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Approved Minutes — original pdf
1. 2. ETHICS REVIEW COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 25, 2024 The Ethics Review Commission convened in a Regular Commission meeting on September 25, 2024, at City Hall, Boards & Commissions Room #1101, at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas and via Videoconference. Chair Michael Lovins called the Ethics Review Commission Meeting to order at 6:17 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance in Person: Chair Michael Lovins, Vice-Chair Haksoon Andrea Low, Secretary Nguyen Stanton-Adams, and Commissioners Amy Casto, Edward Espinoza, Luis Figueroa, Mary Kahle and William Ross Pumfrey were present at City Hall. Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: None. Commissioners Absent: Adam Materne. City Staff in Attendance in Person: Caroline Webster, Commission Executive Liaison & Assistant City Attorney. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No one registered to speak during public communication. EXECUTIVE SESSION The Ethics Review Commission may announce it will go into Executive Session pursuant to Section 551.071 of the Texas Government Code to receive advice from legal counsel regarding: A complaint filed by Betsy Greenberg against Douglas Greco raising claimed violations of City Charter, Article III (Elections), Section 8 (A)(3) (Limits on Contributions to Candidates). The Ethics Review Commission may announce it will go into Executive Session pursuant to Section 551.071 of the Texas Government Code to receive advice from legal counsel regarding: A complaint filed by Betsy Greenberg against Kirk Watson raising claimed violations of City Charter, Article III (Elections), Section 8 (A)(3) (Limits on Contributions to Candidates). The Commission went into Executive Session at 6:19 p.m. to take up Items 1 & 2. The open meeting resumed at 7:13 p.m. Outside Counsel Cris Feldman advised the Commission. 1 3. 4. 5. Commissioner Espinoza did not partake in discussion during Executive Session; Commissioner Materne was absent. PRELIMINARY HEARING A complaint filed by Betsy Greenberg against Douglas Greco raising claimed violations of City Charter, Article III (Elections), Section 8 (A)(3) (Limits on Contributions to Candidates). Parties Attending: Complainant Betsy Greenberg and counsel for Respondent, Holt Lackey, appeared in person. The Commission heard opening statements from Complainant Betsy Greenberg, and counsel for Respondent, Holt Lackey. At the conclusion of the preliminary hearing, Commissioner Casto’s motion that the Commission find there are reasonable grounds to believe a violation within the jurisdiction of the Ethics Review Commission has occurred and for the Commission to move forward with a final hearing was approved on a 7-0-1 vote of all members present. Commissioner Pumfrey seconded the …
Agenda — original pdf
REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the ETHICS REVIEW COMMISSION AUGUST 28, 2024 at 6:00 P.M. AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS & COMMISSIONS ROOM, #1101 301 W 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the Ethics Review Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public Speakers: Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. If participating remotely by telephone, a speaker must register no later than noon the day before the meeting. To register to speak remotely, contact Lizette Benitez at (512) 974-2915 or lizette.benitez@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Chair Michael Lovins Vice-Chair Haksoon Andrea Low Secretary Nguyen Stanton-Adams Edward Espinoza Adam Materne Alysa Nuñez District 4 – Vacancy William Ross Pumfrey Mary Kahle Jacob Loehr Amy Casto CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA There is no limit on the number of speakers who may speak on agenda items. There is a limit on the number of speakers who may speak on items not posted on the agenda—only the first ten speakers who register prior to the meeting being called to order will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address non-agenda items. For more information on public communication, please see the “Notice Regarding Public Communication” at the end of this agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Ethics Review Commission Regular meeting on July 24, 2024. BRIEFINGS 1 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Briefing of the Annual Internal Review report made by Chair Lovins. Staff Briefing from Caroline Webster regarding three recent complaints received. Briefing from the Working Group to Review ERC Complaints Process regarding a status report on consideration of commission-initiated complaints. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Consideration, discussion, and potential action regarding: Discussion regarding gathering feedback about scheduled candidate events, and Q & A with Carol Eckelkamp, League of Women Voters Austin Area (LWV-AA). Changes to the membership of the Working Group to Review ERC Complaints Process. Potential formation of a working group to look into reviewing and revising the ERC bylaws. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative …
