PITTSFIELD, Mass.— Several City Councilors are alleged to have violated the Open Meeting Law by speaking about the controversial camping ban proposal during a community event.
Tuesday’s City Council meeting includes the review of two OML complaints filed by a former councilor and a podcaster. Karen Kalinowsky and Michael Daly allege that six councilors discussed the proposed “Camping on Public Property” ordinance during a “Homes not Handcuffs” meeting on July 31.
The Open Meeting Law prohibits serial communication between members of a public body that reaches a quorum of members outside of a meeting that has been noticed. Kalinowsky was at the meeting and said the discussion happened at another table, and it appears Daly was not present.
Council President Peter White, Councilor at Large Alisa Costa, Ward 1 Councilor Kenny Warren, Ward 2 Councilor Brittany Noto, Ward 6 Councilor Dina Lampiasi, and Ward 7 Councilor Rhonda Serre were named in the complaints.
“I saw the six active councilors at the meeting,” Kalinowsky wrote. “At one table the conversation came up about the ordinance, though no councilors were at this table when I was.”
Both indicated that they believed the alleged violation was an accident, and asked that councilors admit the mistake and review OML guidelines.
In her complaint, Kalinowsky said the meeting was about “solutions to get the homeless off the streets” and “I was told that solutions would be given.”
The Homes not Handcuffs Coalition includes Cathedral Pittsfield, Berkshire Interfaith Organizing, Roots & Dreams and Mustard Seeds Inc., Berkshire Stone Wall Community Action, and the Wildflower Alliance.
