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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEthics - Pt Arthur (Nov 30 2023) November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (c)2023 City of Port Arthur Alan Bojorquez Municipal Attorney based in Austin, TX Manages statewide Municipal Law firm (since 2002) Texas Tech University: JD, MPA, BA Former Staff Lawyer, Texas Municipal League Past-President, Texas City Attorney Assn Board Member, International Municipal Lawyers Assn Honorary Member, International City Mgt Assn Honorary Member, Texas Muni Clerk Assn Ambassador Award, Texas Tech Univ School of Law Author, Tex Muni Law & Proc Manual (7th Ed.) City of Port Arthur November 30, 2023 November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (2016) November 30, 2023 2 “It’s a Matter of Trust”– Billy Joel 2021 Survey published Americans that Trust Government to handle problems: 39% trust Federal 57% trust State 66% trust Local Why are we talking about this? November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (2016) City of Port Arthur November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (c)2023 Common Codes of Conduct Professional Codes State Law Port Arthur’s Code Quiz Today’s Agenda November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (2016) City of Port Arthur November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (c)2023 Part 1: Common Codes of Conduct November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (2016) City of Port Arthur November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (c)2023 Ethics of Reciprocity "In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12 November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (2016) City of Port Arthur November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (c)2023 Thou shalt have no other gods before Me. Thou shalt not make idols. Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD your God in vain. Thou shalt remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Thou shalt honor your father and your mother. Thou shalt not murder. Thou shalt not commit adultery. Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not bear false witness against your neighbor. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife (house, car, animals, belongings, etc). 10 Commandments November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (2016) City of Port Arthur November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (c)2023 Betty’s Law Thou Shall Not Embarrass me in Public! November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (2016) City of Port Arthur November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (c)2023 Part 2: Professional Codes November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (2016) City of Port Arthur November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (c)2023 International City Management Association Tenet 7. Refrain from all political activities which undermine public confidence in professional administrators. Refrain from participation in the election of the members of the employing legislative body. Tenet 11. Handle all matters of personnel on the basis of merit so that fairness and impartiality govern a member’s decisions, pertaining to appointments, pay adjustments, promotions, and discipline. November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (2016) City of Port Arthur November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (c)2023 International Institute of Municipal Clerks To so conduct my public and private life as to be an example to my fellow citizens; To be ever mindful of my neutrality and impartiality, rendering equal service to all and to extend the same treatment I wish to receive myself; November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (2016) City of Port Arthur November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (c)2023 Building Officials Association of Texas Accept no form of personal favors or gratuity for public services rendered and conscientiously avoid all circumstances that could compromise professional integrity November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (2016) City of Port Arthur November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (c)2023 American Planners Association Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct We Shall Not: As Salaried Employee Moonlight without Permission Accept pay from others related to our public job Work on project for Employer that benefits Family member Use info to personal advantage November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (2016) City of Port Arthur November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (c)2023 More Professional Associations Texas Police Chiefs Association (TPCA) At all times, members shall completely and accurately represent their credentials, including prior employment, education, certifications and personal history International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Recognize that we serve in a position of public trust that imposes responsibility to use publicly owned resources effectively and judiciously. Texas Court Clerks Association A member, shall conduct him or herself without bias or prejudice including, but not limited to, bias or prejudice based upon race, gender, skin color, religion, age, sexual orientation, national origin, language, marital status, socioeconomic status, or physical or mental challenge. Government Finance Officers Association of Texas (GFOAT) Support equity in service provision. Local government services are critical to the lives of our citizens. Finance offices, because of their resource allocation role, can impact the quality of services and how and where services are provided. I commit to valuing diversity within my organization and within my community, recognizing my own biases, and calling out unfair discrimination of any kind. November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (2016) City of Port Arthur November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (c)2023 Part 3: State Law November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (2016) City of Port Arthur November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (c)2023 Conflicts of Interest Tex. Loc. Gov’t Code Ch. 171 Local Public Officials (Members and Officers of Gov. Body) Applies if Official or 1st-Degree Relative Has Substantial Interest in: Business Entity Own 