Advisory Council on Procurement Lobbying

Meeting on December 28, 2005

Empire State Plaza

Meeting Room 7

10:00am

Minutes

 

I.          Call to Order.  The meeting was called to order by Chairman Richard Reed.

 

II.            Minutes. Chairman Reed asked for any corrections on the minutes

from the meeting of December 15, 2005.  Terri Matthews asked that the minutes reflect that she was present.  Kim Fine pointed out that on page 5 of the minutes there was discussion about whether OSC talks to the vendors.  She wanted to clarify that could be instances when OSC speaks to vendors because OSC has questions, but these would be small “c” contacts.  On page 6 of the draft minutes it was suggested to change the third paragraph to read: “Under the enforcement and violations section, Kim Fine suggested that knowingly and willfully should be deleted from the answer to question 42.  It was suggested that the last two words of question 44…”  A motion to accept the minutes as amended was made by Stephen Sloan and seconded by Duwayne Gregory.  All approved.                                           

 

III.         Old Business.  Chairman Reed stated that the two items he hopes the Council will get through at the meeting are: the implementation report, which is required to be submitted this week; and the guidelines so they can be posted as soon as possible.  Since report is the document on immediate deadline, Chairman Reed asked that this be reviewed first, and he turned the meeting over to facilitator Sandy Schuman who had the draft implementation report on the screen for real time editing by the Council.  The following edits were made:  On page 3 Maryanne Gridley suggested changing “Who” to “whom” and Kim Fine suggested changing “Lobbying Act” to “Legislative Law.” 

 

On page 4 it was suggested to delete the first sentence after the enumerated items, and begin with the second sentence to read: “The Advisory council is cognizant of the challenges that are present to effectively and efficiently both implement and enforce the new law in the required timeframe.”  It was recommended to then add: “Various parties have new obligations under the law and should be expected to take the steps necessary to comply with the law at the time of its effective date.  While the Council takes seriously its role in assisting with the implementation of the law, it does not see its actions as a substitute for action by Governmental Entities, the vendor community and/or lobbyists to comply with the law.”  The next sentence, starting with “The Advisory Council…” would then start a new paragraph.

 

On page 5 before Section B it was suggested to add: “We should note that the Council will also begin with an initiative to collect best practices from governmental entities and post such information to its web page as a model for other entities working to comply with the new provisions.”

 

On page 6 the fifth bullet under Section B was changed to read: “directs the Office of General Services to disclose and maintain a list of bidders determined to be non-responsible and/or debarred under the provisions of State Finance Law 139-j and 139-k and to publish such list on its website.”  There was discussion as to whether the eighth bullet was accurate and it was agreed that it was.  David Grandeau was present and he said he concurred with the bullet as written.  He also noted that the Lobbying Commission does not agree with the Council’s opinion that the new provisions in the law apply only to new procurements after January 1, 2006.  Tom Perreault raised the question of whether a procurement happens when a bid is solicited and suggested that this could be addressed in the Guidelines. The heading in Section II should keep “issue” pluralized.

 

On page 7, the start of the second paragraph was amended to read: “OGS in its capacity as secretariat to the Council…”  Susan Knapp suggested that the top paragraph acknowledge that “State agencies and certain public authorities have already been complying with EO 127…”  Maryanne Gridley suggested saying “certain public authorities.”  Duwayne Gregory asked to delete “the” on the 3rd line on the page.  Susan Knapp suggested that the third line be amended to add “newly” before “covered entities.”  Richard Reed noted that the next to last line in the first full paragraph should be changed to note that reports will be made by the procuring entities, not by the lobbyists.  It was suggested to remove the first sentence of the second paragraph and start with “OGS and the Advisory Council…” 

 

