The Windcrest City Ethics Commission convened on October 18, 2024, to address concerns surrounding service contracts and the conduct of city officials. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the interactions between city council members and a local business owner, highlighting issues of transparency and ethical conduct in municipal operations.

During the session, a local business owner discussed his experiences with various council members, specifically mentioning Councilman Greg Turner. The owner noted that Turner approached him in a friendly manner, contrasting with other council members who posed extensive questions about his business practices. This difference in approach was highlighted as a point of comfort for the owner amid what he described as a grilling from other officials.

The discussion also touched on the employment status of a former employee, Larissa Statas, who had transitioned from being an employee to a volunteer at the facility. The owner clarified that he removed her from the payroll to avoid any potential conflicts of interest, particularly in light of the formation of an animal advisory board. He emphasized the importance of maintaining ethical boundaries and stated that Statas had not volunteered recently due to her commitments in real estate.

The meeting underscored the necessity for the city of Windcrest to adhere to ethical standards when engaging in service contracts and managing relationships with local businesses. The owner’s testimony reflected broader concerns about the transparency of city operations and the need for clear guidelines to prevent conflicts of interest among city officials.

As the meeting concluded, the commission acknowledged the importance of these discussions in fostering a transparent and ethical governance framework for Windcrest. The next steps will likely involve further examination of the city’s policies regarding service contracts and the conduct of its officials to ensure compliance with ethical standards.