§ 310. Definitions

As used in this subchapter:

(1) "Deliberations" means weighing, examining and discussing the reasons for and against an act or decision, but expressly excludes the taking of evidence and the arguments of parties.

(2) "Meeting" means a gathering of a quorum of the members of a public body for the purpose of discussing the business of the public body or for the purpose of taking action.

(3) "Public body" means any board, council or commission of the state or one or more of its political subdivisions, any board, council or commission of any agency, authority or instrumentality of the state or one or more of its political subdivisions, or any committee of any of the foregoing boards, councils or commissions, except that "public body" does not include councils or similar groups established by the governor for the sole purpose of advising the governor with respect to policy.

(4) "Publicly announced" means that notice is given to an editor, publisher or news director of a newspaper or radio station serving the area of the state in which the public body has jurisdiction, and to any editor, publisher or news director who has requested under section 312(c)(5) of this title to be notified of special meetings.

(5) "Quasi-judicial proceeding" means a proceeding which is:

(A) a contested case under the Vermont Administrative Procedure Act; or

(B) a case in which the legal rights of one or more persons who are granted party status are adjudicated, which is conducted in such a way that all parties have opportunity to present evidence and to cross-examine witnesses presented by other parties, which results in a written decision, and the result of which is appealable by a party to a higher authority. (Added 1987, No. 256 (Adj. Sess.), § 1.)