City Council addresses Attorney General's Open Meeting Law determination
Malden City Council addressed an Attorney General's Office determination finding that Councillor Karen Colon Hayes violated open meeting law regarding the Voke School Committee vacancy filling.
City Council · Meeting of July 28, 2026
Malden City Council addressed an Attorney General's Office determination finding that Councillor Karen Colon Hayes violated open meeting law regarding the Voke School Committee vacancy filling. The AGO, in determination OML 2026-76, ordered release of deliberative communications within 45 days of July 8, 2026. City Solicitor Alicia McNeil provided guidance on OML compliance, explaining how one-way communications, hub-and-spoke patterns, and outside contact can constitute deliberation even without response.
Colon Hayes acknowledged counting errors but said she would continue calling other councilors while being more careful about quorum violations. The council unanimously voted to receive and file the determination.
In the full story:
- The complete report — 272 words
Source: the City Council meeting of July 28, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
Checked against the official minutes.
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