San Francisco Ethics Commission

Agenda - January 23, 2012

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:39:43 -0800

SAN FRANCISCO ETHICS COMMISSION
NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING
January 23, 2012 5:30 P.M.
and AGENDA
Room 400 City Hall
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco

NOTE: This is a new time of the month and place for regular meetings of the Ethics Commission.

Call to order and roll call.
Public comment on matters appearing or not appearing on the agenda that are within the jurisdiction of the Ethics Commission.
Proposed amendments to the Statement of Incompatible Activities (SIA) for the San Francisco Public Library. At its May 9, 2011 meeting, the Commission considered amendments to the Library's SIA proposed by Library staff, and directed staff and the Library to consider whether the SIA should retain certain provisions governing officers of the Library. The Commission will consider staff's recommendations at this meeting. A staff report is available at the Commission office as well as on the Commission website. (Discussion and possible action.)
Consideration of possible amendments to the Campaign Finance Reform Ordinance ("CFRO"), San Francisco Campaign and Governmental Conduct Code section 1.100 et seq., related to the public financing programs for candidates for the Board of Supervisors and Mayor. The Commission will consider draft amendments to legislation by Supervisor Jane Kim to change the qualification thresholds for eligibility of candidates to receive public funds, increase the amount of available public funds, change the formula for matching public funds, delay the disbursement date for public funds, increase the expenditure ceilings, and retain adjustable expenditure ceilings but eliminate additional matching funds above a candidate's initial ceiling, as well as other possible amendments. A staff memo on the draft proposal, as well as the draft legislation, will be available at the Commission office and on its website. (Discussion and possible action.)
Budget discussion. A proposed Ethics Commission budget for the Fiscal Year beginning on July 1, 2012 is due on February 21, 2012. Commissioners will review staff's recommendations and provide guidance in preparing the budget submission for FY 2012-2013. (Discussion and possible action.)
Minutes of the Commission's regular meeting of December 11, 2011. (Discussion and possible action.)
Executive Director's Report. An update of important Ethics Commission staff activities since the previous monthly meeting. The written report, which is available at the Commission office and on its website, covers the budget, the investigation and enforcement program, revenues, campaign finance disclosure program, revenues, public financing/campaign finance audit program, lobbyist program, campaign consultant program, and outreach and education. Any of these subjects may potentially be part of the Director's presentation or discussed by the Commission. (Discussion.)
Items for future meetings. Commissioners may propose items for future agendas and the Commission may determine the priority of these items. (Discussion.)
Public comment on matters appearing or not appearing on the agenda that are within the jurisdiction of the Ethics Commission.
Adjournment.

Know Your Rights Under the Sunshine Ordinance

Government's duty is to serve the public, reaching its decision in full view of the public. Commissions, boards, councils and other agencies of the City and County exist to conduct the people's business. This ordinance assures that deliberations are conducted before the people and that City operations are open to the people's review. For more information on your rights under the Sunshine Ordinance or to report a violation of the ordinance, contact Chris Rustom by mail to Administrator, Sunshine Ordinance Task Force, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 244, San Francisco CA 94102-4689; by phone at 415 554 7724; by fax at 415 554 7854; or by email at sotf@sfgov.org. Citizens interested in obtaining a free copy of the Sunshine Ordinance can request a copy from Mr. Rustom or by printing Chapter 67 of the San Francisco Administrative Code on the Internet, http://www.sfgov.org/sunshine/

If any materials related to an item on this agenda have been distributed to the Ethics Commission after distribution of the agenda packet, those materials are available for public inspection at the Ethics Commission, 25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 220, San Francisco, during normal office hours.

The ringing of and use of cell phones, pagers and similar sound-producing electronic devices are prohibited at this meeting. Please be advised that the Chair may order the removal from the meeting room of any person(s) responsible for the ringing or use of a cell phone, pager, or other similar sound-producing devices.

