Public office is a public trust and City officials shall exercise their public duties in a manner that preserves that trust. The public’s trust can best be preserved if City officials adhere to a high standard of ethics that transcends the standards prescribed by law. High ethical standards require that all City officials understand and avoid unethical behavior. Unethical behavior can develop in a variety of situations, but it occurs when the public interest is not the sole and paramount interest in all actions conducted by all City officials. The purpose of this chapter is to encourage the highest standards of behavior by City officials, increase public confidence in City officials, to identify and take appropriate action with respect to unethical behavior, and to assist City officials with decision-making in areas of ethical concern. Accordingly, the code of ethics is hereby established. (Ord. 3264 § 1, 2013).