On page 8 under the Awareness section, it was suggested to add after “OGS” in the first bullet, “in its position as secretariat to the Council.”  There was discussion about Kim Fine’s recommended addition to the end of this bullet and it was agreed to add the following language to bullet one after “time”: “and will not occur before the January 1, 2006 implementation date.  However, preliminary materials developed by the Council, including guidelines and model contract language, will be available to assist with implementation of the law.”  There was discussion as to whether the second bullet should be deleted.  It was agreed that it should stay and that it should begin with “Educating the vendor community…” and after “new provisions of the law” it should read: “could not be completed prior to January 1, 2006 since the guidelines were not adopted until the end of December. Susan Knapp suggested replacing “allocated” with “appropriated” in bullet three.  In the final bullet of the section Kim fine suggested adding that since the agencies; policies and procedures to comply with the law is required to be part of any written solicitation that this should help to educate potential Offerers.  Maryanne Gridley was uncomfortable with this since she does not believe that every covered entity is aware of the new law, and therefore newly covered entities might not be including the necessary language right away. Duwayne Gregory asked for clarification of the notice requirement.  Kim Fine stated that there are requirements under the law and the Council should not suggest they cannot be followed. Susan Knapp suggested keeping the report language factual.  Maryanne Gridley said that the boards of some of the covered governmental entities have to first approve changes in policies before they can be implemented.  It was agreed to add the following language suggested by Tom Perreault, “However, awareness of the new law may increase as governmental entities issue solicitations which refer to the requirements.”

 

Under the Section on “Compliance” Richard Reed noted that the first bullet needed to be changed.  It was agreed it should read: “While full compliance by all governmental entities and vendors is required by January 1, 2006, it is recognized that time will be necessary to disseminate the model guidelines to hundreds of governmental entities and thousands of business owners and lobbyists…..”

 

On page 9, Mike Nevins suggested that the second and third bullets in the section be amended to add “offerors” after “governmental entities.” 

 

Under the section on “Enforcement” the word “extremely” was deleted from the first bullet.  There was discussion regarding the third bullet between Kim Fine, Maryanne Gridley and Richard Reed with respect to the agency ethics officers.  It was agreed that the bullet will now read: “While the role of “ethics officers” is familiar to governmental entities, it may not be clear to others since it does not appear elsewhere in state statute.”  With respect to the fifth bullet, the last sentence was replaced with “The Advisory Council will consider an initiative to facilitate the sharing of best practices.“  In the sixth bullet, “administrative hearing” was replaced with “opportunity for due process.”  After discussing the last bullet in this section, it was agreed to add a new section called “Coordination with the Temporary State Commission on Lobbying,” and to move the last bullet to that section.  The bullet was amended to read: “The Advisory Council will consider how best to advise the Temporary State Commission on Lobbying.”  It was also agreed to add a second bullet that reads “Requirements as to who must register as a lobbyist have not yet been clarified.” 

 

On page 10, the first bullet was amended to add “provisions of the State Finance Law” after “implement” and before “uniformly.” The sixth bullet was amended in the second sentence to now read: “Many governmental entities may not have their guidelines and procedures fully in place…..”  There was considerable discussion about the last bullet addressing EO 127.  It was agreed to keep this bullet from the process section, but add a recommendation that the Executive consider whether EO 127 remains necessary or whether it should be modified in light of the new law.

 

On page 11 it was agreed to add a section entitled “Preliminary Recommendations”.  Terri Matthews recommended changing “Commissioner of OGS” in bullet one to “Council.”  It was suggested that bullet two include reference to the fact that a letter will be sent by the Council.  Mike Nevins suggested adding “offerors” after “governmental entities” in the third bullet.  Kim Fine suggested a fifth recommendation: OGS should continue to collect information about already scheduled conference and opportunities to provide training workshops.  Richard Reed noted that OGS is already doing this.

 

There was a 10 minute recess.

 

Chairman Reed stated that there has been agreement on the report as changed, and he noted that on a final read through staff would make sure that where appropriate, “state agencies” is changed to “governmental entities.”  Maryanne Gridley moved the adoption of the report.  Dan Stewart seconded the motion.  All approved.  Chairman Reed stated that OGS will have the agreed upon changes made and will forward the report to the Governor and the Legislature, to members of the Council and it will be posted to the website.

