10.29.2024 Ethics Review MinutesTown of Trophy Ethics Review Commission Meeting Minutes
October 29, 2024, 6:00 p.m., Regular Meeting
1 Trophy Wood Drive, Trophy Club, Texas 76262
CALL TO ORDER
Town Secretary Dixon called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.
ETHICS REVIEW COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT
Jennifer Olson
Amy Mancuso (left at 6:12 p.m.)
Julie Edwards
Jackie Ross
Mindi Bone
Lisa DeLong, Alternate
Victoria Heguy, Alternate
The alternates participated in the training but did not participate in any action items.
STAFF PRESENT
Brandon Wright, Town Manager
Tammy Dixon, Town Secretary
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were none.
REGULAR ITEMS
1. Introduction of Members.
The members introduced themselves to each other and provided a brief background on
themselves.
The Commission proceeded to item 3.
3. Consider the election of Chair and Vice Chair.
Commissioner Olson moved to elect Jackie Ross as Chair. Commissioner Edwards
seconded the motion.
VOTE ON THE MOTION
AYES: Olson, Mancuso, Edwards, Ross, Bone
NAYES: None
VOTE: 5-0
ERC Meeting Minutes — October 29, 2024
Page 2
Commissioner Edwards moved to elect Jennifer Olson as Vice Chair. Commissioner
Mancuso seconded the motion.
VOTE ON THE MOTION
AYES: Olson, Mancuso, Edwards, Ross, Bone
NAYES: None
VOTE: 5-0
2. Overview of the Ethics Commission and General Board Training.
Town Manager Wright presented an overview of the Ethics Review Commission
highlighting the following:
on:
• Purpose of the Ethics Review Commission
• Commission Structure
• Terms of Office
• Election of Chair and Vice Chair
• Meeting Requirements
• Advisory Opinions
• Legal Counsel and Jurisdiction
• Code of Ethics and Conduct
Town Manager Wright also provided general board training, which included information
• Roles and Responsibilities
• Meetings and Agendas
• Parliamentary Procedures
• Attendance Requirements
• Conflict of Interest Policies
• External Training Opportunities
• Use of Town Email
• Boards and Commissions Manual
4. Conduct annual review of ethics regulations and consider recommendations, if any.
Town Manager Wright reviewed the ethics regulations ordinance with the Commission.
The Commissioners highlighted the following items for review:
• False Complaints: Members raised concerns over whether individuals filing
complaints, even if baseless, should face retaliation or potential charges. They
suggested criteria to distinguish between intentionally vexatious complaints and
others.
ERC Meeting Minutes — October 29, 2024
Page 3
• Complaint Process & Transparency: Concerns were expressed about public
perception and reputational harm in cases where preliminary findings later deem
complaints baseless. A review of criteria and processes for publicizing complaint
details at the preliminary stage was recommended.
• Timelines and Deadlines: Complaints must be filed within one year of the alleged
event. The Commission discussed options for extending filing timelines under "special
circumstances" to allow flexibility in certain cases.
• Financial Conflicts of Interest: Members questioned the handling of scholarships or
gifts from nonprofit organizations and whether they pose potential conflicts of
interest. They recommended clarifying and potentially refining guidelines regarding
financial benefits received from nonprofit entities.
• Intentional Violations & Accountability: Definitions of "intentionally" or "knowingly"
committing a violation raised concerns. Members noted that lack of intent can
sometimes be used as an excuse and recommended reviewing and clarifying these
definitions in the ordinance to address possible misuse.
• Employee Complaint Pathway: Unlike other organizations, the town's ordinance
allows employee complaints to be handled externally through a volunteer board. The
Commission suggested reviewing this process to ensure it aligns with HR standards
and supports employee confidentiality and resolution efficiency.
ADOURN
Chair Ross adjourned the meeting at 7:43 p.m.
Jacki R ,Chair
ATTEST:
Town Secretary