February 4, 2023
Traditional Town Meetings
Agenda
9:00 am - The Fundamentals of Town and School District Meeting For Traditional Town Meetings
A review of the law governing the annual meeting and the role of the moderator at town, village district and school district meetings. This presentation will cover the presentation, debate, amendment and voting on warrant articles, with special attention paid to the operating budget and voting on bond articles. Attention will also be paid to essential statutes, postponement, electioneering, and related First Amendment and Right-to-Know Law issues. Topics on how to handle difficult people and disruptive events at public meetings will also be covered.
Stephen Buckley, NHMA Legal Services Counsel, William J. Phillips, NHSBA Staff Attorney & Director of Policy Services, Jonathan Cowal, NHMA Municipal Services Counsel
10:30 am - Break
10:40 am – Election Law Update & Practical Tips for Elections -Lessons learned at the General Election
An update on election law changes and practical ways to comply with new laws and still run an efficient official ballot session.
Natch Greyes, NHMA Government Affairs Counsel, Cordell Johnston, Town of Henniker Moderator
11:20 am - Ballot Counting Device Update
Presentation on the status of an alternative to the AccuVote Tabulator.
Pete Basiliere, Milford Town & School District Moderator
12:00 noon - Break
12:10 pm - Hypotheticals
Break-out sessions for review and answering hypothetical situations that moderators might face.
1:30 pm - Workshop ends