Commission discusses conflict-of-interest disclosure and one-on-one meetings with applicants

During the director’s report the commission discussed conflict-of-interest rules and whether one-on-one conversations between commissioners and applicants should be disclosed. Commissioner David Lewis circulated a 2021 League of Cities and Towns booklet and said he had asked property-rights ombudsmen for guidance; he reported inconsistent advice and asked whether the commission should codify disclosure practices.

Community Development Director Curtis Poole said commissioners sign documentation acknowledging they must recuse themselves for matters that would provide financial benefit and advised that, "it is not appropriate for Commissioners to discuss matters with applicants outside of a public meeting," noting city attorneys generally discourage pre-meetings that create an appearance of lobbying. Chairman Joe Rupp said he will review the commission by-laws to determine whether additional codification or a disclosure statement is warranted. The commission did not adopt a new rule at the meeting.