Individuals and entities that influence or attempt to influence local legislative or administrative action may be required by the San Francisco Lobbyist Ordinance [SF Campaign & Governmental Conduct. Code § 2.100] to register and report lobbying activity. For more information about the Lobbyist Ordinance, please contact the Ethics Commission at 25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 220, San Francisco, CA 94102; telephone (415) 252-3100; fax (415) 252-3112 and web site www.sfethics.org

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Agenda - December 12, 2011

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 09:00:00 -0800

SAN FRANCISCO ETHICS COMMISSION
NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING
December 12, 2011 5:30 P.M.
and AGENDA
Room 408 City Hall
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco

Call to order and roll call.
Public comment on matters appearing or not appearing on the agenda that are within the jurisdiction of the Ethics Commission.
Consideration of proposed amendments to the Statement of Incompatible Activities (SIA) for the Department of Human Resources (DHR). The DHR has asked that its SIA be amended so that it better aligns with the department's confidentiality policy. A staff memo on the draft amendments is available at the Commission office and on its website. (Discussion and possible action.)
Consideration of possible amendments to the Campaign Finance Reform Ordinance (CFRO), San Francisco Campaign and Governmental Conduct Code section 1.100 et seq., related to the public financing programs for candidates for the Board of Supervisors and Mayor. Staff is proposing several changes to the CFRO in light of the Supreme Court's decision finding that Arizona's matching public funds program burdens political speech, as well as feedback about the public financing program in the past year. At this meeting, the Commission will consider staff's recommendations and provide direction for the crafting of legislation on changes that may include but are not limited to: establishing new qualification requirements for candidates, setting the amount of public funds that may be disbursed, delaying the disbursement date of public funds, changing the qualifying and matching funds formula, and either continuing with an adjustable individual expenditure ceiling or placing a cap on the amount of public funds that may be disbursed to each certified candidate. A staff report will be available at the Commission office and on its website. (Discussion and possible action.)
Closed session. (Discussion and possible action.)
Closed session held pursuant to Charter section C3.699-13, Brown Act section 54956.9 (a) and (c) and Sunshine Ordinance section 67.10(d) to discuss anticipated litigation as plaintiff.
Conference with Legal Counsel: Anticipated litigation as plaintiff
Number of possible cases: 1
Discussion and vote regarding closed session action and deliberations. (Discussion and possible action.)
Discussion and vote pursuant to Brown Act section 54957.1 and Sunshine Ordinance section 67.12 on whether to disclose any action taken or discussions held in closed session regarding anticipated litigation.
Motion: The Charter provides that deliberations regarding complaints are confidential. Pursuant to section C3.699-13, the Ethics Commission finds that it is in the best interests of the public (not) to disclose its closed session deliberations re: anticipated litigation.
Minutes of the Commission's regular meeting of November 14, 2011. (Discussion and possible action.)
Executive Director's Report. An update of important Ethics Commission staff activities since the previous monthly meeting. The written report, which is available at the Commission office and on its website, covers the budget, the investigation and enforcement program, revenues, campaign finance disclosure program, revenues, public financing/campaign finance audit program, lobbyist program, campaign consultant program, and outreach and education. Any of these subjects may potentially be part of the Director's presentation or discussed by the Commission. (Discussion.)
Items for future meetings. Commissioners may propose items for future agendas and the Commission may determine the priority of these items. (Discussion.)
Public comment on matters appearing or not appearing on the agenda that are within the jurisdiction of the Ethics Commission.
Adjournment.

Know Your Rights Under the Sunshine Ordinance

This location is wheelchair accessible. In order to assist the City's efforts to accommodate persons with severe allergies, environmental illnesses, multiple chemical sensitivity, or related disabilities, attendees at public meetings are reminded that other attendees may be sensitive to various chemical-based products. Please help the City accommodate these individuals.
Individuals and entities that influence or attempt to influence local legislative or administrative action may be required by the San Francisco Lobbyist Ordinance [SF Campaign & Governmental Conduct. Code § 2.100] to register and report lobbying activity. For more information about the Lobbyist Ordinance, please contact the Ethics Commission at 25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 220, San Francisco, CA 94102; telephone (415) 252-3100; fax (415) 252-3112 and web site www.sfethics.org

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Agenda - November 14, 2011

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 09:20:18 -0800

SAN FRANCISCO ETHICS COMMISSION
NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING
November 14, 2011 5:30 P.M.
and AGENDA
Room 408 City Hall
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco

Call to order and roll call.
Public comment on matters appearing or not appearing on the agenda that are within the jurisdiction of the Ethics Commission.
Consideration of draft regulations regarding the Commission's enforcement of the Sunshine Ordinance. Staff has prepared a set of draft regulations setting forth the procedures that will apply to all complaints and referrals regarding alleged violations of the Sunshine Ordinance. These regulations will address Ethics Commission procedures and propose penalties for willful violations and warning letters for non-willful violations. Staff forwarded the Sunshine Ordinance Task Force ("SOTF") an earlier version of the draft regulations on August 17, 2010, and the SOTF responded with written comments and an alternative proposal on August 1, 2011. At this meeting, the Commission will consider a revised set of proposals from staff, along with the SOTF's comments. A staff report is available at the Commission office and on its website. (Discussion and possible action.)
Consideration of request for waivers from the post-employment bans under Campaign and Governmental Conduct Code sections 3.234(a)(1) and (a)(2). Tiffany Bohee, a former employee with the Mayor's Office of Workforce and Economic Development who is now the interim director of the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency, has requested that the Commission grant her waivers from the prohibitions against representing a non-City party before an administrative agency on matters in which she represented the City and against communicating with her former City department with the intent to influence a governmental decision. A staff report is available at the Commission office as well as on the Commission website. (Discussion and possible action.)
Closed session. (Discussion and possible action.)
Closed session held pursuant to Charter section C3.699-13, Brown Act section 54956.9 (a) and (c) and Sunshine Ordinance section 67.10(d) to discuss anticipated litigation as plaintiff.
Conference with Legal Counsel: Anticipated litigation as plaintiff
Number of possible cases: 3
Discussion and vote regarding closed session action and deliberations. (Discussion and possible action.)
Discussion and vote pursuant to Brown Act section 54957.1 and Sunshine Ordinance section 67.12 on whether to disclose any action taken or discussions held in closed session regarding anticipated litigation.
Motion: The Charter provides that deliberations regarding complaints are confidential. Pursuant to section C3.699-13, the Ethics Commission finds that it is in the best interests of the public (not) to disclose its closed session deliberations re: anticipated litigation.
Continuation of consideration of possible amendments to the Campaign Finance Reform Ordinance, San Francisco Campaign and Governmental Conduct Code section 1.100 et seq., that would, among other things, consolidate the disclosure and disclaimer requirements that apply to third parties that make communications about candidates for City elective office; consolidate the disclosure and disclaimer requirements that apply to communications paid for by candidates for City elective office; to eliminate the overall contribution limit to candidates; provide for the indexing of the $500 per person contribution limit to candidates; allow a candidate to designate up to ten percent of his or her campaign expenditures as compliance costs that would not count towards the voluntary expenditure ceiling or individual expenditure ceiling; and replace the 24-hour schedule for reporting spending regarding candidates with an alternate schedule for reporting such spending. The Commission considered and approved a number of these proposals at its October 19, 2011 meeting. The Commission will complete consideration of these proposals at the meeting. A staff memo on these and other possible amendments will be available at the Commission office and on its website. (Discussion and possible action.)
Consideration of legislation to delay certification of Supervisorial candidates as eligible to receive public funds in the November 2012 election until the supervisorial district lines have been finally revised by the Redistricting Task Force. Under the City Charter, the Task Force must complete these revisions by April 15, 2012. The draft legislation and a staff memo will be available at the Commission office and on its website. (Discussion and possible action.)
Minutes of the Commission's special meeting of October 19, 2011. (Discussion and possible action.)
Executive Director's Report. An update of important Ethics Commission staff activities since the previous monthly meeting. The written report, which is available at the Commission office and on its website, covers the budget, the investigation and enforcement program, revenues, campaign finance disclosure program, revenues, public financing/campaign finance audit program, lobbyist program, campaign consultant program, and outreach and education. Any of these subjects may potentially be part of the Director's presentation or discussed by the Commission. (Discussion.)
Items for future meetings. Commissioners may propose items for future agendas and the Commission may determine the priority of these items. (Discussion.)
Public comment on matters appearing or not appearing on the agenda that are within the jurisdiction of the Ethics Commission.
Adjournment.

