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A. In addition to BMC 2.13.030, which shall be administered by the ethics officer, officials shall comply with the following standards:

1. Compliance with Other Laws. Officials shall comply with federal, state and city laws in the performance of their public duties. These laws include, but are not limited to: the United States and Washington Constitutions; laws pertaining to conflicts of interest, election campaigns, financial disclosures and open processes of government; and city ordinances and policies. See Appendix A of this section. Officials shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 42.23 RCW regarding contract interests. As required by RCW 42.17A.565, no official shall knowingly solicit or encourage, directly or indirectly, any political contribution from any city employee. Except under limited circumstances described in RCW 42.17A.555, no official may use or authorize the use of the facilities of the city for the purpose of assisting a campaign for the election of any person to office, or form the promotion of or opposition to any ballot proposition in a manner not available to the general public on the same terms.

B. Officials are also encouraged to comply with the following standards:

1. Personal Integrity. The professional and personal conduct of officials must be above reproach and avoid even the appearance of impropriety. Officials shall refrain from abusive conduct, threats of official action, personal accusations or verbal attacks upon the character or motives of other members of council, boards and commissions, the staff or public. Officials shall maintain truthfulness and honesty and not compromise themselves for advancement, honor, or personal gain. Additionally, officials shall not directly or indirectly induce, encourage or aid anyone to violate this code of ethics and it is incumbent upon officials to make a good faith effort to address apparent violations of this code of ethics.

2. Working for the Common Good. Recognizing that stewardship of the public interest must be their primary concern, officials will work for the common good of the people of Bothell and not for any private or personal interest, and they will ensure fair and equal treatment of all persons, claims and transactions coming before the city council, boards and commissions.

3. Respect for Process. Officials shall perform their duties in accordance with the processes and rules of order established by the city council and boards and commissions governing the deliberation of public policy issues, meaningful involvement of the public, and implementation of policy decisions of the city council by city staff.

4. Commitment to Transparency. Transparency, openness and accountability are fundamental values of the city and are also required by the laws of the state of Washington. The public has a right to inspect and copy public records unless exempt by law from disclosure. All materials relating to the conduct of city government that are prepared, possessed, used or retained by any official, including email and other electronic records, are subject to requirements for retention, protection and disclosure. Officials may assume that all copies of materials received from city staff have already been archived and do not need to be retained. Officials shall not discard, damage or destroy the original copy of any public record unless the city complies with the record retention schedules established under Chapter 40.14 RCW. In accordance with the requirements of state law officials shall promptly provide any records requested by the public records officer in response to a disclosure request under the Public Records Act, Chapter 42.56 RCW. It is the responsibility of the public records officer together with the city attorney to decide which records meet the definition of “public record” and whether or not such records are exempt from disclosure; officials must not take it upon themselves to decide whether a record meets the definition of a public record, that a record is exempt from disclosure, or to otherwise conceal a record.

5. Conduct of Public Meetings. Officials shall prepare themselves for public issues; listen courteously and attentively to all public discussions before the body; and focus on the business at hand. They shall refrain from interrupting other speakers; or otherwise interfering with the orderly conduct of meetings.

6. Decisions Based on Merit. Officials shall base their decisions on the merits and substance of the matter at hand and on greater public policy considerations, rather than on unrelated considerations.

7. Ex Parte Communications. In quasi-judicial matters, officials shall publicly disclose substantive information that is relevant to a matter under consideration by the council or boards and commissions, which they may have received from sources outside of the public decision-making process.

8. Attendance. As provided in RCW 35A.12.060, a council member shall forfeit office by failing to attend three consecutive regular meetings of the council without being excused by the council. Unless excused, members of boards and commissions are expected to attend all meetings.

9. Nepotism. The city council will not appoint relatives of city council members to boards or commissions or other appointed positions.

10. Advocacy. When acting in an official capacity as a city official representing the city, officials shall represent the official policies or positions of the city council, board or commission to the best of their ability when the city council, board or commission has taken a position or given an instruction. When a city official is appointed to fill an official role on a governing body in a capacity that is not dependent upon their status as a city of Bothell official, but, for example, as a representative of a geographic area, the official shall endeavor to represent the policies or positions consistent with those of the constituency that the official has been appointed to represent. When presenting their individual opinions and positions, members shall explicitly state they do not represent their body or the city of Bothell, nor will they allow the inference that they do. Officials have the right to endorse candidates for all council seats or other elected offices. It is inappropriate to make or display endorsements during council meetings, board/commission meetings, or other official city meetings. However, this does not preclude officials from participating in ceremonial occasions, community events or other events sponsored by civic groups.

11. Role of Legislative Officials. The council shall have all the powers and authority granted to legislative bodies, except insofar as such power and authority is vested in the city manager in accordance with Chapter 35A.13 RCW.

APPENDIX A

Chapter 9A.72 RCW

Perjury and interference with official proceedings

RCW 35A.12.060

Vacancy for nonattendance

RCW 35A.13.020

Incompatible offices

Chapter 40.14 RCW

Preservation and destruction of public records

RCW 42.17A.555

Use of public office or agency facilities in campaigns – Prohibition – Exceptions

RCW 42.17A.565

Solicitation of contributions by public officials or employees

Chapter 42.23 RCW

Code of ethics for municipal officers – Contract interests

Chapter 42.36 RCW

Appearance of fairness doctrine – Limitations

Chapter 42.56 RCW

Public Records Act

(Ord. 2182 § 1 (Exh. A), 2015).