HomeMy WebLinkAbout11 - Approval of Proposed Revisions to Various Council Policies - CorrespondenceFrom: Garrett, Errica
Sent: February 23, 2026 5:22 PM
To: Dept - City Clerk
Subject: FW: Res 2026-15 Approval of Proposed Revisions to Various Council Policies
Attachments: Brentwood Ethics. pdf
Errica Garrett
Administrative Assistant to
the Mayor and City Council
City Manager's Office
Office: 949-644-3004
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
From: Kathe Morgan <kathe.morgan@gmail.com>
Sent: February 23, 2026 4:51 PM
To: Dept - City Council<CityCouncil@newportbeachca.gov>
Subject: Res 2026-15 Approval of Proposed Revisions to Various Council Policies
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After reviewing this proposed resolution, it appears to be a simple policy re -statement of the
existing document in majority and resulting after a one-year effort by the respective ad -hoc
committee. After taking a look at several SoCal municipalities' Council policies, attached please
find the city of Brentwood's Council Code of Conduct Policy as reference.
Brentwood's document appears to be more complete and relevant with the inclusion of a more
developed discussion of Conduct with Media 2.10, Implementation and Enforcement of
Ethical Standards (section 3) including violations and censure - and ending with a required
Certification signature by each Council member. Their document also begins with a helpful
Table of Contents.
As a resident, I would also request the addressing of unacceptable practices of election
candidates such as the public disruption of inflammatory flyers circulated in our last
election. The city of Cypress is considering requiring the listing/disclosure of the top four donors
of each PAC on every candidate's flyer.
Thank you for your consideration of the above - Kathe Morgan/Newport Beach resident
Subject: Code of Conduct Policy
Policy No: 110-5
Date: April 9, 2024
Resolution No:
2024-37
Page 1 of 13
CITY OF BRENTWOOD
CODE OF CONDUCT POLICY
Table of Contents
1. PREAMBLE..........................................................................................................................
2
2. CODE OF CONDUCT.........................................................................................................
2
2.1
Council -Manager Form of Government........................................................................
2
2.2
Ceremonial Events.......................................................................................................
2
2.3
City Letterhead; Correspondence Signatures...............................................................
3
2.4
Travel Expenses..........................................................................................................
3
2.5
Endorsement of Candidates.........................................................................................
3
2.6
Conduct with City Staff.................................................................................................
3
2.7
Conduct with Commissions..........................................................................................
3
2.8
Conduct with Other Public Agencies............................................................................
4
2.9
Conduct with the Public................................................................................................
4
2.10
Conduct with the Media................................................................................................
5
2.11
Conduct during Closed Session...................................................................................
5
2.12
Use of electronic and other personal devices...............................................................
6
2.13
Conduct with Family Members.....................................................................................
6
2.14
Gifts.............................................................................................................................6
2.15
Use of City Council or Commissioner Titles.................................................................
6
2.16
Confidential Information...............................................................................................6
2.17
Statements of Behalf of the Council or Commission.....................................................
6
2.18
Treatment of Individuals...............................................................................................
6
2.19
Disclosure of Information.............................................................................................
6
2.20
Use of Public Resources..............................................................................................
6
2.21
Roles and Responsibilities of Staff...............................................................................
6
2.22
Adopted City Policies...................................................................................................
7
2.23
Brown Act....................................................................................................................
7
3. IMPLEMENTATION AND ENFORCEMENT.......................................................................
7
3.1
General........................................................................................................................7
3.2
Violations.....................................................................................................................7
c)
City Council Discussion; Admonition or Sanction.............................................................
9
d)
Censure...........................................................................................................................9
e)
Censure Hearing............................................................................................................10
CERTIFICATION......................................................................................................................11
Subject: Code of Conduct Policy
Policy No: 110-5
Date: April 9, 2024
Resolution No:
2024-37
Page 2 of 13
1. PREAMBLE
It is the intent of this Code of Conduct Policy ("Policy") to promote and maintain fair, ethical, and
accountable local government for the City of Brentwood ("City"). The people of Brentwood expect
public officials to comply with both the letter and the spirit of the laws of the United States of
America and of the State of California; the Brentwood Municipal Code; and established policies
of the City affecting the operations of local government. All persons covered by this Policy will
aspire to meet the highest ethical standards in discharging their responsibilities as elected officials
of the City.
