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Mayor Strommen stated the League may have a suggested process but it has to be the decision of <br />Ramsey. <br />Human Resources Manager Lasher noted the last page of the League's Official Conflict of <br />Interest document addresses a complaint and hearing process. <br />Mayor Strommen noted that is for after - the -fact but the Council needs to address the process <br />prior and how to disclose a potential conflict of interest. <br />City Administrator Ulrich stated the prepared document does say there is a responsibility to <br />disclose; however, that should be done up front in the process, and if not you are in violation. He <br />explained the City cannot infringe on the rights of employment. <br />Mayor Strommen stated having "teeth" without a process that all know would be pointless. <br />Councilmember Tossey stated the process is being offered but not what is an actual violation <br />such as where is the line and when is it crossed. He noted the League is offering language on <br />how to file a complaint or make an allegation. But, the Council wants to know at what point <br />they need to come forward and declare a conflict. He noted when the union contract for Police <br />Officers came forward, he felt it may have been a conflict so he discussed it with his lawyer and <br />the City Attorney. Both said it was not a conflict but he still withdrew from the vote even though <br />he was not part of that same union. <br />Councilmember Backous stated there are varying degrees of conflict and in some cases, it may <br />be argued you could financially benefit which is a statutory conflict of interest so the Charter <br />Commission does not need to address that issue. However, it comes down to personal common <br />sense and he would ask where the "teeth" on that are. He stated an example is if his brother -in- <br />law has a real estate company and buys property in Ramsey, noting he could legally vote on that <br />because he would not personally benefit financially but ethically, in his mind, he should step <br />away. Councilmember Backous stated it is not what is already laid out in the law, but the ethics <br />of the situation and being open and transparent. <br />Councilmember Tossey stated in that example, the City could do nothing to Councilmember <br />Backous to hold him accountable should he have voted on his brother -in -law's project except to <br />bring it up during his reelection campaign. <br />Councilmember LeTourneau stated with the initiative of "A New Day — A New Beginning" and <br />wanting something to address conflict of interest, he looked at the draft included in the case. He <br />noted that under Tier 2, it addresses indirect conflict and calls out categories and the level it <br />should be scrutinized. He asked if this document should be further developed to assure all are <br />accountable. <br />Mayor Strommen agreed this is along the lines of what she had in mind but she was confused <br />with the value -based League document and what staff's recommendation was to bring them <br />together. <br />City Council Work Session / June 4, 2013 <br />Page 14 of 22 <br />