Concerns raised over possible conflicts of interest
Santa Monica’s 16 boards and commissions are about to get a lesson in ethics and the law.
The Santa Monica City Council called a special meeting for tonight at 5:30 p.m. to discuss what it’s various boards and commissions should be doing, the best ways to work with city staff and how the all-volunteer members should behave.
At the meeting, which is mandatory for the chairs of every commission and board, city attorney Marsha Moutrie will give instructions about the specifics of California’s open public meetings laws, when closed sessions can be held, and what members should do if there is a conflict of interest.
Issues of closed meetings and conflicts of interest have been closely scrutinized by members of the public recently in regard to meetings held by some commissions, including the Landmarks Commission and the Pier Restoration Corporation.
“People are beginning to become concerned about some boards and commissions,” said Councilman Herb Katz. “Some citizens are concerned that some chairs aren’t exactly doing what they should.”
“Some citizens are concerned that some chairs aren’t exactly doing what they should.” — — HERB KATZ Santa Monica City Councilman
Holding meetings with the cast of every board and commission are rare, council members said, but necessary at this time.
“We need to connect with all the commissions and boards on how they can get information and advice to the city council,” said Mayor Pro Tem Kevin McKeown.
McKeown said concerns had been raised over local architects on volunteer commissions ruling on each other’s work. Those decisions could prove profitable to their peers and could be considered a conflict of interest.
“But that’s the nature of having volunteers make important decisions about what happens in your community,” he said. “If you are a part of a community and you serve on one of these commissions you’re bound to have a conflict at sometime.”
Katz, a local architect, said that when such conflicts arise, there is one thing to do.
“You leave the room,” he said. “It’s just that simple.” Another concern is the role of council members serving as liaisons to the boards and commissions.
While McKeown said council members attending meetings of boards and commissions should be there to offer advice and information only, some chairs have accused a few council members of actively participating in discussions and debate.
“They should just be there for informational purposes and in a completely advisory in nature,” said Planning Board Chair Kelly Olsen.
However, chairs of commissions that are less judicial in nature and rarely make decisions on public policy said they are looking forward to learning more about their roles.
“I’m viewing it as an educational opportunity to find out what the chairs, vice-chairs and reps are supposed to be doing,” said Todd Cleary, airport commission chair. “For me it’s an informational item really.”
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on April 16, 2002. Read the original PDF.