Hollis Select Board Transparency Archive

D59D2A2B-3BA4-4C9A-84DB-98795243AFAE

2026 Town of Hollis ethics policy proposal and summary

From

• Michael Harnois <[email protected]>

To

• Richard Morin <[email protected]>
• Bennet Flinner <[email protected]>
• Crystal Gaudet <[email protected]>

Cc

• Daniel Yarumian <[email protected]>
• Danielle Bradbury <[email protected]>
• Roger Hicks <[email protected]>
• Jack Rogala (Select Board <[email protected]>

Date

Tue, Jul 14, 2026 · 9:10 p.m. ET

• Hollis_Ethics_Revised_2026_V3.docxOpen original

  Read from the file

  HOLLIS MUNICIPAL CODE OF ETHICS 1.Declaration of Policy; Authority The proper operation of the Town of Hollis requires that all Town officials with decision-making authority, whether elected or appointed, be impartial, equitable, and responsive to the needs of the people and each other in the performance of their respective functions and duties; that proper conduct by Town officials will promote public confidence in the integrity of government and will be maintained by all Town officials; that public office not be used for personal or financial gain or advantage; that the structure of Town government be used properly in decision and policy-making. The Select Board seeks to actively promote the equal enjoyment of all Town services and programs by citizens throughout the community, free from discriminatory viewpoints or treatment, and without regard to race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, religion, genetic information, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. In recognition of these goals and the importance of protecting public interest and Town officials, a Code of Ethics is hereby established for all Town officials, as defined herein. This Code is adopted pursuant to and consistent with 30-A M.R.S. § 2605(7), as well as the municipal home rule powers as provided for in Article VIII, Part 2, Section 1 of the Constitution of the State of Maine and 30-A M.R.S. § 3001. 2. Definitions BOARD OR COMMITTEE – any board, committee, commission, or other advisory or decision-making body established by the Town of Hollis, whether by ordinance, charter, vote of the Select Board, or otherwise, including but not limited to the Select Board, Planning Board, Board of Appeals, Conservation Commission, Finance Committee, and any other standing or ad hoc body whose members serve the Town in an official capacity. BUSINESS – any corporation, partnership, individual, sole proprietorship, joint venture, or any other legally recognized entity, whether for-profit or non-profit. CENSURE – a judgment or resolution condemning a person for a violation of this Code. DOMESTIC PARTNER – an unmarried adult who is domiciled with another unmarried adult under long-term arrangements that evidence a commitment to remain responsible indefinitely for each other’s welfare, and who are registered under 22 M.R.S. § 2710. FINANCIAL INTEREST – a direct or indirect interest having monetary or pecuniary value, including, but not limited to, the ownership of shares of stock constituting at least a 10% interest. IMMEDIATE FAMILY – spouse, parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sister, half-sister, brother, half-brother, stepparent, step-grandparent, stepchild, step-grandchild, stepsister, stepbrother, mother-in-law, father-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, guardian, former guardian, domestic partner, the half-brother or half-sister of a person’s spouse or domestic partner, the spouse or domestic partner of a person’s half-brother or half-sister, or the immediate family of a domestic partner. SELECT BOARD – the five (5) member elected governing body of the Town of Hollis, which sets Town policy and provides oversight of the Town Manager and Town administration. SPECIAL INTEREST – a direct or indirect interest having value peculiar to a certain individual or group, whether economic or otherwise, which value may accrue to such individual or group as a result of the passage or denial of any order, ordinance, or resolution, or the approval or disapproval thereof by a board or committee, and which interest is not shared by the general public. TOWN MANAGER – the chief administrative officer of the Town of Hollis, appointed by and accountable to the Select Board, responsible for the day-to-day administration of Town government and implementation of Select Board policies. TOWN OFFICIAL – any individual who is a member of any board or committee of the Town of Hollis, whether elected or appointed. For purposes of this Code, the Town Manager is also considered a Town official. 3. Standards of Ethical Conduct The purpose of this Code is to establish standards of ethical conduct for Town officials by setting forth those acts or actions that may be in conflict or incompatible with the best interests of the Town of Hollis, or that may create the appearance of impropriety. 