Planning board receives legal refresher on Robert’s Rules, ex parte communications and conflicts of interest; staff expects code review report in June

Assistant Solicitor Grace Innes told the Bangor City Planning Board on May 6 that a recently passed ordinance amendment clarifies that Robert’s Rules of Order apply to decision‑making boards in the city and that the board’s bylaws (section 8(e)) also require the use of those rules.

Innes gave a brief refresher on several legal topics relevant to board members: quorum requirements (a quorum is five members under the city code and the board’s bylaws); ex parte communication (the bylaws prohibit board members from discussing pending applications outside of a public meeting); conflicts of interest (members should recuse themselves if they or immediate family have a financial or a “special” interest); and due process (the board must treat individuals fairly and resolve matters according to established procedures). She…