Know Your Rights Under the Sunshine Ordinance

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Agenda - October 19, 2011

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 09:55:48 -0700

SAN FRANCISCO ETHICS COMMISSION
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING
October 19, 2011 5:30 P.M.
and AGENDA
Room 416 City Hall
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco

Note: This is not the same time, date or room as the regular meeting of the Ethics Commission

Call to order and roll call.
Public comment on matters appearing or not appearing on the agenda that are within the jurisdiction of the Ethics Commission.
Discussion of the public financing program, including consideration of developments since the Commission's approval of amendments to the Campaign Finance Reform Ordinance (CFRO) to address the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Arizona Free Enterprise Club's Freedom Club PAC, et al. v. Bennett, as well as alternative proposals such as Supervisor Jane Kim's proposal to amend sections CFRO sections 1.140, 1.143 and 1.144. Supervisor Kim or her representative will attend the meeting to answer questions about her proposals. (Discussion and possible action.)
Consideration of possible amendments to the Campaign Finance Reform Ordinance, San Francisco Campaign and Governmental Conduct Code section 1.100 et seq., that would, among other things, consolidate the disclosure and disclaimer requirements that apply to third parties that make communications about candidates for City elective office; consolidate the disclosure and disclaimer requirements that apply to communications paid for by candidates for City elective office; eliminate the overall contribution limit to candidates; provide for the indexing of the $500 per person contribution limit to candidates; allow a candidate to designate up to ten percent of his or her candidate committee's campaign expenditures as compliance costs that would not count towards the voluntary expenditure ceiling or individual expenditure ceiling; and replace the 24-hour schedule for reporting spending regarding candidates with an alternate schedule for reporting such spending. A staff memo on these and other possible amendments will be available at the Commission office and on its website. (Discussion and possible action.)
Consideration of possible amendments to the Ethics Commission's By-Laws to change the day of the Commission's regular meeting from the second Monday of the month to the fourth Monday of the month, in order to accommodate the televising of the meetings. Pursuant to Article XII of the By-Laws, the proposed changes have been circulated to the Commission members and posted on the Commission's website. (Discussion and possible action.)
Minutes of the Commission's regular meeting of September 12, 2011. (Discussion and possible action.)
Executive Director's Report. An update of important Ethics Commission staff activities since the previous monthly meeting. The written report, which is available at the Commission office and on its website, covers the budget, the investigation and enforcement program, revenues, campaign finance disclosure program, revenues, public financing/campaign finance audit program, lobbyist program, campaign consultant program, and outreach and education. Any of these subjects may potentially be part of the Director's presentation or discussed by the Commission. (Discussion.)
Items for future meetings. Commissioners may propose items for future agendas and the Commission may determine the priority of these items. (Discussion.)
Public comment on matters appearing or not appearing on the agenda that are within the jurisdiction of the Ethics Commission.
Adjournment.

Know Your Rights Under the Sunshine Ordinance

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Proposed Amendments to Ethics Commission Bylaws

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 15:00:35 -0700

At its meeting on October 19, 2011 at 5:30 p.m. in Room 416 City Hall, the Ethics Commission will consider the following amendments to its Bylaws:

Download Proposed Amendments to Bylaws

Agenda - September 12, 2011

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 10:10:26 -0700

SAN FRANCISCO ETHICS COMMISSION
NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING
September 12, 2011 5:30 P.M.
and AGENDA
Room 408 City Hall
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco

