Dartmouth Select Board suspends three Russells Mills historic‑district commissioners after counsel cites ethics and open‑meeting violations

The Dartmouth Select Board voted to suspend and begin the process of revoking the appointments of three members of the Russells Mills Historic District Commission after town counsel described apparent conflicts of interest and open‑meeting law violations.

Anthony Savastano, Dartmouth town counsel, told the board the matter centers on votes taken by commissioners who were listed as abutters on a certified abutters list for 4 Tannery Lane and therefore "are precluded from voting on any matter relating to that project or proposal under Massachusetts General Law chapter 268A," a conflict of interest statute. Savastano said the commission also engaged in discussions outside posted meetings and authorized the filing of a lawsuit that a court dismissed for lack of authorization, exposing the town to legal expense.

Board members pressed for context and described the town's procedure for requesting legal services. A Select Board member asked whether the commission members had received board packets or ethics training; Savastano and other officials said training has been offered in the past two years but emphasized the statutory duty to follow ethics and open‑meeting rules.

After extended discussion about whether the conduct was inadvertent or intentional, board member Mr. Tattlebaum moved "to proceed with the revocation of appointment for Gerard Cote, Janet Stanton, and Michael Wachowski" and to impose "the immediate suspension as well." Mr. McDonough seconded the motion. The chair instructed staff to prepare and deliver letters informing the affected commissioners of the action.

Savastano warned that violations of M.G.L. c. 268A and the open‑meeting law can carry fines and, in some instances described by statute, criminal penalties; the board said it preferred administrative remedies but underscored the need to follow legal processes going forward. The board directed staff to post openings and said it would explore temporary appointments to preserve functional quorum for Russell's Mills matters before following the bylaw for permanent replacements.

The board stopped short of immediate permanent removal pending formal notice and process; members said next steps will include follow‑up agenda items and possible administrative steps at the board's next meeting. The board adjourned and said the recorded meeting will be posted for public review.