Minutes - Council Work Session - 06/04/2013

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future with a new majority, this policy could "go out the window" so he would ask if it is worth the effort. Councilmember Tossey stated the League document already exists and the Council needs the political will to put in some "teeth," which can be provided by the Charter. Mayor Strommen asked how the "teeth" can be included if there are no current policy and procedures in place. Councilmember Tossey stated in 1997 and again in 2002, the Ramsey Council addressed this same issue. Mayor Strommen asked if that addressed a conflict with a family member or perceived conflict of interest, noting it does not lay out the process to declare a conflict. Councilmember LeTourneau stated all this is to provide transparency and whether there is a big enough consequence is not the point. The point is to provide transparency and have a process of which the public is aware. Councilmember Tossey stated the process is dependent on whether all on the Council decide to be strong links in the chain and if there is a weak link and it is not a statutory defined conflict, then there is nothing the Council can do. Councilmember Tossey noted if a member does not like what another member does they can cast allegations, make it political, and bring that to the public, but he would ask, what if it is an honest mistake. Councilmember LeTourneau stated he supports a process that is proactive, not reactive. Mayor Strommen agreed and noted it relates to creating a process to have a discussion and disclose a conflict. Councilmember Tossey stated all want the Council to have a team approach but often times it is thought that an outside influence may be impacting the vote instead of the Councilmember considering what is good for constituents. He stated he does not want to "reinvent the wheel" but wants there to be "teeth" for enforcement. Councilmember Kuzma stated if he feels he has a conflict, he will bring it up before the Council and talk about it. If the Council finds it to be a problem, he will recuse himself from the vote. He explained he has already had situations where someone wants him to print something or give him a bid but if he feels it can be an issue, he passes on it. Councilmember Backous asked whether all agreed to have the Charter Commission review this. Mayor Strommen stated she is not in agreement with that review. Councilmember Backous asked if the Council wants all of the work completed prior to a review by the Charter Commission. City Council Work Session / June 4, 2013 Page 17 of 22