Wilton Select Board reviews proposed updates to roles and responsibilities bylaws

The Wilton Select Board held a workshop to review a redlined draft of the town's roles and responsibilities bylaws, which had not been updated in a decade. Board members discussed various procedural changes, including public comment rights, remote participation, and meeting conduct rules. The session included a notable debate regarding seating arrangements and the authority of the chair to assign seats.

Key points

• The board reviewed a draft document updating the select board's roles and responsibilities to align with current Maine state laws and Maine Municipal Association guidelines.
• A select board member raised concerns about the security of handling unsigned warrants with blank checks, leading to a discussion on the town's payment approval process.
• Significant discussion occurred regarding a bylaw provision that restricts board members from moving their seats or furniture during meetings, with one member advocating for the right to sit in the audience to signal independence.
• The board debated the timeline for public notice of meetings, with some members preferring the current four-day notice period over the 24-hour notice seen in other municipalities.
• Questions were raised about the legal requirements for executive session disclosures and the specific wording regarding the chair's authority to interrupt speakers for personal abuse.

Next steps

• The board will continue reviewing the draft bylaws in future workshops to finalize the language before a formal vote.
• Staff will verify the state law requirements regarding the town clerk's role in selecting a chairperson by lot if a majority vote fails.
• The board will clarify the language regarding the chair's authority to interrupt speakers for personal abuse, potentially changing "may" to "shall."

Read the full transcript