Brentwood chair defends control of meeting agenda as member complains of unilateral decisions

Chair Letty defended her discretion to set and manage the select board agenda after a fellow board member said an item they submitted was postponed without prior discussion.

The dispute unfolded during general business when the member said they had followed the town process to submit an agenda item but were told it would be moved to a later meeting. The member said the request was not personnel‑related and that they were not consulted before the item was delayed.

Chair Letty said she had discussed scheduling with the town administrator and with members who proposed items, and that she moved certain items to avoid an excessively long meeting and to ensure department staff and a full board could be present. The chair asked that board members CC her on agenda submissions so she could manage timing and coordinate follow‑up.

Several board members and a member of the public referenced the select board operations handbook (appendix B), which describes how the public and board members may place items on the agenda, and asked that the board clarify and document the process so members are notified if an item is deferred. A member urged more reciprocal communication, saying "if you deny my request this week... you let me know as a member of the board." The chair agreed to follow up and to work with the town administrator on a predictable process for placing items on future agendas.

The board did not take a formal vote on changing procedures at the meeting; members agreed to compile outstanding items and attempt to resolve or schedule them within the next few weeks.