HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-11-1998 Admin Com MinutesAdministrative Committee Meeting
Monday, May 11, 1998
6:30 p.m. -Council Conference Room
Present•
Mrs. Boring, Chair
Mr. McCash
Mr. Peterson
Mrs. Boring gave a brief history of the ethics policy which was assigned to an ad-hoc committee
at goal setting in 1997. The topic recently came before Council from the "Citizens for Dublin"
group and was referred to the Administrative Committee at the March 2, 1998 Council meeting.
Information has been gathered from several other cities and distributed to Council. The City of
Phoenix policy is a good model as most cities do not have a separate policy related to ethics. She
would like to ensure there is opportunity for public input prior to adoption of a policy for Dublin.
Mr. McCash stated that the Phoenix model would have to be modified to incorporate Ohio ethics
laws and the related ORC sections.
Mrs. Boring stated that the Committee would need a staff member to help guide them, someone
from the legal department, perhaps Bridget Kahle.
Mr. Peterson agreed, stating that when dealing with campaign issues, they will need some legal
advice. The ethics policy would apply to everyone holding office, but the campaign financing
would apply to those that are running for office.
Mr. McCash stated that the ethics policy he would envision applying to everyone -City
employees, elected and non-elected officials. He noted while reading through the Phoenix policy
that a lot of their issues are addressed in Ohio under the Ohio Revised Code. He believes the
Citizens for Dublin group is interested more in campaign financing and funding source issues.
Mr. Peterson stated that those are complicated legal issues, and an argument could be made that it
is a limitation of free speech if the City adopts their own guidelines. He would prefer that legal
guidance be sought regarding what the City can restrict.
Mrs. Boring noted that as the City grows, Council members may not personally acquainted with
candidates as in the past. One suggestion in order to make disclosure and information more
available to the citizens of Dublin is to have duplicate filings here at the City building, and to have
copies available upon request.
Mr. McCash stated that under the current system, a candidate could delay disclosure until the
filing date and have the campaign totally financed with sources of funds which no one would be
aware of until after the election. The citizens in Dublin want disclosure two weeks prior to the
election.
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Monday, May 11, 1998
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Mr. Peterson stated that he does not have a concern with that type of requirement. He is not sure
that requiring funding come from within the City of Dublin would ensure integrity of the process.
There are some businesses in Dublin that may not have Dublin's best interests at heart in the same
way that those outside of Dublin may not. The way he interprets this as drafted is to take funds
from "Dublin residents or Dublin business owners or employees" only.
Mr. McCash noted that this discussion is also taking place on a national level. On a local level,
we can determine how much money we really want to come from outside Dublin limits to
influence the elections in Dublin.
Mr. Peterson stated that from a philosophical position, it is the people who make that decision
when they vote. He is in favor of disclosure, but he would prefer that the voters decide versus
having restrictions on funding sources. He does not want someone superimposing their
judgement for the power of the people when they go to vote.
Mrs. Boring stated that it has been suggested in the past in regard to campaign financing to limit
or cap spending.
Mr. McCash added that many candidates spend money to achieve name recognition. Voters
sometimes don't understand all the issues, and vote on name recognition basis only. That is why
he limited his campaign donations to a maximum of $100 from Dublin residents only.
Mrs. Boring noted that it is not always the amount of money spent that determines who wins.
Mr. Peterson stated that Dublin should have a policy in place to reinforce our commitment to the
Ohio ethics policy. In order to make a strong statement, Council should be very unified on this
matter. Regarding campaign financing, there will always be fundamental differences of opinion on
that.
Mr. McCash noted that the public is also very interested in the topic of campaign financing
Mr. Peterson suggested requiring filing of campaign finance records earlier than 10 days prior to
the elections, noting that enforcement maybe difficult. All candidates could be required to file
with the City.
Mrs. Boring summarized that her recommendation to Council will be that the ethics policy be
referred to the Law Department for review, addressing the issues o£ regulation of campaign
contributions -amounts and sources, spending limits, filing deadlines, disclosures in advance of
the election. The Phoenix ethics policy will be used as the model.
Mrs. Boring then moved to recommend to Council that they refer the ethics policy drafting to the
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Monday, May 11, 1998
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Law Department and that they use the Phoenix ethics policy as a model. She asked that each
Council member receive a copy of the draft. Members of the Administrative Committee will
redline the draft and other Council members can provide input to the Committee.
Mr. McCash seconded the motion.
Motion carried.
Mr. McCash added that the Ohio Revised Code should be incorporated into the policy.
After discussion, Mrs. Boring confirmed that the draft would be returned to Committee by the
week after the Memorial Tournament. The next Administrative Committee was set for
Wednesday, June 10 at 6:45 p.m.
Mr. McCash suggested that for enforcement of the policy could perhaps be assigned to the
Personnel Board of Review.
The issue of travel policy for Council members and City staff was briefly discussed.
Mr. McCash noted that he would like to establish some type of review process for travel. He
does not support entire departments attending training at the same time. Also, information should
be brought back and shared with others.
Mrs. Boring noted that Council does review travel budgets each year.
Mr. Peterson agreed that there needs to be accountability for these seminars at some level.
Mrs. Boring stated that if Council is committed to ongoing education and training opportunities
for staff, attending out-of--state seminars and national conferences such as APA would be in the
City's best interests.
Mrs. Boring adjourned the meeting at 7:30 p.m
Clerk of Council