BOARD OF ETHICS
APPROVED PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
MARCH 3RD, 2009
A meeting of the Board of Ethics was called to order by Vice Chairman, Barbara Hunter at 6:35 PM in the upper conference room of Town Hall.
Present: Absent with apologies:
Barbara Hunter, Vice Chair Debra Jelley
Marcia Clark
Dennis Cooper
Jan Bell
The Board met with respect to solely acting upon crafting of their draft “Rules of Procedure”.
Vice Chair Hunter led the Board through the Current working section by section with the greatest discussion focused on Section V. Complaints and/or Inquiries. There were many procedural questions raised with respect to how “complaints” should be procedurally followed, and how “inquiries” should be procedurally followed. It was noted that the actual “Ethic Ordinance” in fact used the word “request(s)” versus “inquiries”. Following further discussion, Dennis Cooper asked that a sub-committee composed of himself; Jan Bell and Marcia Clark meet on Thursday, March 5th, 2009 at 12 noon in the Town Hall to craft language to address procedural issues as discussed for Section V. Everyone agreed to this action. Mrs. Whittaker will post the work
session.
Mr. Cooper further raised his distress that the Board had the power to “administer oaths” per the Ordinance. He advised that he felt uncomfortable with this concept and of the quasi-judicial nature of the Ordinance. He questions what legal basis this action would actually have. Mrs. Whittaker will seek advice from Town Counsel, although reminded all that the Ordinance was reviewed on several occasions by the very same Town Counsel.
Next Meeting Date: Tuesday, April 14th, 2009 at 6:30 PM
There being no further business, motion Bell, second Cooper, to adjourn at 9:05 PM, vote unanimous.
Respectfully submitted
April Whittaker
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