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the minutes of June 26 should reflect the distinction between a tier one group and tier two group for those interviews. Ms. Pease opened the meeting by responding to a letter sent by the respondent’s legal counsel. Ms. Pease shared with the commission that she had received a letter from the complainant on June 22, 2001; and she brought it to City Hall for copying on Monday for the Tuesday morning Ethics Commission on June 26, 2001, for the commissioners. Ms. Pease asked that Mr. Battis provide any comments to address the question of any conflict of interest he may have related to the March 26, 2001, ethics violation claim. Mr. Battis stated that he previously addressed the City Council on the matter of the Cub Foods development at Har Mar Mall as a citizen and did not represent any other citizens in a legal capacity related to the matter. Mr. Battis went on to raise his concern of the receipt of such information at the meeting. Mr. Battis stated he did not have a conflict of interest. Ms. Pease noted that if Mr. Battis could have brought his involvement forward at the time that the ethics violation claim was brought to the attention of the commission it might not have been an issue. Mr. Battis indicated that his involvement with the matter was on the public record. The commission went on to clarify that the commission understands that Mr. Lambert filed the March 26, 2001 complaint and he is the complainant of record. Any issues related to how Mr. Lambert secured his information are not an issue the Ethics Commission will address. Ms. Pease requested that the commissioners review the materials distributed by staff listing several firms that provide investigation services. Ms. Pease asked for commissioner comments. Mr. Ring indicated that in the interest of full disclosure he worked with Kevin Lindsey, one of the firms provided, for approximately six years, while Mr. Ring and Lindsey worked at the law firm of Oppenheimer, Wolff and Donnelly. Mr. Battis asked Mr. Jamnik if the commission could request that the City Manager sign off on such a contract or if it required City Council action. Mr. Jamnik indicated that he needed to check on that and get back to the commission. Mr. Jamnik stated, however, following the commission’s recommendation, the matter will be taken care of promptly. Mr. Battis stated that he also wanted the record to reflect he was a practicing attorney. Ms. Pease stated that Mr. Lindsey had the most reasonable price per hour; and because he came to the commission with a recommendation, she was comfortable with moving forward with engaging his services. Mr. Battis asked Mr. Jamnik if the cost of the investigation exceeds the current Ethics Commission budget would a request for additional funds require City Council action. 4