Minutes of the
Board of Selectmen
2 February 2002
Present: Daniel K. Webster, Chairman, Catherine Kuchinski, Vice Chairman, Peter J. Jones, Clerk, & Stephanie McSweeney
Absent: Judith Murdoch
Also present: E. Winn Davis, Executive Secretary
The meeting was called to order at 9:30 a.m.
The Board of Selectmen received the Memorandum entitled Conflict of Issue/Special Counsel Issues, dated 1 February 2002 and issued by the Executive Secretary.
The Board of Selectmen concluded that there was sufficient information concerning the public official involved to warrant an investigation.
Daniel K. Webster, Chairman suggested that the office of State Ethics is overworked and would be unlikely to be able to address this issue in a timely manner.
Daniel K. Webster, Chairman also suggested that due to the fact that Kopelman & Paige, as Town Counsel, was heavily involved in representing the Conservation Commission currently, it would be inappropriate to assign this investigation to them.
Daniel K. Webster, Chairman suggested that the Town hire Special Counsel and further suggested that David Thomas of the firm of Donovan Hatem, LLP be hired for that purpose. Mr. Thomas is a former District Attorney and enjoys a fine reputation in this area of the law.
Discussion followed, with agreement on the need to hire a special counsel. Concerns were raised over the general issue of land sales. A consensus was reached that the special counsel should look at all sales of public land since 1995.
MOTION by Catherine Kuchinski, Vice Chairman/Peter J. Jones, Clerk to hire David Thomas of the firm of Donovan Hatem, LLP, at an hourly rate not to exceed $150.00 to investigate all sales of public land since 1995. Motion passed 4-0-0.
MOTION by Peter J. Jones, Clerk/Stephanie McSweeney to adjourn at 10:15 a.m. Motion passed 4-0-0.
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