HomeMy WebLinkAbout1966-11-11-STG-min.pdf Structure of Town Government
November 11, 1966
Present Adams, Scharfman, Battin,Russian, Bryson.
No one absent and no guests.
Scharfman reported on National Municipal League Conference just concluded
in Boston. Recall of Town Manager can be written into a charter and
permits citizens to act if they feel manager has been dismissed without
cause. Norfolk, Va., a city, has active citizens group and feels they
have lots of citizen participation.
Russian concurred with committee 's vote not to consider city form of
government for Lexington at this time.
Bryson chaired meeting which was devoted to Lexington Recreation needs.
Bryson talked with Zaleski at length. Zaleski and Bortini Jerked during
the summer on recreation planning and have an up to date plan. The Rec-
reation Committee had a plan 5 years ago which no one has seen. Zaleski
was not enthusiastic about our idea of a separate ad hoc recreation
conuittee, although he could see value in it when plans need to co sold
to the Town Mtng. Discussion with Harden and Lexington Youth Cormaittee
have taken place. Hayden has no plans for an outdoor pool. Two-thirds
of the children ldren in Le xignton signing up for swi..ming could not be serviced
at t.:e I:.unicipal pool last summer No one is thinking of a pool and
charging fe s for maintenance
Zaleski has a detailed plan for acquiring recreation land but has probably
not coordinated his ideas with the Conservation Com fission.
Discussion centered around the question whether we should set up a
separate, autonomous committee, even if only for a short term, or
whether the recreation needs can be handeled by a sub-committee of tae
Planning Board. If the Planning Boarcrere 'relieved of time consuming
functions, such as sub division control, they might have the time for
recreation planning. Zaleski and John Carroll could take care of much
more, perhaps could even sign sub division control statements.
Committee decided to meet with Planning Board to ascertain their opinions
on (1) reducing the 5 year term, (2) delegating sub divion control .rork,
(3) earlier closing dates for citizen articles, (4) appointing the ^laniinb
Board by Selectmen or Town Manager, and (5) coordinating, the recreation,
conservation, and parks functions of the Town. In addition we rill discuss
ideas the Planning Board may wish to bring IAD LL
coo; I; `# •� It:.sFsr` is to 'r)
�I In order to help the Planning Board -Sal-die its Avon 3 aad', Bryson moved
and the committee voted unanimously "A mandatory written report by the
Planning Board, with a recommendation tp the Town Meeting, .shpuld bo a
'condition precedent' for a town meeting vote on propositions brougit in
regard to land acquisition, development of town owned land, and physical
planning in general. "
Next meeting Trill be at Alan Adams ' house on Nov. 30 to discuss a
building committee for Lexington. Meeting with planning Board sot
for Dec. 11 at 8 00 at Adams ' house
Respectfullyfysubmitted,
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