7/19/1994 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

3LfoF 92 P:,PF 901 Administrator Chandler confirmed that the Florida Statute referenced by Commissioner Bird is incorporated in our Personnel Manual. Commissioner Eggert asked who would determine when a County officer's performance was affected by outside employment, and Attorney O'Brien replied that the wording would be changed to "County employees," and would not pertain to Commissioners, adding that each department head would be responsible. County Attorney Vitunac confirmed that State law provided the ability for counties to require additional disclosure, but did not allow the counties to determine who could run for office. The Chairman opened the public hearing and asked if anyone wished to be heard. Bob Schoen, 4596 Pebble Bay S., suggested language be added to prohibit county officers from enlisting county employees for election campaigns and cited specific examples from previous campaigns. He also suggested that incompatible activities include Commissioners as well as employees, with the intention of banning the profit motive from any business transaction with the County. Discussion followed and Board members agreed that language could be modified at any time in the future. Nancy-Offutt, Government Affairs Coordinator for Vero Beach - Indian River Board of Realtors, spoke against passage of the ordinance but not against ethics. She was concerned that the ordinance might disenfranchise a good portion of the population, more than just realtors, since many residents are active in business and public service in the community. Commissioner Macht emphasized that the proposed ordinance merely requires disclosure, not exclusion from employment by the County. The public wants to know when a County employee is involved in a legitimate business transaction with the County. It was determined that no one else wished to be heard and the Chairman closed the public hearing. 96 July 199 1994 k