Subcommittee to refer remote participation policy to full Select Board amid state law extensions

The Sudbury Select Board Policies and Procedures Subcommittee discussed whether the town should adopt a local remote-participation policy at its Dec. 29, 2025 meeting and agreed to refer the question to the full Select Board.

Member Lisa Kouchakdjian said a more recent town policy from 2021 remains in effect and noted a legislative extension for remote meeting rules through June 30, 2027. Town Manager Andy Sheehan said the town does not need a separate local policy now unless the Select Board wants to be more stringent than state law. Member Dan Carty said he sees a difference between public participation and participation by members of a public body and wants further discussion.

The Subcommittee decided to bring the topic before the full Select Board so members can weigh whether Sudbury should require all-remote, hybrid, or other specific meeting formats beyond the state framework.