(1) Policy Role of Officials. Officials shall respect and adhere to the council-manager structure of Covington City government as outlined by Chapter 35A.13 RCW. In this structure, the City Council determines the policies of the City with the advice, information, and analysis provided by the public, boards and commissions, and City staff. Except as provided by State law, officials shall not interfere with the administrative functions of the City or the professional duties of City staff; nor shall they impair the ability of staff to implement Council policy decisions.

(2) Personal Integrity.

(3) Working for the Common Good. Recognizing that stewardship of the public interest must be their primary concern, officials will work for the common good of the people of Covington and not for any private or personal interest, and they will ensure fair and equal treatment of all persons, claims, and transactions coming before the City Council, boards, and commissions. Officials need to be mindful that making special requests of staff – even when the response does not benefit the official personally – puts staff in an awkward position.

(4) Respect for Process. Officials shall perform their duties in accordance with the processes and rules of order established by the City Council and board and commissions governing the deliberation of public policy issues, meaningful involvement of the public, and implementation of policy decisions of the City Council by City staff.

(5) Commitment to Transparency. Transparency, openness, and accountability are fundamental values of the City – and are also required by the laws of the State of Washington. The public has a right to inspect and copy public records unless exempt by law from disclosure. All materials relating to the conduct of City government that are prepared, possessed, used, or retained by any official, including email and other electronic records, are subject to requirements for retention, protection, and disclosure. Officials may assume that all copies of materials received from City staff have already been archived and do not need to be retained. Officials shall not discard, damage, or destroy the original copy of any public record unless directed by the City Public Records Officer (the City Clerk), who has responsibility to ensure that the City complies with the record retention schedules established under Chapter 40.14 RCW. Officials shall promptly provide any records requested by the Public Records Officer in response to a disclosure request under the Public Records Act, Chapter 42.56 RCW. It is the responsibility of the Public Records Officer, together with the City Attorney, to decide which records meet the definition of “public record” and whether or not they are exempt from disclosure; officials must not take it upon themselves to decide whether a record meets the definition of a public record, that a record is exempt from disclosure, or to otherwise conceal a record.

(6) Conduct of Public Meetings. Officials shall prepare themselves for public issues; listen courteously and attentively to all public discussions before the body; and focus on the business at hand. They shall refrain from interrupting other speakers; making personal comments not germane to the business of the body; or otherwise interfering with the orderly conduct of meetings.

(7) Decisions Based on Merit. Officials shall base their decisions on the merits and substance of the matter at hand, rather than on unrelated considerations.

(8) Advocacy.