In attendance: Chair John Cronin, Vice Chair Tina Hein, Clerk Ben Sparrell, TA Ahern was attending Via Zoom.

This is a special meeting to discuss feedback relative to the Town Manager Act, Article 26 on the Warrant.

May 2024 Annual Town Meeting – Warrant & Supplemental Materials (votes anticipated)

Clerk Sparrell: Had a meeting on Tuesday and had a lot of feedback regarding the language in the Act. There was concern that future boards, town managers, etc. could encroach on certain aspects of town business. Stronger language was desired.

Chair Cronin: We have modified this language based on feedback and we certainly want all stakeholders to feel comfortable with the Act. The act has to be a collaboration between all stakeholders.

3 points of interest:

Section 2b: Feeling that 2b could be a way to change the TM job description and by removing this line would remove that concern.

Agreement on removing the redundancy.

3A concerns removing the title “Chief Financial Officer” and while there was some angst about this being removed (semantics) there was agreement to remove.

Regarding 3D2i – the language change requested was to add “subject to Finance Committee approval”. Concern about removing the Finance Committee being passed over. However, after pointing out the prior language it was agreed that there need not be any additional language because it is redundant and there is already collaboration between committees.

Section 4b: regarding hiring/appointments. Agreement on striking one line from 4a – specifically strike “or similar positions and add “for boards, commissions, in consultation therewith.

There was concern about absence of department heads when hires need to be made and holding up the TMs role of being sure that staffing is adequate.

It was agreed that this section could be made better with the language change to ensure ongoing collaboration between the TM and department heads.

Information will be brought to the Moderator and the version will include the changes (which you can see here).

Supplemental document will be made available to the moderator.

VC concern that in her absence her vote may be needed and TA addressed this concern.

All updates have been approved unanimously by the Select Board.

Chair Cronin expressed his appreciation of how this entire process has gone with collaboration with various stakeholders.

Other Business

Town annual report has been distributed and other committees have been reminded to get these reports for distribution at Town Meeting. Will also be available at the COA and Library. TA seeking a vote from the SB or can be done on Monday if needed.

Clerk Sparrell made a motion to approve, VC Hein seconded. (Chair Cronin: Is this a fiscal or calendar year – TA it is a combination). The Report is FY2023. Motion passed.

Motion to adjourn made and passed, next meeting May 6th.