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Ethics Complaint Douglas Greco - Redacted — original pdf
MEMORANDUM July 31, 2024 Deborah Thomas, Interim City Attorney Michael Lovins, Ethics Commission Chair Betsy Greenberg Douglas Greco Erika Brady, Deputy City Clerk TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: The attached sworn complaint was received on July 31, 2024 in the Office of the City Clerk. It was filed by Betsy Greenberg against Douglas Greco. Per City Code, Chapter 2-7-41(D), this letter serves as the Office of the City Clerk’s acknowledgement that the complaint was received and as notice to all those named above, as required in the code. Attachment Sworn Complaint
Ethics Complaint Kirk Watson - Redacted — original pdf
MEMORANDUM July 31, 2024 Deborah Thomas, Interim City Attorney Michael Lovins, Ethics Commission Chair Betsy Greenberg Kirk Watson Erika Brady, Deputy City Clerk TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: The attached sworn complaint was received on July 31, 2024 in the Office of the City Clerk. It was filed by Betsy Greenberg against Kirk Watson. Per City Code, Chapter 2-7-41(D), this letter serves as the Office of the City Clerk’s acknowledgement that the complaint was received and as notice to all those named above, as required in the code. Attachment Sworn Complaint
Ethics Complaint Mike Siegel - Redacted — original pdf
MEMORANDUM July 12, 2024 Deborah Thomas, Interim City Attorney Michael Lovins, Ethics Commission Chair Julie Oliver Mike Siegel Erika Brady, Deputy City Clerk TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: The attached sworn complaint was received on July 12, 2024 in the Office of the City Clerk. It was filed by Julie Oliver against Mike Siegel. Per City Code, Chapter 2-7-41(D), this letter serves as the Office of the City Clerk’s acknowledgement that the complaint was received and as notice to all those named above, as required in the code. Attachment Sworn Complaint OCC RECEIVED AT JUL 12 '24AMil:16 ETHICS REVIEW COMMISSION CHAPTER 2-7 CITY CODE t COMPLAINT I - NAME OF PERSON(S) FILINC~, COMPLAINT: 1 _· ·_J_ul_ie_O_l_iv_,..e,...-.r _ .. ;_· ____ _ ,.,.;,:·· MAILING ADDRESS: EMAIL ADDRESS: PLEASE FILE A SEPARATE COMPLAINT FORM FOR EACH PERSON COMPLAINED AGAINST. r··nMPJ .AlN' NA \fE OF PERSON COMPLAINEEf XGKINSI : Mike Siegel ------------~ Cll Y OFFICE DEPARTMENT ·COMMISSION: . Candidate for City Council, District 7 ' --- MAILING ADDRESS: 1905 Aggie Lane, Austin, TX ?~_7_57 _________ _ . "" J ' PHl.)NE NUMBER [IF KNOWN]:~..,__ _______________ _ EMAIL ADDRESS [IF KNO~J:---. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Tht: Ethics Review Commission has jurisdiction to hear complaints alleging violation(s) of the ~allowing provisions: -,UMPf Al l'l.J!~r1-"-:\(~Kfi"J'3T;- (C.aJi~~~ F.inance) · - City Co~e, Chapter 2-1, ~~ ectioi;\, 2-1-t.4 (City Boards, Conflict of Interest and Recusal) - ~ity Code, Chapte; 2-2 1 City Code, Chapter 2-'i (ELhics and Financia1 D1--:r:.losure), except for Article 6 (Anti lobbying and Procurement) City Code, Chapter 4-8 (Regulation of Lobbyists: City Charter, Article III, Section 8 (Limits on Campaign Contributions and Expenditures) - PLEASE LIST EACH ALLEGED VIOLATION OF THE ABOVE CITY CODE AND CH\RTER PROVISIONS SEPARATELY ON THE FOLLOWING PAGES . ... L·U I -T ( ( ' j 1.\ t I ' ,' r\'\_ • ·s ') I .; Offic.: of the City Clerk, 20.21 Fl Revised: April 12, 2017 I. SECTION OF CHARTER OR ORDINANCE VIOLATED: City Code, Chapter 2-2 DATE OF ALLEGED VIOU\ TION: Oct 2023 through J~_ne_2_0_24 ________ _ ACTIONS ALLEGED TO BE A VIOLATION: The Mike Siegel campaign routinely sends out emails using a CRM email service called Action Network. Siegel's campaign finance reports do not show any expense for this CRM. Additionally, he is the founder, Board President and Chair, and General Counsel for Ground Game Texas …
Approved Minutes — original pdf
ETHICS REVIEW COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES AUGUST 28, 2024 The Ethics Review Commission convened in a Regular Commission meeting on August 28, 2024, at City Hall, Boards & Commissions Room #1101, at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas and via Videoconference. Chair Michael Lovins called the Ethics Review Commission Meeting to order at 6:11 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Chair Michael Lovins, Vice-Chair Haksoon Andrea Low, Secretary Nguyen Stanton-Adams, and Commissioners Edward Espinoza, Adam Materne and William Ross Pumfrey were present at City Hall. Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Mary Kahle. Commissioners Absent: Amy Casto and Alysa Nuñez. City Staff in Attendance: Lizette Benitez, Staff Liaison; Caroline Webster, Commission Executive Liaison & Assistant City Attorney. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No one registered to speak during public communication. