Townsend Historic District Commission Grapples with Alleged Open Meeting Law Violations
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Meeting Type:
Historic Preservation Commission
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Meeting Date:
07/03/2024
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Recording Published:
07/04/2024
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Duration:
108 Minutes
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Middlesex County
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Towns:
Townsend
- Meeting Overview:
The Townsend Historic District Commission recently addressed a series of issues, with a focus on allegations of open meeting law violations and the commission’s operational procedures. Members of the commission were confronted with a letter from the board of selectmen accusing them of failing to comply with open meeting laws, sparking a debate about the allegations and the importance of an upcoming ethics and open meeting law review. The commission discussed whether the training was necessary, with opinions split between concerns over cost and the need for proper education to avoid future infractions.
In addition to the open meeting law concerns, the commission faced internal confusion regarding the reappointment of members and the composition of the commission itself. There was uncertainty about whether one member was replacing another and concerns about the lack of staggered appointments, which could affect the commission’s continuity and governance. Furthermore, the commission debated the involvement of different organizations in nominating members and the potential for discrimination and imbalance on the board. This led to broader discussions about the reappointment process and the need for improved procedures in line with the Town Charter and state regulations.
The commission also tackled the issue of homeowner and realtor notification about the historic district regulations. There was a discussion about whether it was the commission’s responsibility to inform realtors and homeowners of the historic district status of properties for sale. Opinions differed, and the commission considered reaching out to other communities to learn best practices for managing notifications. The role of the Massachusetts Historic Commission in determining the boundaries of historic districts was also a point of discussion, as well as the implications of properties that had previously opted out of the district.
Furthermore, the commission discussed the appointment of a new member, referred to as Julia, and the criteria for her selection, including her affiliation with the Daughters of the American Revolution. This discussion extended into the broader topic of following the Town Charter and state regulations for appointments and reappointments.
The commission then focused on specific property matters, including a proposal for renovations on Main Street. The replacement of a slider and deck was debated in detail, with the final vote approving the application for the renovations.
Additionally, the commission expressed frustration over the inadequacies of the town’s website, with particular reference to the lack of information about meetings and taxes. This concern was indicative of wider issues of communication and transparency within the commission and between the commission and the public.
The meeting concluded with a mention of a phone call from the Board of Selectmen and a statement expressing willingness to meet and discuss the issues at hand.
Eric Slagle
Historic Preservation Commission Officials:
Eino Kauppi, Susan R. Gerken, Clare Kauppi, MaryJane Churchville, Jerrilyn Bozicas
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Meeting Type:
Historic Preservation Commission
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Meeting Date:
07/03/2024
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Recording Published:
07/04/2024
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Duration:
108 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Noteworthy
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Middlesex County
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Towns:
Townsend
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