Title
Evidentiary hearing process relating to Independent Ethics Commission (IEC) complaint 2015-01 and Council's ethics charges issued June 9, 2015
Body
From:
Eileen Lynch Gonzalez, City Council Administrator
Summary:
City Council will determine, pursuant to Council Resolution 58-13, whether to serve as the hearing body for the evidentiary hearing in IEC matter 2015-01, or to appoint a hearing officer to conduct the proceedings.
Previous Council Action:
On June 9, 2015, City Council voted 8-0 to issue three ethics charges as recommended by the IEC in a matter involving Councilmember Helen Collins.
Background:
City Council Resolution 58-13 provides, in part, that if a person who has been formally charged by City Council relating to an investigation by the Independent Ethics Commission requests an evidentiary hearing, "
City Council will elect, in its sole discretion, to either serve as the hearing body or appoint a hearing officer to conduct the proceedings." (Section 5)
Financial Implications:
The costs of retaining the services of an independent hearing officer have yet to be clearly identified.
Board/Commission Recommendation:
On May 29, 2015, the Independent Ethics Commission forwarded its Advisory Opinion relating to Complaint 2015-01. The Advisory Opinion recommended that Council issue the three ethics charges that it issued on June 9, 2015, namely, that Councilmember Collins violated the City's Ethics Code, 1.3.106, Paragraphs G, H and I.
Stakeholder Process:
N/A
Alternatives:
N/A
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
A Councilmember could make a motion that City Council serve as the hearing body for the evidentiary hearing in this matter, or, alternatively, a motion that Council appoint a hearing officer to conduct the proceedings.
Ordinance Language
N/A