CITY OF MENOMINEE, MICHIGAN

REGULAR COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS

JUNE 20, 2005

 

 

 

A regular meeting of the Menominee City Council, City of Menominee, County of Menominee, State of Michigan, was held Monday, June 20, 2005 at 5 p.m. in the Municipal Complex Council Chambers.

 

The Honorable George W. Krah called the meeting to order and led the pledge of allegiance to the flag.

 

PRESENT:  Mayor Krah; Council Members Fernstrum, Jasper, Mick, Organ, Plemel, and Schloegel

ABSENT:   Council Members Hudon and Sorensen (both excused)

 

PRESENT:  7                ABSENT:  2

 

A motion was made by Council Member Plemel and seconded by Council Member Organ to excuse Council Members Hudon and Sorensen from the meeting.  This motion was carried unanimously.

 

 

A motion was made by Council Member Plemel and seconded by Council Member Fernstrum to approve the agenda for the meeting dated June 13, 2005.  This motion was carried unanimously.

 

 

There being no additions or corrections to the minutes of the regular meeting of May 15, 2005, the special meeting of May 25, 2005 or the Committee of the Whole meeting of May 31, 2005, the minutes of all of the meetings stood approved.

 

 

PUBLIC HEARINGS:

 

Mayor Krah opened the public hearing that was called for the purpose of hearing citizen comments on the proposed amendments to M.O.C. 1:3.1(7) Compensation of Officers, City Manager’s salary.

 

Doreen Grinsteiner, Daggett MI, reminded council of the fire fighter hiring issue last year and asked council to vote against any increase in pay for the city manager.

 

A motion was made by Council Member Mick and seconded by Council Member Plemel to close the public hearing.  This motion was carried unanimously.

 

 

Mayor Krah opened the public hearing that was called for the purpose of hearing citizen comments on the proposed adoption of M.O.C. 1:11 – Code of Ethics.

 

No one was heard.

 

A motion was made by Council Member Jasper and seconded by Council Member Plemel to close the public hearing.  This motion was carried unanimously.


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June 20, 2005

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Mayor Krah opened the public hearing that was called for the purpose of hearing citizen comments on the proposed establishment of an industrial development district for Lloyd-Flanders Industries, Inc.

 

No one was heard.

 

A motion was made by Council Member Plemel and seconded by Council Member Jasper to close the public hearing.  This motion was carried unanimously.

 

 

Mayor Krah opened the public hearing that was called for the purpose of hearing citizen comments on the application from Menominee Acquisition Corporation for new personal property exemption.

 

No one was heard.

 

A motion was made by Council Member Plemel and seconded by Council Member Mick to close the public hearing.  This motion was carried unanimously.

 

 

Mayor Krah opened the public hearing that was called for the purpose of hearing citizen comments on the application from Enstrom Helicopter Corporation for new personal property exemption.

 

No one was heard.

 

A motion was made by Council Member Plemel and seconded by Council Member Fernstrum to close the public hearing.  This motion was carried unanimously.

 

 

Mayor Krah opened the public hearing that was called for the purpose of hearing citizen comments on the application from L.E. Jones Company for new personal property exemption.

 

No one was heard.

 

A motion was made by Council Member Plemel and seconded by Council Member Mick to close the public hearing.  This motion was carried unanimously.

 

 

Mayor Krah opened the public hearing that was called for the purpose of hearing citizen comments on the application from Anchor Coupling for new personal property exemption.

 

No one was heard.

 

A motion was made by Council Member Jasper and seconded by Council Member Fernstrum close the public hearing.  This motion was carried unanimously.


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June 20, 2005

Page Three

 

 

 

PUBLIC COMMENT:

 

Mayor Krah opened the public comment session that was called for the purpose of hearing citizen comments on agenda items only.

 

No one was heard.

 

A motion was made by Council Member Plemel and seconded by Council Member Fernstrum to close the public comment session.  This motion was carried unanimously.

 

 

COMMUNICATIONS:

 

Mike Dubey, representing the M&M Soccer Association, presented a check in the amount of $3,000 as a donation to the Spies Field Project.  Mayor Krah accepted the check on behalf of the City.

 

 

COMMITTEE REPORT:

 

At a June 13, 2005 meeting the Buildings and Grounds Committee reviewed the property located at 1508-17th Avenue (Parcel # 2106-000, Stephenson’s 3rd Add Lot 8 Blk 3) that was foreclosed on by Menominee County and they recommended purchasing the property at the cost of $2,061.95.

