HomeMy WebLinkAboutTGSCminutes20050718Town Government Study Committee
Minutes, July 18, 2005
Town Building Conference Room
Introduction The initial meeting of the Town Government Study Committee was called to order by Town
Administrator Libby Gibson shortly after 4:00 pm.
In attendance were Ms. Gibson, Jack Gardner, Pamela Lohmann, Allen Reinhard, Nancy Sevrens, Whitey
Willauer, and guests Curtis Barnes, Bill Sherman, Jason Graziadei and Charity Benz. Absent Committee
members were Jane Miller and Jeanette Topham.
Ms Gibson distributed and reviewed organizational information: the Open Meeting Law requirements, the
Town of Nantucket Committee Guidelines, Roberts Rules of Order, The Town and County Charters. All
members of the Committee must be sworn in.
There was discussion of the procedure for scheduling and posting meetings. Minutes are to be kept by the
committee, a copy sent to the Administrator's office, and, once approved, to the press.
Election Ms Gibson opened nominations for officers. The following officers were nominated and elected:
Chairman, Allen Reinhard; Vice-chairman, Jack Gardner; Secretary, Pamela Lohmann.
Review of Article 29 [2005 Town Meeting] Ms Gibson reviewed the charge of Article 29 and the need to
review any planned expenditures of the $25,000 therein appropriated with the Administrator's office, to
follow procurement requirements.
Ms Gibson left the meeting at this point and Chairman Reinhard took over. He stressed that meetings are
open to the public and welcomed the visitors.
There was further discussion of the charge of the Committee. The areas to consider include the charters and
relevant bylaws. An anticipated end product would be a report and possibly a proposal for a warrant article
at Town Meeting. [If the latter, it should be ready by December]. Mr. Barnes submitted comments to
consider as we proceed and Mr. Sherman suggested the committee look at the voter information included at
the adoption of the original charter.
The Committee agreed to begin with a review the current Charters to become familiar with their history and
content. Later the committee may invite guests to offer comments and recommendations, and review towns
with other forms of government and other alternatives. Part of the Committee's mission will be to educate
the public about the system of government and any proposed changes.
Meeting schedule The group tentatively agreed to meet the first and third Tuesday of the month at 4:00 pm
in the offices of the Land Bank. The next meeting is set for Tuesday, August 2. Chairman Reinhard will
communicate with the other two committee members and post and arrange for the meeting. Committee
members are to review Articles I, II, and III [pp. 201-206] of the Town Charter for the next meeting.
Generally, committee members should solicit input, comments and questions from a broad range of public
opinion.
Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 5:00 pm
Respectfully submitted
Pamela Lohmann