ARTICLE VIII

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 8.01. Conflicts of Interest; Board of Ethics. 

(a) Conflicts of Interest. The use of public office for private gain is prohibited. The city council shall implement this prohibition by ordinance or resolution. Regulations to this end shall include but not be limited to: acting in an official capacity on matters in which the official has a private financial interest clearly separate from that of the general public; the acceptance of gifts and other things of value; acting in a private capacity on matters dealt with as a public official, the use of confidential information; and appearances by city officials before other city agencies on behalf of private interests. This resolution shall provide for reasonable public disclosure of finances by officials with major decision-making authority over monetary expenditures and contractual matters and, insofar as permissible under state law, shall provide for fines and imprisonment for violations. Further, the elected officials of the city will sign a "Conflict of Interest Declaration".

(b) Board of Ethics. The city council may establish an independent board of ethics to administer and enforce the conflict of interest and financial disclosure policies if deemed necessary. The city council may appropriate sufficient funds to the board of ethics to enable it to perform the duties assigned to it.