Meetings
 
Louisiana Board of Ethics
 LaSalle Building
First Floor - Griffon Room
FEBRUARY 18, 2016
2:30 PM
617 North 3rd Street
Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Note: Meetings begin on February 18, 2016 and continue to February 19, 2016.

Discussion in general session on Thursday at 1:30 p.m. of the guidelines used by the staff when docketing waiver requests for consideration by the Louisiana Board of Ethics. The executive session will begin at the conclusion of this discussion.
Executive Session
Consideration of complaints and reports deemed confidential pursuant to Section 1141 of the Code of Governmental Ethics.
Discussion in executive session of charges filed in BD 2014-502 against Lester Thomas.
Discussion in executive session of charges filed against Shante Wells in BD 2014-504.
Discussion in executive session of charges filed in BD 2014-1353 against Walter Monsour.

Louisiana Board of Ethics
LaSalle Building
First Floor - LaBelle Room
FEBRUARY 19, 2016
9:00 AM
617 North 3rd Street
Baton Rouge, Louisiana

GENERAL
Public Hearings
G1. Docket No. 15-972
Declaratory opinion regarding the time limits in which a person may make contributions in connection with a general election.
Appearances
G2. Docket No. 15-952
Reconsideration request submitted by Wendy Elder Benedetto, St. Charles Parish Council - District 3, as to the Board's decision to decline to waive the $2,500 late fee assessed for filing her Amended 2011 Tier 2 Annual PFD 310 days late.
G3. Docket No. 15-1189
Waiver request submitted by E. Lee Carter, a former member of the Agricultural Commodities Commission, regarding a $1,500 late fee assessed for filing his 2013 Tier 2.1 annual pfd 111 days late.
G4. Docket No. 15-1412
Appearance in connection with a waiver request submitted by Thelma Ruth, Friends of King Charter School - Orleans Parish, regarding a $200 late fee assessed for filing her 2014 Tier 3 Annual PFD 4 days late.
G5. Docket No. 15-1423
Appearance in connection with a request that the board waive or reduce the $2,800 campaign finance late fees assessed against Committee for the Advancement of LA Agriculture; its chairman, John F. Shackelford; and, its treasurer, David Crigler, for its participation in the October 24, 2015 election for the late filing of the 180-P report that was filed 14 days late.
G6. Docket No. 15-1454
Appearance in connection with a request that the board waive the $2,400 late fee assessed against the LA Academy of Physician Assistants PAC, and its chairman, Shelly Esnard, for the 180-P campaign finance disclosure report filed in connection with the October 24, 2015 election, which was filed 12 days late.
Consent Agenda and Consent Opinions
G7. Docket No. CHART
Chart for Advisory Opinion Requests on the General Consent February 2016 Agenda.
G8. Docket No. 15-917
Consideration of a disqualification plan resulting from an advisory opinion issued to Jennifer Russell, the Business Manager of the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport (LSUHSC-S), Department of Neurology, and her continued work for Acadiana Computer Services (ACS) while ACS contracts with LSUHSC-S.
G9. Docket No. 15-1000
Advisory opinion regarding whether a real estate agent may be appointed to serve on the City of Central Planning and Zoning Commission.
G10. Docket No. 15-1231
Advisory opinion regarding whether La. R.S. 42:1113A prohibits West Feliciana Parish from entering into a servitude with MKV Homestead, LLC, while Parish Council Member Heather Howle's mother, Virginia Sheets Reid, owns 37 and one half percent of MKV Homestead, LLC.
G11. Docket No. 15-1258
Advisory opinion regarding whether the members of the Board of Directors of New Orleans Business Alliance are required to file personal financial disclosure statements pursuant to R.S. 42:1124.2.1.
G12. Docket No. 15-1332
Advisory opinion request regarding whether Gilbane Construction can respond to a Request for Proposals for the position of Construction Manager at Risk for the National Hurricane Museum and Science Center's project.
G13. Docket No. 15-1369
Advisory opinion regarding whether the members of the White Lake Property Advisory Board are required to file annual personal financial disclosure statements pursuant to R.S. 42:1124.2.1.
G14. Docket No. 15-1380
Advisory opinion request regarding whether the Academy of Training Skills is a governmental entity and/or public servant subject to the Code of Governmental Ethics.
G15. Docket No. 15-1381
Advisory opinion request by Bruce Pitre regarding whether he may sell goods or services through Riverland Industrial Supply to any agency other than the St. Charles Parish Assessor's Office.
G16. Docket No. 15-1383
Advisory opinion regarding whether Christopher Abadie, a Materials Engineer Administrator with the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), may, on his retirement, accept a position as a quality manager with a company that produces a product currently approved to be used on DOTD projects.
G17. Docket No. 15-1386
Advisory opinion request regarding whether David Pourciau may charge fees to prepare or testify in a matter in which he participated while employed with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) Appraisal Office.
