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 recommends amending the procurement code in Title I, Chapter 16 to specifically require disclosure of business relationships between vendors and Village officials (including elected officials, 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. The amendment establishes clear definitions of “business relationship,” “appearance of impropriety,” and related terms, and creates a uniform disclosure process. It also requires both vendors and officials to submit written disclosures when such relationships exist or arise, specifically defined as those with potential and/or existing financial benefit.
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. Key elements include:
-Definitions: Clear definitions of appearance of impropriety, business relationship, disclosure form, official, and vendor.
-Vendor Disclosure Requirement: Vendors must disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest, financial interests, business relationships, or appearances of impropriety within the preceding ten years or expects such a relationship in the following 10 ...
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