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District attorney reiterates open-meeting rules; board advised to disclose conflicts
Summary
Rand Greenberg from the district attorney's office reminded members not to discuss pending board business outside public meetings, described when conflicts of interest require disclosure or abstention, and said the office will advise the board on individual conflict questions.
Rand Greenberg, the district attorney's office representative, gave a short review of Open Meeting Law and board ethics, stressing that members should avoid private conversations that would amount to deliberation. "The biggest thing is you don't want to talk to each other about the business that could come before you as a board," Greenberg said, warning that a two-person chain of communications can create a quorum if a third member becomes involved.
Greenberg explained typical conflict triggers — gifts or loans from people appearing before the board, financial interests by family members up to the third degree, and private-capacity representations that might require recusal — and said counsel will review potential conflicts and advise whether abstention is needed. The DA's office urged disclosure in advance where possible so staff can analyze the facts and advise the board during meetings.
Why it matters: Board members and staff said they appreciated the refresher; the district attorney's counsel also noted the practical difference between what the public perceives as a conflict and what, under Nevada statute, actually requires abstention. Members were encouraged to disclose potential conflicts at the item when it comes before the board if they did not consult counsel beforehand.
