04/16/2026 CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes (2)

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Town of Mashpee Conservation Commission 16 Great Neck Road North Mashpee, MA 02649 ij • Vote for Pledge of Allegiance The Commission held a discussion regarding whether to include the Pledge of Allegiance as a standing item on meeting agendas. Mr. Sahl initiated the discussion and expressed frustration that, at a prior meeting, his motion to include the Pledge had not received a second. He stated that he viewed the lack of a second as disrespectful and emphasized the significance of the flag and those who have served the country. Ms. Godfrey responded that the matter had not been seconded at that time because there had been agreement to bring the topic forward for discussion at the Quarterly meeting, when all members would be present to participate in discussion and a vote. Mr. Larsson, an associate member,noted that a quorum of full members had been present at the prior meeting and that, as an associate member, he had not been permitted to second the motion. Ms. Thornbrugh, who had served as Vice Chair and Acting Chair at the meetings in question, clarified that she had set the agenda for those meetings after consulting with staff and understood that she had the discretion to do so. She stated that her decision to omit the Pledge for those meetings had been based on a combination of logistical considerations, including meeting efficiency, and personal reasoning. She further stated that her intent had not been to eliminate the Pledge permanently and addressed concerns that her actions had been mischaracterized. Ms. Pitt and other members noted that there was no consistent practice across Town boards, with some boards including the Pledge and others not. Discussion followed regarding the role of the Chair in setting the agenda, with several members noting that, absent a formal vote, the inclusion of the Pledge had historically been discretionary. Mr. Colombo, a former Chair, provided context that the Pledge had been added to agendas in prior years without a formal vote and had continued as a matter of practice. He and other members discussed whether the matter would be more appropriately addressed through a broader Town policy to ensure consistency across boards. The Commissioners participated in further discussion, which included differing perspectives on personal choice, First Amendment considerations, and respect for individual rights. Members generally acknowledged that participation in the Pledge should remain voluntary. The discussion reflected differing viewpoints among members regarding tradition, individual discretion, and Commission procedure. MOTION: To have the Pledge of Allegiance be a permanent item on the Agenda and that the Chair running the meeting has the discretion to lead the Pledge or pass it along to a fellow Commissioner,whether the Vice Chair or Clerk who are the next two Commissioners in line. Motion bv: Richard Sahl Seconded by: Sandi Godfrey Vote: Motion passed. Aye: Steve Cook,Paul Colombo, Sandi Godfrey,Richard Sahl Nay: Seana Pitt, Sarah Thornbrugh 4