4. Statutory Standards There are certain provisions of the general statutes of the State of Maine which should, while not set forth herein, be considered an integral part of this Code. Accordingly, the provisions of the following sections of the general statutes of the State of Maine, as may be amended or recodified from time to time, are hereby incorporated by reference and made a part of this Code, and shall apply to all Town officials whenever applicable as if more fully set forth therein, to wit: 1 M.R.S. § 401-406 Freedom of Access Act 17-A M.R.S. § 456 Tampering with Public Records of Information 17-A M.R.S. § 602 Bribery in Official and Political Matters 17-A M.R.S. § 603 Improper Influence 17-A M.R.S. § 604 Improper Compensation for Past Action 17-A M.R.S. § 605 Improper Gifts to Public Servants 17-A M.R.S. § 606 Improper Compensation for Services 17-A M.R.S. § 607 Purchase of Public Office 17-A M.R.S. § 608 Official Oppression 17-A M.R.S. § 609 Misuse of Information 17-A M.R.S. § 903 Misuse of Entrusted Property 21-A M.R.S. § 504 Persons Ineligible to Serve as Election Officials 30-A M.R.S. § 2605 Conflicts of Interest 30-A M.R.S. § 5122 Interest of Public Officials, Trustees or Employees For the avoidance of doubt, any of the statutory provisions referenced above that are contained within Title 17-A (Maine Criminal Code) are criminal acts that are enforceable by the Office of the Attorney General and/or District Attorney, and not by the Select Board; however, a Town official’s conviction of any of the above-referenced crimes constitutes a per se violation of this Code. 5. Disclosure of Confidential Information No Town official shall, to the detriment of the Town, disclose confidential information concerning the property, government, or affairs of the Town; nor shall they use such information to advance the financial or private interest of themselves or others. For purposes of this subsection, the term “confidential information” shall mean any information, oral or written, which comes to the attention of, or is available to, such Town official only because of their position with the Town, and is not a matter of public record. Information received and discussed during an executive session of a board or committee duly called pursuant to 1 M.R.S. § 405 shall be considered confidential information under this section, and shall not be disclosed to any third party unless such disclosure is approved by a majority vote of the applicable board or committee and is permissible under the law. 6. Contracts, Purchases and Employment A. No Town official shall participate directly by means of deliberation, approval or disapproval, or recommendation, in the purchase of goods or services for the Town, or in the award of any contracts with the Town, where to their knowledge there is a financial interest or special interest in such purchase or award, other than that possessed by the public generally, held by: themself or a member of their immediate family; a business in which they or a member of their immediate family serves as an officer, director, trustee, partner, or employee; or any other person or business with whom they or a member of their immediate family are in business, or are negotiating or have an arrangement concerning future employment. B. No Town official shall participate by means of deliberation, approval or disapproval, or recommendation, in the decision to hire, promote, discipline, lay off or to take any other personnel action in respect to any applicant for employment or employee, as the case may be, or vote for appointed positions, where said applicant, employee or nominee is: a member of their immediate family; or a person with whom either they or a member of their immediate family are partners or co-owners of any business. C. The Town Manager shall ensure that all procurement and employment processes under Town administration comply with this Code. The Town Manager shall not participate in any matter in which the Town Manager has a financial or special interest as defined herein. 7. Solicitation of Future Employment A Town official shall not solicit future employment with any business or person who has a substantial matter pending before the board or committee of which the official is a member. A matter is “substantial” if it involves a financial value of one thousand ($1,000) dollars or more or involves a question of policy of comparable significance. An individual who has served as a Town official shall not, within one (1) year after termination of their service: (a) assist any business or person, other than the Town, in any matter that was pending before the board or committee of which they were a member; (b) appear before the board or committee of which they were a member; or (c) assist any other person to make such an appearance; provided that nothing herein shall prohibit a Town official, on behalf of their own personal interest, from appearing before any board or committee. 8. Gifts and Favors No Town official shall accept anything of value, whether in the form of service, loan, thing or promise, from any person and/or business which, to their knowledge, is interested directly or indirectly in any manner whatsoever in business dealings with the Town or seeking an approval from any board or committee; nor shall any Town official accept anything of value that tends to influence or could reasonably be expected to influence them in the performance of official duties or was intended as a reward for any official action. This section does not prohibit: A. gifts or social courtesies related to a familial relationship or friendship between the Town official and the donor, which are not designed to influence the proper judgment or action of the Town official in a matter within their authority; B. attendance at public, government-sponsored or informational events where refreshments may be served, which are not designed to influence the proper judgment or action of the elected or appointed official in a matter within their authority; C. political contributions received in compliance with law; D. loans obtained according to commercial practice at the prevailing rate of interest; or E. customary performance, merit awards or honoraria, consistent with municipal practices. 