§ 3-21. Service.

(a)

The members of the board of ethics shall serve without compensation. The city council shall provide meeting space for the board of ethics and, subject to budgetary procedures and requirements of the city, such supplies and equipment as may be reasonably necessary for the board to perform its duties and responsibilities.

(b)

Upon appointment, members of the board of ethics shall sign an affidavit attesting to their qualification to serve as a member of the board of ethics.

(c)

The board of ethics shall:

(1)

Elect a chair by majority vote of the serving members. Each chair will serve a one-year term as chair and shall be eligible to serve as chair in successive years.

(2)

Elect a vice-chair to preside in the absence of the chair. The vice-chair will serve a one-year term as vice-chair and shall be eligible to serve as vice-chair in successive years.

(3)

Elect a secretary to provide administrative assistance to the board.

(4)

Hold meetings at city hall as necessary to conduct its business. All meetings of the board shall be conducted as required by the Georgia Open Meetings Act.

(5)

Conduct its business only with a quorum. A majority opinion of the members sitting at any hearing shall govern as to decisions of the board. In no event shall a decision of the board be voted upon by fewer than three members.

(6)

Be free to contract for the services of a competent court reporter to take down statements, testimony and discussions at its meeting or to use in lieu thereof a competent person adept at shorthand reporting and/or mechanical transcribing devices, whichever method is from time to time desired by the board, such services to be paid for by the city.

(7)

Be free to request the services of legal counsel for advice in conducting its duties as a board. Upon request of the board of ethics, the city attorney, or any attorney representing the city attorney's office, or in the event of a conflict, any attorney who shall be selected by a majority of the board and who will provide pro bono services to the board, shall advise the board of ethics.

(8)

Maintain all records in the clerk's office which shall be subject to the Georgia Open Records Act.

(9)

Report, as appropriate, suspected ethical and criminal violations to state or federal law enforcement agencies.

(10)

Conduct meetings in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order.

(11)

Conduct hearings in a manner that affords due process and allows for the introduction of evidence. The formal rules of evidence shall not apply.

(d)

The board shall have the authority to investigate any alleged violation of the code of ethics that has occurred within 12 months as follows:

(1)

Upon a sworn written complaint by any person in a form prescribed by the board; or

(2)

Upon the determination by a majority of the board that any matter should be investigated.

( Ord. No. 12-2016 , § 1, 7-11-16; Ord. No. 1 [2017] , § 1, 8-4-17)