(A) Generally. There is hereby created a commission to be known as the Ethics Commission of the village. The Commission shall be comprised of three members appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Board of Trustees. No person shall be appointed as a member of the Commission who is related, either by blood or by marriage up to the degree of first cousin, to any elected officer of the village.
(B) Terms of office, officers and meetings. At the first meeting of the Commission, the initial appointees shall draw lots to determine their initial terms. Two Commissioners shall serve two-year terms and the third Commissioner shall serve a one-year term. Thereafter, all Commissioners shall be appointed to two-year terms. Commissioners may be reappointed to serve subsequent terms. At the first meeting of the Commission, the Commissioners shall choose a chairperson from their number. Meetings shall be held at the call of the Chairperson or any two Commissioners. A quorum shall consist of two Commissioners, and official action by the Commission shall require the affirmative vote of two members.
(C) Removal. The President, with the advice and consent of the Board of Trustees, may remove a Commissioner in case of incompetency, neglect of duty or malfeasance in office after service on the Commissioner by certified mail, return receipt requested, of a copy of the written charges against the Commissioner and after providing an opportunity to be heard in person or by counsel upon not less than ten days’ notice. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as original appointments.
(D) Powers and duties. The Commission shall have the following powers and duties:
(1) To promulgate procedures and rules governing the performance of its duties and the exercise of its powers;
(2) Upon receipt of a signed, notarized, written complaint, to investigate, conduct hearings and deliberations, issue recommendations for disciplinary actions and impose fines in accordance with § 36.99 of this chapter. The Commission shall, however, act only upon the receipt of a written complaint alleging a violation of this chapter and not upon its own prerogative;
(3) To receive information from the public pertaining to its investigations and to require additional information and documents from persons who may have violated the provisions of this chapter;
(4) To compel the attendance of witnesses and to compel the production of books and papers pertinent to an investigation. It is the obligation of all officers and employees of the village to cooperate with the Commission during the course of its investigations. Failure or refusal to cooperate with requests by the Commission shall constitute grounds for discipline or discharge; and
(5) The powers and duties of the Commission are limited to matters clearly within the purview of this chapter.
(Ord. 04-13, passed 5-25-2004)