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TO: Board of County Commissioners FROM: Terrence P. O'Brien, Assistant County Attorney DATE: March 21, 1997 SUBJECT: CODE OF ETHICS AND CONDUCT - PUBLIC HEARING 5/27/97 The Board of County Commission at its regular meeting of January 21, 1997 directed staff to amend the subject code. A public hearing for March 18, 1997 was recommended at which time the Board reset the public hearing for May 27, 1997. The proposed ordinance amends the code of ethics and conduct to the standardize requirements set out in Florida Statutes Chapter 112 in accordance with Board direction. Attorney O'Brien then briefly reviewed the history of the County's Ethics Ordinance. He advised of a recent overview of Florida Statutes Chapter 112 in the Board of County Commissioners' Chambers, conducted by 1VIr. Anderson, an attorney for the Commission on Ethics in Tallahassee. Chairman Eggert advised that one of the biggest problems with the County's current ordinance is the questions that come up concerning attendance at various local functions. She asked Attorney O'Brien how the ordinance could be changed to resolve that problem. Attorney O'Brien recalled that at one time the Board discussed amending the ordinance to allow attendance at customary functions that Commissioners and employees would attend, anything that would be open to a larger group. Commissioner Ginn thought there was a sentence in the ordinance that would cover it, and read from the following and suggested that it might be modified: (Top of page 3) In addition, food or beverage may be accepted when (1) offered free in the course of a meeting or other group function not connected with an inspection or investigation, at which attendance is desirable because it will assist the person in performing his or her official duties... . Chairman Eggert recalled it was not just the food, but the "going" that was challenged. 41 MAY 279 1997 BOOK 101 FACE 620