Westminster Municipal Code Ch. 2.70 Conflicts of Interests for Public Officials

The city council recognizes the importance of ensuring that all of its public officials conduct themselves ethically and in accordance with the highest ethical standards. City officials should seek to avoid conflict of interests whenever possible. This chapter is adopted to help promote that purpose.

(Ord. 2581 § 1, 2022)

The League of California Cities regularly publishes a document entitled "A GUIDE FOR LOCAL AGENCY COUNSEL: Providing Conflict of Interest Advice" (League's conflict publication).

The League's conflict publication, as it is amended from time to time, is hereby adopted to serve as an informal guide for the city's elected and appointed officials in the performance of their duties. Upon entering office, and upon the beginning of any new term, each of the city's elected and appointed officials shall be provided with a copy of the most recent version of the League's conflict publication. Each official shall sign a statement acknowledging their receipt of a copy of the publication, and affirming that they will comply with all applicable state and local conflict of interest laws and regulations.

(Ord. 2581 § 1, 2022)

In any situation where an elected or appointed official is currently a member, or sits on the board of directors, of any organization, or has been a member or board member during the preceding twelve months, that official is prohibited from participating in any city decision involving that organization. The term "participation" is used as that term is defined in the California Political Reform Act to preclude any involvement. This prohibition applies to both non-profit and for-profit organizations, and whether the organization is incorporated or not. This section does not prohibit the city from entering into contracts so long as the official completely recuses themselves from any participation, unless the contract would be otherwise prohibited under state law. The goal is to eliminate influence by outside organizations on city decisions. Any public official impacted by this prohibition shall publicly declare the conflict prior to any discussion or action on the item, immediately leave the dais, and thereafter recuse him or herself from any involvement.

(Ord. 2581 § 1, 2022)