What John Halsey's OML Complaint Is All About

John Halsey's Open Meeting Law complaint was directed at his fellow Select Board members, but specially one, Vanessa Alvarado.

In the complaint, filed Monday, Halsey filled in the line asking for the "specific person(s), if any, you allege committed the violation." His answer? "Board members at the insistence of member Vanessa Alvarado."

In the description of the violation, Halsey explained.

"On 6/19/2018 opened in "executive session" adjourning at approximately 7 p.m. Acting chair Barry Berman was presiding. After adjournment member Vanessa Alvarado insisted that the members remain. She requested that our "minutes recorder" Caitlin Saunders excuse herself as no further minutes were required. Despite acting chair Berman's objection, Alvarado began reading from a printed statement regarding the proceedings of a previous "executive session" in direct violation of open meeting. The only other member commenting was Andrew Friedmann, current chair."

He also was asked what action did he want the public body to take in response to his complaint.

"I request a unanimous declaration by the board acknowledging the error and apologizing while assuring no re-occurrence. Also an individual apology by Alvarado to the public and fellow members with a commitment of no re-occurrence. This should be in open session ASAP.

The board has requested an extension from the state to deal with this, targeting their next meeting on July 31st and hoping to finalize the issue by their Aug. 21 meeting.

Photo by Bob Holmes of Select Board meeting, minus John Halsey, who left the room as the OML complaint was discussed.