If they want to, members of Stoughton boards can attend meetings electronically if they have to. It's up to the various committees if they want to allow members the option.
Stoughton selectmen voted 3-2 Tuesday to allow town board members to attend meetings remotely, effective Jan. 1, 2014. Chairman John Anzivino, and selectmen Stephen Anastos and Thomas Recupero voted for it, while selectmen Cynthia Walsh and Robert O'Regan were against the proposal. Selectmen had discussed the measure earlier and put it back on the agenda for a vote this week.
There are five specific reasons one can attend the meeting remotely: personal illness, disability, an emergency, military service and geographical difference. The chairman also has to be notified.
Walsh argued that it was the responsibility of the board members to attend, while O'Regan was concerned about elected officials not being available when evidence or testimony was being given.
Walsh said she worried about board members "phoning it in," but she could see it being useful in remote areas of the state.
"It you are in the state legislature and there is 8 feet of snow on the ground and you can't get anywhere," Walsh said.
There was discussion on limiting the amount of times a member can be available by remote.
"I'm not concerned about limiting (the time)," said Anastos. "It makes sense to do something."
Anzivino has been a proponent of using more technology by the board. Members of the board do use tablets during the meetings.
"We don't want to force it on the other boards," he said. "They can opt out of it. They have rules to follow."
Town human resources director James Kelly, who is serving as the interim town clerk, will drawing up a document for the boards to follow.
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