9. Use of Town Property and Facilities No Town official shall use or authorize others to use Town-owned property, including but not limited to, motor vehicles, equipment and buildings except for the following: A. for Town business; B. for purposes and on terms generally available to other persons; C. according to a contract of employment with the Town in which use of such property is part of the compensation or a term of employment. 10. Representing Third Party Interests Before Town Agencies No Town official shall either appear on behalf of any third party before any board or committee of the Town, or represent a third party in any action, proceeding, or litigation in which the Town or one of its agencies is a party. Nothing herein shall prohibit a Town official, on behalf of a constituent in the course of his or her duties as a representative of the electorate, or any Town official, on behalf of his or her own personal interest, from appearing before any board or committee, including that of which they are a current member. A Town official who is employed or under retainer by a third party having a matter pending before the board or committee of which the official is a member shall disclose that fact and shall abstain from any participation in the matter. Participation includes but is not limited to discussion and/or voting on the matter. 11. Conflicts of Interest A. Conflicts Prohibited. No Town official shall, in such capacity, participate in the deliberation or vote, or otherwise take part in the decision-making process with regard to any agenda item before the board or committee of which they are a member when they or a member of their immediate family has a financial or special interest of a pecuniary nature in the matter, other than an interest held by the public generally. B. Disclosure of Conflict. Any Town official who believes that they or a member of their immediate family has a financial or special interest, other than an interest held by the public generally, in any matter before his or her board or committee, shall disclose the nature and possible extent of such interest at the start of the agenda item. C. Reporting of Conflict. Any Town official who believes that any fellow Town official, or a member of the fellow Town official’s immediate family, has a financial or special interest, other than an interest held by the public generally, in any item before a board or committee, shall disclose the possibility of such interest, and the Town Clerk or their designee shall make a record of such disclosure, with a copy forwarded to the chair of the applicable board or committee. D. Determination of Conflict. Once the issue of conflict has been initiated relative to an individual Town official, and disclosure has been made as provided in Sections 11(B) or (C) above, the remaining members of the board or committee shall vote on whether or not such individual shall be excused from participating in the deliberation or vote on the item. E. Avoidance of Appearance of Conflict. If any Town official is determined to have a conflict of interest in respect to any matter before their board or committee, said Town official shall immediately remove themself from the dais and relocate to the area of the room occupied by the general public. The Town official shall not return to their regular seat as a member of the board or committee until deliberation and action on the item is completed. 12. Bias A. Bias Defined. A Town official is biased with regard to an application pending before their board or committee if they cannot make a fair or impartial decision on that matter because of a prejudice for or against the applicant or has a familial relationship with the applicant, as defined in 1 M.R.S. § 71(6). B. Disclosure of Bias. If any Town official believes that they are biased for or against a person or business that has an application pending before the board or committee of which the Town official is a member, and the Town official believes that such bias will interfere with their ability to make a fair and impartial decision on such application, then they shall recuse themself from participating in any discussion or decision-making action on that application. C. Reporting of Bias. Any Town official who believes that any fellow Town official is biased for or against a person or business that has an application before the board or committee shall disclose the possibility of such bias, and the Town Clerk or their designee shall make a record of such disclosure, with a copy forwarded to the chair of the applicable board or committee. D. Determination of Bias. Once the issue of bias has been initiated relative to an individual Town official, and disclosure has been made as provided in Sections 12(B) or (C) above, the remaining members of the board or committee shall vote on whether or not such individual shall be excused from participating in the deliberation or vote. E. Avoidance of Appearance of Bias. If any Town official is determined to be biased for or against any person or business in respect to any application before their board or committee, said Town official shall immediately remove themself from the dais and relocate to the area of the room occupied by the general public. The Town official shall not return to their regular seat as a member of the board or committee until deliberation and action on the item is completed. 