Ethics Commission

MINUTES OF NORWICH ETHICS COMMISSION MEETING October 10, 2017 MEMBERS PRESENT Robert (Mac) Ballard Anthony Black Christopher Dixon (arrived at 5:15) Kathryn Lord Carol Menard MEMBERS ABSENT None ALTERNATES PRESENT Linda Bertelson ALTERNATES ABSENT None OTHERS PRESENT Recording Secretary Melinda Wilson 1. Call to order: Carol Menard, Chair, called the October 10, 2017 meeting to order at 5:02 PM. 2. Determination of Quorum: It was determined a quorum was present. Linda Bertelson was seated as a regular member. 3. Approval of Minutes: On a motion by Mac Ballard, seconded by Kathryn Lord, the minutes of the September 11, 2017 Ethics Commission (EC) were approved as presented. 4. Citizen Comment: None 5. New Business: Carol reported there are no new cases before the commission. The report from the attorney for the Norwich Public Utilities (NPU) Commissioners came in for the Ethics Commission records. 6. Old Business: 2018 Meeting Schedule: Carol clarified two of the meeting dates for 2018. In order to continue holding meetings during the second week of each month, the October and November meetings will be held on the second Tuesday of those months due to Federal holidays being observed on the normal meeting day of Monday. NPU Commission Report: Prior to this meeting, all EC members present had reviewed the report prepared by the NPU Commission regarding the Kentucky Derby trips and the EC’s related actions. Discussion ensued  regarding member’s reactions to the report’s contents. Carol reported that the EC is not required to respond and that the NPU Commission will announce their reaction to the report, and any actions they may take, at their next meeting. City Council Recommendations: The draft of the letter of EC recommendations to the City Council was reviewed in detail. Discussion ensued regarding the process if the respondent agrees that a violation occurred prior to an investigation or hearing. It was agreed that an investigation phase should be an option. It was agreed that Carol would add a paragraph to the letter to address this concern. On a motion by Chris Dixon, seconded by Mac Ballard, the EC unanimously approved the recommendations to the City Council with the agreed-upon additional paragraph. 7. Adjournment: On a motion to adjourn by Kathryn Lord, seconded by Tony Black, the Ethics Commission adjourned at 5:37 PM.