WASHINGTON STATE

EXECUTIVE ETHICS BOARD

Lacey Community Center – Woodland Creek Community Park – 6729 Pacific Ave SE – Lacey

July 14, 2006

Board Retreat

Roll Call

The retreat of the Washington State Executive Ethics Board (EEB) was called to order by Chair Trish Akana at 9:04 a.m. Also present was Vice Chair Evelyn Yenson and Members Paul Zellinsky, Judy Golberg and Neil Gorrell. Board staff in attendance included: Executive Director Susan Harris, Senior Assistant Attorney General Nancy Krier, Assistant Attorney General Mike Tribble, Administrative Officer Ruthann Bryant and Investigators Nancy Lewin and Sue Jones.

A. Discussion of Meetings and Hearings

Susan Harris discussed board meeting procedures, how meetings are conducted and the roles of members and staff. Nancy Krier further discussed issues that face small staff regarding hearings and their role in the process. The Board requested staff research similar boards and how they conduct hearings and the matter will be discussed at a future meeting.

Ms. Krier also summarized the role of an Administrative Law Judge, when to have the chair preside over a hearing and the process of deliberation and drafting of the final order.

B. Review and Update of 2005/2006 Strategic Plan

The Board members and staff devoted two and a half hours to revising the agency’s strategic plan. The planning session focused on progress over the prior year and modifying the goals, objectives, opportunities and challenges.

C. Review of Enforcement Practices

Board members and staff also reviewed and discussed prioritization of cases, Reports of Investigation and Exhibits as well as procedures for arranging penalty payment schedules.

D. Miscellaneous Matters/Adjournment

1. Legislative Proposals

Susan Harris discussed proposed legislation introduced during the 2006 Legislative Session. The Board again expressed the desire to be permitted to lobby the legislature and the executive branch of government.

The Board also discussed potential legislation allowing members to serve on the board for a second term. Ms. Harris noted that this request would be submitted jointly with the Legislative Ethics Board.

Motion 07-013 Moved by Member Zellinsky, seconded by Member Gorrell:

The Board approves request legislation to allow members to serve two five-year terms.

Voting For: Akana, Yenson, Zellinsky and Gorrell.

Voting Against: Golberg

The motion passed.

Motion 07-014 Moved by Member Gorrell, seconded by Member Zellinsky:

The Board approves request legislation to allow members to lobby the legislature and executive branch of government.

The motion passed unanimously.

2. Rule amendments and review

Susan Harris and Nancy Krier discussed reviewing all agency rules for consistency and clarity. New rule-making will also begin regarding the Communications Bill which passed during the 2006 Legislative Session.

3. State Auditor agreement

Assistant Attorney General Michael Tribble briefly discussed progress with the State Auditor’s office to streamline the process regarding whistleblower investigations that are referred to the EEB for possible action.

There being no additional items for discussion, the meeting was adjourned at 2:55 p.m.

Approved by the Board 09/8/06