DEPARTMENT: City Auditor
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Kevin Barthold
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: All
SUBJECT:
Update on Council Consideration Requests referred to the Ethics Review Board
SUMMARY:
In 2016, Councilmembers Salda?a, Nirenberg, and Trevi?o submitted City Council Consideration Requests (CCR) seeking review of the Charter and Ethics Code to improve transparency in City government. Proposed areas of review include: waivers; the independence of the Compliance Auditor; and the Ethics Review Board appointment process. In addition, Councilmember Courage recently submitted a CCR seeking additional disclosure of principal occupation, job title, and employer of all contributors to a candidate for Council on the state-mandated contributions and expenditures reports. This item gives an overview of the process taken to date in reviewing and developing recommendations in consultation with the Ethics Review Board.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The following issues were raised in a CCR by Councilmembers Salda?a and Nirenberg:
* That any violation of the Ethics Code be addressed by the ERB
* Removing the ability for City Council to waive provisions of the Ethics Code
The following issues were raised in a CCR by Councilmember Trevi?o:
* Strengthening the Compliance Auditor position
* Independence of the office of the City Auditor
* Need for Ethics education
* Ethics advice from City Attorney
* Hiring of independent counsel
* Changing the ERB appointment process
At the February 17, 2016 meeting of the Governance Committee, these CCR's were referred to the Ethics Review Board to develop recommendations. The ERB has reviewed the requests for over a year and is prepared to make recommendations on all issues raised in the CCR's.
In addition, the CCR filed by Councilmember Courage in July 2017, requested the disclosure of principal occupation, job title, and employer of contributors by candidates seeking a municipal office. The ERB is aware of this issue and is studyin...
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