HomeMy WebLinkAboutTGSCminutes20060601Town Government Study Committee
Draft Minutes, June 1, 2006
Land Bank Office
Call to Order. Chairman Reinhard called the twenty-fourth meeting of the Town
Government Study Committee to order at 8:05 am. Present were members Reinhard,
Gardner, Lohmann, Miller, Sevrens, and Willauer, and guest Barnes.
Minutes. The minutes of May 22 were approved as submitted.
Issues for the Consultants. The committee continued to discuss topics to be referred to
the consultants. Under the topic of elections, the number of signatures required to get
an article on the warrant for Town Meeting [ATM] was discussed. Sevrens felt that
increasing the number of signatures from the current requirement of 10 would streamline
ATM. Gardner wondered if that might hinder public access, and that only some areas like
zoning and sewer district articles were a problem. Willauer felt it would raise the quality
of the articles, and thought 100 signatures would be appropriate. Lohmann thought that
zoning and sewer articles should be addressed by the Board of Selectmen adopting a
policy on changes, rather than citizens submitting individual articles. Also, that it would
be important for articles to be reviewed and perfected by counsel before reaching ATM.
Miller felt sewer and zoning policies were needed, but that 100 signatures was too many;
40 are required for a candidate to get on a ballot, and perhaps the same number should
apply to citizen warrant articles. There was a general consensus that requiring 50
signatures would be appropriate.
The number of signatures for a candidate to get on a ballot is currently 40; should that
become 50 as well, for uniformity? Or is it set by state law? A question to refer to Mr.
Groux. Willauer felt it is good for candidates to get as many signatures as possible, it
requires them to interact with the public.
Barnes asked about Town Department officials submitting warrant articles, especially
when they circumvent the regular budget process. Sevrens noted citizens could not be
prevented from submitting articles, and Reinhard commented that it is within the political
process, members cannot be disenfranchised. Gardner noted that if such an article votes
funds at ATM, the town must find the funding for it, even if not budgeted. Lohmann
commented that ATM provides a forum to discuss the budgeting decisions.
Sevrens brought up the recall provisions in the Charter. Reinhard explained that, as
provided for in the original Charter, they are cumbersome, but intended to be rigorous.
Sevrens felt satisfied. Lohmann asked about the nominating process under recall, and
Reinhard indicated it would be the same as for any nomination.
Lohmann brought up the idea of a different election process, such as the "Borda"
method or "Instant runoff" for elections with multiple candidates for one office. Sevrens
was opposed to any runoff election. She asked what other towns do. As we understood
Mr. Groux, any change in election procedure would require action at the state level, and
could not be accomplished by a Charter amendment.
Willauer brought up the timing of the election with relation to the ATM. He felt it
important for newly elected officers to take office without delay. Reinhard indicated that
this could be specified in the Charter, but perhaps it would be better left as a policy
decision of the BOS.
Reinhard raised the question of term limits. Sevrens noted that other towns have term
limits; the "pro" is that they provide for "fresh blood," but the "con" is that they
disenfranchise voters. There was general consensus not to push term limits for the BOS,
leaving it up to the voters. Sevrens felt that some other boards, [such as the HDC and
Planning Board] should have term limits; Lohmann noted that this might be addressed by
making some of them appointed boards.
Reinhard brought up the issue of Town employees running for elective office. Sevrens
felt that particularly with respect to the BOS, town employees on the BOS would
undercut the authority of a strong manager. Miller felt that it presented a conflict of
interest to have an employee on the supervisory BOS. Nantucket no longer has the excuse
of a limited pool of qualified people, and should move to a more professional
government. Gardner felt the limitation should apply to the BOS but not other town
boards. The members of the Finance Committee are already restricted and cannot work
for the town or serve on any other boards. Sevrens was concerned with town employees
using work time to serve on the boards when it is not part of their job description. Miller
felt the appearance of a conflict of interest was critical. Voters have expressed concern
with this issue, but we can't count on this self-correction. Reinhard noted that if we want
to strengthen the position of Town Manager [TM], having town employees on the BOS
would conflict. He felt the issue of a Charter revision should be discussed further with the
full committee.
Meeting with and Questions for Town Counsel DeRensis. Reinhard asked members to
submit questions for Town Counsel DeRensis to Lohmann for compilation, with cc to
Reinhard. Gardner urged that a meeting be set up as well as submitting written questions,
to allow for give and take. Sending questions in advance will allow us to use the time
wisely. Reinhard will discuss with TM Gibson when DeRensis will be on island and
available.
Future Plans. Reinhard asked for recommendations for other possible guests. Miller
suggested someone like Keith Bergman, but from another town; Lohmann thought a
representative from a town that has recently done a charter revision; Gardner felt a
representative of a Mayor/Council form of government, possibly someone from MMMA.
Other Business. Reinhard distributed a proposal regarding an Audit Committee. Sevrens
and Willauer noted the need for improved auditing. Review the proposal for discussion at
the next meeting.
Next Meetings. The next meeting is scheduled for June 12, then June 26. We will decide
at the next meeting whether to add extra meetings. Miller would like to schedule them
before the summer.
Adjournment. At 9:20 am
Respectfully submitted,
Pamela Lohmann