HomeMy WebLinkAboutTGSCminutes20060502Town Government Study Committee
Minutes, May 2, 2006
Land Bank Office
Call to Order. Chairman Reinhard called the twentieth meeting of the Town
Government Study Committee to order at 4:00 pm. Present were members Reinhard,
Gardner, Lohmann, Miller, and Sevrens, and guest Barnes.
Minutes. The minutes were approved as submitted with clarifications by Ms. Gibson.
Comments on interview with Town Administrator. The committee felt the meeting
with Town Administrator [TA] Gibson was informative and productive; we learned a
good deal about how the government currently works. Miller wished the meeting could
have been televised for the benefit of informing the public; Reinhard sees informing the
public as an important part of the TGSC's mission. Barnes stressed the importance of the
government communicating what it does; Gardner suggested more of this information
might be included in the TA's report at Board of Selectmen's [BOS] meetings.
Gardner noted that the TA and members of the BOS in attendance did not seem to
have objections to suggestions made by the committee in the April 10 minutes. The one
question Ms. Gibson raised about additional authority was to having the TA appoint
members of the Parks & Recreation Commission.
Gardner noted that the move from Executive Secretary to Town Manager [TM]
had seemed a big jump at the time of the Charter adoption. The operation of Town
Government has improved since the adoption of the Charter, and with additional
professional degrees and experience for the TA, the move to TM and additional authority
seems appropriate at this time.
There were some questions the committee didn't get to discuss with Ms. Gibson in
the time available, but Reinhard said she had agreed we could send any additional
questions to her in writing.
The question of how to accomplish any proposed changes will be referred to our
consultant, Mr. Groux.
Future Plans. Reinhard would like to have finalized a specific list of recommendations,
following the content of the Preliminary Report, by October 1, and to have a draft of the
Final Report by November 1, with possible warrant articles ready by December 1. The
time between December and Annual Town Meeting [ATM] in April would be to inform
and explain the proposals to the public. Barnes asked if the public participation would be
only after the warrant articles were shaped, or whether there would be opportunities for
prior feedback. Reinhard indicated he expected there would be public forums earlier; the
Civic League has expressed interest in such a forum. Barnes felt a broader spectrum
should be included. Lohmann mentioned the Community Coalition. Gardner suggested a
Civic League meeting on general proposals in, perhaps, August, and another community
meeting in, say, October, when the substance, if not the final wording, of the articles
would be available. Reinhard noted that in addition to forums, the committee e-mails its
minutes to anyone requesting them, and the website includes a lot of information as well
as opportunity for feedback.
Work With Consultant Tom Groux. Committee members felt they would like to let
Mr. Groux know what we have considered so far, working from the Preliminary Report
and minutes, and have him act as a leader or facilitator to provide a "road map" as to how
to proceed from here. He could provide, from experience with various forms of
government, comments on the implications, pro and con, of proposed changes. He could
walk us through what steps are necessary to effect the changes. Gardner wondered if
some enabling steps might be proposed already for a fall Town Meeting. Lohmann had a
series of questions for Mr. Groux on various proposals and procedures. Reinhard will
forward questions to him, and brief him on what the committee has been doing; Groux
has been receiving minutes and reports. Miller wanted to ask Mr. Groux how he would
work with us as a facilitator, suggesting refinements while responding to our wishes.
Sevrens would like his views on Town employees in government positions and on
boards; also on the desirability of separating the Boards of Health and Public Works from
the BOS.
Other Business. Reinhard noted that some committee member's terms will be up in June
and need for them to apply for reappointment. He also stated that the Town has requested
committee attendance records and is developing a policy on excused absences. He noted
that our committee has never lacked for a quorum and that absences have always been for
a good reason and have not been a problem. Lohmann will compile the information and
send it to the town.
The next meetings are scheduled for May 8 and 22, June 12 and 26. We may add
more meetings after meeting with Groux, filling in as needed. Possibly morning meetings
during the summer. If possible, Reinhard will post the meeting schedule and agendas on
the website. Periodically, a treasurer's report of expenses should be included in the
minutes.
Adjournment. 5:35 pm
Respectfully submitted,
Pamela Lohmann