Council to re-advertise planning commission vacancy after contentious nomination and recusal concerns

The Newport City Council on Aug. 4 voted to re-advertise a vacant planning commission position and asked the planning commission to submit a slate of names for council consideration after a closed-session discussion. Council members indicated they had received extensive public input both for and against a specific nominee and that there were concerns about potential conflicts or personal relationships that might require council members to recuse themselves. One council member stated on the record that they would “abstain and not participate in the executive session and [not] vote afterwards.” Council President Kevin Charbonneau said the city had received input regarding the nomination and that a re-advertisement would allow for new leadership and additional candidates. After returning to open session, the council approved a motion to re-advertise the vacant planning commission slot and asked the planning commission to bring forward a slate of names for consideration. The motion passed with three votes in favor and one abstention. The council’s action means that the vacancy will be publicly re-advertised and that the planning commission will be asked to vet and recommend candidates before the council acts on any appointment. Council members described the step as intended to open opportunities for additional applicants and to mitigate concerns about conflicts of interest in appointing a former official.