Norton conservation panel votes to continue meetings on Zoom after select board revives in‑person policy

The Norton Conservation Commission voted April 29 to continue holding its meetings on Zoom “until further notice or legal change,” after a select‑board vote restored a pre‑COVID policy favoring in‑person meetings.

The motion, moved by a commissioner and seconded by another, passed after members raised access and quorum concerns. The commission’s director, John Thomas, told the panel the select board and town counsel had responded that the town still can meet virtually in compliance with state open‑meeting guidance.

Members emphasized the practical benefits of remote meetings. Lisa, one member, said virtual sessions “save the client hundreds if not thousands of dollars” by avoiding travel, exhibit printing and lost billable time. Commissioners also said remote access better serves residents with child‑care, elder‑care and transportation barriers.

Several members criticized the select board for not soliciting feedback from advisory boards before reinstating the in‑person directive. One commissioner said the decision appeared to treat the town hall building as the default requirement without documenting why remote access would be inadequate.

John Thomas said the town manager is drafting a revised policy; one commissioner asked for a copy as soon as it is posted so boards can confirm the policy’s content and any enforcement mechanisms. The panel did not send a letter to the select board that evening but agreed to monitor publication and compliance.

The commission scheduled its next meeting for May 12 and said it would continue meeting via Zoom in the interim.