Alabama man files Open Meeting Law complaint against Board of Health

By Mark E. Vogler

SAUGUS – The Board of Health is the subject of alleged Open Meeting Law violations. Patrick Higgins, who is listed as a resident of Northport, Alabama, recently filed a complaint with the state Attorney General’s Office alleging several technical violations. Board Member Joseph Dorant acknowledged receiving a copy of the complaint and read from it at the board’s monthly meeting on Monday.

Higgins, who has been labeled as a “prolific complainer of Open Meeting Law violations” over a period of several years, said in his complaint that Dorant committed a violation as “interim chair” at the Feb. 2 board meeting when he failed to mention that the meeting was being recorded – a requirement of the Open Meeting Law. The posted agenda for the meeting did not state the date of the minutes to be considered for acceptance, Higgins alleged. He also complained that the board used a standard template for their posted agenda without any specifics.

In his complaint, Higgins said he wants to see board members attend a formal Open Meeting Law webinar “without delay.” He also asked that the chair or whoever presides over future meetings announce that the meeting is being recorded, and that the board provide more specific topics on all future meetings.

Director of Public Health John R. Fralick III said he didn’t think there is a problem meeting Higgins’ requests.

Higgins, a former Massachusetts resident, is a self-styled watchdog of Open Meeting Law compliance who filed a complaint against the Board of Selectmen several years ago. He uses an email called “pa*****@********************er.com.”