Letter: Article 41 on Williamstown Town Meeting Warrant

Letter to the Editor04:00PM / Wednesday, May 08, 2024Print Story | Email Story

To the Editor:

The town warrant for the upcoming town meeting has just been published. Many people think Article 41 warrants thought and discussion prior to the meeting. Here it is verbatim below:

Article 41. We the undersigned citizens [they are not listed on the warrant] of Williamstown submit this petition to respectfully request the amendment of bylaw 4.12a to include the display of the Progress Pride flag (designed by Daniel Quasar) as an expression of the Town's official sentiments.

WHEREAS: Inclusion and Representation: The addition of a Progress Pride flag to the list of flags permitted for display by the Town is essential to reflect the diversity and inclusivity of our community. It serves as a meaningful gesture of respect, support, and recognition of the LGBTQ+ individuals and allies with the Town of Williamstown.
WHEREAS: Symbol of Equality and Unity: A Progress Pride flag is globally recognized as a symbol of equality, acceptance, and unity. By officially allowing the display of a Progress Pride flag alongside other recognized flags, the Town of Williamstown can showcase its commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all residents, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
WHEREAS: Importance of Visibility: Public visibility of the Progress Pride flag serves to create a sense of belonging, safety and affirmation for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families. It sends a powerful message of solidarity and support, contributing to a more welcoming and cohesive community.

WHEREAS: As concerned citizens, we believe that the inclusion of the Progress Pride flag in the official display of flags aligns with the values of diversity, equality and inclusivity that we hold dear in our community.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
Bylaw 4.12a shall be amended to say, "and fourth, a Progress Pride flag."

The DIRE Committee unanimously recommends the adoption of this article.
The Select Board unanimously recommends the adoption of this article.

Donna Wied
Williamstown, Mass.

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Williamstown Select Board Plans Off-Camera Evaluation of Town Manager

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
05:24AM / Friday, October 09, 2026

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Select Board plans to take extraordinary measures to avoid having its discussion of the town manager's performance recorded by the town's Public, Educational and Government cameras.

At its Sept. 28 meeting, the board decided to hold a special meeting in a room not covered by WilliNet cameras to complete its annual evaluation process of Town Manager Robert Menicocci.

Chair Peter Beck said that while the evaluation is "absolutely" to be conducted in an open meeting, the board could follow a process similar to the off site, unrecorded meetings that past Select Boards have characterized as "retreats," a term not contemplated by or included in the commonwealth's Open Meeting Law.

The current board met on June 29 for what it characterized as a "planning session" where no formal votes were taken. That meeting was held outside of Town Hall, at the new fire station on Main Street, in a room equipped with audio and video recording equipment that the Select Board chose not to use.

At the Sept. 28 meeting, one board member indicated that an unrecorded meeting was preferable to discuss the annual evaluation of the one town employee supervised by the board.

"I'd like to do it without all the Willinet stuff," Stephanie Boyd said in a discussion toward the end of a two-hour meeting. "I think it's more conducive to conversation."

With the board expected to meet just once in October — its "regular" meeting date coincides with Indigenous Peoples Day on Oct. 12 — Beck suggested that the panel could find a date for a special meeting, suggesting the third Monday of the month, Oct. 19.

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