The Denton Board of Ethics convened for a special meeting on June 2, 2025, to discuss potential conflicts of interest related to various projects involving the Denham Housing Authority (DHA). The primary focus was on the need for specific factual information to assess whether conflicts exist for an executive director involved in planning and zoning decisions.

During the meeting, board members expressed concerns that the inquiries presented were too broad and lacked the necessary details to make informed decisions. One member highlighted that without specific project information, it is challenging to determine if a conflict of interest exists. The discussion emphasized that vague questions about business relationships and project involvement hinder the board's ability to provide clear opinions.

The board identified six categories of inquiries that required careful consideration. They noted that while some situations presented clear conflicts due to the executive director's employer being involved in certain projects, others were less obvious and required more context. The members agreed that the board must issue an advisory opinion for all inquiries, recommending caution and suggesting that requests for opinions should be based on detailed facts to ensure accurate assessments.

In conclusion, the board underscored the importance of specificity in requests for opinions to avoid potential conflicts of interest. They committed to issuing guidance that encourages individuals to provide comprehensive information when seeking advice on ethical matters. This approach aims to enhance transparency and accountability within the city's planning and zoning processes.