New CRC member may participate but cannot vote until sworn; residency question pending

Lee Tessa, the committee’s newly appointed at-large member, was introduced at the July 18 meeting and allowed to participate in discussions but not to vote until the town clerk swears in the appointment and the committee receives clarification about residency rules. Chair Veronica Bolczyk said the committee had established a quorum but noted that new appointees who were not on the rolls at the time of prior meetings cannot retroactively vote on previously held items. “Lee, you weren’t present for those meetings, so technically, you cannot vote on that,” Bolczyk said during the minutes approval. Members discussed a pending question to the town attorney about whether the CRC requires members to be registered voters or merely residents/taxpayers. Bolczyk and other members said Maureen and Erica from town staff were coordinating appointment letters and instructions; Erica had sent an appointment email to Tessa. Meeting notes show Maureen will confirm the residency/voter requirement and that Erica is processing appointment paperwork; Maureen’s office will also provide open-meeting-law and conflict-of-interest materials. Committee staff advised Tessa to delay formal swearing-in until the residency requirement is clarified; one member suggested not to be sworn in until the town attorney’s answer arrives. CRC members agreed Tessa can continue to participate in discussions but must not vote until the town clerk records the appointment and any voter-residency condition is satisfied.