Oakland Public Ethics Commission Meeting - December 13, 2023

The Oakland Public Ethics Commission (PEC) held its regular meeting on December 13, 2023, starting at 6:31 PM. The meeting covered staff announcements, approval of minutes, selection of a new commissioner, a recommendation on setting the mayor's salary, a draft voter guide design, subcommittee reports, and enforcement updates. A quorum was present with five commissioners in attendance.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The October 25, 2023 special meeting minutes were approved 5-0 with one abstention (Commissioner Pertit was absent) after a correction to the spelling of Commissioner Upton's name. The November 8, 2023 regular meeting minutes were approved 6-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Commissioner Selection Finalist: One member of the public spoke in support of finalist Kevin Covarubius, citing his long-term leadership in Oakland and his impact on the speaker's own civic engagement.
• No public comments were made during Open Forum or other agenda items.

Discussion Items

• Staff and Commission Announcements: Executive Director Nicholas Hydorn introduced new Commission Analyst Teddy Toshoma. Enforcement Chief Simon Russell introduced new permanent investigator Triva Haddon. The chair announced an agenda order change to move Item 8C (Commissioner Selection Subcommittee report) up before Item 5.
• Selection of New PEC Commissioner: Two finalists, Karun Talak and Kevin Covarubius, each gave four-minute presentations addressing their interest, skills, goals, and additional information. Commissioners asked questions regarding enforcement resources, outreach philosophy, and time commitment. After discussion, a motion was made and seconded to appoint Karun Talak. The motion passed 6-0. Mr. Talak's term begins in January 2024, with his first meeting expected in March. Both finalists were encouraged to apply for the mayor's appointment vacancy.
• Recommendation on Setting the Mayor's Salary: Executive Director Hydorn presented six options (A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, C) based on prior commission discussion. Options ranged from automatic adjustments linked to judicial salaries or inflation to periodic PEC review. After commissioner comments, the commission voted 6-0 to recommend Option C (a hybrid approach with two-year inflation adjustments capped at 5% and a discretionary four-year review). A separate motion to also forward a statement of principles (excluding a bullet on limited discretion) was approved 6-0, with the chair and executive director authorized to submit a cover letter.
• Voter Guide Design: Staff presented a draft comparison-format voter guide for the Democracy Dollars pilot, informed by user testing and stakeholder feedback. Key features included candidate statements, priorities, endorsements, and campaign finance information. Commissioners offered suggestions on layout, clarity, and digital accessibility. No formal vote was taken; staff will refine the guide and return with design guidelines.
• Reports on Subcommittees:
  • Transparency and Public Records Subcommittee (Commissioner Upton): Completed a proposal for a research project with Goldman School of Public Policy and sent a letter to the Oakland Police Department for an upcoming interview.
  • Public Outreach Subcommittee (Vice Chair Hill): Continued planning a calendar of outreach events, with a goal of finalizing a list of events for commissioner participation in early 2024.
• Charter Review Subcommittee Established: The chair announced formation of a subcommittee to review potential charter amendments to strengthen the PEC. The chair and Vice Chair Hill will serve; incoming Commissioner Talak expressed interest and will be appointed after being sworn in.
• Disclosure and Engagement Update: Program Manager Suzanne Doran noted delays due to staff turnover but reported progress on implementing lobbyist registration and training.
• Enforcement Update: Chief Simon Russell reported 86 total cases (53 on hold), 14 active investigations, and 10 post-investigation cases. Seven staff-generated investigations into senior non-filers of Form 700 were opened. The new investigator will help reduce backlog.
• Executive Director's Report: Hydorn announced that the Lobbyist Registration Act and Lobbyist Public Financing Program became law, with $210,000 in available funds. A $200,000 grant from the Haas Junior Foundation will fund an outreach specialist. Staffing has improved with two new hires and offers for an additional investigator and two law clerks. A quarterly meeting of ethics commission directors from major California cities has been established.
• Future Meeting Business: Reminder that chair and vice chair elections will occur at the January meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Commissioner Selection: Karun Talak was appointed as the new PEC commissioner, effective January 2024, with the first meeting expected in March 2024. Vote: 6-0.
• Mayor's Salary Recommendation: The commission recommended Option C (hybrid inflation and discretionary review) and agreed to forward a statement of principles to the city administrator. Vote: 6-0 on both motions.
• Charter Review Subcommittee: Established with the chair and Vice Chair Hill; incoming Commissioner Talak to be added after being sworn in.
• Staffing Progress: Multiple positions filled or offered, including permanent investigator, commission analyst, and contract investigator; outreach specialist to be hired mid-2024 via grant.