This is the outline form of the presentation by DA Sullivan concerning the Open Meeting Law. If you do not have power point, this outline will provide you with the same information. If you do have power point, the preceding posting, in slide show format, is more visually appealing.
OPEN MEETING LAW
GENERAL LAWS,
CHAPTER 39,
SECTIONS 23A-D
PURPOSE
To require town business to be conducted in public
To open town business to public observation, not participation
NOTICE
A notice of every meeting of a governmental body shall be filed with the town clerk, and the notice shall be publicly posted in the office of such clerk or on the principal official bulletin board, at least 48 hours prior to such meeting, including Saturdays but not Sundays and legal holidays.
MINUTES
Every governmental body must keep minutes of its meetings, including executive sessions. Minutes must include:
date
time
place
members present or absent
action taken, with votes recorded exactly
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Before holding an executive session, the board must:
convene in a properly posted open session
vote to go into executive session
record the vote of each member on a roll call vote
enter roll call vote into the minutes
cite the purpose for an executive session
state whether the governmental body will reconvene
PURPOSE 1
To discuss the reputation, character, physical condition or mental health, rather than the professional competence of an individual.
PURPOSE 2
To consider the discipline or dismissal of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member, or individual.
PURPOSE 3
To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the governmental body,
To conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with non-union personnel,
To conduct collective bargaining sessions or contract negotiations with non-union personnel.
PURPOSE 4
To discuss the deployment of security personnel or devices.
PURPOSE 5
To investigate charges of criminal misconduct or to discuss the filing of criminal complaints.
ENFORCEMENT
The District Attorney of the county in which the violation occurred shall enforce the provisions of the Open Meeting Law.
Contact:
Mary Mullaney, Assistant District Attorney
or
Carolyn Burbine, Assistant District Attorney
32 Belmont Street
Brockton, MA 02302
(508) 584-8120
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