Mashpee Charter Commission

Present: D. Arden, J. Blumengarten, C Bowmar-Perry, C. Gasior, R. Halpern, E. Larkin, R. Maney, and Elizabeth Petti.

Absent: J. Bacigalupi.

Audience: Selectman W. Taylor joined meeting during latter portion of the meeting.

Ed Larkin opened the meeting at 7 p.m. by stating he had spoken with Marilyn Contreas, Head of Housing & Development, and she advised that initial meeting usually is handled by the highest vote getter who handles the details until Chairman elected, or it can go by age.

Dr. Petti addressed the group and requested her remarks be entered in the minutes. Dr. Petti’s comments:

• She’s very upset; she feels humiliated; and feels she’s been treated with disrespect.
• Wanted all to realize they would not be here if for 1-1/2 years she did not stand in front of Post Office and Stop & Shop
• Upset because a couple of members of this Committee took it upon themselves to go ahead and make plans as if they were Chairman…there is no Chairman until this Committee elects one. She thinks it was disrespectful to not wait until she came in and chaired the first meeting.
• She made a promise to those who signed her petition that this would be a democratic process; and it is not going to be a democratic process if anyone on this Committee is here because they have a private agenda or an ego that has to be satisfied.
• She’s been in this Town for over 32 years; on numerous committees; and the people respect her. She does not want that respect betrayed. She promised them that this Committee would operate as a group for the interest of this Town and work together in a democratic process.
• She met for a year and a half with 2 administrators on the Cape—namely, Peter Boyer and Bob Whritenour. She called Marilyn Contreas, Department of Housing & Community in Boston, and Marilyn said she’d come down and do a workshop for us. Peter Boyer said he would act as a resource person.
• You know how I feel now and you may operate and do what you think is best.
• Now I will have input from all and your reaction to what I have said and then we’ll proceed.

R. Halpern commented that he would propose Committee waits until all 9 members are present to hold elections of officers. He said all are equal; all get one vote.

Following discussion of the members present, it was ultimately the consensus that in view of timetable constraints to meet deadlines, elections would be held now at this meeting.

Ed Larkin informed the group that Attorney Michael Curran contacted him and is sending to this group through Town Hall a request that he will come here to address us for free—it’s pro bono-to give us a sense of direction. Ed Larkin noted that Michael Curran happens to be the foremost municipal attorney in the state of Massachusetts. He has advised more charter commissions than any other attorney in the state. Continuing, Ed Larkin said he feels it important to know where to go and what to do—especially in view of the timetables to be met. Who to meet with; where to go; what to concentrate on initially, then centrally, then the final phase is important.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

Chuck Gasior motioned we elect officers; Cathy Bowmar-Perry seconded the motion; all approved except Richard Halpern, who opposed unless all elected commissioners are present.

Chuck Gasior motioned Dr. E. Petti be appointed Chairperson; Cathy Bowmar-Perry seconded the motion; and it was unanimously passed.

Ruth Maney motioned Ed Larkin be appointed Vice Chairman; Chuck Gasior seconded the motion.

Jerry Blumengarten motioned Dean Arden be appointed Vice Chairman; Chuck Gasior seconded the motion.

Following discussions and comments from Messrs. Larkin and Arden, vote was taken and Dean Arden was unanimously elected Vice Chairman.

Jerry Blumengarten motioned Chuck Gasior be appointed Clerk; this was seconded by Richard Halpern; and unanimously passed.

PUBLIC HEARING

Ed Larkin read state law: “Charter Commission must hold a Public Hearing within 45 days of its election. The purpose of this initial hearing or set of hearings is to solicit the views, comments, opinions, and proposals from the public for consideration by the Charter Commission.”

ACTION ITEMS

• Copies of charters from other towns, such as Sandwich, Barnstable, and Plymouth (which did not pass) to be distributed to Commission members.
• 1983
• Make Plan of Operation at meeting next week.
• How would everyone like to proceed? Discuss this at next meeting.
• June 9 (or earlier) post June 19 Public Hearing in newspaper.
• June 19 – hold Public Hearing in Town Hall (45-day deadline is June 25).
• Prior to Public Hearing have meeting with Selectmen. Invite Selectmen to one of the Wednesday meetings.
• Richard Halpern suggested Cathy Bowmar-Perry should do press release of this meeting; and Cathy accepted.
• Jerry Blumengarten to discuss Web site at next meeting.

Dr. Petti offered to donate Charter Commission letterhead stationery.

NEXT MEETING

Wednesday, May 22, 2002, 7 p.m. at Town Hall.

ADJOURNMENT

Ruth Maney motioned the meeting be adjourned at 8:10 p.m.; this motion was seconded by Richard Halpern; and was unanimously approved.

Respectfully submitted,

Jean Giliberti
Recording Secretary