07/10/2023 CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE Minutes

Home Browse Search

6 *Monday,July 10, 2023 Charter Review Committee Minutes* David Weeden said that after the review of the charter the best way to present the committees suggestions is to entrust the public with the ability to understand and interpret the changes and be transparent. Section 5.7 Planning and Construction of Buildings and Other Facilities. Greg McKelvey clarified Weiner's comments about having a separate committee to oversee the construction of Town buildings instead of public works. Rodney Collins added that there is a separate planning and construction committee that works with the Department of Public works Director. Also the Planning and Construction Committees meetings are public. Cathy Lewis interpreted Mr. Weiner's comments somewhat differently but believes he was referring to the school department. In other words why are there two groups in charge of the same job and there is an overlap. Mary Waygan liked the idea of a permanent building committee that only comes into effect when a contract amount meets a certain threshold. The Town Manager explained that as far as the cost of certain projects the Planning and Construction Committee is presented and reviews the project before it goes to CIP. Oversight is always a good thing on the other hand there is a difference between a regulatory board and an advisory group. Also that there are specific responsibilities within the group. Darlene Furbush added that Mr.Weiner's comments may be referring to a process that is already occurring within the Town's operating procedures. It was suggested that someone with a finance background should be included in the composition of the planning and construction committee. David Weeden suggested adding to the powers and duties "identifying grant funding" as part of the planning and construction committee report. Rodney Collins also informed the Committee that the committee does submit a report. Section 5.8 Public Building Maintenance Cathy Lewis said that Section 5.8, Public Building and Maintenance, ties in to the discussion of clarifying what is a town facility and what is considered under the definition of a school facility. Where does the jurisdiction of maintenance fall? The Committee also discussed specifying or elaborating on the definition of the committee's jurisdiction over the construction/maintenance of new buildings, school, and town buildings.