Good morning.
Thank you for contacting the Division of Open Government. Through this helpline we can provide general guidance regarding the Open Meeting Law. We cannot provide an advisory opinion or legal advice.
The Open Meeting Law does not prohibit the creation of meeting transcripts. However, a transcript may not substitute for minutes. See OML 2024-133. Open Meeting Law determinations may be found at https://massago.hylandcloud.com/203NGPublicAccess2/OML.html. The Open Meeting Law requires that public bodies create minutes “setting forth the date, time and place, the members present or absent, a summary of the discussions on each subject, a list of documents and other exhibits used at the meeting, the decisions made and the actions taken at each meeting, including the record of all votes.” G.L. c. 30A, § 22(a). Minutes that are simply a transcript of the meeting do not comply with the law's requirement that minutes contain a summary of discussions. See OML 2016-123.
If you believe that a public body has violated the Open Meeting Law, you may file a complaint. The complaint form and instructions are accessible at the following link: https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2019/07/15/OML%20Complaint%20Form%202019.pdf.
Please feel free to contact our office with any further questions.
Sincerely,
Matthew Lindberg (he/him/his)
Assistant Attorney General
Division of Open Government
Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General
(617) 963-2540
So far we seem to have had the Selectboard, the Grant Writer and the Advisory Committee involved in trying to create a process that would violate open meeting law.
ReplyDeleteWhy not right, Mike has 3 OML VIOLATIONS under his belt and working on fouth, so what's another.
Does anyone remember the May 24 BOS meeting at about 19 minutes I believe when Mr Currie promised to abide by and follow all......
2 OML VIOLATIONS from Dec, 28, 2023 that were never mentioned at a public meeting even though Adam was sending out letters to advisory about the complaints are just what naysayers do.
I could go o n, but this topic is about OML....
It is amazing that facts tell a different story. Sounds like the Town Administrator is trying to CYA. 🙄 Bev. Bart.
ReplyDeleteThat is his ass. 🙄
Delete