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Selectman raises conflict concern after meeting with town attorney; code officer warns of 30-day appeal deadline
Summary
Selectman Laurie Haynes questioned whether a meeting between fellow Selectman Daniel Staples and town attorney created an appearance of conflict; Attorney Kristen Collins reportedly said it was not a conflict, and Code Enforcement Officer Scott Bickford warned the board about a 30-day window to hold an appeals meeting. The board scheduled a special Nov. 30 meeting to address the matter.
During new business at the Nov. 23 Cushing selectmen meeting, Selectman Laurie Haynes questioned what occurred when Selectman Daniel Staples and Planning Board Chair Daniel Remian met with Attorney Kristen Collins, saying she was worried about the appearance of a conflict. Selectman Staples reported that Attorney Collins told them she did not view the meeting as a conflict and said the appeal received is a zoning change issue that should go to the Selectmen under the Town of Cushing’s Shoreland Zoning Ordinance.
Code Enforcement Officer Scott Bickford told the board he was concerned that if the Appeals Board did not meet the Town could be in violation of due process, noting that the Town has 30 days from the date the appeal was received to hold a meeting and that time was running short. After discussion the board agreed it would be best to convene a meeting that Attorney Collins, CEO Scott Bickford, and selectmen could attend.
Selectman Laurie Haynes moved, and Selectman Heidi Alley seconded, to direct Selectman Daniel Staples to contact Attorney Kristen Collins and arrange for Collins and CEO Scott Bickford to attend a Special Selectmen’s Meeting on Nov. 30, 2015 at 5:00 p.m.; the motion carried 4-0-0. The board will address the appeal and whether the Appeals Board or the Selectmen have jurisdiction under the Shoreland Zoning Ordinance at that special meeting.
The minutes record concern about the appearance of a conflict and a procedural warning about a potential due-process violation; the board’s scheduling of a special meeting reflects its decision to seek counsel and staff input before taking further action.
