Minutes - Regular Meeting - 2/27/2002 (2) Ethics Review Commission Meeting
February 27, 2002
The Ethics Review Commission of the City of Round Rock, Texas met on Wednesday,
February 27, 2002 at 6:00 p.m. in the 3rd Floor Conference Room, City Hall, 221 East Main
Street,Round Rock, Texas.
Roll Call: Those members present were Berry Sullivan, Chairman, Marvin Denman,
Vice-Chairman, Commissioners David Adkins, Carol Chafin,Dennis Grafflous and Philip
Merrill. Commissioner Phil Scott was absent. Also present were City Manager Bob Bennett,
Assistant City Manager, Joanne Land, City Attorney Steve Sheets and Special Counsel for the
Ethics Review Commission Barney Knight.
Consider discussion regarding the amendments to the Ethics Ordinance as previously
recommended by the Commission.
Bob Bennett and Steve Sheets brought forward some concerns that they had with the
proposed amendments to the Ethics Ordinance. Mr. Sheets noted that some of the amendments
may discourage individuals from serving on Boards and Commission appointed by the City
Council. The concerns were the expansion of the family member. The amendment would require
officials to get financial income from all their family members who would include father-in-law,
mother-in-law, etc. The Commission noted that their intent of this definition was for individuals
appearing before particular boards or commissions and not to the required annual financial
reports. Also, in regard to the definition of family member in substantial interest, Mr. Sheets
suggested that the state statute could be followed and also for substantial interest. The
Commission discussed the various aspects of a family member and substantial interest and there
was a suggestion of including that the state statute covers the conflict of interest. The Board
asked Mr. Sheets and Mr. Knight to meet and determine the appropriate definitions to comply
with the Commissions intent and the state statutes.
The second concern that Mr. Sheets had was the addition of officer. He noted that the
original definition was intended to apply to the City Council and high members of staff but now
it is expanded to all individuals appointed to a Board or Commission of the City. The
Commission noted that all the Boards and Commissions should be held accountable especially if
they are making decisions for the City and that was their intent and would like that to remain. It
was suggested that a letter be sent-to board or commission members and city employees to
inform them about the proposed amendments to the Ethics Ordinance and to add that they would
be affected by the amendments.
The next meeting of the Commission will be March 18, 2002 at 6:00 p.m. in the 3`d Floor
Conference Room to review the amendments from this meeting's discussion. The Commission
also determined that a public forum could be held on March 27, 2002.
Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Christine Martinez
City Secretary