- **Chapter 30A, Section *:** Defines "public body" and requires meetings to be open to the public, with some exceptions.
- **Chapter 30A, Section *:** Requires notice of meetings and openness to the public, except in executive sessions.
- **Acts of *:** Requires remote access to public meetings during the COVID-* state of emergency, which has since been extended.
You may want to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Division of Open Government:
Working Groups discusses the Votes happened in June of this year. Town Manager is NOT happy with the outcome of People voted NO, against the Expensive project. Now Town Manager steps over his authority and wants to Revote.
Thank you for the detailed information. Here's some general guidance based on Massachusetts laws:
- **Chapter 30A, Section ***: Meetings of a public body must be open to the public unless an executive session is justified.
- **Remote Access (Acts of *)**: Public bodies must provide remote access if feasible.
Questions:
- Are the discussions in the executive session justified under the exceptions listed in Chapter 30A, Section *?
- Has the Town Manager provided a valid reason for not offering remote access?
Feel free to provide more details to better assist you.
I need to read Section *
Sure, I can provide a summary of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 30A, Section *. This section outlines the permissible reasons for holding an executive session. Here are the main points:
- **Chapter 30A, Section *** allows executive sessions for specific purposes, including:
- Discussing the reputation, character, physical condition, or mental health of an individual.
- Strategy sessions related to collective bargaining or litigation.
- Discussing the deployment of security personnel or devices.
- Investigating charges of criminal misconduct.
To read the full text of Section *, you can visit the official Massachusetts Legislature website.
Do you need further assistance with this matter?
woult you give me a hint
Of course! Based on the information you've provided, it seems you have concerns about the Town Manager's 'working group' meetings.
Here are some points to consider:
- **Public Body Definition**: Ensure if the working group qualifies as a public body under Chapter 30A, Section *.
- **Executive Sessions**: Check if the reasons for executive sessions align with the permissible purposes under Chapter 30A, Section *.
- **Remote Access**: Verify if it is feasible for the public body to provide remote access according to the Acts of *.
Would you like more details on any of these points?
Would you clarify Verify if it is feasible for the public body to provide remote access
Certainly! To determine if remote access is feasible for the public body, consider the following:
- **Technological Capabilities**: Does the public body have the necessary technology to facilitate remote access?
- **Financial Resources**: Are there sufficient funds to support the implementation of remote access?
- **Access and Inclusivity**: Will remote access improve public participation and inclusivity?
Would you like more details on any of these considerations?
Thank you. Yes they do have the technology
Great, thank you for confirming. Given that the public body has the necessary technology, the Acts of * require public bodies to provide remote access if feasible. Here are some points to consider:
- **Feasibility**: The public body should use available technology to ensure public access.
- **Compliance**: Not providing remote access may be a violation if it is feasible.
Would you like more information on how to address this issue with the Town Manager?
Awesome. Thank you sooo much... So much to consider
You're welcome! It seems like you have a good understanding of the situation. If you need further assistance or more detailed guidance on addressing this issue with the Town Manager, feel free to ask.
Would you like tips on how to present your concerns to the Town Manager?
maybe if you could clarify Public Body Definition**: Ensure if the working group qualifies as a public body under Chapter 30A, Section *.
Certainly! Here’s a concise clarification on whether the working group qualifies as a public body under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 30A, Section *:
- **Multi-Member Group**: It must be a group composed of multiple members.
- **Public Purpose**: It should be created to serve a public purpose.
- **Establishment**: It must be established by statute, ordinance, or executive order.
Based on your description, the Town Manager's working group may qualify as a public body if it meets these criteria. Would you like more details on any of these points?
Would you clarify this one please. Sorry... Public Body Definition**: Ensure if the working group qualifies as a public body under Chapter 30A, Section *.
Of course, I'd be happy to help. Here’s a clear and concise clarification on the **Public Body Definition** under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 30A, Section *:
- **Multi-Member Group**: Consists of multiple members.
- **Public Purpose**: Created to serve a public purpose.
- **Establishment**: Established by statute, ordinance, or executive order.
To determine if the working group qualifies, verify if it meets these criteria. Would you like more details on any specific point?
Oh sorry.. I meant to clarify this one only Establishment**: Established by statute, ordinance, or executive order.
No problem! Let's clarify the "Establishment" criterion under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 30A, Section *:
- **Establishment**: The group must be officially created through one of the following means:
- **Statute**: A law passed by the state legislature.
- **Ordinance**: A local law passed by a municipal authority.
- **Executive Order**: An order issued by an executive authority, such as the governor or other relevant officials.
Does this meet your needs, or would you like more information on this point?
Oh.. yes yes... Non of the above happened. It looks like town manager overstepping his Authority
It sounds like you have concerns about the Town Manager's actions. Here are some points to consider:
- **Public Body**: If the working group wasn't established by statute, ordinance, or executive order, it might not qualify as a public body.
- **Executive Session**: Ensure executive sessions meet the criteria in Chapter 30A, Section *.
- **Remote Access**: If feasible, remote access should be provided.
Would you like tips on how to address this with the Town Manager?
Would you clarify this: Executive Sessions**: Check if the reasons for executive sessions align with the permissible purposes under Chapter 30A, Section *.
Certainly! Here’s how to check if the reasons for executive sessions align with the permissible purposes under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 30A, Section *:
- **Reputation/Character**: Discussing the reputation, character, physical condition, or mental health of an individual.
- **Bargaining/Litigation**: Strategy sessions related to collective bargaining or litigation.
- **Security**: Discussing the deployment of security personnel or devices.
- **Misconduct**: Investigating charges of criminal misconduct.
Does this clarify your question, or do you need more details on any specific purpose?
Yes.. Thank you soo much
You're welcome! I'm glad I could help. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask. Have a great day!
I am processing ...
Good morning! It looks like you're working through some complex legal issues related to public meetings in Massachusetts. To ensure I provide the most helpful information, could you specify what part of the process you're currently focusing on? This will help me guide you effectively.
Have a great da
Good morning! It seems like you’re in the process of understanding public meeting laws in Massachusetts. If you have any specific questions or need clarification on any aspect, feel free to ask. What part of the process are you currently focusing on?
TRY ME!
Start a new chat