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Selectboard requires public bodies to meet at town facilities after debate over private‑home meetings
Summary
The Selectboard voted to require committees and public bodies to hold meetings at Town Office, Town Hall, or Neighborhood Connections after residents raised concerns about meetings held in private homes; vote passed with one dissent.
The Selectboard debated whether local committees should hold meetings in private residences or town facilities and voted June 2 to require all public bodies to hold meetings at the Town Office, Town Hall, or Neighborhood Connections.
Several board members reported complaints from residents who felt awkward attending meetings held in private homes. Chair Tom Cavanagh emphasized that the renovated Town Office is accessible and neutral. Bonny Johnson of the Beautification Committee noted that Vermont state law requires meetings be open to the public either in person or remotely and said inviting all members does not necessarily prohibit private homes. Helen Hamman added that rotating private residences had increased attendance, while others cited liability and public‑access concerns.
Tom Cavanagh moved to require meetings be held in town buildings; the motion passed with Martha Dale opposed. The board asked committee chairs to contact Town Administrator Aileen Tulloch to reserve space.
