08/18/2025 CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE Minutes

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CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE Regular Session Minutes August 18,2025 Meeting called to order by the Chair at 6 PM in the Waquoit Meeting Room. Present: Rodney Collins, Chair David Weeden, Vice-Chair John Miller, Clerk Carol Sherman Darlene Furbush Catherine Lewis Mary Waygan Greg McKelvey Brian Weeden (Remote) PUBLIC COMMENT Dennis Balzarini, 176 Whippoorwill Circle: Advocated for maintaining ZBA and Sewer Commission members as elected positions rather than appointed. Richard Klein, 205 Asher's Path West: Advocated for maintaining ZBA and Sewer Commission members as elected positions, and further advocated to limit elected officials to two (2) 3-year terms. are Faulkner, 205 Asher's at West: Voiced strong support for election, not appointment, of the Town Clerk. Emphasis was placed on the importance of experience and readiness. There was also discussion about possibly electing future Town Managers, and not restricting candidates by residency at time of hiring, supporting a relocation grace period with possible waivers for hardship. Lynne Barbee,73 Surf Drive: Requested that the Human Services Department be added to the Charter's official list of departments,due to the department's significant workload. Voiced strong support for audio recording of all meetings, and video whenever possible, to ensure transparency and better access to public records/minutes. MINUTES Motion by Miller to approve the minutes of the August 4, 2025 meeting, as presented. Motion seconded by se ens of Call Vote: 8-0(Unanimous) Miller,yes Sherman,yes McKelvey,yes Furbush,yes Waygan,yes Lewis,yes DWeeden,yes BWeeden, abstain Collins,yes OLD BUSINESS After town meeting approval at the October 2025 Town Meeting,Charter amendments will be sent to AG and then placed on the May 2026 ballot,the soonest possible ballot under the law. NEW BUSINESS The Chair provided further clarification on what constitutes a"major"vs.a "minor"change to the Charter, and explained that only minor changes can be made by a committee. A "major" change is defined as a change to the composition, mode of election or appointment or terms of office of the legislative body or Select Board or Town Manager, and can only be made by an elected commission.