HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Ethics Commission - 02/23/2017 Minutes of the Ethics Commission Meeting on February 23, 2017
ACM Conference Room-5th Floor City Hall—1201 Leopard Street
The meeting was called to order by Dr. Dawod at 5:30.
Item 1—Roll Call. All Ethics Commissioners were present. City Staff in attendance:Assistant City
Attorney Aimee Alcorn-Reed.
Mr.White recused himself from all items on the agenda and did not participate in any discussion
or vote.
Item 2-- Review and approval of Minutes of January 19, 2017.
Ms. Connelly requested a change to the Minutes to change the date listed in Item 8 —
Identification of next Ethics Commission meeting.The date was corrected to February 23, 2017.
Ms.Connelly moved to approve the Minutes as amended;second by Ms.Jones.All in favor.
Item 3-- Discussion and possible action regarding Ethics Code amendments.
The Commission discussed action taken by City Council to approve the amendments that the
Commission had suggested. No action taken.
Item 4-- Discussion and possible action regarding Independent legal counsel.
Ms. Connelly presented a proposed letter requesting independent legal counsel from Paul
Dodson.The proposed letter would create a relationship with Mr. Dodson for independent legal
counsel at a rate of$150 per hour for up to$2,000 in attorney's fees. Ms.Jones made a motion
to approve the recommended letter and present it to the City Attorney and City Manager for
approval;second by Mr. Rogers.All in favor.
Item 5--Discussion regarding information provided to Planning Commission.
The Commission discussed the letter that was previously sent to the Planning Commission and
the possibility of sending a follow-up letter.City Staff informed the Commission that no response
has been received to the letter previously sent. No action taken.
Item 6--Discussion of"legal"versus"ethical"conduct. The Commission discussed the difference
between actions that are "legal"and actions that are "ethical."The Commission discussed some
charter provisions. There was some discussion of the distinction between a code of ethics and
moral action or behavior. The Commission discussed the boundaries of the Code of Ethics as a
limitation to the ability of the Commission to take action. No action taken.
Item 7--Public Comment. Larry White spoke in public comment regarding his personal definition
of ethics.
Item 8--Identification of next Ethics Commission meeting. The next Ethics Commission meeting
is March 16, 2017.