In August, the Selectmen approved a policy that allows members of town boards and committees to attend meetings remotely -- via phone, video chat, and other devices.

But a group of citizens, led by School Committee member Michael Flaherty, is looking to quash the policy at Town Meeting in October.

"It's very straightforward," Flaherty told the Selectmen and Finance Committee on Tuesday, during a joint meeting held to discuss the articles on tap for the upcoming Town Meeting. "It's to prohibit remote participation at public meetings."

The measure has been placed on the Town Meeting agenda by way of a "citizens' petition," which allows residents who gather 10 signatures of registered voters to get an article on the warrant for a vote.

"A public process is a public process," Flaherty said in explaining why he and the petitioners do not agree with the remote attendance policy.

Whether a board or committee takes advantage of the policy is currently up to the respective chair of the board. Members not physically present at the meeting cannot vote on issues -- they can only participate in the conversation.

Town attorney Richard Bowen notes that the state Attorney General's office has said that "the town may have remote participation by virtue of a Board of Selectmen vote."

But Flaherty plans to challenge that.

"I respect your opinions, but I'd like to take it as far as it can go," he said, "to the Attorney General if it gets that far."

Town Meeting convenes Monday, October 28 in the Wareham High School auditorium.