04-11-2016 BPU RPT 05 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

RIVERSIDE PUBLIC UTILITIES Board Memorandum BOARD OF PUBLIC UTILITIESDATE: APRIL 11, 2016 ITEM NO : 5 File ID –16-1042–Discussion SUBJECTUPDATE OF CITY OF RIVERSIDE’S PROPOSED REVISION TO THE CODE OF : ETHICS ISSUE : The issues for Board of Public Utilitiesconsideration is an update on the City’s proposedrevision to the Code ofEthics. RECOMMENDATION : That theBoard of Public Utilitiesreceiveand file the update on the City’s proposed revision to the Code ofEthics. BACKGROUND : On November 2, 2004, the voters of the City of Riverside approved Measure DD adding Section 202 to the Riverside City Charter and requiring the adoption of a Code of Ethics and Conduct for elected officials and for members of appointed boards and commissions within six months of the effective date of the Charter. The City adopted such Code ofEthics, by resolution, in July of 2005. At the September 23, 2014, annual review of the Code ofEthics, the City Council approved appointment of a nine-member ad-hoc committee with representation from each Ward to review the Code of Ethics and Conduct and forward recommendations on the complaint process to the Governmental Affairs Committee within 90 days. The City Council subsequently approved three extensions through December 31, 2015. On March 8, 2016, the City Council received a report from that ad hoc committee recommending that a revised Code ofEthic be adopted, by ordinance, and also that anordinance be adopted creating a Board of Ethics. On March 22, 2016, the City Council made a revision to theordinances, and is scheduled to adopt such ordinances at the April 5, 2016 City Council meeting. If adopted on that date, the ordinances will become effective within 30 days, or by May 5, 2016. Aspirational Values and Prohibited Conduct Similar to the previous Code, the proposed Code of Ethics ordinance sets forth aspirational core values for practice by those subject to the Code. However, unlike the current Code, the proposed ordinance sets out specific prohibited conduct. Complaints may only be filed for alleged violationsof the prohibited conduct, not the aspirational values. The ordinance details procedures for filing of complaints, conduct of hearings, appeals, and sanctions. Similar to the previous Code, monitoring and oversight provisions call for annual review of the Code by the Page 13