12/9/1986 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

County Attorney Vitunac emphasized that because of the seriousness of violating the Sunshine Law, he is recommending that people sign the acknowledgement that they have read and understand "Government in the Sunshine Manual." Chairman Scurlock emphasized that the State Attorney's Office met in secret and decided that the City of Vero Beach has a problem and somehow the County got included without their doing any research into how we appoint or how we approach this. He wondered why Sebastian, Indian River Shores and the Town of Orchid were not given the message. Commissioner Bowman did not believe the intent of the Sunshine Law was to prohibit the exchange of ideas or information, but rather to prohibit the people sitting on the - same boards to lobby each other and cut deals. Attorney Vitunac advised that ideas can be exchanged by written correspondence through the Clerk's Office, but the law does prohibit telephone calls or conversations between any two members of the same board, even if they are not lobbying or twisting arms. The intent of the law is that the decision making process must occur here on this dais in these Chambers. Chairman Scurlock recalled that when the State conducted a survey two years ago on whether or not public officials understood the Sunshine Law, the result, basically, was "NO", and out of that study came recommendations that the law be modified to some extent. One modification is the change in the County Attorney's relationship with the Board and being able to caucus re negotiations with labor unions. Commissioner Eggert inquired about members standing in the halls talking to each other and attending seminars together. Attorney Vitunac stated that conversation in the hall or during travel to conventions or seminars must be limited to other topics such as sports or the weather. 35 BOOK. �r��r. 1° ®EC 9 1986