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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, May 18, 2009 Page 9 Ms. Pederson reviewed the annual training seminar, per Ethics Code, for new public officials, as well as inviting others. Ms. Pederson noted that, at the last joint meeting of the Commission and City Council, there had been discussion as to whether the annual training be made mandatory for all elected and appointed officials, as well as staff; however, Ms. Pederson advised that, after review and exploration by the Commission, they were recommending to the City Council that the training not be mandatory. Ms. Pederson advised that the last two years of training had been well-attended; that the training had been video-taped and made available to any interested parties and those unable to attend in person; and that new public officials received an orientation packet, compiled by the City's Ad- ministration office that included a DVD of the training session, as well as all other Ethics materials. Ms. Pederson opined that the Commission had concluded that the current system should suffice without making the training mandatory. Ms. Pederson advised that this year's training, currently under discussion with the City Manager, would again use the City Attorney's office to provide that training. Ms. Pederson recognized City Attorney Anderson for providing the training for the last two sessions; and extended the Commission's appreciation for the excel- lent nature of that training. Ms. Pederson noted that this was part of the City At- torney's retainer to provide this training, allowing for no additional cost to the City. Ms. Pederson advised that this year's training was scheduled for November 2009, with rationale to provide training immediately prior to Christmas and the gift-giving season; and noted that, while City Attorney Anderson had provided excellent training the last two years, the Commission had requested another attor- ney from their firm for this year's training in order to allow for a fresh perspective to those having attended previously. Discussion among Councilmembers and Commissioners included whether it would be advantageous for the annual training to remain as one large group or whether to break into smaller groups allowing attendees to speak more freely in a smaller and less intimidating group; the value of the training. Ms. Pederson provided an update on the Advisory Ethics Opinion procedures re- cently implemented, as per City Council approval in 2008; and the value of the process to-date. Ms. Pederson advised that the Commission had provided one formal opinion and three informal opinions to-date; and were pleased that the process had been useful and well-received. Ms. Pederson advised that the formal opinions were published as part of the Commission's meeting minutes, and avail- able on the City of Roseville website for public access and for reference. Ms. Pe- derson advised that as more opinions became available, the Commission would like to provide a reference library on the City's website for easy access. Mayor Klausing sought assurance that the identity of those requesting opinions remained confidential.