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL There is no limit on the number of speakers who may speak on agenda items. There is a limit on the number of speakers who may speak on items not posted on the agenda—only the first ten speakers who register prior to the meeting being called to order will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address non-agenda items. For more information on public communication, please see the “Notice Regarding Public Communication” at the end of this agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Ethics Review Commission Regular meeting on July 24, 2024. Secretary Stanton-Adams’ motion to approve the minutes with amendments to include “Future Agenda Items” passed on an 7-0 vote of all members present. Commissioner Pumfrey seconded the motion. Voting in favor: Chair Lovins, Vice-Chair Low, Secretary Stanton-Adams and Commissioners Espinoza, Kahle, Materne and Pumfrey. Commissioners Casto and Nuñez were absent. 1 BRIEFINGS 2. Briefing of the Annual Internal Review report made by Chair Lovins. Chair Lovins presented the Annual Internal Review Report to the Commission, outlining the preliminary hearings and other actions conducted in accordance with the Ethics Review Commission’s mission statement. After taking up item 2, the Commission moved onto item 5. 3. Staff Briefing from Caroline Webster regarding three recent complaints received. Executive Liaison Caroline Webster presented updates on three recent complaints received in July. One complaint, filed by Julie Oliver against Mike Siegel, did not meet the filing requirements. Ms. Oliver was informed she could resubmit her complaint, but no further action was taken. The other two complaints were filed by Betsy Greenberg against mayoral candidates Douglas Greco and Kirk Watson for allegedly …
Agenda — original pdf
REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the ETHICS REVIEW COMMISSION JULY 24, 2024 at 6:00 P.M. AUSTIN ENERGY HEADQUARTERS, MUELLER ASSEMBLY ROOM, #1111a 4815 MUELLER BLVD, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78723 Some members of the Ethics Review Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public Speakers: Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. If participating remotely by telephone, a speaker must register no later than noon the day before the meeting. To register to speak remotely, contact Lizette Benitez at (512) 974-2915 or lizette.benitez@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Chair Michael Lovins Vice-Chair Haksoon Andrea Low Secretary Nguyen Stanton-Adams Edward Espinoza Adam Materne Alysa Nuñez District 4 – Vacancy William Ross Pumfrey Mary Kahle Jacob Loehr Amy Casto CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA There is no limit on the number of speakers who may speak on agenda items. There is a limit on the number of speakers who may speak on items not posted on the agenda—only the first ten speakers who register prior to the meeting being called to order will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address non-agenda items. For more information on public communication, please see the “Notice Regarding Public Communication” at the end of this agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Ethics Review Commission Regular meeting on June 26, 2024. BRIEFINGS 1 2. Briefing from League of Women Voters Austin Area (LVW-AA) regarding written materials available in other languages for the City Council Candidate Forum Planning. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Consideration, discussion, and potential action regarding: Review of the Working Group to Review ERC Complaints Process Discussion of attendee survey of Candidate Forums. 3. 4. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Lizette Benitez, Caroline Webster at the Law Department, at (512) 974-2268 for additional information; TTY users’ route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Ethics Review Commission, please contact Caroline Webster at (512) 974-1353. For the …
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Approved Minutes — original pdf
ETHICS REVIEW COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES JULY 24, 2024 The Ethics Review Commission convened in a Regular Commission meeting on July 24, 2024, at Austin Energy Headquarters, Mueller Assembly Room #1111a, at 4815 Mueller Boulevard in Austin, Texas and via Videoconference. Vice-Chair Haksoon Andrea Low called the Ethics Review Commission Meeting to order at 6:09 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Vice-Chair Haksoon Andrea Low, Secretary Nguyen Stanton-Adams, and Commissioners, Edward Espinoza, Jacob Loehr, Adam Materne and William Ross Pumfrey were present at Austin Energy Headquarters. Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Mary Kahle. Commissioners Absent: Chair Michael Lovins and Commissioners Amy Casto and Alysa Nuñez. City Staff in Attendance: Lizette Benitez, Staff Liaison; Caroline Webster, Commission Executive Liaison & Assistant City Attorney. