The head of Buffalo’s Board of Ethics plans to meet with the Common Council president to discuss what role — if any — his ethics watchdog panel should play in probing allegations lodged against Ellicott District Council Member Brian C. Davis.

Some Council members have been prodding the Board of Ethics to investigate numerous claims, including allegations that Davis may have abused his official powers.

Board officials said the panel has no authority to probe allegations that might have potential criminal implications, or personal conduct that isn’t linked to a person’s role in City Hall. The board focuses on ethical lapses tied to conduct in official government roles.

Board Chairman Douglas Coppola also expressed concerns Tuesday about whether his all-volunteer panel has the resources to effectively conduct such a probe.

“Not having staff or resources, we can’t just snap our fingers and attend to this matter,” Coppola told a reporter following a board meeting.

Coppola said he wants to meet with Council President David A. Franczyk to discuss what investigatory roles would best be handled by the Board of Ethics, the Council or other entities.

For example, Comptroller Andrew A. SanFilippo is already investigating the Buffalo Economic Renaissance Corp. and the assistance it provided to a now-defunct restaurant called One Sunset. Davis is an agency board member and was involved in the One Sunset matter.

But the flap over the failed restaurant isn’t the only controversy that has dogged Davis. A Buffalo News investigation in April disclosed that Davis had been the target of 10 liens and lawsuits. His campaign accounts had been frozen, his wages garnisheed and his driver’s license suspended.

Davis retorted that the allegations focus on his personal life, not on his role as a Council member. But some critics have raised concerns that Davis may have abused his powers.

The Board of Ethics is scheduled to meet again July 1 when it might decide whether they will launch an investigation.