HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-24-12Ethics Commission Meeting Minutes
July 24, 2012
1. The meeting was called to order at 4:04 pm. Members present: Dan Dutcher, Miriam
Dant, Sarann Warner, Bob Wallace. Doug Haney, City Attorney arrived at 4:20 pm.
2. Dan welcomed the newest City Council Appointee, Sarann Warner. He also requested
that Doug remind the Mayor that one of the mayor's appointments was still unfilled. Dan
mentioned he had emailed the mayor but had received no response. Doug indicated he
would discuss this issue with Mayor Brainard.
3. Due to existing ambiguities and lack of process in the current Ethics Ordinance, there
was discussion around the 2012 Economic Interest forms and what actions, if any the
Commission was to take. It was noted that per Human Resources all forms were received
by the date indicated in the Mayor's Executive Order. The commission did review a
form at random, but could only verify that it was filled out. Saran noted there was no
action required in the present ordinance that allowed for any verification of the
information presented. Doug, at the end of the meeting, took the forms and would pass
them to Human Resources for safe keeping.
4. Dan updated the Commission on his February 20 presentation to the City Council.
Bob relayed his discussion with members of the council at their last meeting and their
inquiry as to where the revised proposal of the ordinance stood with the committee.
5. Doug provided historical context as to why the current ordinance was passed in its
current form. The commission discussed, reviewed and voted 4 -0 on revising the current
Ethics Ordinance as follows:
a. Currently, A quorum is defined as 3 of 5; however, no action may be taken
unless 4 members are present. These requirements need to be consistent, with 3
members for both.
b. Revise the process around what action is to be taken, around review of the
Economic Disclosure forms. The city Attorney's office would coordinate the solicitation,
collection and review of the forms (as necessary). The board would continue to focus on
handling of complaints and the consideration of amendments to the ordinance. Also, the
dates of disclosure submittal need to be incorporated into the revised ordinance to be
presented to the council. The Mayor's Executive Order and the dates therein would be
sufficient.
c. Gifts /Honoraria need to be redefined as follows: $100 per occurrence, no more
than $250 per year.
d. An Ethic Complaint could be filed by any citizen, not (as in the current
ordinance) just city officials and staff. The revised ordinance needs to address the
process as well as lay out the issue and resolution of frivolous complaints.
e. The fine for not filing an Economic Disclosure form is to be revised to a
minimum of $50 and a maximum of $500 for each month it remains unfiled.
f. Ethics training for all elected, appointed and city employees would be
coordinated by Human Resource personnel, not the board.
g. Records Retention of Economic Disclosure forms would be for a period of 5
years or longer (if required by law).
6. Dan will contact Rick Sharp, Council President, to update him on the changes being
proposed. Bob will forward these changes /revisions /additions to Doug for drafting of a
new proposal. Doug committed to having the draft ready for Ethics Commission review
by the first week in September at which time it is envisioned the Ethics Commission will
reconvene and forward the proposed revision to the council for action.
7. There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 5:23 PM.
Respectfully submitted.
Bob Wallace
Commission Secretary