Concord task force debates risk-communication 'framework' and where to schedule public comment
Summary
Members debated wording for the report's risk-communication chapter and whether public comment should be scheduled during item discussion rather than at the end of meetings; they agreed to present the section as a 'framework for ongoing risk communication' and to draft parenthetical examples and a concise footnote.
Task force members spent a substantial portion of the meeting refining the report’s risk‑communication material, weighing how directive the text should be and whether to recommend changes in meeting procedure.
Several members recommended that the report explicitly note that scheduling public comment to occur during or immediately after discussion of a site will improve meaningful two‑way exchange and reduce the risk that concerned members of the public will have to wait until the end of long meetings. One member said scheduling comment "during or immediately after the site is discussed" can "maximize the benefit of these interactions."
Others said the task force should be careful not to prescribe how other boards run their meetings and suggested framing the language as an option or a framework rather than a requirement. The group agreed to label the section "Framework for ongoing risk communication" and asked Pam Rockwell to draft suggested verbiage a parenthetical example and to prepare a short sample message the town could adapt.
Why it matters: Risk communication will guide how the town explains remediation status and institutional controls to residents; procedural language (when comment occurs) can shape the tone and usefulness of public conversation.
Decisions and next steps
- Title and framing: The group agreed on a title along the lines of "Framework for ongoing risk communication" rather than presenting a completed, prescriptive plan.
- Public comment timing: Members supported adding language that references moving comment to the relevant agenda item as an option and asked Pam to draft suggested parenthetical wording for insertion.
- Footnote and examples: The committee asked for a concise footnote with one or two cited examples of how responsible parties previously addressed issues on the site (to support public confidence), rather than a broad, unqualified endorsement of those companies’ actions.
The task force will review Pam’s suggested language at the next meeting before finalizing the chapter for production and Select Board review.
