Opinion ID: 2612394
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Is the Determination Invalid by Lack of a Disinterested Quorum?

Text: The last issue advanced by ANR claims the Commission's determination is contrary to law and invalid because it did not constitute the actions of a disinterested quorum. This issue requires review to ascertain the choice and construction of the due process requirements of impartiality by fact-finders and W.S. 30-5-103(c). [6] ANR is correct in contention that all administrative hearings should be conducted and decided in a fair and impartial manner. Constitutional concepts of due process which require a fair hearing before an impartial tribunal have been held to apply to administrative agencies which adjudicate as well as to courts. Ririe v. Board of Trustees of School Dist. No. One, Crook County, Wyo., 674 P.2d 214, 221 (Wyo. 1983) ( accord Gibson v. Berryhill, 411 U.S. 564, 579, 93 S.Ct. 1689, 1698, 36 L.Ed.2d 488 (1973) and Fallon v. Wyoming State Bd. of Medical Examiners, 441 P.2d 322, 327, reh'g denied 443 P.2d 135 (Wyo. 1968)). See also W.S. 16-3-112, which provides, in pertinent part, that [t]he functions of all those presiding in contested cases shall be conducted in an impartial manner. (Emphasis added.) ANR also correctly argues W.S. 30-5-103(c) requires three members of the board be present for a hearing. At the September 13, 1988 hearing, Acting Chairman Gary Glass (Glass) and Commission members Howard M. Schrinar (Schrinar), Eddie Moore (Moore), and Gene George (George) were present. At that hearing, Commissioner Moore stated: Mr. Chairman, just for the record, I would have to declare a conflict on this one. I can't vote on it because my family has an interest in it. So it's near to our hearts and our pocketbook, too. I already have my mind made up. I am not going to vote. Moore abstained from voting while Schrinar, George and Glass voted to shut in the South Powell well for a month while a noise test was conducted. On the December 13, 1988 hearing, again only Glass, Schrinar and George voted. In the final hearing on March 14, 1989, Moore again abstained and only George, Schrinar and Glass voted. Three members of the Commission, other than Moore, were present at all hearings which satisfies W.S. 30-5-103(c). During the session, Moore never cast a vote, which satisfies a due process guarantee of impartiality by fact-finding. Admittedly, Moore signed the determination but that fact in itself carries no legal consequence when it occurred as a ministerial act for entry of the decision made by the actual participants. Review of the record indicates proper compliance with due process and W.S. 30-5-103(c) to justify appeal rejection.