The Stoughton Select Board convened a targeted session on Thursday night to sharpen its legal positioning regarding ongoing litigation with Stoughton Media Access Corp (SMAC). With a quorum of four members present, the board moved quickly into a non-public executive session, citing the need to protect the town’s bargaining leverage as settlement discussions continue to evolve behind the scenes.

Chair Stephen Cavey initiated the transition to the closed-door meeting, following a formal declaration that a public discussion could compromise the town's legal interests. Motion Made to enter executive session pursuant to Open Meeting Law, Chapter 30A, Section 21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to litigation concerning the Stoughton Media Access Corp. The board was unanimous in the decision, with Cavey, Vice Chair Debra Roberts, and members Scott Carrara and Louis Gitto all in favor. Motion Passed (4-0-0).

In making the declaration for the session, Cavey emphasized the sensitivity of the current negotiations. An open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating or litigating position of the board and the chair so declares, Cavey stated, following the procedural requirements to shield the board’s specific legal tactics from public disclosure during active litigation.

The SMAC conflict has remained a persistent fixture on the Select Board’s agenda throughout the fall and winter, involving multiple strategy sessions and a public hearing process that originally began on October 9. While the specific details of the legal strategy remain confidential, the board has been working toward a potential settlement agreement that would govern the town's relationship with the local media provider. In previous sessions, member Louis Gitto has questioned the necessity of the public hearing process, though the board has continued with the format to ensure procedural transparency.

Following the private deliberations, the board briefly returned to open session at 7:45 PM to formally address the public agenda. Cavey noted the need for continuity in the long-running matter. The next item on the agenda is the continuation of the October 9th public hearing, Cavey said, before passing the gavel to Vice Chair Roberts to manage the next procedural steps. The brief meeting concluded shortly thereafter, as the town moves toward a final resolution of the media contract dispute. Member Joseph Mokrisky was absent from the proceedings.