HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-02-27 CODE OF CONDUCT & ETHICSMINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS
COUNCIL COMMITTEE
FEBRUARY 27, 2014
Meeting Convened at Santa Ana City Hall, 2 "d Floor Conference Room, Santa Ana, CA
at 4:12 p.m.
In attendance were Committee Members Sal Tinajero and Angelica Amezcua, Chair
and Staff members Sonia Carvalho, City Attorney and Maria D. Huizar, Clerk of the
Council.
PUBLIC COMMENTS — None
AGENDA ITEMS
1. ANNUAL REVIEW OF CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS
Committee Member Tinajero, spoke of need to receive information from the City
Attorney on Code violations, specifically as they relate to recent claim of a Brown
Act violation and disclosure confidential information.
CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICS
SECTION III. CORE VALUES — RESPONSIBILITY / PROTECTIVE THE
PUBLIC'S INTEREST
• I refrain from disclosing confidential information concerning litigation,
personnel, property, or other affairs of the City, without proper legal
authority, nor use such information to advance my financial or other
personal interests.
City Attorney Carvalho, noted that review and enforcement of claims have been
consistent; communication sent to all members of the City Council on
expectations and provisions of the law protecting information; policy is to bring
allegations to the attention of the City Council, but individuals responsible for own
actions unless allegation affect public's business.
Committee Member Tinajero, recapped recent complaint against a member of
the City Council; noted that individual may be held accountable for personal
actions. Request that in the future, such violations be brought to the Committee
for consideration; also, concerned that City's Code is value based (aspirations)
with no penalties incorporated. Unanimous consent to adhere to the Code of
Conduct by the committee members.
There was no further discussion and Committee did not propose any changes to
Code of Conduct and Ethics.
2. DISCUSS CITY COUNCIL POLICY AS IT RELATES TO BROWN ACT
VIOLATIONS AND SANCTIONS
City Attorney Carvalho, indicated that item agendized by the Committee as result
of recent incident in which no policy or sanctions have been approved (by the
City Council). Noted that guidelines for reporting violations vary by agency.
Sample policy provided for consideration, as well as list of current provisions for
reporting, including City of Santa Ana Charter, member of the public may report
violations to the Orange County District Attorney's office, Grand Jury and /or the
Attorney General's Office. City Attorney Calvalho mentioned that members of the
public may also request injunctive relief through the courts; elected officials may
be in contempt of court if violate an order. Also, stated that Committee may
present resolution and /or policy for City Council consideration.
Committee Member Tinajero, stated that committee will review material and re-
agendize for further deliberation.
3. COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS
Chair Amezcua, asked for clarification on allegations of wrong doing by two
councilmembers on campaign contributions. City Attorney reported that
complaint reviewed and found that independent expenditure campaign
committee funds not in violation of City's campaign contribution limit.
Scheduled Special Meeting on May 22, 2014.
ADJOURNED — 4:39 P.M.
L
Maria D. Huizar
Clerk of the Council