HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-02-04 ad Hoc Town Counsel Review Committee Minutesr~
Present- Rick Schubert, Susan DeMatteo, Tom Ryan, Rob Spadafora, William Griset.
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A quorum being present, the meeting was opened at approximately 7:30 PM, and it was
agreed that the first order of business was to elect a Chair and Vice Chair/ Secretary,
although.Peter Hechenbleikner will typically serve as Secretary.
Bill. Griset nominated Rick Schubert for the position of Chair and the nomination was
seconded by Susan DeMatteo. Nomination for Chair was closed, and the vote taken, and
Rick Schubert was elected Chair 4-0 (with Rob S. abstaining because he had not yet been
sworn in).
Bill Griset was nominated and seconded for Vice Chair/Secretary, the nomination was
closed, and Bill Griset was so elected.
It was agreed that Bill Griset would e-mail Paula re: Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly ad,
with the copy being the same as last ad but removing " The Town is willing to consider
non-traditional..." and chancing date to March 15, 2004.
Discussion was held regarding the survey. Rick Schubert reminded the group of the
notion that the survey should include positive/favorable comments as well as critique. It
was suggested last 2 years counsel usage go out to each. Department Head along with
survey.
Tom Ryan distributed a list of "Queries for Town Counsel Applicants (From Assessors'
viewpoint)"
Tom Ryan mentioned relatively low Assessors' usage of Town Counsel time despite
large potential impact of adverse rulings.
It was suggested we eliminate the first two questions on the survey and it was generally
agreed to do so.
Tom Ryan suggested adding the words "both positive and negative" under general
comments, and this also met with general agreement.
Susan DeMatteo suggested all timeliness questions ask the writer to specify examples of
lack of timeliness.
It was agreed that the survey should go out before March I".
It was suggested putting a 1-10 scale along with 3 or 4 of the survey questions.
It was agreed that the Beacon ad should carry the same copy as the Massachusetts
Lawyers Weekly Ad.
After a motion to adjourn was made and seconded, the vote was taken and the meeting
was adjourned at approximately 8:20 p.m.