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A potential conflict of interest exists under Chapter 10A if: (a) the affected individual is a public or local official; (b) the public or local official is discharging official duties; (c) the official is participating in some action or making a decision; and (d) the action or decision in which the official is participating will "substantially affect" the official's personal or business - related financial interests. Council members, members of Council advisory committees, and members of the Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission who have a potential conflict of interest under Chapter 10A must prepare a written statement which describes the matter requiring action or decision and the potential conflict of interest. Council members, Council advisory committee members, and members of the Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission who have a potential conflict of interest should not chair any meeting, participate in any vote, or offer any motion on the matter giving rise to the potential conflict of interest. If a member of the Council, an advisory committee, or the commission is required to determine the matter and the Council member, advisory committee member, or the commission member cannot abstain, the individual must file a notice of inability to abstain and notify all known interested parties of the potential conflict. Statutory conflict of interest provisions governing the operation of housing and redevelopment authorities apply to Council members when the Council is exercising its statutory authority to operate as a housing and redevelopment authority. The conflict of interest provisions of Chapter 469 are more broad than the conflict provisions of Chapter 10A. The conflict provisions of Chapter 469 encompass more than the financial interests related to typical business relationships or associations, and include the financial interests of affiliated organizations. Members of the Council's advisory committees are subject to specific conflict of interest provisions contained in the bylaws adopted by the advisory committees and approved by the Council. As public entities conducting public business and addressing public policy issues, the Council and the Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission have a legitimate interest in preserving the integrity of their actions and ensuring public confidence in their decisions. Members of the Council and its advisory committees and members of the Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission sometimes will be involved in situations which create the appearance of a conflict of interest. Even though no actual conflict of interest may exist, Council and advisory committee members and members of the Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission should consider whether participation in an action or decision which gives rise to the appearance of a conflict will adversely reflect on the Council's or the commission's deliberations, actions, or decisions or will undermine public confidence in the Council's or the commission's decision - making processes. Conflicts of interest usually occur under factual circumstances unique to each individual or situation and therefore should be addressed on a case -by -case basis. The Legal Department can provide assistance and advice regarding specific circumstances and potential conflicts of interest. cc: Sharon Klumpp, Executive Director Jack Mauritz, Parks Coordinator Chair's Staff CONFLICf.CMA III. CONCLUSIONS