REP FC 033 2015/09/01 (2014-2016)

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FC-33 September 1, 2015 Council Member Aaron Chung shared his concern about any employee of the County not being able to contract with the County for"side jobs". Council Member Dennis Onishi stated that he does not support this measure because it singles out unions as to who they allow at their meetings, and employees of the county being given contracts that may be saving the County money. Council Member Maile David commented on her inability to support this measure with the addition of language that requires contracts to be approved by council, and the removal of the procurement language. Council Member Wille moved to amend this bill with the contents of Communication No. 231.2, and this matter was subsequently postponed to the call of the chair. On June 2,2015,Council Member Margaret Wille withdrew her motion to amend this bill with the contents of Communication No. 231.2, and moved to amend with the contents of Communication No. 231.5. Ms. Wille stated several concerns were addressed that were raised regarding the previous amendment, and gave an overview of the changes. Corporation Counsel Molly Stebbins stated her concerns with inconsistent language in sections 2-83(c) and 2-85 regarding contracts to county employees. This measure was postponed to July 1, 2015, and further postponed to the July 23, 2015, Finance Committee at the written request of Ms. Wille. On July 23, 2015, Council Member Margaret Wille withdrew her motion to amend with the contents of Communication 231.5, and moved to amend with the contents of Communication No. 231.8.,then described her newest amendments. Council Member Daniel Paleka expressed agreement in removing the section regarding unions, then commented that if a county facility was rented out for campaigning, it seems that it would not be allowed in this bill. Corporation Counsel Molly Stebbins came forward and explained that facilities rented out by the general public for campaign purposes, would be allowed with this bill, and Ms. Wille replied that the language can be clarified. Council Member Dennis Onishi commented that in the case of a disaster where we might need a particular service over the amount of$50,000, that it would prohibit the County, and that there should be a clause for emergencies. This bill was amended with the contents of Communication No. 231.8, as Bill 37,Draft 2, and postponed to the call of the chair. On September 1, 2015, Council Member Margaret Wille commented on her efforts to raise the standards of ethics, and described her changes clarifying that employees or immediately family members with controlling interests cannot contract with the county as an independent contractor for more than $50,000, and contracts less than that must he in adherence with procurement code. Ms. Wille described various other changes, and stated that her overall aim is to watch for conflicts of interest and keep employees at a higher standard of performance, ethics and morals. A motion was made to amend Bill 37, Draft 2, with the contents of Communication No. 231.12, from Council Member Dennis Onishi. Mr. Onishi stated that this amendment was made for consistency by adding"officer or employee's immediate family" into 2-85(a).