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Board tables emergency-authority resolution, asks attorney for clearer language
Summary
The Select Board discussed a proposed resolution authorizing the chair (and vice chair in absence) to act on time-sensitive emergencies between meetings. Members raised concerns about vagueness and unchecked spending authority; the board agreed to seek attorney-recommended language and table the resolution.
The board revisited draft language that would permit the Select Board chair — and in the chair's absence the vice chair — to take action in emergency situations between meetings. Members said the term "emergency" was not well defined and feared it might grant too broad spending authority. One board member contrasted the proposal with the highway foreman's existing 72-hour authority to hire contractors for immediate road safety needs.
Several speakers recommended clarifying the resolution to limit authority to life-safety or property-protection actions and to exclude large expenditures without board ratification. The board unanimously consented to consult the town attorney for specific language and tabled the resolution until counsel provides recommended wording.
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