Lee's Summit Councilman Proposes 'Cooling Off' Contract Solution After Showdown



Following a fiery war of words with a colleague on the subject of a trophy contract . . . Here's a common sense solution to bidding out in the stix:

COUNCILMAN MORENO PROPOSES ADDITIONS TO CITY CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY

PLAN WOULD PROHIBIT STAFF AND OFFICIALS FROM DOING BUSINESS WITH CITY, CREATE 1 YEAR "COOLING OFF PERIOD", AND PLACE CEILING ON NO BID CONTRACTS

Lee's Summit, MO--- In response to the Rules Committee discussion, and an agenda item before the council on Thursday, City Councilman Chris Moreno issued additions he would like to see adopted by the Rules Committee and the City of Lee's Summit.

- Prohibit elected officials, city employees, or any entity which they or someone within their household owns 25% or has a controlling interest, whichever is less, of the company from doing business with the city of Lee's Summit while in office or employed.

- Mandate a 1 year "cooling off period" from leaving office or city employment before any city staff, elected officials or any entity which they or someone within their household owns 25% or has a controlling interest, whichever is less, of the company, can do business with the city, lobby city staff or elected officials, or serve on any board or commission for the City of Lee's Summit, or that requires Mayoral appointment.
- Require all department directors and any city staff involved in contract negotiations, bidding, procurement or purchasing to file annual financial disclosure and conflict of interest reports with the City Clerk.

- Prohibit sole source, otherwise known as "no bid" contracts, by the City of Lee's Summit for purchases in excess of $5, 000 per transaction, or $25,000 annually.

- Require department directors, and staff involved in contract negotiations, bidding, procurement or purchasing to file bi-annual reports with the City Clerk listing any meals or gifts received from entities, businesses, representatives of a business or individuals doing business with the City of Lee's Summit, or those seeking to do business or bid on a project or contract with the City of Lee's Summit.

- Prohibit individuals that have 25% or has a controlling interest, whichever is less, of the company ownership in a business or entity that does business with the City of Lee's Summit in excess of $1000 per transaction or $5000 annually, from serving on any board or commission for the City of Lee's Summit, or that requires Mayoral appointment, which promulgates rules or authority, city policy or zoning related matters until 1 calendar year after such contract, transaction or agreement expires.

"These common sense recommendations protect taxpayer dollars from the potential for cronyism or corruption; and place our city policy above state requirements. This is a strong starting point for city policy that I hope is considered until our performance and operational audit is complete," said Councilman Chris Moreno.
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Comments

  1. Holy shit, Moreno is actually right and seems to be making a difference. I'm shocked, and actually impressed. Good for him. This is real old school style bid rigging and corruption. The FBI should be getting a call I hope.

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  2. Yes, I like this young man.

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  3. Way to pick them Tony!!!

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  4. Now do that shite to fight real crime in the city. Catch the real nasty bad guys too.

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  5. He could really use the money yet refuses to cheat the taxpayers. He sounds like a winner to me.

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  6. Moreno should also include a provision that requires city officials to resign before running for state or federal office. Let's not pretend like Moreno won't run for state senate or state representative in two years (halfway through his term) because he gets to keep his seat if he loses.

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  7. I like it Mr. Moreno!

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  8. This was on the radio today. It is about time! More local politicians should do the same.

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