HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-12-06 CODE OF CONDUCT & ETHICSMINUTES OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS
AD HOC COMMITTEE MEETING
SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA
DECEMBER 6, 2011
Meeting Convened at City Hall, 20 Civic Center Plaza, Room 831, Santa Ana, CA at
5:40 p.m.
In attendance were Committee Members Sal Tinajero (Chair) and Vince Sarmiento and
Staff members Jose Sandoval (Legal Counsel) and Maria D. Huizar (Recording
Secretary)
*It was noted that Committee Chair Claudia Alvarez stepped down from the Committee.
Selected Tinajero as Chair.
Public Comments:
• Charles Hart, suggested that an on -line reference library be developed that includes
codes of ethics and standards that officials are held to; noted that enforcement and
punitive consequences missing in Code of Ethics; requested a list of on -line
resources; opinions requested by public should be available to all.
• Jackie Deler, read definition of ethics and ethical; opined that accepted principles
that govern ethics have not been met.
• Mike Tardiff, suggested a formal complaint process be implemented; presented
letter for complaint filed in the past on the perceived inappropriate conduct of a
planning commissioner; no mechanism to file complaints.
• Ellen Koldeway, submitted letter for record with recommendations to Code of Ethics
and Conduct; suggested that a task force be established and offered to volunteer.
• Alfredo Amezcua, opined that committee should have enforcement privileges;
Citizen's Charter Committee did not approve City's Code of Conduct and Ethics;
opined that document in place is core values; requested more frequent meetings.
• Jeannie Gillett, inquired as to appointment process for planning commissioners;
echoed comments made earlier about showing respect to public.
• Bobi Keenan, noted that "appearance" important as it becomes reality; suggested
better accommodations for meeting be made in the future, i.e. meet after hours, and
location more accessible to the public.
• Jeff Dickman, allow for adequate meeting space and accommodations for public
meetings; requested that meetings be televised and recorded; suggested oversight
committee and follow already adopted State and Federal laws.
• Glen Stroud, also served on Citizen's Charter Committee; encouraged all to serve
on Grand Jury; suggested that Grand Jury Association be considered for the
oversight committee, currently serving as nominating committee to review
applications for the and OCTA's Taxpayers Oversight Committee and also working
with County of Orange IT Vendor Selection Committee.
• Valerie Amezcua, noted that City has diverse groups represented in many
neighborhoods; asked that all residents be treated with respect; disappointed that
Forum recently held was by invitation only, should have been open to all residents of
the community; requested clarification on payment dispute to PIO President .
Minutes of Ad Hoc Committee on Ethics Page 1 of 3
• Connie Hamilton, commented on City's reputation amongst other cities in Orange
County; commented on recent article in the OC Business Journal on Santa Ana's
politics.
• Dave Hoen, stated that Code of Ethics in the private sector have enforcement rules;
opined that the conduct of a Councilmember not acceptable.
Committee Member Sarmiento addressed some of the comments made - perception
important and sensitive to community needs; agreed that future meetings will provide for
better accommodations and time; provided information on nomination /appointment
process for planning commissioners; when Code was established, City evaluated other
codes and decided that it would be a living /breathing document to be amended as
needed and interpretations may be subjective; efforts will be made to address concerns,
Committee to meet more often, have City Attorney's Office provide a report of new
legislation and discuss impacts to the City on regular basis, and add key officials and
contractors /developers to the compliance list.
Chair Tinajero opened it up for further comments from the public.
• Debbie McEwen, commented on statement by Ms. JoAnne Speers that Code should
be viewed as constitution with minimal changes.
c Committee Member Sarmiento noted that there is only one constitution and
Code should take on the identity of the community it serves.
• Alfredo Amezcua, recommended that the City review other codes like the City of Los
Angeles and San Francisco that have review committee; add mechanism to file
complaints; agreed that City should include contractors /developers to list of
compliance filers.
• Molly Doughty, would like Committee to meet more often; offended by recent
comments made by Councilmember at a Council meeting; would like enforcement
mechanism.
• Bobi Keenan, concerned with resignation of former Chair; requested a replacement.
• Catherine Cate, commented that she had not received a response to a letter
submitted several months ago; Code should not be changed to fit circumstances.
o Code principles do not change, minor changes only.
• Mike Tardiff, would like to have pre -set meeting date for next Committee Meeting.
• Ellen Koldeway, would like to know what the next steps are; formalize complaint
process; recommendations of committee to go to City Council for consideration.
o Sarmiento noted that it is a self- enforcing Code, but can bring related issues
to the Committee.
• Julie Stroud, residents genuine interest in seeing City succeed.
• Valerie Amezcua, requested clarification on planning of recent Forum on Change
and Police Officer's Association President's cost.
o Sarmiento stated that two forums were being planned about the same time
and decided to move forward with one since it was further along in the
planning.
• Tom Flammang, asked why no punitive measures in place for wrong doing.
Minutes of Ad Hoc Committee on Ethics Page 2 of 3
o Legal Counsel Sandoval noted that other Codes have sanctions, but most do
not, also other agencies in place to consider violations such as the District
Attorney's Office; City of Santa Ana has value based Code.
Chair Tinajero, requested a follow -up meeting; notices will be sent to all; sanctions in
Code not unreasonable to review.
Meeting Adjourned at 6:56 p.m.
Maria D. Huizar,
Clerk of the Council
Minutes of Ad Hoc Committee on Ethics Page 3 of 3