10/20/2025 Annual Town Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Article 13 To see if the Town will vote pursuant to G.L. c. 43B, § 10A to make the following changes to the Town Charter, which Charter is available in the office of the Town Clerk and on the Town’s website at https://www.mashpeema.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif3426/f/uploads/mashpee_charter.pdf: To insert the following preamble before ARTICLE 1: 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 toward 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, unity and respect ensuring that the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe’s sovereign voice, and the voice of all residents, is integral to collaborative governance. And, to replace in each instance in which they appear in the Charter, the words “Board of Selectmen” with “Select Board,” and the words “Selectman” with “Select Board,” and the words “he” with “he/she/they” throughout the Town Charter. Or take any other action relating thereto. Submitted by the Select Board Explanation: The foregoing changes to the Town Charter are recommended by the Charter Review Committee. Article 13 requires a 2/3 vote to pass The Select Board recommends approval of Article 13 by a vote of 5-0 The Finance Committee recommends approval of Article 13 by a vote 4-0 Motion made by Select Board Member Wilson Motion: I move the Town vote to approve Article 13 as printed in the warrant, with the exception of the phrase “or take any other action relating thereto.” Motion passes 297 to 42 at 3:39 at 8:51PM Article 14 To see if the Town will vote to lay out and accept as public ways the layouts of GODFREY ROAD & BARBARY CIRCLE, as heretofore laid out by the Select Board and shown on plans entitled