This chapter shall be known as the "Code of Ethics of the Town of Wallkill."
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:
TOWN
The Town of Wallkill, N.Y.
TOWN CONSULTANT
Any individual, group or firm which renders services on behalf of
the town to any town officer, Town Board, Planning Board, Zoning Board of
Appeals or any other town agency.
TOWN OFFICER
An officer, elected or appointed, or employee of the Town of Wallkill,
whether paid or unpaid, including members of the Town Board, Planning Board,
Zoning Board of Appeals, Industrial Development Agency, Board of Assessment
Review, Police Commission or any other agency and employees.
No town officer or town consultant shall disclose confidential information
acquired by him/her in the course of his/her official duties, nor use such
information to advance his/her financial interests.
At its annual organization meeting, which shall be held in April, the
Town Board of Ethics shall elect a Chairperson from among its membership.
Three members of the Board shall constitute a quorum. A Quorum is required
for the Board to take any action. Meetings will be called by the Chair as
needed.
The Board of Ethics of the Town of Wallkill shall have the following
powers and duties:
A. To review disclosure statements pursuant to §
21-4 of this code.
B. To conduct investigations when authorized by the Town Board pursuant to §
21-10 of this code.
C. To issue advisory opinions when requested by a town officer on his/her own behalf pursuant to §
21-11 of this code.
D. To recommend that a hearing be conducted by the Town Board and to recommend to the Town Board disciplinary action pursuant to §
21-10C of this code.
E. To submit to the Town Board an annual report of the Board's
activities and to recommend changes to this code if necessary.
F. The Town Board of Ethics may act only with respect to
officers or consultants of the town.
Any town officer is required to notify the Town of Wallkill Chief of
Police of any illegal activity that he/she becomes aware of in the performance
of town business or otherwise.
All town officers shall disclose, in writing to the Board of Ethics,
any personal gift, in excess of $75 in value, received in relation to town
business, from a consultant for the town or from a developer or other party
seeking to do business with the town.