Monday, December 1, 2008

Administration Building

One School Street

Sharon, MA 02067

Present: Peg Arguimbau, Allen Garf, Sam Liao , Abigail Marsters, Andrew Nebenzahl, Paul Pietal, Colleen Tuck

Absent: George Bailey, Paul Izzo

Also Present: Mr. Ed. Larkin, former Charter Commission member in the towns of Dedham and Mashpee, Attorney Michael Curran, Kathy Roth, Betsy McGrath, Steven Cremer, members of the Conservation Commission and Herbert Gould, member of the community

Mr. Nebenzahl called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m.

ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS

Open Forum

There were no community members present for participation in Open Forum.

Approve Minutes

There were no minutes to approve at this time.

Acknowledge Correspondence

Mr. Nebenzahl briefly outlined a memorandum that was sent to Charter members from Mr. Gould, which proposed a Hybrid Town Meeting. Mr. Nebenzahl stated that discussion of Mr. Gould’s memorandum will be an agenda item at a subsequent meeting.

DISCUSSION ITEMS

Guest – Mr. Ed Larkin

Mr. Nebenzahl introduced Mr. Larkin, who gave an overview of his experiences serving as Chair on Charter Commissions in Dedham and Mashpee. Following Mr. Larkin’s presentation, there was a Q&A session with Charter members. Areas of discussion included:

• The difference between an Open Town Meeting and a Representative Form of Town Meeting.

• The challenges of increasing attendance at Open Town Meetings.

• The efficacy of appointing boards vs. electing boards.

• The relationship between a Town Manager and the Board of Selectmen.

• Expansion of powers for a Town Manager (hiring practices, appointment authority, etc.).

• What should be in a Charter vs. By-Laws.

Mr. Nebenzahl, on behalf of the Charter Commission members, thanked Mr. Larkin for an informative discourse. Mr. Larkin left the meeting at 8:20 p.m.

Conversation with the Conservation Commission

Peg Arguimbau, Chair of the Conservation Commission, introduced members in attendance at this evening’s meeting: Kathy Roth, Betsy McGrath and Steven Cremer.

Mr. Nebenzahl thanked the members for attending and opened the discussion. Members of the Conservation Commission presented an overview of their responsibilities, which include - but not limited to - reviewing any building projects within 100 feet of wetlands, preserving and protecting open space, insuring compliance with State and Federal laws.

Areas of discussion with the Conservation Commission:

• The need for a Town Planner.

• The need to have a long-term vision/strategic plan for the Town of Sharon.

• How to bring the community together as a whole.

• The relationship between the Conservation Commission and Town Meeting and how it has evolved over the years.

•The collaboration between the Conservation Commission and surrounding towns on various issues.

• Open Town Meeting vs. Representative Form of Town Meeting.

Mr. Nebenzahl, on behalf of the Charter Commission members, thanked the Conservation Commission members for an informative discourse. Kathy Roth, Betsy McGrath and Steven Kramer left the meeting at 9:20 p.m.

OTHER BUSINESS

Mr. Nebenzahl announced that the next meeting would be on December 8^th.

Mr. Izzo provided a PowerPoint summery, which highlighted the results from the returned surveys. The Commission commended Mr. Izzo for such an informative and comprehensive document.

There being no further business to come before the Commission at this time, Mr. Nebenzahl asked for a motion to adjourn.

MOTION: (Marsters/Tuck) Moved to adjourn. Vote was seven in the affirmative.

Open Session was adjourned at 9:20 p.m.

Submitted on behalf of the Charter Committee by: Helen Campanario, Acting Recording Secretary to the Charter Commission