HomeMy WebLinkAbout_04132021-9939Town Government Study Committee
Minutes of the meeting of April 13, 2021. The meeting took place via Zoom. Members of the
committee present were: John Brescher, Linda Williams, Rick Atherton, and Curtis Barnes.
Hillary Hedges Rayport was present from the public.
1) Chair John Brescher called the meeting to order at 10:06 am with a quorum.
2) Agenda: A motion was made by Linda Williams and duly seconded by Rick Atherton to
approve the agenda as written. All voted in favor by voice vote.
3) Public Comment: None.
4) Approval of minutes of March 16, 2021 and March 30, 2021: A motion was made by
Linda Williams and duly seconded by Curtis Barnes to approve the minutes of March 16,
2021 and March 30, 2021. All voted in favor by voice vote.
5) Discussion: unresolved items on topics to investigate list
a) Review of presentation on NPEDC
Linda Williams opined that the Committee should not weigh in on the makeup of the
NPEDC.
Rick Atherton argued that the Committee’s scope is broad enough and that the
NPEDC can expand or revise their charter as they see fit. Furthermore, the question of
the makeup of the appointments is a good question and if the NPEDC feels strongly
about it, they can discuss the matter with the Select Board.
It was suggested by the Committee that it may be prudent to ask the Chair of the
NPEDC and the Chair of the Planning Board to speak to the Committee. Curtis Barnes
noted that it would be nice to hear more from the members of the NPEDC on the matter
and presentation.
Linda Williams noted that she believes the report that was presented at the last
meeting was off-base and not factually correct.
Hilary Hedges-Rayport disagreed and argued that it was a factually accurate report.
John Brescher noted that it was not the committee’s job to adjudicate the factuality of
the report.
The Committee agreed to move on and there was a motion made (Atherton) and
duly seconded (Barnes) to invite the Chairs of the NPEDC and Planning Board to the
committee and to include the response letter prepared by the Chairs to these minutes.
Three voted in favor (John Brescher, Curtis Barnes, and Rick Atherton) and one
opposed (Linda Williams).
b) Expanding the role/redefining Town Government Study Committee and Town
Governance Committee
The Committee then discussed the idea of expanding and redefining the role of the
Town Government Study Committee into a Town Governance Committee.
Curtis Barnes liked this idea and suggested it be added to the final report. Linda
Williams noted that we should flesh out the idea further and hoped that Tucker and
Campbell would opine.
Linda Williams also suggested the Committee review how other Towns set up their
committees. Rick Atherton noted that he looked at the Town of Andover as an
example and their charge.
One of the discrepancies that the Committee discussed was that the Town
Government Study Committee of Nantucket reports to Town Meeting per its charge,
but as a practical matter, it also reports to the Select Board.
6) Other Business:
The Committee asked the chair to follow up with Town Administration in the hopes of
getting a response from Lauren Goldberg.
7) Date and Time of the Next Meeting:
The Committee’s next meeting will be at April 21, 2021 at 10:30 am 2021 via Zoom.
8) Adjournment:
A motion was made by Linda Williams and seconded by Campbell Sutton to adjourn at
10:42 am.
Respectfully Submitted,
John B. Brescher, Chair