HomeMy WebLinkAboutTGSCminutes20050822Town Government Study Committee
Minutes, August 22, 2005
Land Bank Office
Call to order. The third meeting of the Town Government Study Committee
was called to order at 4:00 pm by Chairman Allen Reinhard. Attending were members
Gardner, Lohmann, Reinhard, Sevrens, Topham and Willauer; Miller absent. Guests
present were Barnes, Benz, Graziadei, and Sherman.
Minutes. Topham moved and Gardner seconded approval of the minutes of August 2; the
minutes were approved as submitted.
Meeting Schedule. The agreed upon meeting schedule for meetings is the second and
fourth Mondays of the month; however, due to the Labor Day holiday and several
members' planned absences, there is a conflict for the September 12th date. It was decided
to proceed anyway with the September 12 and 26 dates. Reinhard will post them and will
see to a substitute minute taker in Lohmann's absence on the 12th.
Consultant. Reinhard noted that he had spoken with consultant Tom Groux who has
experience and knowledge of charters and is willing to consult. He will submit a proposal
for the committee's consideration.
Organizational Chart. Reinhard provided copies of the Town organizational chart (as
printed in the Annual Report) and there was discussion of the lines of authority.
Charter Review. The committee proceeded with review of the Charter, addressing
Article III, concerning the powers of the Board of Selectmen. (Reinhard noted that an
interim report could raise the issues for the public to respond to; the committee could
then discuss and make recommendations). Issues raised for later consideration and
discussion by the committee:
- [3.1] Election of the Selectmen how to handle when many candidates run for few
offices?
- How to resolve a 2-2 tie.
- Requirement for a majority of the Board or of those present to make decisions.
- [3.2] Timing and procedures of the Organization of the Board of Selectmen (BOS).
- [3.3] Reinhard noted that this provision was inserted to provide flexibility for the Town
in acquiring real estate. Sale of real estate must still be put to bid and approved by Town
Meeting.
- [3.4(a)(2)] The BOS can make appointments of positions outside of the areas specified
for the Town Administrator (TA).
- [3.4 (a) (3)] There is a need to update the list of committees. There was a question about
the order of the wording about "cause for removals."
- [3.4 (a) (4)] Although the TA interviews and hires Department heads, good
communications require that the BOS be able to review candidates before exercising
disapproval. (Does the TA have an advisory committee in hiring top executives?) The
aim is to remove politics from the process of hiring. Why do some resignations go before
the BOS although the TA makes the appointment?
[3.4 (a)(5)] The BOS can delegate to the TA appointment power.
[3.4 (a)(6)] Although State Law allows for election of Planning Board Alternates, this
gives the BOS the ability to appoint alternates in the event the position is not filled.
[3.5] Should the BOS continue to function as the Board of Health, Board of Public
Works, or should these be composed of appointees with certain expertise?
[3.5(b)] This clause is to highlight that the role of the BOS should be to give overall
direction for the town. Should there be a mechanism for a formal report to the
community? {cf. [3.2(c)]}. Difficulty of formulating consensus on priorities, tracking
results.
[3.5(c)] Audit committee: not currently used; should it be dropped or put in separate
section?
[3.5(f)] Power to declare emergencies is not exclusive; some emergencies can be initiated
by department heads (water, fire), still declared by BOS.
[3.5(g)] Some licenses (such as alcohol) are required by the State to be approved by the
BOS (or Board of Health?); others can be delegated.
Mission Statement. Committee members should continue to review and consider
refining of the mission statement.
Next Meeting. September 12 in the Land Bank Office. Review for discussion Article
IV, powers of the Town Administrator. Sevrens requested information on the statutory
difference between Town Administrator and Town Manager. The committee adjourned at
5:30 pm.
Respectfully submitted
Pamela Lohmann