Mr. Rogers’s opinion that as long as Councilman Riche does not participate in any vote, there is no issue or problem with his company having the contract

Mr. Rogers’s opinion that as long as Councilman Riche does not participate in any vote, there is no issue or problem with his company having the contract

Taken verbatim from the official meeting minutes of VOR Council on 6/13/2012:

THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION, NUMBERED 12-163, WAS CONSIDERED SEPARATELY AND READ IN FULL:

Prior to the vote on Resolution #12-163, Mayor Killion asked Mr. Rogers to explain it to the public. Mr. Rogers said that Councilman Riche brought this to his attention before it became an agenda item. The State contract for the materials and supplies to be purchased is owned by EXTEL Communications, which is Councilman Riche’s company. Therefore, the question is whether this will be an issue for Councilman Riche to participate in these discussions, and if there is an issue with his company being awarded the contract. Mr. Rogers pointed out that this often happens in the State, and as long as Councilman Riche does not participate in any vote on this matter, the State finds no ethical problem or concern with the fact that Councilman Riche’s company has the State contract. Mr. Rogers also checked with the Department of Community Affairs (DCA), as well as the Local Government Ethics Law, and they both concur with Mr. Roger’s opinion in this matter. Therefore, it is Mr. Rogers’s opinion that as long as Councilman Riche does not participate in any vote, there is no issue or problem with his company having the contract, or with the Village awarding this contract to his company.
Councilman Aronsohn said it is his understanding that not only is there no issue regarding Councilman Riche’s company, but that the equipment is badly needed in the Village. Mr. Rogers agreed. Dr. Gabbert also noted that the Village has been in a bit of a bind for the last couple of years because the Village could not utilize the State contract that every other municipality has been able to use, which has forced the Village to solicit other vendors, including some from out of state.

FOR THE RECORD, MR. ARONSOHN VOTED YES TO THE ABOVE RESOLUTION.