10-27-2021 (Code of Ethics Subcommittee) Agenda Packet Wylie Code of Ethics Subcommittee Regular Meeting
October 27,2021 —7:00 PM
Council Conference Room-300 Country Club Road,Building#100,Wylie, Texas 75098 CITY OF
CALL TO ORDER
INVOCATION&PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Any member of the public may address Subcommittee regarding an item that is not listed on the Agenda.Members of the public
must fill out a form prior to the meeting in order to speak. The Subcommittee requests that comments be limited to three minutes
for an individual, six minutes for a group.In addition, the Subcommittee is not allowed to converse, deliberate or take action
on any matter presented during citizen participation.
REGULAR AGENDA
1. Consider, and act upon, approval of July 15,2021 Regular Code of Ethics Subcommittee minutes.
WORK SESSION
W S 1. Discuss the City of Wylie Code of Ethics Policy.
RECONVENE INTO REGULAR SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
CERTIFICATION
I certify that this Notice of Meeting was posted on October 22, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. on the outside bulletin board at
Wylie City Hall,300 Country Club Road,Building 100,Wylie,Texas, a place convenient and readily accessible to
the public at all times.
Stephanie Storm, City Secretary Date Notice Removed
The Wylie Municipal Complex is wheelchair accessible. Sign interpretation or other special assistance for disabled
attendees must be requested 48 hours in advance by contacting the City Secretary's Office at 972.516.6020.
If during the course of the meeting covered by this notice,the Code of Ethics Subcommittee should determine that
a closed or executive meeting or session of the Subcommittee or a consultation with the attorney for the City should
be held or is required,then such closed or executive meeting or session or consultation with attorney as authorized
by the Texas Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code § 551.001 et. seq., will be held by the Subcommittee
at the date, hour and place given in this notice as the Subcommittee may conveniently meet in such closed or
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executive meeting or session or consult with the attorney for the City concerning any and all subjects and for any
and all purposes permitted by the Act, including,but not limited to,the following sanctions and purposes:
Texas Government Code Section:
§ 551.071 —Private consultation with an attorney for the City.
§ 551.072—Discussing purchase, exchange,lease or value of real property.
§ 551.074—Discussing personnel or to hear complaints against personnel.
§ 551.087—Discussing certain economic development matters.
§ 551.073—Discussing prospective gift or donation to the City.
§ 551.076—Discussing deployment of security personnel or devices or security audit.
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10/27/2021 Item 1
Wylie City Council
CITY OF
AGENDA REPORT
Department: City Secretary Account Code:
Prepared By: Stephanie Storm
Subject
Consider, and act upon, approval of July 15,2021 Regular Code of Ethics Subcommittee minutes.
Recommendation
Motion to approve Item as presented.
Discussion
The minutes are attached for your consideration.
Financial Summary/Strategic Goals
Community Focused Government
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10/27/2021 Item 1.
Wylie City Council Code of Ethics Subcommittee
July 15, 2021 —6:00 PM
Council Conference Room-300 Country Club Road,Building#100, Wylie, Texas 75098 CITY 7-
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Porter called the regular meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. The following Committee members were present:
Councilman Strang and Councilman Mize (6:08 p.m.).
Staff present included: City Manager Chris Hoisted and City Secretary Stephanie Storm.
INVOCATION& PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Porter led the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.
COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Any member of the public may address the Subcommittee regarding an item that is not listed on the Agenda. Members of the
public must fill out a form prior to the meeting in order to speak. The Subcommittee requests that comments be limited to three
minutes for an individual,six minutes for a group.In addition, the Subcommittee is not allowed to converse, deliberate or take
action on any matter presented during citizen participation.
There were no citizens present wishing to address the Subcommittee.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
1. Discuss the City of Wylie Code of Ethics Policy.
City Manager Hoisted addressed Subcommittee stating City Council in 2014 approved Ordinance No. 2014-19
which established a Code of Ethics and also approved Resolution No. 2015-11(R) setting the rules and procedures
for the Board of Ethics. Since that time, staff has had discussions with Council and the City Attorney regarding
some revisions to ensure the policy works more efficiently. Staff has provided some examples of other cities Ethics
Policies and in addition, has summarized that information in a table. Staff is requesting direction on items that
Council would like to see changed in the current Code of Ethics.
Councilman Mize took his seat at the table at 6:08 p.m.
