HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009/05/27 Board of Ethics Minutes
ACTION MINUTES OF
BOARD OF ETHICS MEETING
CITY OF CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA
May 27, 2009 Executive Conference Room 3:30 P.M.
Chair German called the meeting to order.
Roll Call
MEMBERS PRESENT: Michael German, Felicia Starr, Anthony Jemison, Norma
Toothman, Christopher Schilling, and Chris Searles.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Todd Glanz. German advised that Glanz contacted him and
advised he would not be in attendance due to a court appearance. It was MSUC
(Schilling/Jemison) to excuse Glanz's absence.
ALSO PRESENT: Cheryl Ponds-Poole, Legal Assistant.
2. Approval of the Minutes of February 18, 2009, and March 18, 2009.
It was MSUC (Starr/Toothman) to approve the minutes.
3. Continuation of Amendments to Ethics Code.
Searles initiated discussion among the board members regarding changes to section
2.28.050.
Further, discussion ensued regarding recommended changes to section 2.28.080.
Searles would prepare a document with language for section 2.28.050 to read:
1. All city officials shall fulfill their obligations for the common good of the citizens
of Chula Vista and shall protect and enhance the image and reputation of the city. All
citizens conducting business with the city shall be treated with due courtesy, efficiency
and impartiality and none shall receive special advantage. Officials shall always be
mindful of the public trust and confidence in the exercise of their assigned duties, shall
refuse to condone breaches of public trust or improper attempts to influence the
decision-making process, and shall strive to protect the public's resources through
diligent and judicious management.
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• B. Specific Prohibitions. The specific prohibitions listed in this code are not
intended to be exclusive but representative, and unethical conduct under this code may
exist regardless of any action or inaction by the district attorney, Grand Jury or Fair
Political Practices Commission. Persons subject to this code are expected to abide by
current local, state, and federal laws but shall be considered to have committed
unethical conduct if any of the following occur:
1. Refrain from accepting gifts, favors, or promises or future benefits, which
might compromise or tend to impair independence of judgment or action.
2. Refrain from using his/her position to unduly influence the deliberations or
outcomes of official proceedings, both during and outside of those proceedings, of
bodies of which he/she is not a member because of the value of the independent advice
of boards, commissions, and other advisory bodies to the public decision-making
process.
3. Knowingly divulged confidential information for personal gain or for the gain of
associates in a manner contrary to the public interest.
• 4. Used or permitted the use of resources including but not limited to seals or
logos, city time, personnel, supplies, equipment, identification cards/badges or facilities
for unapproved non-city activities, except when available to the general public or
provided for by administrative regulations.
5. No person subject to this code shall appear on behalf o the private interest of
third parties before the Council or any board, commission or proceedings of the city, nor
shall members of boards, commission, and other advisory boards appear before their
own bodies or before the Council on behalf of the private interest of third parties on
matters related to the areas of service of their bodies, except for limited exceptions, as
provided for in Fair Political Practices Commission Regulation 18702.4.
6. No person formerly subject to this code shall appear as a compensated
representative at any time before the council, or any Commission, Board, or city staff in
connection with any case or other matter with which he/she personally participated
while an official or employee of the city for twelve (12) months following the date of
separation from elected or appointed office or from city employment, except by
permission of the city council finding on four-fifths vote that special identified and
articulated circumstances exist, cast a regular public meeting taken after the involved
member of the city council has left office. (Refer to Civil Service Commission for the
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hiring rules.) (Ord. 2629 § 1, 1995; Ord. 2453 § 1, 1991, Ord. 2297 § 1, 1989; Ord.
1040 § 1, 1967; prior code § 1.51).
7. Avoid even the appearance of conflict between public duties and personal
interests and activities in all public forums. A conflict or the appearance of a conflict
exists in a matter before an official for consideration or determination if the public
official: (1) has a material financial or material personal interest in the outcome or (2)
has a personal or organizational responsibility or relationship in an entity or organization
that will be affected by the outcome, including an association as owner, member,
partner, officer, employee, broker or stockholder. Further, persons subject to this code
shall disqualify him/herself from participating in the deliberation and decision-making
process in all matters where a conflict or the appearance of a conflict exists. This does
not preclude, however, the right of any individual official to participate in the
deliberations as a member of the general public.
8. Endorsed or recommended for compensation any commercial produce or
service in the name of the city or in the employee's official capacity within the city
without prior approval by a city council policy.
Searles will incorporate changes and provide to board members prior to next scheduled
• meeting
4. Public Comments.
There were none.
5. Member Comments.
German thanked board members for their hard work.
6. Staff Comments
There were none.
ADJOURNMENT AT 5:38 p.m. to the next regularly schedule meeting at 3:30 p.m.
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Joyce ux
Recording Secretary
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