BOARD MEETING DATE: December 3, 2004
AGENDA NO. 18

Amend AQMD Conflict of Interest Code

SYNOPSIS:

The Political Reform Act requires the AQMD to review its Conflict of Interest Code biennially and submit notice to the Board regarding its accuracy or the need to amend to reflect the addition, reclassification, renaming, or deletion of designated positions. As a result of personnel changes during the past two years, the Code must now be amended. Individuals holding designated positions are required to disclose certain investments, income, interests in real property, business entities and business positions and also may have to disqualify themselves from making or participating in the making of governmental decisions affecting those interests.

COMMITTEE:

Not Applicable.

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Approve amendments to the District’s Conflict of Interest Code as reflected in the Attachments; and direct the Executive Officer to forward the revised Code and any other necessary documentation to the Fair Political Practices Commission for its review and approval.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

The District’s Conflict of Interest Code must be amended to add new classification designations. Individuals holding specified positions are required to disclose certain investments, income, interests in real property, business entities and business positions. These individuals must also comply with the conflict of interest provisions of the Political Reform Act, and thus may have to disqualify themselves from making or participating in governmental decisions affecting those interests.

As a result of changes in District positions over the past two years, the Conflict of Interest Code must now be amended to reflect the addition of the classifications of Public Affairs Manager, Senior Public Affairs Manager and Staff Specialist as employees who must file Statements of Economic Interest under the Code. In addition, the disclosure categories in the Code are being updated. The substantive requirements of the Conflict of Interest Code remain unchanged.

Before the District may amend its Code, the Fair Political Practices Commission requires that individuals whose positions will be subject to its requirement be afforded a written comment period or a public hearing. Accordingly, a 45-day written comment period was provided to give interested individuals an opportunity to discuss the proposed amendments to the Code.

Attachments

Conflict of Interest Code for the AQMD
Attachment A (Clean/Strike-Out)
Attachment B

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