13. Disclosure Statement by Town Officials A. Within fifteen (15) days after each annual municipal election, every elected Town official shall file a completed disclosure form with the Town Clerk with a copy forwarded to the Chair of the Select Board. Within thirty (30) days after their appointment to any office, board, or committee, every appointed Town official shall file a completed disclosure form with the Town Clerk, with a copy forwarded to the Chair of the applicable board or committee and to the Town Manager. Each board or committee is responsible for ensuring that its members comply with the filing of a disclosure statement. An extension beyond the stated time frame for filing a disclosure statement may be approved with a majority vote of the applicable board or committee. Each board or committee will review the financial reports of its members. B. The disclosure forms shall be under oath and shall contain the following information to the best of the disclosing party’s knowledge and belief: the name of each person or business, whether incorporated or not, doing business with the Town in an amount in excess of $1,000 during the preceding calendar year from which such disclosing Town official or member of their immediate family has received money or other thing of value in an amount in excess of $1,000 during the preceding calendar year, including, but not limited to, campaign contributions where applicable; the name of each business, whether incorporated or not, doing business with the Town during the preceding calendar year in which such disclosing Town official or member of their immediate family has a financial interest; the name of each nonprofit and/or for profit entity, whether incorporated or not, for which such disclosing Town official or member of their immediate family holds a position of officer or member of any board. For each such entity, such disclosing party shall provide the following information: A brief description of the purpose of each board and/or office; A short summary of such disclosing party’s or family member’s duties relative to any such board and/or office; The term of service on each such board and/or office; Whether or not such disclosing party or family member receives compensation for service on such board and/or office and the extent to which such compensation exceeds $1,000 in the aggregate annually. For purposes of this subsection “compensation” shall include, but not be limited to, monetary compensation, gifts, gratuities, perks, fringe benefits, services, and any other thing of value. Every Town official shall annually amend their disclosure statement as may be required to ensure the continued accuracy thereof. Each such amendment shall be made within fifteen (15) days following the occurrence which requires the amendment. The Town Clerk shall deliver a copy of each completed disclosure statement to every fellow board or committee member of each disclosing party within thirty (30) days after the expiration of the filing period. A copy shall also be forwarded to the Town Manager. For purposes of this Code, a list prepared by the Town Manager or their designee of those persons or entities doing business with the Town in an amount in excess of $1,000 for the preceding year shall be determinative for purposes of reporting under this section. For purposes of this section, “financial interest” shall not include income from, and financial investments in, policies of insurance, and deposits in accounts from commercial or savings banks, savings and loan associations, or credit unions, or the ownership of less than 5% of the outstanding shares of stock in a publicly held corporation. 14. Political Standards of Conduct No Town official may use their official authority or position for the purposes of influencing or interfering with or affecting the results of any election, nor shall they solicit funds or contributions or accept or receive funds or contributions from Town employees for political purposes. No Town official may distribute pamphlets/handbills while they are performing their official functions and duties with the Town. Nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit any Town official from participating in the political process in their capacity as private citizens. Except for official functions and duties, including board or committee meetings, political pins can be worn. During Select Board or other board or committee meetings, view of such pins would not be appropriate. 15. Use of Titles and Disclaimers Background. Town officials retain their full, constitutionally guaranteed, First Amendment rights as private individuals, and this Code respects and protects these rights. One of the responsibilities of Town officials is to separate protected personal discourse from matters of governance. This section of the Code addresses this responsibility. Use of titles. In making written or oral statements, Town officials may use their official titles upon, and only upon, the following circumstances: (1) When so doing does not violate any other provision of this Code or any provision of the ordinances of the Town of Hollis, state law, or federal law; and (2) When: The board or committee has specifically authorized the Town official to speak on behalf of the board or committee or the Town; or The information conveyed: Is consistent with the official position of the Town as that position was adopted by the Select Board, relates to the manner in which the official voted on an item before the Select Board or applicable board or committee, or is consistent with the official decision of an applicable board or committee and the context of the communication only involves that applicable board or committee; and References the appropriate decision by or position of the Select Board, or to the decision of the applicable board or committee; or When the