2020 - 2022 Internal Review Report ETHICS REVIEW COMMISSION This report covers Ethics Review Commission activity from 01/01/2020 to 12/31/2022 The Board/Commission mission statement is set forth in the following provisions of the City Code: § 2-1-145 - ETHICS REVIEW COMMISSION. The Ethics Review Commission has duties and responsibilities established by Chapter 2-2 (Campaign Finance) and Chapter 2-7 (Ethics and Financial Disclosure). § 2-2-65 OTHER CONSIDERATIONS FOR CAMPAIGN CONTRACT. (A) A candidate who signs a campaign contract must participate in a series of candidate forums, whether or not the candidate qualifies for funds. (B) The Ethics Review Commission shall produce not fewer than three forums for each contested race as follows: (1) (2) one forum must air on public access television; and other forums may be produced and made available to the public by radio, broadcast, publication on the Internet, or other means approved by the commission. (C) (D) (E) The City shall make recordings of audio or video forums available to the public at all branches of the City library. The City may purchase advertising promoting the candidate forums. The Ethics Review Commission shall establish equitable guidelines to coordinate and produce the candidate forums. § 2-7-26 FUNCTIONS. The Ethics Review Commission has jurisdiction over this chapter, Section 2-1-24 (Conflict of Interest and Recusal), Chapter 2-2 (Campaign Finance), Chapter 4-8 (Regulation of Lobbyists), and Article III, Section 8, of the City Charter (Limits on Campaign Contributions and Expenditures). The commission shall hear and rule on sworn complaints alleging violations of the provisions within the commission’s jurisdiction. The city manager shall provide funding for all necessary and reasonable functions of the commission in fulfilling its duties. § 2-7-30 DUTIES. (A) The Ethics Review Commission shall, in addition to its other duties: Page 1 of 12 (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (1) (2) (3) prescribe forms for reports, statements, notices, and other documents required by the provisions within the commission’s jurisdiction; prepare and publish materials explaining the duties of individuals subject to the provisions within the commission’s jurisdiction; accept and file any information voluntarily supplied that exceeds the requirements of the provisions within the commission’s jurisdiction; preserve statements and reports filed with the commission for a period of five years from the date of receipt; review the provisions within the commission’s jurisdiction and make appropriate recommendations to the city council concerning the provisions within the commission’s jurisdiction, and perform an …
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING of the ETHICS REVIEW COMMISSION JUNE 5, 2023 at 6:00 P.M. AUSTIN PERMITTING & DEVELOPMENT CENTER, PDC ROOM, #1405 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS 78752 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 or contact Meredith Mooney at (512) 974-2667 or meredith.mooney@austintexas.gov. Vice-Chair Mary Kahle Haksoon Andrea Low Vacancy – District 3 Vacancy – Mayor’s nominee Secretary Nguyen Stanton-Adams Vacancy - District 8 Mikki Teneyuca CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Chair Luis Soberon Amy Casto Michael Lovins Sidney Williams 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. EXECUTIVE SESSION The Ethics Review Commission may announce it will go into Executive Session pursuant to Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code to receive advice from legal counsel on any matter listed in this agenda. The Commission may go into Executive Session to discuss: 1 1. A complaint filed by Teri Adams against Hanna Cofer raising claimed violations of City Code Chapter 2-1 (City Boards), Section 2-1-24 (Conflict of Interest and Recusal). 2. A complaint filed by Teri Adams against Evan Taniguchi, raising claimed violations of City Code Chapter 2-1 (City Boards), Section 2-1-24 (Conflict of Interest and Recusal). PRELIMINARY HEARING 3. A complaint filed by Teri Adams against Hanna Cofer, raising claimed violations of City Code Chapter 2-1 (City Boards), Section 2-1-24 (Conflict of Interest and Recusal). 4. A complaint filed by Teri Adams against Evan Taniguchi, raising claimed violations of City Code Chapter 2-1 (City Boards), Section 2-1-24 (Conflict of Interest and Recusal). FUTURE AGENDA …
