DALTON, Mass. — A discussion was introduced on enacting conflicts of interest policies for all committees and boards during the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting on Tuesday night. 

 

The conversation was following the announcement that the town's insurer, Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association, inquired whether the board had specific written policies and procedures in place to help avoid conflicts of interest. 

 

Although board members complete Berkshire Regional Planning Commission's conflicts-of-interest training, the committee does not have written policies, member Caleb Darby said. 

 

Even though it doesn't have an official policy, the board is always conscious of conflict of interest when making decisions and members have chosen to abstain from certain decisions because of conflicts, Chair Anthony Doyle said. 

 

The town should explore enacting policies for all committees, not just the Zoning Board, Vice Chair Stephen Psutka said. 

 

Town Manager Thomas Hutcheson will have to file a form for the insurer soon but a vote was not expected with short notice, Town Planner Janko Tomasic said. 

 

The policies the insurer would like the board to enact would prohibit members who are invested in or are partners, directors, or officers in a business to vote on a zoning action that may affect that business. 

 

It would also require all members to disclose any investments or controlling positions they have that would affect Zoning Board action.