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11 <br /> <br />Public oƯicials must respect and follow the established procedures, rules of order, and guidelines for <br />conducting business within the City Council, boards, and commissions. They must encourage public <br />participation, ensure transparency, and support the eƯective implementation of City policies by staƯ. <br />11. Conduct of Public Meetings <br />Public oƯicials must be prepared for public meetings, listen attentively, and focus on the matter at hand. <br />They must refrain from interrupting speakers, making personal comments unrelated to the agenda, or <br />engaging in behavior that disrupts the orderly conduct of meetings. <br />12. Decisions Based on Merit <br />Decisions must be made based on the merits and substance of the issue being considered, rather than <br />personal interests, political pressures, or unrelated factors. <br />13. Communication and Disclosure <br />Public oƯicials must disclose all relevant and substantive information received from external sources that <br />may impact public decision-making. They must ensure that all communications regarding City business <br />are transparent and shared openly with the public. <br />14. Conflict of Interest <br />Public oƯicials must avoid any conflicts of interest, whether real or perceived, in the performance of their <br />duties. They should not use their oƯicial position to influence decisions in which they have a personal or <br />financial interest. OƯicials must disclose any potential conflicts and recuse themselves from related <br />discussions and decisions, as required by law. <br />15. Gifts and Favors <br />Public oƯicials shall not accept gifts, favors, or other benefits that could influence their decision-making or <br />give the appearance of a conflict of interest. They must avoid using their public oƯice for personal gain and <br />refrain from soliciting or accepting gifts that could compromise their impartiality. <br />16. Confidential Information <br />Public oƯicials must respect the confidentiality of information related to the aƯairs, property, and <br />personnel of the City. They shall not disclose confidential information without proper authorization, nor <br />shall they use such information for personal, financial, or private gain. <br />17. Use of Public Resources <br />Public oƯicials shall not misuse public resources, such as City staƯ time, equipment, facilities, or funds, <br />for personal gain. These resources should only be used for oƯicial City business, and not for private or <br />political purposes. <br />18. Representation of Private Interests <br />Public oƯicials must refrain from representing the private interests of third parties before the City Council, <br />boards, or commissions. They must not advocate on behalf of personal or private interests in proceedings <br />that involve the City. <br />19. Advocacy <br />Public oƯicials must clearly distinguish between their personal views and the oƯicial stance of the City <br />Council or other bodies. When acting as a representative or delegate, they must express oƯicial policies or