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Commissioner Macht explained that this recommendation is to establish standards for County government officials and employees. He stressed that it is important for the public to know that officials will conduct themselves ethically. It also provides a means to avoid situations that can be interpreted negatively by the public, and in that way we can avoid unjust criticism. Commissioner Bird did not believe that anyone would conclude that an elected official or staff member would be influenced by a free lunch or dinner. He agreed that to have something in writing would not be a detriment in any way and that parts of the proposed ordinance are good, but it goes too far if it conveys that staff cannot have their lunch paid for by a consulting firm when that staff member is part of a group involved in a seminar or convention. Commissioner Macht stated that in drafting the proposed code of ethics, Assistant County Attorney Terry O'Brien recognized that there are exceptions. County Administrator Jim Chandler advised that we have a Manual of Standard Operating Procedures which outlines very clearly our basic policy and procedures, and that the manual is in the process of being updated. Discussion ensued regarding specific situations which might be in conflict with certain statements in the proposed ordinance but which have been acceptable in the past. Commissioner Macht was in favor of scheduling a workshop or whatever the Board felt was appropriate to address this item. Commissioner Bird requested a comparison between this proposed code and our existing rules and regulations to see how they differ. Chairman Eggert suggested that Administrator Chandler and County Attorney Vitunac set up a joint committee for the purpose of producing a code of ethics that is clear, not too broad, practical, and workable in light of our past experiences. The committee should include a cross section of employees who are not department heads. She also felt that the document should take into consideration the ramifications of receiving a free lunch and include recommendations as to when things could be paid for and when. not . Commissioner Tippin preferred anonymous suggestions from employees rather than from the Board members because employees may have thought of things that Commissioners do not realize. Administrator Chandler recounted that he and Personnel Director Jack Price have been working on updating our present rules and regulations and it is a time-consuming task, even though about 80 percent of it could be adopted as is. 31 DEC ® i ig(v BOOK FAE 21�� L_