03/23/2020 BOARD OF SELECTMEN Agenda Packet

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*DRAFT* BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES 3-16-2020 REGULAR. SESSION 11 Board of Selectmen Minutes March 16, 2020 NEW BUSINESS Discussion of COVID-19 Virus Contingency Planning-, (continued) Town Manager's Update—Mash ee Coronavirus Response-, (continued) Discussion followed with regards to meeting procedures. David Delvecchio, Information Technology Director indicated the virtual/remote participation would be televised, broadcasted live on local Cable Channel 18, streamed in the Internet and provided on YouTube. The emergency teleconference bridge would be provided with the following conference number: (508) 539-1449. Members of the public would have the ability to watch the airing.on cable or by steaming and then calling the telephone number to make comment. Viewing options would be placed on the agendas. In the remote participation process, a board or committee member would not be required to be physically present at a meeting as well as the public,provided there is access through telecommunications. There is no change in deliberations. It is the responsibility of the regulatory board chairs to monitor the telephone and facilitate comment. Motion made by Selectman Cotton to adopt the Meeting Procedures as referenced, forwarding copies to the respective chairs of Town Boards and Committees. Motion seconded by,Selectman O'Hara. VOTE: Unanimous. 5-01, Roll Call Vote: Selectman Gottlieb,yes Selectman Cotton,yes Selectman O'Hara,yes Selectman Sherman,yes Selectman Weeden,yes opposed, none In continuing discussions,the Board of Selectmen commented on the legislation filed by Governor Charles D. Baker regarding House Bill No. 4572, "An Act to Address Challenges in Town Governance Resulting from COVID-19." The legislation is designed to provide flexible solutions for communities as the challenges of the epidemic disrupt the normal conduct of administering Town government including the risks of large, public gatherings at Town Meetings. Clouse Bill No. 4572 gives towns' options for extending deadlines to approve the municipal budget as defined in Section 1, the delay of Town Meeting on or before June 3 0.- Section 2 and 3 of the Act expands the authority of Town Moderators to recess and continue meetings for up to 30 days when a warrant has been posted due to a public health emergency. A further amendment may be required to allow for more than one recess, and continuance after June 3 0. It was agreed that Town Manager Rodney C. Collins would consult and clarify the proposed extension of Town Meeting with Town Counsel and the Town Moderator, and report to the Board of Selectmen at their next meeting. The Bill also authorizes towns that have failed to adopt a budget by June 30 to operate using an interim budget for the month of July and successive months for "essential operations." The remaining sections address quorum, free cash and revolving funds. Town Counsel would be requested to provide options regarding public policy to convene a public meeting (Special and Annual Town Meeting) and discretion to reduce requirements if necessary as well as options regarding Town Elections as mandated under the Town Charter.