If council accepts the committee of appointed citizens’ and politicians’ restrictions, it will affect participation in such events as golf tournaments, said Ward 7 councillor Scott Duvall.

“That happens a lot here,” said Duvall, who is a member of the committee. “There are a lot of tournaments and (organizers) pay for it. That’s big.”

In the 2001, four-page code of conduct policy, politicians are limited to $100 worth of gifts or benefits.

Committee members examined the city of Toronto’s code of conduct policy, which limits councillors to $300 per gift, and $500 in gifts and benefits from one source for a year.

“The numbers are arbitrary,” said interim chair Councillor Terry Whitehead. “We are just pulling numbers out. Hamilton is a different place than Toronto.”

Under the proposed requirements, councillors will be required to file a disclosure statement with the Integrity Commissioner within 30 days of receiving a gift. The disclosure statement will be made public.

Councillors will be allowed to receive various gifts with no penalty during a function honouring the politician, food and beverages during a function, and gifts that a politician receives during the course of his duties.

Spouses

Politicians on the committee were also wary about a requirement under the proposed code of conduct that would require spouses of politicians to file mandatory financial disclosure statements.

Although about 10 councillors have already filed their statements, said City Clerk Kevin Christenson, a few politicians expressed unease that their spouses may have to do the same thing.

The committee is currently reviewing the city’s code of conduct that sets down rules of decorum at committee meetings, while campaigning and interacting with city staff, as well as responsibilities around confidential city information.

Under the confidentiality rules, no politician shall disclose at any time information conducted in camera, including items under litigation, personnel matters, contracts, or personal information.

The proposals will be reviewed at the committee’s Oct. 9 meeting.

In the meantime, the committee may have to expand its search to find an integrity commissioner.

Efforts to hire a retired judge have failed as justice officials are loath to provide a list of names. Also, the cost may be prohibitive.

Expanded search

An expanded search may include academics and mediators.

Toronto lawyer George Rust-D’Eye is Hamilton’s interim integrity commissioner for the sole purpose of investigating Stoney Creek councillor Brad Clark’s involvement in releasing a taped conversation between Mayor Fred Eisenberger and a reporter to a local media outlet.