Call to order and roll call.
Public comment on matters appearing or not appearing on the agenda that are within the jurisdiction of the Ethics Commission.
Consideration of provision in the Statement of Incompatible Activities (SIA) governing officers and employees of the Office of Chief Medical Examiner. At its meeting on April 11, 2011, upon consideration of comments from Dr. Judy Melinek, the Commission asked staff to discuss with the General Services Administration the possibility of amending section III.B.3 of the SIA, which prohibits officers and employees of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner from providing expert testimony in judicial proceedings unrelated to their official duties unless such employees receive an advance written determination that they may do so. The Commission will consider a response from the GSA at this meeting. (Discussion and possible action.)
Consideration of request for waivers from the post-employment bans under Campaign and Governmental Conduct Code sections 3.234(a)(1) and (a)(2). Thomas Long, a former Deputy City Attorney, has requested that the Commission grant him waivers from the prohibitions against representing a non-City party before a court or administrative agency on matters in which he represented the City and against communicating with his former City department with the intent to influence a governmental decision. A staff report is available at the Commission office as well as on the Commission website. (Discussion and possible action.)
Consideration of possible amendment to Ethics Commission Enforcement Regulations VI.A and XIV.C, which would permit the Commission to calendar proposed dismissals or settlements of enforcement matters based on the request of one, rather than two, Commissioners. A staff report is available at the Commission office as well as on the Commission website. (Discussion and possible action.)
Consideration of the Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2010-2011. The Commission will discuss the contents of a draft annual report, suggest and vote on possible amendments, and possibly adopt the report for submission to the Mayor and Board of Supervisors. A copy of the draft report is available at the Commission office and on the Commission website. (Discussion and possible action.)
Minutes of the Commission's regular meeting of August 8, 2011. (Discussion and possible action.)
Executive Director's Report. An update of important Ethics Commission staff activities since the previous monthly meeting. The written report, which is available at the Commission office and on its website, covers the budget, the investigation and enforcement program, revenues, campaign finance disclosure program, revenues, public financing/campaign finance audit program, lobbyist program, campaign consultant program, and outreach and education. Any of these subjects may potentially be part of the Director's presentation or discussed by the Commission. (Discussion.)
Items for future meetings. Commissioners may propose items for future agendas and the Commission may determine the priority of these items. (Discussion.)
Public comment on matters appearing or not appearing on the agenda that are within the jurisdiction of the Ethics Commission.
Adjournment.

Know Your Rights Under the Sunshine Ordinance

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Proposed amendments to Commission Regulations VI.A and XIV.C

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 10:00:00 -0700

At its meeting on September 12, 2011 at 5:30 p.m. in Room 408 City Hall, the Ethics Commission will consider the following amendments to its Enforcement Regulations:

Download proposed amendments to Commission Regulations VI.A and XIV.C

Draft Staff Proposals to Amend the Campaign Finance Reform Ordinance

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 14:57:07 -0700

Staff anticipates that the Ethics Commission will consider the following draft amendments at its special meeting on Wednesday, October 19, 2011 at 5:30 p.m. in Room 416 City Hall. (This is a regular Commission meeting but held on a different date and room because of the holiday on October 10, 2011.) Staff invites your comments -- please submit them via email to ethics.commission@sfgov.org or at the Commission meeting. If you have questions, please call 415.252.3100.

Download staff proposals to amend the Campaign Finance Reform Ordinance.

Agenda - August 8, 2011

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 12:38:12 -0700

SAN FRANCISCO ETHICS COMMISSION
NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING
August 8, 2011 5:30 P.M.
and AGENDA
Room 408 City Hall
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco

Call to order and roll call.
Public comment on matters appearing or not appearing on the agenda that are within the jurisdiction of the Ethics Commission.
Consideration of possible response to the 2010-2011 Civil Grand Jury report, "San Francisco Ethics Commission: the Sleeping Watch Dog." At its last regular meeting, the Commission began consideration of a response to the Civil Grand Jury's findings and recommendations, which is due within 60 days of the issuance of the report, which occurred on June 20, 2011. At this meeting, the Commission will continue its consideration of a response. (Discussion and possible action.)
Consideration of the Status of "Progress for All," an entity registered as a General Purpose Committee in San Francisco. This organization is responsible for the "Run, Ed, Run" campaign and claims its primary purpose is to convince Mayor Ed Lee to run for election to the office that he currently holds. The Executive Director has instructed Progress for All to refile as a "Primarily Formed Committee" as its independent expenditures have the effect of promoting an Ed Lee candidacy to the voters. As a matter of policy, the Commission will discuss the status of Progress for All and possibly determine what, if any, policy and regulatory changes are necessary to address similar situations in the future. The Commission may also discuss whether to redraft, withdraw or update a prior informal advice letter to the Progress for All Committee. (Discussion and possible action.)
Closed session. (Discussion and possible action.)
1. Closed session held pursuant to Charter section C3.699-13, Brown Act section 54956.9(c) and Sunshine Ordinance section 67.10(d) to discuss anticipated litigation as plaintiff.
  Conference with Legal Counsel: Anticipated litigation as plaintiff
  Number of possible cases: 2
2. Closed session held pursuant to the Ralph Brown Act, Government Code section 54957(b) and the Sunshine Ordinance section 67.10(b): Public Employee Performance Evaluation: Executive Director, Ethics Commission
Discussion and vote regarding closed session action and deliberations. (Discussion and possible action.)
1. Discussion and vote pursuant to Brown Act section 54957.1 and Sunshine Ordinance section 67.12 on whether to disclose any action taken or discussions held in closed session regarding anticipated litigation as plaintiff.
  Motion: The Charter provides that deliberations regarding complaints are confidential. Pursuant to section C3.699-13, the Ethics Commission finds that it is in the best interests of the public (not) to disclose its closed session deliberations re: anticipated litigation.
2. Discussion and vote pursuant to Brown Act section 54957.1 and Sunshine Ordinance section 67.12 on whether to disclose any action taken or discussions held in closed session regarding public employee performance evaluation.
  Motion: The Ethics Commission finds that it is in the best interests of the public (not) to disclose its closed session deliberations re: public employee performance evaluation.
Minutes of the Commission's regular meeting of July 11, 2011. (Discussion and possible action.)
Executive Director's Report. An update of important Ethics Commission staff activities since the previous monthly meeting. The written report, which is available at the Commission office and on its website, covers the budget, the investigation and enforcement program, revenues, campaign finance disclosure program, revenues, public financing/campaign finance audit program, lobbyist program, campaign consultant program, and outreach and education. Any of these subjects may potentially be part of the Director's presentation or discussed by the Commission. (Discussion.)
Items for future meetings. Commissioners may propose items for future agendas and the Commission may determine the priority of these items. (Discussion.)
Public comment on matters appearing or not appearing on the agenda that are within the jurisdiction of the Ethics Commission.
Adjournment.

