BY JIMMY LAWTONNorth Country This Week

OGDENSBURG – Making good on earlier statements Ogdensburg City Council has established a Board of Ethics, at least on paper.

On Monday, City Council approved changes to the ethics code following a public hearing that will create a new board that will offer advisory opinions on grievances that come before it.

The board will consist of five members to be appointed by the City Council for terms of one year.

Members of the board must reside in the city and will serve without compensation at the pleasure of the City Council. 

A majority of such members shall be persons other than officers or employees of the City of Ogdensburg and at least one member who is an elected or appointed municipal officer or employee.

According to the resolution, the board shall have the powers and duties prescribed and will render advisory opinions to the officers and employees of the City of Ogdensburg with respect to the Code of Ethics as the Board may prescribe

 In addition, the Board may make recommendations with respect to the drafting and adoption of a Code of Ethics or amendments thereto upon request of the City Council. The legal counsel of the Board of Ethics shall be the City Attorney.

The board is expected to be appointed in a timely fashion and upon its formation, shall promulgate its own rules and regulations as to its form and procedures and shall maintain appropriate records of its opinions and proceedings. 

Council is hoping to have the board established before the end of the year.