City Council Minutes 2012 01 30 SP

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• • City Council Special Meeting Minutes January 30, 2012 Page 2 of 8 APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Muckle called for changes to the consent agenda and hearing none, Councilor Dalton moved to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Councilor Yarnell. All were in favor. A. Approval of 4:30 PM Start Time for February 7, 2012 and March 6, 2012 City Council Meetings ETHICS TRAINING City Attorney Light explained the City's Home Rule Charter requires the City Council members attend Ethics and Open Government training every two years. He reviewed Section 5-1 of the Louisville Home Rule Charter, which states the following: "It is the policy of the City that the activities of City government should be conducted in public to the greatest extent feasible in order to assure public participation and enhance public accountability." The City's charter provisions, ordinances, rules and policies– but most importantly its "culture" and "attitude"—all help foster: T.E.A.M. - Transparency, Enhanced participation, Accountability and Mutual respect. He noted the Public Involvement Policy is available on the opening page of the City's website. He felt Louisville could be proud of the thoroughness of the ethics policy. City Attorney Light stated a summary of open meetings law requirements was included in the packet materials for review by the attendees. City Attorney Light introduced Special Counsel Scott Krob, who is a practicing attorney and an expert in the field of ethics. He has also served as a municipal judge. Special Counsel Krob explained the emphasis of the ethics training would focus on some of the issues he sees facing City Councils. GENERAL POLICIES UNDERLYING ETHICS FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS Special Counsel Krob outlined the following "commandments" for public officials: • Open government and public participation. • Those entrusted with positions in the City government must commit to adhering to the letter and spirit of the Code of Ethics.