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Shelter Island board reviews ethics code draft; members debate anonymous complaints and training scope
Summary
Board reviewed an updated ethics code draft, debated who should receive periodic ethics training, the definition and scope of a legally actionable "benefit," how anonymous complaints will be handled, and the process for the ethics board to refer matters and receive the town boards response.
The town board discussed an ethics code update posted on the town website and agreed to set a public hearing to consider the draft. A board member who worked on the draft said the periodic training language needs clarification on the intended recipients; the chair said training should be broad and include employees and committee members.
Members expressed concern that the draft's undefined term "benefit" could be "weaponized" and requested clearer parameters for what counts as a prohibited advantage. One said the ethics board would serve as a trier of fact when complaints are reviewed and that the degree of alleged benefit would be weighed by that board.
The board spent substantial time on anonymous complaints. One member warned that anonymous filings make follow-up and investigation difficult; the chair said the ethics board wants to allow anonymity to encourage reports but recognizes anonymity may limit further inquiry and that confidentiality would be protected "to the extent consistent with due process." The board also discussed a 45-day timeframe for the town board to respond in writing to ethics board referrals, with some members suggesting flexibility for holiday periods.
The board noted it is seeking new legal counsel for the ethics board and agreed to schedule a public hearing for the ethics code at the February meeting calendar.