Know Your Rights Under the Sunshine Ordinance

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Agenda - July 11, 2011

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 14:35:54 -0700

SAN FRANCISCO ETHICS COMMISSION
NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING
July 11, 2011 5:30 P.M.
and AGENDA
Room 408 City Hall
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco

Call to order and roll call.
Public comment on matters appearing or not appearing on the agenda that are within the jurisdiction of the Ethics Commission.
Consideration of Ethics Complaint No. 01-100115, alleging that the Library Commission, through its representative Secretary Sue Blackman, violated Sunshine Ordinance sections 67.15(a) and 67.34 by failing to allow public comment at a Library Commission meeting, and section 67.12(e) by failing to send a knowledgeable representative to Task Force hearings. The Commission will deliberate regarding staff's recommendations related to the complaint. A staff report will be available at the Commission's office and on its website. (Discussion and possible action.)
Consideration of possible response to the 2010-2011 Civil Grand Jury report, "San Francisco Ethics Commission: the Sleeping Watch Dog." The Commission's response to the Civil Grand Jury's findings and recommendations is due within 60 days of the issuance of the report, which occurred on June 20, 2011. (Discussion and possible action.)
Closed session. (Discussion and possible action.)
1. Closed session held pursuant to Charter section C3.699-13, Brown Act section 54956.9(c) and Sunshine Ordinance section 67.10(d) to discuss anticipated litigation as plaintiff.
  Conference with Legal Counsel: Anticipated litigation as plaintiff
  Number of possible cases: 1
2. Closed session held pursuant to Brown Act section 54956.9(b) and Sunshine Ordinance section 67.10(d) to discuss anticipated litigation as defendant in light of Arizona Free Enterprise Club's Freedom PAC et al. v. Bennett, U.S. Supreme Court Case No. 10-238.
  Conference with Legal Counsel: Anticipated litigation as defendant
  Number of possible cases: 1
Discussion and vote regarding closed session action and deliberations. (Discussion and possible action.)
1. Discussion and vote pursuant to Brown Act section 54957.1 and Sunshine Ordinance section 67.12 on whether to disclose any action taken or discussions held in closed session regarding anticipated litigation as plaintiff.
  Motion: The Charter provides that deliberations regarding complaints are confidential. Pursuant to section C3.699-13, the Ethics Commission finds that it is in the best interests of the public (not) to disclose its closed session deliberations re: anticipated litigation.
2. Discussion and vote pursuant to Brown Act section 54957.1 and Sunshine Ordinance section 67.12 on whether to disclose any action taken or discussions held in closed session regarding anticipated litigation as defendant.
  Motion: To preserve the attorney client privilege, the Ethics Commission finds that it is in the best interests of the public (not) to disclose its closed session deliberations re: anticipated litigation.
Consideration of possible amendments to the Campaign Finance Reform Ordinance (CFRO), San Francisco Campaign and Governmental Conduct Code section 1.100 et seq. On June 27, 2011, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision finding that Arizona's matching funds scheme burdens political speech. At this meeting, the Commission will consider whether it should amend the CFRO and, if so, possible amendments to the CFRO relating to the City's partial public financing program, including but not limited to placing a cap on the amount of public funds that may be disbursed to each certified candidate. A staff report will be available at the Commission office and on its website. (Discussion and possible action.)
Minutes of the Commission's regular meeting of June 13, 2011 and special meeting of June 28, 2011. (Discussion and possible action.)
Executive Director's Report. An update of important Ethics Commission staff activities since the previous monthly meeting. The written report, which is available at the Commission office and on its website, covers the budget, the investigation and enforcement program, revenues, campaign finance disclosure program, revenues, public financing/campaign finance audit program, lobbyist program, campaign consultant program, and outreach and education. Any of these subjects may potentially be part of the Director's presentation or discussed by the Commission. (Discussion.)
Items for future meetings. Commissioners may propose items for future agendas and the Commission may determine the priority of these items. (Discussion.)
Public comment on matters appearing or not appearing on the agenda that are within the jurisdiction of the Ethics Commission.
Adjournment.

