Ethics Commission - Minutes - 11/22/2021

ETHICS COMMISION
SPECIAL MEETING. MINUTES
NOVEMBER 22, 2021.
Members Present: Marty Zeldis
Mark Bumham
Betsy Ritter.
Olga Bush
Absent: Laurie Wolfley
Cindy Hersom, Alternate
Guest: Attorney Avena
4. CALLTO ORDER. The Navember 22, 2021 Special Meeting of the Ethics Commission was.called
to order at 7:05.p.m. by Chairman Zeldis. Mr. Zeldis stated during Executive Sessions he would
like the Recording Secretary to be able td join the Executive Session, Attorney. Avena felt.as long
as the Recording Secretary keeps discussions confidential, this Commission can invite the
Recording Secretary to join-an Executive Session.
MOTION (1): Mr. Zeldis moved that with general advice and counsel from Attorney Avena
the Recording Secretary-may be invited to an Executive Session and able to
take notes to be reduced toa written form and at all times be bound to.
confidentially whenever she records minutes.and that they be distributed to
only Commission members after the meeting. Seconded by Ms. Ritter. (4-0)
Unanimous.
2. APPROVAL OF JUNE 29, 2021 MEETING MINUTES.
MOTION (2): _ Betsy Ritter moved to approve the June 29, 2021 Special Business Meeting,
as presented. Seconded by Mark Burnham, Ms, Bush abstained from voting.
(3-0-1) Motion carried.
3, REVIEW OF CORRESPONDENCE, No correspondence was received.
4, INTRODUCTION OF NEW RECORDING.SECRETARY, FRANCES GHERSI. The new Recording
Secretary was introduced to the Commission.
5, HOW IS THE NEW CODE WORKING? Mr. Zeldis asked Attorney Avena for input on the new code,
Attorney Avena stated the entire new code has been-approved. Ms. Ritter asked when it will be
distributed? Attorney Avena stated the Town Clerk will distribute it. Attorney Avena was asked if
he has received any feedback? He did not. Attorney Avena would like the new code to be placed
on this Commission’s.website, He felt it should be accessible and agreed to have discussion with
the Town Clerk.
Attorney Avena felt the Board of Education should also be aware of what the standards and care
are.

10.
i.
12.
THE AFFECT OF THE ADVISORY OPINION, Attorney Avena referred to the October 13, 2021
meeting of the Board of Finance. There is one item on the Advisory Opinion which stated it is
necessary to abstain from voting if there is a conflict.
Betsy Ritter reported the Chairman of the Zoning Commission felt the Advisory Opinion was
well done. She referred him to Attorney Avena. Attomey Avena did speak to him. He felt
discussion with the Planning & Zoning Commission, Board of Finance and Board of Selectmen
went well. They wish to be careful. He will have discussion with the Zoning Board of Appeals
next week and the new RTM in December. Ms. Ritter stated she personally felt it was a good
idea to also have discussion with the Superintendent of Schools. Attorney Avena stated he is
available for discussion on the code, The Finance Director appreciates the efforts of this
Commission. Ms. Ritter asked Attorney Avena if he had discussion with anyone who indicated
that they felt the Advisory Opinion was an extension of the new ordinances? Attorney Avena
stated some think it went too far. State Statutes are repeated In our code. He felt it was time to
look at the State Statute. Ms. Ritter felt there was no reason a municipality's ordinances could
not be stricter than the State Statutes They cannot be more permissive than the State Statutes.
Attorney Avena stated legaily if you have empowering statutes within the bound part, it is good
to update.
ANY FEEDBACK RE ETHICS COMMISSION DECISION IN R,V.F. Attorney Avena asked if this
Commission has heard from Attorney Reardon? He heard from him before the meeting.
Attorney Avena informed him that he falt this Commission was diligent.
WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE RE THE RESIGNATION OF STEVE GARVIN? Mr. Zeldis reported Steve
Garvin was elected to the RTM and has resigned from this Commission. The following members
term of office will expire: Mark Burnham on February 7, 2022, Olga Bush on February 7, 2022
and Marty Zeldis on February 6, 2023. Attorney Avena will speak to the Town Clerk.
OLD BUSINESS. There was no discussion of Old Business,
NEW BUSINESS. A schedule of meeting dates for 2022 will be submitted on the first Tuesday in
January, April, July and October.
DATE FOR NEXT MEETING. Chairman Zeldis informed the Commission we need to have a full
Commission, He would like to schedule a meeting on January 4, 2022 at 7 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT,
MOTION (3): Mr. Burnham moved to adjourn the November 22, 2022 Ethics Commission
Regular Meeting at 8:15 p.m. Seconded by Ms. Ritter. (4-0) unanimous.
Respectfully submitted,
Frances Ghersi, Recording Secretary