SELECT BOARD MINUTES FOR MEETING
Tuesday January 28, 2016 7 pm
Holland Town Hall
27 Sturbridge Road
Holland, MA
Present: Lawrence Mandell, Chair
Elias Gillen, Member
Andrew Harhay, Member
Kelli Robbins, Executive Secretary
Mr. Mandell called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm
There were no minutes for approval.
Mr. Mandell explained that the purpose for this meeting is to discuss and conceptually agree on what changes to make to the bylaws.
Mr. Paul Gillis is in attendance to be appointed to the Senior Housing Committee. Mr. Gillen suggested that the appointment of Mr. Gillis be made first so as not to detain Mr. Gillis.
Motion 012816-1, Mr. Mandell, to appoint Paul Gillis to the Senior Housing Committee. 2nd Mr. Harhay. So voted.
Select Board/Finance Board
Discussion of current bylaw requirements pertaining to budget development.
Discussion of cooperative process being utilized this current year and how the current bylaws do not reflect the current process. Mr. Gillen expressed, the current date for submission is unrealistic because no numbers are available from the state for assessments or revenue.
Mr. Harhay suggested language from the Select Board handbook.
Discussion of need for a separate column on the budget presented at town meeting if there are differing opinions between Select Board and Finance Board. Consensus was reached that it would be better to simply place a hold on the article in question at the town meeting.
Consensus on the following outline for updated Select Board and Finance Board bylaw to reflect current process and eliminate any conflicts between either section.
1. Select Board will focus on strategic budgeting, looking at the big picture and providing direction for the Town
2. Budget will be developed collaboratively by the Select Board and the Finance Board.
3. Finance Board will remain responsible for presenting their recommended budget at the public hearing and town meeting.
Mr. Gillen suggested the bylaw update incorporate the language on pages 88 and 89 of the Selectmen’s Handbook, presented by Mr. Harhay.
Capital Planning
Discussion regarding how many members the committee should contain. Mr. Harhay submitted a sample draft. See handout.
It was agreed that the current committee is too large to be tenable. Language from other sources will be considered to reduce the membership and to create a possible definition of responsibilities.
Bylaw Committee
Discussion regarding enlarging the role of the Bylaw Committee to include maintaining a policy manual for the town. The BC would be responsible for keeping a record of any policies voted by the various boards/departments/committees in one central location.
Discussion regarding adding the responsibility to recommend bylaw changes and policy changes; to add to the bylaws where they may be lacking and ensuring there is no conflict with existing bylaws when changes are submitted by other boards/committees/departments.
Lake Oversight Committee
Discussion regarding whether or not to make the Lake Oversight Committee a standing committee. Discussion of drafting bylaw to establish this committee.
Discussion of current activities of LOC.
Motion 012816-2, Mr. Mandell, to make the Lake Oversight Committee a standing committee through a bylaw addition. 2nd Mr. Harhay. Mr. Mandell and Mr. Harhay, for. Mr. Gillen, against. Motion carried.
Ms. Robbins will explore and draft potential language for the suggested changes for presentation to the Select Board.
Motion 012816-3 Mr. Gillen, to adjourn. 2nd Mr. Harhay. So voted. 7:36 PM
Kelli A. Robbins, Esq.
Executive Secretary
Town of Holland
27 Sturbridge Road
Holland, MA 01521
Phone 413-245-7108 EXT. 101
Fax 413-245-7037
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