City attorney delivers annual ethics and open‑meetings refresher to Historic Preservation Board

A representative from the Colorado Springs city attorney's office delivered the board's annual ethics and open‑meetings training on Nov. 3, reviewing the city's ethics code, gift rules and conflict-of-interest and recusal procedures.

The presenter said the city's ethics code is in chapter 1 of the city code and noted advisory opinions are available to board members for future actions. The presenter described the treatment of gifts: "Gifts to covered persons are prohibited unless we can find an exception that applies," and explained one common exception permits gifts under $75 per year from a vendor or third party (adjusted for inflation) when the gift cannot reasonably be considered a bribe.

The presenter emphasized that written advisory opinions carry more weight as a defense against allegations than verbal advice, and outlined required steps when a conflict exists: disclosure and mandatory recusal, including leaving the room during discussion and not communicating about the matter with other decision-makers.

The session also covered Colorado open‑meetings requirements, including the 24‑hour notice requirement and that gatherings of three or more members to discuss public business must be publicly noticed. Staff said the training will be recorded and the video and materials will be made available to members who missed the meeting.

Board members asked whether the training mirrored prior sessions and whether it met the annual requirement; staff confirmed the training is an annual requirement under city code and that the recording will be posted.