DEPARTMENT: City Auditor
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Kevin Barthold
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: All
SUBJECT:
Update on proposed amendments to the Ethics Code and Municipal Campaign Finance Code.
SUMMARY:
After extensive research, the ERB is prepared to update the City Council on proposed amendments to the Ethics Code and Municipal Campaign Finance Code.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Ethics Review Board has been evaluating proposed changes to the Ethics Code and Municipal Campaign Finance Code since 2016. As part of this process, the ERB has considered input from City staff, evaluated 3 CCRs submitted by Council, sought input from a local ethics research expert, and performed a thorough review of both Codes.
The ERB Chair discussed the proposed amendments to the Governance Committee on September 20, 2017 and February 28, 2018. A discussion was held with Council at a B session on November 8, 2017.
ISSUE:
The ERB has performed research and held multiple meetings to review the Ethics Code and Municipal Campaign Finance Code. The ERB has developed a slate of recommendations regarding waivers, the Compliance Auditor position and City Auditor independence, ethics education, the City Attorney’s role in providing ethics advice, the hiring of independent counsel, and the ERB appointment process.
Additionally, the ERB had undertaken a complete review of the Ethics Code and Municipal Campaign Finance Code and is prepared to make recommendations for changes to further strengthen the Codes and increase clarity of the Code provisions.
The ERB will present their recommendations to the City Council.
ALTERNATIVES:
Council can provide additional guidance regarding these matters.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends consideration and approval of all of the Ethics Review Board’s recommendations and forwarding to the full City Council “A” session for consideration and approval.