Turin mayor swears in new council member; council discusses communications, meeting logistics and charter review

Attorney Mark Mitchell swore in newly elected council member Kimbely Barnett during the opening of the work session.

Mayor Sprouse encouraged council members to use the town’s official email accounts — which the town pays for — and warned that using personal email on town business could expose personal devices to subpoenas if legal action arises. He also said the town’s website needs layout and content improvements so public information is easier to find.

Council members discussed a proposal to run a logo contest involving the local high school STEM program and to offer a small prize and recognition to the winning student. Council member Lydia Wallin proposed recording or taping meetings so residents who cannot attend can watch or listen via the website.

The mayor also outlined a proposal to hold work sessions at 6 p.m. and council meetings at 7 p.m. on the same day to streamline the schedule. He asked members to review a draft town charter circulated by Attorney Mitchell and noted that charter changes are a multi-step process that must be submitted to the Legislature, which meets through March and into April. The council discussed filling a vacant council seat and asked Attorney Mitchell to prepare an application form for interested candidates.

No votes were taken on these items at the work session; the council directed staff to follow up on email setup help, website improvements, the logo contest, meeting recordings, the draft charter review and recruitment for the vacant seat.