 

S/BUILDINGS & GROUNDS COMMITTEE

 

A motion was made by Council Member Plemel and seconded by Council Member Fernstrum to adopt the foregoing report.

 

AYES:  Jasper, Krah, Mick, Organ, Plemel, Schloegel, and Fernstrum

NAYS: None

 

This motion was carried unanimously.

 

 

COMMITTEE REPORT:

 

At a June 13, 2005 meeting the Buildings and Grounds Committee reviewed Certificate of payment #1 to Monosso and Son, Inc. for cornice replacement at Spies Public Library and they recommended approval of a payment in the amount of $3,178 to Monosso and Son, Inc. and $26,822 to Monosso and Son, Inc. and Madison Stone for the total amount of $30,000.00.

 

S/BUILDINGS & GROUNDS COMMITTEE

 

A motion was made by Council Member Plemel and seconded by Council Member Fernstrum to adopt the foregoing report.  This motion was carried unanimously.


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COMMITTEE REPORT:

 

At a June 13, 2005 meeting the Buildings and Grounds Committee reviewed Application for Payment #1 and final in the amount of $8,730.00 and Change Order #1 increasing the contract amount by $830.00 to Havelka Construction for Contract 04-BD-07 - Building Demolition – 422 Second Street and they recommended that they be approved. 

 

S/BUILDINGS & GROUNDS COMMITTEE

 

A motion was made by Council Member Fernstrum and seconded by Council Member Plemel to adopt the foregoing report.  This motion was carried unanimously.

 

 

COMMITTEE REPORT:

 

At a meeting held June 13, 200 the Finance Committee reviewed the claims for the month of May 2005 and they recommended that checks be drawn on the treasurer in payment of the bills as follows:

 

            General Fund                 $220,733.58

            River Park                 $   6,080.17

 

S/FINANCE COMMITTEE

 

A motion was made by Council Member Plemel and seconded by Council Member Fernstrum to adopt the foregoing report.  This motion was carried unanimously.

 

 

COMMITTEE REPORT:

 

At a June 13, 2005 meeting the Finance Committee reviewed the proposals received to finance the Spies Field fundraising pledges and they recommended that the low proposal be accepted from River Valley State Bank at an interest rate of 3.6% (four annual installments of $164,415.00).

 

S/FINANCE COMMITTEE

 

A motion was made by Council Member Plemel and seconded by Council Member Fernstrum to adopt the foregoing report.  This motion was carried unanimously.

 

 

COMMITTEE REPORT:

 

At a June 13, 2005 meeting the Finance Committee reviewed the contract with the CUPPAD Regional Commission to update the Comprehensive Plan and they recommended that the city officials be authorized to sign the contract in the amount of $7,752.00 ($3,876 at the beginning of the project and $3,876 at completion). 

 

S/FINANCE COMMITTEE


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June 20, 2005

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A motion was made by Council Member Fernstrum and seconded by Council Member Jasper to adopt the foregoing report.  This motion was carried unanimously.

 

 

COMMITTEE REPORT:

 

At a June 13, 2005 meeting the Finance Committee reviewed the costs incurred by the City for the following property:

 

Replacement of concrete sidewalk at 2104-14th Avenue (#1370-000) in the amount of $897.00

 

and they recommended that a special assessment be placed upon the property.

 

S/FINANCE COMMITTEE

 

A motion was made by Council Member Fernstrum and seconded by Council Member Plemel to adopt the foregoing report.

 

AYES; Krah, Mick, Organ, Plemel, Schloegel, Fernstrum, and Jasper

NAYS: None

 

This motion was carried unanimously.

 

 

COMMITTEE REPORT:

 

At a June 9, 2005 meeting the Parks and Recreation Committee reviewed Application for Payment #1 in the amount of $17,304.75 to Kakuk Construction, Inc. for Contract 03-PK-04 Spies Field expansion/renovation and they recommended that it be approved. 

 

S/PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE

 

A motion was made by Council Member Fernstrum and seconded by Council Member Plemel to adopt the foregoing report.  This motion was carried unanimously.

 

 

COMMITTEE REPORT:

 

At a meeting held June 9, 2005 the Parks and Recreation Committee reviewed the transfer process of the Menominee North Pier light under the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000 and they recommended that city officials be authorized to prepare an application for ownership.

