Orientation for DeKalb County’s new Ethics Board Members set July 20

DECATUR, GA– The DeKalb County Board of Ethics will conduct an Orientation meeting on Thursday, July 20, at 5:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Maloof Auditorium, located at 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur, GA.

Agenda

I. Call to Order and Welcome to the Public

II. Adoption of Agenda

III. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of January 19, 2023

IV. Approval and Correction of the Minutes of the Special Called Meeting of March 13, 2023

V. Orientation of New Board Members
A. Welcome and Introduction of the current Board Members
B. Overview and Orientation from Chief Ethics Officer

VI. Administrative Items
A. Board Rule Change
B. Staff Salary Increases

VII. Public Comment

VIII. Board Interim Chair Comments

IX. Announcement of Next Regular Meeting Date of Thursday, August 03, 2023

Motion (Item VI. A):

[Summary from Movant Interim Chair Rosa Waymon to Board Members]
Motion to amend “Rules of the Board of Ethics” to make it clear that Alternate Board Members can fully participate in Board meetings, including all discussions during those meetings, while still making it clear that alternates will not be allowed to make or second motions or vote.

Rule 8. Alternate Board Members
8.1 Lack of Quorum. Alternate board members shall only serve with all the rights and obligations of full board members under the following circumstances which cause the Ethics Board to lack a quorum: 1) Members of the Board are absent during a public meeting of the Board; 2) Members have a conflict of interest which prevents them from participating in a particular matter; 3) Recusal of a board member from participating for any reason; 4) Vacancy of a position on the Ethics Board.

8.2 Temporary Appointment of Alternate Board Member. When a lack of quorum exists on the Ethics Board due to the circumstances described in Rule 8.1 above, the Chair of the Board shall appoint an alternate to participate.

8.3 Participation by Alternate Board Member.

(a) If an alternate is participating in a meeting due to lack of a quorum, the alternate shall participate as a full member with respect to all business taking place during that particular meeting. If an alternate is asked to participate in a particular matter due to a conflict of interest and/or recusal of another board member, the alternate shall only participate in the business involving the matter in which the recusal or conflict exists.

(b) In addition to serving to make a quorum due to the circumstances described in Rule 8.1, Alternate board members shall contribute to the work of the Board by being included in, and fully participating in, the discussions of the Board on all matters taken up during meetings of the Board, including any executive sessions of such meetings. However, Alternate Board members shall not have the right to make or second motions or to vote on motions during such meetings unless appointed to make a quorum as described in Rule 8.1.”