This Policy addresses various aspects related to the governance of the City of Brentwood and
supplements, but does not supplant, other laws and rules regarding the legal responsibilities of
City officials. These include, but are not limited to, the Federal and State Constitutions; various
provisions of the California Government Code (such as the Brown Act and the Political Reform
Act); laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment; and the City of Brentwood Municipal Code.
Elected officials are expected to be familiar with these laws to ensure that they exercise their
public responsibilities in a proper fashion.
While it is not possible to anticipate and provide a rule of conduct for all situations that public
officials may face, this Policy is designed to provide a framework to guide public officials in their
daily duties.
In this Policy, the term "City Council" or "Council Members" includes all member of the City
Council, including the Mayor and Vice -Mayor, unless the context requires otherwise. Sections 3
of this Policy apply to Council Members acting in their official capacities and in the discharge of
their duties. Section 2 apply to the City Council and Commissions..
In addition to the Code of Conduct Policy, attached are Statements of Values and Ethics adopted
by the City Council.
2. CODE OF CONDUCT
2.1 Council -Manager Form of Government. The City of Brentwood municipal government
operates under a council-manager form of government as established by the Municipal Code.
Under this form of government, the Council provides legislative direction, sets City policy, and
monitors its execution by the City Manager and Staff.
The City Manager serves as the City's chief executive officer and is responsible for directing the
operations of the City. Key provisions of the City of Brentwood Council -Manager form of
government are outlined in the Brentwood Municipal Code.
2.2 Ceremonial Events. Requests for a City representative at ceremonial events will be
coordinated by City staff. Invitations received at City Hall are initially presumed to be for official
City representation. Invitations addressed to Council Members at their homes are presumed to
be for unofficial, personal consideration.
The Mayor will serve as the designated City representative. If the Mayor is unavailable, then the
Vice -Mayor will be asked to attend. If the Mayor and Vice -Mayor are both unavailable, then City
staff will determine if event organizers would like another representative from the City Council.
(See Policy 110-1, Section 3.3.)
Subject: Code of Conduct Policy
Policy No: 110-5
Date: April 9, 2024
Resolution No:
2024-37
Page 3 of 13
2.3 City Letterhead; Correspondence Signatures.
a) City Letterhead. The use of City letterhead is only for official City business. The
Mayor or an official designee is authorized to sign letters and various other documents on
City letterhead for the following matters:
• Letters of commendation or appreciation.
• Responses to invitations.
• Cover letters accompanying ceremonial actions or official document submittals
• Letters supporting the League of California Cities position on a matter, unless the
City Council has taken a contrary position.
• Letters supporting legislation related to approved City projects.
• Supplies of City letterhead stationery, including electronic versions, may not be
given or utilized by individual Council, or Commission members.
b) Correspondence Signatures. City staff may prepare official letters in response to
public inquiries and concerns when addressed to the Mayor and/or City Council. These
letters will carry the signature of the Mayor unless the Mayor requests that they be signed
by another Council Member or City staff. If correspondence is addressed only to one
Council Member, that Council Member should check with the City Manager on the best
way to respond to the sender ensuring the response is consistent with City policy and
Council direction.
2.4 Travel Expenses. The policies and procedures related to the reimbursement of travel
expenses for official City business by Council Members and City Commissioners are outlined in
the City's Travel Policy and Procedures. (See Council/Administrative Travel Policy No.20-4.)
2.5 Endorsement of Candidates. Council Members and City Commissioners have the right
to endorse candidates for all Council seats or other elected offices. It is inappropriate to mention
endorsements during Council meetings or other official City meetings.