10% Voting Stock/Shares Own $15,000 of FMV Receive >10% Gross Income Real Property Own $2,500+ of FMV Must Declare (Through Affidavit) Must Abstain (Talking & Voting) On Any Matter Involving Entity / Property November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (2016) City of Port Arthur November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (c)2023 Incompatibility Common Law Rule (not Statutory) Case-By-Case Determination by Courts Conflict of Loyalties Conflict of Duties Can’t appoint yourself Can’t be own supervisor e.g., Councilmember can’t be City Manager, Mayor can’t be on School Board Thomas v. Abernathy County Line ISD (1927) November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (2016) City of Port Arthur November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (c)2023 Public Disclosures Tex. Loc. Gov’t Code Ch. 176 Applies to Local Government Officers Mayors, Council Members, Executive Officers Agents exercising discretion regarding Contracts Must File Conflicts Disclosure Statements (Form CIS) Officer or Relative (1st Degree) Receives from Vendor Business / Employment Income >$2,500 in prior 12 mos. Gifts >$100 in prior 12 mos. Officer Related to Vendor 3rd Degree by Blood, 2nd Degree by Affinity When Vendor is seeking city business File w/in 7 days of becoming aware of facts November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (2016) City of Port Arthur November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (c)2023 Criminal Offenses: Bribery Tex. Penal Code § 36.02 Public Servant violates the law if they Offer, Solicit, or Accept Any Benefit as Consideration For a Decision, Opinion, Vote, Recommendation, or Action November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (2016) City of Port Arthur November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (c)2023 Criminal Offenses: Gifts Tex. Penal Code § 36.08 Public Servant May Not Solicit or Accept a Benefit From a person subject to their jurisdiction (authority) Examples Health inspector receiving gift from regulated business Councilmember receiving gift from likely city contractor Police officer receiving gift from inmate November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (2016) City of Port Arthur November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (c)2023 Criminal Offenses: Gifts (Exceptions) Not Prohibited by Penal Code § 36.08 Item worth <$50 (except no cash, negotiable instrument, gift cards , debit cards) Given on account of independent relationship Family, personal, professional, business Fee for services provided outside official capacity Must reflect value of work Food, Entertainment, Transportation, Lodging When accepted as guest & reported (by lobbyist) Certain government-issued items Certain legal services provided to first responders Reported political contributions, lobby expenditures Unsolicited benefit: Donate to tax-exempt charity November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (2016) City of Port Arthur November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (c)2023 Criminal Offenses: Misuse Info Tex. Penal Code § 39.06 A Public Official cannot use For Personal Gain or Speculation Knowledge acquired by holding Public Office If data not available to the General Public November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (2016) City of Port Arthur November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (c)2023 Criminal Offenses: Abuse of Office Tex. Penal Code § 39.02 Public Servant commits offense if Intends to obtain a benefit, or Intends to harm or defraud another and Violates law regarding office held or Misuses government property, services, personnel, or other November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (2016) City of Port Arthur November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (c)2023 Part 4: Port Arthur Code of Ethics November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (2016) City of Port Arthur November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (c)2023 Port Arthur Ordinance No. 23-41 (Effective October 15, 2023) Assumption: It is essential in a democratic system that the public have confidence in the integrity, independence, and impartiality of those acting on their behalf in government Purpose: Promote confidence in the government of Port Arthur and enhance the City’s ability to function effectively. November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (2016) City of Port Arthur November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (c)2023 Port Arthur: Applicability Official: Mayor & Council Members Municipal Court Judges City Manager City Attorney City Secretary Members of Boards & Commissions Former Officials November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (2016) City of Port Arthur November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (c)2023 Port Arthur: Improper Economic Benefit Can’t take Official Action if benefits: Official Client / Customer Employer (current or prospective—has received an offer) Business Entity (has ownership interest in) Business Entity (family has ownership interest in) Must Disclose & Recuse §B.1 November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (2016) City of Port Arthur November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (c)2023 Port Arthur: Unfair Advancement of Private Interest Can’t use Official position to: Acquire interest in Impending Matters (upcoming transactions) Induce Reciprocal Favors (tit for tat / quid pro quo) Appoint Relatives (Nepotism) Obtain Funding for Nonprofit (if you’re on the board) Must Disclose & Recuse §B.2 November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (2016) City of Port Arthur November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (c)2023 Port Arthur: Gifts Can’t Solicit or Accept any unless: Special Occasion (as appropriate given nature of relationship) Travel Expenses (as authorized by city policies) Public Award (for service or professional achievement) Loan (from lending institution in the regular course of business) Scholarship / Fellowship (under same terms / conditions as other applicants) Admission to Event (when participating as an official duty) Campaign Contributions (lawful) Attendance at Social Functions (civic events / PR) Gifts (at social functions, eg, church, work, city hall) Bonus (as part of regular employment) §B.3 November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (2016) City