2004-12-02-AC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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December 2, 2004 approach people we should identify our role. If we are acting as AC member, as opposed to liaison role, we have more latitude. Battin consulted with Paul Lapointe and town counsel about liaison role on committee that’s going to bring something before town meeting. Lapointe has seen problems in other towns where liaison sits in as regular member and even votes. Suggested Battin reference the dictionary definition of “liaison” – facilitator of communication in both directions. William Lahey (town counsel) sees the intent of the liaison role as a communications vehicle, an observer. The liaison shouldn’t serve or act as chair, shouldn’t lead or direct the work or engage in public deliberation. Battin feels that the liaison role is enormously important and doesn’t want to confine us. Battin’s purpose in speaking with us is not to define this for us, but to merely raise the issue and leave it to us to work out our own policy and ground rules, being sure to preserve flexibility. d. State Ethics Commission/conflicts of interest: AL asked Battin to report on the meeting with the ethics commission. She reported that it was a good meeting, and that AC members are designated by BOS as “special employees of the town.” As such, we have more leeway, unlike BOS, on whom the conflict-of-interest restrictions are more onerous. (Reference handouts from Town Clerk Donna Hooper.) AC members can’t accept bribes, nor any gratuities over $50, and we’re subject to anti-nepotism rules. In sum, we can’t enjoy any benefits that might flow from being member of AC. If we believe one of us has a potential conflict of interest, we can petition the state ethics commission for a ruling, go to town counsel (which then must go to ethics commission) or take the matter to the appointing authority, in this case the moderator, who doesn’t have to run her ruling by the ethics commission. e. Ensuing AC discussion: JB raised a concern related to W. Lahey’s comment about public deliberation. If liaison responsibility is two-way communication, at a minimum, liaison needs to communicate information that might be relevant from AC’s position and that might qualify as deliberation. Battin agreed that this would be appropriate communication for a liaison. (Discussion interrupted to take Committee picture for annual report.) - DK reported that as liaison to CEC, he doesn’t participate in CEC votes; he communicates anything from our committee that’s helpful; he feels comfortable asking questions, just as any member of the public can do. DB remarked that DK’s last point is important – the liaison should have at least the same rights as a member of the public attending an open meeting. - AL reported that he had presented some information on PILOTs to the Water/Sewer Committee at that committee’s request, and he was very comfortable participating in the ensuing discussion as an AC member. - RE raised issue of cases where the AC may not have taken an official position, and therefore a liaison expressing an opinion may give the impression that he/she Page 2 of 8