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Commission revisits bylaws, stresses avoiding ex parte contacts and Open Meetings Act compliance
Summary
At the Feb. 10 meeting, commissioners reviewed bylaws—emphasizing conflicts of interest and ex parte communication policies—and were reminded that deliberations and decisions must occur in open meetings under the Open Meetings Act.
Commission members reviewed selected sections of the planning commission bylaws at the start of the work-plan discussion on Feb. 10, 2026, with particular emphasis on conflict-of-interest rules and ex parte communications.
Speaker 2 highlighted the commission’s practice that any member with a conflict should recuse and physically leave the room. He also advised commissioners on how to report outside conversations back to the commission to avoid the "reasonable appearance of conflict of interest." Speaker 2 emphasized keeping substantive discussion in the chamber so the public can hear deliberations.
Speaker 3 reminded members that the Open Meetings Act requires decision-making and discussion to occur in an open meeting, saying the law prohibits private deliberations among commission members about official business.
No bylaw changes were proposed at the meeting; the review was presented as a reminder and guidance for commissioners.
