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Ethics Commission Minutes
June 15, 2010 – Quarterly Meeting (Approved 9/27/2010)
Members Present: Danny Hill, Ross Howard, Tyler Marion, Steven Palmer, David Postle and Frances Kay
Strickland
Members Absent: Kathy Jackson
Ex-Officos Present: Janice Elliott, Recording Clerk
Invited Guests:
Roll:
Danny Hill called the meeting to order. Roll was taken.
Frances Kay asked to address the Ethics Commission concerning a personal issue that may cause a conflict with
her serving as a member of the Ethics Commission. She offered to resign her position if the Commission felt
that it was necessary. Danny Hill had heard of the incident and had sought counsel from the City Attorney. He
suggested a closed session in order to give Frances Kay an opportunity to explain the situation and to possibly
resign. Frances Kay did not want a closed session. She felt that it was public knowledge and did not mind
discussing it in the open. David Postle made a motion not to go into Executive Session to discuss personnel.
Tyler Marion seconded. Vote was unanimous.
Danny Hill wanted the record to show that Frances Kay has revealed that there was a clerical error in the court
system and that the issue had been resolved. Tyler Marion motioned to close the discussion concerning Frances
Kay with no recommendation. David Postle seconded. Vote was unanimous.
Minutes:
Tyler Marion motioned for the minutes of the May 24, 2010 meeting be approved. Frances Kay Strickland
seconded. Minutes were approved unanimously.
Discuss Letter addressing City Council dated May 4, 2009 / Request a text Amendment to Current Ethics
Ordinance:
The letter addressed a section in the Ethics Ordinance (Article B Section 4-4) that states “Council may remove a
member at anytime at will with or without cause.” The Ethics Commission at that time requested that the
Council amend that section to state “Council may remove a member at anytime for cause.” The reasoning
behind the amendment was due to the fact that if the Ethics Commission had a complaint against a Council
member they should not be in a position fearing removal if a recommendation was in favor of the complainant.
The former Council did not act on this and it was the recommendation of the Chair to make another formal
request for a text amendment to the current Ethics Ordinance, 21-2008, Article B Section 4-4 concerning the
removal of a commission member for cause.
Tyler Marion made a motion to request a text amendment to 21-2008, Article B Section 4-4 concerning the
removal of a commission member for cause. David Postle seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
Review the Ethics Commission responsibilities as they relate to City Employees :
The Ethics Commission has no responsibilities when it relates to City Employees. The Ethics Ordinance states
that this is for city officials. Definition of a city official shall be any person who is an elected official of the
City of Tybee Island and any one appointed by the Mayor and Council of the City to any board, commission,
authority, or position of the City.
Review Letter to be sent to the Mayor and Council as a result of the last meeting (May 24th):
Ross recommended sending a letter to the Mayor and Council that they have our recommendation and they can
refer to it later if anything is brought up. Danny and Marion will construct two letters, one as an inter-office
memo recommendation and the other (the text amendment) to be placed on the agenda for the June 24th
meeting.
Discuss moving Ethics Commission Quarterly Meetings to Monday’s for the next two meetings:
David Postle motioned to move the quarterly meetings to Monday, Sept 13th and December 13th. Ross
seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
Quarterly Meetings as follows:
Monday, September 13th, 5:00 pm, TEMA Room (Room 7 in Old School)
Monday, December 13th, 5:00 pm, City Hall Auditorium
Old Business:
Ross Howard brought up the fact that the Ethics Commission was asked to re-write and combine the previous
ordinance with the current ordinance. It was discussed that the main issue was the $500 recusal and this has
already been resolved. It was further discussed to keep the current document and amend it when it becomes
necessary.
New Business:
David Postle commented on a parking problem at the new Topsail Restaurant. This was discussed and it was
felt by the Commission to be an enforcement or a better business bureau issue not an ethical issue.
Tyler Marion discussed doing an Ethics Commission photograph. David Postle suggested that the Commission
do a personal drive in the community to fill the vacancies on the Commission and take the photograph as a
celebratory action.
Frances Kay Strickland was congratulated for publicly announcing at the Council meeting that the Commission
had three vacancies.
The Ethics Commission reviewed action to be completed in the upcoming weeks including the budgeted items
requested by the Ethics Commission.
Adjournment:
David Postle motioned to adjourned. Frances Kay Strickland seconded. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned.
06/21/2010je