Present: E. Petti, R. Halpern, R. Maney, J. Blumengarten, E. Larkin, C. Bowmar-Perry, D. Arden, C. Gasior, and J. Bacigalupi.
Invited Participant: Attorney Michael Curran
Dr. Petti, Chairperson, called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
Attorney Mike Curran
Mr. Curran began the discussion by stating the previously mailed material is obsolete. He handed out his latest revised contract draft and schedule and went through the document with the Commissioners paragraph by paragraph. They discussed in detail the specific schedule items. Result: Paragraph numbering was corrected and month in Paragraph 7 corrected to June 2003, rather than July 2003.
Dr. Petti stated she wants to go faster. She also noted that in Paragraph 1 Mr. Curran agrees to be available. She asked him if he expects to be in touch with each one and noted that her preference would be that he communicate with the Chairperson and the Clerk. She felt it would be too cumbersome for him to contact each member. Mr. Curran responded that he has no objection to each member calling since this can facilitate things. If an individual has a question he can deal with individuals on one-to-one basis. However, he further stated he could work either way.
Dean…Regarding the scheduling, Dean said he agreed as long as we have flexibility. Mr. Curran responded that anytime you feel your expectations not met, then we can terminate. Likewise, he said he could terminate.
Cathy…Thanked Ed for bringing concerns to Mr. Curran. She said her greatest concern here is if we get no more funding then we’re up the creek without a paddle; and then we have absolutely nothing. Mr. Curran : No, you would have outline of charter and consensus statements on what you decided on each point. Further, as Juan suggested in earlier meetings you could work with existing charters. He noted it’s important for the Commission to take a long, hard look at all that it can do for Mashpee. Look at how can you improve; and then draft that into a charter. For instance: What is better way of delivering services; of representing the people; and performing services?
Dean…We can reasonably expect $12,500 would carry us to July 24? Mr. Curran : Each week during June, July and August I’m doing more because that’s when drafting and redrafting done. So it costs more after June 30.
Ed…When Chuck and I talked with Mr. Curran we weren’t speaking for the Commission but we thought it was probably reasonable we could receive $17,000 for his services. Once we get Preliminary Report, we’re most of the way home. In most cases, final report is pretty much the preliminary report. Mr. Curran noted that this is so unless you’ve completely misread the community.
Motion: Juan moved we accept the contract as corrected by renumbering of the paragraphs and changing July to June in Paragraph 7. Ed seconded this motion.
Discussion: Jerry asked: What will we have for Town Meeting? Mr. Curran : Written summary to show Town people.
Vote: Unanimous vote in favor of accepting the contract.
Jerry then asked what Mr. Curran would suggest they ask at Monday’s meeting with the Selectmen. Mr. Curran suggestions:
It was decided that Mr. Curran would send a corrected, retyped contract to Chuck and the Commissioners would sign the contract when they are at Town Hall on November 4. They’ll do the signing before going into the 7:10 p.m. meeting with the Selectmen.
Dr. Petti will give marked draft version to Town Hall tomorrow for Town Counsel review.
Schedule for Future Meetings
Following discussions regarding start time of Charter Commission meetings, Juan motioned that meetings stay at 7:30 p.m. start time. This motion was seconded but defeated by 6 members (Chuck, Jerry, Ruth, Richard Cathy, and Ed) voted against the motion.
Cathy then motioned we start at 7 p.m. on Thursdays; Ruth Seconded this motion. All voted in favor of this motion, except Dean and Juan voted “No”.
Invitees will be invited to come at 7:30 p.m. Schedule for future meetings now:
11/4 – 6:45-7p.m. – Sign Curran contract.
7:10p.m.-8:10 p.m. – Charter Commission to attend Selectmen’s Meeting.
11/7 – 7 p.m. – Charter Meeting with Curran.
7:30 p.m School Committee Superintendent and 3 members to join Charter Meeting.
11/21 – 7 p.m. – Charter Meeting with Curran.
7:30 p.m. Planning Board and Board of Appeals to join Charter Meeting.
12/5 – 7 p.m. – Charter Meeting with Curran.
7:30 p.m. – Police Chief and Fire Chief to join Charter Meeting.
12/19 – 7 p.m. – Charter Meeting start time.
7:30 p.m. – Board of Health, DPW, and Town Planner to join Charter Meeting.
Dr. Petti suggested that the Committee break up into subcommittees and go through the minutes and pick out responses from Boards and Committees. Reaction was the group was not in favor of taking this approach.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jean Giliberti
Recording Secretary
