WASHINGTON STATE

EXECUTIVE ETHICS BOARD

2425 Bristol Court SW– 1st Floor Conference Room 148 – Olympia, WA

October 12, 2007

Regular Meeting Minutes

A. Preliminary Business

1. Roll Call

The regular meeting of the Washington State Executive Ethics Board (EEB) was called to order by Chair Evelyn Yenson at 9:00 a.m. In attendance were Vice Chair Judy Golberg and Members Neil Gorrell and Linnaea Jablonski. Board staff in attendance included: Executive Director Susan Harris, Senior Assistant Attorney General Linda Moran, Administrative Officer Ruthann Bryant and Investigators Sue Jones and Nancy Lewin.

2. Approval of Agenda

Motion 07-055 Moved by Vice Chair Golberg, seconded by Member Gorrell:

The Board approves the October 12, 2007 agenda as presented.

The motion passed unanimously.

3. Approval of September 14, 2007 Meeting Minutes

Motion 07-056 Moved by Member Gorrell, seconded by Vice Chair Golberg:

The Board approves the September 14, 2007 minutes as presented.

The motion passed unanimously.

B. Approval of Stipulated Facts, Conclusion and Order

EEB Case No. 06-052 (Lynn Dodson)

Susan Harris briefed the Board on the proposed stipulation and order. Ms. Dodson agreed that she violated RCW 42.52.160 when she used state resources for campaign related purposes. The parties agreed that Ms. Dodson would pay a $2,500 penalty. The Board’s deliberation on the proposal was deferred until closed session.

C. Rule Making

Susan Harris discussed draft language to amend WAC 292-110-010 Use of state resources. She reported that she, along with Member Gorrell met with agency Human Resource Managers and Ethics Advisors to develop the language.

Member Gorrell added that the amendments make the rule clearer and more expandable.

Ms. Harris noted that if approved, the language will be provided to the Code Reviser, and a public hearing will be scheduled for early 2008.

The Board requested an amendment to 3(b) to read “a single use daily to ensure the health and safety of a family member does not violate RCW 42.52.160.”

Motion 07-057 Moved by Vice Chair Golberg, seconded by Member Gorrell:

The Board approves language for WAC 292-110-010 Use of state resources as amended.

The motion passed unanimously.

D. Legislation

Susan Harris also provided a copy of the “z-draft” of RCW 42.52.500 to remove the current requirement which allows a respondent to request an Administrative Law Judge if the Board believes a penalty of more than $500 may be assessed. She noted that the statute continues to give the Board the option to use an Administrative Law Judge on the more complex cases or in cases where prehearing motions are made.

She also briefly discussed proposed legislation by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission regarding business in state housing.

E. Approval of Agency Policy

Ms. Harris provided a draft policy submitted by the Office of Women and Minority Business Enterprises regarding Outside Employment/Business Activity.

Motion 07-058 Moved by Member Gorrell, seconded by Vice Chair Golberg:

The Board approves the Office of Women and Minority Business Enterprises policy on Outside Employment/Business Activity as presented.

The motion passed unanimously.

F. Staff Reports

1. Executive Director’s Report

Susan Harris summarized first quarter progress made on the Strategic Plan highlighting training and the reduction in case backlog.

2. AAG Report

Senior Assistant Attorney General Linda Moran thanked the Board for the opportunity to attend the COGEL Conference.

Member Gorrell noted that as a first time attendee to the conference, he enjoyed the historical background and found the conference to be very helpful and informative.

Vice Chair Golberg provided a report on sessions she attended including Federal Election Commission electronic filing information, leadership coaching and performance measures.

3. Other Staff Reports

No other staff reports were given.

G. Public Comment/Board Member Comments

No public comments were expressed.

H. Executive or Closed Session

At 10:15 a.m. the Board moved into Closed Session to discuss potential litigation, deliberate and to receive and evaluate complaints against state employees and officers. The Board returned to regular session at 11:08 a.m.

I. Miscellaneous Matters/Adjournment

There being no miscellaneous matters, the meeting was adjourned at 11:09 a.m.

Approved by the Board 11/9/07