12/11/2023 CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE Minutes

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3 *Monday, December 11, 2023 Charter Review Committee Minutes* Mary Waygan said that the Town would be looking to the Tribe regarding the impact of natural disasters on aboriginal lands John Miller said the substance of the charter applies equitably to everybody who is a citizen of the Town. He also suggested leaving "Through this preamble" followed by "as we look to the future we pledge to uphold the principles of collaboration, inclusivity and respect." Don Myers said that we would strike the last sentence of draft #1. Rodney Collins asked if Tribal Council has had time to review the drafts. The Committee agreed that first they should come to an agreement before presenting the proposed preamble to Tribal Council. Rodney Collins also said that it would make sense at some point for Tribal Council and Town Counsel to collaborate to make sure the spirit and intent of the preamble is there before going forward. Cathy Lewis said that the word governance should not be deleted, it is important because it is setting up that specific document. David Weeden suggest removing the word collaboratively so the sentence in paragraph 1 of draft #2 reads "As we look to the future, we pledge to uphold the principles of inclusivity, and respect ensuring that the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribes voice is integral to collaborative governance." John Miller read from his note "Through this preamble we affirm the Town of Mashpee's commitment to preserving the cultural, historical and sovereign essence of our unique community. As we look to the future we pledge to uphold the principles of inclusivity, and respect ensuring that the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribes voice is integral to collaborative governance." Cathy Lewis read the draft with the changes suggested by the Committee, "We, the people of the Town of Mashpee, in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, in recognition of the rich historical tapestry that has interwoven the Town of Mashpee into the community it is today and in order to assure the effectiveness of Town government, facilitate the delivery of services, maintain our high quality of life, preserve and protect our environment, prepare for future growth, and encourage public participation in municipal affairs, all in accord with the Home Rule Amendment to the Constitution of the Commonwealth, do ordain and amend this Home Rule Charter for the Town of Mashpee. As we embark on this amendment to our Charter, we do so with the utmost respect for the past and deep sense of responsibility towards an equitable future. We pay tribute to the resilience of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and all those who have called this land home throughout the ages. Through this preamble we affirm the Town of Mashpee's commitment to preserving the cultural, historical and sovereign essence of our unique community. As we look to the future we pledge to uphold the principles of inclusivity, and respect ensuring that the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribes voice and the voice of all residence is integral to collaborative governance."