WASHINGTON STATE

EXECUTIVE ETHICS BOARD

2425 Bristol Court SW– Conference Room 148 – Olympia, WA

January 11, 2013

Regular Meeting Minutes

A. Preliminary Business

1. Roll Call

The regular meeting of the Washington State Executive Ethics Board (Board) was called to order by Chair Lisa Marsh at 9:00 a.m. In attendance were Vice Chair Anna Dudek Ross and Members Matthew Williams, Michael Bahn and Samantha Simmons. Board staff in attendance included: Executive Director Melanie de Leon, Assistant Attorney General Bruce Turcott, Investigator David Killeen and Administrative Officer Ruthann Bryant.

2. Approval of Agenda

Melanie de Leon noted that the agenda had been revised to add an additional Stipulation.

Motion 13-001 Moved by Vice Chair Dudek Ross, seconded by Member Williams:

The Board approves the January 11, 2013 agenda as amended.

The motion passed unanimously.

3. Approval of the November 9, 2012 Meeting Minutes

Motion 13-002 Moved by Member Williams, seconded by Member Bahn:

The Board approves the November 9, 2012 minutes as presented.

The motion passed unanimously.

B. Enforcement Matters

Stipulations

EEB Case No. 2010-031 (Meinzer)

Melanie de Leon briefed the Board on a proposed stipulation and order in the matter of Ray Meinzer. Mr. Meinzer agreed that he may have violated RCW 42.52.160 when he used the state parking garage to store two of his personal vehicles. The stipulation proposes a penalty of $4,000 with $2,000 suspended.

Member Simmons recused herself from any action relating to EEB Case No. 2012-031 Ray Meinzer.

EEB Case No. 2012-060 (Steele)

Ms. de Leon also briefed the Board on the proposed stipulation and order in the matter of Cheryl Steele. Ms. Steele agreed that she may have violated RCW 42.52.160 for using state resources to send/receive emails to the Spokane City Council in support of local private businesses. The stipulation proposes a penalty of $100 and a Letter of Instruction.

EEB Case No. 2012-061 (Salzer)

Ms. de Leon also briefed the Board on the proposed stipulation and order in the matter of Tara Salzer. Ms. Salzer agreed that she may have violated RCW 42.52.160 when she used state resources to send/receive emails in support of at least two outside, non-profit organizations. The stipulation proposes a penalty of $100 and a Letter of Instruction.

Executive Director Dismissal

EEB Case 2012-070 (Lake)

Melanie de Leon briefly summarized an Executive Director dismissal.

The Board requested a review of the Executive Director’s dismissal in EEB Case 2012-070 Robin Lake.

C. Policy Reviews

Melanie de Leon reported on six policies submitted by the Department of Revenue for Board review and approval.

Motion 13-003 Moved by Vice Chair Dudek Ross, seconded by Member Williams:

The Board approves the following Department of Revenue policies:

· Conflict of Interest and Ethics in Public Service

· Fundraising

· Outside Employment

· Political Activity

· Use of Electronic Media

· Use of State Equipment and Facilities

The motion passed unanimously.

D. Legislation

Ms. de Leon summarized Legislation that may have an impact on 42.52 RCW and added that she will attend hearings as they arise.

E. Staff Reports

1. Executive Director’s Report

Melanie de Leon updated the Board on the 2012 Legislative Report and Annual Report and noted that they will be completed by the end of January.

2. AAG Report

No AAG report was given.

3. Other Staff Reports

No other staff reports were given.

F. Public Comment/Board Member Comment

Lynn Hendrickson with the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals, commented that new agency heads would benefit from a meeting with Melanie de Leon to learn about the Ethics in Public Service Act.

G. Executive/Closed Session

At 9:35 a.m. the Board moved into Executive Session, immediately followed by Closed Session to deliberate on quasi-judicial matters.

At 10:25 a.m. the Board returned to regular session and reported the following:

Motion 13-004 Moved by Vice Chair Dudek Ross, seconded by Member Williams:

The Board approves the Stipulated Facts, Conclusions and Order in EEB Case #2012-031, Ray Meinzer as presented.

Voting for: Chair Marsh, Vice Chair Dudek Ross and Members Bahn and Williams.

Not Voting: Member Simmons.

The motion passed.

Motion 13-005 Moved by Vice Chair Dudek Ross, seconded by Member Bahn:

The Board approves the Stipulated Facts, Conclusions and Order in EEB Case #2012-060, Cheryl Steele as presented.

The motion passed unanimously.

Motion 13-006 Moved by Member Williams, seconded by Member Bahn:

The Board approves the Stipulated Facts, Conclusions and Orders in EEB Case #2012-061, Tara Salzer as presented.

The motion passed unanimously.

Motion 13-007 Moved by Vice Chair Dudek Ross, seconded by Member Bahn:

The Board finds Reasonable Cause in EEB Case #2012-037, Dennis Buss.

Voting for: Chair Marsh, Vice Chair Dudek Ross and Members Bahn and Williams.

Not Voting: Member Simmons.

The motion passed.

Motion 13-008 Moved by Vice Chair Dudek Ross, seconded by Member Bahn:

The Board finds Reasonable Cause in the following:

EEB Case #2012-048, Shelly Glenn

EEB Case #2012-049, Lori Gifford

EEB Case #2012-053, John Goss

EEB Case #2012-054, Danielle Alys Rutyne

EEB Case #2012-056, William Gardiner

EEB Case #2012-058, Jenna Hyatt

The motion passed unanimously.

H. Miscellaneous Matters/Adjournment

There being no miscellaneous matters, the meeting was adjourned at 10:30 a.m.

Approved by the Board 3/8/13