VIDEO: Board of Health Files Complaint Against Selectmen With Attorney General's Office

Board of Health (BOH) sanitarian Beth Hallal has filed a complaint with the Attorney General's Office against the Seekonk Board of Selectmen.

Town Administrator Michael Carroll reported the complaint at Wednesday's Selectmen meeting, which accuses members of violating an open meeting law on April 27 after a person spoke more than three minutes long and reportedly tarnished the reputation of BOH members. Then, on May 4, Hallal and BOH member David Evans were asked to come before the board to address complaints — however, there were then questions that were not listed on the meeting's agenda, according to the written complaint.

Selectman Bill Rice said he was suprised by the miscommunication between the two boards, noting that has met with individual members and said they were open to discussion. Member Bob McLintock said there was history that did not support a healthy rapport and some BOH members should be replaced.

During Wednesday's meeting, member BOH Vicki Kinniburgh took to the podium. She said the BOH was not notified of the Selectmen's meeting agenda that night, which included addressing BOH complaints and deciding whether to reappoint its members. Member Dave Parker responded that Selectmen did not have to notify the board members before they made their vote regarding reappointment. She then said one board member has a personal agenda against members on the Board of Health.

Board of Selectmen members voted on Wednesday not to reappoint David Evans and Albert Smith to the BOH. Chairmen David Parker, Bob McLintock and Francis Cavaco voted not to reappoint. Bill Rice voted against the other three members. John Whelan was not in attendance.

Members reappointed other members on the Seekonk Conservation Commission, Historical Commission and other boards.

According to Carroll, a meeting will scheduled between the Board of Health and the Board of Selectmen. Members refrained from elaborating on why they chose not to reappoint the two members.