2.94.020 Definitions.
Throughout this code, the following definitions shall apply:
A. “Advisory body” means any board or commission, committee or other entity previously, or hereafter, and named a board or commission in the ordinance or resolutions creating the body, created by the city council to give advice on subjects and perform such other functions as prescribed by the city council. Advisory body does not mean task forces, informal committees, or working groups appointed by the mayor or created by the city council for short periods of time or for specific tasks.
B. “Benefit,” “gain,” “profit,” or “interest in a contract” applies only to situations or contracts involving business transactions, employment matters, and other financial interests, and does not apply to situations or contracts which confer no financial benefit.
C. City of Lynnwood Officials, Officers or Employees. “City official, officer, or employee” means every individual elected or appointed to an office or position of employment, whether such individual is paid or unpaid.
D. “Confidential information” means:
1. Specific information, rather than generalized knowledge, that is not available to the general public on request; or
2. Information made confidential by law including but not limited to as provided in taxpayer information, RCW 82.32.330; information regarding organized crime, RCW 43.43.856; criminal history information, Chapter 10.97 RCW; medical records, Chapter 70.02 RCW; and juvenile records, RCW 13.50.010; or
3. Information which is initially disclosed or discussed in executive session, and which is not available to the general public on request; or
4. “Confidential information” does not include information officially disclosed by the mayor or a majority vote of the city council.
E. “Contract” includes any contract, sale, lease, or purchase.
F. “Contracting party” includes any person, partnership, association, cooperative, corporation, or other business entity which is a party to a contract with a municipality.
G. “Ethics” means standards of conduct that are regulated by this code.
H. “Family” means an individual’s spouse, and child, step-child, grandchild, parent, step-parent, grandparent, brother, half-brother, sister, or half-sister of the individual and the spouse of any such person and a child, step-child, grandchild, parent, step-parent, grandparent, brother, half-brother, sister, or half-sister of the individual’s spouse and the spouse of any such person.
I. “Gift” means anything of economic value for which no consideration is given. “Gift” does not include:
1. Items from family members or friends where it is clear beyond a reasonable doubt that the gift was not made as part of any design to gain or maintain influence in the city or with the recipient in connection with city matters;
2. Items related to the outside business of the recipient that are customary and not related to the recipient’s performance of official duties;
3. Items exchanged among officials and employees or a social event hosted or sponsored by a city officer or city employee for co-workers;
4. Payments by a governmental or nongovernmental entity of reasonable expenses incurred in connection with a speech, presentation, appearance, or trade mission made in an official capacity. As used in this subsection, “reasonable expenses” are limited to travel, lodging, and subsistence expenses incurred the day before through the day after the event;
5. Items an official or employee is authorized by law to accept;
6. Payment of enrollment and course fees and reasonable travel expenses attributable to attending seminars and educational programs sponsored by a bona fide nonprofit professional, educational, or trade association, or charitable institution. As used in this subsection, “reasonable expenses” are limited to travel, lodging, and subsistence expenses incurred the day before through the day after the event;
7. Items returned by the recipient to the donor within 30 days of receipt or donation to a charitable organization within 30 days of receipt;
8. Campaign contributions or other items reported or regulated under Chapter 42.17 RCW;
9. Discounts available to an individual as a member of an employee group, occupation, or similar broad-based group; and
10. Awards, prizes, scholarships, or other items provided in recognition of professional, academic or scientific achievement.
J. “Person” means any individual, partnership, association, corporation, firm, institution, or other entity, whether or not operated for profit. (Ord. 2112 § 2, 1996)