City of Long Beach - File #: 06-1116

• File #: 06-1116
• Version: 2
• Name: Recommendation to receive the City Clerk’s presentation regarding the implementation status recommendations contained in the 2002 Ethics Task Force Report.
• Type: Agenda Item
• Status: Concluded
• File created: 10/19/2006
• In control: City Council
• On agenda: 11/21/2006
• Final action: 11/21/2006
• Title: Recommendation to request that the City Attorney draft an amendment to the Long Beach Municipal Code Section 2.07.010 [d] pertaining to "Code of Ethics Written Pledge" to be revised to read as follows: To avoid a conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest.
• Sponsors: VICE MAYOR BONNIE LOWENTHAL, COUNCILMEMBER, FIRST , Elections Oversight Committee
• Related files: 07-0075, 06-1309

Date	Ver.	Action By	Action	Result
11/21/2006	2	City Council	approve recommendation	Pass
10/23/2006	1	Elections Oversight Committee	recommend to City Council that the communication be received and	Pass

TITLE
Recommendation to request that the City Attorney draft an amendment to the Long Beach Municipal Code Section 2.07.010 [d] pertaining to "Code of Ethics Written Pledge" to be revised to read as follows: To avoid a conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest.

DISCUSSION
The Elections Oversight Committee at its meeting on Monday, October 23,2006, discussed one of the recommendations of the Ethics Review Task Force (ERTF) pertaining to a Code of Ethics.

In 2002, the ERTF recommended adopting the following language: "City officials, elected and appointed, and all City employees should pledge to follow these principles: To place the best interests of the City above all other interests; To uphold all laws, regulations and policies; To take no action for the purpose of benefiting the official or employee personally; To avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest; To avoid disclosure of confidential information obtained in the performance of their duties or in their official capacity; To exercise prudence and good judgment at all times; To be fair, impartial, and unbiased in the decision making process; and to treat each other and the public with respect."

In 2003, the City Council adopted a Code of Ethics, which mirrored the ERTF's recommendation with the exception off "To avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest." The City Council passed "To make every effort to avoid a conflict of interest." The Election Oversight Committee discussed returning to the original recommendation of the ERTF.

After much discussion, it was moved and seconded to the original wording recommended by the ERTF with a small change as follows: "To avoid a conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest."

This Code of Ethics is intended to enhance public confidence in their governing officials and goes beyond what is required by State ethics laws. It is a pledge, and there is no enforcement provision on the City's Code of Ethics. A...