SALTON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT  BOARD OF DIRECTORS' CODE OF CONDUCT 

All members of the Board of Directors, including those serving as President and Vice President, have equal votes in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order. No Board Member has more power than any other Board Member and all should be treated with equal respect. The work of the Board is a team effort. All individuals should work together in the collaborative process, assisting each other in conducting the affairs of the Board. In order to assist in the governance of the behavior between and among members of the Board of Directors and District staff, all Board Members should:

•    Fully participate in Board of Directors' meetings and other public forums while demonstrating respect, kindness, consideration, and courtesy to others. Responsiveness and attentive listening in communication is encouraged.

•    In accordance with SCSD Bylaws, Board Members will prepare in advance of Board Meetings and be familiar with issues on the Agenda.

•    Be respectful of other people's time. Stay focused and act efficiently during public meetings.

•    Serve as a model of leadership and civility to the community.

•    Demonstrate honesty and integrity in every action and statement.

•    Participate in scheduled activities to increase team effectiveness and familiarize themselves with Board Policy and Procedures, such as this Code of Conduct and the Bylaws.

Board Conduct with One Another

•    Practice civility and respect in discussions and debate. The dignity, style, values and opinions of each Board Member shall be respected. Difficult questions, tough challenges to a particular point of view, and criticism of ideas and information are legitimate

•    Honor the role of the President in maintaining order. It is the responsibility of the
President to keep the comments of Board Members on track during public meetings.
Board Members should honor efforts by the President to focus discussion on current
agenda items. If there is a disagreement about the agenda or the President's actions,
those objections should be voiced politely and with reason.

•    Avoid personal comments that could offend other Board Members.

•    Demonstrate effective problem-solving approaches. Board Members have a public stage to show how individuals with disparate and differing points of view can find common ground and seek a compromise that benefits the community as a whole.

•    Differing viewpoints are healthy in the decision-making process. Individuals have the
right to disagree with ideas and opinions, but without being disagreeable. Once the
Board of Directors takes action Board Members should commit to supporting said action and not to create barriers to the implementation of said action in accordance with Roberts Rules of Order and the SCSD Bylaws.

Board Conduct with District Staff

•    The primary responsibility of the Board of Directors is the formulation and evaluation of policy. According to Government Code 61040, routine matters concerning the
operational aspects of the District are to be delegated to the General Manager.

•    Treat all staff professionally with clear, honest communication that respects the abilities, experience, and dignity of each individual. Poor behavior towards staff is not acceptable. In accordance with SCSD Bylaws, Board Members should develop a working
relationship with the General Manager wherein current issues, concerns and District
projects can be discussed comfortably and openly.

•    Never publicly criticize an individual employee. The Board should never express
concerns about the performance of a District employee in public. In accordance with
Government Code 61051, comments about staff performance should only be made to the General Manager through private correspondence or conversation.

•    Do not get involved in administrative functions. Government Code 61051 states the
Board's authority to make decisions regarding policy or other District matters is during Board meetings, as a collective, through the General Manager. If approached by District personnel concerning any specific District Policy, Board Members should direct inquiries to the General Manager. The chain of command should be followed.

Board Conduct with the Public

•    The needs of the District's community and mission should be the priority of the Board of Directors. When a Director believes he or she may have a conflict of interest, he or she shall disclose this conflict and follow any procedures outlined in the Districts Conflict of Interest Policy and as established in Government Codes 87300-87314.

•    When responding to community requests and concerns, Directors should be courteous, responding to individuals in a positive manner and routing their questions to the District office and/or the General Manager. When handling complaints, said complaints should be referred to the General Manager in accordance with Government Code 61051.

•    Make no promises on behalf of the District. Board Members will frequently be asked to explain a Board action and/or give their opinion about an issue as they meet and talk with community members. It is appropriate to give a brief overview of policy and to refer to District staff for further information. According to the Ralph M. Brown Act, it is inappropriate to overtly or implicitly promise Board action, or to promise District staff will do something specific.

•   Make no personal comments about other Board Members. It is acceptable to publicly disagree about an issue, but it is unacceptable to make derogatory comments about other Board Members, their opinions and actions. Board Members are constantly being observed by the community every day that they serve in office. Honesty and respect for the dignity of each individual should be reflected in every word and action taken by Board Members at all times.

Sanctions

•   Board Members Behavior and Conduct: Board Members who intentionally and repeatedly do not follow proper conduct are subject to be reprimanded or formally censured by the Board.