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21-001: UNT Current Conflicting Interest (Council Member Paul Meltzer - At Large Place 6) Board of Ethics 215 E. McKinney St., Denton, TX 76201  (940) 349-7228 OUR CORE VALUES Integrity  Fiscal Responsibility  Transparency  Outstanding Customer Service February 25, 2021 Council Member Paul Meltzer 215 E. McKinney Denton, Texas 76201 Advisory Opinion Advisory Opinion No. 21-001: Pertaining to whether Council Member Paul Meltzer has a current Conflicting Interest under Section 2-273(a) of the Ethics Ordinance that would require disclosure, recusal and abstaining from deliberations on Pending Matters involving the University of North Texas. Council Member Meltzer: Pursuant to Section 2-278 of the Ethics Ordinance, a panel of the Board of Ethics convened on February 25, 2021, to deliberate on your request and render the opinion given below. The members of the panel were Deborah Cosimo, Don Cartwright, and Ron Johnson. Question Presented: The question presented to the panel was whether Council Member Meltzer’s Conflicting Interest under Section 2-273(a)(3) (attributable to his wife’s employment relationship with the University of North Texas), continues given that this employment relationship was terminated effective on January 16, 2021. Answer: The panel determined that Council Member Meltzer no longer has a current Conflicting Interest per Section 2-273(a)(1); therefore, recusal and abstention are no longer required in matters regarding the University of North Texas. In addition, the panel advised Council Member Meltzer to file an affidavit with the City disclosing that the prior employment relationship was terminated. 2 City of Denton Board of Ethics: Deborah Cosimo Panel Chair **This opinion pertains only to the relevant sections of the City of Denton Ethics Ordinance, Chapter 2, Article XI of the Denton Code of Ordinances. It is not intended as legal advice and does not absolve any party of obligations that may exist under other applicable law (e.g., Texas Local Government Code Chapter 171). All parties are encouraged to consult competent legal counsel concerning their obligations under the law.**