WASHINGTON STATE

EXECUTIVE ETHICS BOARD

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

November 9, 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, Assistant Attorney General Michael Tribble, Administrative Officer Ruthann Bryant and Investigator Nancy Lewin.

2. Approval of Agenda

Motion 07-059 Moved by Member Gorrell, seconded by Member Jablonski:

The Board approves the November 9, 2007 agenda as presented.

The motion passed unanimously.

3. Approval of October 12, 2007 Meeting Minutes

Motion 07-060 Moved by Member Jablonski, seconded by Vice Chair Golberg:

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

The motion passed unanimously.

B. Advisory Opinions

1. Weight Watchers at Work Program

Susan Harris briefly discussed responses from agency ethics advisors regarding whether or not they allow speakers to sell books at agency sponsored conferences. The consensus among agencies is that although they do not allow speakers to sell their books on site, they do permit them to inform the audience on where they can purchase them.

Motion 07-061 Moved by Member Gorrell, seconded by Vice Chair Golberg:

The Board directed staff to draft an advisory opinion allowing for Weight Watchers meetings in state office buildings, but prohibiting the sale of commercial products in state buildings.

The motion passed unanimously.

Ms. Harris also provided a draft amendment to Advisory Opinion 96-03 to address a legislative change. During the 2007 Legislative session, RCW 41.05.540 was amended to transfer the requirement to develop and administer a voluntary state wellness program from the Department of Personnel to the Department of Health.

Motion 07-062 Moved by Member Gorrell, seconded by Member Jablonski:

The Board approves Advisory Opinion 96-03 as amended.

The motion passed unanimously.

C. Staff Reports

1. Executive Director’s Report

Susan Harris provided a first quarter budget update.

2. AAG Report

Senior Assistant Attorney General Linda Moran reported that she will be conducting training to the executive management team at the Department of Health in January.

Assistant Attorney General Michael Tribble summarized the status of the Evans case and added that there has not been a ruling on the Knudsen matter to date.

3. Other Staff Reports

No other staff reports were given.

D. Public Comment/Board Member Comments

No public comments were expressed.

Chair Yenson noted that Susan Harris is retiring at the end of the year. She commented that Ms. Harris has made a lasting impression and has been a value to the Board.

E. Executive or Closed Session

At 9:30 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 10:20 a.m.

F. Miscellaneous Matters/Adjournment

There being no miscellaneous matters, the meeting was adjourned at 10:21 a.m.

Approved by the Board 1/11/08