Glen Ellyn officials still tweaking ethics policy

The Glen Ellyn village board continued to tweak its ethics policy at a meeting Monday. Several trustees had issues with some of the language in the policy, including a caveat that talks about the "appearance" of a conflict of interest.

Trustee Peter Cooper said he also wants to see an official removed from office if he or she violates the ethics policy, rather than just imposing fines as it is currently written. However, the village attorney argued that may not be so easily done because officials are elected by the public.

The portion discussed on Monday dealt solely with elected and appointed officials; a portion on personnel will be touched upon later.

Village Manager Steve Jones said there were three goals for the policy: provide a complete document in one location, expand on state statute and define a process for an ethics violation hearing that makes the village attorney the arbiter of violations.

The document deals with conflicts of interests where board members would have to recuse themselves, as well as banning of gifts.

The Glen Ellyn version allows for no gifts, but Cooper said that should be changed to a minimal amount, such as $25.

The policy also deals with board members and department heads who leave the village. As written, they would not be allowed to come back and do business with the village for two years.

Jones said they're "trying to separate inside information" that could lead to financial gain.

Trustee Jim Comerford said he also had issues with the "appearance" language, which he wants to see changed to "potential conflict of interest."

Trustee Peter Ladesic said he also wants to see ethics handled as a policy and not an ordinance, which would bring those who violate the rules to court.

"I don't support the fees or fines at all," he said, pointing out that it may make residents hesitant to volunteer for the board.

Ladesic said ethics is not an issue in Glen Ellyn and hasn't been. If issues come up, he said fines could be added in later.

Trustee Carl Henninger said there's potential for a lot of unintended consequences with a policy that's too stringent.

Trustee Phil Hartweg also suggested a full-day workshop with an outside source.