Subcommittee members went through the list presented and gave the following direction:
• appearances-official must not appear before board or commission:keep as written in the Code of Ethics
• disclosure of official/confidential information: keep as written in Code of Ethics and add Boards &
Commission rules in addition to Council in Section 6(B)(2)
• restrictions on political activity: keep as written in Code of Ethics and look at potential clarification or
additional wording for Section 6(C)(1)as candidates typically meet with staff members to learn more about
the City
• use of cell phones during meeting: tighten up language that the official's phone should not be used to do
specific things,cover all city officials which includes all appointed board and commission members,do not
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prohibit use of pulling items up such as calendar,calculator,etc.,and include language that the official step
out to take personal phone calls during the meeting
• use of City letterhead and logo: maybe remove from the Code of Ethics as it may be addressed better in
other areas such as use of city supplies,property, equipment, facilities
• financial interest in contract with city: combine this with the Conflict of Interest, add language that it must
comply with state laws, and potentially add verbiage similar to City of Allen's and City of Sugarland's
policy
• acceptance of gifts:reference to the state statute and add should not accept to influence the official
• use position to secure special privileges: get with attorney about wording so that officials do not use their
position to gain benefits
• engage in outside activities: do not include as it is addressed in other areas
• use of city supplies,property, equipment, facilities: include language that includes letterhead and logo
• act as surety on bond requirement: do not include as it is addressed in other areas
• disclosure of real property interest: included under conflict of interest/financial interest
• represent private interest: included under appearances
• grant special consideration: do not include as it is addressed in other areas
The subcommittee discussed the process for handling complaints received. Complaints should be submitted to the
City Manager,the City Manager should notify the official that the complaint was received and submit the complaint
to the City Attorney to determine if the claim is found to be true,would it or would it not be a violation. If the City
Attorney determines it would be a violation, then the Board of Ethics should meet to hold a hearing. If the City
Attorney determines it would not be a violation, then the Board of Ethics would not meet. The Subcommittee also
would like to see the language in Section M of the Resolution changed to read that the board shall meet within 31
days of receiving response back from the City Attorney stating if it would or would not be a violation. The
Subcommittee stated they would like to add under Section M-2 of the Resolution,the reason for dismissal shall also
be made available in writing to the official who the complaint was received for. The Subcommittee stated they
would like to see in Section N and 0 of the Resolution a specific amount of time, such as seven calendar days,
added for the evidence to be due before the hearing in order to have time to review.
Mayor Porter convened the Subcommittee into a break at 7:45 p.m.
Mayor Porter reconvened the Subcommittee at 7:49 p.m.
The Subcommittee stated it may be beneficial that language be added that allows for the submission to the Board
of Ethics a request for a postponement in light of new evidence. The Subcommittee requested language be added
that a list of witnesses that will be in attendance be submitted as part of the evidence and would fall under the seven-
calendar day requirement. The Subcommittee requested language added in Section P of the Resolution that if the
Board of Ethics agrees that it is a minor violation, it does not require Council review; however, if the Board of
Ethics determines it is a major violation it would go before Council with the attorney present to address options.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Councilman Strang, seconded by Councilman Mize,to adjourn the meeting at 8:06 p.m. A
vote was taken and motion passed 3-0.
Matthew Porter,Mayor
ATTEST:
Stephanie Storm, City Secretary
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10/27/2021 Item WS1.
Wylie City Council
CITY OF
AGENDA REPORT
Department: City Manager Account Code:
Prepared By: Stephanie Storm
Subject
ID iscuss the City of Wylie Code of Ethics Policy.
Recommendation
Discussion
Attached is a draft Ordinance for your review based on the direction received at the July 15, 2021 meeting.
Financial Summary/Strategic Goals
Community Focused Government
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ORDINANCE NO.2021-XX
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF WYLIE, TEXAS, REPEALING
ORDINANCE NO. 2014-19, CREATING A CODE OF CONDUCT;
PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY FOR THE VIOLATION OF THIS
ORDINANCE; PROVIDING FOR REPEALING, SAVINGS AND
SEVERABILITY CLAUSES; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE OF
THIS ORDINANCE; AND PROVIDING FOR THE PUBLICATION OF THE
CAPTION HEREOF.
WHEREAS,the City of Wylie("City"or"Wylie")desires for all of its citizens to have confidence
in integrity,independence, and impartiality of those who act on their behalf in government;
WHEREAS,the City of Wylie previously adopted Ordinance No. 2014-19,establishing a Code of
Ethics; and
WHEREAS,the City of Wylie desires to create a Code of Conduct and repeal Ordinance No.2014-
19, as of the Effective Date of this Ordinance;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WYLIE,TEXAS that:
Section 1. Creation of Code of Conduct.
