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Town Government Study Committee
Minutes of the meeting of November 4, 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, and Campbell
Sutton.
1) Chair John Brescher called the meeting to order at 3:05 with a quorum.
2) Agenda: Curtis Barnes moved approval of the agenda, seconded by Campbell Sutton.
All voted in favor
3) Public Comment: None.
4) Ratification of approval of minutes of October 21, 2019. The item was tabled as the
minutes had not yet been drafted.
5) Discussion with Brian Turbitt re: Audit Committee, Finance Committee conflicts, and
Town Finances:
Town Finance Director Brian Turbitt answered questions from the Committee. Curtis
Barnes explained to Mr. Turbitt the concern of the Town Government Study Committee
is that more outside individuals should be involved in the committee, not just the Finance
Committee, the Select Board, and the Chair of the Select Board. Ideally, an additional 2-
3 members would be added to the committee for the sake of transparency and good
governance.
Rick Atherton suggested that the Town’s auditor bring forth any suggestions they may
have relative to what other municipalities do.
Brian Turbitt explained to the committee the process of the Audit Committee and how
they perform their functions. Ultimately, they meet on a bi-annual basis or whenever
else it is needed. Mr. Turbitt did not see anything objectionable to expanding the
composition of the audit committee.
Rick made a motion, which was duly seconded by Curtis, to recommend forwarding our
recommendations to the Select Board for a charter change relative to the composition to
the Audit Committee and further recommended we ask the auditors to weigh in on
whether or not the executive session meetings with the auditors should be annual.
The Committee thought it would be prudent to table any further discussion of any finance
committee conflicts as well.
The Committee thanked Mr. Turbitt for his time and his service to the Town of
Nantucket.
6) Discussion/Update to Select Board regarding potential Warrant Articles and
recommendations to Town Meeting/Select Board:
John Brescher updated the Board on any recommendations as it relates to the Sewer
Committee creation or an advisory Board. John indicated that this may be in process
with the Town and that it may be premature for the Committee to weigh in on the
mechanics.
The discussion regarding the Parks and Rec Commission was also put on hold as there
are citizens’ warrant articles being submitted to revive the Department.
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.
The Committee commented that it would be prudent to see more transparency in the
Parking Commission process. The Committee decided to wait to see what occurred at
the next Select Board meeting on the matter.
John informed the Committee that Town Administration was working on a more
comprehensive organizational chart.
7) Next meeting is November 18, 3:00 pm 4 Fairgrounds Road Public Safety Room.
8) Rick made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Curtis, all voted in favor. The
meeting was adjourned at 4:15 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
John B. Brescher, Chair