Residents press Select Board over Conservation Commission meeting access and a petition for bird-colony protection

During public comment, Peggy Balboni of 40 Red Mill Lane told the Select Board she had been unable to enter a recent Conservation Commission meeting because the venue was overcrowded and warned that holding meetings in a location that does not accommodate expected public attendance may violate state open-meeting requirements and create fire-code liabilities. Balboni asked the board to urge the Conservation Commission to move to a larger venue if decisions that affect residents are imminent.

Jaci Grote asked the Select Board to use its elected standing to help mediate between differing community groups so residents feel heard. Tom Sherman said he had sent a courtesy letter after requesting a meeting and wanted to ensure the letter was in the public record; petitioners Scott Marion and Tom Sherman indicated their intent to file a petition for a special town meeting seeking a bird colony protection ordinance. Selectwoman Suzanne Barton moved — and the board approved — that the letter be made available and be read so it would be part of the public record; Barton subsequently read a letter from Scott Marion and Tom Sherman dated April 22, 2026.

Several other residents, including Steven Borne and Tom King, urged greater transparency and more active Select Board engagement, with King noting he helped collect "over 200 signatures" in one week on a petition. Chair Rob Wright responded that the Select Board will focus on matters within its authority, will accept formal petitions when submitted, and will not assume control over the independent operation of other elected or appointed boards unless there is evidence of malfeasance.