The City of Wylie creates this Code of Conduct (the "Code") and f 't � , as of
the Effective Date of this Ordinance.
Section 2. Policy.
The proper operation of democratic local government requires that City Officials be independent,impartial
and responsible to the people; that local government decisions and policy be made in the proper channels
of the government structure; that public office not be used for personal gain; and that the public have
confidence in the integrity of its City Officials. It is the policy of the City of Wylie that its City Officials
meet the standards of conduct established in this Ordinance.
Section 3. Definitions.
Administrative Board means any board, commission, or other organized body: (1) that has, by law,
final decision-making authority on matters within its jurisdiction and that is either: (a) established
under the City Charter, by City ordinance, or by appointment by the City Mayor; or (b) whose
members are all council members or are appointed or confirmed by the City Council; or, (2) created
as a non-profit economic development corporation by the City Council under the authority of the
Development Corporation Act of 1979, as amended.
Advisory Board means a board, commission, or other organized body other than an Administrative
Board, that was created by an act of the City Council whose members are appointed or confirmed by
the City Council and are charged with making recommendations to the City Council on matters within
its jurisdiction.
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City Official or Official means the Mayor; a member of the City Council, members of Administrative
Boards,Advisory Boards, and Committees and Commissions, appointed by the Mayor or City Council.
Economic Interest means a legal or equitable property interest in land, chattels, and intangibles, and
contractual rights having a value of more than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000.00). Service by a City
Official as an Officer,director, advisor, or otherwise active participant in an educational, religious,
charitable,fraternal, or civic organization does not create for that City Official an"Economic Interest"
in the property of the organization.
Official Action means:
(1) Any affirmative act (including the making of a recommendation) within the scope of,
or in violation of,an Official's duties; or
(2) Any failure to act, if the Official is under a duty to act.
Board of Review means the body charged with reviewing and acting on complaints and requests for
declaratory relief filed under this Ordinance.
Section 4. Covered officials.
The rules of ethical conduct contained below apply generally to City Officials unless otherwise
specified.
Section 5. Officials required to comply with both state and local law.
Where a City Official's conduct is regulated by a provision of this Ordinance and a similar provision
of state law, and it is possible to comply with the requirements of both, a City Official shall comply
with both.
Section 6.Education.
The City shall provide training and educational materials to City Officials on their obligations under
state law and this Ordinance. Such training shall include at least one formal classroom session in each
calendar year. All City Officials shall annually attend the formal training session offered by the City or
equivalent training sessions conducted by the Texas Municipal League or similar organizations. The
City also shall prepare and distribute written materials on the subject to each City Official at the time
of his or her election or appointment to office.
Section 7. Standards of Conduct for City Officials.
(A) Appearance on behalf of private interests of others.
(1) A member of the City Council shall not appear before the City Council, an
Administrative Board or an Advisory Board for the purpose of representing the
interests of another person or entity. However, a member of the City Council may, to
the extent as otherwise permitted by law, appear before any such body to represent
the member's own interests or the interests of the member's spouse or minor
children.
(2) A City Official who is not a member of the City Council shall not appear before the body
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on which he or she serves for the purpose of representing the interests of another person
or entity, and shall not appear before any other body for the purpose of representing the
interests of another person or entity in connection with an appeal from a decision of the
body on which the City Official serves. However, the City Official may, to the extent as
otherwise permitted by law, appear before any such body to represent the City Official's
own interests or the interests of the City Official's spouse or minor children.
(B) Misuse and disclosure of confidential information.
(1) It is a violation of this Code of Conduct for a City Official to violate Texas Penal
Code§ 39.06(Misuse of Official Infoiuiation)..
(2) A City Official shall not disclose to the public any information that is deemed
confidential under any federal, state, local law, or Council rules, unless authorized
by law.
(C) Restrictions on political activity and political contributions.
(1) No City Official shall use state or local funds or other resources of the City to electioneer
for or against any candidate,measure, or political party.
(2) A City Official shall not directly or indirectly induce, or attempt to induce, any City
employee:
a. To participate in an election campaign (beyond merely encouraging another to
vote),to participate in a political fundraising activity,or to contribute to a political
candidate or political committee;
b. To engage in any other activity relating to a particular candidate, party or issue
that is not directly related to a legitimate function of City government; or
c. To refrain from engaging in any lawful political activity after working hours.
