Opinion ID: 1996268
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Full Council Hearing

Text: On February 28, 2006, the CRMC met in accordance with § 46-23-20.4(a) and the CRMC Management Procedures 5.3(2) and 5.3(3) to consider the record, evidence, and the subcommittee's recommendation, as well as Champlin's argument that the CRMC should adopt the recommendation. The CRMC is vested with the authority, in its discretion, to adopt, modify or reject the subcommittee recommendation, findings of fact, and conclusions of law if the rationale for doing so is provided in writing. Section 46-23-20.4(a). However, before it could take up the subcommittee recommendation, the CRMC first addressed Champlin's previously filed motions to disqualify both Tikoian and member David Abedon from participating on the basis of public statements made by them after the vote of the subcommittee. After denying those motions, the CRMC proceeded to consider the subcommittee's recommendation. The transcript reveals that the meeting, like the subcommittee proceedings that preceded it, was rife with tension. Ultimately, five members of the full council, including Zarrella, voted to approve the subcommittee's recommendation, while five members, including Lemont and Tikoian, voted against adoption. The resulting tie vote constituted a rejection of the recommendation. On July 5, 2006, the CRMC issued its written decision denying Champlin's application. That same day, the five members who voted in favor of adopting the subcommittee's recommendation released Findings of Fact of the CRMC Members in Support of the Subcommittee Recommendation.