Committees, Boards and Commissions: Everything You Need to Know

Newly elected/appointed or re-appointed officials MUST appear in person at the Town Clerk's office to be administered the oath of office, or sworn in, before participating in any meeting requiring a vote.

The contact information sheet (PDF) should be completed and at least one method of contact be made publicly accessible.

Oaths are available on the following schedule:

• Monday through Thursday: 8:30 am or 3:30 pm
• Friday: 8:30 am only

*If your schedule conflicts with the stated times above, you may call the Town Clerk's office to schedule an appointment.

At the time of the swearing-in of elected officials and all members of boards, committees, and commissions, these materials are distributed and a confirmation receipt is signed and filed with the Town Clerk:

• The Committees Handbook (PDF);
  
• The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Open Meeting Law Guide covering posting requirements for open meetings, executive session requirements, appropriate conduct, and recording requirements for minutes;
• The Ethics (Conflict of Interest) Summary, summarizing how the Ethics laws applies to Municipal Employees; and
• The Public Records Law Guide (PDF), explaining the disclosure of public records, exemptions to this law, record retention, etc.

More information:

• Instructions on how to post public meetings (PDF)
• View Town Counsel's information on the Open Meeting Law (PDF).
• Ask specific questions about the Open Meeting Law or report a violation.

Belmont's Boards, Committees & Commissions

Every year in July, seats in the Belmont Boards and Committees are open for appointment by the Select Board or Town Moderator. Typically the term for these seats is three years; however, there may be one-year or two-year terms due to early resignations. Although volunteers are not compensated, the Select Board places a high value on committee contributions and recognizes the critical role that committees play in shaping Belmont's future.

Both the Select Board and the Town Moderator look for Belmont residents with a variety of talents and backgrounds who are willing to make the commitment to serve on a committee. Residents with no past committee service, past committee members, and current committee members interested in re-appointment are all encouraged to apply.

If you are interested in serving on a Belmont board or committee, you can apply online through the Volunteer Opportunities page.

Ethics Requirements for Members of Public Bodies

Each year, the Town Clerk's office is required to deliver the Ethics Summary to every employee, elected official, and member of boards, committees, and commissions. Every other year the Town employees and volunteers are required to take the State's online Ethics (Conflict of Interest) training. The Town Clerk's office will be able to review all employees and volunteers for compliance.

For technical assistance in accessing the training, please contact the State Ethics Commission office at 617-371-9500, Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.

For detailed information regarding the Conflict of Interest Laws, refer to the State Ethics Commission.