Council names alternate to Collaborative Committee as council president seeks Ohio Ethics advisory opinion

North Royalton City Council on June 17 voted to nominate Councilwoman Linda Barath as the alternate to the Collaborative Committee that will review proposed charter language, while Council President Paul Marnecheck awaits an advisory opinion from the Ohio Ethics Commission about whether he should serve.

Joanne Krejci nominated Barath "to fill if the President of Council is unable to serve," and the nomination was adopted by roll call: Yeas: Six (Marnecheck, Barath, Krejci, Gorjanc, Webber, Wos); Nays: None; Excused: Nickell. The motion specified the alternate would serve if the president is unable, fails to serve, or decides not to serve.

The nomination followed a longer debate about whether Marnecheck should participate. Law Director Tom Kelly said his written memo did not identify a compelling conflict that would force recusal but recommended, "in order to avoid even the appearance of impropriety I thought it in your best interest and the best interest of the community that you do in fact recuse." Marnecheck said he has "requested an advisory opinion" from the Ohio Ethics Commission and has retained private counsel to review his options.

Councilmembers pressed for a firm schedule. Kelly recommended directing the Clerk to arrange the first Collaborative Committee meeting at the earliest practical date and suggested holding it before the agenda deadline for the council's second meeting in July so the committee's report could be submitted in time for the Board of Elections deadline for charter amendments. Clerk Helen Dunlap was directed by motion and roll call to arrange a meeting at the earliest possible date; that direction passed with five yeas and one nay recorded on the motion to open nominations, and subsequent votes on scheduling were discussed as part of the same scheduling push.

Marnecheck said he would seek a status update from his counsel and the Ethics Commission and report to Council at the first meeting in July. Tom Kelly emphasized the process must move forward "with or without an advisory opinion," noting the charter-driven timeline for submitting amendment language to the Board of Elections.

Next steps: the Clerk will seek the earliest date the Collaborative Committee can meet with the goal of completing work before the council's July deadlines; Marnecheck will seek and report an update on the Ohio Ethics advisory opinion.