At the most recent Hudson Board of Selectmen meeting, a discussion took place regarding what the rules and procedures should be for members of various boards and committees in Town to be able to contact the town’s legal counsel.
Board of Selectmen Chair Dillon Dumont, who raised the concern, explained that they should have expectations for all their boards and committees that they have authority over, including elected ones.
He explained that he thinks the Board of Selectmen should send a message through Town Administrator Roy Sorenson that all inquiries to their Town Attorney or staff should be made through the chairs.
It was explained by Dumont that he thinks the chairs of the committees and boards should then take those inquiries for staff or legal counsel from individual members and give the information to the rest of the board or committee, so they are aware.
If needed, it could then go to their legal counsel or Town Administrator.
Dumont explained that they have had conversations about it in the past, but doesn’t think they have ever taken an actual stance on it.
“So I want to raise it here tonight and see what everybody’s thoughts are,” Dumont said.
Selectman Heidi Jakoby explained that she isn’t against the measure but said she would want to see a written policy regarding it before approving the idea.
“I’m not opposed to it,” she explained.
Dumont explained that he thought setting a policy made sense because then the expectations are set.
Board of Selectmen Vice Chair Bob Guessferd said that it will be good to have something in place.
“This has come up a lot over the years,” he explained.
Guessferd also noted during the meeting that their legal counsel expenses are a budgeted line item, which makes it more important to have a policy in place.
It was ultimately decided to send the proposal to the policy committee for review and to come up with a proposed policy, which would then need to be voted on by the Board of Selectmen.
Also, during the meeting, during Selectmen’s remarks, Selectman Dave Morin suggested that they look at changing the time for non-public sessions.
He explained that they have many department heads who have to stay until 11:30 p.m. or even later.
Morin proposed that they consider moving the non-public sessions to before the meetings start.
The next Hudson Board of Selectmen meeting is slated to take place on Aug. 26, beginning at 7 p.m.
