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Select Board adopts revised code of conduct with minor edits after discussion
Summary
The Select Board adopted a revised code of conduct after editing applicability language to reference 'residents and businesses' rather than 'taxpayers' and clarifying enforcement will be handled by the board; the vote passed with one abstention.
The Select Board reviewed a revised code of conduct incorporating member comments and input from town counsel. The board agreed to replace the word 'taxpayers' with broader language ('residents and businesses') in the applicability statement and to keep enforcement language that gives the board authority to address violations while removing prescriptive enforcement subclauses.
Members said the code should be a guide to expected conduct rather than establish a punitive regime. The board discussed whether meeting enforcement language (chair ruling a member out of order) is redundant because Robert’s Rules and the chair's authority already provide that remedy; members were split on whether to retain the explicit line but ultimately left the enforcement paragraph in place and approved the document after the single suggested wording change.
The code was approved by roll call with four members voting yes and one abstention; staff will publish the code and circulate it to current and new board members during orientation and onboarding.
