Delaware City Council Work Session: Ethics Training - April 13, 2026

The Delaware City Council held a work session on April 13, 2026, from 6:01 PM to 6:42 PM, primarily focused on an annual ethics training presentation delivered by City Attorney David Moser and Assistant City Attorney Bailey Neal. The training covered the sources and importance of ethics rules, conflicts of interest, improper gifts, confidentiality, the revolving door restriction, political activity limitations, charter provisions, public records considerations, and recent updates from the Ohio Ethics Commission. Council members participated in a quiz and discussion.

Consent Calendar

• Council voted unanimously (7-0) to excuse Councilwoman Griffith from the meeting.

Discussion Items

• Why Ethics Rules Exist: Moser explained that ethics laws (ORC Chapters 102 and 2921) carry criminal penalties ranging from fourth-degree misdemeanors to third-degree felonies. Violations also harm public perception. The city's own Code of Ethics (adopted in 2012) and the Delaware City Charter provide additional framework.
• Conflicts of Interest: Having a conflict is not illegal; the key is proper response, including recusal. Council members should disclose conflicts on the record, step out during questioning and voting, and consult the city attorney.
• Improper Gifts: The Ohio Ethics Commission sets a general value cap of around $75, but Moser advised erring on the side of caution. Lavish meals, travel, cash, gift cards, and promises of employment are automatic no-nos; nominal items (mugs, t-shirts) and modest meals/awards are acceptable. Items from improper sources (e.g., contractors doing business with the city) should be rejected.
• Confidentiality: Information prohibited from disclosure (e.g., trade secrets, private health information) has a lifetime ban on disclosure, even after leaving office.
• Revolving Door: For 12 months after leaving city service, former officials cannot represent others before the city in matters they personally participated in.
• Political Activities: No candidate may solicit contributions from city employees whose appointing authority would be the candidate if elected. Campaign activities should be completely separated from city resources.
• City Charter Provisions: Council members must not direct city employees (except the Clerk of Council and Finance Director under certain provisions). Requests to staff should keep the City Manager informed. The City Manager preferred being copied on all inquiries to maintain awareness.
• Quiz Scenarios:
  1. An email criticizing a contract award and implying favoritism was deemed inappropriate (appearance of impropriety), though not necessarily unethical.
  2. An email to the city attorney and city manager about contract review with a vendor copied was problematic because it could waive attorney-client privilege.
  3. A broad 10% gym discount for all government officials was acceptable.
  4. A council-wide email asking for thoughts on a matter was a violation of the Open Meetings Act if it constituted an unannounced meeting of a majority.
• Recent Updates: The Ohio Ethics Commission released guidance on soliciting legal defense funds (discouraged), expanded the definition of family members to include domestic partners, addressed cryptocurrency reporting, allowed rewards points from broadly available programs, and strongly advised against using auto-delete messaging platforms (e.g., Snapchat, WhatsApp) for public business.

Key Outcomes

• Council completed the annual ethics training requirement. No formal votes or decisions were made beyond excusing Councilwoman Griffith.