§ 7-22. Lobbying

In order to assure that the official policies of the City are expressed during appearances before legislative bodies or other governmental agencies, the following rules will apply:

A.

All testimony or statements, written or oral, given by an employee of the City before any governmental legislative body or other governmental agency shall strictly comply with the policies set forth by the City Commission, by motion, resolution or ordinance.

B.

When there is a lack of formal action by the City Commission, authorization must be obtained from the City Manager prior to any activity by an employee of the City.

C.

The policies expressed above shall also apply to any correspondence written on City or departmental stationery and to any oral conversation where the speaker represents him or herself as an employee of the City.

D.

The policies expressed above apply to all employees during normal working hours except that any written statement on City or departmental stationery applies at all times. Any employee who appears before any governmental legislative body or any agency during hours other than working hours will not represent themselves as employees of the City unless all information given is in compliance with this policy. If during the course of an appearance or oral interchange, the fact emerges that the person is an employee of the City, then a disclaimer will be issued that the information or testimony given represents the views of the employee and not that of the City. If information or testimony is given that is contrary to official policies of the City, then a statement to that effect will be given.

(Ord. No. 1547 , 1-19-18)