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DRB told to take new state ethics training; members discuss alternates and recusal rules
Summary
At the March 4 meeting the South Burlington Development Review Board was briefed on new statewide ethics standards that require training and recusal for perceived conflicts; members discussed whether to use alternates more actively if recusals increase.
During other business at the March 4 meeting, the South Burlington Development Review Board was briefed on new statewide ethics standards that supersede the city’s prior policy and on required training for municipal appointees.
Chair Dawn Philibert told the board the state has issued new, statewide ethics standards for municipal employees, board members and appointees and that all must take a training video, then file a certificate with the city attorney. Philibert said, “There is a statewide training that all, municipal employees and board members and appointees must take. I will send that out. It's about a 45 minute video, and you will have to answer, like, 5 questions at the end and, send your certificate into the city attorney who is our city ethics officer.”
Key change: perceived conflicts require recusal
Philibert explained a substantive change from the city standard: whereas the city’s rules previously treated perceived conflicts as requiring disclosure only, the state standards require recusal for perceived conflicts. In staff and board remarks, members noted that in a small municipality frequent acquaintances can create many perceived conflicts and discussed whether the board should more formally rely on alternates.
Alternates: participation trade-offs
Board members said alternates in prior practice sometimes sit out meetings or come only occasionally and therefore can be “rusty.” Some members suggested alternates be invited to attend and participate regularly so they are prepared to step in when a regular member must recuse themselves. The board agreed to take the state training and to consult the city ethics officer about specific recusal questions. Staff will circulate the training link by email.
Next steps
- Staff to email the training link and instructions to the board; members must complete the training and send certificates to the city attorney.
- The board plans to review the implications of the recusal rule at a future meeting and to discuss whether to recommend more active use or appointment of alternates.
The discussion did not produce a formal motion; it concluded with the chair asking members to complete the training and to raise any uncertainties with the city ethics officer.
