§ 2-320. Representation of private interests.

(a)

Representation by a board member. A member of the historic district landmark board, ethics commission, planning and zoning commission, civil service commission, board of adjustment or other decision-making board, shall not represent any person, group, or entity:

(1)

Before that board or body of the city in which he or she serves; or

(2)

Before city staff having responsibility for making recommendations to, or taking any action on behalf of, of the city; or

(3)

Before a board of the city which has appellate jurisdiction over the board of which the person is a member, if any issue relates to the member's duties.

(b)

Representation by city officials and employees.

(1)

General rule. A city official or employee shall not represent for compensation any person, group, or entity, other than himself or herself, or his or her spouse or minor children, before the city. For purposes of this subsection, the term compensation means money or any other thing of value that is received, or is to be received, in return for or in connection with such representation.

(2)

Exception for board members. The rule stated in subsection (b)(1) does not apply to a person who is classified as a city official only because he or she is an appointed member of a board or other city body.

(c)

Prestige of office and improper influence. In connection with representation of private interests before the city, an official or employee shall not:

(1)

Assert the prestige of the official's or employee's city position for the purpose of advancing private interests; or

(2)

State or imply that he or she is able to influence city action on any basis other than the merits.

(d)

Representation in litigation adverse to the city.

(1)

Officials and employees (other than board members). A city official or employee, other than a person who is classified as an official only because he or she is an appointed member of a board or other city body, shall not represent any person, group, or entity, other than himself or herself, or his or her spouse or minor children, in any litigation to which the city is a party, if the interests of that person, group, or entity are adverse to those of the city.

(2)

Board members. A person who is classified as a city official only because he or she is an appointed member of a board or other city body shall not represent any person, group, or entity, other than himself or herself, or his or her spouse or minor children, in any litigation to which the city is a party, if the interests of that person, group, or entity are adverse to the interests of the city and the matter is substantially related to the official's duties to the city.

(Ord. No. 2012-O-126, § 2(2.05), 9-4-12)