Town official makes a clear and unambiguous statement that the Town official is speaking in their individual capacity and not on behalf of the Town or the board or committee. These statements would include posts on social media, texts, or emails. C. Disclaimers. Disclaimers are only required when there could be ambiguity regarding the capacity in which a Town official is communicating. In a typical disclaimer, a Town official could say (or write), “Speaking for myself;” or “Speaking as an individual;” or “Although I hold the office of [insert office], I am speaking tonight as a private individual. My remarks should not be interpreted as representing my office or the Town of Hollis’s official policy.” A Town official could also say (or write), “I make these remarks in my personal capacity, and not as [insert office]. These remarks should not be interpreted as representing the Town of Hollis.” The most important aspect of any disclaimer is to remove ambiguity. In this regard, Town officials should be cautious of the circumstances or conditions of any statement and be wary of concerted or group action, which increases the likelihood that such action will be perceived as an act or endorsement of the Town itself. D. Other considerations. Town officials must comply with any other provisions of law related to the use of official titles. 16. Incompatible Employment or Office A. No Town official shall occupy any other office, elected or appointed (including employment positions), where the duties of such office are incompatible with the proper discharge of his or her official duties as a Town official. For purposes of this Code, the occupancy of any office, elected or appointed, with the Town or any other governmental entity by any Town official is hereby prohibited in any one of the following circumstances: Where the duties of the two offices are inconsistent or in conflict with one another such that one person holding both would not be able to simultaneously perform the duties of both with undivided loyalty in every instance; Where one office is subordinate to the other; Where one office carries the power of removal of the other; or Where the occupancy of both offices is otherwise prohibited by law. B. A Town official automatically vacates their first office upon the acceptance of a second incompatible office. 17. Violations and Penalties A. In the event that a Town official believes that another Town official has violated this Code, or that a situation may result in a violation of this Code, the following steps will be taken: Written Statement. Any Town official seeking advice as to whether a particular situation constitutes a violation of this Code, or wishing to assert that another Town official has violated this Code, shall submit a written statement describing the nature of the matter. If the complaint involves a member of any board or committee other than the Select Board, the statement shall be submitted to the Town Manager. If the complaint involves a Select Board member or the Town Manager, the statement shall be submitted to the Chair of the Select Board. In the event that the potential violation involves the Chair, the statement shall be submitted to the Vice Chair. Notification. The Town Manager or the Chair of the Select Board, as applicable, shall notify the individual Town official that a complaint has been raised against them. Referral. For complaints involving non-Select Board members, the Town Manager will review the matter and determine whether to refer it for an investigation and an advisory opinion from an attorney experienced in the area of municipal law, other than the Town Attorney, and shall notify the Chair of the Select Board. For complaints involving Select Board members or the Town Manager, the Chair and Vice Chair of the Select Board will review the matter and determine whether to refer it to an outside attorney. If the Town Manager or the Chair or Vice Chair determines that an advisory opinion is needed, the matter will be referred to the outside attorney. Investigation. Upon referral of the matter, the outside attorney will investigate the complaint (which may include reviewing records and interviewing persons involved) and prepare an advisory report summarizing their conclusions as to whether there has been a violation of this Code, and send the report to the Chair of the Select Board within 30 days of referral unless extraordinary circumstances warrant a reasonable extension of time. Executive Session. The Chair of the Select Board will schedule an executive session of the five (5) member Select Board, in accordance with 1 M.R.S. § 405(6)(A), to review the outside attorney’s advisory report and hold a hearing on the complaint. The Town official who is the subject of the complaint will be permitted to be present at the executive session, and may request the hearing to be conducted in open session, which request must be honored. Voting. By a 2/3 vote of the five (5) member Select Board (requiring at least four affirmative votes), the Select Board will make a determination about whether a violation of the Code has occurred, except that any Select Board member who is the subject of the complaint may not vote on the question. Non-Referral; Overrule. If the Town Manager or the Chair of the Select Board, as applicable, decides not to refer the matter for an outside review, the written statement of the complaint will be included in the correspondence portion of the agenda for the next Select Board meeting along with a statement from the Town Manager or the Chair with an explanation of the decision not to refer.

