Townsend Planning Board votes 3-1 to deny open meeting law complaint

TOWNSEND — June 1, 2026 — Townsend Planning Board votes 3-1 to reject an open meeting law complaint against a member. The board, chaired by Andrew Shepard, convened June 1 solely to review a complaint filed May 15 by Heidi Ash alleging a violation at the board's May 11 meeting. Clerk Cindy King read the board's draft response, which concluded that a post-adjournment conversation between one member and Ash did not constitute a meeting under the open meeting law because no quorum was present or deliberating. Staff member Beth confirmed no legal consultation was required, calling the situation "pretty clearly not an open meeting law violation." One member abstained, stating he was the subject of the complaint. The approved response will be forwarded to Ash and the attorney general's office.