Introduction

The purpose of this handbook is to assist the members of appointed boards, committees, and commissions to easily understand the variety of laws, procedures and traditions in participating in municipal government. This handbook blends the directions and requirements that are found in state and local laws, town charter and administrative directives. Throughout this handbook the term “Town board” applies to every board, committee, commission, or subcommittee that is represented as a governing body.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents.. 2

Town Board Membership.. 4

Absences Without Informing The Chair.. 4

Alternate Board Member.. 5

Compensation.. 5

Ineligible for Membership. 5

Reappointment.. 6

Resignation.. 6

Termination.. 6

Election of Officers. 7

Rotating Clerk.. 8

Paid Secretary.. 8

Pre-Meeting Requirements.. 8

Posting Public Meeting Notice & Reserving Meeting Room Space. 8

Available Meeting Rooms. 9

Judge Welsh Hearing, Room Occupancy Limit: 82. 9

Conducting A Meeting.. 10

Open Meeting Law... 10

Executive Session.. 10

Minutes and Records of Town Boards M.G.L. c.39, §23B. 11

Adoption of Rules & Regulations. 12

Tape Recording by Observers. 12

Calculation of Majority Vote (K&P March 18, 1996) 12

Rule of Necessity (K&P June 1993) 13

Adjudicatory Hearing.. 13

Public Hearing.. 13

Official Files & Records.. 15

Records of Doings and Accounts. 15

Budgeting & Procurement.. 18

Procurement.. 19

Disbursements. 19

Support Services.. 19

Photocopying.. 19

Staff Support.. 19

Town Counsel (TM Memo 9-18-1992) 20

Conflicts-of-Interest.. 20

Obtaining Legal Advice. 20

Filing a Complaint.. 20

Conflict-of-Interest Disclosure (Admin Dir 97-3) 20

State Ethics Commissions. 22

Available Bulletins. 22

Definitions.. 23

Deliberation: 23

Executive session: 23

Governmental body: 23