Town Board clashes over new meeting rules; members vote to enter executive session on personnel and legal matters

A contentious exchange over proposed meeting rules — including time limits, a three-minute rebuttal and a proposed trial or sunset period — escalated into personal accusations and a motion to enter executive session.

The Town Supervisor opposed strict limits on when and how she may speak, saying she would not accept rules that restrict what she can say. Other board members said the time limits respond to public complaints about decorum and repetition and could be tested on a trial basis with a sunset provision. A member proposed a 3-minute rebuttal period; members disagreed about whether a rebuttal should be allowed and how enforcement would work.

The discussion turned personal when a member accused the Supervisor of giving testimony a judge previously found not to be credible in a prior local case; the Supervisor objected to the charge. Following the exchange, a board member moved for an executive session to discuss "personal matters involving specific individuals and to seek legal advice for various matters." The motion was seconded and the board voted in favor; the transcript records "All in favor. Aye."