RES 92-24RESOLUTION NO. 92 -2 4
A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A CODE OF ETHICS AND CONDUCT FOR THE
OTSEGO PLANNING COMMISSION.
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Otsego has
established a Planning Commission, and
WHEREAS, this group is responsible for performing vital
functions in the planning and development of the community, and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission needs to fully understand its
ethical responsibilities, role and function and related conduct
expectations.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Otsego City Council that
the following code of ethics and conduct is established for the
Otsego Planning Commission.
1. The primary responsibility of the Planning Commission is to
evaluate the impact of planning and development from a long
range, community -wide perspective. Specialized interests and,
especially self-interest considerations, shall not override a
City-wide perspective nor unduly influence recommendations.
A concentrated effort shall be made by the Commission to
identify and take into account all sides, impacts, and
opinions on any application or issue.
2. The Planning Commission is in essence an advisory, study
group, serving on behalf of the City Council and it is charged
with conducting indepth evaluations of planning and
development proposals which come before the City Council for
a decision. Completion of this responsibility requires the
Commission to maintain an objective perspective and not become
involved with a group or interest on any side of an issue.
3. No member of the Planning Commission shall participate in any
case in which they have financial or personal interest in the
property or action concerned, or will be directly affected by
the decision, or have or believe they have any other conflict
of interest as defined by applicable law. As soon as any
Planning Commission member becomes aware of any potential
conflict of interest in any case to come before the
Commission, they shall notify the Chair or acting Chair of the
particulars. Where the Chair finds that a conflict clearly
exists, the Chair shall disqualify the Commission member from
discussing and acting on the case and cause the secretary to
enter the circumstances in the record and to make arrangements
for such alternate services as are required. Where the Chair
or acting Chair has reasonable doubt as to whether the facts
and applicable law indicate a degree of conflict justifying
disqualification or excuse from service, the Chair shall seek
advice from the City Attorney. If the City Attorney advises
that, under the circumstances reported and applicable law, a
conflict appears to exist, the Chair shall proceed to
disqualify or excuse as provided above. If the City Attorney
advises that there is reasonable doubt, the Chair may (a)
disqualify or excuse the person involved, or (b) call for a
determination by the Commission at a public meeting. The
record on any such determination by the Commission shall be
full and complete and shall indicate the reasons supporting
the Commission's decision.
4. So as to maintain objectivity, members of the Commission are
not to individually meet or converse with an applicant or any
other interest involved in a request or issue, in any form
other than a public meeting. A member shall disqualify
themself from voting whenever any applicant, or their agent,
has sought to influence the vote of the member on an
application, other than in the public hearing.
5. Failure of a member of the Commission to maintain objectivity,
and/or avoid participating in a discussion and recommendation
where there is a conflict of interest, shall be grounds for
removal by the City Council.
ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Otsego, Wright
County, Minnesota, this 11TH day of K'Ay 1992.
CITY OF OTSEGO
No F. Freske, Mayor
ATTEST:
y rvplae Perrault,' City Clerk
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