Mashpee Charter Commission

Present: E. Larkin, J. Bacigalupi, R. Halpern, W. Freeman, R. Maney, J. Blumengarten, C. Gasior, and C. Bowmar-Perry (arrived 7:10 p.m.).

Absent: D. Arden.

Invited participants: Attorney Mike Curran, Consultant.

Audience: Bea Perkins, League of Women Voters (arrived 7:05 p.m.).

A quorum being present, Ed Larkin, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.

Approval of Minutes

Juan Bacigalupi motioned to accept the minutes of June 5, 2003 as presented; this motion was seconded by Ruth Maney and was unanimously approved, except Chuck Gasior abstained.

Discussion

Mike Curran had previously e-mailed a draft of Article 5 – Administrative Organization and each paragraph of this 3-page document was reviewed and discussed in detail. Some of the points, comments or suggestions raised were:

• Should “Select Board” or something similar be used rather than “Selectmen”? It seemed to be the consensus to maintain traditional “Selectmen” title.
• Should provision be made in the Charter that reorganization should be done within, say, 24 months after adoption of Charter? This was done in Chatham Charter. Mike Curran commented that if this were done it goes in the transitional provision. In checking Chatham charter, that’s where their provision appeared also.
• Following in-depth discussion, it was concluded to remove the paragraph entitled “Review of Decisions of Administrative Officers”. Mike stated that Mashpee can have a piggyback by-law to handle resolution. It was also decided to remove the paragraph entitled “Department of Public Works”.
• In reviewing the paragraph Section 5-4 – Department of Municipal Finance, Bea Perkins commented from the audience that this reads like bureaucratic code…is it creating another layer? Following a detailed explanation from Mike Curran it was the consensus it was important to include this Section as drafted.
• Section 5-7 – Planning and Construction of Buildings and Other Facilities. Following discussion the Commissioners overwhelming endorsed the inclusion of this section. One of the benefits this provision gives to the town is that it builds up a body of expertise over time.

Finally Juan mentioned legislation requires each town has to designate a primary EMS Manager … Mike will check into this.

Public Comments …None.

Next Meeting…Thursday, July 10, 2003 at 7 p.m. to discuss Finance and Fiscal Procedures.

ADJOURNMENT

Ruth motioned to adjourn the meeting; Cathy seconded the motion; and it was unanimously approved. The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Jean Giliberti, Recording Secretary