Select Board reviews streamlined code of conduct; plans town council review before vote

Select Board member Noel Donovan reviewed an abbreviated draft code of conduct that condenses earlier guidance into four high-level points: serve with integrity; collaborate and communicate respectfully; respect roles and boundaries; and model constructive engagement.

Donovan described the evolution of the draft from a longer MMA-based template and said the goal was a concise, usable document for boards and committees. Several board members supported moving the draft forward for distribution to Town Council for legal review and recommended placing the final document in the board-and-committee handbook so it would be provided to volunteers when they are sworn in.

The board did not vote to adopt the code on May 11. Members asked staff to send the draft to Town Council for feedback and to place the item on the May 26 Select Board agenda for consideration and a possible vote.

Next steps: Town staff will forward the draft to Town Council for review and return the item to the Select Board for a vote at the May 26 meeting.