BERNARDSTON — The Selectboard discussed the possibility of switching to remote meetings and set the date for the town election during its meeting Wednesday.
For the last two months, board members have been sitting 6 feet apart during their meetings to respect the social distancing guidelines that are in place as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Selectboard Chair Robert Raymond said some residents feel they are not setting a good example by continuing to meet in person.
“Personally, I don’t have a problem with us coming in to do this,” said Selectboard member Brian Keir.
Regardless, the Selectboard decided to look into the possibility of holding remote meetings. Town Coordinator Louis Bordeaux was tasked with setting up a system to have the option of holding remote meetings in the future.
The Selectboard also voted to set June 29 as the new date for the town election. However, board members are encouraging residents to request a mail-in or absentee ballot from Town Clerk Paul Luther by emailing townclerk@townofbernardston.org. Keir said the use of mail-in or absentee ballots will keep exposure to other residents and poll workers to a minimum.
In-person voting will still be available at Town Hall, with polling hours from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. For those who do vote in person, a system will be in place at Town Hall to enforce social distancing guidelines.
For this year’s election, Keir is the only Selectboard member whose position is up for re-election, and he is running unopposed.
Additionally, the Selectboard voted during Wednesday’s meeting to reorganize its members, which is an annual occurrence, Bordeaux said. Raymond nominated Stanley Garland to be the new chair, effective starting at its next meeting. Keir was nominated to be vice chair, and Raymond will be the new Selectboard secretary.
Zack DeLuca can be reached at zdeluca@recorder.com or 413-930-4579.