HLC pauses a hearing after two commissioners recuse themselves; reconvenes when a fourth member joins by Zoom

During the new-construction item (NC25-02) the commission recorded two recusals for conflicts of interest tied to proximity to the project. Commissioner Osterberg announced he would recuse himself because he is a next-door neighbor; another commissioner also recused, saying they had lived across the street for six years and remained close friends with people on that block. With those recusals the commission lacked the four-member majority required to decide and took a five-minute recess to attempt to contact an absent commissioner.

The meeting reconvened after about five minutes when Commissioner Michelle Defenbaugh joined via Zoom. Commissioners then proceeded with the staff presentation, public testimony and deliberations. The record shows the two recusals were declared on the record at the start of the NC25-02 hearing; staff and the chair confirmed the quorum and proceeded after the reconvening.