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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 11b - Amended Conflict of Interest Code DATE: December 4, 2018 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council FROM: Stephen P. Deitsch, City Attorney Prepared by: Lisa Mussenden, Chief Deputy City Clerk/Records Manager SUBJECT: RESOLUTION NO. 7237 APPROVING AND ADOPTING AN AMENDED CONFLICT OF INTEREST CODE PURSUANT TO THE POLITICAL REFORM ACT OF 1974 Recommendation: Adopt SUMMARY The Political Reform Act of 1974, Government Code Section 81000, et seq., requires every local agency to review its Conflict of Interest Code (the “Code”) biennially to determine if it is accurate or, alternatively, if it needs to be amended. As a result of the biennial review, it is recommended that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 7237 approving and adopting an amended Conflict of Interest Code pursuant to the Political Reform Act of 1974 (the “Act”). BACKGROUND Government Code Section 87306 of the Act requires that every agency adopt and promulgate a Conflict of Interest Code that applies to officers, employees, and consultants who are involved in the making of governmental decisions. The local agency’s conflict of interest code must also reflect the current structure of the organization and properly identify officials and employees who should be filing Statement of Economic Interests (“Form 700s”). The Code tells public officials, governmental employees, and consultants what financial interests they must disclose on their Form 700s. It also provides transparency in local government as required under the Political Reform Act. The primary effect of the Code is to establish conflict of interest disclosure and disqualification requirements for various City positions that make or participate in the making of decisions on behalf of the City as set forth in the Political Reform Act. Form 700s are filed with the City Clerk’s office on an annual basis and made available for public inspection. Resolution No. 7237 adopting an Amended Conflict of Interest Code December 4, 2018 Page 2 of 2 The City Council last updated the Conflict of Interest Code in December of 2016; therefore, it is time for the biennial review. In addition, since that time, a change has occurred which necessitates the adoption of an amendment to the Code. The proposed amendment to the Code includes the deletion of the Police Communications Coordinator position. This position has not been used in many years, and the services have been provided by an outside contractor whose duties do not meet the requirements for inclusion in the Code. A copy of the City’s Conflict of Interest Code showing the changes being made are attached to Resolution No. 7237. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS The proposed action does not constitute a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), and it can be seen with certainty that it will have no impact on the environment. Thus, this matter is exempt under CEQA. FISCAL IMPACT There is no fiscal impact as a result of adopting this Resolution. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 7237 approving and adopting an amended Conflict of Interest Code pursuant to the Political Reform Act of 1974. Attachment – Resolution No. 7237