Link back to Government Study Committee page
July 22, 2010
Members Present: Judy Cole (Chair), Eva Marx, Edna English, Phil Edmundson, Alec MacMillan, Scott Ford,
Members Absent: Irma Lauter
Also Present: Kitty Ward and Kate Boland
Meeting Commenced at 7:38 p.m.
Kitty Ward thanked Committee Members
Discussion of proposed Town Charter in 1973
Discussion of prior Government Study Committee reports
o Role of Executive Secretary/Town Administrator discussed
Judy Cole reviewed warrant article for GST to identify charge of Committee
• Edna English raised need for Organization Chart
• Phil Edmunson pointed out that any changes to structure in light of impending departure of Kevin Paicos hold pending GST review
o Discussion of Judy Cole speaking with Selectmen
• Consensus to meet with Selectmen and Advisory Committee and Moderator separately
o Selectmen right after Labor Day
o Phil Edmunson to develop list of questions
Judy Cole discussed creation of task forces to meet with other boards
• Perhaps seven task forces grouped by topic
• Scott Ford to develop task force list
• Also consider involving other GST applicants to assist
Edna English discussed Massachusetts Municipal Association’s offer to provide consultant to meet with GST
• Eva Marx to investigate possibility to bring in consultant to discuss best practices for Government Study Committees
• Alec MacMillan to investigate scope and volume of other GST reports
Discussion of place on Town website for comments
Scott Ford inquired about role of GST: identify issues within reasonable period of time and then thereafter answer them
• Consensus was to present some suggestions at 2011 Town Meeting and additional suggestions at 2012 Town Meeting
• Judy Cole suggested identifying a certain number of issues this year (ex. 5) and then more next year
• Alec MacMillan suggested identifying pressing issues that are likely to be accepted at Town Meeting to build trust
Kitty Ward suggested conducting survey
• Discussion over method of collection
• Budget of $10,000 exists
Phil Edmundson raised issue of regionalization for purchasing
Phil Edmundson raised review of appointment policy
Next Meeting Monday, August 16, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. – invite Moderator and MMA Representative
Meeting Adjourned at 9:07 p.m.
Submitted by Scott C. Ford