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Structure of Totem Government
September 8, 1960
with Board of Selectmen
Present from Board of Selectmen Cole, Cataldo, Burnell, Sheldon, Mabee
Present from Committee Mrs. Battin, Mrs. Scharfman, Bryson, Russian
(Hagedorn resigned)
Observers Mrs Earsy (LW of Lexington) , Richard Battin.
Battin opened meeting by summarizing reactions received to date,from
various Boards and individuals, to TI:I.MA report. Cole would like to
discuss this material some time.
Bryson questioned whether Board of Selectmen can be both managers
and policy makers. Shedlon explained that Alan Gray now does most
of the administrative work and we should get list of his duties as
assigned by Selectmen six months ago. Cole explained that his duties
are assigned at the discretion of the Board.
Cataldo feels the Selectmen have jurisdiction over fewer matters
than people think. Board is a policy-making group now. Mabee added
tha4 even a Town Manager would confer with Selectmen.
Bryson asked if the Selectmen could take on additional respon-
sibilities such as the the planning function. Cole thinks Planning
Board could be appointed by Selectmen but would function as now, He
continued that more competent people might be attracted if Board
were appointed, Cole thinks next step for Lex. would be exec. secre-
tary to implement policy of Selectmen. At present, Gray is not a
personnel man nor a purchasing agent. Sheldon disagrees, e„ec sec.
in Brookline parallels what Gray does here. Discussion on whether
a statutory change is needed to increase responsibilities of Gray
resulted in agreement that it is necessary because Boards of Selectmen
change over the years.
Shedlon described the vast differences between the way Lex, is
run today and many years ago. Much more business like now; Selectmen
must retain excstive function and personnell decisions to be effective;
agreed that Selectmen have no interest in planning function but appoint-
ment would insure more qualified people.
Bryson explained his idea for a nominating caucus. Soleitmen in
general feel that present sytem works and caucus may remove people
from directly choosing their representatives. Mabee thinks TMI.A.
could serve this function on an informal basis but would reject a
formalized structure. Perhaps a shorter term would attract more candisa. tes.
Much discussion on where consolidation is needed. C„taldo feels
need primarly in business aspect of running town, thinks we have too
many "free floating employees". Mabee believes conflict is healthy.
In discussing broader function for Planning Boards, e.g, including
Recreation, Cole again pointed out that checks and balances are helpful.
Selectmen seam agreed that t:ere is no need for consolidation in
policy making functions of Town eovornment.
Selectmen like idea of a Committee for Public Safety. Fire
Commissioners established to solve a specific problem which does
not exist anY more.
C_ ,Aaj
Sept. 8 Structure of Town Government page 2
Selectmen do not agree vith Bryson that present structure
of Recreation Committee prevent innovative use of that function;
they believe it is a questions of people only. Mabee thinks structure
is always less important than people. Battin pointed out that we
need a structure where p&Ople feel effective.
Russian recommended a unified sytem for land acquisition.
Cataldo agreed and thinks Selectmen should do it. Mabee e;.plained that
we are working toward that goal already, Conservation Comm. and Select-
men are only ones doing it now.
Selectmen are aware of problems arising from th9 growing need
of many for help from Town Counsel. They feel public and Boards
should learn to use Alan Gray for many of these problems.
Selectmen see no reason to fear political influence in appointing
Town Clerk. This is an administrative office, not policy making.
Treasurer and Collector should be appointed for same reasons; Cole
doesn't feel strongly about t_iis issue.
Although Cataldo agrees with Mabee that we must be careful not
to overstructure this town, he thinks year long communication between
commitees should be spelled out in the by-laws, otherwise it isn't done
Respectfully submitted,
laza, taa,./..)
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