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County attorney briefs Planning Commission on quasi‑judicial duties, ex parte contacts and continuances
Summary
Garfield County attorneyrepresentative Kelly led a training explaining commissioners' quasi‑judicial role, restrictions on outside contacts and guidance on continuances and public comment during the June 25, 2025 Planning Commission work session.
Kelly, an attorney from the county attorney—s office, told the Garfield County Planning Commission on June 25 that when the commission acts in a quasi‑judicial capacity it must treat hearings like a court proceeding and preserve due process for applicants and neighbors.
Kelly said the distinction matters because the commission—s decisions can affect property rights and therefore must be based on evidence presented in the public hearing. "Quasi‑judicial means you're making a decision. So you're essentially acting as a court," Kelly said, adding that commissioners should hear evidence in the public hearing rather than accept information outside the record.
The attorney reviewed the county—s guidance on ex parte contacts, continuances and public comment. She told commissioners they should decline private conversations about…
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