Resident files ethics complaint alleging planning commission conflict; Select Board to consider investigation

A letter by Sheila Lawrence alleging conflicts of interest on the planning commission was read into the meeting record and prompted extended discussion among Select Board members and planning commission representatives. The letter named specific people and requested that Jed Gramlin recuse himself from planning matters, that the board consider whether Deborah Bershadi's dual role is appropriate, and that the board appoint independent third-party counsel or a temporary liaison to investigate.

The letter, which the reader read aloud and closed with "Sincerely, Sheila Lawrence, former planning commission member for 25 years," charged that restructuring of the planning commission reduced the board from nine to seven members and raised concerns about perceived impartiality when family members serve on related boards. Board members acknowledged receipt of the complaint and said they would read it into the minutes, review the planning commission recording and consider whether to place the matter on a future agenda or in executive session for further review.

Planning commission members present disputed several factual points raised in the letter (for example, who was chair) and emphasized that prior procedural steps were followed for restructuring. The Select Board agreed to notify boards about open-meeting and ethics rules and to consider an ethics-liaison approach that includes multiple participants to reduce perceived conflicts.