The Select Board will return to a regularly-scheduled meeting in its Town Hall chambers on Monday, June 27, for the first time since March 9, 2020.
The board unanimously supported the return to meeting in person, but the vote only covers that session. Some members noted that the prevalence of Covid-19 is unpredictable.
Board Chair Emily Michell emphasized that Owl Labs’ new videoconferencing technology will be employed, which means the meeting will have a remote viewing option.
No members of the board were enthusiastic advocates. Bopha Malone came the closest. “I would love to see us meet in person,” she said, noting that the Board of Health has resumed actual meetings. Town Manager Sarah Stanton noted that Board of Health was “one of a handful that have made that choice. The School Committee resumed in-person meetings two months ago.
Shawn Hanegan agreed with Malone that Covid-19 case numbers have declined, saying he is “comfortable” meeting in person, though he also would be fine with remaining on Zoom. Ed Pierce said it would be “fine by me to meet in person.”
“I don’t have a strong feeling either way,” Margot Fleischman commented, adding that it’s too bad the windows in the Select Board meeting room don’t open. She said it will be advantageous to experience the effectiveness of the hybrid transmission system.
Stanton noted that the Owl technology should be able to transmit enunciated speech, even if the speaker is wearing a facemask.
Mitchell commented that she has been to several recent crowded events and is often the only one attending who is masked. She acknowledged that “we get more public participation virtually because it’s easier for folks.”
Legislation to suspend the state’s open meeting law to permit virtual meetings expires on July 15, though there are proposals to extend it.
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