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No one registered to speak during public communication. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Ethics Review Commission Regular meeting on June 26, 2024. Secretary Stanton-Adams’ motion to adopt the minutes with amendments passed on an 7-0 vote of all members present. Commissioner Pumfrey seconded the motion. Voting in favor: Vice-Chair Low, Secretary Stanton-Adams and Commissioners Espinoza, Kahle, Loehr, Materne and Pumfrey. Chair Lovins and Commissioners Casto and Nuñez were absent. BRIEFINGS 2. Briefing from League of Women Voters Austin Area (LVW-AA) regarding written materials available in other languages for the City Council Candidate Forum Planning. 1 Caroline Webster provided a brief update based on information provided by the LWV to the Commission regarding the voter’s guide published by the LWV-AA, including language translations available. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Consideration, discussion, and potential action regarding: 3. Review of the Working Group to Review ERC Complaints Process. The Commission discussed the item; however, no action was taken. The item was postponed for continued discussion at the next Regular Commission meeting. 4. Discussion of attendee survey of Candidate Forums. The Commission discussed the item; however, no action was taken. The Commission decided to take up their questions regarding this item at the next Regular Commission meeting. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS • Update regarding Working Group to Review ERC Complaints Process and changes • Discussion regarding the scheduled candidate events and Q&A with Carol to membership of Working Group. Eckelkamp, LWV-AA. • Potential formation of Working Group to Review and Revise ERC Bylaws. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 7:14 pm. The preceding minutes were approved with amendments to include “Future Agenda Items” on a 7-0 vote of all members …
Agenda — original pdf
REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the ETHICS REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 26, 2024 at 6:00 P.M. AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS & COMMISSIONS ROOM, #1101 301 W 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the Ethics Review Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public Speakers: Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. If participating remotely by telephone, a speaker must register no later than noon the day before the meeting. To register to speak remotely, contact Lizette Benitez at (512) 974-2915 or lizette.benitez@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Chair Michael Lovins Vice-Chair Haksoon Andrea Low Secretary Nguyen Stanton-Adams Edward Espinoza Adam Materne Alysa Nuñez District 4 – Vacancy William Ross Pumfrey Mary Kahle Jacob Loehr Amy Casto CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA There is no limit on the number of speakers who may speak on agenda items. There is a limit on the number of speakers who may speak on items not posted on the agenda—only the first ten speakers who register prior to the meeting being called to order will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address non-agenda items. For more information on public communication, please see the “Notice Regarding Public Communication” at the end of this agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Ethics Review Commission Regular meeting on April 24, 2024. STAFF BRIEFINGS 1 2. Staff briefing regarding updates to the City Council Candidate Forum Planning. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Consideration, discussion, and potential action regarding: Approve the City Council Candidate Forum Event Schedule. 3. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Lizette Benitez, Caroline Webster at the Law Department, at (512) 974-2268 for additional information; TTY users’ route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Ethics Review Commission, please contact Caroline Webster at (512) 974-1353. For the 2024 meeting schedule, agendas, and additional information about the Commission, see: Ethics Review Commission | AustinTexas.gov ERC STANDARD PUBLIC …
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Approved Minutes — original pdf
ETHICS REVIEW COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES JUNE 26, 2024 The Ethics Review Commission convened in a Regular Commission meeting on June 26, 2024, at City Hall, Boards & Commissions Room #1101, at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas and via Videoconference. Chair Michael Lovins called the Ethics Review Commission Meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Chair Michael Lovins, Vice-Chair Haksoon Andrea Low, Secretary Nguyen Stanton-Adams, and Commissioners Amy Casto, Edward Espinoza, Jacob Loehr, and William Ross Pumfrey were present at City Hall. Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Adam Materne. Commissioners Absent: Mary Kahle and Alysa Nuñez. City Staff in Attendance: Lizette Benitez, Staff Liaison; Caroline Webster, Commission Executive Liaison & Assistant City Attorney; Keith Reeves, Communications and Public Information Administrator; and Mia Warner, Strategic Communications Consultant. