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 January 14, 2013 – 5:30 p.m. Andrew Przybylo The Board of Ethics meeting was held on Monday, January 14, 2013, at the Village Village Clerk Hall. The meeting was called to order at 5:40 p.m. by Chairman Hynes. Marlene J. Victorine Members Present: Staff Present: Chairman Trustee Jim Hynes Kathy M. Thake, Secretary Matthew Lagodzinski Joseph J. Annunzio, Village Attorney Anthony Gaudio Steve Vinezeano, Acting Village Manager Randy Greco Michael Siegel Approval of Minutes Mr. Greco made a motion, seconded by Mr. Gaudio, to approve the minutes of the December 18, 2012 meeting; on voice vote all concurred. New Business Item #1 Recommendations for 2013 Acting Village Manager Vinezeano submitted a memo pertaining to various procedures for the Board of Ethics. Village Attorney Annunzio stated that all ordinances have been codified through the Village Clerk and are incorporated in Municode, the online code of ordinances book. Acting Village Manager Vinezeano proposed a standard hotline complaint form to establish a good way to follow through on the complaints submitted to the Board of Ethics. Mr. Siegel indicated that the form is a great idea but would not want anyone submitting a complaint to be discouraged. Chairman Hynes added that if someone is submitting this anonymously the need for contact is essential. Mr. Siegel stated that when a complaint is filed the facts are set out that are believed to be in violation. Mr. Gaudio proposed that Mr. Siegel draft a complaint form based on the needs of the Board of Ethics. Acting Village Manager Vinezeano requested more clarification on Sec. 2-428. Chairman Hynes stated that this sets out what the Board of Ethics does to reduce the amount of people involved with the complaint process. For example if the Board of Ethics makes a determination that more facts are needed to validate a complaint. Once that has been established the Board of Ethics turns it into a formal investigation. Mr. Siegel indicated that in the past a policy was written but it caused too many problems with the different type of complaints submitted to the Board of Ethics. Acting Village Manager Vinezeano stated in the current position he needs to have trust in the people www.vniles.com  Board of Ethics Meeting, January 14, 2013 he works and reduce any anxiety that might be triggered by a complaint. Village Attorney Annunzio informed that Board of Ethics that a video has been filmed and is currently being edited by the MIS Department. Acting Village Manager Vinezeano indicated that he is currently doing a survey with the Northwest Municipal Conference and added that the goal is to have an all encompassing training provided to all employees. Mr. Siegel stated that the ethics training should be completed but feels skeptical about the video. Mr. Lagodzinski stated that at his place of employment provides training by video but has scenarios during the video for viewer participation. Acting Village Manager Vinezeano stated for timing reasons the video was being offered; also it would allow individuals on shifts to view it. Chairman Hynes added that we need hold the Directors accountable and stress how important it is to see this training. Acting Village Manager Vinezeano agreed and pointed out to the progressive discipline should this be ignored. Chairman Hynes set a deadline for the training to take place by May 1, 2013. Village Attorney Annunzio will include a FAQ sheet along with the DVD. Chairman Hynes suggested that Acting Village Manager Vinezeano hold a Directors meeting prior to the disbursement of the DVD’s. Mr. Gaudio had five suggestions for 2013 Board of Ethics: Cold water to be provided at all meetings, Business cards to be given to all the board members, Proper identification to replace the blue cards An annual dinner for Board of Ethics members and their spouses Free use of the Niles Fitness Center Chairman Hynes stated that he will discuss these suggestions with the Acting Village Manager Vinezeano and present it at the next Village Board meeting but has a concern that the Village has several Board and Committees which all need to be considered. Comments/Questions from the Public Trustee Preston presented a question to the Board of Ethics whether or not the position of Village Clerk will be looked at and suggestions made by the Board of Ethics. Currently there is no mechanism for the Village Clerk to report to the Village Board on election matters. Chairman Hynes indicted that this matter is not in the Board of Ethics jurisdiction. Village Attorney Annunzio went onto explain why the Village Clerk position and local election officer are two separate positions. Mr. Gaudio stated that the Board of Ethics should not engage in this discuss as this is a comment period during the meeting. Trustee Preston stated that the Village is currently discussing the budget and wanted to know if other public meetings were going to be streamed like the Village Board Meeting. Chairman Hynes stated that this is up to all the Boards if they want it to be televised. Executive Session Motion made by Mr. Gaudio to move into executive session at 7:00 p.m. to discuss follow up on previous complaints, seconded by Mr. Lagodzinski; on voice vote all concurred. Motion to reconvene at 9:18 p.m. was made by a unanimous vote; all concurred. Reconvene in Open Session Motion to reconvene in open session at 9:19 p.m. was made by a unanimous vote. 2  Board of Ethics Meeting, January 14, 2013 Other Business Chairman Hynes announced that the Ethics Training must be complete by May 1, 2013. Adjournment Motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Siegel, seconded by Mr. Lagodzinski; all concurred and the meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m. Kathy M. Thake Board of Ethics Secretary 3