2.6 Conduct with City Staff. The City Council shall deal with the City staff solely through the
City Manager or City Attorney and pursuant to Brentwood Municipal Code §§2.36.070 and
2.37.050 as may be applicable. City Commissioners shall deal with the City staff solely through
the Department Director or staff person assigned as liaison to the particular Commission. If a City
Council member or City Commissioner has a concern about the performance of a City employee,
it will not be expressed in public, to the employee directly or to the employee's manager. Instead,
all comments will be made privately to either the City Manager or City Attorney, as appropriate.
2.7 Conduct with Commissions. The City has established several Commissions as a means
of gathering more community input. Citizens who serve on Commissions become more involved
in government and serve as advisors to the City Council. They are a valuable resource to the
City's leadership and should be treated with appreciation and respect.
a) If a Council Member attends a Commission meeting and wishes to speak, they
should state clearly whether they represent the view of the Council as a whole or
is speaking on behalf of themselves or another person.
Subject: Code of Conduct Policy
Policy No: 110-5
Date: April 9, 2024
Resolution No:
2024-37
Page 4 of 13
b) Limit contact with Commission members to questions of clarification. It is
inappropriate for a Council Member to contact a Commission member to lobby on
behalf of an individual, business, or developer.
c) Commissions represent and serve the whole community. Commission members
are not answerable to an individual Council Member.
d) A primary role of Commissions is to represent many points of view in the
community and to provide the Council with advice based on a full spectrum of
concerns and perspectives.
Inappropriate behavior by a Commission member should be noted to the Mayor, and the Mayor
should counsel the offending member. If inappropriate behavior continues, the Mayor should bring
the situation to the attention of the Council and the individual is subject to removal from the
Commission. Inappropriate behavior by a Commissioner can lead to removal, under the Municipal
Code.
City Council Members must endeavor to follow the above process. Where a Council Member
making the allegation first discussed the matter with a Council Member other than the Mayor, then
the Council Member may, at least a week before the publication of the next City Council meeting,
ask the City Manager to place the matter on the next City Council Agenda for discussion under
Future Agenda Items.
2.8 Conduct with Other Public Agencies. When meeting with or appearing before another
public agency (including a semi -pubic agency), a Council Member must be clear about whether
the member is representing the City or their personal interests. If a Council Member appears
before another public agency or organization to give a statement on an issue, the Council Member
must clearly state whether their statement reflects personal opinion or is the official stance of the
City.
If the Council Member is designated by the City Council to represent the City, the Council Member
must support and advocate the official City position on an issue, not a personal viewpoint. If the
Council Member is representing another organization whose position is different from the City,
the Council Member should withdraw from voting on the issue if it significantly impacts or is
detrimental to the City's interest. Council Members should be clear about which organizations
they represent and inform the Mayor and Council of their involvement. Commissioners shall not
appear before another public agency or group as a representative of the City unless designated
to do so. If a Commissioner makes a public statement during a public meeting or to another
organization, they shall not use their City title as a Commissioner.
2.9 Conduct with the Public.
a. In Public Meetings. Making the public feel welcome is an important part of the
democratic process. No signs of partiality, prejudice or disrespect should be
evident on the part of individual Council Members toward an individual participating
in a public forum. Every effort should be made to be fair and impartial in listening
to public testimony.
1) Be welcoming to speakers and treat them with respect.
Subject: Code of Conduct Policy
Policy No: 110-5
Date: April 9, 2024
Resolution No:
2024-37
Page 5 of 13
2) Be fair and equitable in allocating public hearing time to individual
speakers.
3) Be an active listener.
4) Ask clarifying questions seeking to understand, but avoid debate and
argument with the public.
5) Council Members' and Commissioners' personal opinions or inclinations
about upcoming votes should not be revealed until after the public hearing
or public comment is closed.
6) Avoid personal attacks of any kind, under any circumstances.
