[MassHistPres] Historic application 60-day window for decision

[M Fenollosa]

Hi, all -

Last night the Lexington Historical Commission met remotely, via the 
"Zoom" program, for four public demolition delay hearings. One person 
acts as host - in our case, it was our Administrative Assistant - and 
everyone calls in, via designated phone number or computer link..those 
on computer can choose to have the video feature activated - we did 
(it's the camera at the top of your screen), which resulted in everyone 
seeing everyone else in little boxes. Our "host" was able to show the 
plans and drawings that had been submitted with the request for 
demolition. The documents were also posted to a special "Wednesday March 
18 Meeting Materials" page on our town website for those calling in by 
phone. The instructions for dialing in were added to the bottom of our 
posted agenda (on the public meetings page of the town website) and 
several interested citizens did phone in with comments. Everyone had 
multiple opportunities to comment, all votes were taken by roll call and 
we believe we met all the Governor's requirements for an open meeting. 
Plus, it was kinda fun!

Marilyn Fenollosa

Lexington Historical Commission

On 3/17/2020 1:10 PM, Robert Busch wrote:
>
> Hi
>
> In Bolton all Town buildings are closed.  We're looking into 
> acquiring  several call-numbers (sometimes called  "bridge numbers") 
> that would allow board members, permit seekers,  and the public to 
> call in to particular scheduled meetings. The Governor's recent order 
> appears to allow this. If this is correct, then the required permit 
> timelines can be satisfied without a meeting in a single location.
>
> Bob Busch
>
> Co-Chairman, Bolton Historical Commission
>
> On 3/17/2020 10:13 AM, Skelly, Christopher (SEC) wrote:
>> This issue is also of concern to other local boards, such as planning 
>> boards, that must make a decision within a certain time or risk 
>> constructive approval.
>>
>> There has been some relief granted to cities and towns through 
>> executive order for open meetings via remote participation.
>> https://www.mma.org/gov-signs-order-suspending-parts-of-open-meeting-law-to-enable-local-decision-making-during-covid-19-emergency/
>>
>> I don't think there is any relief yet for an actual public hearing, 
>> where the public has a right to speak.
>>
>> I have heard there is some effort to seek a temporary legislative 
>> remedy regarding constructive approvals.  I would discuss this 
>> further with your planning staff at city hall.
>>
>> I would at least recommend requesting an extension in writing from 
>> applicants.
>>
>> Christopher C. Skelly
>> Director of Local Government Programs
>> Massachusetts Historical Commission
>> Christopher.Skelly at state.ma.us <mailto:Christopher.Skelly at state.ma.us>
>>
>> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>> *From:* MassHistPres [masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu] on behalf of 
>> Ralph Slate [slater at alum.rpi.edu]
>> *Sent:* Monday, March 16, 2020 12:04 PM
>> *To:* masshistpres at cs.umb.edu
>> *Subject:* [MassHistPres] Historic application 60-day window for 
>> decision vs. Governor Baker order
>>
>> Is anyone here familiar with the interaction between MGL 40C, which 
>> specifies that an application must be acted upon within 60 days of 
>> receipt (otherwise petition is deemed approved automatically), and 
>> actions being taken by state and local governments which may not 
>> permit historical commissions from meeting?
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Ralph Slate
>> Springfield, MA
>>
>>
>>
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