Ethics Commission

Mission

To assist the City in interpreting the Ethics Article of the City Code.

Purpose

City Council adopted a Public Ethics Ordinance to require Councilmembers and certain employees to disclose financial interests.  The Ordinance also set minimum standards for the ethical conduct of City business.

To assist the Council in this regard, an Ethics Commission was created.  The Commission consists of five (5) regular members, appointed by the Council. The Commission is assisted in its work by the City Attorney.

The Commission is the advisory body responsible for interpreting the Ethics Article. The Commission is responsible for hearing and deciding, on advice of the City Attorney, or other legal counsel if appropriate, any complaint filed regarding an alleged violation of the Ethics Article by any person.

Financial Disclosure Review

The Commission reviews annual Financial Disclosure Forms submitted by City Council and specified staff members for compliance with the provisions of the Ethics Article.

Advisory Opinions

Any official or other person subject to the provisions of the Article may request of the Commission an advisory opinion concerning the application of this Article.

Complaints

Any person may file with the Commission a complaint alleging a violation of any of the provisions of this Article. These complaints shall be written and under oath or affirmation and shall be referred to the City Attorney or other legal counsel, if appropriate, for investigation and review. If after receiving an investigative report, the Commission determines there are insufficient facts upon which to base a determination of violation, it may dismiss the complaint.

If there is a reasonable basis for believing a violation has occurred then the subject of the complaint shall be afforded an opportunity for a hearing conducted on the record. Any final determination resulting from the hearing shall include findings of fact and conclusions of law.

Enforcement

Upon a finding of a violation, the Commission may take any enforcement action provided for in accordance with Section 2-73 of this Article. After a complaint is filed and until a final determination by the Commission, all actions regarding a complaint shall be treated confidentially.