ETHICS REVIEW COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES JUNE 5, 2023 The Ethics Review Commission convened in a Special Called meeting on June 5, 2023, at Austin Permitting and Development Center, Room #1405, at 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive in Austin, Texas and via Videoconference. Chair Soberon called the Ethics Review Commission Meeting to order at 6:27 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Chair Luis Soberon, Secretary Nguyen Stanton-Adams and Commissioners Amy Casto, Haksoon Andrea Low, Mikki Teneyuca and Sidney Williams were present at the Permitting and Development Center. Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: None. Commissioners Absent: Vice-Chair Mary Kahle and Commissioner Michael Lovins. Vacancy: Mayor’s nominee, District 3 nominee, District 8 nominee. City Staff in Attendance: Meredith Mooney, Staff Liaison; and Wajiha Rizvi, Commission Executive Liaison & Assistant City Attorney. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Three speakers signed up for General Communication in person and were each allotted three minutes to speak. Laura Massengale, Dorothy Lopez Barnett and Nina Miller all spoke regarding the Zilker Vision Plan. EXECUTIVE SESSION The Commission went into Executive Session at 6:39 p.m. Wajiha Rizvi advised the Commission. 1. A complaint filed by Teri Adams against Hanna Cofer raising claimed violations of City Code Chapter 2-1 (City Boards), Section 2-1-24 (Conflict of Interest and Recusal). 2. A complaint filed by Teri Adams against Evan Taniguchi, raising claimed violations of City Code Chapter 2-1 (City Boards), Section 2-1-24 (Conflict of Interest and Recusal). DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Consideration, discussion, and potential action regarding: 1 3. A complaint filed by Teri Adams against Hanna Cofer, raising claimed violations of City Code Chapter 2-1 (City Boards), Section 2-1-24 (Conflict of Interest and Recusal). The Commission reconvened the public meeting at 7:48 p.m. and called forward two public speakers, Scott Cobb and Laura Massengale to speak on items 3 and 4. Scott Cobb and Laura Massengale both spoke on this item. Parties Attending: Complainant Teri Adams and Respondent’s counsel Ross Fischer, all appeared in person. All parties signed an oath form and spoke on item 3. The Commission heard opening statements from Complainant Teri Adams and counsel for the Respondent, Ross Fischer. The Commission then asked questions of both parties. Secretary Stanton-Adams’ motion to find that there are reasonable grounds that a violation of City Code section 2-1-24 (Conflict of Interest and Recusal) has occurred failed on a 4-2 vote of all members present and thereby the complaint against Respondent Cofer was dismissed. Commissioner Teneyuca …
1. REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the ETHICS REVIEW COMMISSION DECEMBER 14, 2022 at 6:00 P.M. AUSTIN PERMITTING & DEVELOPMENT CENTER, PDC ROOM, #1405 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS 78752 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 Luis Soberon Debra Danburg Michael Lovins Sidney Williams Vice-Chair Mary Kahle Betsy Greenberg Donna Beth McCormick Vacancy – Mayor’s nominee AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Secretary Nguyen Stanton Raafia Lari Mikki Teneyuca 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. EXECUTIVE SESSION The Ethics Review Commission may announce it will go into Executive Session pursuant to Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code to receive advice from legal counsel on any matter listed in this agenda. The Commission may go into Executive Session to discuss: 1 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. A complaint filed by Doug Keenan against Paige Ellis, raising claimed violations of City Code Chapter 2-2 (Campaign Finance), Section 2-2-21 (Additional Information Required on all Campaign Finance Reports Filed with the City), City Charter, Article III Section 8 (Limits on Campaign Contributions and Expenditures). PRELIMINARY HEARING A complaint filed by Doug Keenan against Paige Ellis, raising claimed violations of City Code Chapter 2-2 (Campaign Finance), Section 2-2-21 (Additional Information Required on all Campaign Finance Reports Filed with the City), City Charter, Article III Section 8 (Limits on Campaign Contributions and Expenditures). DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Consideration, discussion and potential action regarding: Review and evaluation of City Code Chapter 2-2 (Campaign Finance) and creation of a potential working group …
1. REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the ETHICS REVIEW COMMISSION OCTOBER 26, 2022 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 Luis Soberon Debra Danburg Michael Lovins Sidney Williams Vice-Chair Mary Kahle Betsy Greenberg Donna Beth McCormick Vacancy – Mayor’s nominee AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Secretary Nguyen Stanton Raafia Lari Mikki Teneyuca 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. EXECUTIVE SESSION The Ethics Review Commission may announce it will go into Executive Session pursuant to Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code to receive advice from legal counsel on any matter listed in this agenda. The Commission may go into Executive Session to discuss: 1 City Code Chapter 2-2 (Campaign Finance), Section 2-2-14 (Disclosure of Compliance with Chapter). DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Respondent Richard Smith’s amended request for postponement of October 26th preliminary hearing regarding a complaint filed by Julie Oliver against Richard Smith raising claimed violations of City Code Chapter 2-2-14 (Disclosure of Compliance with Chapter). PRELIMINARY HEARING Consideration, discussion, and potential action regarding: 3. A complaint filed by Julie Oliver against Richard Smith, raising claimed violations of City Code Chapter 2-2 (Campaign Finance), Section 2-2-14 (Disclosure of Compliance with Chapter). a. If the Commission votes to proceed to a final hearing, the Commission shall schedule a final hearing. b. If the Commission votes to proceed to a final hearing, the parties may request certain persons or …
City of Austin Ethics Review Commission LETTER OF NOTIFICATION Richard Smith November 4, 2022 City of Austin Ethics Review Commission Determination of Sanctions under City Code, Sections 2-7-48 and 2-7-49 TO: FROM: DATE: RE: In accordance with Chapter 2-7 of the Austin City Code, this letter is to advise you that the City of Austin Ethics Review Commission (the “Commission”) has completed its consideration of the complaint filed with the Commission against you on September 29, 2022. The Complaint alleges that you violated Austin City Code, Chapter 2-2 (Campaign Finance) Section 2-2-14 (Disclosure of Compliance with Chapter), by failing to include this notice in all political advertising: "This campaign has not agreed to comply with the contribution and expenditure limits of the Austin Fair Campaign Chapter." Your attorney of record agreed that prior to your receipt of the complaint, your political advertising failed to include the required notice. Your attorney also stated that shortly after receiving a copy of the complaint, you took prompt corrective actions to include the required disclosure language in your political advertising and to add corrective stickers to all existing road signs (size 4 by 4 or 4 by 8 feet) and to yard signs where the location was known. The Commission determined based on your admissions during the preliminary hearing that a violation within its jurisdiction had occurred. Comments by individual commissioners are contained in the video recording of the Commission meeting, which is available at: https://austintx.new.swagit.com/videos/187574?ts=2908. Based on the determination that you violated a provision of the City Code within its jurisdiction, the Commission issues this letter of notification to you. Effective Date of the Commission’s approval of issuance of a letter of notification: 26th day of October, 2022 CITY OF AUSTIN ETHICS REVIEW COMMISSION ________________________________ Luis Soberon Chair, Ethics Review Commission
§ § § § § § § CITY OF AUSTIN ETHICS REVIEW COMMISSION Complaint No. 20220929 Julie Oliver Complainant v. Richard Smith Respondent ORDER ON PRELIMINARY HEARING I. PROCEDURAL HISTORY On September 29, 2022, Julie Oliver (“Complainant”) submitted to the Austin City Clerk (“City Clerk”) a Sworn Complaint (“the Complaint”) against Richard Smith. On September 29, 2022, the City Clerk sent a copy of the Complaint and a notice of filing to the City Attorney, the Chair of the Ethics Review Commission (“the Commission”), Complainant, and Respondent. The Complaint alleged that Respondent violated Section 2-2-14 (Disclosure of Compliance with Chapter). On October 26, 2022, the Commission conducted a Preliminary Hearing. John Buxie, counsel of record for Respondent Richard Smith, agreed that Mr. Smith had violated City Code Section 2-2-14 and described the corrective measures taken by Richard Smith to ensure that the required notice was included on his political advertising. Based on respondent’s admission of a violation of Code Section 2-2-14, the Commission determined by vote that a violation within its jurisdiction had occurred. The Commission further determined that a letter of notification be issued to the Respondent. The agenda for the October 26, 2022 meeting of the Commission and Final Hearing in this matter was timely posted on October 21, 2022. The preliminary hearing was properly noticed in City of Austin Ethics Review Commission ORDER ON PRELIMINARY HEARING – PAGE 1 accordance with Chapter 2-7 of the City Code and the Texas Open Meetings Act. The Commission has jurisdiction over Chapter 2-2 of the City Code (Campaign Finance). II. FINDINGS OF FACT 1. Complainant, Julie Oliver and John Buxie, counsel for Respondent Richard Smith, appeared at the hearing and made statements under oath. 