10/23/2023 CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE Minutes

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*APPROVED* (10-30-2023) 4 *Monday, October 23, 2023 Charter Review Committee Minutes* not have to be elected again. I am a screwball for three years, and I am not reelected, than I can be recalled, not a political appointment, should never be a political position. Cathy Lewis: Collette said no handbook or training, we elect a Town Clerk, new Town Clerk comes in and NO experience, how do they know how to get the training? Deb Kaye: Elected in May went to training, when you go to these classes and you have subsequent questions, call Secretary of State, etc. There are many avenues, who to ask and where to look. Cathy Lewis: If new one comes in, is there mandatory training? Deb Kaye: I would hope that the next Town Clerk, old Town Clerk will tell you to sign up for the training in June. Mass Town Clerk's office has a mentoring program ... call experienced Town Clerk. Don't miss any deadlines, you're ok. Darlene Furbush: Have you put together a book of instructions? Deb Kaye: No, one of the nicest things in my office, I cross train everybody. Rodney Collins: I believe the Brewster Town Clerk said that the average voter doesn't have direct knowledge of what a Town Clerk does? Is that a fair statement? Deb Kaye: Yes, but that can be said about an appointed Clerk too. Someone runs against the person. Rodney Collins: A recall process is time consuming and convoluted compared to a just cause hearing? Deb Kaye: Question, how long does it take to remove someone for just cause? Rodney Collins: I have done it in less than two weeks Deb Kaye: The level of experience, someone can have a Master's degree and can be inept. Logistical fortitude, think on your feet. Rodney Collins: I believe, Mr. Larkin as a founding father, indicated that 90% of Town Clerks were elected at the time of the Charter in 2004. Today, the percentage is 42% what would you say? Deb Kaye: As per the Town Clerk's Association, a lot of Town Clerk's sadly won't stand up at Town Meeting so they allow it to be appointed. A Town Clerk, by gosh, I deserve this raise. Rodney Collins: Do you see any reason for it to move in this direction? Deb Kaye: I don't know. Rodney Collins: Do you know of any that went from elected to appointed that have been removed? Deb Kaye: They quit, but weren't removed? Rodney Collins: Question, do know of any that were wrongfully removed due to the Charter change? Deb Kaye: No, option may have been just resign instead of removed. Rodney Collins: I would be remiss that this Town Clerk, to not mention that she has agreed to letting the Town Manager know of leaves, etc. Deb Kaye — I would stand behind the most capable candidate. Don Myers: I agree they should be a Town resident, can you give me insight in to your first election. The other two candidates? One was a warden, not the other, is it safe to say work in Town Clerk's office in some capacity? Or other background? Deb Kaye: As a resident of Mashpee and a voter, a person who works in the office would have a leg up. Paramount for the Town Clerk to teach people how to do the job.