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Lakeville commissioners discuss changing herring commission seats to fill vacancies
Summary
Commission members debated changing the Herring Fishery Commission makeup from five Middleborough and two Lakeville seats (5/2) to a 4/3 split or a floating seat to attract Lakeville volunteers; members agreed to seek written legal guidance and revisit the issue.
Unidentified Speaker 4, commission member, proposed changing the Herring Fishery Commission’s composition so Lakeville could fill long-standing vacancies, suggesting a 4–3 split or a floating seat shared between Lakeville and Middleborough.
Commissioners said the change aims to improve quorum reliability after repeated meeting cancellations caused by unfilled seats. "I just wanna find a way to get 7 people," said Unidentified Speaker 4, arguing that posting a Lakeville vacancy for three years could draw local volunteers.
Unidentified Speaker 3 provided historical context: the 5/2 split originated when Lakeville separated from Middleborough and a 1997 special act of the legislature authorized Middleborough to appoint wardens and structure the commission. Members discussed whether Lakeville can appoint wardens directly or only ratify Middleborough appointments.
Commissioners debated approaches: ask select boards for a temporary variance, create a floating seat, or formally amend the operating bylaws. Unidentified Speaker 3 recommended codifying any change—"I would rather have it codified formally rather than going before a board of selectmen and asking for a variance"—to avoid repeated temporary approvals.
The group also flagged uncertainty about quorum calculations under Massachusetts open meeting rules (Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 30A §18). Several members asked staff to obtain written guidance from the town manager or town clerk on whether quorum should be calculated from authorized seat count (7) or from currently active members (5). Unidentified Speaker 2 said they would contact the town manager's office and the secretary Michelle to request that clarification.
No bylaw change was adopted. The commission agreed to request written legal clarification, post the vacancy if permitted, and place a formal bylaw proposal on the next agenda.
Next steps: staff will seek written guidance from the town manager/town clerk on quorum and appointment authority; the commission will revisit a bylaw amendment or variance request at a future meeting.
