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Ethics Commission Minutes
May 24, 2010 Special Meeting
Members Present: Danny Hill, Ross Howard, Tyler Marion, Steven Palmer, David Postle and
Frances Kay Strickland
Members Absent: Kathy Jackson
Ex-Officios Present: Janice Elliott, Recording Clerk
Invited Guests:
Roll:
Danny Hill called the meeting to order. Roll was taken.
Minutes:
France Kay Strickland motioned for the minutes of the April 29, 2010 meeting be approved.
David Postle seconded. Minutes were approved unanimously.
New Business:
Danny Hill updated the Ethics Commission on correspondence that he had with City Attorney,
Bubba Hughes. Danny had asked Mr. Hugh if members on the Ethics Commission should
recuse themselves from any sort of discussion or decision about this opinion letter if they were
members of Forever Tybee PAC (Political Action Committee). Mr. Hughes replied that he was
not aware of any interest that would require recusal under the circumstances as he understands
them. He assumed that this question was being raised because Forever Tybee organization
supported Katherine Williams. He did not think that the relationship would compel recusal. He
thought that it was up to the Ethics Commission to determine if they thought the relationship
created an appearance of impropriety so as to call for recusal. If the Ethics Commission
concluded that it did reach that level of discomfort, recusal would be advised. Mr. Hughes felt
any relationship that might arguably implicate any bias should be disclosed whether or not
recusal was ultimately invoked.
Danny Hill disclosed that during the last campaign he had bought some items from the Forever
Tybee yard sale and wrote a check for $20 that would be considered a campaign contribution.
He did not feel that this was a reason for recusal, but in the interest of full disclosure he wanted it
to be known that he did make a contribution to Forever Tybee.
David Postle stated that having been a member of the Political Action Committee Forever Tybee,
having supported Katherine for office and the fact I am a close personal friend of some year
standing, I have submitted my resignation from Forever Tybee and I am comfortable in doing so.
Tyler Marion stated for the record that he had been a member of Forever Tybee. He supported
Katherine Williams, but upon the appointment to the Ethics Commission elected on his own
accord ended that relationship with Forever Tybee. He donated to Forever Tybee $2 for a “Got
Ethics” bumper sticker and is very proud that he did.
Two letters of resignation from the Forever Tybee Organization dated May 5, 2010 for David
Postle and Tyler Marion were read and given to the clerk to be recorded in the file.
Ethics Commission is scheduled to appear before City Council Thursday night, May 27th, to
give a letter of opinion that has been written concerning the New and Old Ethics Ordinance.
Danny cannot attend the meeting due to a death in the family. Vice-Chair Tyler Marion will
present the letter and any members that would like to attend can do so.
The main reason for the called special meeting is to discuss this Letter of Opinion that was
received by the Ethics Commission last week.
Stephen Palmer disclosed at this time that his son attends Marsh Point Elementary School. He is
in the search program in which Katherine Williams is a teacher. She has taught him a half hour a
day in the third quarter. She is no longer his teacher. He asked if this was just cause for him to
recuse himself to let it be known.
David Postle made a motion to go into Executive Session due to the discussion of personnel and
possible litigation. Ross Howard seconded. Vote was 5 to 1. Stephen Palmer voting against.
Ross made a motion to go back to into the regular meeting. David Postle seconded. Vote was
unanimous.
Danny called the meeting to order.
Ross Howard made a motion that the Ethics Commission produce a letter to the City Council to
state that the Ethics Commission met in Executive Session and determined that to date we find
no unethical behavior with regard to the acquisition of the North Beach Bar and Grill, LLC lease
nor did we find any behavior or action that would preclude Katherine Williams maintaining her
roll as Council member. Concerning Mrs. Williams action with regard to the lease, the Ethic
Commission advices Mrs. Williams and the City Council to closely consider recusal for any vote
that could positively or adversely affect her financially. This motion was seconded by David
Postle. Vote was unanimous.
Adjournment:
David Postle motioned to adjourned. Frances Kay Strickland seconded. Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned.
05/25/2010je