Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Sandy-Michael McDonald
Department: Economic and Small Business Development
Information
Requested Action
title
MOTION TO APPROVE waiver of conflict under Section 112.313(7)(a), Florida Statutes, for Shaheewa Jarrett Gelin, who holds an employment or contractual relationship with an entity that is doing business with Broward County.
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Why Action is Necessary
A waiver of conflict requires two-thirds approval by the Board in accordance with Section 112.313(12), Florida Statutes.
What Action Accomplishes
Waives the existence of a potential conflict resulting from Ms. Jarrett Gelin’s employment with an entity that is doing business with Broward County.
Is this Action Goal Related
No
Previous Action Taken
None.
Summary Explanation/Background
On December 12, 2017, the Broward County Commission approved a contract with Gelin Benefits Group. Ms. Jarrett Gelin is a W-2 employee of Gelin Benefits Group and, also, a member of the Broward County Small Business Development Advisory Board.
Pursuant to Section 112.313(7)(a), Florida Statutes, public officers, including advisory board members, may not “have or hold any employment or contractual relationship with any business entity or any agency which is subject to the regulation of, or is doing business with, an agency of which he or she is an officer or employee.” Under the Code of Ethics and interpretative opinions, it is unclear whether Ms. Jarrett Gelin’s agency is the Small Business Development Advisory Board or the County as a whole. While Gelin Benefits Group is neither doing business with, nor subject to, the regulation of the Small Business Development Advisory Board, Gelin Benefits Group is doing business with the County. As such, this waiver is sought in an abundance of caution.
A conflict under 112.313(7)(a) may be waived by a two-thirds vote of the County Commission after full disclosure of the conflicting relationship. Form 4A, Disclosure of Business Transaction, Relationship or Interest, is attached hereto as Exhibit 1 and constitutes full disclosure of any existing conflicts.
Source of Additional Information
Sandy-Michael McDonald, Director, OESBD, 954-357-5615, smmcdonald@broward.org
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
None.