Title
Ordinance Amending Title 1 (Administration) Chapter 16 (Procurement) Sections 1-16-3, 1-16-7, and 1-16-8 (Regarding Authorization and Methods for Procurements)
History
The Village’s current Ethics Ordinance provides standards to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure transparency in Village operations. To strengthen transparency and accountability, staff recommend amending the procurement code in Title I, Chapter 16 to specifically require disclosure of business relationships between vendors and Village officials, including elected officials, the Village Manager, and Department Directors ("Officials"). While the ordinance includes provisions addressing vendor conflicts and official conduct, current regulations do not explicitly require the disclosure of business relationships between vendors and Village officials as part of the procurement process.
To further strengthen accountability, ensure public confidence, and mitigate both actual and perceived conflicts of interest, a code amendment ordinance has been prepared for both the vendor and the Official. The amendments establish clear definitions of “business relationship,” “appearance of impropriety,” and related terms, and creates a uniform disclosure process. A business relationship does not include a political contribution, otherwise duly reported as required by law.
For vendors, it requires disclosure when a vendor:
-has a business relationship with any current Village of Orland Park Official or reasonably expect such a relationship in the following twelve months that entitled the Official to compensation, economic opportunity, or payment in excess of $7,500 annually.
-had a business relationship with any past Village of Orland Park Official in the preceding ten (10) years that entitled the past Official to compensation, economic opportunity, or payment in excess of $7,500 annually.
For Officials, it requires disclosure when an Official:
-has or had any business relationship with a vendor within the preceding ten years or reasonably expects such a relationship in the following twelve months where such relationship entitled the Official to compensation, economic opportunity, or payment in excess of $7,500 annually.
The amendment adds two new sections, §1-16-17 Vendor Disclosures of Business Relationships and §1-16-18 Official’s Disclosures of Business Relationships, which create a dual disclosure process.
Disclosures will be reviewed by the Village’s Procurement Officer for sufficiency and forwarded to the Village Board for review. The Board may post such disclosures publicly in a searchable format to ensure transparency.
Vendors and Officials who fail to disclose will have time to cure the defect but if not corrected or disclosed, or submit incomplete or misleading disclosures, may face fines, disqualification, suspension, or termination of contracts/appointments, as applicable. Both vendors and Officials may appeal penalties through a written process to the Village Clerk.
The purpose and benefits of this amendment serves to:
-Promote full transparency in Village procurement and decision-making.
-Provide safeguards against both actual and perceived conflicts of interest.
-Enhance public trust by requiring disclosure from both sides of the vendor-official relationships.
-Establish clear consequences for noncompliance to protect the integrity of Village operations.
Recommended Action/Motion:
(First motion to take from the table)
I move to remove this item from the table.
(After removing from the table)
I move to recommend adopting an Ordinance entitled: ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 1 (ADMINISTRATION) CHAPTER 16 (PROCUREMENT) SECTIONS 1-16-3, 1-16-7, AND 1-16-8 REGARDING AUTHORIZATION AND METHODS FOR PROCUREMENTS).