The Board of Selectmen met on Thursday, Dec. 14. It was special meeting due to the cancellation of the regular meeting on Dec. 7.
The selectmen approved a statement supporting the town’s board and commission members. It’s the result of the recent posting on social media of personal information of a current board chair. The statement acknowledges the town’s dependence on volunteers to serve the community, and shares information about protections for those volunteers when acting in an official capacity. The selectmen agree the “the purposeful harassment of public officials, and specifically, the posting of personal information in public places is unacceptable.”
Approval of the statement came after a lengthy discussion. Selectman Kristi Sogofsky asked First Selectman David Bindelglass to clarify prior statements he made about the sharing of personal information being political. Board of Ethics Chair Vivian Hardison, who had her confidential information shared, spoke about the impact this has had on her, her thoughts about how it should be addressed and the desire for legal action. Selectman Nick D’Addario suggested the town may consider an ordinance limiting an individual from serving on boards and commissions if they commit such acts. The selectmen agree legal input is necessary before proceeding with any proposed ordinance.
First Selectman Bindelglass provided an update on the proposed lease of the town-owned property on South Park Avenue to the New England Prayer Center. He says the lease language is complete except for an agreement on the monthly rent amount. If an agreement is reached on the rent, the Board of Selectmen would need to decide if the lease is acceptable. If so, the board would call a special Town Meeting for the consideration of the lease. The lease can only be approved by the Town Meeting as required by the Land Use Ordinance. The Board of Selectmen cannot approve the lease on its own.
The board approved an extension of the resolution placing a moratorium on the installation of 5G technology within the town. The moratorium has been extended several times in recent years. The current action extends the 5G moratorium until Dec. 31, 2024.
The Board of Selectmen appointed the following members to serve on boards and commissions:
- Board of Assessment Appeals: Lise Fleuette (reappointment, alternate), Gayle Worthington (reappointment, alternate)
- Board of Finance: Josip Glavan (alternate)
- Commission for the Aging: Diana Gomez
- Easton Diversity and Inclusion Task Force: Sheila Weaver (alternate)
- EMS Planning & Building Committee: Schuyler Sherwood (following the resignation of Jim McCarthy)
- Planning & Zoning Commission: Christian Calemmo (alternate)
Members of the public commented on topics including the 5G moratorium and support for those serving on boards and commissions. Public comment occurs toward the beginning and end of each meeting.
The meeting also included the approval of minutes from the Nov. 16 meeting, the approval of 22 tax refunds as recommended by the tax collector and the release of a driveway bond as recommended by the deputy director of public works.
Watch a recording of the meeting on the town website.
