AGENDA
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2007
6:30 p.m. - Convene Meeting - Conference Room 1
MINUTES
APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS
6:30 Public Comment
School Committee - Joint Appointment School Committee Member
COMMUNICATIONS & CORRESPONDENCE
OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
MMR ISSUES
ENVIRONMENTAL OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Board of Selectmen
Minutes
August 29, 2007
Present: Selectman Cook, Selectman Cahalane,
Selectman Green, Selectman Taylor
Assistant Town Manager René Read
Absent: Selectman Myers
Meeting Called to Order by Chairman Cook at 6:30 p.m.
Town Hall, Conference Room #1
APPOINTMENTS AND HEARINGS:
Public Comment: None at this time.
School Committee – Joint Appointment School Committee Member:
The Board of Selectmen met in joint convention with the School Committee for the purpose of filling the School Committee vacancy created by the resignation of Rebecca Romkey.
In attendance was School Committee members MaryRose Grady, Janice Mills, Ralph Marcelli and Richard Bailey.
Due to a scheduling conflict, Selectman Myers was unable to attend the meeting. It was disclosed Selectman Cook, liaison to the School Committee attended the interviews of the three candidates who submitted letters of interest to serve on the School Committee. The following candidates submitted letters of interest and attended the interview session; Kathy Lynch, Kathy Stanley and Peter Cohen.
The recommended School Committee candidate would serve on the School Committee in an interim capacity until the May of 2008 election.
Rationale for the referenced appointment determined the School Committee with a quorum of four lacked the ability to conduct normal business functions if votes taken were deemed an impasse.
Ms. Grady read aloud a statement prepared by the School Committee that detailed the interview process in an equal manner. The memorandum indicated the School Committee voted unanimously to recommend the appointment of Kathy Stanley.
In addition to Ms. Stanley’s experience in the School system, Ms. Stanley has made note of her intention to serve out the current un-expired term of Ms. Romkey, and intends to stand for election in May of 2008 for one of the seats that will then be available on the School Committee. Ms. Stanley also has children attending Mashpee schools. This is of particular relevant since none of the current members have children attending Mashpee schools.
It was agreed the three candidates have impressive resumes and would equally qualify for the position. However, the matter was debated. The Selectmen expressed concern with regards to the upcoming budget process and budgetary constraints of the Town of Mashpee.
The Selectmen voiced support for the appointment of Kathy Lynch. Ms. Lynch has extensive experience as a former School Committee member and also served on the Finance Committee. She is keenly aware of the budget process and is knowledgeable of all budgetary aspects and School Committee functions. It was agreed that it takes time to learn the duties and objectives of this important position.
Motion made by Selectman Taylor to appoint Kathleen Lynch to the School Committee to fill the vacancy created by Rebecca Romkey.
Motion seconded by Selectman Cahalane.
Roll Call Vote:
Selectman Cook, yes School Committee member Grady, no
Selectman Cahalane, yes School Committee member Mills, no
Selectman Green, yes School Committee member Marcelli, no
Selectman Taylor, yes School Committee member Bailey, no
Selectman Myers, absent
VOTE: 4-4. Tie Vote. Motion does not carry.
The School Committee further discussed their rationale for the appointment of Ms. Stanley. The Selectmen gave their review from a broader perspective and disclosed the School Department is presently without a business administrator and a special education director. For the benefit of the Town as a whole, the Selectmen agreed to support the appointment of Ms. Lynch since she has the skills necessary “to hit the ground running” to assist the School Committee in a time of budgetary constraints.
There was no further action. The Selectmen agreed to continue the meeting with a full quorum of the Board of Selectmen.
Motion made by Selectman Cahalane to continue the Joint Appointment of a School Committee Member to a time agreeable with the Board of Selectman and School Committee.
Motion seconded by Selectman Taylor.
VOTE: Unanimous. 4-0.
Adjournment:
Motion made by Selectman Taylor to adjourn at 7:05 p.m.
Motion seconded by Selectman Cahalane.
VOTE: Unanimous. 4-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen M. Soares
Secretary to the Board of Selectmen
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