Littleton Board of Health Delays Code of Conduct Vote, Eyes Free-Speech Clause

LITTLETON -- October 9, 2024, Littleton Board of Health delays code of conduct adoption over vague employee-criticism clause. The board voted 4-0 at its October 9 meeting to continue a public hearing on the proposed code to October 23, after Member Dan Kane raised concerns about Section 3(k), which prohibits members from publicly criticizing town employees. Kane questioned whether the provision would bar a board member from speaking as a private citizen at Town Meeting, asking "where is that line." Health Agent Francis agreed the language may be unsalvageable, saying "I don't think there is any good way to word it," and the board directed him to flag the clause for possible deletion in the next draft. The board separately approved minutes from its July 10 and July 24 meetings and tabled the August 28 minutes for lack of a quorum of members who attended that session, while planning a three-hour strategic retreat for October 21 focused on a five-year accreditation goal, departmental transition planning, and opioid fund strategy.