(D) Use of cell phones or electronic devices by appointed or elected officials during meetings of
City Boards, Committees, or Commissions, of which they are a member.
City Officials shall refrain from using cell phones or electronic devices during a City meeting
at which the City Official is attending as a member of that Board, Committee, or Commission.
However, City Officials may access agendas and information relevant to the agenda. Cell
phones shall be turned off or put on vibrate during meetings. Should it be necessary to use
a cell phone, City Officials shall leave the meeting. Text messaging, emails and other
written communications shall not be sent during a meeting unless it is an emergency.
(E) Conflicts of Interest.
A City Official must not use, or attempt to use,his or her official position or office, or take or fail
to take any action,or influence, or attempt to influence, others to take or fail to take any action,in
a manner which he or she knows, or has reason to believe, may result in a personal, financial
benefit, or Economic Interest not shared with a substantial segment of the City's population, for
any of the following persons or entities:
(1) The Official;
(2) The Official's relative, or the employer or business of the relative;
(3) A person with which the Official has a financial or business relationship,including but not
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limited to:
a. A business of the Official,or the Official's spouse or domestic partner,or someone
who works for such outside employer or business; or
b. A client or substantial customer.
(4) A publicly traded company if the Official or his or her spouse,parent or
child owns the stock or instruments of debt greater than ten percent of the
value of the company;
(5) Real property if the Official or his or her spouse,parent or child holds an
equitable or legal ownership with a fair market value of $2,500.00 or
more;
(6) A nongovernmental civic group, social, charitable, or religious
organization of which the Official, or the Official's spouse or domestic
partner, is an officer or director; or
(7) A public or private business entity for which the Official, or his or her
relative serves as a director, general partner, or officer, or in any other
policy-making position except when so appointed to the position by the
City.
(F) Compliance with Texas Local Government Code Chapters 171 and 176.
It is a violation of this Code of Conduct for a City Official to violate Texas Local Government
Code, §§ 171 and 176.
(G) Prohibitions-Granting Special Privileges and Use of City Supplies and Equipment.
It is a violation of this Code of Conduct for a City Official:
(1) To use his official position to secure special privileges or exemptions for himself or others;
(2) To grant any special consideration, treatment or advantage to any citizen, individual,
business organization or group beyond that which is normally available to every other
citizen, individual, business organization or group. This shall not prevent the granting of
fringe benefits to City employees as a part of their contract of employment or as an added
incentive to the securing or retaining of employees; or
(3) To use City supplies, equipment or facilities for any purpose other than the conduct of
official City business,unless otherwise provided for by law, ordinance or City policy.
Section 8.Board of Review.
(A) Creation and appointment.
There is hereby created a Board of Review to consist of five ( 5 ) members and two (2)
alternates. The purpose of the Board shall be to issue advisory opinions and waivers on
conduct issues arising under this Section and to hear inquiries or complaints and issue
findings regarding alleged violations of this Code.
Prospective Board of Review members shall be interviewed and appointed by a majority of
the City Council present at a duly called meeting.
(B) Qualifications.
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(1) All members must live within the City of Wylie city limits;
(2) Members may not serve on any other Council appointed Board or Commission during
their term on the Board of Review; and
(3) No City Council member or City of Wylie employee may serve on the Board of Review.
(C) Terms of appointment.
No Board of Review member may serve more than two(2) consecutive years on staggered terms.
(D) Removal.
The unexcused absence of any member of the Board of Review from three (3) consecutive
meetings, unless the Board has excused the absence for good and sufficient reasons, as
determined by the Board, shall constitute a resignation from the Board.
A member may be removed for inappropriate conduct before the expiration of the member's
term. Before removing a member, the Board of Review shall specify the cause for a
recommendation of removal and shall give the member the opportunity to present the
member's defense to removal.Then the recommendation shall be brought to the City Council
for an official vote by Council. If the recommendation involves a City Council member that
member may not participate in the City Council discussion or vote.
(E) Consultation with City attorney.
The Board of Review may consult with the City attorney or a designee of the City attorney
regarding legal issues which may arise in connection with this article and may request
advisory assistance from the City attorney in conducting hearings on inquiries during any
stage of the process.
(F) Advisory opinions and waivers.
