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Selectboard revises rules of procedure, refers operating principles to legal counsel
Summary
The Selectboard adopted a revision to Section F of its Rules of Procedure to remove a requirement that other adjustments to the noticed agenda be made by a board vote, and agreed to refer a proposed Operating Principles resolution to legal counsel to clarify potential statutory conflicts with the Town Manager's authority.
During discussion of old business on April 29 the Selectboard considered revisions proposed at an April 18 strategic planning retreat to its Rules of Procedure. Peg Alden read the revised language and the board debated how changes might affect public participation; resident Howard Fairman said rigid time limits and delayed agenda additions could discourage comment. The board adopted one change: striking a sentence in Section F that required a board vote to make other adjustments to the noticed agenda, while retaining the practice of requiring a second for motions.
Board members also discussed a proposed Operating Principles resolution that would clarify the division of responsibilities between the Selectboard and the Town Manager. Because members raised questions about possible conflicts with statutory accountability for routine staff actions, they agreed to refer the draft resolution to legal counsel for clarification before adopting it.
