Town counsel summarized an Open Meeting Law complaint and the Select Board’s direction on Oct. 29.

The complaint, filed Oct. 14 by a resident, alleged that an Oct. 9 informational meeting held at the Memorial Park Field House among town staff, two select board members, representatives of Stephen Palmer Associates and residents of the Stephen Palmer building violated the Open Meeting Law because it lacked posted agenda notice and minutes.

Town counsel (Mr. Heap) advised the board that the meeting had been convened and run as a town‑manager meeting; the attendees were selected and invited by the town manager and did not constitute a public body or a subcommittee under the Open Meeting Law. He also noted that fewer than a quorum of the Select Board were present. Based on those facts, counsel recommended the town respond to the complainant saying the session was not subject to the Open Meeting Law requirements. The Select Board voted to authorize town counsel to prepare and submit that response (and to copy the Attorney General’s office as required by process).

Provenance: Open Meeting Law complaint summary and board vote authorization (transcript 01:33:25–01:39:35).