(l) Any current elected Officials or Board/Commission members may submit a written
request to the Board of Review for advisory opinions on whether conduct by that person
would constitute a violation of the Code of Conduct.The Board of Review shall render
an advisory opinion pursuant to written rules adopted by the Board, but in no case
shall the Board take longer than six (6) weeks from the time it received the request
to issue an advisory opinion or to give written notice explaining the reason for delay
and stating an expected issuance date.
(2) Any current elected Officials or Board/Commission members may submit a written
request for a waiver of any provision of the Code of Conduct. The Board of Review is
empowered to grant a waiver if it finds that the waiver will serve the best interests of
the City. The Board shall issue appropriate notice of its meeting on the waiver and
its meeting shall be open to the public. The Board shall either issue or deny the waiver
within six(6)weeks of receiving the request.
(G) Complaints or inquiries to the Board of Review.
(1) Filing. Any citizen of Wylie who believes that there has been a violation of the Code of
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Conduct may file a sworn Complaint (the "Complaint") with the City Secretary. The
Complaint shall:
a. Identify the person or persons who allegedly committed the violation;
b. Provide a statement of the facts on which the Complaint is based;
c. To the extent possible,identify the rule or rules allegedly violated; and
d. Be sworn to in the form of an affidavit and be based on personal knowledge of the
affiant and be subject to the laws of perjury.
e. The complainant may also recommend other sources of evidence that the
Reviewing Attorney should consider and may request a hearing.
(2) Review of Complaint.
a. The City Council shall select and appoint an independent private attorney to
investigate the Complaint("Reviewing Attorney").The Reviewing Attorney shall
be selected by the City Manager from a list of three attorneys appointed by the
City Council.
b. Within seven(7)business days of receiving the Complaint from the City manager,
the Reviewing Attorney shall take one of the following actions:
i. If not already dismissed, dismiss the Complaint if:
1. The deadline for filing a Complaint has passed;
2. The accused is not subject to the Code;
3. The conduct alleged is not regulated under the Code;
4. The Complaint is not completed as defined herein or signed and
sworn to by the person filing the complaint in the form of an
affidavit; or
5. The person who is the subject of the complaint or inquiry had
obtained a waiver or an advisory opinion under section 8.F.
permitting the conduct.
(3) Timelines/Limitations.
a. Days, as used herein,is defined as City business days.
(4) A Complaint must be filed with the City Manager within one (1) year of the date the
violation is alleged to have occurred. The City Manager shall not accept or process any
complaint that is filed more than one (1)year after the date of the violation alleged in the
complaint. Complaints not filed within this timeframe are barred and will be dismissed as
untimely.Notification of Complaint.
a. Within one (1) business day of receipt of the Complaint, the City Manager will
provide copies of each Complaint to the person or persons accused, the City
Attorney and the Reviewing Attorney. If the City Manager is not available or is
implicated,the City Secretary will provide copies, as outlined herein.
b. If the Reviewing Attorney dismisses the Complaint,the City Manager will notify
the complainant in writing.
(5) Referral of Complaint to the Board of Review.
a. If the Reviewing Attorney determines the Complaint should not be dismissed,the
Reviewing Attorney will forward the Complaint to the Board of Review.
b. The Reviewing Attorney's referral of the Complaint to the Board of Review does
not mean that any of the allegations of the complaint are true or false or that any
current Official has violated or has not violated the Code.
(6) Board of Review Process.
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a. The Board shall meet within thirty-one (31) days of receiving a complaint or
inquiry to screen the complaint or inquiry. The rules shall allow the Board
to immediately dismiss a complaint or inquiry if:
i. The alleged violation is a minor or de minimis violation;
ii. The complaint or inquiry is, on its face, frivolous, groundless, or
brought for purposes of harassment; or
iii. The matter has become moot because the person who is the subject of
the complaint or inquiry is no longer an elected official or
board/commission member.
b. The rules shall require the dismissal and the reason for dismissal to be in
writing and available to the public.
