Council means the governing body of the city, consisting of the Mayor and City Council members. Knowingly means a person acts knowingly, or with knowledge, with respect to the nature of the person's conduct or to circumstances surrounding the conduct when the person is aware of the nature of the conduct or that the circumstances exist. A person acts knowingly, or with knowledge, with respect to a result of the person's conduct whether the person is aware that the conduct is reasonably certain to cause the result. Employee means any person employed by the city, including those individuals on a part- time or internship basis, but does not include independent contractors. Gift means anything of value, regardless of form, offered or given in the absence of adequate and lawful consideration. It does not include the receipt or acceptance of campaign contributions which are regulated by federal, state, and/or local laws or ordinances, nor does it include the receipt or acceptance of things of value presented to officials as groups or sub -groups. Officer or Oficial means any member of the City Council and any appointed member of a City board, commission, corporation, or committee established by ordinance, charter, state law or otherwise, on a temporary or permanent basis, operating either under the Ordinance No. 2030-2-02, Page 2 direct or indirect authority or subject to either the direct or indirect control of the City Council, who exercises responsibilities beyond those that are advisory in nature. Such ' term shall include the members of the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Board of Adjustment, the Building and Standards Commission. Such term also includes the members of the board of directors of the Allen Economic Development Corporation, and the Allen Community Development Corporation because such boards are authorized to expend local sales tax revenue pursuant to the Development Corporation Act of 1979, article 5190.6 Tex. REv. CIV. STAT.. Relative means any person related to an officer within the second degree by consanguinity or affinity. This relationship includes the spouse, parents, children, stepchildren, father and mother-in-law, or son and daughter-in-law, grandparents, grandchildren, sisters and brothers of the officer. Special Privileges means a right, advantage or favor of or for a particular person, occasion or purpose not otherwise available to others. Substantial interest means (i) the ownership of 10 percent (10%) or more of the voting stock or shares of a business entity; (ii) the ownership of 10% or more, or $15,000 or more of the fair market value of a business entity; or (iii) funds received from the business entity exceed 10 percent (10%) of the person's gross income for the previous year, and action on the matter involving the business entity will have a special economic effect on the business entity that is distinguishable from the effect on the public. It is expressly provided herein that an investment or ownership in a publicly held company, in an amount less than $15,000 does not constitute a substantial interest. Substantial Interest in real property means the person has an interest in the real property that is equitable or legal ownership with a fair market value of $2,500 or more; and it is reasonably foreseeable that an action on a matter involving the real property will have a special economic effect on the value of the real property distinguishable from its effect on the public. (Ownership includes any partnership, joint or corporate ownership or any equitable or beneficial interest as a beneficiary of a trust.). An officer is considered to have a substantial interest under this Code of Conduct if a person related to the officer in the second degree of consanguinity or affinity has a substantial interest under this Code of Conduct. Sec. 2.218 Standards of Conduct No officer of the City or a relative thereof shall: Have a financial interest, direct or indirect, in any contract with the City nor shall such person be financially interested, directly or indirectly, in the sale to the City of any land, or rights or interest in any land, materials, supplies or service. The "financial interest" contemplated under this Article and under the City Charter requires that the officer or employee receive an actual financial benefit from the transaction with the City. An actual financial benefit from the transaction shall include: (a) An ownership in the entity transacting business with the City where the ownership interest is more than ten percent (10%). I(b) Compensation as an employee, officer or director of the entity transacting business with the City where such compensation is affected by the entity's transaction with the City. Ordinance No. 2030-2-02, Page 3 2. Participate in a vote or decision on any matter in which the officer has a substantial interest. 3. Represent or appear in behalf of private interests of others before the City Council, or any agency, board, commission, corporation, or committee of the City, nor shall represent any private interests of others in any action or proceeding involving the City, nor voluntarily participate on behalf of others in any litigation to which the City is or might be an adverse party. 4. Accept any gift from any person that might reasonably tend to influence such officer in the discharge of such person's official duties. The prohibition against gifts shall not Ordinance No. 2030-2-02, Page 4 apply to: (a) a lawful campaign contribution; (b) an honorarium in consideration for services unless the officer would not have been asked to provide the services but for the officer's position; (c) meals, lodging, transportation in connection with services rendered by the officer at a conference, seminar or similar event that is more than merely perfunctory; (d) complimentary copies of trade publications and other related materials; (e) attendance at hospitality functions at local, regional, state or national association meetings and/or conferences; (f) any gift which would have been offered or given to the person if such person was not an officer or employee of the City. (g) an occasional item with a value less than fifty dollars ($50); (h) tee shirts, caps and other similar promotional material. ' (i) meals, transportation and lodging in connection with a seminar or conference at which the officer is providing services; (j) gifts on account of kinship or a personal, or professional, or business relationship independent of the officer's status; (k) complimentary attendance at political or charitable fund raising events; and (1) meals, lodging, transportation, or entertainment furnished in connection with public events, appearances or ceremonies related to official City business, if furnished by the sponsor of such public events. 