5/11/1993 - Laserfiche WebLink

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MAY I I IPQI BOOK 89 Fmu.495 Commissioner Macht explained that the purpose of this ordinance is to prohibit Commissioners from voting on advisory boards and committees on which they are chairmen. He felt that the chairman of a public advisory board should simply direct meetings and obtain input from the public. Also, this would avoid the embarrassment of a Commissioner voting one way based on the information that is presented at the advisory board meeting, and then discovering later at the public hearings that the situation demands a different vote. Commissioner Macht emphasized that having a vote implies a disproportionate amount of power on the part of Commissioners. He pointed out that the Chairman of the BCC votes but does not generally make motions or second them. Commissioner Tippin felt that Commissioner Macht should have had an open discussion with his fellow Commissioners before directing staff to perform research and prepare a draft ordinance. Although he did not object to this particular ordinance, he did not see any evidence that the Commissioners have abused their roles as committee chairmen. His concern with adopting an ordinance like this is that it creates the appearance of a problem where no problem exists. Chairman Bird did not recall ever serving on an advisory committee or board where the chairman did not have the ability to vote. He felt that Commissioners can exert their influence regardless of whether they are permitted to vote. He did not see a problem with voting one way at an advisory board meeting and a different way at a BCC meeting. For example, he might vote one way as chairman of the Parks & Recreation Committee. When the Parks & Recreation Committee presents a request to the Board for approval, the Commissioners must weigh it against numerous other requests. This might result in a different vote, particularly on budget requests. Chairman Eggert doubted that not having a vote takes away influence. Commissioner Adams felt that Commissioners should be more than facilitators. They should play a leadership role and let other committee members know where they stand on issues. The chairman of a committee is expected to assume some responsibility, which includes voting. Further, she did not believe that ethics can•be legislated.- She pointed out that advisory boards and committees have five to seven members and a Commissioner can be outvoted at any time. Commissioner Macht clarified that it was not his intent to legislate ethics, but he felt that standards of acceptable conduct should be established. 30