Newbury COA tables proposal to use van for rides to polls and town meeting

The Newbury Council on Aging on Monday tabled a motion to allow the COA van to transport residents to polling places and town meetings after members raised legal, insurance and logistical questions.

The Chair opened the discussion by asking whether the van should be available on request to help residents who do not drive at night. Board members said the service was offered in the past but saw little routine demand; one member recalled an occasion when two passengers on a shopping run asked the driver to stop so they could cast a ballot. Members agreed the idea could help some residents but flagged several practical and legal uncertainties.

Cindy Courier, CO director, noted operational constraints: the van seats 14, the driver typically must remain available for the duration of long town meetings, and the driver is a Newbury resident. Members also raised accessibility and equity questions — the van is handicapped accessible, but if the COA makes rides available to some residents they may be required under election law to offer the same opportunity more broadly. Several members said an insurance rider could be required to cover transporting non-program passengers.

Chuck B made a motion to table the proposal to allow time for staff to research election-law requirements, insurance implications and operational options; the motion was seconded and the board voted in favor to table the issue. The board asked staff to seek clarification from the town and to return with options and any recommended policy language.

The COA did not adopt any new transportation policy at the meeting. The item will be revisited at a future meeting after the requested research.