Board of Ethics

“Where People Count” 1000 Civic Center Drive, Niles, Illinois 60714 Telephone (847) 588-8000 ● Fax (847) 588-8051 ● TDD (847) 588-8059 Mayor Robert M. Callero Trustees Chris Hanusiak MINUTES James T. Hynes BOARD OF ETHICS Joe LoVerde Village Hall, Council Chambers Rosemary R. Palicki Louella B. Preston December 15, 2011 – 5:30 p.m. Andrew Przybylo The Board of Ethics meeting was held on Thursday, December 15, 2011, at the Village Manager George R. Van Geem Village Hall. The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Acting Chairman Siegel. Village Clerk Marlene J. Victorine Members Present: Staff Present: Michael Siegel Kathy M. Thake, Secretary Anthony Gaudio Joseph Annunzio, Village Attorney Randy Greco Matthew Lagodzinski Members Absent: Chairman Trustee Jim Hynes Acting Chairman Siegel stated that Chairman Hynes will not be present at the meeting tonight and has designated Mr. Siegel as Acting Chairman. Approval of Minutes Mr. Lagodzinski made a motion, seconded by Mr. Gaudio, to approve the minutes of the November 17, 2011 meeting; on voice vote all concurred. New Business Discussion Item #1 Employee Handbook Acting Chairman Siegel stated that the Ethics Board has reviewed the Employee Handbook after some suggestions have been made. As it pertains to Sec. 1.13 of the Handbook a clarification should be presented as a reference on the definition of related parties. Mr. Lagodzinski made a motion, seconded by Mr. Greco, to approve the Employee Handbook as presented. On roll call, the vote was: AYES: 4 Greco, Siegel, Gaudio, Lagodzinski NAYS: 0 There bring 4 affirmative votes, the MOTION CARRIED. www.vniles.com  Board of Ethics Meeting, December 15, 2011 Item #2 Adoption of Proposed Policy-Complaints Lodged against Ethics Board Members or Elected Officials Mr. Greco made a motion, seconded by Mr. Gaudio, to adopt the policy as it regards to complaints lodged against Ethics Board Members or Elected Officials. On roll call, the vote was: AYES: 4 Greco, Siegel, Gaudio, Lagodzinski NAYS: 0 There bring 4 affirmative votes, the MOTION CARRIED. Item #3 Adoption of Proposed Policy- Administrative Hearing Procedures Acting Chairman Siegel stated that two versions of the hearing procedures have been presented. Based on this information provided, it would be more practical to incorporate these two procedures together. Mr. Annunzio will integrate these two ideas together and present it at the January meeting. Item #4 Proposed Changes to the Code Ethics Relating to Employees serving on Non-Government Organizations Trustee Preston is present at the meeting tonight to voice her thoughts and concerns to the Ethics Board regarding this agenda item. She stated that Officer Joe Penze has been elected as the 2nd vice president of the Chamber of Commerce. She went on further to state that meetings for the Chamber of Commerce take place during daytime hours. Acting Chairman Siegel questioned whether anything is conducted on village time. Mr. Annunzio wanted to make it clear that employees are entitled to lunch, what they choose to do on their time, is their personal time. If this is the case, Acting Chairman Siegel questioned how this is a conflict and does it disrupt the day. Mr. Annunzio pointed it out that the administrators want employees to participate in the village organizations. Mr. Greco, a former president of the Chamber, pointed out that the Chamber is a sounding board for the local businesses. He presented an example; prior to the Village passing the sign ordinance, the Chamber gathered opinions of local businesses regarding the pros and cons of the sign ordinance. Then the Chamber of Commerce presented these results to the Village. Trustee Preston stated that she is more concerned about the perception of the Village. Mr. Annunzio stated that the Ethics Board should not act on future fears as this is premature. He went on to say that we need to trust our employees. Acting Chairman Siegel would like to hear the Village Manager’s and the Police Chief’s opinion on this issue. At the request of the Ethics Board the Village Manager and Police Chief should be present at the January ethics meeting. Comments/Questions from the Public J. Makula stated that he would like to see this conflict of interest statement implemented, not to harm but to strengthen and to make the process more transparent. Acting Chairman Siegel stated that the Ethics Board would like the Village Manager to report back on the procedures of the liquor commission, purchasing regarding bids over $20,000 and the changes to zoning, as it relates to the conflict of interest statement. Executive Session Motion made by Mr. Lagodzinski to move into executive session at 6:25 p.m., to discuss several Hotline complaints received, seconded by Mr. Gaudio; on voice vote all concurred. Motion to reconvene at 6:35 p.m., was made by Mr. Greco, seconded by Mr. Gaudio, all concurred. 2  Board of Ethics Meeting, December 15, 2011 Reconvene in Open Session Motion to reconvene in open session at 6:37 p.m., was made by Mr. Gaudio, seconded by Mr. Greco, all concurred. Adjournment Motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Gaudio, seconded by Mr. Lagodzinski, all concurred and the meeting adjourned at 6:38 p.m. Kathy M. Thake Board of Ethics Secretary 3