| Date: | 10/04/1992 |
|---|---|
| Organization: | State Ethics Commission |
| Docket Number: | 453 |
- This page, EUA Cogenex, is offered by
- State Ethics Commission
Settlement
Settlement EUA Cogenex
Table of Contents
Disposition Agreement
This Disposition Agreement (Agreement) is entered into between the State Ethics Commission (Commission) and EUA Cogenex (Cogenex) pursuant to Section 5 of the Commission's Enforcement Procedures. This Agreement constitutes a consented to final order enforceable in the Superior Court pursuant to G.L. c. 268B, s.4(j).
On June 16, 1992, the Commission initiated, pursuant to G.L. c. 268B, s.4(a), a preliminary inquiry into possible violations of the conflict of interest law, G.L. c. 268A, by Cogenex. The Commission concluded that inquiry and, on, September 10, 1992, found reasonable cause to believe that Cogenex violated G.L. c. 268A.
Page 607
The Commission and Cogenex now agree to the following findings of facts and conclusions of law:
1. Cogenex is a Massachusetts corporation engaged in the business of energy management.
2. At the time here relevant, Boston Edison offered a program entitled the Encore Program to assist large energy consumers to significantly reduce their energy consumption costs. Institutions that participate in the program select an electrical contractor to retrofit and/or replace existing equipment. Boston Edison incurs all expenses under the program.
3. Cogenex was the successful bidder under the Encore Program for Worcester County[1] and the following municipalities: Holliston, Newton, Walpole and Arlington. As such, Cogenex receives a percentage of avoided costs for generation savings realized from Boston Edison.[2]
4. On July 17, 1991, Cogenex hosted a Boston Harbor cruise on a custom designed cruising yacht. The explicit purpose of the cruise was for customer appreciation and to foster goodwill. The cruise included cocktails and dinner. Cogenex spent approximately $2,229 hosting the event at a cost of $79.06 per person.
5. Cogenex extended invitations to approximately 40 individuals, including seven public officials involved with the aforementioned contracts.
6. Two of the 28 individuals who attended the cruise were public officials.
7. Section 3 of G.L. c. 268A prohibits, otherwise than as provided by law, the giving or offering of anything of substantial value to any public official for or because of any official act performed or to be performed by such employee.[3] The Commission has found that private parties violate s.3 when they entertain government officials (who are in a position to benefit them) in an effort to generate good will. See e.g., In re State Street Bank, 1992 SEC 580; In re Stone & Webster, 1991 SEC 552; In re Rockland Trust, 1989 SEC 416.
8. By providing a Boston Harbor cruise for public officials with the intent to generate and maintain good will and good customer relations with municipal officials, Cogenex violated G.L. c. 268A, s.3.[4]
In view of the foregoing violation of G.L. c. 268A by Cogenex, the Commission has determined that the public interest would be served by the disposition of this matter without further enforcement proceedings, on the basis of the following terms and conditions agreed to by Cogenex:
1. that Cogenex pay to the Commission the sum of two thousand dollars ($2,000.00) as a civil penalty for violating G.L. c. 268A; and
2. that Cogenex waive all rights to contest the findings of fact, conclusions of law and terms and conditions contained in this agreement or any other related administrative or judicial proceedings to which the Commission is or may be a party.