HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Ethics Commission_12.09.2019Notice of a Meeting of the
Ethics Commission
Of the City of Georgetown
December 9, 2019 at 6:00 PM
At City Hall Community Room — 808 Martin Luther King Jr. Street
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The following board members were in attendance: Jade Doss, Jeff Parker, Kelly McClennahan,
Dawn Korman, Bill Connor, and Stephanie Blanck. Members absent were: Charlie Turner and
Thomas Rice.
Board may, at any time, recess the Regular Session to convene in Executive Session at the request
of the Chair, a Board Member, the City Manager in his capacity as General Manager of the Ethics
Commission, the Assistant City Manager, or legal counsel for any purpose authorized by the
Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code Chapter 551, and are subject to action in the
Regular Session that follows:
REGULAR SESSION
A. Call Meeting to Order -- Bill Connor, Board Chair
Conner called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
B. Discussion regarding future agendas and meeting dates and times -- Bill Connor, Board
Chair
Discussion by board regarding preferred meeting time. It was agreed by the Board that
Mondays nights at 6:00 p.m. work for the group. Staff will work on scheduling on those
days at that time.
General discussion about the work done by the prior Ethics Commission to establish the
existing Ordinance.
C. Consideration and possible action to approve the minutes of the September 17, 2019
meeting -- Bill Connor, Board Chair
General discussion of minor corrections to the minutes related to misspellings.
Densmore corrected and reprinted at the meeting.
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Motion by Parker, Second by Blanck.
Approved 6-0.
D. Review and discussion of the Ethics Ordinance, Section 2.20.030.1) of the Code of
Ordinances -- Skye Masson, First Assistant Attorney
Masson explained the item and provided explanation on how the conflicts of interest
related to mutual funds. She gave background on how the term mutual fund is not
defined in the ordinance so staff would look to a common definition. Masson then
provided common definitions from websites, other cities, and state law. She provided an
example related to the difference between when someone knowingly and unknowingly
purchasing shares in stocks. There was then general discussion about a common
investment funds and how real estate purchases could be involved. Masson noted that
the language in the City's code is common throughout cities in the stated and noted that
any interest in real properties is noted as a conflict. She added that the committee could
add more specific language is desired. General discussion about how often Council
member rely upon the Legal Department related to conflicts. Masson noted that conflicts
are not usually common, but it is best practice to air on the side of caution and recuse
when unsure. She added that the City does declare conflicts above and beyond what is
required by State law. More general discussion about what is covered by real property
under the ordinance and if additional clarifying language is needed. Masson explained
how the Commission would present their proposed changes to the City Council in the
future.
E. Adjourn -- Bill Connor, Board Chair
Motion by Blanck, second by Parker.
Approved 6-0.
Adjourned at 6:32 p.m.
Approved by the Ethics Commission on k ' 21 Z-dZ Z
Date
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Bill Connor, Chair St phanie Blanc 4cretary
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