Sec. 50.205. - Process for disclosure.

All disclosures of ex parte communications must be made before or during the public meeting at which a vote is taken on a matter, and prior to the vote being taken, so that persons with opinions contrary to those expressed in the ex parte communication are provided a reasonable opportunity to respond to or refute the communication. Local public officials shall disclose the substance of all oral ex parte communications which have significantly influenced their preliminary views or opinions concerning a particular matter, as well as the identity of the person, group or entity with whom the communication occurred, before or during the public meeting at which a vote is taken on the matter, but preferably no later than the beginning of the last public hearing before final action on the matter, and such disclosures shall be made a part of the record. Disclosure alone shall not be deemed a sufficient basis for a request to defer an item. (Ord. 95-863-762, § 2)