ProceduresManual-12-2023 - Laserfiche WebLink

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(617) 371-9500. Advice may also be sought from Town Counsel, whose conflict of interest opinions must be filed with the Commission for review. Every 2 years, all members of the Board must complete the State Ethics Commission conflict of interest law online training program. Newly elected members must complete this training within 30 days of beginning public service, and every 2 years thereafter. New members of the Board may be briefed on the law’s implications by either Town Counsel or by attending one of the State Ethics Commission seminars. See Appendix A: Conflict of Interest - Articles and primers prepared by the State Ethics Commission. H. Ethics 1. Purpose and Scope This Code of Ethics expresses the basic understanding of the organization of the Select Board under the Selectmen-Town Manager Act and other statutes of the Commonwealth. The oath of office of a Select Board Member binds the individual member to those laws, since the Board operates under their authority. 2. Applications This code applies to three areas of responsibility of Board members in addition to that set forth above: responsibility to the Community; relationships with fellow Board members; and responsibility in relation to the Town Manager. a. Board members in relation to the community should:  Be ever mindful that the basic responsibility is to the entire residents and that the members represent the entire community at all times.  Recognize that the basic function of the Select Board is policy making and not administration which is in the hands of the Town Manager.  Be well informed concerning the duties of a member.  Accept the office of Select Board Member as a means of unselfish service.  Realize that it is inappropriate to make promises or commitments of how the Select Board will vote upon matters which will come before the Board. b. A member in relation to other Board members should:  Treat fellow members respectfully and courteously.  Recognize that actions at official meetings of the Board are binding and that the individual member cannot bind the Board outside such meetings.  Uphold the intent of executive sessions and respect privileged communications that exist in executive sessions.  Make voting decisions only after all facts on a matter have been presented and discussed. Page 6 of 39