HomeMy WebLinkAboutboard of ethics progress memo - 11-2-09 Commission Memorandum
REPORT TO: Honorable Mayor and City Commission
FROM: Aimee Kissel, Deputy City Clerk Stacy Ulmen, City Clerk Chris A.
Kukulski, City Manager
SUBJECT: Board of Ethics Progress Update
MEETING DATE: November 2, 2009
MEETING TYPE: Action
RECOMMENDATION: Consider the presentation by Board of Ethics
members regarding the board’s progress.
BACKGROUND: The Board of Ethics has met five times since July 22, 2009. With the assistance of Director of Finance, Anna Rosenberry and City
Attorney, Greg Sullivan they have placed considerable time and effort in reviewing and revising a financial disclosure form for recommendation to the City Commission per Ordinance No.
1759.
The board has also been discussing the mandate for the board to create an ethics handbook that would be provided to city staff, public officials and the public in general after
approval by the City Commission no later than July 22, 2010. The board has decided to hire professional assistance for this task and have met with Paul Lachapelle from the Montana State
University Extension, Local Government Center. On October 14, the board met with Mr. Lachapelle and discussed and revised a beginning draft outline he provided. An invoice was received
in the amount of $1,250 from Mr. Lachapelle for research and writing assistance and will go before the board for consideration of approval with a contract on November 18, 2009.
At
the October 28, 2009 Board of Ethics meeting, the board discussed a draft from City Attorney, Greg Sullivan of amendments to the City Ethics Ordinance No. 1759 (Chpt. 2.01, BMC) regarding
retaliation and whistle blowing provisions. The Board will look at those amendments again at their November 18, 2009 meeting.
On October 28, 2009 IT Director, Brendan Steele met with
the board to discuss and resolve communication issues.
In addition to the major tasks stated above, the Board of Ethics has also reviewed Ordinance No. 1759 to better understand things
like the duties and powers of the board and staff and board
responsibilities. City Attorney Greg Sullivan has been attending all board meetings providing legal assistance and Deputy City Clerk Aimee Kissel has been assigned as staff liaison
and is acting as board secretary. Other staff has also attended meetings as needed and requested by the board to provide technical assistance.
ALTERNATIVES: As suggested by the City
Commission.
Attachments: None