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STRUCTURE OF TOWN GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE
1968 ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
On March 3, 1969 the voters of Lexington will be asked to decide
the question of adopting a Selectmen-Town Manager Plan for Lexington.
Under this plan, the Town Meeting retains all of its powers and the basic
structure of Town government is preserved. The administration of the
Town, however, would be centralized under a full-time professional admin-
istrator whose powers and duties are clearly spelled out. He would be
appointed by and be responsible to the elected Selectmen. Freeing the
Selectmen from administrative detail would allow them to concentrate on
the broad issues of public policy and the solution of major town problems
The Appropriation and Capital Expenditures Committees would retain their
present independent advisory role and the Planning Board continues an i
elected body
The proposed plan was drafted by the Structure of Town Government
Committee, a five member, Moderator appointed committee created by vote
of the 1966 Annual Town Meeting for the purpose of studying the structure
of the Town's government, preparing an official report on its findings and
recommendations, and drafting any legislation that might be necessary to
implement these recommendations
Based on intensive study and numerous meetings with Town officials
and interested citizens, the structure of Town Government Committee con-
cluded that the growing magnitude of Town operations has revealed certain
structural weaknesses in Lexington government These weaknesses (outlined
in the 1967 Annual Town Report) are inherent in the present structure of
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Town,government and do not represent an indictment of competent, dedicated
citizen participants and employees.
The Committee drafted a preliminary plan for an improved form of
administration which was published in the Minute Man on February 1, and I ;{
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distributed with an abridgement to all Town Meeting members After a
series of public hearings, a final Selectmen-Town Manager plan was drafted
and distributed with an accompanying explanation to all registered voters
in March. After amending the plan to retain an elected Planning Board, the
June 1968 Town Meeting voted overwhelmingly to petition the General Court
for action to place the question before the voters in March 1969 The
General Court subsequently enacted the requested legislation without amend-
ment.
The June 1968 Town Meeting voted to continue the Structure of Town
Government Committee for the purpose of explaining the Selectmen-Town
Manager plan to the voters With the support and encouragement of other
agencies in Town government, the Committee will concentrate on ensuring
the widest possible dissemination of factual information regarding the pro-
posed change in administration. Consequently, as the plan now varies in
substance as well as wording from the proposal sent to the voters in March,
a copy of the plan with accompanying abridgement and explanation will be
send to each household the end of January Explanatory newspaper articles
will be published in February Members of the Committee are available
as speakers to any Town organization or group which wishes further explan-
ation and discussion, and written explanatory information will also be
provided upon request to any interested organizations Under the auspices of
the TMMA, a town-wide information meeting will be held in February to
further citizen understanding of the changes proposed.
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11/1/72
MEETING OF SELECTMEN AND FORMER STRUCTURE OF TOWN GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE
Wednesday, November 8, 4 p.m.,Selectmen's Meeting Room
TO DISCUSS THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TOWN MANAGER PLAN
In order to provide a framework in which to evaluate the operation of the Town Manager
Plan we restate the original objectives of the Act we presented.
POLICY MAKING & COORDINATION, CITIZEN PARTICIPATION, RESPONSIVENESS TO
THE ELECTORATE
1 To free the Selectmen from administrative duties to concentrate on broad issues of
public policy, the establishment of priorities and the setting of goals --- allow
them to effect coordination .among all aspects of planning: physical, social, economic,
metropolitan and regional They would be able to consider broader planning issues
and to develop more completely integrated policies and programs
2. To improve liaison among existing boards and committees
3. To provide quicker and more effective implementation of plans and policies
4. To increase the effectiveness of appointed boards and commissions and attract a wider
spectrum of volunteers to serve on them by relieving them of time-consuming adminis-
trative concerns
5. To strengthen the Town Meeting by providing through the Town Manager a continuous
source of information and analysis of town operations and a specified agent responsible
for implementing and reporting on actions directed by the Town Meeting
6. To provide a central focal point to which the average citizen could turn for assistance
and information
IMPROVEMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATING EFFICIENCY
1. To coordinate operating departments
2. To coordinate planning for the use of equipment
3 . To centralize services such as duplicating , addressing and mailing
4. To centralize purchasing, maintenance and personnel; management
5. To develop a more integrated financial operation including early preparation and
submission of budgets
6. To strengthen legal and inspection services
7. To establish a central repository for data , studies , reports and minutes
8. To provide staff support and a communications channel to citizen boards , committees
and commissions
AGENDA
I -DISCUSS THE ISSUE ARE THE ABOVE STATED OBJECTIVES BEING MET ?
II. IF NOT, CAN WE IDENTIFY THE REASONS ?
A. Ambiguity In the Act (intent of framers not clear) ?
B. Intent clear but provision or requirement not feasible In operation ?
C. Intent clear but in conflict with general laws and by-laws and resolution not
readily apparent?
D. Lack of staff
E. Other reasons ?
III. DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE MECHANISMS FOR HANDLING PROBLEMS IDENTIFIED ABOVE