HomeMy WebLinkAbout3.d. Conflict of InterestMEMORANDUM
TO: ROSEMOUNT CITY COUNCIL
FROM: MIRE MILES �ZX
DATE: June 30, 1992
RE: CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
In response to the request of City Administrator Steve Jilk and
several members of the Rosemount City Council, the following is a
brief review of the law regarding potential conflicts of interest
involving members of the City Council. In addition to this
summary, copies of the applicable state statutes are attached for
your information.
The principal statute regarding conflicts of interest impacting on
members of the City Council is Minn. Stat. §10A.07. Essentially,
that provision states that if a local elected official in the
discharge of official duties would be required to take an action
that would substantially affect the officials direct or indirect
financial interest in a way greater than other persons of the same
profession or occupation, the local official must take the
following actions:
1. Prepare a written statement describing the proposed
action and potential conflict of interest;
2. Provide a copy of the statement to the Mayor; and
3. Abstain from taking action with respect to the specific
issue involved.
An example of a conflict of interest under this statute would be:
if you had a partial interest in a piece of real estate and a
decision proposed by the City Council would augment the value of
that real estate (i.e. rezoning, allowing for subdivision of the
property, etc.), you would be subject to the requirements of
§10A.07.
An example of a situation which does not entail a conflict of
interest would be: if as a council person you were to participate
in a decision to locate a new fire house in your neighborhood and
such decision might slightly benefit the value of your property
because of fire safety considerations but would also have a similar
effect on all other property owners within your neighborhood.
The other, more particularized prohibition found in state law
appears in Minn. Stat. §471.87 and §471.88. Section 471.87
prohibits public officials from having a personal financial
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interest in any sale, lease or contract in which that public
official will have decision making authority as part of his or her
official duty. There are numerous exceptions to this provision in
§471.88 (i.e. contracts involving designation of a bank, official
newspaper, contracts of a modest amount, etc.) and these exceptions
are set forth fully in the attached statutory materials.
In summary, state law simply says that you cannot use your official
position in order to receive a financial or personal benefit
different from other citizens.
Attachments
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