Ethics Commission - Minutes - 07/07/2026

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ETHICS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES 
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JULY 7, 2026 
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1. 
CALL TO ORDER Chair Ritter called the Ethics Commission Regular Meeting of July 7, 2026 to
order at 7:02 p.m.
2. 
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. The Pledge of Allegiance Was observed
3. 
ATTENDANCE AND SEATING ALTERNATES. Betsy Ritter, Alan Me
Patterson, John Scimone and James WwW
ssier, Paul Helvig, Cat
olfley.
MOTION (1): 
Ms. Patterson moved to seat al
by Mr. Messier. Mr. Helvi
Motion carried,
ternate Paul Helvig. Seconded
ig abstained from Voting. (5-0-1)
4. 
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 7, 2026,
MOTION (2): 
Mr, Scimone moved to approve the April 7, 2026 Meeting Minutes,
as presented. Seconded by Mr. Helvig. (6-0) Unanimous.
CORRESPONDENCE,
1.Financial Reports were received,
PUBLIC COMMENT There were no members of the public present.
REPORT FROM THE CHAIR.
MOTION (3): Ms. Patterson moved to tra
10143-52030 Professional
Clerical. Seconded by Mr.
nsfer $30.99 from line item
Fees to line item 10143-51210
Wolfley. (6-0) Unanimous.
hy

They agreed with Town Attorney that penalties were not inappropriate for our purposes. We
had also asked for clarification on the language regarding confidentiality. They did not feel the
Ordinance needed it but will spend more time on it. Ms. Patterson expressed concern
regarding the definition of conflict of interest and substantial gain. Mr. Messier stated they
agreed on this need. Some individuals feit the opinion issued by the Town Attorney is what
should be relied on. The Advisory Opinion should be thrown out. The Ordinance is ok. It is not
possible to come up with specific language covering every possible future circumstance but
there may be opportunities to improve what we have. There will always be a need for the
judgement of the Commission; that is our job.
Ms. Ritter stated we explained to them that everybody wants the same thing. Mr. Messier
added there will never be one size fits all. They are trying to find common ground. Some
individuals were interested in doing research and some were interested in past actions. They
will consider an Ordinance change. They were not interested in penalties. Mr. Messier reported
we will continue to operate as normal without an Advisory Opinion. Mr. Wolfley asked what will
happen if we received a single complaint vs. two individual complaints. One individual wanted it
to become public. The other one did not. In the Ordinance any respondent can request that it be
made public. We asked that they file separately. Mr. Messier stated different standards may
apply depending on their positions. Ms, Ritter added they did not give us a plan to follow for our
next meeting.
8.DISCUSSION ON STORAGE OF PROCEDURAL NOTES. Ms. Ritter reported at our last meeting
she agreed to put together some information for storage for future Ethics Commission
members,
1. Storage of records. She reminded the commission members our file cabinet is located at the
Police Department. The Shift Supervisor keeps the key for the cabinet. It can be accessed by
the Ethics Commission Chair and one other member.
2. She informed Commission members we need to set our calendar for the upcoming calendar
year at our October meetings.
3. Future Advisory Opinions that can be made public should be posted on our website.
4. Previous annual reports as submitted to the Finance Director.
5. Copy of the 2021 Ordinance.
6. Areference Complaint Timeline for the Commission to use as needed. The Town Clerk gives
the Complainant a copy of the Ordinance.
Ms. Ritter reported she feels this information will be available and useful to future commissions
as there is a mandatory term limit.
9. OLD BUSINESS. There was no discussion of old business.
10. NEW BUSINESS. Mr. Scimone reported he will make available to commission members copies
of various towns ordinances that may be used as a model for our Ordinance.

11. ADJOURNMENT.
MOTION (4): 
Mr. Wolfley moved to adjourn the Ethics Commission Regular
Meeting of July 7, 2026 at 7:45 p.m. Seconded by
Mr. Scimone. (6-0) Unanimous.
Respectfully submitted,
Frances Ghersi, Recording Secretary