TOWN OF MANSFIELD

Ethics Board

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Audrey Beck Municipal Building, Conference Room B

7:30pm

Minutes

Members Present: Nora Stevens, Mike Sikoski, David Ferrero, Eleanor Plank, Win Smith

Staff Present: Maria Capriola, Assistant to Town Manager

I.    APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM 11/13/08

The minutes of November 13, 2008 were adopted unanimously.

II.    PUBLIC COMMENT

Ric Hossack – Middle Turnpike Road, spoke to his interest in the Board serving in an advisory capacity to reduce costs/referrals to the Town Attorney.

Elizabeth Wassmundt – Old Turnpike Road, spoke to sections of the code she would like to see revised.

III.   CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT

By consensus, the Board moved the Chairperson’s report to Agenda Item #3, and the discussion of revisions to the Code to Agenda item #4.  Mr. Sikoski conducted research on the code/procedures utilized by Glastonbury, Connecticut and reported on such, including their inquiry process.

IV.  DISCUSSION OF REVISIONS TO CODE

The Board continued its discussion on advisory opinions v. inquiries v. complaints and added discussion on correspondence.   The Board approved, with one abstention (Smith) to include language regarding inquiries and correspondence to the Mansfield code under the definitions section.  The definition for correspondence was discussed. 

The Board requested Ms. Capriola to prepare a revised draft for Section 25-7 of the code as follows:

· 25-7a – advisory opinions

· 25-7b – inquiries

· 25-7c – complaints

· 25-7d – current 25-7c

· 25-7e – correspondence

The Board decided to discuss new language, as prepared and presented to the Board for its 12-4-08 meeting, for 25-4C and 25-6 at a future meeting.

V.  FOUR CORNERS SEWER STUDY OPINION

The Board stated that is willing to help with providing advice and guidance on ethics issues; it also stated that it would be interested in offering advice upon Council referrals.  No action was needed on the ethics opinion provided by the Town Attorney on the Four Corners Sewer Study Advisory Committee.

VI.  FUTURE AGENDAS AND MEETING SCHEDULE

The next meeting will be held December 11, 2008 at 4:30pm. 

VII. ADJOURNMENT

      The meeting adjourned at 9:20pm.

Respectfully Submitted,

Maria E. Capriola, Assistant to Town Manager