A pair of ethics complaints against Rochester City Council Member Michael Wojcik will be waiting for new members of the Ethical Practices Board, who are being selected today.
Two members of the current board opted to postpone decisions on complaints filed by Rochester residents Bari Amadio and Mark Bransford. The other two members recused themselves after both complaints cited potential conflicts.
"I think (postponing the decisions) is a good way to get our new members on board," said Kay Batchelder, who along with Regina Mustafa recused herself from making a decision on the two complaints.
The complaints are expected be discussed at 1:15 p.m. May 24, when a five-member board is in place. A selection committee will name three members today, who will join Batchelder and Mustafa on the board. Current board member Robyn Munsch could be reappointed, but the final term of Chairwoman Audrey Ericksen is expiring.
Amadio complaint
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In her Feb. 17 complaint, Amadio, the executive director of the Greater Rochester Arts and Cultural Trust, alleges libeled her and sought to intimidate her when asking for an early copy of the Public Arts Master Plan..
The board received the results of a private investigation of the complaint Tuesday.
"We just received the information, and it's a lot to resolve," Munsch said, asking to delay the decision.
During the next meeting, the board will face two options — dismiss the complaint or call for a hearing.
Amadio called the decision to wait fair since new members will be named today.
"I think the board acted appropriately," she said.
Bransford complaint
A Follwell neighborhood resident, Bransford says Wojcik should have recused himself from a Sept. 19 vote on a preliminary development plan for the Alatus apartment project on Second Street Southwest between 14th Avenue and 15th Avenue. He alleges Wojcik publicly supported the project prior to a public hearing and was involved when developers sought to buy homes for the project.
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Ericksen and Munsch cited a lack of information on the complaint, but stopped short of asking for an investigation.
While she recused herself, Batchelder said she didn't see an option for the two board members, other than wait for a full board to be in place.
"I'm not sure it would require an investigation," she said.
Bransford, however, said he believes a cited lack of information makes the complaint ripe for further investigation.
"It's screaming for a special investigation," he said.
Wojcik, on the other hand, said he saw the decision as board members, saying it didn't warrant an investigation.
More members
While the Ethical Practices Board will be up to five members for the next meeting, two more members will be added.
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City Attorney Terry Adkins said applications for two additional members will be taken through Friday. Applicants who are not selected today will be eligible for those seats, along with any new applicants.
Adkins said a selection committee meeting will be scheduled for after a May 15 public hearing regarding the new applicants.
