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SESSION 2B Ethics of our Profession Roundtable Monday, June 30 1:30pm to 3:00pm. DOING BUSINESS WITH THE PUBLIC SECTOR . Jenny L. Grote, PE, PTOE Deputy Street Transportation Director Street Maintenance Division. Background. Public owners are stewards of taxpayer dollars
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SESSION 2B • Ethics of our Profession Roundtable Monday, June 30 1:30pm to 3:00pm DOING BUSINESS WITH THE PUBLIC SECTOR Jenny L. Grote, PE, PTOE Deputy Street Transportation Director Street Maintenance Division
Background • Public owners are stewards of taxpayer dollars • Constant public scrutiny, live in a fishbowl • Impacts of social media, instant communications • By necessity, public employees held to highest • ethical standards • When public trust is violated, dire consequences • As result, must create separation – • “arms length relationship”
Principles of Ethics in Public Service Seek no Favor Build trust through transparency and honesty Treat all equitably Build great communities through great stewardship
Gifts and Gratuities • Receiving gifts can create the appearance of bias or favoritism • Employees should decline gifts for themselves or their family • Inform Manager if there is a situation that may be a conflict of interest, or create the appearance of favoritism
Impression of Influence • Conduct official and personal affairs in a manner that gives the clear impression that they cannot be improperly influenced • In public service, perception is important • Keep the public’s perception in mind and act in a way that maintains public trust
Recommended Practices • Provide equal access to vendors • Use Public Forums • e.g. – ITE, APWA and ASCE • Social Events • Pay your own way • Use your own time
Prohibited Interactions • Avoid even perception of conflict of interest or favoritism • Cannot accept personal gifts greater than nominal value (< $25) • In limited circumstances, can accept gift but must be declared with City Clerk • Gifts of food may be accepted and shared within work group • Gifts of value may be accepted if donated to charity or fund-raising event
Marketing Opportunities • Contractor and consultant networking events • Meet-and-greets in office • Participation in industry professional groups • Pre-proposals and pre-submittal • Donations to charities in lieu of cards and gifts • Subscribe to City’s Procurement Newsletter: • http://lists.phoenix.gov/fms/eas-nwsltrsubscribe.html
Goal: “Owner of Choice” • Be as accessible to industry contacts within constraints • Makes processes as transparent as possible • Generate trust between City staff and consultant community • Encourage better service providers to seek work with us
Summary • Public agencies need to understand business needs of consultants and contractors • Consultants and contractors need to understand obligations and limitations of public agencies • How can we all be successful within the rules? 10
Roundtable Discussion • What are your rules? • Hard to say no, when can you say yes? • Can you review your own work? Jeff Young, P.E. Assistant County Engineer McHenry County Division of Transportation 16111 Nelson Rd. Woodstock, IL 60098 (815) 334-4969 jryoung@co.mchenry.il.us Discussion Topics: