04/24/2023 SELECT BOARD Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mashpee Select Board Minutes April 24, 2023 APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS Public HeariniContinuedwfrom March 13,_2023i;MDiscussion and Vote Relative to the Removal of Mohamad Fand from the IVlashpee Commum Garden Advisor Committee (Pursuant to Mashee Charter,. section 7-9: (continued) Mr. Fand indicated he abides by all Town policies and bylaws, and in his opinion, there are no grounds for his removal from the MCGAC. His opinions and votes cannot be grounds for removal even if he is a minority for opinion, there is no basis for removal. Mr. Fand indicated he has never disrupted a meeting, and was never called out of order by the chair. The foods grown by Mr. Fand are vastly different from other gardens and not grounds for removal. Efforts to volunteer have been thwarted by lies. Mr. Fand stated he has been accused of removing protected plants from the area. At this time Mr. Fand is pursuing a response from the State to rebut the allegations. Mr. Fand thought his compromise was fair. Mr. Fand stated he has been damaged by the Town and denied his right to fair access to a community plot. Mr. Fand is running for a seat on the Mashpee Housing Authority. He had requested this hearing be scheduled after the election as his campaign accounts for accountability, fairness and honesty. Jane Stevenson, Chair of the Mashpee Inclusion and Diversity Committee of which Mr. Fand is a member indicated the behaviors of Mr. Fand are not described with this committee. Mr. Fand uses his computer, and contributes as a positive member of this committee. Ms. Stevenson stated she has the highest respect for those who volunteer. It is sad this has had to go to mediation. The Town has responsibility to monitor what is going on with individual committees. It was suggested that a consultant be hired and perhaps training is warranted for additional support. What does the Town do to support people and what does the Town do in terms of relationships? In her view Ms. Stevenson stated Mr. Fand is a well -intended member of the Mashpee community. It would be damaging to Mr. Fand if the Select Board were to remove him from the committee. MCGAC member Sheryl Carberry indicated she has understandings to what Mr. Fand is saying. For the past two years on the board, Mr. Fand sees only through his eyes. For the last 2.5 years Mr. Fand has made the committee miserable. He interrupts, he is demeaning to the chair and he is unkind. Ms. Carberry stated she is glad Mr. Fand has friends, but he has not shown any friendship to the MCGAC board. Mr. Fand has not made himself accountable and he has not admitted to any wrongdoings. The committee is at wits end. At their August 17, 2022 meeting the MCGAC made the unanimous decision to have Mr. Fand removed from the committee. The committee voted unanimously to refer this matter to the Select Board. Mr. Fand was noted to have joined the unanimous vote. Mr. Fand stated he joined the unanimous vote to present his case to the Select Board. Discussion followed amongst the Select Board regarding the process. Under the Mashpee Home Rule Charter, Section 7-9 this hearing is related to the proposed removal of Mohamad Fand as an appointed member of the Mashpee Community Garden Advisory Committee.