Town Government Structure Committee
Special Meeting, October 25, 2016 @ 7:30 pm
Wheeler Library
Minutes
Call to order by Chairman Paul Simonds.
Present: Daniel Smith, Bill Ricker, Paul Simonds, Nita Kincaid, and Dan Spring.
Absent: Diana Urban, Anne Nelson
Meeting focused on a review and discussion of the Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) and how it relates to the structure of our government.
There was unanimity on two major issues:
• Our commitment to not remove what we have, but to build upon identified needs.
• For growth to occur, we must have “a FT position that wears many hats”.
We supported the POCD recommendations that:
• Water and sewer initiatives have not moved forward fast enough.
• POCD recommendations must be embraced by us all and be the driving force for the town’s growth. First Selectman and selectmen need to be major proponents.
• It will take more money to move forward and this must be driven by the BOS
• We must be willing to make strategic investments in projects & infrastructure to support any expansion. p.47
• We cannot rely upon part time or volunteer efforts of the EDC to implement initiatives
• An effective team needs to be led by an effective town planner for an Action Plan to be implemented.
Salary has significant bearing on our attracting and holding quality staff.
What needs to be put in place to accomplish movement on POCD recommendations?:
• Growth/vision comes from the planner not the First Selectman.
• Improved communication between boards & commissions. Planner can accomplish this.
• Administrative Assistant should attend BOF meetings minimally quarterly.
NOTE: We need to ask for a listing of that position’s ongoing responsibilities.
• First Selectman needs to call in and address chairs of all boards & commissions to reiterate expectations and responsibilities.
Bullets for our attention:
• POCD is our driver
• BOS leads the acceptance of the POCD (starts at the top)
• BOS is the coordinator of all activity
• BOS needs a firmer connect between boards, commissions and department heads.
• Town committees must be responsible & accountable.
• Administrative positions must have a well-defined job description.
• We must optimize what we have now & then identify what we need to add.
• We need to optimize partnerships & outsourcing.
• Efficiency would be enhanced if current Administrative Assistant position did not fill secretarial functions.
Next week:
• Identify what role & function a “position” is needed to move POCD driver forward. Ex: a planner position.
• What investments are needed to move priorities forward?
Ex: Investment is needed in professional development. Suggested workshop on communication skills. Committee recognized that the physical environment of the town hall is improved greatly now structure and communication is needed.
Meeting adjourned @ 9:05pm
Secretary pro tem,
~Bill Ricker
| 