HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Ethics Commission - 07/10/2008 •
RECEIVED
MINUTES OF THE ETHICS COMMISSION MAY Y 3 2009
(• ,a� City of Corpus Christi, Texas
5:30 p.m., July 10, 2008 CITY SECRETARY'S OFFICE
ACM Conference Room—5 Floor
City Hall — 1201 Leopard
At 5:31 p.m., the meeting was called to Order by Chairperson Cramer and roll call was
taken.
The members present were: James R. Cramer, Robert N. Corrigan, Joseph Guzman,
Laura Hebert and Harlan Heitkamp.
Excused absences were requested by Miguel F. Carranco, Rick Marcantonio and Linda
Figueroa. Dr. Nick Adame was also absent.
City Attorney Mary Kay Fischer and Sr. Assistant City Attorney Lisa Aguilar were
present.
Assistant Director of Financial Services Michael Barrera was also present.
The Commissioners reviewed the minutes from the May 8, 2008 meeting and the
minutes were approved unanimously.
Chairman Cramer began discussion of agenda item 3, related to possible amendment
of Sec. 2-311 of the Ethics Ordinance regarding gifts. Mr. Barrera advised the
Commission members of his concerns about the City accepting payment for employees
to come see vendors' products or services, including his concerns that there was a
perception of impropriety.
Mr. Heitkamp noted that the goal was to help the City get the best product for the City.
Mr. Corrigan asked Mr. Barrera if the budget included travel expenses that allowed for
City visits to trade shows. Mr. Barrera advised the Commission members that there is
finding in the budget for the City to pay for visits to trade shows.
Mr. Barrera also stated that he would be agreeable to a change that allowed the vendor
to pay for the visit if the award had already been made. If the award had been made,
there would be no perception that the payment by vendor was offered with the intent to
influence the City to make the award to the vendor, since the award had already been
made.
After a lengthy discussion between Mr. Barrera and members of the Ethics
Commission, Chairperson Cramer verified with the members that the ordinance would
stay as is, since it was best to be left alone.
There was no review of publications by the members.
SCANNED
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There was no public comment made at this meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:15 p.m.
James R. Cramer
Chairperson