In response to the recent billboard and economic development controversies, a 13-page Economic Disclosure Statement and Affidavit has been crafted that requires developers and firms seeking city business to tell more about themselves, offer any business ties to elected officials, and disclose detailed information about businesses, partners and corporate officers.

The form will be required for those who apply to the city for business that requires action by the City Council.

The new form reads "By completing and filing this EDS, the Undersigned acknowledges and agrees, on behalf of itself and the entities or individuals named in the EDS, that the City may investigate the criminal background and creditworthiness of some or all of the entities or individuals named in the EDS."

The EDS requires companies applying to do business with the city to list "all executive officers and all directors of the corporation."

It also requests the name of every "attorney, lobbyist, accountant, consultant, subcontractor or other person" involved in the desired city business.

Another important aspect of the EDS form requires applicants to disclose "business relationships with elected city officials."

Developers and those seeking city business must disclose any business relationships with a city elected officials in the 12 months prior to the date the form is signed. The city will not work with anyone who does not complete the form if the job requires council approval. Also, the form must be fully completed.

"An incomplete EDS will be returned and any city action will stop," the form says.

City Attorney Dave Wiltse said the form formalizes city ordinances. He said officials from the U.S. Attorney's office told Des Plaines officials using the forms is a "good idea" at a Sept. 17 billboard meeting. If conditions change for a developer or applicant, they must amend the form, Wiltse said. The forms must be filled out by developers and those doing business with the city. The EDS was put into place Nov. 1. The form is similar to one used by Chicago with some modifications, Wiltse said.

"This was a result of what happened with Prime Site when the City didn't know all the background of people involved and also with the billboard situation," said City Manager Dave Niemeyer.

"So, we want to make sure we know everyone involved and their background," he said.