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Austin Ethics Review Commission votes unanimously to form rules-and-regulations working group
Summary
Commissioners voted unanimously to create a working group on rules and regulations to address gaps in the Ethics Review Commission’s bylaws and clarify undefined terms such as 'special privilege.' The motion was moved by Commissioner King and seconded by Vice Chair Sharkey.
The Austin Ethics Review Commission voted on July 30 to establish a working group to review and revise the commission’s rules and regulations.
Commissioner King moved to create the working group and Vice Chair Sharkey seconded. Chair Ross Pumphrey called the question and the motion passed unanimously; the commission did not record a numerical roll-call tally in the meeting transcript. Commissioner Figueroa noted the absence of a clear statutory definition for terms such as “special privilege” makes it difficult for both complainants and the commission to evaluate evidence and recommended a subcommittee or task force examine the code language.
Assistant City Attorney Caroline Webster said she has informal notes identifying gaps and is willing to provide suggestions to the working group. Commissioners volunteered to participate; Chair Pumphrey and other members said they will work with counsel on drafting updates. The working group will report back at a future meeting, and membership may be adjusted without a vote once the group is established.
The vote to create the working group was the only formal action taken at the end of the meeting; commissioners adjourned at 7:25 p.m.
