HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes2008-042Sponsored by: Oates
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2008-042
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, ESTABLISHING LOCAL FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
GUIDELINES FOR APPOINTED AND ELECTED OFFICIALS AND
APPROVING THE CITY OF SEWARD FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
FORM UPON VOTER APPROVAL AND PASSAGE OF PROPOSITION
#1 AT THE OCTOBER 7, 2008 MUNICIPAL ELECTION
WHEREAS, the Alaska Legislature has statutory provisions relating to the disclosure
and reporting of financial and business interests of public officials, which includes municipal
elected and appointed officials; and
WHEREAS, the new requirements have become too intrusive and unreasonable, which
has created a hardship for keeping and recruiting municipal elected and appointed officials in our
community; and
WHEREAS, appointed and elected officials will be defined as; the city manager,
candidates and seated Mayor and City Council members and Seward Planning & Zoning
C'on~missioners; and
WHEREAS, those statutory provisions are applicable to municipal officers unless a
majority of the voters at a general election, approve an ordinance exempting its municipal
officers from the requirements of the state provisions; and
WHEREAS, the City Council believes in the public's right to know the financial and
business interests of the persons who seek and hold public office, and desires to establish
adequate local provisions relating to disclosure of business and financial interests and conflicts of
interest; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has established a financial disclosure form for Seward
which basically adopts the requirements of the State Public Officials 2007 form; and
WHEREAS, passage of the new City of Seward's financial disclosure form continues to
assure public access, accountability, and continue the public trust by requiring officials in their
official acts to disclose private or business interests; and
WHEREAS, this change would still protect the public from the influence of undisclosed
private or business interests, permit public access to information necessary to judge the
credentials and performance of those who seek and hold public office, while allowing certain
rights of privacy for our citizens seeking to hold public office.
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2008-042
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, that:
Section 1. The City Council approves the financial disclosure form presented at this
meeting, and adopts it as the City of Seward's financial disclosure form.
Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon passage of Proposition #1,
at the Municipal election held October 7, 2008, exempting the City of Seward from the
requirements of Chapter 39.50 of the Alaska Statutes.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska, this
12th day of May, 2008.
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
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Willard Dunham, Vice Mayor
AYES: Valdatta, Bardarson, Kellar, Dunham
NOES: None
ABSENT: Amberg, Smith, Corbridge
ABSTAIN: None
ATTEST:
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Je Lewis
Ci Clerk, C ~~~~~~ru~i~~
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Council Agenda Statement
Meeting Date: May 12, 2008
To: Mayor Corbridge, City Council
From: Jean Lewis, City Clerk
Agenda Item: City of Seward Financial Disclosure Form
Acceptance
BACKGROUND & JUSTIFICATION:
The City of Seward has heard from many citizens that they would not run for public office because
of the intrusiveness of the new requirements of the Alaska Public Official Commission's (APOC)
Financial Disclosure laws. Upon research, it became noticed that municipalities could opt out or be
exempt from this law (AS39.50) if they received voter approval from their communities. Further
research showed over half of the municipalities around the state had already exempted themselves
from these state provisions. "Appointed and elected officials" will include; the city manager,
candidates and seated Mayor and City Council positions and Seward Planning & Zoning
Commissioners.
The City Council voted unanimously to put anon-code ordinance on the ballot for the October 7,
2008 municipal election for voter approval, exempting the City of Seward from the state
requirements in AS39.50.
The City Council also voiced concern that Seward adopt its own form that would meet the intent
listed below.
For your approval is a modified 2007Alaska Public Official Commission form, that basically adopts
the old form prior to the most recent changes. The items changed are:
^ Kept the 2007 APOC $5000 limit instead of the new $ l 0001imit.
^ Took out all references to the APOC manual.
^ Added a footer which was adopted from the new 2008 APOC forms.
^ Took out where it referred to each individual year, and put the words "the preceding calendar
year" to save time and money in annual form changes.
^ Added records retention language
^ Added words notifying the public this only exempted Seward from the state disclosure laws,
not the state campaign laws.
INTENT: To establish financial disclosure guidelines that continue to protect the public from the
influence of undisclosed private and business interests, provide public access to information
necessary to judge the credentials of those seeking to hold public office, assure accountability and
continue the public trust, while still allowing for certain rights of privacy for citizens wishing to seek
public office.
CONSISTENCY CHECKLIST: Where applicable, this resolution/ordinance is consistent with the
Seward City Code, Charter, Comprehensive Plans, Land Use Plans, Strategic Plan and City Council
Rules of Procedures.
.A r.
Other:
FISCAL NOTE:
Approved by Finance Department:
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve Resolution 2008-042, which adopts the City of Seward's own financial disclosure form.
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