Published: 10/6/2020 1:49:58 PM
WHATELY — The Select Board has approved the use of the outdoor space at town-owned properties for gatherings, including local board or committee meetings, provided that all public health guidelines are followed.
“This is with the understanding that if it’s a town board or committee, they do have to follow Open Meeting Laws,” said board chairman Frederick Orloski, adding that town groups not bound by Open Meeting Laws, such as the Historical Society, are also welcome to use such spaces.
Town-owned spaces include outside Town Hall, Town Offices, the Police Station and the Center School.
The approval, which amends the Order Reopening Town Buildings to the Public for Limited Hours and Appointment Only, comes with the condition that all local and state guidelines with respect to the COVID-19 pandemic are followed during gatherings, board members said at their meeting last week. Signs will be posted with reminders to wear masks and maintain social distancing, in addition to other relevant guidance.
Previously, a policy voted in March required all board and committee meetings held remotely via Zoom be recorded for public viewing, according to Select Board member Joyce Palmer-Fortune.
“I think we should stick with our original guidance, and just really get people to record,” she said. “I think it’s in the best interest of the town, and I think that’s the bottom line.”
Outdoor meetings, however, would not be required to be recorded.
“They would just have to comply with Open Meeting Law, and they’d have to be something the Board of Health goes along with, as far as spacing and masking … which is a lot to do to have an outdoor meeting,” she said.
Judy Markland, a member of the Planning Board, noted that one of the reasons for the switch to holding meetings via platforms such as Zoom at the start of the pandemic was to allow for public participation at meetings, in accordance with Open Meeting Laws.
“Some of the spaces we’re talking about aren’t large enough for that,” she said.
Select Board member Jonathan Edwards said he would advise groups to be extra cautious if opting for an outdoor meeting.
“There is incredible scrutiny by passersby on whether that group is adhering to guidelines set forth by our Board of Health and the governor’s office,” he said. “Sometimes, that scrutiny is not accurate and sometimes it is; but scrutiny is scrutiny, so I would really encourage people to be extra cautious.”
Orloski noted that if conditions change, the board can revisit the policy.
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