Ethics Commission - Minutes - 01/02/2024

ETHICS COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
JANUARY 2, 2024
Members Present: Betsy Ritter, Chairlady
Alan Messier
Adam Stone
Paul Helvig
Absent: Laurie Wolfley
Christopher Nailon
Naomi Mendelovicz, Alternate
Also Present: Dan Drainville, Day Reporter
Susan Driscoll, RTM
Call to Order. The January 2, 2024 Regular Meeting of the Ethics
Commission was called to order at 7:02 p.m. by Chairlady Ritter.
Attendance. A quorum was established.
Correspondence. Ms. Ritter informed the Commission she was
copied on an email to the Town Clerk from Laurie Wolfley stating
she resigns from this Commission.
Approval of the Minutes:
Special Meeting October 24, 2023. The following correction was

noted that there was a typo on page 1 in the heading of the word
“Commission”.
MOTION (1): Mr. Messier moved to approve the Regular Meeting
Minutes
of October 24, 2023, as corrected. Seconded by Mr. Helvig. (4-0)
Unanimous.
Special Meeting October 30, 2023. The following correction was
noted that there was a typo on page 1 in the heading of the word
“Commission” On page 1 motion 3 the vote was “(5-0-1)”
MOTION (2): Mr. Messier moved to approve the Special Meeting
Minutes
of October 30, 2023, as corrected. Seconded by Mr. Helvig. (4-0)
Unanimous.
Report from the Chair.
Update on Records Work. There was nothing new to report on the
records work.
Review of Annual Budget Request. The Commission reviewed the
2025 Ethics Commission’s Budget Request in the amount of $850.
There was a change in the date of the budget request.
MOTION (3): Mr. Stone moved to approve the 2025 Budget Request
of the Ethics Commission in the amount of $850.
Seconded by Mr. Messier. (4-0) Unanimous.

Discussion with Town Clerk David Campo Regarding Procedure for
Filing Ethics Complaints. Mr. Campo reported his office handles
confidential information regularly. He added if a complaint comes
in it is not necessary for him to see it. He prefers that the envelope
is sealed. He could make a copy of the envelope that has been
stamped in and place it in the Ethics file. He will then notify the
Chair that it has been received.
Mr. Helvig reported we discussed the best process is to let the
complainant know there is language that requires it to be
confidential. He suggested that they receive a written copy of
Chapter 2.50 of the Ordinance. Mr. Messier stated we are trying to
state the importance of confidentiality. We don’t know whether or
not that is understood. The Town of Waterford and the State of
Connecticut requires that it be confidential. Mr. Messier asked what
is the procedure at the present time? Mr. Campo replied it comes in
a sealed envelope, he stamps it and passes it on to the Chair of this
Commission. Mr. Messier asked do you have a time frame? Mr.
Campo replied as soon as it comes in. The Ordinance does not
specify that it be done immediately.
Ms. Driscoll reported the Complaint Form requires that it be signed
by a witness. Ms. Ritter stated we want to be sure that it remains
confidential. Mr. Messier suggested that it should remain
confidential be included on the form.
Mr. Helvig suggested that the timing of two business days be
included in the Ordinance. Ms. Driscoll felt it would not be
determined until the Chair opens the envelope.
Mr. Messier stated the Ordinance calls for it to be acknowledged by
the individual making the complaint. He referred to page 45 on the
procedure for complaints. Ms. Ritter stated the form is included in
the Ordinance as an Addendum. Ms. Driscoll added it’s on the Town
website. State statues requires that a witness sign the complaint.
Ms. Ritter felt we all agreed that the best procedure is that it comes
in a sealed envelope.

Mr. Messier added the Ordinance does not mention confidentiality.
Mr. Helvig felt the person filing the complaint in all likelihood will
bring it to the Town Clerk or mail it to the Chair. If it comes to the
Chair, he assumed the individual would be contacted and that
individual would be informed of the importance of confidentiality.
Mr. Messier added we can do what we can control. There should be
a recommendation on the form that it be received in a sealed
envelope. Ms. Ritter suggested changing the form. Mr. Helvig stated
on page 49 of the Ordinance it indicates the form is part of the
Ordinance. He felt it should be a separate sheet. Ms. Ritter agreed
to bring a draft revision of the Complaint Form to the Commission
at the next meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
Ms. Ritter asked that public delegations be added to this evening’s
Agenda.
MOTION (4): Mr. Messier moved to add to this evening’s Agenda,
item 9. Public Delegations after Old Business. Seconded by Mr.
Helvig. (4-0) Unanimous.
OLD BUSINESS
There was no discussion of old business.
PUBLIC DELEGATIONS.
There was no further discussion from guests.
ADJOURNMENT.
MOTION (5): Mr. Helvig moved to adjourn the January 2, 2024
Ethics Commission Regular Meeting at 8:00 p.m. Seconded by Mr.

Stone. (4-0)
Unanimous.
Respectfully submitted,
Frances Ghersi, Recording Secretary