  B. When a violation of this Code is found by the Select Board after notice and hearing conducted by the Select Board, the Select Board is authorized to take one or more (or none) of the following actions, by a 2/3 majority of the disinterested members of the five (5) member Select Board: ordering the Town official to meet with the Chair and Vice Chair of the Select Board and/or the Town Manager to review the findings and this Code to ensure understanding; issuing a written warning to the Town official, to be signed by the Chair of the Select Board (or by the Vice Chair if the complaint involves the Chair); adopting a formal censure resolution of the Town official; and/or for appointed Town officials, removing the appointee for cause, after notice and hearing, pursuant to 30-A M.R.S. § 2601. 18. Role of the Town Manager The Town Manager shall serve as the primary administrative resource for questions regarding this Code for all appointed Town officials serving on boards and committees. The Town Manager shall maintain records of all disclosure statements filed under Section 13, coordinate training on this Code for all Town officials upon appointment and annually thereafter, and report to the Select Board annually on the status of compliance with this Code. Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the authority of the Select Board as the final decision-making body with respect to violations of this Code. 19. Severability If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this Code is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional, such validity or unconstitutionality shall not affect the validity or constitutionality of the remaining portions of the Code. Adopted: 20. Acknowledgment of Receipt and Agreement A. Required Signature. Pursuant to the Town of Hollis’s home rule authority under Article VIII, Part 2, Section 1 of the Maine Constitution and 30-A M.R.S. § 3001, and consistent with the conflict-of-interest framework established under 30-A M.R.S. § 2605 and the municipal ethics obligations codified in 30-A M.R.S. § 2605(7), every person who serves or will serve as a member of any board, committee, commission, or other advisory or decision-making body established by the Town of Hollis—whether by ordinance, charter, vote of the Select Board, or otherwise—shall sign and date an Acknowledgment of Receipt and Agreement confirming that they have received, read, and agree to comply with this Code of Ethics. B. Existing Members. Every person who is a member of any such body at the time of adoption of this Code shall execute the Acknowledgment within thirty (30) days of the date of adoption. Failure to execute the Acknowledgment within this period shall be reported by the Town Manager to the Chair of the Select Board and to the chair of the applicable board or committee. C. New and Future Members. Every person appointed or elected to any such body after the date of adoption of this Code shall execute the Acknowledgment before participating in any meeting, deliberation, or vote of that body, but in no event later than five (5) days after the date of their appointment or election. D. Filing and Retention. The signed Acknowledgment shall be filed with the Town Clerk, with a copy retained by the Town Manager. The Town Clerk shall maintain a current list of all persons who have executed the Acknowledgment, organized by board or committee, which list shall be a public record available for inspection pursuant to 1 M.R.S. §§ 401–406 (Freedom of Access Act). E. Annual Renewal. Each member shall re-execute the Acknowledgment upon any material amendment to this Code, or upon annual reappointment or re-election, whichever occurs first. F. Non-Compliance. A member’s failure or refusal to execute the Acknowledgment shall not excuse the member from compliance with this Code, but shall be reported to the Select Board and may be considered cause for removal of an appointed official pursuant to 30-A M.R.S. § 2601. G. Form. The Acknowledgment shall be in substantially the form set forth at the end of this Code, or such other form as may be approved by the Select Board from time to time.

