Select Board approves moderator's request to hold spring town meeting in hybrid format

The Brookline Select Board on March 6 approved a written request from the town moderator to hold the spring 2026 town meeting in a hybrid format that permits both in-person and remote participation.

Why it matters: Approving hybrid participation affects how residents can attend and vote; the moderator's request outlines how remote participation will be handled, who must pre-register and what platforms will be used, and it cites consultation with the town's ADA coordinator.

Town staff read the moderator's written request, filed March 3 by Neil Wyszynski, which cited state authority (chapter 22 of the acts of 2022 and subsequent amendments) and stated the moderator's determination that a mix of Zoom and telephone conferencing is the optimum remote-participation platform. The request also said members of the public may view proceedings via Brookline Interactive Group's live stream and on local cable channels.

The written submission notes consultation with Sarah Kaplan, the town ADA coordinator, to confirm compliance with federal statutes and instructs that registered voters wishing to participate remotely must submit a request to the town clerk by 7 p.m. the night before the meeting in which they wish to participate; the town clerk will verify voter registration and provide instructions. The request closes with "respectfully submitted, Neil Wyszynski" and the March 3 filing date.

After a short clarification about the request text, the board voted to approve the moderator's request to hold the spring town meetings in hybrid mode. The transcript records affirmative roll-call responses by the board membership and the chair recorded his own aye vote.

The Select Board's vote authorizes the town to proceed with the hybrid meeting plan and instructs staff to follow the moderator's registration process and streaming arrangements.