HomeMy WebLinkAboutAppointment to the Board of Ethics
Commission Memorandum
REPORT TO: Honorable Mayor and City Commission
FROM: Aimee Kissel, Deputy City Clerk
Chris A. Kukulski, City Manager
SUBJECT: Appointment to the Board of Ethics
MEETING DATE: June 8, 2009
RECOMMENDATION: Appoint one new member to the Board of Ethics, thus filling the final
board position necessary for the Board to begin conducting business.
BACKGROUND: Ordinance No. 1726, finally adopted on November 26, 2007, established the
creation of a three member Board of Ethics. Ordinance No. 1726 was then amended by Ordinance No.
1759, which was finally adopted May 11, 2009.
From Ordinance No. 1759, Section 2.01.120. Board of Ethics:
“A. There is created a Board of Ethics consisting of three (3) members who shall serve without
compensation unless the governing body provides otherwise. Members of the Board of Ethics shall not
be elected officials of the City, full-time appointed City officials whether exempt or nonexempt, or City
employees, nor shall they be currently serving on any other City board or commission.
B. Members of the Board shall be residents of the City.
C. Board members shall be appointed by the governing body. An appointment to fill a vacancy shall
be made by the appointing authority who appointed the member who formerly held the position which is
vacant.
D. The Board shall select its own presiding officer from among its members.
E. Board members shall serve staggered terms of two (2) years. A member shall hold office until a
member's successor is appointed. At initial appointment of the members of the board, one of the initial
members shall be appointed for a term of three (3) years and thereafter for a term of one (1) year.
F. The governing body shall provide such staff support for the Board as the governing body determines
to be necessary for the Board to fulfill its duties. The City Attorney is designated to be the legal advisor
for the Board, except that the City Attorney is not authorized to represent the Board in any legal action if
doing so would create a conflict which would prevent the City Attorney from also representing the
Mayor, the City Manager, or the governing body. The City Clerk shall serve as Recording Secretary to
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the Board and shall provide such administrative services to the Board as may be necessary. Neither the
City Attorney nor the City Clerk shall be eligible for appointment as board members.”
There is currently one vacancy and one new applicant.
New Applicant:
Melissa Frost
ALTERNATIVES: As suggested by the City Commission.
Attachment: Board Application
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CITY OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA
APPLICATION FOR THE BOARD OF ETHICS
Date: October 28, 2008
Name: Melissa Frost (Mel)
Physical Address: Bozeman, MT 59715
Mailing Address (if different): Same
Email:
Phone(s):
Length of time in the Bozeman area: 15 years
Occupation: Regional Information and Education Manager (Media, Public Relations,
Communications, Education, Policy)
Employer: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
Are you an appointed or elected official for the City of Bozeman? (circle one)YES X—NO
Are you currently serving on a board(s) and if so which board(s)? (circle one)YES X—NO
Have you ever served on a City or County board in the past? (circle one) YES X—NO
(If so, where, what board, and how long?)
Please explain your relevant qualifications, interests, and experiences.
I’ve always been interested in the question, “What’s the right thing to do?” both in a
philosophical and practical sense. I have a B.A. in Philosophy and an M.A. in Political Science
and I’ve spent much time studying and delving into questions about ethics. I have a deep interest
in how people interrelate and live with one another in communities and societies. I believe there
are circumstances where unwritten rules of conduct are sufficient in societies, but there are other
circumstances where written codes of conduct can help guide people in answering the question,
“What’s the right thing to do?” and encourage them to be their very best. I am also a public
employee with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. I take very seriously my responsibility to uphold
the public’s trust, a part of which is my willingness and ability to be honest, transparent,
accountable, and competent. I believe these are essential qualities in a public employee. In
addition, many people care passionately about the rich natural resources that Montana Fish,
Wildlife & Parks manages and stewards. The issues that I work on from day-to-day are often
complex, controversial, and at times, highly emotional. This requires me to be thoughtful,
grounded, and centered, as well as able to problem-solve quickly on my feet. Finally, I have
lived in Bozeman for 15 years and am proud to say I have found my home. I have wanted for
some time to contribute my time and energy back to this community where I have thrived. I am
in a place now to be able to give something back. This opportunity proved itself very compelling
indeed! In summary, I have a deep interest in ethics—practically and philosophically— and I am
extremely thoughtful, deliberative, and curious. I would welcome the opportunity to join the new
Board of Ethics and help create and implement a set of ethical guidelines for the City of
Bozeman.
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References (Individual or Organization) Name: Phone:
Paula Beswick
Pat Flowers
Jim Madden
This application is considered public record. Application contact information may be displayed
on the City of Bozeman website.
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