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Selectboard denies Public Records Act appeal over April 13 meeting recording
Summary
The Selectboard denied a Public Records Act appeal from Kevin Wilson, citing availability of the recording on the town website and cybersecurity rules that prohibit use of private external hardware on town equipment; the board conducted an executive session to consider attorney-client communications.
The Town of Orange Selectboard voted May 7, 2026, to deny a Public Records Act appeal filed by Kevin Wilson concerning the April 13, 2026 meeting recording.
During the discussion, Selectboard member Kristin Paya argued that premature general public disclosure of the town attorney’s legal analysis would place the board at a substantial disadvantage because the matter involved confidential attorney-client communications. The board entered executive session under 1 V.S.A. § 313(a)(1)(F) with Attorney Zach Handelman and Diane Hallenbeck present; the session lasted from about 6:57 p.m. to 7:29 p.m. and no action was taken while in executive session.
Returning to open session, the board approved a motion to deny Wilson’s appeal. Paya explained that the Public Records Act does not require records to be produced in a specific format, noted that the meeting recording was available on the town website, and cited updated town cybersecurity procedures that prohibit the use of private external hardware on town equipment—the method Wilson had requested for copying the recording. The board authorized Chair Steve Simpson to deliver a written denial to Wilson.
The board’s minutes record public comment following the decision about access to town records and meeting recordings. The denial closes the appeal unless Mr. Wilson pursues subsequent administrative or judicial remedies.
