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Regular Meeting December 8, 2003 114, Page 7 Texans than the United States Bill of Rights. Ms. Narvaiz stated she feels the Council should continue to review before they support the Resolution. Ms. Narvaiz inquired what stand the Police Department would take on this Resolution. Johnny James, Assistant Chief of Police, stated he feels this Resolution would not impact the Police Department. He stated the Resolution requires a reasonableness or probable cause, which is what every officer already uses. Mayor Habingreither suggested the Council hold a~Workshop on this Resolution. Mr. Thomaides stated he is concerned with the Council weighing in on issues of national policy decisions. He stated there are portions of the Patriot Act which he personally opposes. He also stated he feels strongly that this office is non-partisan, and he believes this is a political platform. He stated he would support it if amended. Mr. Taylor stated he attended the Town Meeting where the Patriot Act was addressed. He also stated he preferred not to go forward with this Resolution, but if the Council decides to go forward, then he would like to work with Mr. Mihalkanin on some amendments. Mr. Diaz stated he agrees with Mr. Green about this being used as a political toy. He feels there are items in the Act which are meant for terrorism and does not feel Council should get involved. He also stated he feels some citizen rights are taken away in this Act. The Council agreed to allow Mr. Taylor and Mr. Mihalkanin to work together on the proposed Resolution and suggest changes to Council. Mayor Habingreither introduced a discussion regarding employment of outside Legal Counsel regarding the Ethics Review Commission. Mr. Mark Taylor stated the Ethics Review Commission received a complaint regarding Mayor Habingreither and Council Member Taylor voting on the Disannexation of Subareas A & F. He stated the Ethics Review Commission has deferred the complaint and is requesting outside Counsel. Mr. Thomaides stated the Ethics Review Commission received a written complaint from a citizen. He inquired whether the function of the Ethics Review Commission was to determine legal definitions. Mr. Mark Taylor stated the Ethics Review Commission is called upon to interpret Ordinances and State Laws, but more often they have been called upon for legal interpretations on issues. Mr. Mihalkanin stated he feels an outside attorney should have been hired in the beginning. He also stated this issue should not have been dragged out this long. Ms. Narvaiz inquired if anyone in the Legal Department can do the research. Mr. Mark Taylor stated he could devote Staff, but he feels it would be more thorough if an outside attorney would handle this issue. Ms. Narvaiz stated she is not opposed to hiring an outside attorney. She stated she also agrees with Mr. Mihalkanin regarding the dragging out of this issue. Mayor Habingreither suggested bypassing the Ethics Review Commission and sending this issue to the District Attorney for his decision. Mr. Montoya inquired why the City has an Ethics Review Commission. He also stated he feels this issue is a morality issue. Mr. Mihalkanin stated if the City does not hire outside Counsel, then the Ethics Review Commission will make a decision based on the information they have now. Ms. Narvaiz inquired whether the Ethics Review Commission is in the City Charter. Mr. Mark Taylor stated the Ethic. s Review commission is in the City Charter and the citizens would have to vote to