DALTON, Mass. — The Zoning Board voted to adopt a conflict of interest policy during its meeting last week. 

 

The policy prohibits board 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. 

 

The discussion to establish a conflict-of-interest policy was presented to the board in August when the town's insurer, Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association reached out regarding the matter. 

 

Although board members completed Berkshire Regional Planning Commission's conflicts-of-interest training, the committee did not have written policies in place at the time. 

 

Even though they didn’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 during the August meeting.

 

It was also noted during the August meeting that the town should explore enacting policies for all committees, not just the Zoning Board.