MINUTES
GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS COMMITTEE
JUNE 29, 2004
3:00 P.M.
COURTHOUSE CONFERENCE ROOM
Present: K. Herrera, Vice Chair; N. Schuler; D. Kiefer
Excused: M. Lane and D. Winch
Staff: J. Wood, County Attorney; D. Squires, Finance Director
Guest: W. Daetsch, Ethics Advisory Board member
Called to Order
The meeting was called to order at 3:10 p.m.
Changes to Agenda
A request to fill positions in the Assessment Department was added to the agenda.
Review List of Required Filers of Financial Disclosure Forms
Review and discussion followed concerning the list of
employees and elected officials required to file Annual Financial Disclosure
forms. The list presented was adopted in 2002 with some additions being
added in 2004. Mrs. Covert and Mr. Wood asked that the list be reviewed
and a discussion held as to whether it can be reduced.
Ms. Schuler felt having elected officials, department
heads and their deputy or successor complete the form would be appropriate.
Mr. Squires suggested having only department heads and elected officials
fill out the form. Further discussion followed and the Committee felt
it would be useful to discuss this when all committee members were present
and ask appropriate staff attend including the Personnel Commissioner, County
Attorney, and Finance Director to provide information on employees who make
policy making decisions. Ms. Kiefer felt it would also be helpful to
have the list of required filers organized by department.
Mr. Daetsch said this issue came up when complaints were
filed against certain City officials and concerns raised because these forms
were not being taken seriously at the City level.
Code of Ethics
Ms. Kiefer said the Ethics Advisory Board is requesting
direction from this Committee if there would be support to reformat and create
a more reader friendly Code of Ethics similar to the Town of Ithaca's Code
of Ethics. Ms. Kiefer also highlighted two of the changes that the
Ethics Advisory Board will be recommending: (1) The Ethics Advisory
Board has the responsibility to render advisory opinions; and (2) newly hired
employees and elected officials shall file a form before taking office or
employees and elected officials revise their form if their situation changes
during the year. In response to questions she said changes may be proposed
to clarify the intent of the Code at the start and to summarize/list topics
covered in the Financial Disclosure forms.
Mr. Squires suggested adding a time limit to the section
concerning gifts such as a gift received within the last twelve months.
A brief discussion followed, and it was the consensus
of the Committee to direct the Ethics Advisory Board to continue with its
review and recommend a more reader friendly formatted document.
Annual Financial Disclosure Form
Ms. Kiefer explained the logic of the Ethics Advisory
Board for recommending changes to the Financial Disclosure form. At
this time, Ms. Kiefer highlighted some of the changes and began reviewing
the form, using the sheet included with the agenda that shows where questions
on the present form are covered it he new draft. Concerns and questions
raised by Committee members are summarized below.
Ms. Herrera raised a concern with question 2. and made
the following comments for the record: It's more than I want it to
be that I can incur tax penalties and don't get any tax benefits and yet
I am expected to be held legally accountable for having my domestic partner
on my insurance. She feels the question is more specific and is an
expansion of the definition from the current version and is also invasive.
Ms. Schuler commented that she is comfortable with the question in the current form.
Ms. Herrera expressed her concern with question 3B. and
stated for the record that she also works for Cornell University and does
not remember pledging a primary commitment to Cornell and as matter of fact
her commitment to the union would come before Cornell. Of course, as
a County Legislator, anytime when there is union involvement she always examines
her actions for a potential conflict of interest.
Ms. Schuler commented on the number of Legislators that are employed or have been employed by Cornell.
Following further discussion and concerns being expressed
on the question, the Committee agreed to continue with its review.
The Committee suggested question 3C. should include work
release as well which is different than a Leave of Absence.
Ms. Herrera feels question 3H. is unclear and would be
difficult to determine what is required to report. Following discussion,
it was suggested that either the two questions be combined or add at the
beginning of the question the following words: "(In questions 1. and
2. you…)". Mr. Wood reminded the Committee this is the question that
creates confusion on the current form. The Committee agreed clarification
is needed and that this question needs more discussion.
A brief discussion followed concerning question 3J. and
the Committee agreed to add the word "each" after 3 years.
Following discussion and review of the form, Ms. Kiefer
agreed to bring it back to the Ethics Advisory Board and express the concerns
raised by the Committee.
Assessment Department
It was MOVED by Ms. Schuler, seconded by Ms. Kiefer, and
unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to approve the request
to fill a position of a Data Collector (recently reclassified position) and
the position of Real Property Appraiser as submitted.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 4:48 p.m.
Tompkins
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