§ 12-20. Advisory opinions.

A. 

Upon the written request of any Town officer, employee, or member of a Town agency or board, the Ethics Board shall render a written advisory opinion with respect to the interpretation or application of this chapter or of Article 18 of the General Municipal Law of the State of New York as to whether the Town officer's or employee's interest in any matter which comes before the officer or employee for his or her determination, decision or recommendation conflicts with his or her official duties. The decision of the Ethics Board shall be rendered promptly.

B. 

Any person presenting a matter to a Town officer or employee or to a Town agency or board, other than a court, may submit a similar request but only with respect to whether his or her own action might violate a provision of this chapter or Article 18 of the General Municipal Law.

C. 

Upon request for an advisory opinion concerning a Town officer or employee, he or she shall refrain from taking any action or participating in any hearing or discussion of the matter until an advisory opinion is rendered.

D. 

A prospective officer or employee may submit a request for an advisory opinion as to whether he or she has an interest, which may conflict with the position, offered or contemplated.

E. 

The opinion rendered shall be based only on the facts, which are fully and accurately presented to the Ethics Board. If the Ethics Board subsequently receives different or additional facts, it may revise the opinion after giving notice to the applicant offering him or her the opportunity of explaining or refuting such facts.

F. 

Advisory opinions shall be confidential. Copies of such advisory opinions shall be sealed, indexed and maintained on file by the Ethics Board at the Town Clerk's Office.