Northern Bristol County Public Health Alliance names North Attleboro as central posting location

The Northern Bristol County Public Health Alliance voted unanimously on May 6 to designate North Attleboro as the central posting location for agendas and minutes as the Intermunicipal Agreement (IMA) among SSA members moves toward full execution.

Erika Syokau of BME Strategies told the coalition that once the IMA is executed the SSA must adopt a single public posting site. Dan Syriala, a voting member representing Attleboro, moved to “adopt the Open Meeting Law posting methods specific to Regional or District Public Bodies” and to specify North Attleboro as the host community; Geri Hamel seconded. A roll-call vote recorded yes votes from Attleboro, Berkley, Dighton, North Attleboro, Rehoboth and Taunton.

The motion cited 940 CMR 29.03(3), the Massachusetts regulation governing posting methods for regional or district public bodies. Erika said the IMA is nearly complete: all member communities have signed except Attleboro and Rehoboth, and Attleboro planned to take the agreement to its city council on May 6 for consideration.

Officials said designating a central posting location is an administrative step required to comply with state open-meeting rules once the SSA’s intermunicipal agreement is executed. The Alliance did not vote on personnel or budget items at this meeting.

Erika proposed a special meeting to promptly advance discussions about a regional public health specialist and to align on a health equity training date; members agreed to meet on May 13 at 9 a.m. to continue that work. Erika will send the meeting invite and follow-up materials.

Votes at a glance: Motion to adopt North Attleboro as the central posting location — mover: Dan Syriala; second: Geri Hamel; outcome: approved (Attleboro: yes; Berkley: yes; Dighton: yes; North Attleboro: yes; Rehoboth: yes; Taunton: yes).

The Alliance adjourned at 10:57 a.m.