§ 2-10-5. Acceptance of gratuities, etc.

A.

An employee may not accept, directly or indirectly, any money, gift, gratuity, or other consideration or favor of any kind from anyone other than the city:

1.

For the performance of an act, or refraining from performance of an act, that he would be expected to perform, or refrain from performing, in the regular course of his duties; or

2.

That might reasonably be interpreted as an attempt to influence his action, or reward him for past action, in executing business of the city.

B.

No council member shall solicit or accept, directly or indirectly, on behalf of himself or any member of the employee's household, any gift, including but not limited to any gratuity, service, favor, food, entertainment, lodging, transportation, loan, loan guarantee or any other thing of monetary value from any person or entity that:

1.

Has or is seeking to obtain contractual or other business or financial relations with the city;

2.

Conducts operations or activities that are regulated by the city; or

3.

Has interests that may be substantially affected by the performance or nonperformance of the city council member's official duties.

C.

Exceptions. The prohibition of accepting gifts does not apply to:

1.

A gift given by a member of the employee's immediate family, or by an individual if the gift is given for a non-business purpose and is motivated by a close personal friendship.

2.

Informational materials, such as books, periodicals, audio or video, or sample merchandise helpful as a part of the council member's duties in determining the appropriateness of the product for use as a part of city business.

3.

Unsolicited tokens or awards of appreciation, honorary degrees or bona fide awards in recognition of public service, provided that any such item can not be readily converted to cash.

4.

Food, refreshments, foodstuffs, entertainment or beverages provided as a part of a meal or other event in which the council member is attending or is a speaker or part of a panel discussion at a scheduled meeting of an established or recognized membership organization.

5.

Loans from established financial institutions made in the ordinary course of business on usual and customary terms.

6.

Voluntary, legally disclosed political campaign contributions given in accordance with applicable federal and state statutes to an individual covered by the provisions of this section who has announced his intention to seek elected office.

(Ord. No. 5206, § 5, 7-1-2007; Ord. No. 5344, 2-23-2010)