5. Use such person's official position to secure special privileges or benefits for such person or others. 6. Grant any special consideration, treatment or advantage to any citizen, individual, business organization or group beyond that which is normally available to every other citizen, individual, business organization or group. 7. Disclose confidential information. 8. Engage in any outside activities which will conflict with or will be incompatible with such person's official position or duties as an officer of the city. 9. Use City supplies, personnel, property, equipment or facilities (whether tangible or ' intangible) for any purpose other than the conduct of official City business, unless otherwise provided for by law, ordinance or City policy. Ordinance No. 2030-2-02, Page 4 10. Act as a surety on any official bond required for any officer or employee of the City, or for a business that has a contract, work or business with the city. Sec. 2.219 Additional Standards I. No member of the City Council, the board of directors of the Allen Economic Development Corporation and the Allen Community Development Corporation who is on the board of a nonprofit organization may vote on any funding request by that nonprofit organization, unless the nonprofit organization has a board of directors or trustees appointed in whole or in part by the City Council. 2. With the exception of those proceedings allowed under this Article, no member of the City Council shall personally appear in such person's own behalf before the City Council, or any City board, commission, corporation or committee but may designate and be represented by a person of their choice in any such personal matter. 3. No member of the City Council, the Planning and Zoning Commission, or Board of Adjustment shall participate in, or vote on, any land use matter (e.g. zoning, variances, plats, permits) in which such officer has a Substantial Interest in any real property within 200 feet of the real property, the subject of the land use matter. Sec. 2.220 Disclosure of Substantial Interest Any officer, who bas a Substantial Interest in any matter pending before the body, board, commission, corporation or committee of which the officer is a member, before a vote or decision on such matter, shall file an affidavit stating the nature and extent of the substantial interest, and shall abstain from further participation in such matter. The affidavit shall be on a form provided by the City and must be filed with record keeper for such body, board, commission, corporation or committee. Sec. 2.221 Complaints Against Officers All complaints or allegations of a violation of this Code of Conduct against an officer shall be made in writing on a form provided by the City, swom to before a notary public, and filed of record with the City Secretary. Such complaint shall describe in detail the act or acts complained of and the specific section(s) of this Code of Conduct alleged to have been violated. A general complaint lacking in detail shall not be sufficient to invoke the investigation procedures contained herein; and anonymous complaints shall not be considered. The City Secretary shall provide a copy of the complaint to the affected officer, City Council and immediately refer the complaint to the City Attorney, who shall initially review the complaint to determine if the complaint contains sufficient detail and alleges a violation of the Code of Conduct. The affected Officer may file a written response to the complaint within seven (7) business days after the complaint is filed with the City Secretary, who shall forward the response, if any, to the City Attorney. The City Attorney shall submit a written report to the Council as soon as possible but not later than fifteen (15) business days after the receipt of the complaint, unless an extension is granted by a majority of the non -implicated Councilmembers. The City Attorney may contact the complainant, interview witnesses and examine any documents necessary for the report. Such report shall be comprehensive and explain in detail all facts, findings, and conclusions in support of the City Attorney's opinion as to whether or not a violation of this Code of Conduct occurred. When the City Attorney receives a vague complaint or one lacking in detail, the City Attorney shall contact the complainant to request a written clarification. If the complainant fails to provide Ordinance No. 2030-2-02, Page 5 the City Attorney with written clarification, or if after written clarification is provided, it is the opinion of the City Attorney that the complaint is insufficient in detail and/or fails to allege a prima facie violation of the Code of Conduct, a written report to that effect shall be submitted to the City Council. If the City Attorney determines that a criminal violation may exist, the City Attorney shall refer the matter to the appropriate law enforcement agency. If it is determined by the City Attorney that the facts as alleged could constitute a violation of this code of conduct, then the City Attorney shall, within fifteen (15) business days after receipt of the complaint, notify the Mayor and Council Members of the existence and nature of the complaint. The Mayor or any two (2) members of the City Council may cause a meeting of the City Council to convene, whether regular or special, within fifteen (15) business days after being so notified by the City Attorney to further consider said complaint in executive session. In any event, the City Attorney shall immediately proceed to fully investigate the alleged improprieties. For purposes of this investigation, the City Attorney shall have all of the powers of investigation as are given to the City Council by reason of the city charter and shall report back to the City Council as soon as possible but in no event more than fifteen (15) business days from the date of notification of the City Council unless an extension is granted by the City Council. Said report shall be comprehensive and explain in detail all facts, findings and conclusions in support of the City Attorney's opinion as to whether