of Port Arthur November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (c)2023 Port Arthur: Confidential Info Official can’t: Improperly Access Improperly Disclose / Use §B.4 November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (2016) City of Port Arthur November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (c)2023 Port Arthur: Represent Private Interests Official can’t: Represent anyone before board you serve on Represent another before City (can represent yourself) Represent anyone adverse to City (if you’re a salaried employee) Represent anyone adverse City (can represent yourself if not a salaried employee) §B.5 November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (2016) City of Port Arthur November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (c)2023 Port Arthur: Public Property & Resources Official can’t: Use City facilities, personnel, EQ, supplies for private purpose Exception: City Policy makes available to you / public §B.6 November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (2016) City of Port Arthur November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (c)2023 Port Arthur: Political Activities Official can’t: Influence / Induce Subordinates regarding political activities Be Compensated for Campaigning for a ballot measure if was involved in getting the item on the ballot Display campaign materials on City vehicles Generally encouraging someone to vote is ok. §B.7 November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (2016) City of Port Arthur November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (c)2023 Port Arthur: Actions of Others Officials can’t: Assist / Induce others to violate Port Arthur’s Code of Ethics Use others to Engage in Forbidden Conduct. §B.8 November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (2016) City of Port Arthur November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (c)2023 Port Arthur: Interactions w/ City Staff City Councilmembers & Board Members must: Remain aware of the lack of authority as individuals Not make individual, public judgments of employee performance Not circumvent the authority of the City Manager or attempt to coerce or intimidate employees or interfere with their duties §B.9 November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (2016) City of Port Arthur November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (c)2023 Port Arthur: Interactions w/ Public City Councilmembers & Board Members can’t: Speak for the Council or their Board Except as explicitly authorized by the Council, Board or Charter §B.10 November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (2016) City of Port Arthur November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (c)2023 Port Arthur: Review Process How the Code is Administered City Attorney Opinions (can be issued in writing in advance) Complaints (any person, writing, sworn, specific) Confidentiality (to the extent allowed by law) Notice (to accused, City Secretary, City Attorney) Review Complaint (by the City Attorney) Council Oversees (dismiss or investigate / hearing) Punishment §§E&F November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (2016) City of Port Arthur November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (c)2023 Home Rule Charter Council can’t: Try to Appoint / Remove admin staff (directly/indirectly unless in Charter) Give order to admin staff (publicly / privately) Council must: Deal with admin staff through the City Manager Art II, §8 Council can’t appoint relatives (no Nepotism) Art XVI, §3 November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (2016) City of Port Arthur November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (c)2023 Part 7: Ethics Quiz November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (2016) City of Port Arthur November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (c)2023 Scenario 4: Campaign Assistance Elected Official asks City Secretary for help. City Sec is asked to complete Campaign Finance reports for the Official during and after the election. That Stinks! or No Prob. November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (2016) November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (c)2023 City of Port Arthur Scenario 6: Let’s Do Lunch! Official has series of private lunches at invitation of 3 finalists for Solid Waste Contract. Contract is for a 7-year exclusive franchise. That Stinks! or No Prob. November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (2016) November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (c)2023 City of Port Arthur Scenario 9: Enjoy the Perks! City Official heads down the road to Dallas. They enjoy a suite at NBA game. That Stinks! or No Prob. Suite belongs to investor in a company that mows the grass at city parks & maintains soccer fields. November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (2016) City of Port Arthur November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (c)2023 Scenario 19: Moonlighting City Official owns a consulting business. Provides urban planning, design, and mapping / GIS services. Clients include local developers and builders. That Stinks! or No Prob. November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (2016) City of Port Arthur November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (c)2023 Scenario 20: Email is Easy and Free City Official has a business selling cosmetics. Official uses their city-issued email account (address / auto signature) to transmit a receipt to a client. That Stinks! or No Prob. November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (2016) City of Port Arthur November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (c)2023 Parting Words Make training a priority Be familiar with the law & rules Engage in an ongoing dialogue Network with honorable colleagues Know your place (your role) Remember you are part of a team Imagine your worst enemy learns Keep your eye on the ball Remember why you got into public service in the first place Don’t be so eager to please that you become your client’s problem November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (2016) City of Port Arthur November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (c)2023 Do your part to Foster a Culture of Integrity November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (2016) November 30, 2023 Bojorquez Law Firm, PC (c)2023 City of Port Arthur