 

Chairman Reed reported that OGS and the Government Law Center put together another draft of the FAQs that was sent to Council members in advance of the meeting.  He suggested that in the interests of time and the desire to post some guidance before the new year, that the Council focus only on the changes that were made, as agreed, at the last meeting. He further suggested that the comments made in writing by others within the last few days be considered at the next meeting.  There was discussion about whether to adopt the guidelines as “draft guidelines.”  It was agreed not to do this, but to acknowledge that there may be periodic updates to the guidelines.  Terri Matthews said that the City of New York has some suggestions but she could accept the guidelines today and discuss the proposed changes next time.  Chairman Reed suggested moving the last paragraph on page 2 in the overview section to the first paragraph of the section.  Kim Fine suggested that the fourth bullet in the overview be amended to being with “authorizes the Temporary Commission on Lobbying to…”  On page 4 in the third line of the answer it was suggested to add “between an offeror and…” after “Governmental Procurement.”  Maryanne Gridley asked whether the technical amendments that have been suggested in writing could be added administratively to the guidelines.  Stephen Sloan suggested adopting the Guidelines as is today with the understanding that the minor administrative changes would be made, and then circulating prior to the next meeting, those items that have been suggested for more major changes.  A motion was made by Stephen Sloan to accept the guidelines as in the form provided to the Council members prior to the meeting, and as amended at the meeting, subject to typos, minor error and legal clarifications being made by OGS, with the understanding that there will be further revisions once the Council considers comments received prior to the meeting . Dan Stewart seconded the motion.  All approved.

 

Chairman Reed stated that an email will be sent polling members on their availability for a January meeting on either January 12th or January 18th.

 

Duwayne Gregory moved to adjourn the meeting.  Mike Nevins seconded the motion.  All approved and the meeting was adjourned at 12:40pm.

 

Attachments

Voting Record Lists (3)

 

In Attendance:

Kim Fine                      Susan Knapp              Thomas D. Perreault              Daniel Stewart           

Duwayne Gregory            Terri C. Matthews            Richard A. Reed

Mary Anne Gridley            Michael J. Nevins            Stephen Sloan

                                               

 

Members Absent:

Ronald Younkins 

 


ADVISORY COUNCIL ON PROCUREMENT LOBBYING

 

VOTING RECORD LIST

 

         DATE: 12/28/05

 

         MOTION/RESOLUTION:  Motion to accept minutes from December 15, 2005 as amended by Kim Fine                                        and Terri Matthews.

 

MEMBER NAME

APPOINTING AUTHORITY

AYE

NO

ABSTAIN

ABSENT

Fine, Kim

Deputy Commissioner

for Budget and Policy Analysis

Office of the State Comptroller

State Comptroller

X

 

 

 

Gregory, Duwayne

Executive Assistant to Corporate Counsel

Suffolk Off Track Betting Corporation

Speaker of the Assembly

X

 

 

 

Gridley, Maryanne

Executive Director

Dormitory Authority

Governor

X

 

 

 

Knapp, Susan

Chief Budget Examiner

Public Protection Unit

Division of the Budget

Director of the Division of the Budget

X

 

 

 

Matthews, Terri C.

Counsel to Deputy Mayor for Operations

City of New York

Mayor of the City of New York

X

 

 

 

Nevins, Michael J.

Senior Vice President

JP Morgan Chase

Governor

X

 

 

 

Perreault, Thomas D.

Associate Attorney and Assistant Counsel

Department of Transportation

Commissioner of Transportation

X

 

 

 

Reed, Richard A. (Chair)

Deputy Commissioner and Counsel

Office of General Services

Commissioner of General Services

Lobby Law

X

 

 

 

Sloan, Stephen F.

Retired, New York State Senate

Temporary President of the Senate

X

 

 

 

Stewart, Daniel

Mayor

City of Plattsburg

Governor

X

 

 

 

Younkins, Ronald P.