 

S/PARKS & RECREATION COMMITTEE

 

A motion was made by Council Member Fernstrum and seconded by Council Member Plemel to adopt the foregoing report.  This motion was carried unanimously.


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June 20, 2005

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COMMITTEE REPORT:

 

At a June 13, 2005 meeting the Public Works Committee reviewed Application for Payment #4 in the amount of $10,872.48 and Contract Modification #3 increasing the contract amount by $1,371.48 to Barley Trucking and Excavating, Inc. for Contract 04-RD-04, 34th Avenue Road Reconstruction and they recommended that they be approved. 

 

S/PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

 

A motion was made by Council Member Mick and seconded by Council Member Plemel to adopt the foregoing report.  This motion was carried unanimously.

 

 

COMMITTEE REPORT:

 

At a June 13, 2005 meeting the Public Works Committee reviewed Pay Estimate #1 in the amount of $131,088.01 and Contract Modification #1 increasing the contract amount by $15,355.05 to Barley Trucking and Excavating, Inc. for Contract 05-RD-02, 23rd Avenue Road Reconstruction and they recommended that they be approved.

 

S/PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

 

A motion was made by Council Member Fernstrum and seconded by Council Member Mick to adopt the foregoing report.  This motion was carried unanimously.

 

 

COMMITTEE REPORT:

 

At a June 13, 2005 meeting the Public Works Committee reviewed Pay Estimate #1 in the amount of $25,008.03 to Barley Trucking and Excavating, Inc. for Contract 05-RD-05, 15th Street Road Reconstruction and they recommended that it be approved.

 

S/PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

 

A motion was made by Council Member Plemel and seconded by Council Member Fernstrum to adopt the foregoing report.  This motion was carried unanimously.

 

 

COMMITTEE REPORT:

 

At a June 13, 2005 meeting the Special Projects Committee reviewed the proposals received for the design of signs using our current lighthouse and slogan and they recommended accepting the proposal submitted by Signs and Designs at the cost of $600.

 

S/SPECIAL PROJECTS COMMITTEE


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June 20, 2005

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A motion was made by Council Member Fernstrum and seconded by Council Member Mick to adopt the foregoing report.

 

AYES:  Mick, Organ, Plemel, Schloegel, Fernstrum, Hudon, and Krah

NAYS: Jasper

 

This motion was carried.

 

 

COMMITTEE REPORT;

 

At a June 13, 2005 meeting the Special Projects Committee reviewed recognizing Enstrom Helicopter Corporation’s receiving the State Exporter of the Year Award and they recommended that the following resolution be adopted:

 

RESOLUTION

 

WHEREAS, Enstrom Helicopter Corporation is located in the City of Menominee; and 

 

WHEREAS, the City of Menominee is proud to have Enstrom Helicopter Corporation; and

 

WHEREAS, Enstrom Helicopter Corporation was recently recognized by the State of Michigan Economic Development Corporation as exporter of the year as a result of their international exporting contracts including the contract with Indonesia;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Menominee by its City Council congratulate and recognize Enstrom Helicopter Corporation for this prestigious award. 

 

S/SPECIAL PROJECTS COMMITTEE

 

A motion was made by Council Member Fernstrum and seconded by Council Member Organ to adopt the foregoing report.  This motion was carried unanimously.

 

 

COMMITTEE REPORT:

 

At a June 13, 2005 meeting the Special Projects Committee reviewed recognizing Lance Corporal USMC R. Kent Breese and Corporal USMC David J. Breese’s service to their country and they recommended that the following resolutions be adopted:

 

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the City of Menominee has long had a distinguished history of its residents committing to assorted domestic emergencies during periods of national crisis; and

 

WHEREAS, Lance Corporal USMC R. Kent Breese was summoned to serve our nation in the ongoing fight against terrorism; and


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WHEREAS, Lance Corporal USMC R. Kent Breese was ordered to join United States Forces and allied troops in Iraq, leaving family, friends, and his everyday job to assist a country under a ruthless dictatorship so that this torn nation, namely Iraq, could become a free democracy; and

 

WHEREAS, Lance Corporal USMC R. Kent Breese performed his task in superb fashion for the cause of justice and freedom for Iraqi people, and other populations under threat of dangerous and evil terrorist networks;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Menominee by its City Council, at its meeting on June 20, 2005 honor Lance Corporal USMC R. Kent Breese, in recognition of his splendid performance during his long and rigorous tour of duty in a perilous war zone, along with the great personal sacrifice and courage exhibited by him, and whereby the Menominee City Council and all of the citizens of our community will be forever appreciative for his service.

