AUBURN – The city’s ethics panel will hear arguments Friday on an alleged City Council conflict of interest.

The Rev. Frank Murray, pastor of Auburn Catholic Community, will take the third seat on the panel as it reviews City Councilor Kelly Matzen’s vote in support of a parking garage at Great Falls Plaza, City Clerk Mary Lou Magno said.

Auburn Catholic Community is an organization made up of three Auburn Roman Catholic churches – Sacred Heart Church, St. Philip’s Church and St. Louis Church.

Murray, the newest alternate member, will join alternates Howard Hymes and Dennis Mailhot in reviewing the Matzen case.

“This is the meeting where they will hear testimony from anyone who cares to participate,” Magno said.

The law firm of Trafton and Matzen, in which Matzen is a partner, lists Pasquale Maiorino as an associate. Maiorino is also a partner of developer Tom Platz, who hopes to a build an office complex near the Great Falls garage.

Matzen was one of five councilors who voted in favor of the city’s borrowing $5 million to build the garage. Councilors Bob Mennealy and Belinda Gerry challenged his vote and asked the panel to review it.

It will be the first time the panel has met since March 12, when member Earl Austin recused himself, saying he had a close relationship with Matzen.

Member Paul Martz was forced to quit in April because he also serves on the city’s Community Development Loan Review Commission. Ethics panel members are not allowed to serve on other city government boards.

Panel Chairman Peter Garcia recused himself from reviewing Matzen’s case last month, saying he was working on a campaign for a City Council seat. Garcia and Austin will remain on the panel but will not participate in the Matzen case.