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Possible Censure Action <br />Chair Sarmiento moved on to item #7 and entertained a public comment from Dave <br />Hoen. Mr. Hoen spoke about the Councilmember who was under consideration for <br />censure. He stated there should be a penalty when a Councilmember does something <br />wrong. <br />Chair Sarmiento thanked Mr. Hoen for his comment. He then stated that on March 6, <br />2018 there was a Council meeting where the issue of district elections for the June <br />ballot was discussed. He then stated if a Councilmember decides we don't want to <br />fulfill our obligations that are required by the Charter, this is a violation at the very least <br />of code of conduct and ethics. You can be in complete disagreement with outcome <br />and can sign under protest. He asked if there is any sanctionable remedy we have <br />under our code and asked Maria Huizar what can we do we do, what have we done <br />before? <br />Maria Huizar responded with historical background how this item came about. Three <br />existing agencies for Brown Act violations. Next is political reform act violations such <br />as campaign contribution violations, Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC). Next <br />is current code of ethics values and violations policy. In 2008, members who <br />established the policy said values based. Enforcement agency is FPPC. If we want to <br />use for ethic related violations, an agency available to direct complaints to. Any charter <br />or muni code violations, provisions in our Charter is a misdemeanor. How enforced, <br />not really sure. In 2016, Ethics Committee reviewed several policies, considered a <br />possible censure policy and directed staff to prepare a policy. <br />Raul Godinez mentioned three samples of draft policies. The first option has sensure <br />option; the second has disapproval and censure option; the third has three options <br />admonition, sanction and censure process. Former Committee at the time directed the <br />draft two policies be blended and this is how censure policy was presented at the last <br />Committee meeting. Raul stated we are here to receive input as to what kind of policy <br />the Committee would like to have staff work on then presented to full Council for <br />approval. <br />Chair Sarmiento asked to hear from the City Attorney as to what has been done in the <br />past for violations of conduct. <br />Vice Chair Martinez stated the City Attorney cannot prosecute Council when she <br />represents the Council; recommends we use the FPPC to enforce. She further stated <br />that the Charter needs to be updated. <br />Christine Talley stated she could only echo what Sonia's opinion is —the duty of Mayor <br />under Charter is ministerial, no discretion not to sign the ordinance if it has been duly <br />passed in accordance the City laws. <br />Chair Sarmiento asked Maria if there is any dispute that what was a duly adopted item <br />on the agenda 65B in March? Any dispute it was not duly adopted? Maria responded <br />the vote was a 4/3, majority of Council voting in support of the item. <br />Chair Sarmiento stated given those facts, his opinion is there is violation of not following <br />the charter. His recommendation is to render a letter to full Council. In the past, a <br />Legislative Affairs, Ethics, Transparency and Communications Council Committee Meeting Minutes <br />1ory,Ag,7 <br />