§ 2-719. Ethics review board.

An ethics review board is hereby established and authorized to enforce the provisions of the code of ethics of the city.

(1)

Powers. Pursuant to section 9-402 of the Home Rule Charter, the ethics review board may establish additional recommendations for the code of ethics, issue advisory opinions, promulgate rules regarding the interpretation and enforcement of the city's code of ethics, refer cases for investigation on referral or complaint, retain counsel, and impose fines.

(2)

Membership. The board shall consist of seven members. Six members of the board, all of whom are domiciled in and electors of the city, shall be appointed by the mayor from lists of three nominees each submitted by the presidents or chancellors of Dillard University, Loyola University, Southern University in New Orleans (SUNO), Tulane University, University of New Orleans (UNO), and Xavier University. One additional member shall be appointed by the mayor. Each appointment is subject to approval by a majority of the members of the city council.

(3)

Qualifications. No member may hold any elective or appointed position with the city nor any other government or political party office or have held such position within two years before appointment to the ethics review board.

(4)

Removal. A member of the ethics review board may be removed by the mayor only for cause in accordance with the procedures established in section 9-104 of the Home Rule Charter and by the council in accordance with the procedures and for the reasons established in section 3-125 of the Home Rule Charter.

(5)

Vacancy. Within ten days of a president's or chancellor's recommended appointee's vacancy being created, the mayor shall request the university presidents or chancellors to submit within 30 days lists of three nominees each to the mayor for consideration to fill the unexpired term. Within 30 days of receiving the lists of nominees, the mayor shall submit a selection to the council for its consideration. Within 30 days of an unaffiliated appointee's vacancy being created, the mayor shall submit a suggested replacement to the council for its consideration. Within 30 days of receiving a mayoral nomination, the council shall approve or reject the appointment.

(6)

Term. The terms of the initial members shall be as follows: One member shall be appointed for a term to expire on June 30 of the first year; one member shall be appointed for a term to expire on June 30 of the second year; one member shall be appointed for a term to expire on June 30 of the third year; one member shall be appointed for a term to expire on June 30 of the fourth year; one member shall be appointed for a term to expire on June 30 of the fifth year; one member shall be appointed for a term to expire on June 30 of the sixth year; and one member shall be appointed for a term to expire on June 30 of the seventh year. At the expiration of the term of each initial member and of each succeeding member, a successor shall be appointed to serve for a term of seven years. Each such term shall expire on June 30 of the seventh year.

(7)

Public meetings. The meetings of the ethics review board shall be open to the public in accordance with applicable state and municipal law.

(8)

Quorum. Four members of the ethics review board shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of transacting the business of the board.

(9)

Rules and regulations. The ethics review board, pursuant to section 4-107 of the Home Rule Charter, shall adopt rules and regulations governing the transaction of its business.

(10)

Staff. The board may employ necessary staff in accordance with applicable civil service law and subject to appropriations by the council. The board's operation and procedures shall be governed by chapter 1 of article IX of the Home Rule Charter and by applicable state and municipal law.

(11)

Investigations. For purposes of an investigation or a hearing, the ethics review board may administer oaths and affirmations, subpoena witnesses, compel their attendance, take evidence, and require the production of any records which the ethics review board deems relevant or material to an investigation or hearing.

(12)

Financial Disclosure. Members shall annually file a financial disclosure statement in accordance with the Louisiana Code of Governmental Ethics, La. R.S. § 42:1124.2.1.

(13)

Amendment. Pursuant to section 9-402(3) of the Home Rule Charter, this section may only be amended by an ordinance receiving a two-thirds favorable vote of the entire membership of the city council.

(M.C.S., Ord. No. 17,612, § 1, 6-20-96; M.C.S., Ord. No. 26651, § 1, 11-5-15)