WILLIAMSTOWN -- The Board of Selectman have drafted a letter responding to an Open Meeting Law violation complaint filed with the state's Attorney General's office, alleging the board entered executive session to discuss purchasing The Spruces Mobile Home Park property.
The board voted unanimously at Monday's meeting to approve the letter and to have Town Counsel submit it to the attorney general.
The complaint, filed by resident Kenneth Swiatek on Dec. 10, 2012, alleges the board either met improperly in executive session to discuss the purchase of The Spruces property, discussed purchasing
The Spruces outside of a posted meeting, or both. The complaint references meetings on March 12 and 26, 2012.
"In addition, the public at large was taken entirely out of the discussion as to whether any other improvements could have been made to the Spruces Park which would have made flooding much less likely," the complaint states.
"The board has not conducted any sort of deliberations outside of a posted meeting regarding The Spruces or any other property," Chairman David Rempell said Monday, reading the letter aloud.
The letter also states the purpose of executive session was to discuss the ongoing litigation between Morgan Management and the town, not purchasing the property.
"I believe it captures the situation perfectly," selectman Thomas Sheldon, commenting on the letter. "That's why we entered executive
In other business:
Also at Monday's meeting of the Williamstown Board of Selectmen:
* Selectwoman Jane Allen updated the board on a recent alcohol compliance check. On Dec. 18, 23 establishments in town were checked for identification compliance and all of them passed. "I think it's worth taking the time to celebrate this, give a shout out to the managers and thank them for helping us create this culture of carding and preventing underage drinking," she said.
* Resident Jane Hudson was sworn in as a new member of the Northern Berkshire Cultural Council. Hudson taught at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston for 32 years before retiring to the Berkshires. Hudson will replace Steve Danker, who resigned from the council in December.
* On Thursday, Feb. 21, the Select Board and Finance Committee will hold a joint meeting to discuss the 2014 fiscal year budget.
* The board approved three, one-day liquor license requests from the President and Trustees of Williams College for events on Feb. 9, Feb. 27 and March 9.
* The board approved the Water and Sewer Warrant at $271,379.39.
* Chairman David Rempell announced the open burning season will take place between Jan. 15 and April 30. Residents can obtain a permit by contacting Forest Warden Rick Daniels at 413-458-5695.
To reach Edward Damon, email
edamon@thetranscript.com.
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