G18. Docket No. 15-1387
Advisory opinion regarding whether the Code of Governmental Ethics prohibits Mr. Hebert Thibodeaux from continuing to serve as an appointed member of the St. Martin Parish Planning and Zoning Commission once his son-in-law, Chris Tauzin, is sworn in as a member of the St. Martin Parish Council.
G19. Docket No. 15-1389
Advisory opinion request regarding Charlotte Luna's continued employment with St. Bernard Parish while her husband, Howard Luna, serves as a member of the St. Bernard Parish Council.
G20. Docket No. 15-1391
Advisory opinion regarding whether the Code of Governmental Ethics prohibits Dalton Rainwater from being hired to work in the Baker Police Department while his father is a candidate for Baker Police Chief. Additionally, whether the Code would require Dalton Rainwater to terminate his employment, if his father is elected Police Chief.
G21. Docket No. 15-1396
Advisory opinion request regarding whether Lorrie Briggs may accept employment with Ekahaya Youth Project (Ekahaya) while she is employed with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).
G22. Docket No. 15-1445
Advisory opinion request regarding whether the firm Gossen-Holloway & Associates, owned by Skipper Holloway, who is the husband of a BESE member, may be part of a response to a request for proposal (RFP) to perform work on renovation projects at Nicholls State University.
G23. Docket No. 15-1448
Advisory opinion request regarding whether Blake Pino, a former Assistant Parish Attorney with the East Baton Rouge Parish Attorney's Office, can provide legal services to the East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner's Office.
G24. Docket No. 16-008
Advisory opinion request as to whether Troy Sehlinger, an employee of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, may accept an award of free tuition from the University of New Orleans as a part-time graduate student.
G25. Docket No. 16-009
Advisory opinion request from Max Camp regarding whether the Code of Governmental Ethics prohibits Common Ground Health Clinic from signing a lease with the City of New Orleans while he is employed by the city.
G26. Docket No. 16-010
Advisory opinion request regarding whether Michael Newman can enter into certain transactions while he serves as an appointed member of the Shreveport Metropolitan Planning Commission.
Disclosure Reports
G27. Docket No. 15-1304
Answer submitted by Maxie Jefferson Ratcliff, a member of the Oak Island Neighborhood Improvement District, in lieu of filing her personal financial disclosure statement, in response to a notice of delinquency.
Regular Business
G28. Docket No. MINUTES
January 2016 Board Minutes
G29. Docket No. 13-372
Consent Opinion regarding Brittany Jones, an employee of the St. Charles Parish Clerk of Court's Office, violating La. R.S. 42:1111A and La. R.S. 42:1115B(2) by taking money for her personal use from prohibited sources that was owed to St. Charles Parish Clerk of Court's Office.
G30. Docket No. 13-1484
Consent order regarding Antoine Thomassie, a constable for the Second Justice Court of Jefferson Parish, hiring his wife.
G31. Docket No. 14-1312
Consent opinion regarding Hans Gerteis, a volunteer firefighter and compensated Assistant Chief of Maintenance for DeSoto Parish Fire District #9, entering into transactions with his agency.
G32. Docket No. 14-1324
Consent opinions regarding Representative Patrick Williams, a candidate for Mayor of Shreveport in the November 4, 2014 election, receiving excessive contributions from John Settle, and Mr. Settle making contributions through or in the name of another to Rep. William's campaign.
G33. Docket No. 14-1331
Consent opinion regarding Thomas A. Nelson, the former Executive Director of the Housing Authority of New Roads, located in Pointe Coupee Parish, using the Housing Authority of New Roads' General Electric account to make personal purchases.
G34. Docket No. 15-1168
Advisory opinion request regarding whether former Twin Parish Port Commissioner Glen Crappel may enter into a settlement with an insurance company for the Twin Parish Port Commission (Port), within two years after his resignation, to resolve issues or claims against the Port.
G35. Docket No. 15-1246
Advisory opinion request regarding whether Chad Mayo, an employee of the Louisiana Real Estate Commission, can hold an active real estate license.
G36.   WAIVER REQUESTS - CAMPAIGN FINANCE
  Docket No. chart
February 2016 Campaign Finance Waiver Chart
  Docket No. 15-1359
Request that the board waive the $420 campaign finance late fee assessed against John P. Rogers, a candidate for Sheriff, Lafayette Parish in the October 24, 2015 election, whose 10-G report was filed 7 days late.
  Docket No. 15-1425
Request that the board waive the $600 campaign finance late fee assessed against Troy Abshire, a candidate for East Feliciana Parish Sheriff in the October 24, 2015 election, whose 30-P report was filed 15 days late.
