18-16
POLITICAL ACTIVITIES OF CITY OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES1:
18-16.1 Applicability:
Unless otherwise specified, the provisions of this section shall apply to all offices, positions and employment in the service of the city, including, but not limited to, all positions listed in this section. (Ord. #1561, §2)
18-16.2 Prohibited:
a. All officers and employees of the city are prohibited from engaging in political activities during working hours.
b. All officers and employees of the city are prohibited from engaging in political activity on the city’s premises and in all city facilities, including, but not limited to, city hall, city hall annex, city public works yard, Bateman hall, and city recreation facilities. This prohibition shall not apply to any traditional public forum or other place used for the conduct of political rallies or similar events, nor to any park, street or public land or other place not being used for the governmental purposes of the city. (Ord. #1561, §2)
18-16.3 Political Contributions Or Funds:
a. No officer or employee of the city shall be permitted to solicit or receive political funds or contributions to promote the passage or defeat of a ballot measure during working hours. This prohibition shall apply to any measure that would affect the rate of pay, hours of work, retirement, civil service, or other working conditions of officers or employees of the city.
b. No person shall be permitted to enter into city offices during working hours for the purpose of soliciting or receiving political funds or contributions to promote the passage or defeat of a ballot measure. This prohibition shall apply to any measure that would affect the rate of pay, hours of work, retirement, civil service, or other working conditions of officers or employees of the city. (Ord. #1561, §2)
18-16.4 Participation In Certain Activities Permitted:
a. This section does not prevent any city officer or employee from:
1. Becoming or continuing to be a member of a political club or organization.
2. Attending a political meeting.
3. Enjoying entire freedom from all interferences in casting his/her vote.
4. Seeking or accepting election or appointment to public office while on leave of absence.
5. Seeking signatures to any initiative or referendum petition directly affecting his rates of pay, hours of work, retirement, civil service or other working conditions, except during working hours and while on city premises.
6. Distributing badges, pamphlets, dodgers or handbills or otherwise participating in any campaign in connection with such petition, if the activity is not carried on during hours of work or when the officer or employee is on city premises. (Ord. #1561, §2)
18-16.5 State Law Provisions:
a. City officers and employees are also required to conform their political activities to applicable provisions of state law, including, but not limited to, section 3201 et seq., of the Government Code.
b. City officers and employees are also subject to state laws prohibiting use of public resources for campaign purposes, including, but not limited to, section 8314 of the Government Code. (Ord. #1561, §2)
18-16.6 Violations; Penalties:
a. Any person who violates any provisions of subsection 18-16.2 or 18-16.3 of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor. Each offense shall be punishable by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00) or by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than six (6) months, or both. Each day during any portion of which any violation of any provision of this section is committed, continued or permitted, makes such violation a separate offense.
b. City officers or employees, except for elected officials, shall also be subject to discharge for the violation of any provision of subsection 18-16.2 or 18-16.3 of this section, or a violation of section 18-17 of this chapter. (Ord. #1561, §2)
Prior ordinance history: Code 1972 §§24-69, 24-70.