2. Complainant provided documentary evidence attached to her complaint. Respondent’s counsel submitted documentary evidence for purposes of the hearing. During the hearing, Complainant reiterated the evidence attached to her complaint. During the hearing, Mr. Buxie described corrective measures taken by Respondent Richard Smith following receipt of the complaint and referenced documentary evidence submitted by respondent for purposes of the hearing. III. CONCLUSIONS OF LAW Respondent’s attorney agreed that Richard Smith violated the City Code provision. Based on the evidence and Respondent’s admission, the Commission determined that reasonable grounds exist to believe that a violation within the jurisdiction of the Commission had occurred. 3. The Commission also determined that the appropriate sanction is a letter of notification. …
1. REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the ETHICS REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 28, 2022 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 Luis Soberon Debra Danburg Michael Lovins Sidney Williams Vice-Chair Mary Kahle Betsy Greenberg Donna Beth McCormick Vacancy – Mayor’s nominee AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Secretary Nguyen Stanton Raafia Lari Mikki Teneyuca 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. EXECUTIVE SESSION The Ethics Review Commission may announce it will go into Executive Session pursuant to Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code to receive advice from legal counsel on any matter listed in this agenda. The Commission may go into Executive Session to discuss: 1 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. A complaint filed by Leslie M. Padilla against Katie Jarl Coyle, raising claimed violations of City Code Chapter 4-8 (Regulation of Lobbyists), Section 4-8-3 (Registration Requirements), and Subsection (C) of Section 2-1-21 (Eligibility Requirements and Removal). PRELIMINARY HEARING Consideration, discussion, and potential action regarding: A complaint filed by Leslie M. Padilla against Katie Jarl Coyle, raising claimed violations of City Code Chapter 4-8 (Regulation of Lobbyists), Section 4-8-3 (Registration Requirements), and Section 4-8-14 (Criminal Penalty), and violation of Subsection (C) of Section 2-1-21 (Eligibility Requirements and Removal). STAFF BRIEFINGS Staff briefing regarding ways the public can access to the Austin Utilities Now newsletters in Spanish (en español). DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Approval of a statement and/or video of …
1. 2. REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the ETHICS REVIEW COMMISSION AUGUST 24, 2022 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 on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email, Lizette Benitez at (512) 974-2915 or lizette.benitez@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Chair Luis Soberon Debra Danburg Michael Lovins Sidney Williams Vice-Chair Mary Kahle Betsy Greenberg Donna Beth McCormick Vacancy – Mayor’s nominee AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Secretary Nguyen Stanton Raafia Lari Mikki Teneyuca There is no limit on the number of speakers who may speak on agenda items. The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. Please also see the “Notice Regarding Public Communication” at the end of this agenda. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Approval of a statement and/or video of what the Commission does & how the public can use the Commission and/or a Statement on Equity, Access, and the need for reform by the Working Group on Race, Identity and Equity. Approve the creation of a working group or other action plan for review of lobbyist registration thresholds in City Code Section 4-8-3. Approve the creation of a working group or other action plan for preparation of covering general Lobbying issues. Approve the creation of a working group or other action plan for preparation of covering possible revision to relevant city code governing complaints. Staff briefing regarding anticipated updates to the City Council Candidate Forum Planning and foreign language interpretation services. Approve the minutes of the Ethics Review Commission Regular Meeting on June 22, 2022. Approve the minutes of the Ethics Review Commission Regular Meeting on July 27, 2022. STAFF BRIEFINGS APPROVAL OF MINUTES 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 …
REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the ETHICS REVIEW COMMISSION JULY 27, 2022 at 6:00 P.M. PERMITTING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, PDC ROOM 1406 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DRIVE AUSTIN, TEXAS 78752 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 on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email, Lizette Benitez at (512) 974-2915 or lizette.benitez@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Chair Luis Soberon Debra Danburg Michael Lovins Sidney Williams Vice-Chair Mary Kahle Betsy Greenberg Donna Beth McCormick Vacancy – Mayor’s nominee AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Secretary Nguyen Stanton Raafia Lari Mikki Teneyuca There is no limit on the number of speakers who may speak on agenda items. The first ten speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. Please also see the “Notice Regarding Public Communication” at the end of this agenda. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 1. Approve a recommendation for potential amendments to the financial disclosure provisions of City Code Chapter 2-7 (Ethics and Financial Disclosure). 2. City Council Candidate Forum Planning, including language interpretation services. Approval of a statement and/or video of what the Commission does & how the public can use the Commission and/or a Statement on Equity, Access, and the need for reform by the Working Group on Race, Identity and Equity. Approve the creation of a working group or other action plan for review of lobbyist registration thresholds in City Code Section 4-8-3. Approve the creation of a working group or other action plan for preparation of a calendar of Commission duties and responsibilities. Staff briefing regarding anticipated updates to the Candidate and Officeholder Campaign Finance Brochure due to anticipated changes to campaign contribution limits based on recent increases in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index. Approve the minutes of the Ethics Review Commission Regular Meeting on May 25, 2022. Approve the minutes of the Ethics Review Commission Regular Meeting on June 22, 2022. 3. 4. 5. 6. …
ETHICS REVIEW COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING JUNE 22, 2022 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. Public participation will be allowed in-person or by telephone. The meeting may be viewed online on ATXN2 at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public Speakers: Speakers providing in-person testimony can register to speak either online or in- person prior to the meeting. Following are instructions for registering for Remote Public Communication (formerly “Citizen Communication”): • All interested in speaking remotely during public communication or on an agenda item must register in advance no later than: Tuesday, June 21, 2022 by noon. • Call or email the staff liaison at 512-974-2915 or lizette.benitez@austintexas.gov, no later than noon, (the day before the meeting). The information required is the speaker’s name, telephone number (must be the same number the speaker will use to call into the meeting), and e-mail address. If speaking on an agenda item, please provide the agenda item number(s) you wish to speak about. • • Once a request to participate has been made to the liaison, the information about how to call into the meeting on the day of the scheduled meeting will be provided either by email or phone call. Additional Instructions for Public Speakers, including how to register in person during the thirty minutes prior to when the meeting being begins, are provided at the end of this Agenda. COMMISSION MEMBERS: Chair Luis Soberon Debra Danburg Michael Lovins Sidney Williams Vice-Chair Mary Kahle Betsy Greenberg Donna Beth McCormick Vacancy – Mayor’s nominee Secretary Nguyen Stanton Raafia Lari Mikki Teneyuca AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL (formerly CITIZEN COMMUNICATION) There is no limit on the number of speakers who may speak on agenda items. A maximum of ten persons will be allowed to speak during general citizen communications on non-agenda items. 1 Each person must register to speak prior to the call to order of the meeting. Each speaker who registers to speak will be allowed three minutes to speak. Please also see the “NOTICE Regarding Public Communication (formerly “Citizen Communication”) at the end of this agenda. 1. NEW BUSINESS Discussion and possible action regarding the following: a. Candidate and Officeholder Campaign Finance Brochure Briefing on anticipated changes to campaign contribution limits based on recent increases in the U.S. Bureau of Labor …