Know Your Rights Under the Sunshine Ordinance

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San Francisco Ethics Commission

Agenda - January 23, 2012

SAN FRANCISCO ETHICS COMMISSION NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING January 23, 2012 5:30 P.M. and AGENDA Room 400 City Hall 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco

Know Your Rights Under the Sunshine Ordinance

Agenda - December 12, 2011

SAN FRANCISCO ETHICS COMMISSION NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING December 12, 2011 5:30 P.M. and AGENDA Room 408 City Hall 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco

Know Your Rights Under the Sunshine Ordinance

Agenda - November 14, 2011

SAN FRANCISCO ETHICS COMMISSION NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING November 14, 2011 5:30 P.M. and AGENDA Room 408 City Hall 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco

Know Your Rights Under the Sunshine Ordinance

Agenda - October 19, 2011

SAN FRANCISCO ETHICS COMMISSION NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING October 19, 2011 5:30 P.M. and AGENDA Room 416 City Hall 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco

Know Your Rights Under the Sunshine Ordinance

Proposed Amendments to Ethics Commission Bylaws

Agenda - September 12, 2011

SAN FRANCISCO ETHICS COMMISSION NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING September 12, 2011 5:30 P.M. and AGENDA Room 408 City Hall 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco

Know Your Rights Under the Sunshine Ordinance

Proposed amendments to Commission Regulations VI.A and XIV.C

Draft Staff Proposals to Amend the Campaign Finance Reform Ordinance

Agenda - August 8, 2011

SAN FRANCISCO ETHICS COMMISSION NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING August 8, 2011 5:30 P.M. and AGENDA Room 408 City Hall 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco

Know Your Rights Under the Sunshine Ordinance

Agenda - July 11, 2011

SAN FRANCISCO ETHICS COMMISSION NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING July 11, 2011 5:30 P.M. and AGENDA Room 408 City Hall 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco

Know Your Rights Under the Sunshine Ordinance

SAN FRANCISCO ETHICS COMMISSION
NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING
January 23, 2012 5:30 P.M.
and AGENDA
Room 400 City Hall
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO ETHICS COMMISSION
NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING
December 12, 2011 5:30 P.M.
and AGENDA
Room 408 City Hall
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO ETHICS COMMISSION
NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING
November 14, 2011 5:30 P.M.
and AGENDA
Room 408 City Hall
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO ETHICS COMMISSION
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING
October 19, 2011 5:30 P.M.
and AGENDA
Room 416 City Hall
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO ETHICS COMMISSION
NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING
September 12, 2011 5:30 P.M.
and AGENDA
Room 408 City Hall
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO ETHICS COMMISSION
NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING
August 8, 2011 5:30 P.M.
and AGENDA
Room 408 City Hall
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO ETHICS COMMISSION
NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING
July 11, 2011 5:30 P.M.
and AGENDA
Room 408 City Hall
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco