§ 6B-13. Ex parte communications.

(a) 

Introduction. To ensure that Commission processes are fair and impartial, Commission Members, staff members, consultants, parties and interested persons are held to certain standards regarding ex parte communications. Their decisions must be based only on evidence properly presented to them in a proper forum. Doing so can result in serious bias and ex parte information may be excluded from the proceeding.

(b) 

Definition. An ex parte communication is an oral or written communication not on the public record made to or by Commission Members, staff member, consultants, parties and interested persons without notice to all the parties that is related to the merits or outcome of a complaint.

(c) 

Prohibition. Except as expressly permitted in this code, no regular or alternate Commission member shall communicate with any complainant, respondent or third party concerning a matter before it except within the context of an official proceeding. Nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit the submission of written communications to the Chairman of the Commission, presiding member of the Commission or subcommittee by delivery thereof to the Town Clerk. Such written communications shall be delivered to the Commission or subcommittee at its next meeting. Nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit communications by the Chairman of the Commission, presiding member of the Commission or subcommittee with the Town Attorney or the Commission's attorney.

Ord. of 6-11-2007