Opinion ID: 1996268
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 15

Heading: Goulet Plan

Text: It is clear to usand the petitioners do not disputethat Lemont's and Tikoian's communications with the CRMC staff members about the Goulet plan and the plan itself represent ex parte contacts under our holding in Arnold. The Goulet plan is an ex parte contact under § 42-35-13 because Lemont, a decision maker, consulted the director of the CRMC, Fugate, about facts concerning the merits of an appeal, specifically, whether another feasible plan might be conceived. See Arnold, 941 A.2d at 821. Fugate, in turn, requested that Goulet create such an alternate plan. Thus, as the trial justice ruled, the Goulet plan clearly falls within the ambit of our holding in Arnold, and it should have been included in the administrative record and subject to cross-examination. See id.