Halifax board votes to enter executive session to consider possible dismissal of a public officer

The Halifax Board of Selectmen voted to enter an executive session on Tuesday to consider the possible dismissal of a public officer, concluding the public portion of its meeting and not returning to open session.

Board chair Tom Pratt opened the meeting at 9:00 a.m. at Halifax Town Hall and read the legal notices that the meeting had been posted and was being recorded for later posting on the Area 58 community access channel. Pratt told the room the board would "enter into executive session to discuss the possible dismissal of the public officer or individual pursuant to the provisions of general law, chapter 38, section 21 a 1." He then moved the motion and stated he would second it.

During roll call, Pratt said a Selectman on Zoom, identified in the meeting as Bill Smith, did not respond and was skipped. Pratt reported that Selectman Jonathan Selick voted yes, Pratt recorded his own yes and announced the motion "carries 2 to 0." Pratt then confirmed the board would enter executive session and said they would not return to open session.

The board cited its authority to meet in executive session as noted on the record: references were made to "National Law chapter 38, section 20 b," "chapter 38, section 20 f" (posting/recording), and "general law chapter 30A, section 21(a)(1)" as the basis for discussing personnel matters behind closed doors. No additional details about the subject of the dismissal, the officer involved, or any next public steps were provided during the recorded public portion.

The meeting began with introductions of staff in the room — administrative assistant Tamara Sherry and time administrator Steven Solvo — and a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Pratt told attendees a Zoom link was available to remote participants. The public portion ended when the board recessed to executive session; Pratt said the meeting recording will be posted to the community access channel as noted earlier.

Because the board entered executive session and did not return to public session, there was no further public discussion, testimony, or vote recorded in the public transcript. Any formal action that might result from the executive session will be reported in accordance with applicable law and local posting rules when appropriate.