Council receives ethics training on disclosure, recusal and gift rules ahead of Steel Days

Heather Schriever, the city’s legal counsel, provided the Council with ethics and conflict-of-interest training reflecting recent state legislation that expands training and disclosure expectations. Schriever said the training focuses on elected officials and outlined that conflicts may be actual, potential, or perceived; disclosure and, when necessary, recusal protect public trust and ensure decisions are made in the city’s interest.

Council Member Tim Holley asked whether stock holdings trigger disclosure, and Schriever read the applicable test: elected officials must list stocks or bonds with a fair market value of $5,000 or more, excluding holdings in managed vehicles such as 401(k) accounts, blind trusts, and mutual funds. She also explained statutory definitions of 'assist'—which covers acting to help, advise, or represent another party in a matter involving the city—and 'substantial interest,' such as ownership of at least 10% of a business. Schriever advised that disclosure obligations arise once an official becomes aware of a potential conflict and that written disclosures are required when specific conflicts or transactions occur.

Using the example of the mayor serving concurrently as Chamber President during the upcoming Steel Days planning, Schriever advised the mayor to avoid participating in City decision-making on Chamber matters and suggested Mayor Pro Tem handle related agenda items. She emphasized that when direct conflicts exist, recusal should include physically leaving the dais during consideration. Schriever also read verbatim the statutory prohibition on accepting gifts intended to improperly influence an official: "It's an offense for you as an elected official to knowingly receive, accept, take, seek, or solicit, directly or indirectly From the officer or municipal employee or from another a gift of substantial value or substantial economic benefit, tantamount to a gift that would one tend to improperly influence you or the person knows That it is for the purpose of rewarding you for an official action taken." She urged council members to consult legal counsel whenever they have questions about outside employment, board service, or compensated roles that may intersect with city matters.

The training was framed as practical guidance—disclose early, consult counsel, and recuse when appropriate—and the session covered potential criminal penalties for violations. Council members discussed examples (logo redesign, irrigation and construction matters) and asked staff to ensure disclosure forms and procedures are updated to reflect statutory requirements.