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Zoning board debates whether minutes should record individual vote names
Summary
Board members debated whether meeting minutes must list how each member voted, with some expressing privacy concerns and staff noting video and CitizenServe records exist; counsel said the town indemnifies members and will review statutory requirements.
During the same meeting, Clifton Park Zoning Board members spent significant time discussing whether the board’s written minutes must show each member’s vote on applications.
One board member cited language from public officers law indicating minutes should “show the vote of each member upon every question,” and members asked counsel and staff to clarify whether the board’s current practice meets that legal requirement. Staff noted that vote tallies and roll-call results are available through the town’s CitizenServe records and that the town now posts video recordings for meetings.
Several members raised privacy and safety concerns about printing members’ names and votes in the minutes. One member said the increased visibility had led to unwanted contact and that volunteers should not be exposed unnecessarily. The town attorney responded, “You can always be sued, but you’re not personally liable for anything. The town indemnifies you and any actions by you are the actions of the town,” and said counsel would review the statutory detail and advise the board.
After discussion, the board approved the prior meeting minutes (a vote reported as 5–1). Counsel and staff agreed to follow up on whether the minutes as prepared meet the statute’s requirements and whether any change in practice is warranted.
