HomeMy WebLinkAboutTGSCminutes20051010Town Government Study Committee
Minutes, October 10, 2005
Land Bank Office
Call to Order. Chairman Reinhard called the sixth meeting of the Town Government
Study Committee to order at 4:05 pm. Attending were members Gardner, Lohmann,
Miller, Reinhard, Sevrens and Willauer. Topham excused absence. Guest Lancaster.
Minutes. The minutes of September 26 were approved. Reinhard noted that Mr. Groux
had expressed appreciation for the opportunity to address us.
Meeting Schedule. Reinhard noted that it is legal for the committee to meet today,
despite it being a holiday. The following schedule of meetings was confirmed and is
posted: October 24, November 14 and 28, December 12, all at 4:00 pm in the Land Bank
Office.
Mission Statement. There followed a discussion of the text of the mission statement
which, according to the Town Committee Guidelines, the committee is to submit to the
Board of Selectmen. Reinhard stressed the importance of setting the right direction for
the committee. Working from a draft dated 9/17/05, the following text was decided upon,
to be voted at the next meeting and then submitted to the Selectmen and County
Commissioners:
The mission of the Town Government Study Committee is to fulfill the mandate
of the 2005 Nantucket Annual Town Meeting pursuant to which the Committee
was formed and, in particular:
• To study all relevant aspects of the Town and County governments, including
their current organizational structure and how they operate under their current
charters, and how effectively they are managed
• To encourage the public at large and Town and County personnel to offer
constructive suggestions to the Committee
• To report our findings and recommendations to the Town and County
Administrator, the Board of Selectmen, the County Commissioners, and to the
public, and
• To propose any warrant articles or other means for implementing those
recommendations.
Charter Review. The Committee proceeded with review of Article IV of the Town
Charter. Reinhard noted the intent was for the Selectmen to deal with the "big picture" of
Town Government, and to charge the Town Administrator with the detailed
administration of the town.
4.1(b)(1) addresses the relationship of the Selectmen to town employees with regard to
administration policies, while 4.1(b)(2) addresses contact with employees, which may be
for information but not giving direction.
4.2(c) This section, especially the last sentence, gives the Town Administrator strong
powers. Editorial note: line 4, delete comma between "all, the powers."
4.2(d)(1) The committee should incorporate a review of the Town Administrative Code
as well as relevant By-laws and legislation in our study.
4.2(d)(2) While it makes sense, for accountability, for the Board of Selectmen to appoint
regulatory boards, would it be appropriate to delegate more appointments to the Town
Administrator? The BOS can delegate such powers now, but can't rescind them. Should
the Charter address this? In the Town Manager form of government, the manager
appoints everyone.
The question was raised of how the Town Administrator is to exercise administration
over elected officials such as the Sheriff or Clerk. The answer can be found in the powers
in 4.2(d)(3), granting control of the budget process. The Town Administrator has ultimate
fiscal authority, along with Town Meeting and Finance Committee approval. The
relationship with other autonomous bodies such as the School Committee was discussed.
The Administrator has "bottom line" approval, but not allocations within the budget.
4.2(d)(5) The only exception to the right of the Town Administrator to be present at BOS
meetings is when the administrator's salary is discussed.
4.2(d)(6) Centralized purchasing is important, especially putting fuel purchases out to
bid. Does "if so requested" mean the Administrator can implement it only at the request
of the School Committee? It is important for the School Committee to regularize and
have transparency in budget formulation. For efficiency of government, functions such as
emergency planning, communication, computers, GIS should be centralized.
Administrative practices are not addressed in the charter.
4.2(d)(7) While the Town Administrator may require reports, even from elected bodies,
and make recommendations (to whom?), there is no provision for enforcement powers
beyond budget authority and "bully pulpit" of publicity. Where is check if
recommendations are ignored? Editorial note: line 2, add comma between "council" and
"commission."
4.2(d)(8) How much has #8 been implemented? Need more staff, another officer, to do
overview? Function of NP&EDC, BOS to do long range planning, with Town
Administrator as "point person" in support? (Oversight of CWMP, Harbor Plan, Waste
Options, etc.)
Next Meeting. Finish Article IV review; vote on Mission Statement, forward to the
Town Administrator, BOS and County Commissioners; discuss form of interim and final
reports. After completing Charter review, review information from original Charter
Commission.
Adjournment. At 5:35 pm
Respectfully submitted,
Pamela Lohmann