HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 1986Minutes of the
BOARD OF ETHICS
Meeting of February 11, 1986
Members Present: Dona Gerson, Joyce Schrager, Harry Winn, Jr.
Members Absent: Frank Cicero. Robert Shonk
Staff Present: Thomas R. Carlson, Deputy City Manager
Presiding Official: Harry Winn. Jr., Chairman
Summary of Action:
The meeting was called to order at 7:45 P.M., Aldermanic Library. Civic Center.
Minutes:
The minutes of the December 10, 1985 meeting were reviewed and in a motion by
Dona Gerson, seconded by Joyce Schrager. were approved.
Letter of Commendation:
A letter directed to Pauline Mayo, past Chairman of the Board of Ethics, was
reviewed by the members present. corrections made, and Chairman Harry Winn. Jr.,
was authorized to sign the letter in behalf of the Board.
Review of Financial Disclosure and Affiliation Statements:
Mr. Carlson presented approximately 20 Statements that had been received from
Board members, appointed or renewed since the last meeting of the Board of
Ethics in December 1985. Each of the Statements were reviewed and approved.
Communication - Cable Communications Commission:
Mr. Winn. Jr. viewed the communication from Mr. John Wold, Chairman of the Cable
Communications Commission, which was received as a result of a communication
from the Board of Ethics. It was understood by all the members present that it
was in good taste that the communication from the Board of Ethics was directed
to the members of the Cable Communications Commission and they in turn in good
taste communicated the feelings back to the Board.
Ordinance 1-0-86 - Term of the Board:
Mr. Carlson described the meaning of Ordinance 1-0-86 in terms that the City
Council through the recommendation of the Committee on Committees presented the
proposal that the Board of Ethics be empowered to continue their service with
the City and that the sunset provision in regards to the length of service was
withdrawn.
-s-
Next Meeting hate:
The next meeting of the Board of Ethics has been set for April 8, 1986, 7:30
P.M., in the Aldermanic Library. Civic Center.
Adjournment:
Having no further business the meeting Was adjourned at 8:45 P.M.
Staff Representati
Deputy City Man er
Minutes Approved:
TRC:lr
cc: Joel M. Asprooth
Members Present:
Members Absent:
Presiding official:
Others Present:
Staff Present:
Suson.ary of Action:
minutes
City of Evanston
Board of Ethics Meeting
of March 19, 1986
Robert Shook, Joyce Schrager, Barry Winn
Berson, Cicero
Harry Winn, Chairman
Alderman John Bleveans
Bruce Zimersian
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 P.K.
Mr. Winn stated that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss whether there
was a conflict of interest resulting from Alderman Bleveans voting on City
Council issues involving the YMCA, when Alderman Bleveans' wife serves on
the Board of the YMCA. The Board acknowledged the receipt of a letter from
Mr. Richard Hartweg, a former resident of the YMCA, which expressed concern
over Alderman Bleveans voting on YMCA issues. Mr. Winn stated that the
Board had two basic questions to address during the meeting: (1) Does a
vote by Alderman Bleveans on the YMCA issue represent a conflict of
interest! (2) Should the Board of Ethics advise Alderman Bleveans on how to
vote on YMCA issues in the future'
The Board then asked Alderman Bleveans to restate his logic in changing his
position from abstaining on YMCA issues to voting on such matters. Mr.
Bleveans stated that he first faced a vote on a YMCA issue while serving on
the Housing Commission in 1981. His initial thought was to avoid potential
conflict due to his wife being on the Board at the YnCA. and he consequently
chose to abLtain on the vote. in more recent years, issues related to the
YMCA have been considered by the Planning and Development Committee on which
Mr. Bleveans now serves. Alderman Bleveans initially maintained his
position of abstaining from the vote. However, Alderman Bleveans
subsequently considered whether either he or his wife had any interest in
YMCA property, finances, or legal matters, and determined that there was no
conflict of interest in his voting on YKCA mutters.
Mr. Winn asked Alderman Bleveans whether, in taking a broad view of the
scatter, he could identify any potential conflict of interest in his voting
on the YMCA issue. Alderman Bleveans responded by saying he could find no
conflict of interest.
Ms. Schrager stated that conflict of interest should be defined on the buis
of potential economic or position gain. She stated that no such gain
ezisted in this situation.
Minutes of the City of Evanston Board of Ethics !Meeting
March 19, 1986....... Page Two
The Board also reviewed relevant sections of the Code of Ethics pertaining
to conflict of interest and determined that Alderman Bleveans' action in
voting on this ratter was consistent with the intent of the Code. All Board
sesnbers present unanimously agreed that there was no conflict of interest in
Alderman Bleveans' behavior. Mr. Winn requested that the record indicate
that both Dona Gerson and Frank Cicero. members of the Board of Ethics who
were not present at this meeting. had indicated to his that they could see
no conflict of interest following their review of the matter.
Mr. Winn concluded by saying that were conflict of interest to be defined
solely on the basis of an elected official's family member's association
with a community organization, too many people would be restricted from
involvetment on the City Council. He did, however, suggest to Alderman
Bleveans that he consider potential conflicts of interest over YMCA issues
on a case by case basis in the future. Hr. Winn emphasized that the Board's
action during this meeting did not represent a carte blanche approval of
Alderman Bleveaas voting on all YMCA issues without consideration of
potential conflict of interest.
The Board extended its appreciation to Alderman Bleveans for his willingness
to come before the Board at this meeting. The Board emphasized to Alderman
Bleveans that they believed he had acted in a proper fashion and believed
that similar behavior in the future is acceptable.
