2007-05-09 Board of Ethics Minutes Regular Session

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Board of Ethics Minutes of Regular Session May 9, 2007 Motion: Ms. Lum moved that we reject the Petition of Mr. Jerome Warren finding that we have no basis in our Code of Ethics, Section 2 -84(c) and 2 -84(d) to act on; Ms. Sharpless seconded the motion. Discussion: WJ: Now we are open for discussion. JD: What about the possibility, say for instance Mr. Warren does uncover some sort of evidence that is directly, that can be applied by these .... WJ: If it fits into the code where he can show that compensation, or a substantial benefit was made to county employee, then by all means resubmit a petition and follow this. But in this particular case, this petition does not fall within the parameters we are given. BT: I would like to say a couple of things, just about process. My understanding is that this was a bill for a rezoning, is that correct? JW: Yes, ma'am. BT: Bills for rezoning are initiated at the Planning Department. They are commented upon by various county officers. The Planning Department makes a recommendation on whether it should be approved or not to the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission then holds public hearings and public notices with it. The Planning Commission then either goes along with the planning director's recommendations or amends them and then sends on its recommendations to the County Council who then hears it in the Planning Committee. The Planning Committee, which consists of all nine council members, would have to approve the recommendation by a vote of at least five at a public- noticed meeting. They would then forward the rezoning ordinance to the County Council. In order for it to become law it would have to be passed at two readings, both noticed publicly, and it would require at least five members of the County Council to approve that. The reason I am stating that is that I want the record, I guess, to reflect clearly that. Neither the planning director or the council member, individually, has the authority to approve a rezoning ordinance. They can make recommendations; Council Member Jacobson can make proposed amendments. My understanding is that this came up with a recommendation from the Planning Commission? JW: Yes I believe .... BT: For the variance? nm�'l Q BT: They were both for the rezoning? JW: If I can backtrack, it is here. M.