April, 24, 2009 (Special Meeting)
SAN FRANCISCOETHICS COMMISSION
NOTICE OF SPECIAL JOINT MEETING WITH
THE SUNSHINE ORDINANCE TASK FORCE
April 24, 2009 2 P.M.
and AGENDA
Room 400 City Hall
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco
NOTE: This is a special joint meeting with the Sunshine Ordinance Task Force; it is not on the usual day, time or room of the regular monthly meetings.
I. Call to order and roll call.
II. Public comment on matters appearing or not appearing on the agenda that are within the jurisdiction of the Ethics Commission.
III. Discussion of process and procedure used by the Ethics Commission to review referral from the Sunshine Ordinance Task Force. (Discussion.)
IV. Discussion of issues raised in recent SOTF referrals (attachments ), including: stated differences of opinion on open government law decisions: the role and responsibilities of the City Attorney vs SOTF; stated differences of opinion on open government law decisions; i.e., disclosure of calendars; stated differences of opinion on open government law decisions; i.e., SF Charter vs Sunshine Ordinance; stated differences of opinion on open government law decisions: providing documents in the electronic format requested. (Discussion and possible action).
V. Discussion of ways Task Force can amend Ordinance and/or assist Ethics Commission in handling referrals (attachments ), including: Task Force to provide more information in ODs and referrals on facts and conclusions found by Task Force and basis for ODs and referrals; willful failure and examples of Ordinance violations that are appropriate for referral to Ethics Commission; and potential amendments to Ordinance to provide Ethics Commission with greater powers to enforce or punish violations of the Ordinance. (Discussion and possible action).
VI. Announcements, questions, and next steps from all members. (Discussion only.)
VII. 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
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