HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-10-16 ad Hoc - Charter Review Committee Minutese� Orq a
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g Meeting Minutes
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Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Charter Review Committee
Date: 2023-10-16 Time: 7:00 PM
Building: Reading Town Hall
Address: 16 Lowell Street
Purpose: General Business
Attendees: Members - Present:
Location: Conference Room
Session: Open Session
Version: Final
Chair Chris Haley, Vice Chair Phil Pacino, Bill Brown, Geoff Beckwith, Chuck
Robinson, Jesse Arnold, Jonathan Barnes, Andrew Grimes, Alan Foulds
Members - Not Present:
Others Present:
Town Manager Matt Kraunelis, Town Clerk Laura Gemme, Blythe Robinson,
Christopher Ketchen, David Zeek
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Caltlin Nocella
Topics of Discussion:
Chair Haley called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
Public Comment
David Zeek noted he would like to propose an amendment to the charter and asked if the board would
entertain such suggestions. The proposed amendment would be around election recalls.
Presentation from the MMA
Blythe Robinson and Christopher Ketchen were presentto discuss the process and answer any questions
they may have. Blythe has recently retired and had been in local government service for over 30 years and
served 4 different communities. Chris is currently the Town Manager in Lenox, MA and has worked for 4
local communities as well.
Bill Brown asked if they are aware of any Charters that have penalties for violating the Charter and could
they put something in to that effect? It was noted that Town Counsel may be best suited to answer that
question.
Geoff Beckwith asked if they had any comments about the latest trends in recent Charters. He specifically
mentioned the Town Manager vs. Select Boards having appointing authority. Here in Reading the Select
Board holds a lot of appointing power but in other towns it appears that authority is being granted to the
Town Manager more often. Ketchen noted he is seeing a broadening of appointment power being given to
the Town Manager. Robinson agreed with her colleague and noted in communities with strong Town
Managers, it is common to see a Town Manager appoint a position and have the Select Board ratify it, but it
really is what works for each Town.
Chuck Robinson asked if other towns are struggling to get volunteers. It was noted that this is absolutely a
problem in almost every community. It may be helpful to look at the size of the boards and committees if
there are major problems getting quorums.
Geoff Beckwith asked if there are any trends about Town Meeting happening like changing the size in order
to get a smaller quorum if they can't get enough people to be Town Meeting members. Robinson and
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Ketchen both noted most communities do fine with getting Town Meeting members. Ketchen did note in
small communities who may struggle, going with an open Town Meeting could work better. Reading
doesn't currently have any issues with Town Meeting quorums.
Jesse Arnold asked what should be in the Charter vs. contract for the Town Manager. Readings Charter
seems to have a lot in thereabout the Town Manager position. Ketchen likes a detailed Charter in regards to
the Town Manager position; It lets the residents and potential candidates know exactly what is important to
you. Robinson agreed but also feels some flexibility should be in therein order to acquire the right person.
It was also noted residency requirements seem to be going away because it makes it harder to attract
candidates.
Geoff Beckwith asked about majority votes vs. super majority votes when terminating contracts?
Discuss Process
Phil Pacino noted during the last review process they went through each section and then figured out which
committee would be helpful forthat section and bring them in.
Jonathan Barnes I think we should send out a letter or something to all the committees and if they have any
suggestions to submit in writing or come visit us during a meeting. I also think we need to hold at least one
public meeting or something for the residents to give input or suggestions.
Jesse Arnold suggested a two-step process of having the board review one section at one meeting then
invite the boards/the public to come to the next meeting and comment on that same section they just
worked on; and then move on to the next section.
Next Meet ny Dates
The board discussed the next meeting dates. October 30" and November 14th will be the next two meeting
dates. Those two meetings will be hybrid and in the Select Board meeting room. They will plan to meet on
November 27- as well if Town Meeting doesn't go to a fourth night.
Future Meetino Aaendas
The board will start reviewing Section 1 attheir next meeting.
The board discussed the prior meetings minutes. Jesse's name is wrong
Minutes as amended. 8-0-1 Pacino abstained.
Motion to adjourn at 8:22pm 9-0
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