STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Government Performance and Financial Management
AGENDA DATE: September 9, 2021
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): N/A
DEPARTMENT: City Secretary’s Office
EXECUTIVE: Bilierae Johnson
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SUBJECT
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A resolution considering the Ethics Advisory Commission's recommended sanction against Councilmember Adam Bazaldua in connection with the EAC's finding of a violation of Chapter 12A of the Dallas City Code - Financing: No cost consideration to the City
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BACKGROUND
On May 5, 2021, Dr. Pamela L. Grayson filed a sworn complaint with the City Secretary’s Office against Councilmember Adam Bazaldua alleging that Councilmember Bazaldua violated specific sections of the Chapter 12A of the Dallas City Code (“Code of Ethics).
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On June 10, 2021, a Preliminary Panel of the Ethics Advisory Committee (“EAC”) met and determined that the complaint stated a claim and was supported by just cause and forwarded the complaint to the entire EAC for a full evidentiary hearing.
On July 6, 2021, the EAC met and granted Councilmember Bazaldua’s motion for a continuance. The hearing was rescheduled for August 17, 2021.
On August 17, 2021, the EAC reconvened to hold the evidentiary hearing. After all testimony was heard, the EAC, with a 5-0 vote (1 member absent), found that Councilmember Bazaldua violated Section 12A-1.2(b)(3), “Standards of Civility”:
City officials shall not make comments or take actions that are abusive; belligerent; crude; derogatory; disparaging; impertinent; personal attacks upon the character, integrity, or motives of others; profane; rude; slanderous; or threatening.
By unanimous vote, the EAC recommended a letter of admonition as the appropriate sanction. Pursuant to Section 12A-37.1(e)(2), the city council may issue a letter of admonition if the city council finds that a violation of the Code of Ethics was minor, but where the circumstances call for a more substantial response than a letter of notification.
FISCAL INFORMATION
No cost consideration to the City.