HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Ethics Commission - 08/19/2004 r-�
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MINUTES OF THE ETHICS COMMISSION ti13 r9Po,
City of Corpus Christi, Texas
5:30 p.m., August 19, 2004 44/2005
ACM Conference Room — 5th Floor °31, C/�C6it
City Hall — 1201 Leopard dFF1 j'RY'S
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The members present were: Chair Gloria Perez, James Cramer, Joe Guzm- -
Haley, Craig Reynolds and Robert Corrigan. City Attorney Mary Kay Fischer was
present.
The Commission approved the minutes of the June 10, 2004 meeting with the
correction of the spelling of"Reeves" .
Staff reviewed the Memorandum regarding involvement of Ethics Commissioners in City
Council elections and advised the members that there was no provision in the Code of
Ethics which would prohibit a commissioner from working on a City Council election.
Staff also reviewed the Memorandum regarding Sister City Committee Board Members
and responded to a question regarding the definition of"substantial interest".
The Commission discussed the.annual review of the Ethics Code. City Attorney Fischer
advised the Commission that she had previously spoken with Chair Perez regarding the
process of review of the Ethics Code. Ms. Fischer suggested that she share with the
Commission examples of issues and sections of the Ordinance that legal staff was
asked about most often and then ask the Commission to review the Code and submit
specific questions to the City Attorney at least 2 weeks prior to their next meeting. At
that time, she would prepare a question/answer memorandum to distribute to all
Commission members at their next meeting, so everyone would be fully advised of the
issues being discussed. The Commission agreed to this procedure.
Ms. Fischer advised the Commission that over the last year, we have only dealt with
issues involving "Standards" in Section 2-311. .
She shared the example of a council member wanting to place his free publication in
city hall. Ms. Fischer told the Commission that this would not violate the ethics
ordinance if city facilities are not being used for purposes unrelated to the interests of
the City, except to the extent such are lawfully available to the public and there is no
political advertising. [She referenced Section 2-311 (3)(a).]
Ms. Fischer also shared an example of a council member's spouse's company
contracting with the City. She referred to Section 2-311 (15) which says, as a council
member, you shall have a substantial interest in any contract with the city. If the
substantial test is not met, there is no violation of the ordinance. Another example was
shared regarding a Sister Cities Board member. Once again, if the substantial interest
test is not met, there is no violation.
SCANNED
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The Ethics Commission agreed that they would submit questions by email to the City •
Attorney at least 2 weeks before the next Ethics Commission Meeting which they
agreed to be held on September 16, 2004.
City Attorney Fischer advised the Commission that at their next meeting, they would
consider making recommendations for the appointment of replacement of Mr.
Frederickson, who has moved and also reappointment of members whose terms expire
in October, 2004.
There was no public comment made at this meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 6:25 p.m.
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Gloria Perez
Chair •