1998-07-BOS-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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61-194 Selectmen’s Meeting – July 20, 1998 Mr. Enrich feels there is a very long list of committees that are hanging out there unconnected to the Board and staff. The Board needs to think of ways to tighten connections that would be constructive for the committees and the Board and the larger community. The Board believes it would be a good idea to create a schedule where once or twice a year committees came and talked about their objectives and how their programs are proceeding. The Board needs to establish communication, give them some visibility, and let the citizens come and let their concerns be known. Mr. White suggested that the Chairmen’s Breakfast that used to be held yearly in September that started at 7:30 a.m. might be an appropriate way to begin to discuss the change in relationships. Mr. Fenn thinks we need to set up the new communication channels with a lot of sensitivity to make sure we are not trying to invade their area of expertise. The thing that stimulates volunteerism is the fact they have been given a job and run with it.They won’t appreciate having the Selectmen looking over their shoulder all the time. The Committees may be out there doing a great job unrecognized and thinking that the Board is not paying attention to them and why are they doing this. Mr. Busa suggests a letter to each Committee chair informing them that the Board has gone through the liaison list and who the liaison is. Extend an invitation for them to invite the liaison to a meeting in whatever capacity that they feel they want. They should understand the liaison is available to them for whatever needs they can provide. Should go to all committees. The Chairs breakfast should wait until September. The letter will be prepared now and include the possibility of a Chair Breakfast to talk over relationships. Mr. Enrich will put together a letter with the help of the Selectmen’s Office. Caleb Warner would like a yes or no on the Watershed Management Committee. Includes brook cleaning and working with the Cambridge Reservoir and other watersheds. Mr. White says it has been his proposal to establish the committee, make recommendations to the Board, and have the Board approve the appointments. It is his feeling that this is a committee that has a large policy implication that the Board has an interest in. It also has an operational point of view where there should be some operational input. Mr. White will check if he has the concurrence of the Conservation Commission. Operation Updates Cemetery Fence Mr. Woodbury stated that the cemetery fence has been a project being looked at for a long time. The original plan was to try to restore the existing fence. Mr. Woodbury has been unable to get an estimate on repairing the fence because it is in such a deplorable condition. Mr. Woodbury found there was not anything unique about the fence; it is very close in style to off-the-shelf