§ 14-135. Gifts and gratuities.

(a)

The provisions of this section are intended to promote ethical conduct and public trust in the integrity of Scottsdale municipal government and therefore, shall apply to all city employees, elected and appointed officers, including members of boards and commissions, in the course of their employment or the performance of their official duties with the city.

(b)

No gifts, gratuities, and other benefits or items of value shall be solicited by a city employee or officer for personal benefit.

(c)

Monetary gratuities, tips, honoraria, or other payments for services rendered for performing city employment or official city duties, other than compensation from the city or that which is otherwise provided by law or city policy, shall not be accepted.

(d)

Gifts and other personal benefits or items of value shall not be accepted if acceptance could reasonably be construed as an attempt to exert improper influence on any municipal decision or action, or as a reward for any official action.

(e)

If, after consideration of the ethical standards expressed in this policy, a gift, personal benefit, or other item in excess of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) in value, is accepted, it must be declared in writing with the city clerk's office within five (5) business days of acceptance. The declaration shall be made on a form designated by the clerk.

(f)

The following items reflect legitimate public duties or purposes, or are otherwise not considered gifts to an employee or officer for personal benefit that must be declared pursuant to 14-135(e):

(1)

Admission to events which are sponsored or funded in whole or in part by the city, if furnished by the city or sponsor(s) of such events;

(2)

Reasonable hosting, including meals and refreshments, travel, and related expenses, furnished in connection with official speaking engagements, ceremonies or other work-related appearances on behalf of the city, when public or civic purposes are served;

(3)

Gifts of goodwill or other tokens of appreciation accepted on behalf of the city, or in the case of food, accepted and shared with others in the work place.

(4)

Items received and donated to a charitable organization.

(Ord. No. 1837, § 1(Art. 8, § 805), 6-15-87; Ord. No. 2868, § 41, 3-4-96; Ord. No. 3264, § 1, 10-4-99)