Mashpee Charter Commission

Present: E. Larkin, J. Bacigalupi, R. Halpern, W. Freeman, R. Maney, C. Gasior, D. Arden, and J. Blumengarten.

Absent: C. Bowmar-Perry.

Invited participants: Attorney Mike Curran, Consultant.

Audience: Bea Perkins, League of Women Voters.

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

Public Comments

Bea Perkins addressed the meeting stating the Commission should not forget what Mike Curran said they should think about—that is, think about what’s best for Mashpee in the long run with regard to everything…Bea added that is the key to decisions.

Approval of Minutes

Ruth Maney motioned to accept the minutes of May 15, 2003 as presented; this motion was seconded by Juan Bacigalupi and was unanimously approved, except Richard Halpern abstained.

Discussion

Mike Curran had e-mailed a draft of Article 3 – Executive Branch: Elected Officers to everyone and each paragraph of this 12-page document was reviewed and discussed in detail, as well as various issues that arose, including Sewer Commission; Water District; Election vs. Appointment of different committees. Changes were made to many of the sections of the draft document and Mike Curran will make these changes. In addition, Mike will verify against existing Mashpee by-laws what percentage of registered voters is currently required for Recall Petitions. Mike will check to see what ZBA official title and duties are for inclusion in Section3-11: Planning Board section.

Mike Curran noted that things to be considered by the Town can be put in the Preliminary Report and get Town feedback at the Public Hearing. Some of the questions; consensus; or conclusions arrived at are:

• If Water District coordinated their election with Town Meeting it would make voter participation easier. Should this suggestion be made to the Water District?
• Policy-making or advisory in nature positions under Selectmen. Should others be appointed by Moderator if serve legislative function?
• Bea asked: Why is Planning Board elected? Or could this be appointed?
• Board of Assessors – If appointed, should this be by Selectmen? If so, should Town Administrator then appoint its Director of Assessing?

• They are integral part of Town team that is already appointed.
• Selectmen already appoint Assessing Director.
• Low contest in election.

• Low contest at election.
• Number to serve on FinCom? Discussion in number of 5 or 7.
• Elected or appointed? If appointed, by whom?
• Appointment by Moderator is done in over 90% of towns in Massachusetts.
• Term of Office?

Comments re Future Meetings

Next Meeting Thursday, June 5, 2003 at 7 p.m. to discuss Administrative Organization. Mike will forward draft document covering this topic to the Commissioners prior to the meeting so they can review.

It was consensus that at their August 7 and August 21 meetings the Commission would vote on the Articles to be included in the Charter Preliminary Report. Ed Larkin will contact the newspaper to determine the deadline for submission of the Report … Plan is to submit 2 weeks prior to deadline set by newspaper.

ADJOURNMENT

Ruth motioned to adjourn the meeting; Juan seconded the motion; and it was unanimously approved. The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Jean Giliberti, Recording Secretary