Board debates ethics ordinance and proposed limits on remote participation and attendance

At the June 16 meeting the board reviewed Ordinance 25-0721, a draft implementing provisions of the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act (5 ILCS 430/1 et seq.), and discussed administrative-policy revisions to officer eligibility and remote participation.

Commissioner Chan objected to language she said could be used politically and questioned whether a sitting commissioner should be restricted from endorsing another candidate. Attorney Steve Adams replied that commissioners are not prohibited from endorsing candidates but may not use Park District resources, staff or materials for campaign purposes; he also clarified the ordinance provides for an optional Ethics Advisor role and does not establish an Ethics Committee. Dr. Kosey suggested Commissioner Chan submit questions in writing for staff responses before the next meeting.

Commissioner Chan also objected to a proposed Section 1.1 change that would require a commissioner to serve one year before becoming an officer and to a proposed cap on remote call-in attendance. President Knitter said the remote participation limit (three call-ins) was introduced in response to a prior commissioner's conduct and that it is a Board policy decision. Several commissioners said they support having an attendance provision to address chronic absenteeism and Attorney Adams described that an attendance-based vacancy provision would apply if a commissioner misses four meetings without attending in person or remotely.

No ordinances were adopted on June 16; the matters remained under discussion and staff were asked to provide clarifications and revisions for future consideration.