The Select Board shall have full authority as
agent of the Town to prosecute and defend all suits in which the Town
is a party. It may settle, at its discretion, any legal and valid
claim or suit against the Town which does not require the payment
of more than $300. Any settlement requiring a payment greater than
$300, except when authorized by law, shall be made only when authorized
by vote of a Town Meeting.
The Select Board may appear, either personally
or by the Town Counsel, before any committee of the Legislature, any
state or County official or any board or commission to protect the
interests of the Town, but are not authorized by this article to commit
the Town to any course of action.
All conveyances under seal which may hereafter
be executed by the Town, pursuant to a vote of the Town or otherwise,
shall be sealed with the Town Seal and subscribed by a majority of
the Select Board for the time being, unless otherwise directed by
the Town or by statute.
No member of the Select Board shall enter into
any contract or agreement from which he will derive any direct or
indirect benefit with any department of the Town without the majority
approval of the Advisory Committee. Said approval shall be recorded
by the Secretary of the Advisory Committee, and a copy thereof duly
attested by said Secretary shall be attached to such contract or agreement.