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Board to revisit meeting‑record retention after checking state guidance
Summary
Select Board debated whether to delete meeting videos after 30 days following secretary of state trainings; members agreed to research the legal guidance and revisit the matter at the March 13 meeting.
The board discussed state guidance on retaining recordings of hybrid meetings and whether the town should delete recordings after 30 days. The town's select board assistant reported training that the recording must be kept for at least 30 days after official minutes are approved; attendees disagreed about whether training recommended deletion after 30 days or simply noted retention must be at least 30 days.
One participant said the training recommended deletion after 30 days; another countered that the statute requires only a 30‑day minimum retention and does not mandate deletion. Participants agreed to check the written guidance from the secretary of state's office and revisit the policy at the March 13 meeting so the town can adopt a clear, legally compliant retention rule and a practical process for managing recordings.
A board member emphasized minimizing risk under the Freedom of Information Act and suggested a private YouTube channel as a low‑cost retention option with minimal administrative effort. The Select Board agreed to collect the training materials and legal text and return with a recommended policy.
