The Executive Ethics Board convened in Regular Session at 1:00 p.m., in the Lee Ann Miller AGO Conference Center, Building 1, Rowe Six, Lacey, Washington.

1. PRELIMINARY BUSINESS

Chair Rohret, Board Members Gillie and Lim were present. Also present were Executive Secretary Meg Grimaldi and Counsel William B. Collins. Vice Chair Basu had an excused absence.

Chair Rohret asked if there were any changes to the agenda. Ms. Grimaldi stated that the Board had received a request to defer consideration of item 2b., and that the Department of Natural Resources had agreed to the request. Chair Rohret asked for a motion to approve the agenda as amended. Board Member Lim so moved. Board Member Gillie seconded the motion and the Board unanimously approved the agenda.

Ms. Lim moved to approve the minutes as written. Mr. Gillie seconded the motion and the Board unanimously approved.

2. ADVISORY OPINION. Ms. Grimaldi briefed the Board on a draft opinion relating to the installation of a personal line on a state-issued cellular phone. Ms. Rohret suggested that the opinion should clarify that it would not be a violation of the state's ethics law if a state officer or state employee installed a state line on a personal cellular phone. Ms. Lim noted that the draft opinion provided an option for agencies with unique needs to submit reimbursement policies to the Board for approval. Ms. Grimaldi suggested that the words ". . . insufficient to warrant a broad-based exception for the personal use of state-owned equipment" be replaced by "may be resolved by installing a state line on a personal cell phone." Ms. Rohret asked for a motion to approve the opinion with the revised language. Ms. Lim so moved. Mr. Gillie seconded and the Board unanimously approved the opinion with revisions.

3. CONTRACT REVIEW. Ms. Grimaldi briefed the Board on a request from Jeff Cederholm, Department of Natural Resources, to provide watershed/salmon ecology classes for the Washington Conservation Corps through contracts with the Department of Ecology and the Employment Security Department. Mr. Lenny Young, Division Manager, DNR Business Systems and Support, and Ms. Gretchen Nicholas, Division Director, discussed Mr. Cederholm's job responsibilities and provided an opinion that watershed/salmon ecology classes could be offered under an interagency agreement. Mr. Gillie commented that most ethics issues or questions resulting from outside employment with other state agencies would be resolved if services were provided through interagency agreements instead of personal services contracts. Ms. Lim asked Ms. Grimaldi if she could get more information about how the contracts were acquired. The Board agreed to defer consideration until its next meeting on April 14, 2000.

4. ATTORNEY GENERAL REQUEST FOR CIVIL ACTION. Ms. Grimaldi reviewed the Attorney General's request for civil action in the case of Washington State School for the Blind v. Craig A. Meador, et al. Discussion followed. Mr. Gillie moved to deny the request. Ms. Lim seconded, and the Board unanimously approved.

STAFF REPORT. Board members. Ms. Grimaldi announced the appointment of two new board members, Mr. James Vache, Professor of Law at Gonzaga University, to replace Mr. Gillie, and Ms. Laquita Fields, a curriculum adviser at Highline Community College. Ms. Grimaldi asked for permission to plan a reception in honor of Mr. Gillie's service in advance of the April 14 meeting, and the Board members concurred. HB 2449. Ms. Grimaldi informed the Board that HB 2449 had passed the house and senate and was before the Governor for signature. The bill would allow for administrative dismissals of minor ethics complaints that had been cured. Retreat. Ms. Grimaldi recommended that discussion of a retreat be tabled pending Ms. Basu's return to meetings. Board members agreed. Staff support. Mr. Collins noted that the Attorney General's Office had approved a Human Resources Consultant I position for the Board.

PUBLIC/BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS. None.

EXECUTIVE SESSION. The Chair called the Board into executive session at 2:50 p.m. The regular meeting resumed at 3:30 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT. The public meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m.

Approved by the Executive Ethics Board on April 14, 2000.

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MARGARET A. GRIMALDI, Executive Secretary

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