HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Ethics Commission - 08/21/2014 I
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Minutes of the Ethics Commission Meeting on August 22',2024
ACM Conference Roam-5u'Floor
City Hall—1201 Leopard Street
The meeting was called to order by Dr.Dawod,Chairperson,at 5:30.
1. Roll Call. All of the members of the Ethics Commission were in attendance: Dr. Dawod,
Alicia Benevidez, Arthie Perez, Ken Bung, Karon Connelly, David Ghably, Harry Hallows, Larry
White and Rod Wolthoff. City Staff in attendance:Assistant City Attorney Lisa Aguilar.
2. The Ethics Commission reviewed minutes of June and July meetings. The following motion
was made:
A motion was made by Ken Bung to approve the minutes. The motion was seconded by
Lang Write. All in favor,none opposed. Motion carried.
3. The Ethics Commission reviewed Financial Reports.
4. The Ethics Commission reviewed the Ethics Complaint Form on the City vuebsite.
A motion was made by Rod Wolthoff to remove the notary requirement from the Ethics
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website. The Motion was seconded by Larry White. The Commission discussed the
Issue. Karon Connelly made a motion to modify the original motion to refer to the
statutory reference (Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code Section 132.001). Mr.
Wolthoff accepted the modification to the Motion. All in favor;none opposed. Motion
carried as modified.
S. The Ethics Commission discussed the draft Ethics Commission Checklist.
A. Karon Connelly made a motion that Item 4 on the checklist be modified to Include
the standard: "The complaint shall go to an evidentiary hearing unless the Ethics
Commission unanimously votes that the complaint does not meet the required criteria
The motion was seconded by David Ghably. All in favor,none opposed. Motion carried.
B. Ken Bung made a motion to move items 5 and 6 ahead of item 4 on the checklist.
The motion was seconded by Larry White. All In favor;none opposed. Motion carried.
6. The Ethics Commission discussed the draft Ethics Commission hearing procedures.
A. Rod Wolthoff made a motion to revise the procedures so that complainant and
respondent each have 10 minutes to present to the Ethics Commission, and each may
also have up to 2 witnesses to provide additional testimony, with 5 minutes per
witness. The motion was seconded by Karon Connelly. All In favor; none opposed.
Motion carried.
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B. The Commission also discussed additional changes to the hearing procedure$: To
add a provision to allow additional witnesses and additional time at the discretion of the
Ethics Commission. Also, the Commission discussed that during a hearing, If asked
questions by the Ethics Commission,the time limits would be stopped,as a general rule.
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C. The Commission considered the requirement in City ordinance regarding number of
votes required to find a violation.The Commission decided to hold a special meeting on
August 28,2014 to discuss this provision further.
7. The Ethics Commission held election for Chairperson and Vice-Chair. A motion was
made by Ken Bung, and seconded by many members, for Dr. Haysam Dawod to continue as
Chair, and Karon Connelly to continue as Vice Chair. All in favor, none opposed. Motion
carried. "
8. Identification of items to be placed on next meeting agenda for Special Meeting on August
ded changes to City Ordinance regarding votes required to find a
28: to dismiss recommended., � .
violation.
9. Identification of items to be placed on `meeting agenda scheduled for September 18: Bring
back the checklist and„hearing procedures with changes as discussed for further review and
discussion.,, �.�... N.._.,.��..._ ....�. ._
10., Public Comment. None.
11. The meeting adjourned at 7:15.
The foregoing minutes of the August 21,2014 meeting of the Ethics Commission were approved
on,. 5441%,201Y by the Ethics Commission.
By:
Dr.Haysam Dawod,Chairperso w
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