Ethics Board

City of Saratoga Springs’ Board of Ethics (BOE) January 12, 2017 Meeting Minute Draft BOE Meeting called to order at 5:35PM in the City Council Room. Present: Justin Hogan, Brendan Chudy, John Ellis and Marilyn Rivers. Tony Izzo was also present as legal advisor to the BOE. Approval of December 8, 2016 BOE Minutes: Motion to table the approval of the December 8, 2016 BOE Minutes until the February BOE meeting was made by Justin Hogan, seconded by Brendan Chudy and approved by all present. The BOE discussed at length the content included in the January 2, 2017 email sent by John Kaufman. The BOE questioned Tony Izzo on his legal research of municipal Codes of Ethics as they separately pertain to land use boards. Justin Hogan as Chairperson lead the discussion. Justin Hogan requested an update on the BOE’s request for Tony Izzo to research separate Ethics Standards for Land Use Boards. Tony Izzo presented examples from Miami, Florida and San Antonio, Texas. Marilyn Rivers questioned if Tony Izzo had researched any land use ethics legislation for comparable New York State communities. Mr. Izzo replied that he had not. Tony Izzo provided two handouts to the BOE which are identified as Handout #1 and Handout #2. Handout #1 is handwritten and provides a listing of what boards might be considered as “Land Use Boards” within the City in addition to a paragraph on “ex parte communication.” Handout #2 is handwritten and provides language regarding proposed recusal requirements for land use boards. Discussion centered around the definitions within the current City Ethics Code as they pertained to ‘Gifts” and “Ex Parte” conversations Additionally, the BOE examined language with the City’s Ethics Code relating to Section 13.G. Justin Hogan requested Tony Izzo research and provide language for the following: 1. Reciprocal arrangements Section 13.3.P 2. Broadened language for Section 13.3.G 3. Definitions and similar examples of the “Ex Parte” terminology in wthics standards Justin Hogan made a motion at 6:50PM to go into Executive Session to discuss legal procedures for the BOE, seconded by Brendan Chudy and approved by all. BOE returned to regular session and adjourned at 6:59PM. Next meeting of the BOE is Thursday, February 9th at 5:30 PM in the City Council Room.