ETHICS REVIEW COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES JUNE 22, 2022 The Ethics Review Commission convened in a Regular Called meeting on June 22, 2022, at Austin City Hall, Room 1101, 301 W 2nd Street in Austin, Texas and via Videoconference. Vice-Chair Kahle called the Ethics Review Commission Meeting to order at 6:06 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Vice-Chair Mary Kahle, Secretary Nguyen Stanton, and Commissioners: Betsy Greenberg, Donna Beth McCormick, and Mikki Teneyuca were present at City Hall. (Secretary Stanton joined the meeting near the beginning of discussion of item 1(c ). Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Chair Luis Soberon, and Commissioners: Debra Danburg, Raafia Lari, and Sydney Williams attended via videoconference. Commissioners Absent: Commissioner Michael Lovins. Vacancy: Mayor’s nominee. City Staff in Attendance: Lizette Benitez, Staff Liaison; Lynn Carter, Commission Executive Liaison & Assistant City Attorney. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No one registered to speak during Public Communication. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 1. Potential amendments to the financial disclosure provisions of City Code Chapter 2-7 (Ethics and Financial Disclosure). The motion to approve recommended language, amending Subsection 13 of Section 2-7-72 replacing “Equitable or Legal Ownership” with “Equitable, Beneficial or Legal Ownership”; amending Subsection E of Section 2-7-72 of the City Code, Subsection 8 adding “A substantial interest including whether as legal, equitable, or beneficial interest” and replacing “State Address” with “Street Address”; amending Section 9 of Section 2-7-72, to include a substantial interest in place of 5% interest of the filer, further clarifying that the itemized property lists should include a description to the property, was approved on Commissioner Greenberg’s motion. Commissioner Teneyuca seconded on an 8-0 vote. Voting in favor: Chair 1 Soberon, Vice-Chair Kahle, and Commissioners: Danburg, Greenberg, Lari, McCormick, Teneyuca and Williams. Secretary Stanton and Commissioner Lovins were absent. 2. City Council Candidate Forum Planning. Carol Eckelkamp, League of Women Voters Austin Area, spoke on the candidate forum agenda item. Secretary Stanton arrived during discussion of agenda item. The motion to include Vietnamese and International Mandarin Chinese in the Campaign Candidate Forums and to treat them on the same level as Spanish, was approved on Commissioner Greenberg’s motion. Secretary Stanton seconded on a 9-0 vote. Voting in favor: Chair Soberon, Vice-Chair Kahle, Secretary Stanton, and Commissioners: Danburg, Greenberg, McCormick, Lari, Teneyuca and Williams. Commissioner Lovins was absent. 3. Statement and/or Video of What the Commission Does & How the Public can use the Commission and Statement on Equity, …
ETHICS REVIEW COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MAY 25, 2022 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. Public participation will be allowed in-person or by telephone. The meeting may be viewed online on ATXN2 at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live Public Speakers: Speakers providing in-person testimony can register to speak either online or in- person prior to the meeting. Following are instructions for registering for Remote Public Communication (formerly “Citizen Communication”): • All interested in speaking remotely during public communication or on an agenda item must register in advance no later than: Tuesday, May 24, 2022 by noon. • Call or email the staff liaison at 512-974-2915 or lizette.benitez@austintexas.gov, no later than noon, (the day before the meeting). The information required is the speaker’s name, telephone number (must be the same number the speaker will use to call into the meeting), and e-mail address. If speaking on an agenda item, please provide the agenda item number(s) you wish to speak about. • • Once a request to participate has been made to the liaison, the information about how to call into the meeting on the day of the scheduled meeting will be provided either by email or phone call. Additional Instructions for Public Speakers, including how to register in person during the thirty minutes prior to when the meeting being begins, are provided at the end of this Agenda. COMMISSION MEMBERS: Chair Luis Soberon Debra Danburg Michael Lovins Sidney Williams Vice-Chair Mary Kahle Betsy Greenberg Donna Beth McCormick Vacancy – Mayor’s nominee Secretary Nguyen Stanton Raafia Lari Mikki Teneyuca AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL (formerly CITIZEN COMMUNICATION) There is no limit on the number of speakers who may speak on agenda items. A maximum of ten persons will be allowed to speak during general citizen communications on non-agenda items. 1 Each person must register to speak prior to the call to order of the meeting. Each speaker who registers to speak will be allowed three minutes to speak. Please also see the “NOTICE Regarding Public Communication (formerly “Citizen Communication”) at the end of this agenda. 1. NEW BUSINESS Discussion and possible action regarding the following: a. City Council Candidate Forum Planning and Update. b. Working groups and possible reassignment of subject matters to working groups. c. Ethics Code Overview of …
