Title 01 General Provisions
Chapter 01.04B Code of Ethics
Part 2 – Ethics Commission
Section 01.04B.070 Duties and Powers
- It is the duty of the Ethics Commission to serve as a tribunal for the adjudication of complaints whenever someone has alleged a violation of this chapter. For this purpose, the Commission has a duty to consider all evidence in determining whether such a violation occurred and in setting an appropriate penalty.
- The Ethics Commission is authorized to compel the attendance of witnesses, administer oaths, take the testimony of a person under oath, and in connection therewith, to require the production for examination of any books or papers relating to any matter before the Commission. For witnesses who refuse to attend and give testimony at a hearing, the Ethics Commission may petition the superior court for a subpoena requiring the person to appear and to produce evidence if so ordered, or to give testimony concerning the matter before the Commission. Failure to obey such order of the court may be punished by the court as contempt.
- The Ethics Commission is authorized to establish operating policies, procedures, forms, and rules consistent with this chapter, subject to the approval of the City Council. The Ethics Commission shall review its policies and procedure annually and shall make modifications as necessary. The Commission shall maintain a manual of such policies and procedures which shall be posted and maintained as part of the City’s website.
- The Ethics Commission may, when circumstances make it necessary to do so, retain outside legal counsel and other experts, as needed, after solicitation of recommendations from the City Attorney (unless the need to retain outside counsel is caused by a conflict involving the City Attorney’s Office).
- The Ethics Commission may make recommendations to the City Council for amendments to this chapter and for such other legislation affecting the subject matter of this chapter as the Ethics Commission may deem necessary or desirable.
- The Ethics Commission shall develop educational programs which inform agencies, public officials and city officers and employees about City, state and federal ethics laws, and the importance of ethics to the public's confidence in municipal government.
- The Commission shall post all advisory and adjudicative materials of the Commission, including but not limited to the advisory opinions, the initial review by the City Attorney, pleadings and party submissions, investigative reports, and decisions of the Commission, on the City’s website within thirty days of receipt or issuance of the material. Upon the recommendation of the City Attorney, the Commission may redact or withhold from publication any record deemed to be legally protected from disclosure under RCW 42.56 or other applicable federal, state or local law.
Date Passed: Monday, July 8, 2024 Effective Date: Friday, August 16, 2024 ORD C36532 Section 1 |
|
