Ethics Commission - Minutes - 03/11/2020

ETHICS COMMISSION
Special Business Meeting
MINUTES
March 11, 2020
Page 1
Call to Order:
The March 11, 2020 Special Business Meeting of the Ethics Commission was called to order at
6:07 PM by Marty Zeldis, Chairman.
Present: Marty Zeldis, Betsy Ritter, Laurie Wolfley, Mark Burnham, Olga Bush
Absent: Cindy Hersom, Steve Garvin
Guest: Attorney Avena
Approval of Minutes:
O. Bush moved to approve the meeting minutes of the February 26, 2020 Special Meeting. L.
Wolfley seconded. The minutes as written were accepted. (4,0,1)
Old Business:
Item 3a:
M. Zeldis, Chairman began the discussion with a brief explanation of the reason for this meeting.
He explained it was to review the draft copy of the revised Code and to have Attorney Avena
comment. He then explained the Attorney would clarify the step by step process of review and
approval of the revision.
Attorney Avena began his discussion with a compliment to the commission for the work put into
the newly revised Code of Ethics.
Attorney Avena began his advice related to a proposed change in section 2.50.020 subsection B
sentence 5. The discussion included specific amounts for a nonpecuniary gift. Several amounts
were suggested — zero, $25.00 and $50.00. The Attorney suggested an amount of $50.00 due to
the compatible nature with State statute.
He continued comment and discussion with 2.50.030 subsection A and B with emphasis on the
impact of decisions involving immediate family and monetary gain or loss. The Attorney gave
opinion on the definition of immediate family in the current code. He read a portion from the CT
Statute 7-148h. The portion showed a contrast between the Town’s definition and the State’s
description. Questions and concerns arose, further discussion ensued.
The newly devised code violation form was reviewed. Chmn. Zeldis explained the basis for
creation of the form and its intended usage. Discussion ensued with an emphasis on mandatory

ETHICS COMMISSION
Special Business Meeting
MINUTES
March 11, 2020
Page 2
vs optional usage along with the need for the Complainant to sign the form under oath. Changes
to the form will be made as suggested. “ :
2.50.070 subsections A, E and F were discussed with relevance to the publishing or announcing
of a formal decision when the commission finds no probable cause. Commission decision with
Attorney advisement created several changes. Changes will be made as suggested to 2.50.070
subsections A, E and F.
Item 3b and 3c:
Attorney Avena continued the meeting by explaining, in detail, the procedure of finalizing the
code revisions and the process for approval and adoption. Comments and questions for advice
continued the discussion.
Attorney Avena excused himself and M. Zeldis, Chairman, finished the meeting.
Date for the next Special Business Meeting - March 18 at 6PM.
Adjournment:
At 7:49 PM B. Ritter made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by L. Wolfley.
Unanimous decision (5-0).
Respectfully submitted,
Stacey M. Tynan
Recording Secretary