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Town Government Study Committee
Minutes of the meeting of October 21, 2019. The meeting took place in the Public Safety Facility
Upstairs Conference Room at 4 Fairgrounds Road, Nantucket, MA 02554. Members of the
committee present were: John Brescher, Curtis Barnes, Rick Atherton, Campbell Sutton and
Tucker Holland.
1) Chair John Brescher called the meeting to order at 3:08 with a quorum.
2) Agenda: Curtis Barnes moved approval of the agenda, seconded by Tucker Holland. All
voted in favor
3) Public Comment: None.
4) Ratification of approval of minutes of September 30, 2019. A motion was made
(Atherton) and duly seconded to approve. The Committee voted 5-0 in favor.
5) Discussion with Brian Turbitt re: Audit Committee, Finance Committee conflicts, and
Town Finances:
Mr. Turbitt was unable to join the Committee at this meeting so his discussion was
postponed until November 4, 2019.
6) Discussion/Update to Select Board regarding potential Warrant Articles and
recommendations to Town Meeting/Select Board:
John Brescher updated the Board on the discussion he had with David Gray and Libby
Gibson relative to the proposal to create a separate sewer commission or sewer
advisory board. The Town sounds to be in discussions with the necessary players to
potentially create such a committee or advisory Board.
Tucker Holland asked the committee what our ultimate task is for the Committee and
what we are looking to accomplish. The Committee discussed how they are tasked with
the minutia of making sure the Charter is up to-date. as well as the more expansive
discussion of if the Charter, and by extension the form of government, is still best serving
the constituents of the Town.
Curtis Barnes suggested that our more macro-examination of the charter should include
the form of government. The Committee opined that although there has been
discussions about moving to a representative form of Town Government, the voters are
the ones to ultimately decide how to proceed. With that in mind, a suggestion was made
to submit a non-binding ballot question regarding the voters’ interest in changing the
form of Town Government.
Rick Atherton pointed out that the last time the Town Government Study Committee
brought some articles there was a mixed reception.
A motion was made (Atherton), and duly seconded, to note that because the sewer
department is functioning well, there is no recommendation from this committee to
change it at this time. During the discussion, the motion was further changed to simply
ask David Gray to attend our meeting. This motion was made (Atherton) and duly
seconded and voted 4-1 in favor.
The Committee then discussed the Parks and Recreation Commission and how it relates
to the charter. Campbell Sutton provided information to the committee on the history of
the creation of the Parks and Recreation Department and Commission and where it is in
the charter. Campbell addressed the inconsistencies between some of the former
charter amendments and the present charter. Rick Atherton agreed the committee
should look up the 2007 Annual Town Meeting warrant articles that effectively eliminated
the Parks and Recreation Department.
Cheryl Emery spoke and explained that the current Parks and Recreation is made up of
the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Department of Public Works, the Community
School, the Cultural Council, and the Police Department. Ms. Emery suggested the
committee inquire where the funds come from for the various improvements to the Island
parks.
The Committee decided it would be best to table any discussion regarding changing the
Historic District Commission Charter and that it would be best for the Committee not to
pursue any amendments at this time.
7) Next meeting is November 4, 3:00 pm 4 Fairgrounds Road Public Safety Room.
8) Curtis made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Rick, all voted in favor. The
meeting was adjourned at 4:26 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
John B. Brescher, Chair