The Stoughton Select Board spent the majority of its Thursday evening behind closed doors, deliberating the town’s ongoing legal strategy regarding the Stoughton Media Access Corporation (SMAC). The meeting, which began with a sharp exchange over the necessity of a formal public hearing, highlights the continued friction between the board and the local media outlet as both sides navigate complex litigation.

Before the board entered executive session, Member Louis Gitto sparked a debate by questioning why the town had not moved toward a direct resolution. Gitto noted that he had reviewed recent SMAC documentation, including IRS filings, capital plans for 2023-2027, and an equipment inventory list from 2024. I don't understand why it was claimed that we didn't have that information and why we're having a hearing rather than a discussion with SMAC as to whether that information is good or bad, and why we haven't done that for a year, Gitto told the board. I don't understand how we are here.

Chairman Stephen Cavey quickly moved to halt the public discussion, citing procedural rules regarding litigation strategy. Mr. Gitto, I don't want to interrupt you necessarily, but what you're describing and what you're doing right now is deliberation, Cavey said, noting that such conversations must be reserved for the private session to avoid compromising the town's legal position. Motion Made by S. Cavey to enter executive session pursuant to open meeting law to discuss strategy with respect to litigation concerning the Stoughton Media Access Corporation. Motion Passed (5-0).

The board remained in the private session for approximately 90 minutes before reconvening the public meeting at 8:30 PM. Upon returning, Chairman Cavey handed the gavel to Vice Chair Debra Roberts to preside over the continuation of a public hearing originally opened on October 19. Roberts immediately called for a procedural motion to continue the matter further. The first order of business for this section is a motion, Roberts said, as the board prepared to set a future date for the hearing's conclusion. During the brief public segment, Member Scott Carrara and Member Joseph Mokrisky both indicated their support for the continuation. Motion Made by [Unknown] to continue the public hearing regarding SMAC. Motion Passed (Vote tally incomplete due to transcript interruption).

The ongoing dispute with SMAC has been a recurring fixture on the Select Board’s agenda throughout the fall. While the board has recently signaled progress toward a tentative agreement in subsequent months, this November session reflected a period of significant procedural tension regarding how much information the town had received from the media corporation and whether a formal hearing remained the most effective path forward.