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<br />City Council Study Session <br />Monday, March 19,2007 <br />Page 3 <br /> <br />Councilmember Ihlan opined that the Ethics Commission should provide in- <br />put in selecting speakers and/or topics for seminars or educational opportu- <br />nities for the City Council and staff; in addition to providing for an annual <br />review of the Code of Ethics, providing for a degree of independence in their <br />review and making recommendations to the City Council. Councilmember <br />Ihlan noted that, while the reinstatement of the Ethics Commission had been <br />a unanimous City Council vote, the input as to make up and operating pro- <br />cedures was not unanimous; and she was supportive of an annual review of <br />the Code. <br /> <br />Further discussion included past operating procedures and their availability; <br />additional background information; whether or not to have a procedure; and <br />whether the Commission should participate in training, with or without con- <br />straints. <br /> <br />Mayor Klausing recognized the value of citizen advisory commissions and <br />their varying perspectives and areas of expertise. <br /> <br />Commissioner Pederson addressed details related to procedures for handling <br />complaints; and the preference for creating an explicit procedure that was <br />available prior to receipt of complaints. <br /> <br />Discussion included whether the City Councilor Ethics Commission should <br />create such a procedure; and preferences for being proactive. <br /> <br />Mayor Klausing cautioned the need to consider potential legal issues or legal <br />liability for the City and the need to involve the City Manager and/or City <br />Attorney in the initial conversations prior to making a commitment and in an <br />effort to remain consistent in advisory opinions. <br /> <br />Commissioner Pederson clarified that the Ethics Commission was not envi- <br />sioning providing an opinion, but looking to the City Council for authority <br />to explore the issue and create a procedure with the City Attorney. <br /> <br />Councilmember Ihlan opined her support of being proactive; and cited the <br />City of Minneapolis' Ethics Code and their procedure as a good example. <br /> <br />Further discussion included the Ethics Commission providing a portion at <br />the beginning of their meetings for public comment, within reason and sub- <br />