HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-24-84 Board of Ethics Minutes BOARD OF ETHICS
MONDAY - SEPTEMBER 24, 1984
The Board of Ethics met in regular session on Monday, September 24, 1984 at
2:00 P.M. in the City Council Conference Room - 10th floor - City Hall.
PRESENT: Don Cook, City Clerk - Rita Bauman, John Mertz_ , Margaret Groves
and City Attorney-Steve Sawyer.
ABSENT: None
The meeting was called to order by John Mertz at 2:10 P.M.
Roll Call was taken and all members were present.
Motion by Don Cook that the minutes of the meeting of June 11, 1984 be approved
motion was seconded by Margaret Groves - Motion Carried.
OLD BUSINESS - None
REPORTS OF OFFICERS - None
NEW BUSINESS - Election of Officers and request of Gary Andrews.
Motion by Don Cook that we nominate John Mertz as Chairman of the Board of
Ethics - motion seconded by Margaret Groves , there were no other nominations
for chairman - nomination was closed naming John Mertz as Chairman of the
Board of Ethics.
Motion by Rita Bauman that we nominate Don Cook as Vice-Chairman of the Board
of Ethics - nomination was seconded by John Mertz - being as there were no
other nominations the nominations were closed - naming Don Cook as Vice
Chairman of the Board of Ethics.
John Mertz presented Gary Andrews to the Board to discuss his request in regard
to the Equity of funds for Arts Council. Gary Andrews spoke and made his
presentation and questions to the Board.
Request was made by Gary Andrews that City Attorney, Steve Sawyer be replaced
as a Member of the Board of Ethics during this request.
City Attorney Sawyer commented that he would not disqualify himself as he sees
that he is not in conflict of interest.
Mr. Andrews made other statements and requested that a special meeting be held
in regard to the Equity Funds.
Mr. Andrews would not answer many questions inasmuch as his attorney was not
present.
John Mertz remarked that no action would be taken on Mr. Andrews request until
specific questions had been answered and a basis for a decision to be made.
There being no further business a motion was made by John Mertz that the
next meeting of the Board of EThics be held on October 22, 1984 at 2:00 P.M.
in the City Council Conference Room - motion seconded by Don Cook - Motion Carried.
Motion by John Mertz that the meeting be adjourned — motion seconded by
Margaret Groves — Motion Carried.
Meeting adjourned at 3:15 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Rita M. Bauman
Secretary.
BOARD OF ETHICS
MONDAY - SEPTEMBER 24, 1984
2:00 P.M. - City Council Conference Room
A G E N D A
a) Call to Order
b) Roll Call
c) Excused absence
d) Approval of Minutes for meeting of June 11 , 1984
e) Old Business - None
f) Reports of Officers - None
g) New Business a.Election of Officers - (Chairman/Vice Chairman)
b. Gary Andrews request - City "EQUITY FUNDS"
of Non-profit Arts & Cultural Groups.
Mayor's meeting in regard to above.
h) Adjournment
S ept ember 4, 1984
To: Council President Patrick Lindemann, and Xembers of The Lansing City Council,
From: Gary R. Andrews - 560 Brookland Boulevard - Lans.ing, 1,11. 48910
Re: City "EQUITY FUND" Support of Non-profit Arts 8. Cultural Groups.
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In as much as, it was reveled at a recent Council Committee on Human Resources meeting,
that, the Mayor's reccomendations regarding your decision on the distribution of the
State "Equity Fund" monies to local arts and cultural groups was based upon a long series
of what might be called "secret meetings" between the Mayor's Office and representatives
of only the recipient groups; without any information or knowledge being shared with
other member groups of the local Arts Council, it is my belief that you are being asked
to ratify an "unethical practice".
Therefore, as a citizen of Lansing, I am requesting that you table this entire matter,
untill it is possible to recieve the opinion of the Board of Ethics, regarding the
propriety of such a decision, and whether or not members of your body can legitimately
vote on this matter, in as much as, several of you sit on the Boards of the recipient
organizations.
As a citizen of Lansing, I am requesting that you envoke Chapter 5 of the Lansing City
Charter and empanel the Board of Ethics to conduct an investigation of this entire
matter, prior to any consideration regarding the distribution of funds.
This request is made, based on the belief that decisions ana policy have been made
outside of the proper channels of government; that members of the public were not given
adequate nor proper access to the decision making process; and, that actions not compat-
ible with the best interests of the City have -taken place; and, conflict of interests
are involved.
Your attention to this very important matter, and your referral of the "Equity Fund"
issue to the Ethics Board, will be most greatly appreciated.
Thank ,you,