Norwich — Citing a heightened awareness of city ethics issues, Human Services Director Lee Ann Gomes asked for an advisory opinion on whether a member of the Recreation Advisory Board could seek a position as a supervisor in the youth basketball program starting up at the end of January.

Gomes, who is supervising the Recreation Department in the absence of a full-time director, said the city charter has only a brief reference to the Recreation Advisory Board, and the board does not have bylaws. She said the board will write bylaws.

Gomes said the department is reviving a popular youth basketball program for children ages 8 to 18 that was canceled two years ago due to lack of supervision. The program will have two supervisors, who will be paid a stipend to oversee the programs for younger players and teens.

Ethics Commission member Gregory Schlough suggested, and the commission voted unanimously, to recommend that Gomes advertise the supervisor positions in an effort to attract another candidate, although he and other commission members said they realize there is a tight time schedule.