REPORT TO GOVERNANCE AND ETHICS COMMITTEE
SUBJECT
Title
Review the Code of Ethics & Values and Discuss Training
Report
BACKGROUND
At the Council Session on Governance in September 2019, the City Council requested a review of the current Santa Clara Code of Ethics & Values (Code). The item was referred to the Governance and Ethics Committee to review the Code and discuss any revisions. It was also requested that future trainings be discussed with the City Attorney.
The Code was developed in 1999 by a committee composed of three elected officials, nine City commissioners, two community members, the City Manager and the City Attorney. The committee worked with the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University to create a new Code that would better reflect the issues and concerns of today’s complex and diverse society. The Code was adopted by the City Council in March of 2000 and modified by Council in August of 2001.
The goals of the Code are as follows:
• To make Santa Clara a better community, built on mutual respect and trust
• To promote and maintain the highest standards of personal and professional conduct among all involved in City government elected officials, City staff, volunteers, and members of the City’s boards, commissions, and committees
DISCUSSION
The Code (Attachment 1) has not been reviewed since 2001, but is a touchstone for members of boards, commissions and committees in fulfilling their roles and responsibilities. The City Council requested that the Governance and Ethics Committee review the current Code and provide recommendations on any updates. There was also a request that the Committee discuss any necessary trainings associated with ethics and values.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This is an information report only and no action is being taken by the City Council and no environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) is required.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the City other than staff time.
COORDINATION
This report was created in coordination with the City Attorney, City Clerk, and City Manager’s Offices.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Governance and Ethics Committee agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
That the Governance and Ethics Committee review the Santa Clara Code of Ethics & Values and recommend any necessary updates or actions to the City Council.
Staff
Approved by: Brian Doyle, City Attorney and Deanna J. Santana, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Santa Clara Code of Ethics & Values