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Sewer commissioners respond to Attorney General email, agree to expand agendas and earlier distribution
Summary
After an email from the Attorney General’s office flagged prior agendas as too vague, the board discussed restoring more detailed agenda language, agreed to circulate draft agendas 24–48 hours before posting, and warned that another open‑meeting violation could trigger fines or other consequences.
The Sewer Commissioners reviewed an email from Nora Bicke of the Attorney General’s office regarding a past open‑meeting‑law complaint and discussed steps to avoid future violations. Committee member (S3) said the board had previously tried more detailed agendas and urged returning to that practice to better inform the public.
Members agreed on a compromise: the chair will circulate a draft agenda 24 hours before submission to the town clerk so commissioners can request clarifying language or additional detail; posting will still follow the statutory deadlines but the earlier circulation aims to reduce vague agenda items. Several commissioners said the additional drafting is time-consuming and suggested a clerical or staff resource would help prepare fuller agendas.
Committee member (S3) warned commissioners that another violation could result in fines. The chair committed to sending the agenda earlier and to accept members’ edits so that the posted agenda contains sufficient detail for public notice. The board also discussed how to track recurring items (old business) and how to reconcile priority lists with the posted agenda to maintain transparency.
Next steps: Chair (S1) will circulate draft agendas in advance and accept comments; the board will consider whether a staff position or additional clerical support is needed to carry the extra workload.
