Ethics Commission

MINUTES OF NORWICH ETHICS COMMISSION MEETING December 14, 2015 MEMBERS PRESENT Christopher Dixon Kathryn Lord Patrick McMahon Carol Menard MEMBERS ABSENT None ALTERNATES PRESENT None ALTERNATES ABSENT None OTHERS PRESENT Joseph Sastre Melinda Wilson - Recording Secretary 1. Call to order: The four present Commission Members affirmatively called the December 14, 2015 meeting to order at 5:01 P.M. 2. Determination of Quorum: It was determined a quorum was present. 3. Approval of Minutes: On a motion by Carol Menard, seconded by Patrick McMahon, the minutes of the October 13, 2015 were unanimously approved as presented. On a motion by Patrick McMahon, seconded by Kathryn Lord, the minutes November 9, 2015 meeting were unanimously approved as presented. 4. Citizen Comment: None 5. New Business: Joseph Sastre, former Chair of the Ethics Commission, suggested Carol send an email to Mayor Deberey Hinchey indicating the need for increased membership. At the current member level, a Conflict of Interest would prohibit the Commission from functioning. Carol agreed and will follow-up with the Mayor. Discussion ensued regarding the Complaint process, including the time frame for the Chair to receive the Complaint, the issuance of letters to Complainant and Respondent(s), and the timing of the agenda-  set for the next Ethics Commission meeting. A Special Meeting could be called to address a Complaint sooner than the next regularly scheduled Ethics Commission meeting. Patrick McMahon announced he had emailed his resignation from the Ethics Commission effective December 15, 2015. Per discussion, Patrick will rescind his resignation until such time as his position on the Commission is filled. He will email the Mayor tomorrow. Election of Chair and Vice Chair On a motion by Chris Dixon, seconded by Patrick McMahon, the Commission unanimously elected Carol Menard as Chair. On a motion by Chris Dixon, seconded by Patrick McMahon, the Commission unanimously elected Kathryn Lord as Vice Chair. 2016 Meeting Schedule On a motion by Carol Menard, seconded by Patrick McMahon, the Commission unanimously voted to continue with the current schedule for 2016, meeting on the second Monday of each month with the exception of Tuesday, October 11 due to the holiday. Complaint 2015-4 City Clerk Betsy Barrett has informed Joe Sastre of Complaint 2015-4. Newly Elected Chair Carol Menard will address the Complaint. The process was reviewed. 6. Old Business: None 7. Adjournment: On a motion by Patrick McMahon, seconded by Kathryn Lord, the Ethics Commission unanimously adjourned at 5:38 PM.