Adams General Government Review Committee Creates Working Plan
ADAMS, Mass. — The General Government Review Committee has created a working plan for the next several months as it continues working on updating the town charter.
Community Paradigm Associates consultant Bernard Lynch created the plan, which will guide the group in future meetings, based on discussions the group has had previously. Topics include town meeting structure, executive and personnel functions, modes of appointment for town officials, financial management and other issues.
Lynch said he hopes the committee is able to complete discussion of one topic per meeting but noted some discussions might take more or less time than others.
"We don't have to make a decision [on a given topic] that night," he said. "I think we should try, if we can, to make decisions as we go on. But if somebody has to be held over for additional information, we can."
Committee Chair Donald Sommer and member George Haddad suggested the committee consult with and invite town employees to speak on some topics. Lynch agreed and said the working plan is subject to change based on feedback and discussions by the board.
"Don't think that this is carved in stone here. As we get into each one, you may say, 'We're getting ready to talk about town administrator responsibilities. Can we have the town administrator of, name the town, talk to us?,'" he said.
Lynch said committee members should be ready to present to the Board of Selectmen on July 20 to showcase of what they have done so far. He said he is hopeful that the group can have its final recommendations ready early in 2023.
"What we'll probably need to do to cover all these topics within the next six to seven months is we're probably going to need to meet every three to four weeks," he said.
Tags: charter review,