The Board then proceeded to develop a written response to Hr. Hartweg. The
letter developed by the Board emphasized that there was neither a conflict
of interest in Hr. Bleveans voting on YMCA matters, nor his deciding to vote
on this matter after initially abstaining on the issue.
The Board than reviewed a memorandum from the Evanston Cable Communications
Commission. The memorandum indicated that the Cable Commission had approved
the offer of the law firm of Schuyler. Roche and Zwirner to provide pro bono
legal services to the new Evanston Community Television Corporation. The
memorandum explained that Cable Commissioner Allison Barkley is a member of
the firm and that Ks. Bartley abstained from the vote on this matter. which
was otherwise a unanimous vote. The Board of Ethics requested that staff
prepare a response to the Cable Communications Commission stating that the
Board of Ethics unanimously agreed that there was no conflict of interest in
receiving this pro bono legal service.
There being no further business. the Board of Ethics meeting was adjourned
at 8:30 P.M.
6014�iwyw"Staff:�
Minutes of the Board of Ethics
June 10, 1986 Meeting
Members Present: Dona Gerson, Robert Shank, Harry Winn, Jr.
Members Absent: Frank Cicero, Joyce Schrager
Staff Present: Thomas R. Carlson, Deputy City Manager
Also Presen David A. Saunders - Member Considerate
Summary of Action:
The meeting was called to order at 7:35 P.M., Aldermenic library, Civic Center.
Minutes:
The minutes of the February 11, 1986 meeting were reviewed and in a motion by
Dona Gerson, seconded by Robert Shank, the minutes were approved.
The minutes of the March 19, 1986 meeting were reviewed and a correction was
made in the first paragraph, last sentence, to read as follows: Should the
Board of Ethics advise Alderman Bleveans on whether to vote on YMCA issues in
the future? In a motion by Dona Gerson, seconded by Robert Shonk, the minutes
were approved with this correction.
Introduction:
David Saunders, who resides at 1133 Forest Avenue, is under consideration of
being appointed by Mayor Barr as a member of the Board of Ethics. His name was
introduced to the City Council at the June 9, 1986 meeting, and it is
anticipated that he will be appointed and confirmed at the June 23, 1986 meeting
of the City Council. Mr. Saunders in anticipation of being confirmed performed
as an observer of the meeting in the work of the Board of Ethics.
Review of Financial Disclosure and Affiliation Statements:
Mr. Carlson presented approximately 120 Statements that had been received from
appointed Board members of the City of Evanston and/or had been renewed
effective May 1, 1986. Each of the Statements were reviewed by members of the
Board of Ethics present and approved.
Next Meetinq Date:
It was disclosed that there will be personal conflicts with the meeting of
August 13, 1986, and that the meeting will be cancelled in favor of a later
meeting date of October 14, 1986. If special item of business comes before the
Board, a special meeting will be called.
Adiournment:
Having no further business, the meeting a djourned at 9 P.M.
Staff Representative:
deputy City Manager
TRC:lr Minutes Approved:
cc: Joel M. Asprooth Date
Minutes of the Board of Ethics
October 14, 1986 Meeting
Members Present: Dona Gerson, David Saunders, Robert Shank,
Joyce Schrager, Harry Winn, Jr.
Members Absent: None.
Staff Present: Thomas R. Carlson, Deputy City Manager
Presiding Official: Harry Winn, Jr. - Chairman
Summary of Action:
The meeting was called to order at 7:40 P.M., Aldermanic Library, Civic Center.
Minutes:
The minutes of the June 10, 1986 meeting were reviewed and a correction Was
made to the section "Review of Financial Disclosure and Affiliation Statements."
The sentence shall read, Mr. Carlson presented approximately 120 statements that
had been received from appointed Board members of the City of Evanston effective
May 1, 1986. Stricken from the minutes were the following words: "and/or had
been renewed." Schrager made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Gerson,
and unanimously approved.
Review of Financial Disclosure and Affiliation. Statements:
Mr. Carlson presented 27 statements that had been received from the City Clerk's
office representing Board/Commission members of the City of Evanston that had
been appointed since the last meeting of the Board of Ethics. Each of the state-
ments were reviewed by members of the Board of Ethics and approved.
Acknowledged:
Chairman Winn reported that he had directed to former member, Frank Cicero, a
letter of appreciation for his service and contribution to the Board of Ethics.
Members of the Board echoed Chairman Winn's thoughts concerning. Mr. Cicero and
appreciated the letter being sent.
Review of Administrative Action:
Mr. Carlson described for the Board of Administrative action taken by the City
Manager in regards to enforcement of the Code of Ethics.
Other Items:
A brief discussion was held concerning the forthcoming elections to be held in
the Spring of 1987 noting that with the election of officers of the City, there
is also advisory referendum concerning the research park. Members of the Board
of Ethics felt it may be advantageous for the Board to develop a preventive posture
by developing a communication that could be handed out to candidates for municipal
elections. This will remain an item for future Board meetings.
Board of Ethics Minutes
October 14, 1986 Feting
page 2
Next Meeting Date:
It was agreed that the Board would meet on the 2nd Tuesday in the month of
December 1987 (December 9th) and that future meetings for 1987 would be on
alternate months beginning in February, and the meetings will be held on the
2nd Tuesday of those months. The following schedule was adopted: February 10th;
April 14th; June 9th; August llth; October 13th; and December 8th. It was noted
that upon the direction of the Chairman that meetings with insufficient amount
of work to be performed may be cancelled in favor of a later date. If a special
item of business comes before the Board, a special meeting can be called.
Adjournment:
Having no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:40 P.M.
Staff Representative: Oz.'o
Deputy City Manager
Minutes Approved:
TRC : dwm
cc: Joel M. Asprooth
Date