Tallahassee ethics board shortens reappointment gap, appoints Mary Alice H. David

The City of Tallahassee Independent Ethics Board voted Feb. 18 to amend its bylaws to match a recent City Commission change that shortens the required gap between successive board terms from three years to one year, and the board unanimously selected Mary Alice H. David to fill a current vacancy.

Derek, an ethics office staff member who presented the office report, said the City Commission read and later adopted an amendment moving the gap from three years to one. Derek reported that the commission “brought it back last week… and unanimously ruled changing it from a 3 year gap to 1 year gap,” which removes a barrier that had complicated reappointments for the ethics board.

The board’s bylaw amendment mirrors language in Ordinance 25-O-03 and incorporates City Commission Policy 1 to clarify term limits, how partial-term service is counted, and whether the clock on term limits runs retroactively depending on how and when a seat becomes vacant. Under the revised language, the separation between completed service and eligibility to serve again is one year. The bylaws also restate the board’s two-full-term limit and explain that filling a seat midterm generally does not count as a full term, consistent with the city policy the board cited during discussion.

Board members discussed fairness for appointees who take a seat late in a term and the goal of keeping member terms staggered to avoid simultaneous turnover. Several members said the city policy’s approach reduces confusion and makes board practice consistent with other city-appointed committees.

Patrick Kelly moved to adopt the bylaws amendment as presented; Caroline Clanky seconded. The board voted in favor with no recorded opposition. Board members were told the change takes effect immediately and the office will post the updated bylaws to the board’s web page.

On a separate agenda item the board considered a pool of applicants to fill a board vacancy. After discussion about candidates’ experience and how each might contribute to the board’s work, Patrick Kelly moved to nominate Mary Alice H. David to the Independent Ethics Board; Kristen Costa seconded. The motion carried with affirmative votes and no recorded opposition. Staff said they will contact David to begin onboarding and paperwork before the next meeting.

In other business, the ethics office reported administrative activity since the board last met: continuing training for city officials, printing 600 copies of an ethics guide for new employees, conference attendance and related travel and registration costs, and routine legal services. The office reported a beginning budget of about $463,000 and a current balance near $395,000 after expenditures through the sixth month of the fiscal year. The office also noted an ongoing referral involving a frequent complainant; the speaker said the county previously reviewed and dismissed much of the complainant’s prior submissions.

The board set two directives: (1) proceed with filling the current vacancy (staff to follow up on onboarding) and (2) implement the approved bylaw changes and update public materials. The board adjourned at 4:57 p.m.