  Docket No. 15-1426
Request that the board waive the $420 campaign finance late fee assessed against Otha Manning, a candidate for East Carroll Parish Police Jury, District 3 in the October 24, 2015 election, whose 10-G report was filed 11 days late.
  Docket No. 15-1451
Request that the Board waive the $1,000 in campaign finance late fees assessed against Vincent P. Kreamer, a candidate for Council Member, District 9, Terrebonne Parish in the October 24, 2015 Election, whose 30-P campaign finance disclosure report was filed 89 days late.
  Docket No. 15-1453
Request that the board waive the $1,000 campaign finance late fee assessed against Joseph "Calvin" Collins, a candidate for Calcasieu Parish Police Juror, District 2, in the October 24, 2015 election, whose 30-P report was filed 89 days late.
  Docket No. 15-1455
Request that the Board waive the $3,000 and $1,600 late fees assessed against Licensed Professional Counselors PAC; its chairman, Kenneth J. Benedik; and, its treasurer, Gary G. Gintner, Ph.D., in connection with its participation in the October 24, 2015 election, for the following campaign finance disclosure reports: 30-P report that was filed 28 days late and 10-P report that was filed 8 days late.
  Docket No. 16-005
Request that the Board waive three $2,000 campaign finance late fees assessed against Phillip David Ridder, Jr., a candidate for State Representative, District 72 in the October 24, 2015 election for the 30-P report that was filed 97 days late, the 10-P report that was filed 77 days late, and the 10-G report that was filed 48 days late.
  Docket No. 16-006
Request that the Board waive the two $2,000 campaign finance late fees assessed against Nicholas "Nick" Ogima, a candidate for Tangipahoa Parish President in the October 24, 2015 election, for the 30-P report that was filed 105 days late and the 10-P report that was filed 83 days late.
G37.   WAIVER REQUESTS - LOBBYING
  Docket No. 15-1441
Request that the Board waive the $600 fee assessed against Dorinda Bordlee based on the late filing of an October 2015 Expenditure report.
G38.   WAIVER REQUESTS - PERSONAL FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
  Docket No. waiver
February 2016 PFD Waiver Chart.
  Docket No. 15-1399
Waiver request submitted by Lance Michael Nacio, member of the Shrimp Task Force, regarding a $550 late fee assessed for filing his 2014 Tier 2.1 Annual PFD 11 days late.
  Docket No. 15-1400
Waiver request submitted by Jeffery Dewayne Guice, former Mayor - Town of Epps (West Carroll Parish), regarding a $400 late fee assessed for filing his 2014 Tier 3 Annual PFD 8 days late.
  Docket No. 15-1401
Waiver request submitted by Lloyd Ostendorf, Jr., St. Tammany Parish Recreation District #14, regarding a $50 late fee assessed for filing his 2014 Tier 2.1 Annual PFD 1 day late.
  Docket No. 15-1402
Waiver request submitted by George T. "Skipper" Rinaldi, former member of the St. Tammany Parish Fire Protection District #2, regarding a $600 late fee assessed for filing his 2014 Tier 2.1 Annual PFD 12 days late.
  Docket No. 15-1404
Waiver request submitted by John M. Lorick, Caddo Parish Fire Protection District Board #5, regarding a $1,500 late fee assessed for filing his 2013 Tier 2.1 Anuual PFD 75 days late.
  Docket No. 15-1405
Waiver request submitted by Peggy Melancon Hulin, St. Martin Parish Tourism Commissioner, regarding a $1,050 late fee assessed for filing her 2014 Tier 2.1 Annual PFD 21 days late.
  Docket No. 15-1406
Waiver request submitted by Anthony C. Marino, a former member of the French Quarter Management District, regarding a $700 late fee assessed for filing his 2014 Tier 2.1 Annual PFD 14 days late.
  Docket No. 15-1407
Waiver request submitted by Anne Flower Redd, Louisiana State Museum Board, regarding a $150 late fee assessed for filing her 2014 Tier 2.1 annual PFD 3 days late.
  Docket No. 15-1408
Waiver request submitted by Joseph Merritt, Jr., a candidate for the Claiborne Parish Police Jury - District 7 in the October 24, 2015 election, regarding a $400 late fee assessed for filing his 2014 Tier 3 Candidate PFD 8 days late.
  Docket No. 15-1409
Waiver request submitted by Willie George Lee, former member of the St. Helena Parish School Board - District 4, regarding a $150 late fee assessed for filing his 2014 Tier 3 Annual PFD 3 days late.
  Docket No. 15-1410
Waiver request submitted by Crystal Weeks Lee, a former member of the Clarks Board of Aldermen - Caldwell Parish, regarding a $1,500 late fee assessed for filing her 2014 Tier 3 Annual PFD 100 days late.
  Docket No. 15-1411
Waiver request submitted by James Dennis Parrott, Rosepine Chief of Police - Vernon Parish, regarding a $450 late fee assessed for filing his 2014 Tier 3 Annual PFD 9 days late.
