The Board of Selectmen voted by roll call to enter executive session under M.G.L. c. 30A, § 21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation concerning the police union, the police chief contract and a public official liability claim.

A motion to go into executive session was made and seconded during the Nov. 26 meeting; the chair advised that an open meeting could have a detrimental effect on the town’s bargaining or litigating position and stated the board would return to open session if needed to adjourn. A roll-call vote followed; board members responded "Aye" four times and the meeting moved into executive session.

Why it matters: M.G.L. c. 30A, § 21(a)(3) permits municipalities to meet in executive session to discuss strategy related to collective bargaining and litigation when an open session would harm the town’s bargaining or litigating position. The matters identified—police union bargaining, the police chief contract and a public official liability claim—are potential legal or labor matters that the board chose to discuss privately under state law.

Details from the meeting: the motion invoked M.G.L. c. 30A, § 21(a)(3). The meeting record shows a second and a roll-call vote of four ayes. No substantive discussion of the underlying bargaining positions, contract terms or claim details occurred on the public record before the board entered executive session.

Next steps: the board moved into executive session; any further action or return to open session was not recorded in the public portion of the transcript provided.