Written by In response to the state stay-at-home order and limits on the number of people at public gatherings, the Clinton Board of Selectmen is offering new remote-viewing and participation options to residents, beginning at its Thursday, March 26, meeting.
As part of the effort to assist local governments in continuing service to the public without requiring large gatherings that could hasten the spread of the coronavirus/COVID-19, Governor Charlie Baker has issued modifications to the state’s Open Meeting Law.
From the governor’s announcement:
This emergency order suspends the requirement for public access to the physical location where a public meeting is taking place, provided there are other means of access available. This includes the use of a phone conference line for members of the public, social media or other internet streaming services, on-line meeting services, or methods of access.
Additionally, the order relieves the requirement that a quorum of members be physically present at a public meeting. During this period, members may all participate by remote or virtual means.
As a result, the Clinton Board of Selectmen’s meeting on Thursday, March 26, will be broadcast live on Comcast Local Access Television Channel 8, as usual, but also available for viewing via:
- Facebook Live at https://www.facebook.com/ClintonMA.gov
- Zoom teleconferencing at https://zoom.us/j/9855429256
Public comment for this meeting begins at 7 p.m. Interested Clinton residents can provide remote comments by calling 978-365-4120 at that time or by emailing comments to selectmen@clintonma.gov no later than 5 p.m. on March 26 to be included as part of the public record for that meeting.
Please do not come to Town Hall for Thursday’s meeting.
The board is committed to using every tool available to keep you apprised of what is happening at Town Hall during this state of emergency. We ask for your continued patience and perseverance as we learn to use these tools to their full capacity.
The agenda for the board’s March 26 meeting is available here: http://www.clintonma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03262020-519
These are unsettled times. Protect yourself and your neighbors by maintaining social distance and practicing proper hand-washing and sanitizing techniques. Please listen to trusted, legitimate news sources.
- Visit government COVID-19 websites from the state Department of Public Health and the federal Centers for Disease Control.
- Call the Massachusetts DPH 211 hotline with questions and concerns about the virus.
- Subscribe to the state’s new COVID-19 text message service by texting “COVIDMA” to 888-777.
Sean Kerrigan, Clinton Select Board 