Pearson v. Board of Health of Chicopee

The board of health (board) of Chicopee appeals from a judgment invalidating two meetings alleged to have been held in violation of the open meeting law. See G. L. c. 39, § 23B (1986 ed.). The plaintiffs, three registered voters in Chicopee, also sought recovery of their attorneys’ fees. As part of the judgment, the judge ordered that the board pay the plaintiffs $3,050.18 in attorneys’ fees and costs. The propriety of this award is the sole issue on appeal. We transferred the case to this court on our own motion. We vacate the award made to the plaintiffs on a private attorney general…