Mashpee Charter Commission

Present: E. Larkin, R. Halpern, R. Maney, J. Blumengarten, D. Arden, J. Bacigalupi, C. Bowmar-Perry (arrived at 7:10 p.m.) and C. Gasior

Absent: None

Invited participants: Maurice Cooper, Chief of Police

Audience: None

A quorum being present, Ed Larkin, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Approval of Minutes

Ruth Maney motioned to accept the minutes of December 12, 2002; this motion was seconded by Juan Bacigalupi and was unanimously approved.

Interviews

• An interview was held with Chief of Police Maurice Cooper. Chief Cooper briefly explained his involvement as an elected Commissioner of the 1982 Mashpee Charter Commission. Chief Cooper discussed his recommendation that this Commission should include in its Preliminary Report a provision which would give the Chief of Police appointing authority within the Police Department’s approved authorized strength and the Board of Selectmen’s annual budget appropriation.

Appointment

A motion was made by Cathy Bowmar, seconded by Juan Bacigalupi to open the nominations to fill the vacancy on the Commission caused by the resignation of Dr. Elizabeth Petti. Carried unanimously. A motion was made by Juan Bacigalupi, seconded by Ruth Maney to appoint Warren Freeman. After a brief discussion, Mr. Freeman’s appointment was confirmed by a 7 to 1 vote. (Mr. Arden voting “no”).

Mr. Larkin was to contact Mr. Freeman and arrange to have him sworn in by the Town Clerk and would notify the newspapers announcing Mr. Freeman’s appointment. Mr. Gasior was to make copies of the Commission meeting minutes for Mr. Freeman.

Next Meeting

Thursday, January 2, 2003 at 7 p.m. at Town Hall.

ADJOURNMENT

Ed Larkin motioned to adjourn the meeting; Ruth Maney seconded the motion; and it was unanimously approved. The meeting adjourned at 7:53 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Charles E. Gasior, Clerk