  TOWN OF HOLLIS MUNICIPAL CODE OF ETHICS ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RECEIPT AND AGREEMENT I, the undersigned, hereby acknowledge and certify that: 1. I have received a copy of the Town of Hollis Municipal Code of Ethics (the “Code”); 2. I have read and understand the provisions of the Code; 3. I agree to comply with the Code in the performance of my duties as a member of the Town board, committee, commission, or advisory or decision-making body identified below; and 4. I understand that failure to comply with the Code may subject me to the penalties and procedures set forth in Section 17 of the Code, including removal from office pursuant to 30-A M.R.S. § 2601. Printed Name: Board / Committee / Commission: Signature: Date:

  This Acknowledgment shall be filed with the Town Clerk and a copy retained by the Town Manager in accordance with Section 20 of the Town of Hollis Municipal Code of Ethics.

• Hollis_Ethics_SelectBoard_Summary.docxOpen original

  Read from the file

  Town of Hollis - Municipal Code of Ethics Summary

  Opening This is a 2026 revision of the 2024 attempt to put in place a code of ethics for the town of Hollis. The 2026 version of the code of ethics takes into account the 5-person selectboard/town manager municipal government that was not in place in 2024. The Select Board is being asked to review and adopt the revised Municipal Code of Ethics, which applies to every member of every board, committee, commission, and advisory or decision-making body in town. The revised Code is adopted under the Town's home rule authority (Maine Constitution, Article VIII, Part 2, § 1; 30-A M.R.S. § 3001) and is consistent with the State's conflict-of-interest statute, 30-A M.R.S. § 2605(7).

  What the Code Covers (Brief Overview) Standards of conduct - impartiality, avoidance of conflicts of interest, disclosure obligations, and bias recusal Prohibited conduct - improper contracts, gifts, use of Town property, representing third-party interests, soliciting future employment Disclosure statements - required of all officials within 30 days of appointment/election, filed with the Town Clerk Violations process - written complaint → outside attorney review → Select Board hearing → penalty up to removal (30-A M.R.S. § 2601) Incorporation of Maine criminal statutes - bribery, improper gifts, misuse of information (Title 17-A), enforceable by the AG/DA

  What Is New: Section 20 - Acknowledgment of Receipt and Agreement This is the key addition to the revised Code. It formalizes the requirement that every person serving on any town body must sign an acknowledgment confirming they have received, read, and agree to comply with the code.

  Who must sign:

  All current members of any board, committee, commission, or other advisory or decision-making body All future members, upon appointment or election

  When they must sign:

  Existing members — within 30 days of adoption of this Code New/future members — before participating in any meeting, deliberation, or vote, and no later than 5 days after appointment or election Annual renewal — upon any material amendment to the Code, or at reappointment/re-election

  Where it goes:

  Original filed with the Town Clerk Copy retained by the Town Manager The Town Clerk will maintain a current list by board/committee-a public record under Maine's Freedom of Access Act

  Consequences of non-compliance:

  Non-compliance does not excuse a member from the Code The Town Manager must report non-compliance to the Select Board chair and applicable board chair For appointed officials, refusal to sign may constitute cause for removal under 30-A M.R.S. § 2601

  The Acknowledgment Form A signature page is included at the end of the Code document Members certify four things: (1) receipt of the Code, (2) that they have read it, (3) agreement to comply, and (4) understanding of the penalty provisions Fields: Printed Name / Board or Committee / Signature / Date

  Recommended Next Steps The Select Board reviews before the next meeting on August 5th and votes to adopt the revised Code of Ethics. The town manager distributes the Code and Acknowledgment forms to all current board and committee members The town clerk establishes a tracking log; existing members have 30 days to return signed forms The town manager incorporates Acknowledgment into the onboarding packet for all future appointees

  Questions or comments?