2.10 Conduct with the Media. Council Members are frequently contacted by the media for
background and quotes. Typically, the Mayor is the designated representative of the Council to
present and speak on the official City position. However, if the media contacts an individual
Council Member, the Council Member should be clear about whether their comments represent
the official
City position or a personal viewpoint. Commissioners are not authorized to make statements to
the media on behalf of the City or the Planning Commission, and should be clear that they are
not representing an official position or viewpoint of the City if approached by a member of the
media.
2.11 Conduct during Closed Session. Closed sessions are meetings conducted in private
without the attendance of the public or press, as authorized by law. They are permitted for specific
purposes as part of a regular or special meeting, and during an emergency meeting to consider
threats to public facilities and services. Courts construe the statutory basis for closed sessions
narrowly. To preserve the confidentiality of closed sessions, only essential staff may be present
during a closed session.
a) No person may disclose confidential information that has been acquired by being
present in an authorized closed session to a person not entitled to receive that
confidential information, unless the legislative body authorizes disclosure of that
confidential information.
b) "Confidential information" means a communication made in a closed session that
is specifically related to the basis for the legislative body of a local agency to meet
lawfully in closed session.
c) All documentation provided for or during a closed session is confidential and shall
not be shared for any reason with anyone not authorized to participate in the closed
session. Documents distributed during closed session or notes taken shall be
returned as directed by the City Attorney.
Subject: Code of Conduct Policy
Policy No: 110-5
Date: April 9, 2024
Resolution No:
2024-37
Page 6 of 13
d) City Councilmembers shall not use an electronic device to communicate with
anyone during closed session. This notwithstanding, if, due to an emergency, a
member of the City Council receives an electronic communication in the course of
a closed session, they shall remove themselves from the meeting room to
communicate with another individual.
2.12 Use of electronic and other personal devices.
a) City computers are provided as a convenience for City Council and Commissioners
to review presentations and publically available information included in staff
reports. Use of City computers or personal devices shall not be used for
communication purposes during a meeting
2.13 Conduct with Family Members. City Council and City Commissioners shall recuse
themselves from participating in decisions when an immediate family's financial interests may be
affected by an action of the body consistent with state law and city policies. Immediate family
members includes anyone that resides with a City Council member or City Commissioner and/or
a spouse, domestic partner, parent, grandparent, child or sibling.
2.14 Gifts. City Council and City Commissioner shall not accept gifts, services or other special
considerations for personal benefit because of their public position, consistent with state law and
city policies.
2.15 Use of City Council or Commissioner Titles. Title(s) are only used when conducting
official City business, for information purposes, or as an indication of background and expertise,
and only after carefully considering whether the use of such titles would exceed or appear to
exceed authority granted Council Member's or Commissioner's.
2.16 Confidential Information. Disclosing confidential information concerning litigation,
personnel, property, or other affairs of the City, without proper authority is prohibited and shall not
be used to advance one's financial or other personal interests.
2.17 Statements of Behalf of the Council or Commission. City Council and Commissioners
shall not make promises on behalf of their colleagues without their concurrence at a duly noticed
public meeting.
2.18 Treatment of Individuals. All persons, claims, and transactions shall be treated in a fair
and equitable manner and decisions based on the merits of the issue.
2.19 Disclosure of Information. If a member of the City Council or Commission receives
substantive information that is relevant to a matter under consideration from sources outside the
public decision -making process, that information should be shared with all colleagues and staff.
2.20 Use of Public Resources. The use of public resources, such as City staff time,
equipment, supplies or facilities, for private gain or personal purposes is prohibited.
2.21 Roles and Responsibilities of Staff. City Council and Commissioners respect the
distinction between the role of office holder and staff, and should involve staff in meetings with
individuals, those with business before the City, officials from other agencies and legislators to
ensure proper staff support and to keep staff informed.
Subject: Code of Conduct Policy
Policy No: 110-5
Date: April 9, 2024
Resolution No:
2024-37
Page 7 of 13
2.22 Adopted City Policies. City Council and Commissioners shall follow all established City
policies and guidelines.
