Town of East Hampton
Ethics Commission Special Meeting
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Middle School Library/Media Center
6:30 p.m.
Minutes
Present: Chairman James Scroggins, Vice Chairman Leroy Lawson and members Mary Carter, David Fuka, David Gizewicz (present via speakerphone) and John McBrearty. Also present were Town Attorney Jean D’Aquila and Recording Secretary Cathy Sirois.
Not Present: Mila Smith
Call to order and Pledge of Allegiance: Chairman James Scroggins called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. All stood to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes
February 7, 2008 Regular Meeting: Minor wording changes were recommended. A motion was made by Ms. Carter, seconded by Mr. Lawson, to approve the February 7, 2008 Regular Meeting minutes as amended. So voted (5-0-1) Mr. Fuka abstained as he was not in attendance at the February 7th meeting.
Chairman’s Communications:
Chairman Scroggins reported that he sent a letter to the Town Council requesting additional alternates for the Commission.
Discussion of Administrative Procedures: Chairman Scroggins asked a question of Attorney D’Aquila regarding requests of respondents to address the Commission about a complaint. Attorney D’Aquila responded that it is the Commission’s decision as to whether the request will be granted.
A question was raised regarding complainants moving from the address provided. What are the consequences of this issue? It was decided that the language in the Complaint Form instructions and in the Rules and Procedures would be changed to notify the individuals that they need to keep their addresses current with the Commission during a complaint process. Attorney D’Aquila will provide wording to update the forms, which will be voted on at the next meeting.
Other Business to Consider: Mr. Fuka and Mr. Lawson returned their copies of complaint 2008-1 for shredding.
Planned Executive Session – Review Ethics Complaint 2007-1: Mr. Fuka and Mr. Lawson recused themselves at 6:53pm. A motion was made by Ms. Carter, seconded by Mr. Scroggins, to seat Mr. McBrearty. So voted (4-0). A motion was made by Ms. Carter, seconded by Mr. McBrearty to enter Executive Session at 6:55 p.m. So voted (4-0). Mr. Gizewicz was still present via speakerphone. Attorney D’Aquila and Cathy Sirois were also present during Executive Session.
The Commission exited Executive Session at 7:03 p.m.
A motion was made by Ms. Carter, seconded by Mr. McBrearty, to dismiss complaint 2007-1 for lack of probable cause against all respondents. So voted (4-0).
Mr. McBrearty, Ms. Carter and Mr. Scroggins returned their copies of complaint 2007-1.
Adjournment:
A motion was made by Ms. Carter, seconded by Mr. McBrearty, to adjourn the meeting at 7:10 p.m. So voted (4-0).
Respectfully submitted,
Cathy Sirois
Recording Secretary
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