10052009 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Jones and a second by Councilmember Couch the City Council voted seven (7) for and none (0) opposed, to adopt Resolution 2009- • 135R, as previously captioned, and nominating Kimberly Green and George Slover. The motion carried unanimously. 26. Consider adoption of Resolution 2009-136R, adopting a revised policy for the reimbursement of council member expenses to allow reimbursement for office space and office staff in an amount not to exceed $500 per month per City Council position and $750 per month for the position of Mayor; and declaring an effective date. MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Jones and a second by Councilmember Couch, the City Council voted five (5) for and two (2) opposed, with Mayor Narvaiz and Councilmember Thomaides voting against, to adopt Resolution 2009-136R, amending the language to reflect that an additional sum, not to exceed the monthly amount set by ordinance for compensation of council members and the mayor, shall be made available to reimburse actual expenses incurred for office space and staff expenses. The motion carried. 27. Discussion on proposed amendments to the San Marcos Code of Ethics and provide direction to staff. City Attorney Michael Cosentino presented proposed amendments to the San Marcos Code of Ethics as submitted by the Ethics Commission. Elizabeth Nash, chair of the Ethics Commission, provided background information on the recommendations. Suggested amendments include: a • Allow ethics complaints to be filed anonymously - no Council consensus • Allow Ethics Review Commission to review complaints in executive session • Require all ethics complaints to be forwarded to the Ethics Review Commission within seven (7) business days of the date they are received in the City Attorney's office • Require notification to the person accused only if the Ethics Review Commission determines that the complaint is in proper form and alleges sufficient facts to warrant a hearing - Council consensus to notify immediately on any complaint • Provide that the ethics complaint form be available on the City's website or from the City Attorney's office There was a consensus to add that ethics complaints may not be made against candidates 60 days prior to early voting. It was also noted that the review of complaints should take place in Executive Session, but if a complaint is found to have merit, then a hearing will be held in a public meeting. Staff was directed to bring back data from other cities and to also provide the state ethics process. 28. Remove from table presentation and discussion of the 2009 Water and Wastewater Rate Study and the 2009 Water/Wastewater Efficiencv and Strategy Report, and provide direction to staff. • RM100509 Minutes Page 6