2.23 Brown Act. Nothing in this policy shall be construed to authorize conduct that would be
prohibited under the Brown Act, codified at Government Code Section 54950, et seq.
3. IMPLEMENTATION AND ENFORCEMENT
3.1 General. City of Brentwood elected officials have the primary responsibility to assure that
ethical standards are understood and met, and that the public can continue to have full confidence
in the integrity of government. This Policy will be most effective when the elected officials are
thoroughly familiar with it and embrace its provisions.
Upon adoption of this Policy, all current elected officials shall be given a copy of it and asked to
certify, in writing, that they have received the Policy, understand its provisions, and pledge to
conduct themselves by the Policy. All new members of the City Council, upon election or
reelection, shall be given a copy of the Policy and are required to certify, in writing, they have
received it, and understand its provisions, and pledge to conduct themselves by the Policy. (See
Attachment 1.
This Policy is intended to be a reflection of the City Council's Statement of Values and Ethics in
concurrence with those of the employees of the City of Brentwood and, as appropriate, may be
enforced by the Council through Section 3.2 below.
3.2 Violations. The provisions of this Section 3.2 apply exclusively to the Mayor and Council
Members, and do not extend to members of City Commissions. Violations by Commissioners of
this Policy or any other applicable City Council/Administrative Policy may be considered by the
City Council, or by a City Council Subcommittee, who will make a recommendation to the City
Council on an appropriate City Council response.
A City Council Member who does not follow this Policy or any other applicable City policy may
face admonition, sanction, or censure.
This Section 3.2 sets forth the procedures to be followed when there is a belief that a Council
Member has violated this Policy or any other applicable City policy. This Rule shall not be used
for violations of State or Federal laws as such laws are subject to separate penalty and
enforcement provisions outside of the City's purview.
a) Notification of Allegation. If a Council Member believes that another Council Member
has violated this Policy or any other applicable City policy, they shall notify the Mayor. If
the allegation is against the Mayor, the Vice Mayor shall be notified. If the allegation
concerns both the Mayor and Vice Mayor, then the most senior Council Member shall be
notified and, if two Council Members share seniority, then the Council Member who
received the most votes in their most recent election shall be notified. The person selected
will be provided with all background information that the Council Member making the
allegation has in their possession.
Once an allegation has been received, the person receiving the allegation shall meet with
the City Manager and the City Attorney. At that time, the person who received the
Subject: Code of Conduct Policy
Policy No: 110-5
Date: April 9, 2024
Resolution No:
2024-37
Page 8 of 13
allegation will determine whether more information is needed, whether the allegation is
unfounded, or whether to recommend that the full Council hear the allegation.
If the person who received the allegation determines that the allegation is unfounded or
requires additional information, they will notify the Council Member making the allegation.
At that time, if the Council Member making the allegation is not satisfied with the person's
determination, they may bring the matter to the full Council for review by asking the City
Manager, at least a week before publishing the agenda for the meeting, to place it on the
next City Council Agenda; and the City Manager and City Attorney will notify the Council
Member against whom the allegation is made about the violation and the future agenda
item.
If the person receiving the allegation determines that the allegation should be brought to
the City Council for review, at least a week before the meeting they will ask the City
Manager to place it on the next City Council Agenda for discussion under the New
Business portion of the Agenda; and the City Manager will notify the Council Member
against whom the allegation is made about the violation and future agenda item.
City Council Members must endeavor to follow the above process when seeking to add
an item regarding City policy violations on a City Council Agenda. Where a Council
Member making the allegation first discussed the matter with a Council Member other than
the person designated to receive such an allegation, then the Council Member may, at
least a week before publishing the agenda for the next City Council meeting, ask the City
Manager to place the matter on the next City Council Agenda for discussion. In that event,
the City Manager will notify the Council Member against whom the allegation is made
about the violation and future agenda item. Additionally, the City Manager must identify
the Council Member with whom the alleging City Council Member discussed the matter,
both to the accused and in any staff report provided as part of the City Council Agenda.
