DOING BUSINESS WITH THE PUBLIC SECTOR SESSION 2B Ethics of our Profession Roundtable Monday, June 30 1:30pm to 3:00pm 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 1.Seek no Favor 2.Build trust through transparency and honesty 3.Treat all equitably 4.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:  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 Jeff Young, P.E. Assistant County Engineer McHenry County Division of Transportation Nelson Rd. Woodstock, IL (815) Discussion Topics: What are your rules? Hard to say no, when can you say yes? Can you review your own work?