Minutes of the Advisory Committee on Town Administrator
September 25, 2006
Present: Oliver Fifield, Ben Bynum, Brian Collins, Ken Folsom, Mary Witschonke, Ann Emerson, Catharine Newick
Absent: Briggs Lockwood, Cathy Amico, Chris Blair, Barbie Tilton
The meeting convened with Ben Bynum conducting introductions followed by a conversation to create a structure to the Committee.
Oliver Fifield was appointed as Committee Chair. Brian Collins was appointed to Secretary.
A discussion ensued related to the reports of the MRI consulting group, the status of our current town administrative structure and capacity, and variances with other communities. The group agreed to follow the questions organized by the Selectmen as initial steps.
The group agreed to initially meet on a weekly basis to assure adequate understanding of our charge and to assure mutual understandings.
Sub Committees were formed to address initial tasks.
Catherine Newick will interview town administrative employees to understand work responsibilities. She will bring questions for the group on 10/2/06 to review. It is preferred that at least one other Committee member assist in the interview process. Ben Bynum will bring any job descriptions to the group.
Ken Folsom will review town administrative structures for other similarly sized towns in NH. Ken will use both the internet and the Local Government Center data base and publications.
Brian Collins will conduct interviews with current and former town selectmen. Brian will bring questions to the meeting on 10/2/06 for group review. Although it is preferred to have at least one other Committee member join in the interviews, the group may wish to conduct a joint review with Mike Capone who has researched the Administrator issue after the MRI report was issued last winter.
Mary Witschonke will review town finances ranging from expenses associated in conducting town business to current employee salaries, benefits etc., as well as the growth in the town budget over the past 5-10 years.
Anne Emerson will contact the NH Municipal Association to interview them on issues facing towns via statute, and to help understand the differences between town administrator and manager, as well as other structures that govern in NH.
Ben Bynum agreed to provide, whenever possible, technical assistance to the group. Because Ben works for the town on a part time basis, he may be able to find time to address issues such as locating job descriptions. In addition, Ben will assure communication takes place when necessary (e.g. change of meeting location).
Oliver Fifield asked that whenever possible, to have communication of activities take place in advance to facilitate a 2 hour maximum time limit to all meetings. He also indicated he would work closely with Ben to assist sub-committee activity.
The next meeting will be on October 2, 2006 at the town library.
The meeting concluded at 8:10 p.m.
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