§ 2-53. Solicitation or acceptance of gifts.

(a)

Except as provided in this division, no official, either for himself or for any member of his immediate family, or for any other person, may knowingly solicit, receive benefit from, accept or agree to accept any gratuity, gift, loan, favor, promise or thing of value for himself, any other person or any member of the immediate family of such official. In addition, it shall also be a violation of this ethics code for any gift as defined in this division to be received by any such person as specified in this section if:

(1)

It tends to influence him in the discharge of official duties or gives a reasonable basis for the impression of improper influence over him in the discharge of official duties; or

(2)

The official has financial interest which may be substantially and materially affected, by performance or nonperformance of his official duties.

(b)

Unless impartiality and independence of judgment of the official would be compromised, this section shall not apply to the following:

(1)

Meals and beverages given in the normal course of entertaining.

(2)

An occasional, nonpecuniary gift from a single source of $101.00 or less.

(3)

Ceremonial gifts or awards.

(4)

Gifts of advertising value only.

(5)

Awards presented in recognition of public service.

(6)

Reasonable expenses of food, travel, lodging and scheduled entertainment of the official for a meeting which is given in return for participation in a panel or speaking engagement at the meeting.

(7)

Courtesy tickets or free admission extended to an elected official for an event as a courtesy or for ceremonial purposes.

(8)

Gifts from relatives or members of his household.

(9)

Honorariums or awards for professional achievement.

(10)

Courtesy tickets or free admission to an elected official to educational seminars, educational or informational conventions or other similar events.

(11)

Campaign contributions as allowed by state and federal law.

(Ord. of 11-14-89, § 113; Code 1977, § 3-20-43; Ord. of 5-25-99; Ord. of 7-28-09)