January 13, 2005
The joint meeting of the Board of Selectmen and the Government Study Committee was held at 7:30 P.M. in the Sharon High School Library, Pond Street, with Chair Walter Joe Roach and Selectmen David I. Grasfield, William A. Heitin and Town Administrator Benjamin E. Puritz and Members of the Government Study Committee: Anne Carney, Chair, Pat Zlotin, Andy Nebenzahl, George Bailey and Gloria Rose. Approximately 15 others were in attendance.
The meeting was called to order at 7:40 P.M.
Anne Carney, Chair of the Government Study Committee, handed out a four-page ASharon Government Study Committee Annual Report, @ dated January 12, 2005 and Information for Charter Commissions. Items discussed included:
adopted changes made to Open Town Meeting;
recommendation of a Council-Manager form for Sharon;
problems with current form of government:
a. no direct accountability
b. zoning issues - nothing done
c. property taxes too high
need for Charter regardless of whether we change; and,
formation of a Charter Commission is recommended by the Committee.
Government Study Committee Member Andy Nebenzahl discussed:
too many committees and boards, each with little bit of influence - little bit of authority;
problems with Priorities Committee; and,
problems with recommended zoning changes.
Government Study Committee Member George Bailey discussed:
only 2-3% of voters attend town meeting;
unworkable deliberative process;
accountability - critical matter;
Representative Government - looked at - not the answer;
Town Council/Town Manager - public has better opportunity to discuss issues;
cannot deal with complex issues at two town meetings;
problems for boards with making deadlines for town meeting/last minute changes;
Town Council - most common form of government in the U.S.; and
Charter Commission would be elected - nine members.
Ms. Pat Zlotin discussed:
first thing - form Charter Commission;
charter needs to be approved at town meeting;
codify how we do business; and,
Charter Committee would act independently.
Chair Roach stated that before we go any further, he would like to place a non-binding question on the ballot for the town election to see if people want to have a change in governance. He also discussed the need to get more public input before going toward a charter commission.
Ms. Carney stated that there is a need to get the Charter Committee on the same ballot. She stated it will take 1800 votes to place the establishment of a Charter Commission on the ballot. She further stated that the Charter that would be adopted has the option of keeping town meeting, and that the Charter Commission could totally ignore the recommendation of the Government Study Committee. Additionally, 51% of those voting must vote in favor of the Charter and then it could only be brought up once more at a subsequent election if it is not
accepted.
Ms. Marilyn Kahn asked questions as to the type of changes that can be made without the development of a charter. Ms. Carney stated that the Town could go to five members of the Board of Selectmen or could more to a representative type of government without a charter.
Ms. Nebenzahl discussed the need to formalize our government with a charter, and it would not be entirely focused on town meeting. Ms. Zlotin discussed having a very open and interactive process until the final document is on the ballot.
Planning Board member Joel Tran discussed the liabilities of working within the present system particularly with rezoning efforts and working within fixed deadlines.
School Committee member Sam Liao discussed the need to reduce the number of committees within the Town and that the current system needs to be studied before embarking on a change.
Ms. Carney replied that, Athat is what the elected Charter Commission would do.@
Ms. Carney reported on the requirements within the statute for a Charter Commission, with a preliminary report due within 16 months and a final report within 18 months.
In answer to questions raised by Gordon Gladstone of the Standing Building Committee, Ms. Carney stated that the final Charter would either be accepted or rejected on the ballot. Mr. Gladstone also raised the issue of improving the present government without going through a formal process. Mr. Bailey addressed the question by stating we could modify our bylaws with the Attorney General=s approval. He mentioned that the School Committee would remain as a separate elected board within a Council form of government. Mr. Nebenzahl expressed
concerns as to how practical it would be to try to change the government through bylaw changes. He stated it may be possible to hire a consultant to Achip away at some of the problems existing.@ He gave the opinion that Acherry picking@ could be very dangerous.
Mr. Nebenzahl discussed the different role that would be played by a Charter Commission than the Government Study Committee. He stated that Town Meeting could authorize funding to hire an independent management consultant.
Chair Roach suggested that two or three additional meetings be held on this subject. Selectman Heitin discussed information received from the MMA re Forms of Government and had copies available as a handout. He discussed the seminar that he had attended along with Chair Roach and Mr. Puritz. He suggested that a facilitator be selected to address this topic at another session. Mr. Puritz recommended the names of several people who could be available as a resource.
In answer to the question, Ms. Carney stated that she would expect the number of councillors to be between 9 - 16 but it would be the recommendation of the Charter Commission. The Council would act as the legislative entity in lieu of town meeting. Mr. Bailey discussed the experience of other Towns that have moved to a council form of government. A member of the council would also serve as a member of the School Committee. He stated that a council would meet every other week throughout the year.
Mr. Liao expressed concerns that a council form of government would be less democratic.
Chair Roach ended by expressing that hope that more people would attend the next meetings.
Adjourn
VOTED: (Grasfield/Heitin) Voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting.
Grasfield, aye; Heitin, aye; Roach, aye.
The meeting adjourned at 9:05 P.M.
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