c. The Board will have hearings at meetings, which are open to the public on
complaints or inquiries, which have not been dismissed pursuant to
paragraph G of this section
(7) The Board shall allow any person who is the subject of a complaint or inquiry to
designate a representative if he or she wishes to be represented by someone else,
to present evidence, and to cross-examine witnesses. The rules shall allow the
complainant and the subject of the complaint or inquiry sufficient time to examine and
respond to any evidence not presented to them in advance of the hearing;
(8) The Board shall require deliberations on complaints or inquiries to be conducted in
open session;
(9) The Board shall allow the Board to dismiss a complaint or inquiry without a finding
for or against the subject of the complaint or inquiry if the person committed the
violation due to oversight and comes into voluntary compliance;
(10) The Board shall allow the Board to dismiss a complaint or inquiry if the person who
submitted it does not appear at hearing and if,in the opinion of the Board, it would
be unfair to the subject of the complaint or inquiry not to have the opportunity to
examine the person.The rules shall, however, require the Board to schedule the hearing
at a time that is reasonably convenient to both the person who submitted the complaint
or inquiry and the subject of the complaint or inquiry;
(11) The Board shall require the Board to base a finding of a violation upon a preponderance
of the evidence;
(12) The Board shall require the Board to inform the person who submitted the complaint
or inquiry and the subject of the complaint or inquiry in writing if it believes a complaint
or inquiry is frivolous, groundless,or brought for purposes of harassment;
(13) The Board shall prohibit members who have not been present for the hearing from
participating in a recommendation;
(14) The Board's findings and recommendations shall be made only by a majority of the
Board;
(15) The Board shall consider,when it makes findings and recommendations, the severity of
offense; the presence or absence of any intention to conceal, deceive, or mislead;
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whether the violation was deliberate, negligent, or inadvertent; and whether the
incident was isolated or part of a pattern;
(16) The Board may issue an advisory opinion in response to a complaint or inquiry, in lieu
of making findings and recommendations,where deemed appropriate by the Board.
(H) Consequences
City Officials deemed to be in violation of the Code are subject to consequences,including but not
limited to the following:
(1) Censure -If the violation did not involve a matter of public concern and the City Council
finds that a violation of this Code occurred, the City Council may issue a censure of the
City Official,to the extent permitted by law.
(2) Letter of Notification — The City Council may issue a letter of notification if the City
Council finds that a violation of this Code was clearly unintentional.A letter of notification
must advise the City Official of any steps to be taken to avoid future violations.
(3) Letter of Admonition — The City Council may issue a letter of admonition if the City
Council finds that a violation of this Code was minor,but where the circumstances call for
a more substantial response than a letter of notification.
(4) Reprimand— To the extent permitted by law, City Council may issue a reprimand if the
City Council finds that a violation of this Code was not minor and was committed
intentionally or through reckless disregard of this Code.
(5) Removal from Leadership Position — In addition to, or in place of, the consequences
outlined above, the City Council may remove a City Official from any position held by
that City Official as a member of the body in which the City Official serves.
Section 8.Other Obligations.
This Code of Conduct is cumulative of and supplemental to applicable state and federal laws and
regulations. Compliance with the provisions of this Code shall not excuse or relieve any person from
any obligation imposed by state or federal law regarding conduct,financial reporting,lobbying activities,
or any other issue addressed herein.
Even if a City Official is not prohibited from taking official action by this Code of Conduct, action may be
prohibited by duly promulgated personnel rules, which may be more stringent.
Section 9. Effective Date.
This Code of Conduct shall take effect on [DATE], following its adoption and publication as required by
law(the"Effective Date"). Every person shall be provided reasonable opportunity to review this Code of
Conduct as a condition of their candidacy and/or application to be a City Official. Individuals seated as
City Officials on the Effective Date of this Ordinance shall be bound by it and shall sign a written
acknowledgement of receipt and understanding of this Code within 30 days of the Effective Date.All
City Officials elected, appointed or retained following the Effective Date of this Code shall sign a
written acknowledgement of receipt and understanding of this Code before performing any of the duties
or functions of the City Official's position.
Section 10. Distribution and Training.
(A) At the time of application for a position of City Official, every applicant shall be furnished with
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a copy of this Code of Conduct. No application shall be considered complete without a signed
acknowledgement of receipt and understanding of this Code by the applicant.
(B) The City Attorney or City Manager as designated by the City Council shall develop
educational materials and conduct educational programs for the City Officials on the provisions
of this Code of Conduct, the City Charter, and Chapters 171 and 176 of the Texas Local
Government Code. Such materials and programs shall be designed to maximize understanding
of the obligations imposed by these conduct laws.
Section 11. Severability.
If any provision of this Code is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unconstitutional,
or if the application of this Code to any person or circumstances is found to be invalid or
unconstitutional, such invalidity or unconstitutionality shall not affect the other provisions or applications
of this Code which can be given effect without the invalid or unconstitutional provision or application.
DULY PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WYLIE,
TEXAS, on this day of , 2021.
Matthew Porter,Mayor
ATTESTED AND
CORRECTLY RECORDED:
Stephanie Storm, City Secretary
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