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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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, …
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 …
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 …
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.
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, Haksoon Andrea Low and Michael Lovins) – Creation of WG approved at August 2022 meeting.
ETHICS REVIEW COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 28, 2024 The Ethics Review Commission convened in a Regular Commission meeting on February 28, 2024, at City Hall, Boards & Commissions Room #1101, at 301 W. 2nd Street in Austin, Texas and via Videoconference. Chair Luis Soberon called the Ethics Review Commission Meeting to order at 6:14 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Chair Luis Soberon, Vice-Chair Mary Kahle, Secretary Nguyen Stanton-Adams, and Commissioners Michael Lovins, Haksoon Andrea Low, and William Ross Pumfrey were present at City Hall. Commissioner Edward Espinoza was present remotely, however, due to not having signed the Sovereign Board Attendance and Conflict of Interest form, he will be counted as absent and his votes will be voided. Commissioners Absent: Amy Casto, Edward Espinoza, and Alysa Nuñez. City Staff in Attendance: Lizette Benitez, Staff Liaison; Caroline Webster, Commission Executive Liaison & Assistant City Attorney; 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: 1. Discussion of existing working groups (Race, Identity, and Equity Working Group, Working Group to Prepare Calendar of Commission Duties and Responsibilities, and Working Group to Review ERC Complaints Process), and potential amendments to current working group members. Chair Soberon’s motion to formally disband the Race, Identity, and Equity Working Group, was approved on a unanimous vote of all members present. Commissioner Pumfrey seconded the motion. Voting in favor: Chair Soberon, Vice-Chair Kahle, Secretary Stanton-Adams and Commissioners Lovins, Low and Pumfrey. Commissioners Casto, Espinoza and Nuñez were absent. 1 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Ethics Review Commission Regular Meeting on September 27, 2023. Vice-Chair Kahle’s motion to adopt the minutes failed on a 5-1 vote of all members present. Commissioner Lovins seconded the motion. Voting in favor: Chair Soberon, Vice-Chair Kahle, and Commissioners Lovins, Low and Pumfrey. Secretary Stanton-Adams abstained and Commissioners Casto, Espinoza and Nuñez were absent. 3. Approve the minutes of the Ethics Review Commission Regular Meeting on December 13, 2023. Secretary Stanton-Adams’ motion to adopt the minutes failed on a 5-1 vote of all members present. Commissioner Pumfrey seconded the motion. Voting in favor: Vice-Chair Kahle, Secretary Stanton-Adams, and Commissioners Lovins, Low and Pumfrey. Chair Soberon abstained and Commissioners Casto, Espinoza and Nuñez were absent. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS • Update regarding the prior Candidate Forums surrounding the Austin …
REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the ETHICS REVIEW COMMISSION DECEMBER 13, 2023 at 6:00 P.M. AUSTIN ENERGY HEADQUARTERS, ROOM #1111a 4815 MUELLER BOULEVARD 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. Vice-Chair Mary Kahle Secretary Nguyen Stanton-Adams Haksoon Andrea Low Alysa Nuñez Edward Espinoza William Ross Pumfrey Andrew Cates 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. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Consideration, discussion, and potential action regarding: 1 1. 2. 3. Review and evaluation of the contribution limits established in Chapter 2-2 (Campaign Finance) and consider making recommendations to the City Council as to those limits. Discussion and possible action regarding revisions to City Code 2-2 (Campaign Finance). APPROVAL OF MINUTES FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Approve the minutes of the Ethics Review Commission Regular Meeting on September 27, 2023. 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 more information on the Ethics Review Commission, please contact Wajiha Rizvi at (512) 974-2171. For the 2023 meeting schedule, agendas, and additional …
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 DRAFT ORDINANCE NO. ____________ AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CITY CODE CHAPTER 2-2 TO CLARIFY THE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS AND PROCESSES FOR CANDIDATES WHO SUBMIT A VOLUNTARY CAMPAIGN CONTRACT, TO ENSURE CITY CODE IS IN COMPLIANCE WITH COURT DECISIONS REGARDING THE GENERAL ELECTION CAMPAIGN FINANCE PERIOD, AND TO DELETE OBSOLETE REFERENCES TO THE TERM “DATA FILE.” BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN: PART 1. Section 2-2-2 (Definitions) is amended add a new Subsection (24) to read: (24) VOLUNTARY CAMPAIGN CONTRACT CAMPAIGN PERIOD applies only to those candidates who have elected to submit the voluntary campaign contract and means the time period beginning when a candidate timely submits a campaign contract in accordance with Article 2 of this Chapter and ending on the date of the general election. PART 2. Subsections (A), (B), and (G) of Section 2-2-7 (Commencement of Campaign Period) are amended to read: A) A [general election,] special election[,] and a runoff election each have a separate campaign period for purposes of City Charter Article III, Section 8 (Limits on Campaign Contributions and Expenditures) and this chapter. The contribution limits set forth in City Charter Article III, Section 8 (Limits on Campaign Contributions and Expenditures) apply separately to each general election, runoff election, and special election. (B) There is no mandated campaign period for a general election, except for the voluntary campaign contract campaign period for candidates who timely submit the voluntary campaign contract as provided in Section 2-2-11(B). [The campaign period for a general election begins the 365th day before the date of the general election.] (G) A candidate may only raise funds for a[n] special or runoff election during an authorized campaign period. PART 3. Subsection (B) of Section 2-2-11 (Voluntary Campaign Contract) is amended to read: (B) A candidate must submit a personally signed [the] campaign contract no later than the earliest occurring deadline below[the earlier of]: (1) 30 days after [he or she becomes a candidate under the Texas Election Code] the date the individual files an appointment of campaign treasurer or an amendment of campaign treasurer with the City Clerk’s office, if the applicable form was …
1. REGULAR CALLED MEETING of the ETHICS REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 27, 2023 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 Vacancy – District 2 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 A complaint filed by Scott Cobb against Nina Rinaldi, raising claimed violations of City Code Chapter 2-1 (City Boards), Section 2-1-24 (Conflict of Interest and Recusal). PRELIMINARY HEARING 2. A complaint filed by Scott Cobb against Nina Rinaldi, 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: 3. Adopt the regular meeting calendar for 2024. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 4. Approve the minutes of the Ethics Review Commission Regular Meeting on August 23, 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 …
