2019-133 Board of Ethics RecommendationsDate: June 28, 2019 Report No. 2019-133
INFORMAL STAFF
REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
Board of Ethics Letter of Recommended Changes to the Ethics Ordinance
BACKGROUND:
Proposition D was approved in a City of Denton Charter Election on November 7, 2017 providing
for the creation of an Ethics Ordinance. The Denton City Council adopted Ethics Ordinance 18-
757 on May 1, 2018 in order to increase public confidence and provide a framework to encourage
ethical behavior. In July of 2018, the ten members of the Board of Ethics (Board) were appointed
and sworn into office. Section 2-277 (i) authorizes the Board of Ethics to recommend
amendments to the Ethics Ordinance. In recent meetings on January 16, 2019, February 20, 2019
and June 12, 2019, the Board discussed and believes that several potential amendments merit
consideration and further public input.
DISCUSSION:
During the Board of Ethics meeting on June 12, 2019, the Board elected a new Chairperson
and readdressed the previous recommendations made by the Board on February 20, 2019
regarding amendments to the Ethics Ordinance (Ordinance). The Board deleted one of the
recommendations and added three more to the previous list of recommendations. The Board
requests that Council review these recommendations and give the Board guidance as to which
recommendations the City Council gives priority.
CONCLUSION:
The Board of Ethics has identified seven recommendations that they believe need to be amended or
provide further clarification in order to ensure that the Ordinance functions as the City Council and
citizens of Denton intended. The Board is requesting guidance from City Council on these seven
recommendations. A work session presentation to further discuss the Board of Ethics’
recommendations is currently scheduled for July 16.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Attachment 1 – Informal Staff Report
Attachment 2 – Letter of Recommendations
STAFF CONTACT:
Umesh Dalal
City Auditor
umesh.dalal@cityofdenton.com
REQUESTOR: Board of Ethics
PARTICIPTAING DEPARTMENT: Internal Audit
STAFF TIME TO COMPLETE REPORT: 2.5 Hours