Swansea select board approves rules and handbook to guide transition to five-member board

The Swansea Board of Selectmen voted to adopt amendments to its rules of procedure and an accompanying handbook designed to guide the town's transition from a three-member to a five-member board.

The board opened a public hearing on proposed changes, and Lori, a town staff member leading the review, said the handbook’s goal was to ‘‘ensure that an expanded board enhances governance without interfering with department functions, employee responsibilities or the town's ongoing work.’’ The proposed amendments clarified officer elections, quorum requirements for a five-member board and standards for member conduct and communications with staff.

Board members debated a clause limiting how long a member may serve in the offices of chair, vice chair or secretary, with the proposal reading that a member ‘‘may serve in that office for no more than a single one-year term in a three-year period’’ and a separate rule preventing consecutive terms in the same office. Members also discussed whether strong wording such as ‘‘shall’’ and language stating the board ‘‘expects to be treated the way we treat others’’ were appropriate; one member objected, saying ‘‘you earn respect,’’ and others urged the provisions be framed to allow chair discretion in managing meetings.

A second major thread of discussion concerned the relationship between individual select board members and town staff. The handbook emphasizes routing requests through the town administrator and using formal board action for administrative direction, language intended to protect staff workload and preserve an official chain of command. Board members pressed for clearer examples and agreed staff could still be contacted for routine scheduling and information, while substantive assignments should come through the established process.

After discussion and minor edits, a board member moved to accept the proposed amendments as amended and another member seconded. The board approved the package by voice vote; the motion set the amendments to be effective March 11, 2026.

The handbook and rules now include updated language on open-meeting compliance and non-public sessions, reporting alleged violations and possible consequences such as reassignment from committee roles. Staff said a clean final version would be prepared for signatures and distribution to new members after the upcoming election.