Preston - The Ethics Commission started reviewing a new complaint behind closed doors Tuesday, but the agency will need to change some rules before it can act on the matter.

The commission currently has only two voting members - Chairman Hank Podraza and member Jeff Dewey - and nonvoting investigative member Linda Christensen. A third newly appointed member, Andrew Bilodeau, is awaiting a background check before he can be sworn in.

The ordinance governing the commission calls for five regular members, two alternate members and the investigator. And the rules require that at least four members must vote in favor to find a complaint has probable cause.

Prior to going into executive session Tuesday, members reviewed the current ordinance and code of ethics for recommended changes. Podraza recommended requesting that the four-vote rule be changed to simple majority. He also has asked town officials to convert Christensen to a regular voting member, along with her duties as the commission investigator.

Bilodeau questioned whether that move would be allowed, as Christensen would be voting to affirm or dismiss complaints after her own investigation. He suggested the issue be turned over to the town's law firm for an opinion.

The commission took no action on whether the latest complaint has probable cause and likely will schedule a special meeting to discuss it further.