a violation of this Code of Conduct occurred. The City Council shall consider the complaint and the City Attorney's report at an executive session of the City Council. The affected officer may request that the complaint be considered in a public meeting. At such meeting, the City Attorney shall present a written report to the City Council describing in detail the nature of the complaint and the City Attorney's findings and conclusions as to a possible violation of this Code of Conduct. The affected officer shall have the right to a full and complete hearing before the City Council with the opportunity to call and cross-examine witnesses and present evidence in such person's behalf. The non -implicated Councilmembers in attendance shall conduct a hearing and review the complaint. The City Council may reject the complaint or take action authorized by Section 2.222. No action or decision with regard to the complaint shall be made except in a meeting which is open to the public. Sec. 2.222 Violations The City Council may take any one or more of the following actions in an open meeting concerning a complaint: 1. Issue a statement finding the complaint is totally without merit, brought for the purpose of harassment, or brought in bad faith. 2. Issue a letter of notification when the violation is unintentional. A letter of notification shall advise the officer of any steps to be taken to avoid future violations. 3. Issue a letter of admonition when the violation is minor or may have been unintentional, but calls for a more substantial response than a letter of notification. 4. Issue a reprimand when a violation has been committed knowingly or intentionally. Ordinance No. 2030-2-02. Page 6 5. Remove from office an officer, other than a City Councilmember, for a serious or repeated violation of this Code of Conduct. Removal shall be in compliance with ' the Charter and State law. 6. Pass a resolution of censure or a recommendation of recall when the City Council finds that a serious or repeated violation of this Code of Conduct has been committed intentionally by a member of the City Council. Sec. 2.223 Adoption of State Statute Chapter 171.001 et seq., of the Texas Local Government Code, as amended, being the statute which regulates conflicts of interest of public officers of municipalities in the State of Texas, is hereby adopted and made a part of this Code of Conduct for all purposes, with the proviso that, in the case of a conflict between the provisions of this Code of Conduct and the state statute, then in that event the more restrictive provision shall govern. Sec. 2.224 Limitations A complaint that an officer has violated a provision(s) of the Code of Conduct shall be filed not later than six (6) months after the date the complained sells) occurred or it is barred. Sec. 2.225 Interpretation of Content Any officer may request and the City Attorney shall issue, a verbal or written opinion (as deemed appropriate) concerning the meaning or effect of any section, word, or requirement of this Code ' of Conduct as it affects such person." SECTION 2. The Code of Ordinance of the City of Allen, Collin County, Texas, be, and the same is hereby amended, by amending Chapter 2, in part, to add Article IX to read as follows: "ARTICLE IX BOARD AND COMMISSIONS Sec. 2.230 Appointment; Removal; Applications (a) Any member of a City board, commission, or corporation including the board of directors of the Allen Economic Development Corporation and the Allen Community Development Corporation may be removed for cause as determined by the City Council after public hearing and prior written notice thereof. (b) Except as otherwise provided by State law, City Charter, City ordinance or bylaws, the term of office of a member of any City board, commission, or corporation shall expire on September 30th of the year in which such person's term expires or until a successor is appointed. Any vacancy in office shall be filled by an appointment for the remainder of the unexpired term. (c) The provisions of this section shall not preclude the removal of any member of a City board, commission, committee or corporation without cause by the City Council when authorized by State law, City Charter, or City ordinance. ' (d) Citizens interested in serving on any City board, commission, committee or corporation shall make application to the City Council, on a form provided by the City for such purpose. The City Council may interview available applicants for board and commission vacancies. Ordinance No. 2030-2-02, Page 7 (e) Every City board, commission or corporation including the board of directors of the Allen Economic Development Corporation and the Allen Community Development Corporation shall adopt bylaws governing their duties, functions, the date, place and time of regular scheduled meetings. All bylaws and amendments thereto shall be approved by the City Council. (f) Every person appointed to a City board, commission or corporation including the board of directors of the Allen Economic Development Corporation and the Allen Community Development Corporation shall be provided by the City Secretary with a copy of the bylaws for such board, commission or corporation and of this Article; and shall prior to appointment, acknowledge in writing the receipt and understanding thereof." SECTION 3. Should any word, sentence, paragraph, subdivision, clause, phrase or section of this ordinance, or of the Code of Ordinances, as amended hereby, be adjudged or held to be void or unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of said ordinance or the Code of Ordinances, as amended hereby, which shall remain in full force and effect. SECTION 4. All provisions of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Allen, Texas, in conflict with the provisions of this ordinance be, and the same are hereby, repealed, and all other provisions not in conflict with the provisions of this ordinance shall remain in full force and effect. SECTION 5. This ordinance shall take effect immediately from and after its passage. Provided the Code of Conduct shall apply only to acts occurring after the effective date of this Ordinance. DULY PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ALLEN, COLLIN COUNTY, TEXAS, ON THIS THE 21ar DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2002. ' APPROVED: Stephen Terrell, MAYOR APP OVEO FORM: ATTEST: ATTORNEY JuV Morrigbn, CMC/AAE, CITY SECRETARY Ordinance No. 2030-2-02, Page 8