Harper Woods council votes to remove planning commissioner amid conflict-of-interest debate

The Harper Woods City Council voted to remove Greg Bargo (recorded in the transcript variously as Barker/Barber/Bargo) from the planning commission during its Dec. 1 meeting after an extended discussion about conflicts of interest and public perception.

A council member moved to remove the commissioner, citing the city charter’s guidance that appointed officials should not serve in circumstances that present family ties with elected officials. The motion prompted lengthy debate. The city attorney told council that the issue was broader than nepotism, focusing instead on fiduciary duty and protecting elected officials from the appearance of impropriety: “What this conflict of interest does is it protects your integrity,” the attorney said during remarks to the council.

Several council members described the step as preemptive rather than punitive, arguing the goal was to avoid legal challenges or public distrust that could arise when closely related people serve in influential positions. Other members urged careful adherence to charter language and asked the attorney for legal clarification about removal authorities and when abstention or recusal is permitted.

After discussion, council members voted in favor of the motion to remove the planning commissioner. Some members who spoke in debate acknowledged the commissioner’s prior service and competence while stressing that optics and public confidence in land-use and permitting decisions are critical.

Council requested that the city attorney’s guidance be further documented for clarity on how charter provisions and fiduciary duties should be applied in similar cases going forward. The council’s vote to remove the commissioner was immediately effective.