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No one registered to speak during public communication. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Ethics Review Commission Regular meeting on April 24, 2024. Vice-Chair Low’s motion to adopt the minutes was seconded by Commissioner Casto, however after further discussion from the Commission no action was taken on this motion. Secretary Stanton-Adams’ motion to amend Vice-Chair Low’s initial motion and move to adopt the minutes with amendments and a statement explaining why the role of parliamentarian was not elected during the annual officer elections passed on an 8-0 vote of all members present. Commissioner Pumfrey seconded the motion. Voting in favor: Chair Lovins, Vice-Chair Low, Secretary Stanton-Adams and Commissioners Casto, Espinoza, Loehr, Materne, Pumfrey. Commissioners Kahle and Nuñez were absent. Commissioner Casto’s motion to reconsider Secretary Stanton-Adams’ motion and exclude the parliamentarian statement from the minutes failed on a 5-2 vote of all members present. Voting in favor: Chair Lovins, Vice-Chair Low and Commissioners Casto, Espinoza and 1 Loehr. Voting against: Secretary Stanton-Adams and Commissioners Materne and Pumfrey. Commissioners Kahle and Nuñez were absent. The Commission then went back to Secretary Stanton-Adams’ motion to amend Vice-Chair Low’s initial motion and approve the minutes with amendments including adding the parliamentarian statement to the April minutes. Secretary Stanton-Adams’ motion was approved on an 8-0 vote of all members present. Voting in favor: Chair Lovins, Vice-Chair Low, Secretary Stanton-Adams and Commissioners Casto, Espinoza, Loehr, Materne and Pumfrey. Commissioners Kahle and Nuñez were absent. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing regarding updates to the City Council Candidate Forum Planning. Caroline Webster provided a brief refresher to the Commission of the …
Agenda — original pdf
REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the ETHICS REVIEW COMMISSION APRIL 24, 2024 at 6:00 P.M. AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS & COMMISSIONS ROOM, #1101 301 W 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the Ethics Review Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public Speakers: Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. If participating remotely by telephone, a speaker must register no later than noon the day before the meeting. To register to speak remotely, contact Lizette Benitez at (512) 974-2915 or lizette.benitez@austintexas.gov. Secretary Nguyen Stanton-Adams District 2 – Vacancy Amy Casto Haksoon Andrea Low Alysa Nuñez Michael Lovins Edward Espinoza CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Vice-Chair Mary Kahle District 1 – Vacancy District 4 – Vacancy William Ross Pumfrey CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA There is no limit on the number of speakers who may speak on agenda items. There is a limit on the number of speakers who may speak on items not posted on the agenda—only the first ten speakers who register prior to the meeting being called to order will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address non-agenda items. For more information on public communication, please see the “Notice Regarding Public Communication” at the end of this agenda. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Consideration, discussion, and potential action regarding: 1 1. 3. 4. 5. Vote to approve the 2024 Candidate and Officeholder Campaign Finance Brochure, as updated to reflect current campaign contribution limits and revisions to City Code Chapter 2-2 (Campaign Finance). Conduct Annual Election of Officers (Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary and Parliamentarian). 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Ethics Review Commission Regular Meeting on September 27, 2023. Approve the minutes of the Ethics Review Commission Regular Meeting on December 13, 2023. Approve the minutes of the Ethics Review Commission Regular Meeting on February 28, 2024. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Lizette Benitez, Caroline Webster at the Law Department, …
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Approved Minutes — original pdf