Should an allegation be brought to the City Council, the City Manager, in consultation with
the City Attorney, will prepare a brief staff report that, among other things, reminds the
City Council of this Rule. It will be the responsibility of the City Council Member making
the allegation to present the matter to their colleagues.
b) Potential Council Actions. While the City Council has broad discretion in deciding which
of the three potential actions below it may choose to impose in response to violations of
this Policy or any other applicable policy, the following are definitions and procedures
related to three types of actions: admonition, sanction and censure. Admonition and
sanctions are not considered punishments and there are no penalties associated with
them; a censure is considered a punishment and should include penalties.
1) Admonition
This is the least severe form of action. Admonition may typically be directed to all
members of the City Council, reminding them that a particular type of behavior is
in violation of City policy and that, if it occurs or is found to have occurred, could
make a member subject to sanction or censure. Admonition may be issued in
response to a particular alleged action or actions, although it would not necessarily
Subject: Code of Conduct Policy
Policy No: 110-5
Date: April 9, 2024
Resolution No:
2024-37
Page 9 of 13
have to be triggered by such allegations. Admonition may be issued by the City
Council prior to any findings of fact regarding allegations, and because it is a
warning or reminder, would not require a separate hearing to determine whether
the allegation is true.
2) Sanction
This is the next most severe form of action. Sanction should be directed to a
particular member of the City Council based on a particular action (or set of
actions) that is determined to be in violation of City policy, but is considered by the
City Council to be not sufficiently serious to require censure. A sanction is
distinguished from censure in that it is not a punishment. A sanction may be issued
based upon City Council review and consideration of a written allegation of a policy
violation. The member accused of such violation will have the opportunity to
provide a written or verbal response to the allegation. A sanction may be issued
by the City Council and because it is not punishment or discipline, would not
require a separate hearing.
3) Censure
Censure is the most severe form of action contemplated in this policy and available
to the City Council. Censure is a formal statement of the City Council officially
reprimanding one of its members. It is a punitive action, which serves as a penalty
imposed for wrongdoing. It may be combined with loss of committee assignments
(either within the City of Brentwood or with inter -governmental agencies) or the
restriction of official travel.
Censure should be used for cases in which the City Council determines the policy
violation is a serious offense.
In order to protect the overriding principle of freedom of speech, the City Council
shall not impose censure on any of its members for the exercise of their First
Amendment rights, no matter how distasteful the expression was to the Council
and the City. However, nothing here in shall be construed to prohibit the City
Council from collectively condemning and expressing their strong disapproval of
such remarks.
c) City Council Discussion; Admonition or Sanction. At the meeting when the allegation
is to be considered, the City Council may discuss it and determine whether to issue an admonition
or sanction; or to hold a separate hearing to consider censure. Where the City Council decides to
issue an admonition or sanction, a resolution may be prepared for the next meeting based upon
the City Council discussion and direction.
d) Censure. If the City Council decides to conduct a separate public hearing on the question
of censure, they will direct the City Manager, in consultation with the City Attorney, to engage the
services of an independent third party investigator to conduct an investigation of the matter,
prepare factual findings and make a recommendation as to the allegation's merit to the City
Council. At that time, the City Council will also set a "not to exceed" investigation budget. Should,
in the course of the investigation, it appear that the investigator's costs will exceed the approved
Subject: Code of Conduct Policy
Policy No: 110-5
Date: April 9, 2024
Resolution No:
2024-37
Page 10 of 13
budgeted amount, then the City Council will be notified, at a duly noticed public meeting, to
determine whether to increase the budget or stop the investigation.
If the investigator, in consultation with outside legal counsel, determines there is no factual merit
to the allegation, that information will be conveyed to the City Council by the City Attorney prior to
a censure hearing. At that time, the City Council will determine whether to take no additional
action; or to issue an admonition or a sanction.
