Ethics Commission - Minutes - 10/21/2020

ETHICS COMMISSION
Regular Business Meeting
MINUTES
October 21, 2020
Page |
Call to Order:
The October 21, 2020 Regular Business Meeting of the Ethics Commission, conducted on Zoom,
was called to order at 7:05 PM by Marty Zeldis, Chairman.
Technology Presence: Marty Zeldis, Steve Garvin, Mark Burnham, Betsy Ritter
Excused: Olga Bush, Cindy Hersom, Laurie Wolfley
Guest: Susan Driscoll, L&A Committee Chair
Approval of Minutes:
B. Ritter moved to approve the meeting minutes of the July 15, 2020 Regular Meeting. M.
Burnham seconded. The minutes as written were accepted unanimously. (4-0)
Review of Correspondence
No new correspondence to date
Old Business:
Review of:
Items 5a-5b
M. Zeldis, Chairman began the review of the recent meetings on the revised Code with a
welcome to the Commission’s guest, Susan Driscoll the L&A Committee Chair.
S. Driscoll began the discussion with an explanation related to the Violation Form. and its
inclusion in the Ethics Code. The Town Attorney, Rob Avena, has been consulted as to the best
way to introduce the new form to the complaint procedure for an allegation of Code violation.
The said form may not be included as part of the revised Ethics Code. The L & A Committee
may need to amend the wording of Section 2.50.070 to reflect its existence and location.
Members of the Commission agreed to the possible change with an understanding that the form
was not a mandatory requirement for a Code violation submission. S. Driscoll stated the L & A
Committee will have a follow up meeting with Atty Avena for a final rule.
In addition to the above modification, three other possible changes to the form or Code may be
made. Atty Avena is researching the use of the office “Commissioner of Deeds” as a viable
witness to the complaint and the designation of the Town of Waterford will be added to the
“town clerk” portion. A legal question pertaining to the dates of “publication in a newspaper”
after the RTM vote will be investigated. A descriptive timeframe for publication may replace the

ETHICS COMMISSION
Regular Business Meeting
MINUTES
October 21, 2020
Page 2
original wording. S Driscoll explained that the online version of the Ethics Code 2.50 revision
will be maintained by a pop up box with the clarification of recent amendments to any user
before a final draft is entered.
Finally, Chairperson Driscoll discussed language in Section B of 2.50.040 which contains the
terms of Commission members. Atty Avena has been advised of a need for clarification to
sharpen exsisiting statements which may be confusing. .
7
New Business:
Item 6a — 6b:
Chairperson Driscoll described the process for the revised Ethics Code approval with a tentative
date of the December RTM Meeting — 12/7/20.
M. Zeldis asked for comments or questions. Zeldis commented that some Commission members
will be present at subsequent L&A Committee meetings.
Item Ge:
Regular Commission Meeting dates for 2021 — third Wednesday of the month on a quarterly
basis starting in January. January 20, April 21, July 21, October 20.
A motion was made by B Ritter to accept the meeting dates of 2021 to be held as stated,
Seconded by M. Burnham. Unanimous (4-0).
Adjournment:
At 7:53 PM S. Garvin made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by B. Ritter. Unanimous
decision (4-0).
Respectfully submitted,
Stacey M. Tynan
Recording Secretary