The Board of Selectmen discussed the Board of Ethics’ preliminary recommendation regarding complaints filed against the chair of the Planning and Zoning Commission. The Board of Ethics recommended that Ray Martin be suspended while the review is pending. The first selectman sought a legal opinion on the matter. Lawyers reviewed relevant town ordinances and concluded that neither the first selectman nor the board could suspend a member of a board or commission. The selectmen agreed to wait for a final recommendation from the Board of Ethics before considering any action. The board discussed a need to clarify the Ethics Ordinance for future circumstances.
The board accepted the resignations of Jean Stetz-Puchalski and Lori Dougall-Cochran from the Agricultural Commission, and voted to make Jacob Conover a full member. He was serving as an alternate on the commission. One member and one alternate seat remain open and will be discussed at the next selectmen meeting. The board also appointed Michael Cordover as a member of the Easton Diversity and Inclusion Task Force. They were serving as an alternate.
Easton Pride submitted a written request to fly the Pride flag outside Easton Town Hall for the month of June 2024. The selectmen previously approved the request for this year. The flag raising ceremony will be held on June 1. Organizers say they made the request early so they can start planning. June 1, 2024 is a Saturday and they anticipate many events that day. They want to be able to book food trucks and speakers before they make other commitments.
The selectmen approved a 3% raise for the town’s non-union employees for the fiscal year starting July 1. The increase is in line with union increases and will be included in the budget.
