February 9, 2009
San Francisco Ethics Commission
Notice of Regular Meeting
February 9, 2009 5:30 P.M.
And Agenda
Room 408 City Hall
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco
- Call to order and roll call.
- Public comment on matters appearing or not appearing on the agenda that are within the jurisdiction of the Ethics Commission.
- Consideration of possible amendments to Lobbyist Ordinance. Since the Commission last considered possible amendments to the Lobbyist Ordinance in May 2008, staff has convened several interested persons meetings to obtain input on possible changes. At this meeting, the Commission will consider several proposed amendments including, but not limited to, changes to the definitions of “lobbyist” and “contacts,” as well as changes to the exceptions to contacts, gift limits, registration requirements, registration information, fees, reporting, training, lobbying by campaign consultants, record retention and statutes of limitations. The draft amendments and a staff memo will be available at the Commission office as well as on the Commission website. (Discussion and possible action.)
- Proposed amendments to section 1.126 of the Campaign and Governmental Conduct Code including, but not limited to: allowing political contributions to local elected officials by parties that receive grants from local or State agencies; permitting such contributions from parties that contract with State agencies whose board members are appointed by local elected officials; increasing the threshold so that the contractor contribution ban applies only to contracts or series of contracts worth $100,000 or more; and limiting the scope of the prohibition. The draft amendments and a staff memo will be available at the Commission office as well as on the Commission website. (Discussion and possible action.)
- Proposed amendments to section 3.234 of the Campaign and Governmental Conduct Code to clarify the post-employment restrictions that govern City officers and employees. The draft amendments and a staff memo will be available at the Commission office as well as on the Commission website. (Discussion and possible action.)
- Closed session. (Discussion and possible action.)
Closed session held pursuant to Charter section C3.699-13, Brown Act section 54956.9 (a) and (c) and Sunshine Ordinance section 67.10(d) to discuss anticipated litigation as plaintiff.
(a) Conference with Legal Counsel: Anticipated litigation as plaintiff
______ Number of possible cases: 5
- Discussion and vote regarding closed session action and deliberations. (Discussion and possible action.)
Discussion and vote pursuant to Brown Act section 54957.1 and Sunshine Ordinance section 67.12 on whether to disclose any action taken or discussions held in closed session regarding anticipated litigation.
Motion: The Ethics Commission finds that it is in the best interests of the public (not) to disclose its closed session deliberations re: anticipated litigation.
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Minutes of the Commission’s regular meeting of January 12, 2009. (Discussion and possible action.)
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Executive Director’s Report. An update of important Ethics Commission staff activities since the previous monthly meeting. (Discussion.)
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Election of Chair and Vice-chair. The Commission will elect a Chair and Vice-chair to serve for the coming year. (Discussion and possible action.)
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Items for future meetings. Commissioners may propose items for future agendas and the Commission may determine the priority of these items. (Discussion.)
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Public comment on matters appearing or not appearing on the agenda that are within the jurisdiction of the Ethics Commission.
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Adjournment.
Know Your Rights Under the Sunshine Ordinance
Government’s duty is to serve the public, reaching its decision in full view of the public. Commissions, boards, councils and other agencies of the City and County exist to conduct the people’s business. This ordinance assures that deliberations are conducted before the people and that City operations are open to the people’s review. For more information on your rights under the Sunshine Ordinance or to report a violation of the ordinance, contact Frank Darby by mail to Administrator, Sunshine Ordinance Task Force, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 244, San Francisco CA 94102-4689; by phone at 415 554 7724; by fax at 415 554 7854; or by email at sotf@sfgov.org. Citizens interested in obtaining a free copy of the Sunshine Ordinance can request a copy from Mr. Darby or by printing Chapter 67 of the San Francisco Administrative Code on the Internet, http://www.sfgov.org/sunshine/
If any materials related to an item on this agenda have been distributed to the Ethics Commission after distribution of the agenda packet, those materials are available for public inspection at the Ethics Commission, 25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 220, San Francisco, during normal office hours.
The ringing of and use of cell phones, pagers and similar sound-producing electronic devices are prohibited at this meeting. Please be advised that the Chair may order the removal from the meeting room of any person(s) responsible for the ringing or use of a cell phone, pager, or other similar sound-producing devices.
This location is wheelchair accessible. In order to assist the City’s efforts to accommodate persons with severe allergies, environmental illnesses, multiple chemical sensitivity, or related disabilities, attendees at public meetings are reminded that other attendees may be sensitive to various chemical-based products. Please help the City accommodate these individuals.
Individuals and entities that influence or attempt to influence local legislative or administrative action may be required by the San Francisco Lobbyist Ordinance [SF Campaign & Governmental Conduct. Code § 2.100] to register and report lobbying activity. For more information about the Lobbyist Ordinance, please contact the Ethics Commission at 25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 220, San Francisco, CA 94102; telephone (415) 252-3100; fax (415) 252-3112 and web site www.sfgov.org/ethics