Politics & Government
Governor Signs Lynnfield Conservation Commission Bill
Legislation allows for appointment of alternate members to ensure a quorum
The Lynnfield Select Board will now have the power to appoint alternate members to the Lynnfield Conservation Commission, under legislation signed into law by Governor Charlie Baker.
Filed by House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) and State Senator Brendan P. Crighton (D-Lynn) following a 214-15 vote taken at Lynnfield’s November 14 Town Meeting, House Bill 5400 was enacted in the House and Senate on January 3, the final day of the 2021-2022 legislative session. It was approved by Governor Baker on January 4 and is now Chapter 374 of the Acts of 2022.
The Lynnfield Conservation Commission currently has seven sitting members who serve for staggered three-year terms, but on several occasions, the commission has found it difficult to obtain a quorum. In one particular instance, the commission lost jurisdiction on a significant case and was unable to act on the petition before a mandatory deadline had elapsed due to the lack of a quorum.
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Under Chapter 374, the Lynnfield Select Board is now authorized to appoint not more than two alternate members to the Lynnfield Conservation Commission for staggered terms of up to three years. An alternate member can then be designated by the chair of the Conservation Commission to sit in place of a regular member who is absent, unable to act on a pending matter, or facing a potential conflict of interest. An alternate member can also be designated by the chair to serve on the commission until a vacancy is filled.
“This legislation represents a practical solution to a recurring problem encountered by the Lynnfield Conservation Commission and will make it easier for members to conduct their business in a timely fashion,” said Representative Jones. “Senator Crighton and I were happy to advocate for this change on behalf of the Town, and we appreciate Governor Baker’s decision to sign the bill.”
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“The Lynnfield Conservation Commission plays such a crucial role in protecting the Town’s natural resources,” said Senator Crighton. “This bill will allow the Commission to do this important work more efficiently and without unnecessary hurdles.”
At least seven home rule petitions similar to Lynnfield’s have been signed into law within the past six years.
