Boards told to accommodate remote requests, post agendas and recordings; special-meeting notice rules highlighted

The trainer explained how the law treats remote participation and accommodation requests. Advisory public bodies (commissions and many committees) may hold remote-only meetings, but decision-making bodies (like Select Boards and Trustees) must generally provide a staffed physical location where the public can attend, unless a local incident or emergency allows remote-only meetings.

Residents and press may request access (in writing, two business days before a regular meeting) if a body typically lacks electronic access; the board must accommodate such written requests unless it can show undue hardship. The trainer emphasized the distinction between notice (legal requirement) and agenda (must include sufficient detail about each item so the public can decide whether to attend).

The presenter reinforced the new obligation that decision-making bodies record meetings and keep recordings posted to a designated electronic location for at least 30 days, and reminded boards that meeting minutes must be posted within five calendar days. The guidance included practical steps to reduce inadvertent violations, such as designating a single member to handle email replies to citizens.