If the investigator determines there is factual merit to the allegation, a report of the factual findings
shall be presented to the City Council for hearing and determination.
e) Censure Hearing. If a separate hearing is set to consider the question of censure, it must
be set far enough in advance to give the Council Member subject to the allegation adequate time
to prepare a defense.
The person who received the original allegation from the Council Member who made the
allegation will preside at the hearing. The rules of evidence will not apply to the hearing, which is
not a formal adversarial proceeding.
The investigator, in consultation with outside legal counsel, will present the report and the City
Council, including the Council Member who is the subject of the investigation, will have the
opportunity to question the investigator. The Council Member who is the subject of the allegation
will have an opportunity to present a rebuttal to the allegation, which shall be limited to thirty
minutes unless extended by the City Council. The Council Member who is the subject of the
allegation may be represented at the hearing and may have the representative speak or ask
questions on their behalf. The City Council may also allow the testimony of a limited number of
witnesses. The right to present witnesses shall be within the absolute discretion of the City
Council.
Following the rebuttal, any witness testimony and any closing statement of the Council Member
who is the subject of the allegation, the City Council shall hear public comments. At the conclusion
of the public comments, the City Council shall discuss the matter and render a decision on
whether to censure the Council Member against whom the allegation has been raised.
Should the City Council decide to censure the Council Member against whom the allegation has
been raised, they shall direct outside legal counsel, to prepare a resolution making findings and
penalties with regard to the specific charges, based on substantial evidence. The resolution will
be considered by the City Council at a duly noticed public meeting.
Revision Histo
Date
Resolution
05/13/2014
2014-55
Adopted Original Policy
06/14/2016
2016-74
Amended Policy 110-5 (Revising Sections 1 and 3 and adding
Section 2 edited from former Policy 110-1, Rules 28-36
10/11/2022
2022-127
Amended section 4.2 a Notification of Allegation.
04/09/2024
2024-37
Amended to separate the Conduct Policy from the Statement of
Values and Ethics with other minor amendments.
Subject: Code of Conduct Policy
Policy No: 110-5
Date: April 9, 2024
Resolution No:
2024-37
Page 11 of 13
Attachment 1
CERTIFICATION
As an elected official or Commissioner of the City of Brentwood, California, I herein certify that I
have received a copy of the City's Code of Conduct Policy, have been offered training in this
Policy, and am aware of the provisions of the Policy and its application to my responsibilities.
Consistent with the Policy, I agree that I will abide by the Policy in the conduct of my duties and
perform these duties in the spirit of the following Statements of Values and Ethics included below:
INTEGRITY — uncompromising adherence to moral and ethical principles
• 1 am honest with my fellow elected officials, City staff, members of the community, and
others.
• 1 do not promise what I believe to be unrealistic.
• 1 am prepared to make unpopular decisions when my sense of the public's best interests
requires it.
1 credit others' contributions to moving our community's interests forward.
1 do not knowingly use false or inaccurate information to support my position or views.
• 1 safeguard my ability to make independent, objective, fair and impartial judgments by
scrupulously avoiding financial and social relationships and transactions that may
compromise, or give the appearance of compromising, objectivity, independence, and
honesty.
• 1 do the right thing, even when no one is looking.
• 1 use my title(s) only when conducting official City business, for information purposes, or
as an indication of background and expertise, carefully considering whether I am
exceeding or appearing to exceed my authority.
1 do not accept gifts, services or other special considerations for personal benefit because
of my public position.
• 1 excuse myself from participating in decisions when my or my immediate family's financial
interests may be affected by my City's actions.
• 1 do not give special treatment or consideration to any individual or group beyond that
available to any other individual.
• 1 refrain from disclosing confidential information concerning litigation, personnel, property,
or other affairs of the City, without proper legal authority, nor use such information to
advance my financial or other personal interests.
• 1 demonstrate concern for the proper use of City assets (such as personnel, time, property,
equipment, and funds) and follow established procedures.
1 honor commitments, keep promises and build trust.
PASSION -- boundless enthusiasm for what we do
• 1 promote meaningful public involvement in the City's decision -making processes.
