Town Government Structure Committee (TGSC)
Minutes of October 19, 2016
Wheeler Library
Call to order by Chairman Paul Simonds.
Present: Daniel Smith, Bill Ricker, Paul Simonds, Nita Kincaid, Anne Nelson and Dan Spring.
Guests: Nate Lynch, New London Day Reporter, Shawn Murphy, First Selectman
Absent: Diana Urban
The purpose of this meeting was to discuss with Shawn the “gaps” in town government that need to be identified in order to determine the best “structure” for the Town of North Stonington.
Shawn’s response:
-No drastic changes in town
-Find businesses that will supplement our lifestyle, sustains town’s tax base
-Business growth town would benefit from
-Not into tourism, maintain rural character (not a destination place)
-Room for development in our commercial zone
-Grow with business and residence, need younger people in town
-Other housing opportunities besides McMansions
-Aging community-change that
-Growth in our schools, infrastructure
-Plan of Conservation and Development=Book of ideas
Currently no action plan for POCD. Not prioritized or targeted actions. Some progress with P&Z regulations, more friendly. Framework for what the town wants.
No organized effort to act on these ideas why? Strong planner needed
Planning and Zoning needs to move forward with POCD.
Is it because we do not have the time or staff to do take the initiative? Too much for one person.
Discussed town manager/administrator; need to define duties
1st Selectman: Policy making, boards, COG responsive to community as well
Outsourcing work and sharing with other communities
Clearly identify gaps in current structure. What gaps that individuals may fill job description and combining jobs?
What is the expectation of town residents, keep them informed. Budget=financial expertise.
A town manager/administrator would put together budget.
GAPS include: Policy making, Budget, Communication, Planning and day to day permits, etc.
Consider planner & economic development (administrator/planner)
Delegation of duties and responsibilities.
Emergency Medical services plan needed.
If you were to hire a professional town manager, timing for budget important.
(Refer to Iowa Study)
Town Administrator/Manager
-List of criteria about what this person would do.
POCD= obligations to move that plan forward. Need action plan. BOF=Responsible for hire/fire manager.
Changing regulations, keep up to date and seeking our grants. Potential grant writer or sharing with other communities. Perhaps part-time position within planning department.
POCD is a guide, map and vision. What structure of government will drive that plan?
Review POCD for next meeting=how to get there and job that will best fit its execution.
Annual Town Meeting-strategic view based on POCD, a guide for the BOF. Prioritize in budget, tool that feeds into the objectives of annual town meeting.
-Move forward with POCD. How, when, what, prioritize and who will do?
-No capital improvement plan as a group
-What needs to be done to meet goals
-Review POCD and discuss next session/economic development strategy
Unanimous support to review POCD for next meeting, which will be a workshop on October 25, 2016 at 7:30 Wheeler Library.
Standard meeting to discuss options for creation of position. Decisions of town not based on politics as it is an inhibitor. Communication very difficult in this town.
Meeting Adjourned at 9:00 pm.
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