HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Ethics Commission - 05/08/2014 Minutes of the Ethics Commission Meeting on May 8, 2014
ACM Conference Room-Su' Floor
City Hall—1201 Leopard Street
The meeting was called to order by Vice-Chair Karon Connelly at 5:36.
1. Roll Call. The following members of the Ethics Commission were in attendance: Alicia
Benavidez, Arthie Brown, Ken Bung, Karon Connelly, Harry Hallows, Bill Strawn, and Larry
White. Absent: Rod Wolthoff. City Staff in attendance:Assistant City Attorney Lisa Aguilar.
2. Review minutes of April 10, 2014. A motion was made by Bill Strawn to approve the
minutes. Motion was.seconded by Ken Bung. All in favor; none opposed.
3. Discussion and possible action regarding procedures for accepting Ethics complaints. During
this discussion,Dr. Dawod arrived at 5:40. The Commission discussed procedures for review of
an Ethics complaint including jurisdiction of Commission over the alleged violator, whether the
complaint specifies a rule violation;whether the complaint has facts that support violation, and
was complaint properly notarized and timely filed. The Commission discussed procedure
regarding number of votes required to move to hearing. Assistant City Attorney advised that
actions of City boards follow Roberts' Rules of Order and actions of boards are by majority vote
of the quorum present unless the ordinance indicates otherwise.
Motion was made by Bill Strawn to establish procedure to accept a complaint: that the
Commission must have jurisdiction over the alleged violator; the complaint must specify the
provision's of the rules of conduct violated and facts that support a violation and complaint
must be timely filed. Motion was seconded by Harry Hallows. The Commission discussed the
motion; that the motion was to follow the ordinance. Dr. Dawod asked to amend motion to
state that Commission follows Robert's Rules of Order and to reaffirm that the Commission will
adhere to the Code of Ethics procedures and Robert's Rules of Order. Mr. Strawn withdrew the
motion.
4. Discussion and possible action on pending ethics complaint. The Commission received a
copy of the pending ethics complaint filed on March 14, 2014 by Ms. Norma Rivera which was
tabled at the last meeting. Motion was made by Mr. White to take Ms. Rivera's complaint to a
hearing. The motion was seconded by Mr. Hallows. The Commission discussed the motion.
Mr. Strawn called for the question which was seconded by Mr. Hallows. The motion passed
with seven In favor and with one opposed by Ms. Connelly. In follow up discussion, the
Commission discussed guidelines for the hearing and notices to the parties.
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A motion was made by Mr. Hallows to request copy of outcome of state's investigation
regarding Ms. Rivera's complaint. The motion was seconded by Mr. Bung. Ms. Connelly
requested to amend motion to request certified records by subpoena. The Commission
discussed the motion In regards to certified copies of records, burden of proof, and
Commission's role in reviewing complaint. Mr. Hallows and Mr. Bung withdrew the motion.
The Commission discussed date for hearing and set hearing as special meeting on June 5. The
Commission discussed that the only item on the agenda for June 5 will be the hearing.
5. Discussion and possible action regarding meeting calendar. The commission reviewed the
proposed meeting dates for 2014: June 5, July 10, August 7, September 7, October 2,
November 6, and December 4. Motion was made by Mr. Strawn to approve the meeting dates
for 2014. The motion was seconded by Ms. Brown and Mr. Bung. The motion passed 8 in
favor, none opposed.
6. Public Comment. None.
7. Identification of items to be placed on next meeting agenda. The following items were listed
for inclusion of the next meeting agenda for June 5, 2014: Special meeting to hold hearing on
pending ethics complaint.
The following items were listed for inclusion of the July 10,2014 meeting agenda:
• Review minutes (including November 2013)
• Placement of Ethics complaint form on City webs€te
• Review of financial disclosure documents
The date for next meeting was identified as June 5, 2014.
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The meeting adjourned at 7:00.
The foregoing minutes of the May 8, 2014 meeting of the Ethics Commission were approved on
1 by the Ethics Commission.
By.
Dr. Haysom Dawod,Chairperson
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