• 1 approach my responsibilities and work related relationships with zeal and a positive
attitude.
• 1 provide friendly, receptive, and courteous service to everyone.
• 1 am attuned to, and care about the needs and issues of the people of Brentwood, public
officials and City staff.
Subject: Code of Conduct Policy
Policy No: 110-5
Date: April 9, 2024
Resolution No:
2024-37
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In my interactions with constituents, I am interested, engaged and responsive.
I strongly convey the City's care for and commitment to the people of Brentwood.
I exhibit a proactive, innovative approach to setting goals and conducting the City's
business.
• 1 show pride and enthusiasm for the City of Brentwood.
• 1 will represent the official polices and positions of the City to the best of my ability when
designated for this purpose.
• 1 am self -motivated and work to motivate others.
• 1 continually strive to do better.
• 1 persevere through failures.
ACCOUNTABILITY — answerable for our actions
• 1 take responsibility for all that I do; I am responsible for my actions and accept the
consequences of my actions.
• 1 do not make promises on behalf of my colleagues without their concurrence at a duly
noticed public meeting.
• 1 treat all persons, claims and transactions in a fair and equitable manner; I make decisions
based on the merits of the issue.
• If I receive substantive information that is relevant to a matter under consideration from
sources outside the public decision -making process, I publicly share it with my colleagues
and staff.
1 work to contribute to a strong organization that exemplifies transparency and open
communication.
• 1 do not use public resources, such as City staff time, equipment, supplies or facilities, for
private gain or personal purposes.
• 1 make decisions after prudent consideration of their financial impact, taking into account
the long-term financial needs of the City, especially its financial stability.
• 1 am a prudent steward of public resources and actively consider the impact of my
decisions on the financial and social stability of the City and its residents.
RESPECT — to feel and show esteem and consideration for others
• 1 treat my fellow officials, staff and the public with patience, courtesy and civility, even
when we disagree on what is best for the community.
• 1 understand that I am one of five members of the City Council and will work towards
consensus building and gain value from diverse opinions.
1 respect the distinction between the role of office holder and staff, I involve staff in
meetings with individuals, those with business before the City, officials from other
agencies and legislators to ensure proper staff support and to keep staff informed.
• 1 conduct myself in a courteous and respectful manner at all times during the performance
of my official City duties.
• If I have a concern about the performance of a City employee, I will not express it in public,
to the employee directly or to the employee's manager. Instead, my comments will be
made to either City Manager or City Attorney, as appropriate.
• 1 support a healthy personal and professional balance for myself and staff.
0 1 encourage full participation of all persons and groups.
Subject: Code of Conduct Policy
Policy No: 110-5
Date: April 9, 2024
Resolution No:
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1 engage in effective two way communication, by listening carefully, asking questions, and
determining an appropriate response which adds value to conversations.
• 1 value and recognize my colleagues, staff and the public for their unique skills, talents
and perspectives.
• 1 respect the governmental process and will perform my duties in accordance with the
rules of order established by the City Council governing the deliberation of public policy
issues, meaningful involvement of the public, and implantation of decisions.
QUALITY — the highest degree of excellence
• 1 strive to keep the City as a municipal leader and work to ensure that we hire, promote
and retain high caliber employees.
• 1 act in an efficient manner, making decisions based on research and facts, taking into
consideration the City's short and long term goals.
1 follow through in a responsible way, keeping others informed and responding in a timely
fashion.
1 am aware of and follow established City processes and guidelines.
1 represent the people of Brentwood to the best of my ability
1 keep my professional knowledge and skills current and growing.
• 1 promote intelligent and thoughtful innovation in order to forward the City's policy agenda
and City services.
• 1 endeavor to produce excellent work that moves the City forward in a positive direction.
• 1 consider, understand, and manage risk as I make decisions.
• 1 will base my decisions on the merits and substance of the matter at hand, rather than on
unrelated considerations.
Signed this day of 20
Date Month Year
Signature
Printed Name