(A) The Board of Ethics shall, on the written request of any official, candidate, nominee or employee coming under the Code of Ethics, render advisory opinions concerning the provisions of this chapter. The Board may at its discretion publish its advisory opinion with such deletions as may be necessary to prevent disclosure of the individual or individuals involved or concerned.
(B) The Board shall receive, hear and investigate complaints concerning violations of this chapter. In any instance in which the Board of Ethics finds that a violation of this chapter exists, the Board may impose a civil penalty of not more than $500 per violation. Any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall also be liable to the city for any expense, loss or damage occasioned by the city by reason of such violation. In hearing and investigating complaints concerning violations of this chapter, the Board shall have the power to subpoena witnesses, administer oaths, take testimony and require other production of evidence.
(C) All hearings of the Board of Ethics shall be public, unless the members vote to go into executive session in accordance with KRS 61.810.
(D) Any person who fails or refuses to obey a lawful order issued in the exercise of these powers by the Board of Ethics shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.
(E) Decisions of the Board of Ethics regarding violations shall be appealable to the circuit court.
(Ord. 94-14, passed 12-19-94)