AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Consider approval of Ordinance 2021-45, on the first of two readings, amending Chapter 2, Administration, Article 5, Code of Ethics, by adding a new Division 5 requiring registration of lobbyists and periodic reporting of contacts made by lobbyists with elected City officials, City Board and Commission members, and City Employees; establishing penalties for violations of this ordinance; providing certain exemptions from lobbying registration and reporting requirements; providing a savings clause; providing for the repeal of any conflicting provisions; and providing an effective date.
Body
Meeting date: June 1, 2021
Department: City Attorney’s Office
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Background Information:
The City Council has previously discussed and provided direction regarding provisions of an ordinance proposed by the Ethics Review Commission that would require lobbyists to register with the city and require lobbyists as well as city council members, board and commission members, and city staff members to file reports with the city clerk’s office - every other month - regarding any contacts made by lobbyists in an attempt to influence recommendations and decisions on matters of city policy.
The provisions of the attached ordinance, presented for consideration on first reading at the city council’s regular meeting on June 1, 2021, are the result of previous council discussions and specific direction given to the Ethics Review Commission and the city attorney at public meetings held over the course of several years including: 03.20.18 - Work Session; 08.06.18 - Work Shop; 01.15.19 - Work Session; 09.15.20 - Work Session; and the 12.15.20 - Work Session
The attached ordinance has been formatted in a manner consistent with other provisions of the San Marcos City Code. Highlighted provisions in the attached ordinance were added at council’s direction following the work session held on December 15, 2020. Redlined items reflect wording changes made by the city attorney to provide clarity or to correct grammatical errors in the draft of the document that council discussed last December.
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Recommendation:
In order to allow sufficient time for lobbyists, city board and commission members, and city staff to understand and comply with the requirements of the lobbying ordinance after it is adopted on second reading, it is recommended that the city council consider adding a provision to specify the date on which it shall become effective.
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