The Chair asked if D. Jamieson was present at the meeting. Joe Ingino, the affected candidate in the matter, advised he was present and representing the contributors to his campaign. Members of the Joint Compliance Audit Committee questioned Joe Ingino concerning Report JCAC-23-01. Joe Ingino confirmed that he was appointed by D. Jamieson and R. Russo to represent them at this meeting.
Members of the Committee questioned Joe Ingino regarding the additional letter and unsigned, amended financial statement and auditor's report form submitted as additional item JCAC-23-06. Joe Ingino advised that he completed the revised, unsigned statements himself, however he entrusted one of his clerks to complete the original statement. Joe Ingino stated that the clerk made a clerical error resulting in the apparent over contribution. In response to questions, Joe Ingino confirmed that he signed the declaration on the original financial statement under Box B declaring that to the best of his knowledge the statements were true and correct, however stated that he should have taken more time to review them.
In response to further questions, Joe Ingino stated that a clerk in his campaign allocated $1356 as a contribution from one individual and they failed to break it up like they should have as $356 of the contribution was from another contributor. Joe Ingino indicated this same situation occurred with the donations from both D. Jamieson and R. Russo.
Members of the Committee asked how Joe Ingino knew in April of 2022 that he would need exactly $356 to pay back the excessive contribution from either Mr. Jessome (as identified on the revised, unsigned statements) or R. Russo. Joe Ingino advised that his campaign planned how many signs to purchase in advance and then make expenditures based on what funds are available.
In response to questions from the Committee, Joe Ingino confirmed that the apparent overcontributions were paid back in cash, and he had no bank statements or receipts on hand to provide to the Committee.
Joe Ingino stated that he hoped this information would clear up the confusion, and advised that he would have resolved it immediately had he received earlier notification from the City Clerk. Joe Ingino stated that he only received notice of the meeting a few days prior. The Chair asked the City Clerk to confirm how and when notice was served. The Elections Officer stated that the notifications were sent via registered mail to the affected candidate in addition to being placed on the City's website. The Elections Officer advised that the notices were processed by the City on May 10, 2023 and that a notice card was left at the address provided by the candidate on May 11, 2023 indicating where and when to pick it up. The Elections Officer also advised a final notice card was issued at the same address on May 16, 2023 but to date, had not been collected.
The Committee deliberated in private pursuant to Section 88.34(9.1) of the Municipal Elections Act commencing at 6:24 p.m.
The Committee resumed deliberations in public session at 6:47 p.m.
Members of the Joint Compliance questioned Joe Ingino concerning the name of the contributor noted in Report JCAC-23-01 listed as D. Jamieson of 404 Maplewood Road, as the revised, unsigned statements indicate a contribution from D. Jessome at the same address with a contribution of $1000. Joe Ingino confirmed the contributor's name is D. Jessome at 404 Maplewood Road and the name on the original filing was incorrect.
In response to questions, Joe Ingino confirmed that Mr. Jessome was aware that he was present at the meeting of the Joint Compliance Audit Committee to represent Mr. Jessome in this matter.
Members of the Committee requested the City Clerk confirm service of notice of the meeting to the contributors. The Elections Officer advised that both notices were sent via registered mail and processed by City Hall on May 10, 2023 to be delivered to the D. Jamison listed on the original financial statements and Rosaldo Russo. A notice card was left at the address for D. Jamieson on May 11, 2023 and a final notice issued to the address on May 17, 2023. A notice card was left at the address of R. Russo on May 11, 2023 and delivered successfully to Mr. Russo on May 12, 2023.
Members of the Committee asked if both Mr. Jessome and Mr. Russo had been in contact prior to May 24, 2023 and requested that Joe Ingino attend on their behalf. Joe Ingino confirmed this was correct.
The Committee further deliberated in private pursuant to Section 88.34 (9.1) of the Municipal Elections Act commencing at 6:54 p.m.
The Committee resumed deliberations in public session at 7:00 p.m.