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Becket Historical Commission Meeting Minutes – 9/26/12
In attendance: Rob, Aaron, Harry Meeting called to order at 7:09pm
Minutes from the August 22, 2012 meeting were read and the minutes passed unanimously as read.
TREASURER’S REPORT – no report for September
NORTH BECKET BLOCK GRANT - The kiosk for Bidwell park continues to be on hold
COMMUNICATIONS – no written communications were received this month
HISTORICAL COMMISSION MEETING OFFICE – the office for the Historical Commission has been successfully moved; Rob and a Becket police officer moved most of the items from our old office to the new space (the former COA office).
OPEN MEETING LAW DISCUSSION
- Rob received advice from the Attorney General’s office that, indeed, the Historical Commission cannot make decisions over the phone or internet. That being clear, Rob drafted a policy for the Commission to adopt that reads as follows
- Whereas the Commission has been instructed that phone conversations are in direct violation of the Commonwealth’s Open Meeting Law when they involve making a determination but not when they merely implement existing policy, in circumstances where the Historical Commission receives notice/notices from another town board or official which requires a determination before the next scheduled Historical Commission meeting, the Chair shall notify all members and establish whether they wish to schedule a special meeting (with the required 48-hour requirement to post the Agenda with the Town Clerk, who is on duty three days a week excluding three-day weekends and holidays). If this is not practical, they may direct the Chair to deputize one member to visit the property and make a determination for the
Commission. Whereas Rita Furlong is the longest serving and only native-born member with an inclusive knowledge of the town and its residents, the Chair shall direct her to view the property and make the determination for the Commission. If she is unable to do so, the Chair may designate any of the other members to do so.
- Aaron moved to adopt the policy, Harry seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS
- Rob has a list of the items the Becket Arts Center has on loan from the Commission. The list is itemized and signed by Paul Campbell.
- Aaron brought up the issue of Becket artifacts being decommissioned/sold by the Athenaeum at the Athenaeum’s last board meeting and was given assurances that any future activity by the Athenaeum related to native Becket artifacts would include open communication with the Historical Commission
- Rob and Aaron intend to at least set up the West Becket directional sign before the winter.
NEW BUSINESS
- As our new office has no windows, we no longer have a need for the shade, which the Historical Commission purchased for our old space. Rob asked if he could have the shade for his personal use. Aaron moved that the Commission allow Rob to have the shade, Harry seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 7:27pm.
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