Present: E. Petti, R. Halpern, R. Maney, J. Blumengarten, E. Larkin, C. Gasior, and C. Bowmar-Perry.
Absent: D. Arden, and J. Bacigalupi.
Invited Participants: David Bailey-Director of Assessing, David Tately-Assistant Director of Assessing, Leslie M. Greig-Chairman, Board of Assessors, Marcia King-Board of Assessors, Diane Rommelmeyer-Town Accountant, MaryAnne Gibbs-Treasurer/Tax Collector, and Deborah Dami-Town Clerk.
Audience: Bea Perkins, League of Women Voters, and Alan Samry, Mashpee Enterprise.
Dr. Petti, Chairperson, called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Public Comment… None.
Approval of Minutes
Ruth Maney motioned to accept the minutes of September 12, 2002 as corrected; this was seconded by Ed Larkin; and all approved, except Cathy Bowmar, who abstained.
Dr. Petti welcomed the invited participant attendees and asked if everyone got a copy of the Charter Commission Mission Statement. For the record, Dr. Petti read the Mission Statement. She then explained the format that would be followed in this session…You give us ideas; discuss anything you like; tell us about anything you wish to about things you like or dislike. Afterwards Committee may ask some questions.
Jerry added…we’re here to learn, not to make any judgments, so please feel free to tell us what you do.
Diane… Role of Town Accountant’s office is basically for an efficient and effective accounting system. It acts as a hub. Everything eventually ends up in the Accounting Office. Deals with all Department Heads, as well as all administrative personnel. All Mass General Laws followed. They also do all expenditures and the receipts for the school departments. Budget right now: $38-Million (school and town); up to $50-Million (including grants and capital programs).
Diane is appointed by Board of Selectmen. Term: 3 years. Evaluated every year by Town Administrator. Is Union member.
During discussion among various members of the group it was noted that almost all appointees belong to the Union and as part of the union they cannot be refused re-appointment without cause. Union is International Union.
Ed asked if term, etc. to her liking?
Diane said she has no problem with the current system.
David Bailey… Board of Assessors elected to 3-year term. As a Union employee, he’s appointed by Board of Selectmen. Perhaps it should be Board of Assessors who appoints Assessor? Legislation that governs Board of Assessors is not clearly worded. Not a big issue…they have not had an appointment where it has been an issue.
Board of Assessors mandated by Law to perform certain functions. They don’t physically perform those functions. Assessor does so in name of Board of Assessors. Therefore Assessors should have final say on at least who Department Head is.
David stated his department’s responsibilities and identified all taxes they administer. In addition, he noted they handle qualified exemptions; maintain Town mapping system; etc.
Marcia… Also believes there is no problem since Board of Selectmen have always deferred to Board of Assessors in the past.
Following discussions, one issue for Charter Commission to look into: Have Assessor(s) appointed by Board of Assessors, rather than by Board of Selectmen?
Leslie… He’s been Assessor for 12 years and has seen a lot of changes; Union gives department heads security. State Laws re Assessors are a little nebulous. Under Union Contract Dave reports to Town Administrator. In the past, Town Administrators recognized problem so the annual evaluation went to Assessors and they sent comments to Administrator. Ultimately State Legislature has to look at laws that are archaic and change them. Re-Evaluation done prior to David was poor. David did everything in-house and saved the town hundreds of thousands of dollars. Board of Assessors is absolutely necessary. One thing, Board has to be taxpayer’s advocate when it comes to Re-Evaluation or any year in between. If you get abatement application or an exemption taxpayer claiming he didn’t get what he needed Board and David have to evaluate and make decision.
MaryAnne… Position went from elected to appointed when she was hired. She’s appointed by Board of Selectmen for a 1-year term. She is not a Union member. Her department does all taxes and payroll. Also handles School. Suggestion for radical change: What about School being own district separate from Town? They’d handle own finances. They’d use their business manager. They’d have assessment similar to Vo-Tech.
Ed…Is this term adequate?
MaryAnne responded that she thinks 3 years is more logical. It was 3-year term when elected position. Most towns going to appointed Tax Collector rather than elected. Ed stated that if MaryAnne could submit some reasons why 3-year term vs. 1-year term is better that would be beneficial to the Commission.
Richard asked all who have staff: Who appoints your staff now, and who do you think it should be?
Board of Selectmen does appointments. Department Head brings 3 candidates to Selectmen and then they appoint.
Debbie… For her Department, she is the appointing authority for 2 clerical, union employees. Board of Selectmen is appointing authority for part-time non-union position. That’s in the Union contract.
There followed in-depth discussions regarding who should be appointing authority and also personnel board … some of the thoughts:
Marcia…Asked why are you going here? You cannot go here.
Open Town Meeting…When asked whether or not they favor keeping open town meeting, all gave resounding “Absolutely”.
Ed read language that most charters use in connection with Board of Assessor responsibilities.
Marcia…Why do you need Consultant? It’s supposed to be simple?
Ed responded that no 2 towns operate alike. You hire consultant to do it right. Dr. Petti added that from when Charter done in ’87-’88 now everything different. You need help. Marcia asked: Aren’t you writing Charter? According to minutes it appears that way.
Debbie…What happens if you deem system we have now is fine…then what? Ed responded that
Marcia…Regarding Water District…Are you doing this? Response was “no”, never intended. This was just question that was raised.
Marcia…Do you think Charter Commission above contract rules of MGL? Ed responded that regarding hiring consultant, yes, we are. But it was noted that we did get other proposals.
All invited participants, except Deborah Dami, left the meeting at 8:15 p.m.
Interview with Town Clerk
Cathy started by asking Debbie…What can we do for Town Clerk?
Debbie…Outlined responsibilities of Town Clerk Office such as:
Debbie made suggestion to keep Town Hall open one night a week and negotiate with Union to close, say, Friday afternoon. Richard asked: How about opening on Saturday? Debbie responded that feedback is residents would prefer a weeknight to a Saturday opening.
Right now system not available where Town Clerk’s office can check to see if taxes paid when issuing stickers. Probably in 2 years they’ll be able to do this. Debbie would like to improve by perhaps going to bar coding system or speed pass-type system. Her goal: Strive to make easier environment for Mashpee Residents.
Debbie would like Town Clerk position to be kept as an elected position.
Suggestion: Increase size of boards from 3 to 5, including ZBA. Question: Any elected ZBA’s?
Debbie exited the meeting at 8:25 p.m. The Charter Commission then continued with their regular meeting.
Communications
Old Business
Dr. Petti asked the group whether or not they would like to hold a raffle in order to raise money? Consensus was that Charter Commission not hold a raffle.
Schedule of Future Meetings—All at 7 p.m. in Town Hall
Next meeting will be Thursday, October 10, 2002, rather than October 9.
Ed said hopefully we’ll have Curran contract in hand then and, perhaps have Mr. Curran at this meeting.
Public Comment…None.
ADJOURNMENT
Cathy Bowmar motioned the meeting be adjourned; Ruth Maney seconded the motion; and it was unanimously approved. The meeting adjourned at 9 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jean Giliberti
Recording Secretary