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CHAPTER 7 - PUBLIC RECORDS AND OPEN MEETINGS <br /> History: Added 5-3-2004 ATM,Article 17,approved by Attorney General on 8-23-2004 <br /> History: Amended 10-17-2005 STM,Article 1,approved by Attorney General on 3-13-2006 <br /> §7-1. Purpose. This bylaw shall be known as the "Public Records and Open Meeting bylaw." The <br /> purpose of this bylaw is to ensure open access to public records and meetings; to provide for <br /> adequate disclosure of matters concerning the public interest and the accountability of Town <br /> Boards, Committees and Commissions; and to provide for strengthened local control and <br /> enforcement of the Commonwealth's Open Meeting Law, Chapter 39, Sections 23A and B, and <br /> the Public Records Law, Chapter 66 of the Massachusetts General Laws, and any related <br /> regulations or interpretations issued by the Attorney General or Secretary of State of the <br /> Commonwealth in effect at the time of adoption of this bylaw. <br /> A. The Town recognized the importance of.- <br /> 1. <br /> f:1. Open public meetings <br /> 2. Properly posted public meeting notices <br /> 3. Accurate documentation of the record of all public meetings <br /> 4. Timely preparation of minutes <br /> 5. Timely filing of approved minutes with the Town Clerk <br /> 6. Record retention in accordance with State regulations <br /> 7. Audio sound (tape)recording of the meetings of key Town boards, <br /> committees, and commissions <br /> 8. Enforcement of the provisions of this bylaw. <br /> §7-2. Jurisdiction. Because regulatory authorities subject citizens to fees, fines and <br /> regulations, and the Town to possible litigation, the Town's interest is best served by <br /> requiring the following to comply with all provisions of this bylaw. The Board of <br /> Selectmen, the Board of Assessors, the Planning Board, the Board of Health, the Zoning <br /> Board of Appeals, the Conservation Commission, all hereinafter referred to as <br /> "Regulatory Authorities." <br /> §7-3. Requirements <br /> A. All Regulatory Authorities are required to: <br /> 1. Post notices of meetings in compliance with Chapter 39 Section 23B of <br /> Massachusetts General Laws. <br /> 2. Post a copy of the agenda at the Town Clerk's Office one day prior to <br /> such meeting and supply to the public sufficient copies of the agenda at <br /> each meeting. <br /> 3. Document all meetings by written report in the form of minutes pursuant <br /> to Chapter 66, Section 3, 4, 5A and 6 of the Massachusetts General <br /> Laws. Such minutes must be approved at the next scheduled meeting, or <br />