1. 2. ETHICS REVIEW COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES APRIL 24, 2024 The Ethics Review Commission convened in a Regular Commission meeting on April 24, 2024, at City Hall, Boards & Commissions Room #1101, at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas and via Videoconference. Vice-Chair Mary Kahle called the Ethics Review Commission Meeting to order at 6:13 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Vice-Chair Mary Kahle, Secretary Nguyen Stanton-Adams, and Commissioners Amy Casto, Edward Espinoza, Jacob Loehr, Michael Lovins, Haksoon Andrea Low, and William Ross Pumfrey were present at City Hall. Commissioners Absent: Alysa Nuñez. City Staff in Attendance: Lizette Benitez, Staff Liaison; and Victoria Hayslett, Commission Executive Liaison & Assistant City Attorney. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No one registered to speak during public communication. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Consideration, discussion, and potential action regarding: Vote to approve the 2024 Candidate and Officeholder Campaign Finance Brochure, as updated to reflect current campaign contribution limits and revisions to City Code Chapter 2-2 (Campaign Finance). Commissioner Pumfrey’s motion to approve the Brochure, taking into consideration the recommended changes given to City staff and to receive clarification in response to the Commission’s questions at the next regular meeting passed on an 8-0 vote of all members present. Commissioner Low seconded the motion. Voting in favor: Vice-Chair Kahle, Secretary Stanton-Adams and Commissioners Casto, Espinoza, Loehr, Lovins, Low, Pumfrey. Commissioner Nuñez was absent. Conduct Annual Election of Officers (Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary and Parliamentarian). Secretary Stanton-Adams’ motion to nominate Commissioner Lovins to assume the office of Chair was approved on an 8-0 vote of all members present. Commissioner Pumfrey 1 seconded the motion. Voting in favor: Vice-Chair Kahle, Secretary Stanton-Adams and Commissioners Casto, Espinoza, Loehr, Lovins, Low and Pumfrey. Commissioner Nuñez was absent. Secretary Stanton-Adams’ motion to nominate Commissioner Low to assume the office of Vice-Chair was approved on an 8-0 vote of all members present. Commissioner Casto seconded the motion. Voting in favor: Vice-Chair Kahle, Secretary Stanton-Adams and Commissioners Casto, Espinoza, Loehr, Lovins, Low and Pumfrey. Commissioner Nuñez was absent. Commissioner Low’s motion to renominate Secretary Stanton-Adams as Secretary was approved on an 8-0 vote of all members present. Vice-Chair Kahle seconded the motion. Voting in favor: Vice-Chair Kahle, Secretary Stanton-Adams and Commissioners Casto, Espinoza, Loehr, Lovins, Low and Pumfrey. Commissioner Nuñez was absent. The role of parliamentarian was not elected as the Ethics Review Commission Bylaws state that only 3 officers (Chair, Vice-Chair and Secretary) are …
Agenda — original pdf
1. REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the ETHICS REVIEW COMMISSION FEBRUARY 28, 2024 at 6:00 P.M. AUSTIN CITY HALL, BOARDS & COMMISSIONS ROOM, #1101 301 W 2ND STREET AUSTIN, TEXAS 78701 Some members of the Ethics Review Commission may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public Speakers: Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. If participating remotely by telephone, a speaker must register no later than noon the day before the meeting. To register to speak remotely, contact Lizette Benitez at (512) 974-2915 or lizette.benitez@austintexas.gov. Vice-Chair Mary Kahle Secretary Nguyen Stanton-Adams Haksoon Andrea Low Alysa Nuñez Edward Espinoza William Ross Pumfrey District 2 – Vacancy CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Chair Luis Soberon Amy Casto Michael Lovins District 1 – Vacancy CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL AGENDA There is no limit on the number of speakers who may speak on agenda items. There is a limit on the number of speakers who may speak on items not posted on the agenda—only the first ten speakers who register prior to the meeting being called to order will be allowed a three-minute allotment to address non-agenda items. For more information on public communication, please see the “Notice Regarding Public Communication” at the end of this agenda. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Consideration, discussion, and potential action regarding: Discussion of existing working groups (Race, Identity, and Equity Working Group, Working Group to Prepare Calendar of Commission Duties and Responsibilities, and 1 2. 3. Working Group to Review ERC Complaints Process), and potential amendments to current working group members. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Ethics Review Commission Regular Meeting on September 27, 2023. Approve the minutes of the Ethics Review Commission Regular Meeting on December 13, 2023. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Lizette Benitez, Wajiha Rizvi, or Victoria Hayslett at the Law Department, at (512) 974-2268 for additional information; TTY users’ route through Relay Texas at 711. For …
2024 Active ERC Working Groups — original pdf
Active Working Groups - 2024 Kahle) • Race, Identity, and Equity Working Group (Consisting of Luis Soberon and Mary • Working Group to Prepare Calendar of Commission Duties and Responsibilities (Consisting of Ngyuen Stanton-Adams) – Creation of WG approved at July 2022 meeting. • Working Group to Review ERC Complaints Process (Consisting of Luis Soberon and Michael Lovins) – Creation of WG approved at August 2022 meeting.
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