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 October 15, 2012 – 5:30 p.m. Andrew Przybylo The Board of Ethics meeting was held on Monday, October 15, 2012, at the Village Village Manager George R. Van Geem Hall. The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Chairman Hynes. Village Clerk Members Present: Staff Present: Marlene J. Victorine Chairman Trustee Jim Hynes Kathy M. Thake, Secretary Matthew Lagodzinski Joseph J. Annunzio, Village Attorney Anthony Gaudio George R. Van Geem, Village Manager Randy Greco Michael Siegel Approval of Minutes Chairman Hynes made a motion, seconded by Mr. Greco, to approve the minutes of the September 18, 2012 meeting; on voice vote all concurred. New Business Item #1 Discussion Ethics Disclosure Forms Status Report and Procedures for Timely Compliance Chairman Hynes stated that a large amount of employees have not completed their disclosure forms on time. All full time employees should have already completed those forms by now. It is three months late, something should have been done with this. Village Manager Van Geem stated that this is the first he has heard about this, and indicated that he should handle this at least with the full time employees. Chairman Hynes stated that the department heads are to be responsible and the Village Clerk should not be responsible for enforcement. Mr. Lagodzinski asked the Village Manager if employees have a progress score card. Village Manger Van Geem indicated that there is a tickler list. Mr. Lagodzinski mentioned that it might be easier tracking these through survey monkey. Chairman Hynes directed the Village Manager Van Geem to report back to the Board of Ethics on the progress and the amount of forms not turned in. Chairman Hynes also pointed out that going forward the department heads should track it and discipline against people who fail to file the form such as a letter of reprimand in their file. www.vniles.com  Board of Ethics Meeting, October 15, 2012 Comments/Questions from the Public Village Manager Van Geem raised a question as to the Sister Cities program and up coming fundraiser. Is it appropriate for employees to solicit on village time? Mr. Siegel stated that the appearance is a concern and it’s a bad way of doing business. Employees should not be on this commission. Village Attorney Annunzio stated that if it’s a commission the delegation goes and is funded by Board of Trustees then there is a conflict. Chairman Hynes questioned the potential conflict of employees on village time is a concern; so how does the Village stay active and have a quality program is there is lack of participation for the community. Village Manager Van Geem stated that we should make it a part of the Village Commission and rescind the 501.3(c) Corporation; this is the part of perception problem. Mr. Siegel questioned whether there is a community interest? Chairman Hynes stated when he was a part of it years ago, there was an interest but none of the people participating were employees. Mr. Greco indicated that it should go as it has in the past. Chairman Hynes pointed out that many people anticipate it and that he has no problem this year but the future should be looked at. Chairman Hynes made a motion, seconded by Mr. Gaudio, Board of Ethics recognizes that Village employees will be soliciting for contributions for the Taste of Niles fundraiser and even thought there is a potential conflict involved in that solicitation due to the short period of time to Change the planning and logistics of the fundraiser and furthered history of this fundraiser for the last 8 years, it is a belief of the Board of Ethics that this fundraiser should go forward this year as it has in the past, with the strong recommendation that the susceptive significant review of Sister Cities and fund of this type be reviewed. On roll call, the vote was: AYES: 5 Hynes, Greco, Lagodzinski, Gaudio, Siegel NAYS: 0 There bring 5 affirmative votes, the MOTION CARRIED. Executive Session Motion made by Mr. Lagodzinski to move into executive session at 6:20 p.m. to discuss follow up on previous complaints and several new Hotline complaints, seconded by Mr. Gaudio; on voice vote all concurred. Motion to reconvene at 7:15 p.m. was made by Mr. Lagodzinski, seconded by Mr. Gaudio; all concurred. Reconvene in Open Session Motion to reconvene in open session at 7:18 p.m. was made by a unanimous vote. Next Meeting Date The next meeting date was set for November 20, 2012 at 5:30 p.m. Adjournment Motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Gaudio, seconded by Mr. Greco; all concurred and the meeting adjourned at 7:23 p.m. Kathy M. Thake Board of Ethics Secretary 2