Chief of Operations

Office of Court Administration

Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals

 

 

 

X

 

TOTALS:

            AYES:____10_______                                              ABSTENTIONS:_______0______

            NOES:______0______                                              ABSENCES:____1_______


ADVISORY COUNCIL ON PROCUREMENT LOBBYING

 

VOTING RECORD LIST

 

         DATE: 12/28/05

 

         MOTION/RESOLUTION:  Motion to approve Preliminary Report as amended.

 

MEMBER NAME

APPOINTING AUTHORITY

AYE

NO

ABSTAIN

ABSENT

Fine, Kim

Deputy Commissioner

for Budget and Policy Analysis

Office of the State Comptroller

State Comptroller

X

 

 

 

Gregory, Duwayne

Executive Assistant to Corporate Counsel

Suffolk Off Track Betting Corporation

Speaker of the Assembly

X

 

 

 

Gridley, Maryanne

Executive Director

Dormitory Authority

Governor

X

 

 

 

Knapp, Susan

Chief Budget Examiner

Public Protection Unit

Division of the Budget

Director of the Division of the Budget

X

 

 

 

Matthews, Terri C.

Counsel to Deputy Mayor for Operations

City of New York

Mayor of the City of New York

X

 

 

 

Nevins, Michael J.

Senior Vice President

JP Morgan Chase

Governor

X

 

 

 

Perreault, Thomas D.

Associate Attorney and Assistant Counsel

Department of Transportation

Commissioner of Transportation

X

 

 

 

Reed, Richard A. (Chair)

Deputy Commissioner and Counsel

Office of General Services

Commissioner of General Services

Lobby Law

X

 

 

 

Sloan, Stephen F.

Retired, New York State Senate

Temporary President of the Senate

X

 

 

 

Stewart, Daniel

Mayor

City of Plattsburg

Governor

X

 

 

 

Younkins, Ronald P.

Chief of Operations

Office of Court Administration

Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals

 

 

 

X

 

 

TOTALS:

            AYES:____10_______                                                          ABSTENTIONS:_______0______

            NOES:______0______                                                          ABSENCES:____1_______


ADVISORY COUNCIL ON PROCUREMENT LOBBYING

 

VOTING RECORD LIST

 

DATE: 12/28/05

 

MOTION/RESOLUTION:  Motion to accept the Guidelines as in the form provided to Council members                                               prior to the 12/28/05 meeting, subject to typos, minor errors and legal clarifications being made by OGS,                                       with the understanding that there will be further revisions once the Council considers comments received                                                prior to the 12/28/05 meeting.

 

MEMBER NAME

APPOINTING AUTHORITY

AYE

NO

ABSTAIN

ABSENT

Fine, Kim

Deputy Commissioner

for Budget and Policy Analysis

Office of the State Comptroller

State Comptroller

X

 

 

 

Gregory, Duwayne

Executive Assistant to Corporate Counsel

Suffolk Off Track Betting Corporation

Speaker of the Assembly

X

 

 

 

Gridley, Maryanne

Executive Director

Dormitory Authority

Governor

X

 

 

 

Knapp, Susan

Chief Budget Examiner

Public Protection Unit

Division of the Budget

Director of the Division of the Budget

X

 

 

 

Matthews, Terri C.

Counsel to Deputy Mayor for Operations

City of New York

Mayor of the City of New York

X

 

 

 

Nevins, Michael J.

Senior Vice President

JP Morgan Chase

Governor

X

 

 

 

Perreault, Thomas D.

Associate Attorney and Assistant Counsel

Department of Transportation

Commissioner of Transportation

X

 

 

 

Reed, Richard A. (Chair)

Deputy Commissioner and Counsel

Office of General Services

Commissioner of General Services

Lobby Law

X

 

 

 

Sloan, Stephen F.

Retired, New York State Senate

Temporary President of the Senate

X

 

 

 

Stewart, Daniel

Mayor

City of Plattsburg

Governor

X

 

 

 

Younkins, Ronald P.

Chief of Operations

Office of Court Administration

Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals

 

 

 

X

 

TOTALS:

AYES:____10_______                                                            ABSTENTIONS:_______0______

NOES:______0______                                                          ABSENCES:____1_______