Board of Ethics

“Where People Count” General Government 1000 Civic Center Drive, Niles, Illinois 60714 Mayor Telephone (847) 588-8000 ● Fax (847) 588-8051 ● TDD (847) 588-8059 Andrew Przybylo Trustees George D. Alpogianis Chris Hanusiak MINUTES John C. Jekot Joe LoVerde BOARD OF ETHICS Danette O’Donovan Council Chambers Matyas August 19, 2014 – 5:30 p.m. Rosemary R. Palicki Village Manager The Board of Ethics meeting was held on Tuesday, August 19, 2014, at the Village Hall. Steven C. Vinezeano The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Chairman Gaudio. Village Clerk Marlene J. Victorine Members Present: Staff Present: Chairman Anthony Gaudio Kathy M. Thake, Admin. Asst. Steve Ostrega Joseph J. Annunzio, Village Attorney Denise McCreery Kathy Barnet, Human Resource Coordinator Scot Neukirch, Finance Director Members Absent: Matthew Lagodzinski Also Present: Randy Greco Christopher B. Cohen, Inspector General Approval of Minutes Mr. Ostrega made a motion, seconded by Mr. Gaudio, to approve the minutes of the June 17, 2014, meeting; on voice vote all concurred. New Business Item #1 Review Recently Approved Employee Handbook Chairman Gaudio stated that the recently approved employee handbook has incorporated the Ethics Code. Chairman Gaudio indicated that he does not agree with Sec. 1.12 of the employee handbook and would like to have this item discussed next month. Both Ms. McCreery and Mr. Osterga agreed this section should be rewritten to the language. Ms. McCreery suggested inserting “may impede or interfere” if it interferes with the employees working hours. Item #2 Question for RFP/Bid Processes per Sec. 2-404 of the Ethics Code Finance Director Neukirch stated that this question has been motioned by the Finance Committee and referred to the Board of Ethics. www.vniles.com Village Attorney Annunzio stated he is the Compliance Officer for the Village and should have been involved in the drafting of this question from the beginning. Finance Director Neukirch indicated that typically Village staff writes questions for all RFPs which are used in interviewing firms. Village Attorney Annunzio also stated that the Village has anti-collusion clause in the bid documents. Chairman Gaudio pointed out that Sec. 2-404 of the Ethics Code mandates that the Board members, directors or employees must disclose if there is a relationship. Finance Director Neukirch stated that other municipalities are using these types of questions during the process and that his was a good idea to include it. Ms. McCreery felt that the Board of Ethics should not micro manage Village staff and since this appears to be employee driven the question should be included on future questioners. Both Chairman Gaudio and Mr. Ostrega feel there are plenty of measures in place and this is not necessary to include in the future. Motion was made to differ this question to the Compliance Officer, motion made by Chairman Gaudio seconded by Mr. Ostrega, on voice vote all concurred. Comments from the Public Resident Louella Preston of 9267 Maryland stated her question to the Inspector General as to the procedure of staff requesting items to be review by the Board of Ethics. Village Attorney Annunzio responded by stating the procedure was not follow properly and the request should have gone to the Compliance Officer. Resident Preston suggested that the Finance Committee be made aware of the procedure. Next Meeting A meeting is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, September 16, 2014, at 5:30 p.m. Adjournment Motion to adjourn was made by Ms. McCreery seconded by Mr. Ostrega; all concurred and the meeting adjourned at 6:11 p.m. Kathy M. Thake Board of Ethics Secretary 2