 

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the City of Menominee has long had a distinguished history of its residents committing to assorted domestic emergencies during periods of national crisis; and

 

WHEREAS, Corporal USMC David J. Breese was summoned to serve our nation in the ongoing fight against terrorism; and

 

WHEREAS, Corporal USMC David J. Breese was ordered to join United States Forces and allied troops in Iraq, leaving family, friends, and his everyday job to assist a country under a ruthless dictatorship so that this torn nation, namely Iraq, could become a free democracy; and

 

WHEREAS, Corporal USMC David J. Breese performed his task in superb fashion for the cause of justice and freedom for Iraqi people, and other populations under threat of dangerous and evil terrorist networks;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Menominee by its City Council, at its meeting on June 20, 2005 honor Corporal USMC David J. Breese, in recognition of his splendid performance during his long and rigorous tour of duty in a perilous war zone, along with the great personal sacrifice and courage exhibited by him, and whereby the Menominee City Council and all of the citizens of our community will be forever appreciative for his service.

 

S/SPECIAL PROJECTS COMMITTEE

 

A motion was made by Council Member Plemel and seconded by Council Member Fernstrum to adopt the foregoing report.  This motion was carried unanimously.

 


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June 20, 2005

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MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS:

 

The first item under motion and resolutions was the following ordinance amendment:

 

TITLE   1:            ADMINISTRATION

CHAP.  3:            OFFICERS                                                                                                 1:3.1

 

1:3.1            COMPENSATION OF OFFICERS.

 

(7)        CITY MANAGER.

            Compensation for the office of city manager shall be $62,001.00 $63,613.00 per year commencing March July 1, 20045 and a one time accrued payment for increased salary from March 1, 2005 to June 30, 2005 in the amount of $537.

 

A motion was made by Council Member Plemel and seconded by Council Member Mick to adopt the foregoing ordinance amendment.  This motion was carried unanimously.

 

 

The following ordinance was presented next:

 

TITLE 1:          ADMINISTRATION

CHAPTER 11:       CODE OF ETHICS                                          1:11

 

Section 1 Findings.

 

It is hereby declared the policy of the City of Menominee that all officials and employees must avoid conflicts between their private interests and those of the general public whom they serve. To enhance the faith of the people and the integrity and impartiality of all officials and employees of the City of Menominee, it is necessary that adequate guidelines be provided for separating their roles as private citizens from their roles as public servants. Where government is based on the consent of the governed, every citizen is entitled to have complete confidence in the integrity of his or her government. Each individual official, employee, or advisor of government must help to earn, and must honor that trust by his or her own integrity and conduct in all official duties and actions.

 

Section 2 Statement of purpose and policy.

 

(a)        This ordinance is adopted as a code of ethics:

 

      (1)      To state principles of ethics which are to be applied in public service;

(2)        To help motivate public servants to pursue ethical ideals which exceed minimum standards;

(3)      To provide a process by which public servants may identify and resolve ethical issues;

(4)      To identify minimum standards of ethical conduct for public servants;

(5)        To inform the public of the minimum standards to which their public servants are expected to adhere;


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(6)      To promote public confidence in the integrity of public servants;

(7)        To encourage members of the public to seek public office or employment, to serve on public boards, to assist public servants as volunteers, and to take pride in participating in the governmental process;

(8)        To establish sanctions, when appropriate, for public servants who violate the public trust;

(9)        To protect to the fullest extent possible the rights of all individuals who are subject in any way to the provisions of this ordinance.

 

(b)        This ordinance is intended to establish the policy that City officials and employees of the City of Menominee and their relatives shall avoid any action which might result in or create the appearance of impropriety, including:

 

        (1)         Using public employment or office for private gain;

        (2)         Giving or accepting preferential treatment to or from any organization or person;

        (3)         Impeding City efficiency or economy;

        (4)         Losing complete independence or impartiality of action;

        (5)         Making a City decision outside official channels;

   (6)            Affecting adversely the confidence of the public or integrity of the City government; or

        (7)         Giving or accepting preferential treatment in the use of City property.

 

(c)        The code of ethics is intended to be preventative and punitive. It should not be construed to interfere with or abrogate in any way the provisions of any Michigan statutes, the City Charter, other City ordinances, or any collectively bargained agreement.