  Docket No. 15-1413
Waiver request submitted by Wallace J. Landry III, Lakeview Crime Prevention District, regarding a $1,500 late fee assessed for filing his 2013 Tier 2.1 Annual PFD 141 days late.
  Docket No. 15-1414
Waiver request submitted by Donald J. Domino, St. Mary Parish Tourist Commissioner, regarding a $1,500 late fee assessed for filing his 2013 Tier 2.1 Annual PFD 157 days late.
  Docket No. 15-1415
Waiver request submitted by LeDawn Cooper Edwards, Mayor - Jena (LaSalle Parish), regarding a $700 late fee assessed for filing her 2014 Tier 3 Annual PFD 14 days late.
  Docket No. 15-1416
Waiver request submitted by Linda Williams, Eastern New Orleans Neighborhood Advisory Commission, regarding a $1,000 late fee assessed for filing her 2013 Tier 2.1 Annual PFD 20 Days late.
  Docket No. 15-1417
Waiver request submitted by Beverly Ann Gordon, unsuccessful candidate for St. Helena Parish Clerk of Court in the October 24, 2015 election, regarding a $2,000 late fee assessed for filing her amended 2014 Tier 2 Candidate PFD 20 days late.
  Docket No. 15-1418
Waiver request submitted by Claude E. McMillan, Constable - Jackson Parish, District A, regarding a $1,500 late fee assessed for filing his 2013 Tier 3 Annual PFD 118 days late.
  Docket No. 15-1419
Waiver request submitted by John LaFargue, Upper Audubon Security District, regarding a $700 late fee assessed for filing his 2012 Tier 2.1 annual PFD 14 days late.
  Docket No. 15-1420
Waiver request submitted by Melanie C. Thompson, Kingswood Improvement District, regarding a $100 late fee assessed for filing her 2014 tier 2.1 Annual PFD 2 days late.
  Docket No. 15-1421
Waiver request submitted by Lawrence Michael Rase, Sr., a former member of the Greater New Orleans Expressway Commission, regarding a $1,500 late fee assessed for filing his 2013 Tier 2.1 Annual PFD 166 days late.
  Docket No. 15-1422
Waiver request submitted by Miles B. Williams, Sr., a former member of the Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors Board, regarding a $1,050 late fee assessed for filing his 2014 Tier 2.1 Annual PFD 21 days late.
G39.   WAIVER REQUESTS - RECONSIDERATIONS
  Docket No. 14-1431
Request for reconsideration that the board waive the $440 campaign finance late fee assessed against Redell Comeaux Miller, a candidate for School Board, Lafayette Parish in the November 4, 2014 election, whose 30-P report was filed 11 days late.
  Docket No. 15-953
Reconsideration of the Board's suspension of $1,000 in connection with a waiver request submitted by Jimmy Pickering, unsuccessful candidate for Constable, Ward 5, Richland Parish, in the November 4, 2014 election, regarding a $1,500 late fee assessed for filing his 2013 Tier 3 Candidate PFD 38 days late.
  Docket No. 15-956
Reconsideration of the Board's suspension of all but $250 of a $650 late fee arising from a waiver request submitted by Deborah Mabile "Debbie" Settoon, former member of the Southeast Regional Airport Authority, for filing her 2013 Tier 2.1 Annual PFD 13 days late.
  Docket No. 15-959
Reconsideration of the Board's waiver of all but $400 of a $1,200 late fee arising from a waiver request submitted by Phillip Huskey, a candidate for the Jefferson Parish School Board - District 3, in the November 4, 2014 election, for filing his 2013 Tier 2 Candidate PFD 12 days late.
  Docket No. 15-963
Reconsideration of the Board's denial of a waiver request submitted by Lekeisha Lucas-Powell, Northeast Delta Human Services Authority, regarding a $1,500 late fee assessed for filing her 2012 Tier 2.1 Annual PFD 84 days late.
  Docket No. 15-965
Reconsideration of the Board's denial of a waiver request submitted by Sabrina Ellis, St. Landry Parish Water Works - District 5, regarding a $300 late fee assessed for filing her 2013 Tier 2.1 Annual PFD 6 days late.
  Docket No. 15-969
Reconsideration of the Board's denial of a waiver request submitted by James Michael "Jimmy" Santangelo, East Baton Rouge Parish Constable - Ward 2, District 1, regarding a $1,200 late fee assessed for filing his 2014 Tier 2 Annual PFD 12 days late.
  Docket No. 15-1100
Reconsideration of the Board's denial of a waiver request submitted by Maxine Hilliard Weaver, a member of the Eastern New Orleans Neighborhood Advisory Committee, regarding a $150 late fee assessed for filing her 2014 Tier 2.1 annual pfd 3 days late.