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After storm-changed fair, resident urges formal storm-response protocol; board schedules meeting-law training
Summary
Public commenters and board members urged a clear town protocol for severe-weather events after the Sheffield Fair was cut short by storms; the board scheduled an open meeting law training for Sept. 25 and asked staff and the chief to work on event-cancellation and notification procedures.
Public comment at the Sept. 8 Select Board meeting focused on the Sheffield Fair, which continued until a severe storm forced an early close.
Resident Pat, who said he lives at 261 East Main Street, praised fair organizers but urged the town to develop a clear protocol for cancelling or managing events when severe weather is forecast. Pat told the board he had discussed the matter with Chief Bunson and said attendees lacked clear advance notice; he asked the town to establish a protocol that could include cancelling events prior to start when weather predictions indicate risk.
Chief Bunson was quoted in the discussion, asking, “Was there no siren?” which prompted board members to request staff and the chief work together to draft a proposed protocol that could be presented to the town. Board members also noted the need to remind committees of notification and recording requirements under public meeting laws.
Separately, the board announced an open meeting-law training conducted by KP Law scheduled for Sept. 25 at 6 p.m. at the senior center and asked chairs and committee members to RSVP. The training was framed as a refresher amid heightened scrutiny of meeting-law compliance statewide.