 

(d)        This declaration of policy is not intended to prevent any City official or employee of the City from receiving compensation for work performed on his or her own time as a private citizen and not involving City business.

 

(e)        This declaration of policy is not intended to apply to contributions to political campaigns that are governed by state law.

 

Section 3. Definitions.

 

Whenever used in this ordinance, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

(a)        City means the City of Menominee.

 

(b)        City official means any person elected, appointed, or otherwise serving in any capacity with the City of Menominee in any position established by the City Charter or by City ordinance which involves the exercise of a public power, trust, or duty. The term includes any official or employee of the City, whether or not they receive compensation, including consultants and persons who serve on advisory boards and commissions.

 

(c)            Compensation means any money, thing of value, or other compensatory or pecuniary benefit conferred upon, received, or to be received in return for, or as reimbursement for, services rendered or to be rendered.


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(d)            Controlling authorities means those persons identified in section 6 to whom inquiries must be directed.

 

(e)            Decision making means to exercise public power to adopt ordinances, regulations, administrative procedures or standards, render quasijudicial decisions, establish executive policy, or render a governmental decision as that term is defined in section 2a of Public Act No. 196 of 1973 (MCL 15.342a).

 

(f)            Economic interest means any interest having value or capable of valuation in monetary terms.

 

(g)            Employee means an individual employed by the City, whether part-time or full-time, but excludes elected officials and City contractors.

 

(i)         Gift means anything of value given without consideration or expectation of return.

 

(j)            Official duties or official action means a decision, recommendation, approval, disapproval, or other action or failure to act that involves the use of discretionary authority.

 

(k)        Person means any individual, entity, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, firm, association, union, trust, estate, and any parent or subsidiary of any of the foregoing, whether or not operated for profit.

 

(l)            Relative means a person who is related to an official or employee as spouse or as any of the following, whether by blood or by adoption: parent, child, brother or sister, aunt or uncle, niece or nephew, grandparent, grandchild, father-in-law, mother-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, stepfather or stepmother, stepson or stepdaughter, stepbrother or stepsister, half-brother or half-sister.

 

(m)            Substantial means anything of significant worth and importance, or of considerable value as distinguished from something with little value, social tokenism, or merely nominal.

 

Section 4 Conflict of interest in contracts with City officials prohibited.

 

No City official or employee shall be a party, directly or indirectly, to any contract with the City or directly or indirectly solicit any contract with the City, except as may be permitted by the provisions of Public Act No. 317 of 1968 (MCL 15.321 et seq.).

 

Section 5 Code of ethical conduct.

 

(a)            Gratuities. No City official or employee of the City shall solicit, accept, or receive, directly or indirectly, any substantial gift, whether in the form of money, service, loan, travel, entertainment, hospitality, thing, promise of future employment, promise of benefit, or in any other form of an economic interest, under circumstances in which it can reasonably be inferred that the gift is intended to influence him or her in the performance of his or her official duties or is intended as a reward for any official action or inaction on his or her part.


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(b)            Preferential treatment. No City official or employee of the City shall use, or attempt to use, their official position to unreasonably secure, request, or grant any privilege, exemption, advantage, contract, or preferential treatment for themselves, a relative, or others.

 

(c)        Use of information. No City official or employee of the City who acquires information in the course of their official duties, which information by law or policy is not available at the time to the general public, shall use or withhold such information to further the private economic interests of themselves, a relative, or anyone else.

 

(d)        Full disclosure.

 

(1)        No City official or employee of the City shall participate, as an agent or representative of the City, in approving, disapproving, debating, voting, abstaining from voting, recommending, or otherwise acting upon any matter in which he or she or a relative has a direct or indirect economic interest without disclosing the full nature and extent of their interests. Such a disclosure must be made before the time to perform their duty or concurrently with that performance. If the City official or employee is a member of a decision-making or advising body, they must make disclosure to the chairman and other members of the body on the official record.  Otherwise, a disclosure would be appropriately addressed by an appointed City official or employee to the supervisory head of their organization, or by an elected officer to the general public. In the case of the City manager or City attorney, he or she shall make such disclosure to the mayor.

