The resignation of a committee member named Dan was a focal point of the meeting, prompting discussions about the process for filling the vacancy and the impact of his departure on the committee’s work. Athena O’Keeffe was designated to take over the task of compiling minutes, which Dan had previously managed. The committee deliberated whether to select a new member from the existing pool of applicants or solicit new applications, with a 14-day posting period required for new applicants before conducting interviews. Despite concerns about operating with fewer members, it was confirmed that the committee could continue its work as long as a quorum was present.

In response to the resignation, there was an emphasis on the need to address the committee’s staffing and potential restructuring, with plans to revisit this topic at the next meeting. Additionally, members were encouraged to reach out to Dan to gain clarity on the reasons behind his decision to step down.

A substantial portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing outreach strategies and survey development to engage the public in the charter review process. The committee recognized the importance of coordinating outreach efforts with the timeline of reports that need to be presented to the Town Council. It was proposed that the Outreach subcommittee create a draft calendar of activities and work closely with the Colin Center to develop effective survey questions. The Colin Center’s expertise was sought to ensure the survey would be unbiased and productive, with the aim of gathering meaningful insights from town residents.

The committee debated the structure of the survey, considering the inclusion of both general questions about government functionality and specific questions related to the town charter. The need for expert input from the Colin Center was stressed to ensure questions would be framed in a way that encourages public interest and avoids bias. Members agreed that the survey should encompass broader issues related to town governance and provide accessible resources for respondents, such as links to the charter or relevant websites.

Outreach efforts were further expanded to include various community organizations and venues. The committee emphasized the importance of reaching out to a diverse range of stakeholders, including smaller community organizations and student populations. There was a proposal to include a flyer or notice with tax bills to inform residents about the charter review process.

The discussion also touched on the potential inclusion of a legal perspective from KP Law to provide insights and review recommendations to ensure alignment with the town’s interests. The dual role of KP Law as both the town’s legal representative and advisor for the committee was acknowledged, with an understanding that their input would be crucial in safeguarding the town’s interests while considering the committee’s recommendations.

As the meeting drew to a close, members discussed the importance of maintaining a neutral approach to public outreach, avoiding personal biases that could influence the process. The meeting concluded with a consensus to adjourn, with plans to continue addressing these topics in future meetings.