Discussion Regarding a Conflict of Interest Policy and  Disclosure Form

As part of the City's recent strategic planning, City Council and staff discussed many possibilities for improving the future for the City of Ramsey and its residents; i.e. "A New Day - A New Beginning".    One of the outcomes of this process included a set of Guiding Principals listed below.  

As a means to achieve these guiding principals, it is critical that elected officials, appointed commission members and staff understand how their outside actions and affiliations may or may not influence the City.  The City may wish to establish a policy and procedure (disclosure form) as a guide to follow in order to declare and monitor conflicts of interest as they may arise.  The intent is to develop a sound policy with disclosure form to identify and disclose  conflicts of interest, avoiding pit-falls (conflicts of interest) that ultimately deter or prevent  the City's responsiveness to the public; alignment of goals and resources; success of the City; operating with clear roles, responsibilities, authority, accountability, and transparency; “win-win” strategic thinking; avoiding personal agendas; and taking action based upon objective analysis of the facts.

Staff spoke with the League of Minnesota Cities HR staff and Susan Hansen, of Madden, Galanter, and Hansen, LLP (the City's employment law attorney) regarding such a policy.   Both sources expressed that it is critical, from an employment perspective, that terms and conditions of  City employment remain unchanged and that conditions or circumstances that may exist are evaluated cautiously.  Staff will provide additional detail as part of the discussion at the worksession. 

OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES
The elected officials, appointed commission members and staff will:

1. Ensure responsiveness to the public (residents, business owners, taxpayers) that fosters an atmosphere of communication within and outside the organization.
2. Ensure alignment of goals and resources.
3. Take personal ownership for the success of the City of Ramsey.
4. Operate with clear roles, responsibilities, authority, and accountability.
5. Operate in a transparent environment.
6. Strive for “win-win” strategic thinking and planning under which interests and objectives of the city, commissions, and departments are considered; avoid personal agendas and department and commission turf protection.
7. Take action based upon objective analysis of the facts.

City Attorney Bill Goodrich will provide the City Council with his insight and advice regarding the best and legally defensible approach to such a policy and disclosure form.   He will reference the applicable laws that must be followed and offer his comments related to the pros and cons of the various options.  

There are several attachments for review and discussion; staff will be prepared to discuss the pros and cons of each.

To consider the best approach to protect the City against conflicts of interests while maintaining rights to privacy and adhering to all State and Federal laws. 

There is no funding required.

Future action will be based on discussion; no action is necessary at this time.