Select Board Sends Camera Bylaw to Committee

Select Board · Meeting of September 9, 2026

Mendon Select Board refers a camera-surveillance ban to committee for study ahead of a fall special town meeting. Chaired by Michael Merolli, the board voted unanimously Sept. 2 to send a proposed ban on automated license plate reader networks, drafted by General Bylaw Review Committee chair Mike, to that committee, along with a separate "no-knock" solicitation bylaw. Police Chief Kersey called the technology "first generation" and said "this camera doesn't prove someone's guilty," while member Brendan Chenelle warned it is "a dangerous first step towards a complete surveillance state." The board also continued a National Grid utility hearing and learned the attorney general approved three town meeting bylaw articles, including one formalizing the town administrator's authority.

The special town meeting warrant closes October 1; petitioners need 100 signatures to add an article, versus 10 at an annual meeting.

In the full story:

• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report — 3,164 words

Source: the Select Board meeting of September 9, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.