(2)        All City council members, the City manager, all City department heads and all regular full-time and part-time City employees, shall file an annual disclosure statement with the City clerk on or before April 15 of each year. The statement shall disclose and detail any interest of the filer in any company, business, trust or entity of any kind doing business with or licensed or regulated by the City for the past year and state the type of interest, cost, income and benefits received and present value. The statement shall also include any interest of the filer's immediate family in any such company, business, trust or entity. The disclosure statement shall be a public document.

(3)        Provided however, that disclosure need not be made of benefits received from any entity when an ownership interest is the only connection, and: (i) the company has stock traded on a national exchange and the filer owns $25,000.00 or less of stock of the entity; or (ii) the stock holder owns one percent or less of the total stock by value; whichever is greater, provided further that wages or salary received from a public community college, junior college or state college or university need not be reported.

 

(e)        Outside business dealings.

 

(1) No City official or employee of the City shall engage in or accept employment or render services for a private or public interest when that employment or service is incompatible or in conflict with the discharge of the City official's or employee's official duties or when that employment may tend to impair his or her independence of judgment or action in the performance of official duties.

(2)        No City official or employee shall engage in a business transaction in which the City official, or employee may benefit financially from his or her official position or authority or benefit financially from confidential information which the City official or employee has obtained or may obtain by reason of that position or authority.


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(f)        Doing business with the City. No City official or employee shall engage in business with the City, directly or indirectly, without first filing a complete written disclosure statement for each business activity having an economic interest. Such disclosure shall be made on an annual basis or before any business activity or decision affecting an interest not previously disclosed by an annual disclosure.

 

(g)            Suppression of public information. No City official or employee of the City shall suppress any public City report, document, or other information available to the general public because it might tend to affect unfavorably his or her private financial or political interest.

 

(h)        Use of City property. No City official or employee of the City shall, directly or indirectly, make use of or permit a relative or other person to make use of City property of any kind or City personnel resources for purely personal gain or economic benefit. City officials or employees shall strive to protect and conserve all City property including equipment and supplies entrusted or issued to them.

 

(i)         Legal process. No City council member, City official, or employee shall interfere with the ordinary course of law enforcement within the City, and no special favors, consideration, or disposition shall be suggested to or requested of any law enforcement person of the City including City manager, police chief, police officers, code enforcement officers, City attorney, and/or administrative staff concerning any City law enforcement matter including (but not limited to) parking tickets, traffic tickets, ordinance tickets, or municipal civil infraction citations. This subsection shall not prohibit the City manager, City attorney, and all law enforcement officials from exercising the usual power, control, and discretion which are part of their duties. Nor shall this subsection prohibit the mayor and City council from making policy decisions, enacting legislation, and directing the affairs of the City in accordance with their legal powers and responsibility.

 

Section 6 Violation, enforcement, controlling authority, and advisory opinions.

 

(a)        All matters concerning conflict of interest as set forth in section 4 and the code of ethical conduct as set forth in section 5 shall be directed to one of the two following controlling authorities depending upon the employment status of the City official or employee involved, or group concerned, and the nature of the action requested:

 

(1)            Elected and appointed City officials to the mayor, City council, and City attorney.

(2)            Employees, full- and part-time, of the City to the City manager and City attorney.

 

(b)        The above-listed authorities, when requested, shall take appropriate action on the basis of consensus upon any complaint or request for information, or to otherwise resolve matters concerning this code of ethics.  The appropriate action to be taken in any individual case shall be at the discretion of the controlling authority involved, which may include but is not limited to any of the following:


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(1)            Referral of the matter to a higher authority.

(2)            Pursuing further investigation by the controlling authority.

(3)        Taking or recommending appropriate disciplinary action including removal from office, appointed position, or employment, in accordance with the Menominee City Charter, City Code, state law, or the regulations or policies of the City of Menominee, or any collectively bargained agreement.

(4)            Deeming no action to be required.

(5)        Pursuing such other course of action which is reasonable, just, and appropriate under the circumstances.

 

(c)        The above-listed controlling authorities may render written advisory opinions, when deemed appropriate, interpreting the code of ethical conduct as set forth in section 5.  Any City official or employee may seek guidance from the controlling authority upon written request and an advisory opinion shall be requested on questions directly relating to the propriety of their conduct as City officials and employees. Each written request and advisory opinion shall be confidential unless released by the requester.

 

(1)            Request for opinions shall be in writing.

(2)            Advisory opinions may include guidance to any employee on questions as to:

a. Whether an identifiable conflict exists between his/her personal interests or obligations and his/her official duties.

b. Whether his/her participa