10/23/2023 CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE Minutes

Home Browse Search

*APPROVED* (10-30-2023) 5 *Monday, October 23, 2023 Charter Review Committee Minutes* Don Myers: Working in some role in the Town — both could be successful, right? Deb Kaye: Person works in my office would be more successful than the person that works in another Department, becomes a popularity contest. Don Myers: If you resigned today, who would be your successor? Deb Kaye: My Administrative Assistant Cathy Lewis: There is no Deputy Clerk? Rodney Collins: No Don Myers: Why should the Town Clerk be independent of the Town Manager? Deb Kaye: Town Clerk isn't involved in the politics. Rodney Collins: Are you suggesting the Town Manager is a politician? Deb Kaye: I am talking about what ifs? If there's a vacancy, a Select Board member says to the Town Manager, you need to appoint this person? The person goes through the process and is appointed. Greg McKelvey: Mentioned earlier, Town Clerk only comes in only two days a week, how does he (Town Manager) deal with that? Deb Kaye: I have seen things like this from 20 years ago, because there are more rules and laws every day. These are not things that you have to be elected or appointed, the elected Town Clerk works for the Town residents. Greg McKelvey: When you run for office, you put yourself out there, the residents vet you ... show your credentials Deb Kaye: Yes Rodney Collins: What are those credentials? No job description for Town Clerk. Deb Kaye: Elected official feels more empowered to speak. Greg McKelvey: You feel we should have a Deputy Clerk? Deb Kaye: Yes, it's just a title change. Deb Kaye: Town Clerk can be a nasty supervisor, subject to recall. There are ways to remove a person from office. Greg McKelvey: See any advantage appointed vs elected? Deb Kaye: None. John Miller— Focus on appointed vs elected. Deb Kaye: However, the transition will be a smoother one for Jess (Town Clerk's current Administrative Assistant) with the cross training concept Greg McKelvey: Should have a succession plan. Cathy Lewis: Elected Town Clerk, included in Department Head meetings? Deb Kaye: Yes Cathy Lewis: Appointed, grievance process? Elected? Deb Kaye: Elected, not really. Deb Kaye: I have a very professional staff that works with me .... if Jess were to lose, Jess, Judy and Margo (TC Current Staff) would continue in a professional way. Don Myers: You made a comment to a Town meeting to approve an increase in pay. Deb Kaye: Doesn't come to the Town Meeting Rodney Collins: Her successor could tell the Town Manager to pound sand. John Miller: How many years have you been Town Clerk? Deb Kaye: 1997, 26 years. John Miller: Appointed Town Clerk would be less professional? Deb Kaye: Comes down to the individual.