ORDINANCE NO. 240902

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Sponsor: Councilmember Melissa Robinson

Amending Chapter 2 of the Code of Ordinances, "Administration," by enacting a new Section 2-2045, "Prohibited Activities During Municipal Service," in Article XV, Division 2, for the purpose of prohibiting employee influence of board members in certain circumstances.

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BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:

Section 1. That Chapter 2, of the Code of Ordinances "Administration" is amended by enacting a new Section 2-2045, "Prohibited Activities During Municipal Service" in Article XV, Division 2, to read as follows:

Sec. 2-2045. Prohibited activities during municipal service.

(a) Prohibition. No employee of the city shall use means outside of established practices and procedures to seek to influence any decision of a member of any city board about a project; court case; pending ordinance, resolution or other enabling legislation; city program; or other pending issue, for which the member has decision making authority, whether individually or as a member of a group, unless the city employee is:

(1) Not on city work time while presenting their views.

(2) Does not identify themselves as a city employee while presenting their views.

(3) Does not wear any city issued uniform, badges, or any other item that might identify themselves as a city employee while presenting their views.

(4) Does not drive a city vehicle to the meeting location.

(5) Does not make statements that would lead someone to believe the employee is speaking on behalf of the city.

(b) This section shall not be construed to prevent the disclosure of any alleged prohibited activity or misconduct or violation of any law, rule, or regulation.

(c) No city employee shall be considered in violation of this section if they are responding to a request for information from a member of a board. If a city employee is asked for their opinion on a matter, the employee should answer tr...

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