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14th Town Board Meeting 07/15/2026 Page 23 The Ethics Board may conduct its investigation as it sees fit. As part of the investigation, the Ethics Board may, but is not required to, conduct interviews of the complainant, the subject of the complaint, and other witnesses. B. For every signed, written complaint it receives and every investigation it conducts, the Ethics Board shall file a statement of determination with the Town Clerk and the Town Board when the matter is decided. C. Any person filing a signed, written complaint with the Ethics Board shall be notified in writing when the matter is decided. D. If the Ethics Board is able to dispose of a complaint solely upon the facts stated in the written complaint, as no further action being required, or not within the purview of the Ethics Board, it shall do so. However, upon the Ethics Board making a determination that a comprehensive investigation of the allegations is necessary (i.e., if it intends to conduct interviews of any individuals), the subject of the complaint shall be notified of the complaint and its allegations (while keeping confidential the identifying information of the complainant) and provide an opportunity for the subject of the complaint to make a statement to the Ethics Committee in regard thereto, which may be used in any subsequent Hearing under § 12-19, if such Hearing is deemed appropriate by the Ethics Board. E. If, during the course of its investigation, the Ethics Board finds that the person that is the subject of the complaint violated additional sections of this chapter or any other law that were not included in the original complaint, the Ethics Board may — but is not compelled to — investigate those findings, without the need for an additional signed, written complaint. F. Nothing in this section shall be construed to permit the Ethics Board to conduct an investigation of itself or of any of its members or staff. If the Ethics Board receives a complaint alleging that the Ethics Board or any of its members or staff has violated any provision of this chapter or any other law, the Ethics Board shall promptly transmit to the Town Board a copy of the complaint. § 12-19. Hearings; assessment of penalties; injunctive relief. A. Disciplinary action. In its discretion, after a hearing providing for due process procedural mechanisms and subject to any applicable provisions of law, the Ethics Board may recommend appropriate disciplinary action pursuant to § 12-7 of this chapter. The recommendation of the Ethics Board shall be made to the appointing authority or person or body authorized by law to impose such sanctions. The Ethics Board shall conduct and complete the hearing with reasonable promptness, unless in its discretion the Ethics Board refers the matter to the authority or person or body authorized by law to impose disciplinary action or unless the Ethics Board refers the matter to the appropriate prosecutor. If such referral is made, the Ethics Board may adjourn the matter pending determination by the authority, person, body, or prosecutor. B. Injunctive relief. The Town Board, or the Ethics Board on behalf of the Town, may initiate an action or special proceeding, as appropriate, in the court of appropriate jurisdiction for injunctive relief to enjoin a violation of this chapter or to compel compliance with this chapter, as provided in § 12-8 of this chapter. C. Prosecutions. The Ethics Board may refer to the appropriate prosecutor possible criminal violations of this chapter. Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed to restrict the authority of any prosecutor to prosecute any violation of this chapter or of any other law. § 12-20. Advisory opinions. A. Upon the written request of any Town officer, employee, or member of a Town agency or board, the Ethics Board shall render a written advisory opinion with respect to the interpretation or application of this