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Delaware City commission hears city attorney on conflicts of interest; staff to send applications earlier
Summary
City Attorney Natalia reviewed Ohio conflict-of-interest law with the Historic Preservation Commission, discussed recusal rules and liability risks, and staff promised earlier distribution of applications and a clearer path when recusals leave the commission without a quorum.
Delaware City94City Attorney Natalia told the Historic Preservation Commission on April 23 that conflicts of interest are governed by state law and that her primary concern is protecting the city from legal liability.
Natalia said, "my primary role as city attorney is to protect the city from liability." She summarized how Ohio Revised Code provisions define when an official, a family member or a business associate receives a direct benefit from a matter before a public body and when a recusal is required.
Why it matters: commissioners and staff raised concerns that recent recusals tied to Main Street Delaware could be applied broadly and might leave the Historic Preservation Commission unable to hear some downtown applications. Commissioners asked whether past approvals could be reopened and whether routine memberships or small purchases could create conflicts.
Natalia told the commission she had been conservative in earlier written advice because she lacked specific details about individual…
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