(a) There is hereby created a Board of Ethics, consisting of three members appointed by the Mayor. The members of such Board shall serve without compensation for six-year terms, except that of the original appointments, one shall be for a term expiring December 31, 1975, one for a term expiring December 31, 1977, and one for a term expiring December 31, 1979.
(b) The Board shall have the following functions, powers and duties:
(1) The Board shall receive, and may initiate, complaints against elected or appointed members of Council, the Mayor, other officers or employees of the City and members of any board or commission of the City concerning conduct alleged to be in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter or any law or ordinance which establishes ethical standards for such officers or employees of the City or members of any board or commission of the City. The Board shall investigate each complaint and for this purpose may subpoena witnesses, administer oaths and require production of evidence. No person shall fail or refuse to obey a lawful order issued in the exercise of these powers. Whoever violates this provision shall be fined not less than one hundred dollars ($100.00) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) or imprisoned not more than six months, or both. The Board may conduct either formal or informal hearings and it may close any hearing to the public. It may declare any matter it deems appropriate to be confidential. Complaints shall be in writing, should state facts supporting any allegation, and may suggest matters to be probed by the Board in the course of its investigation. At the conclusion of its investigation it shall render a report to the Mayor, Council and the Law Director. Such report shall contain a summary of the Board's findings and its recommendation as to the disposition of the matter in question.
(2) Upon the written request of any member of Council, any officer or employee of the city or any member of any board or commission of the City, or whenever it deems it advisable, the Board may render advisory opinions with regard to questions concerning ethics or conflicts of interest.
(Ord. 34-2017. Passed 9-12-17.)