Julian Hines was unanimously elected as the temporary chair for a term of three meetings, following a clear nomination and voting process. Andy Churchill was similarly appointed as the temporary vice chair for two meetings, with all but one member in favor. The election process included self-nominations and brief statements of qualifications.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the format and scheduling of future meetings to improve public accessibility. The council acknowledged the challenge of finding a time that suited all members and emphasized the importance of evening meetings to allow greater public participation. The idea of hybrid meetings, combining in-person and virtual attendance, was highlighted as a means to accommodate diverse schedules and enhance engagement.

The council debated the pros and cons of in-person versus virtual meetings. Some members advocated for in-person meetings to foster better interaction, while others stressed the necessity of virtual formats for broader public involvement. A consensus emerged to prioritize virtual meetings, with the possibility of hybrid formats as resources allowed. The next meeting was scheduled for October 3rd at 6 PM, primarily on Zoom.

Public engagement was another critical focus. Members discussed proactive strategies such as conducting surveys, holding listening sessions, and tabling at community events. These efforts aim to gather diverse input from various geographic, racial, and economic groups within the town. One member emphasized the importance of clarifying when speaking as an individual rather than on behalf of the committee to prevent misunderstandings.

The council also addressed the procedural aspects of their operations, particularly in relation to open meeting laws. They agreed that new topics should not be introduced after 7:45 PM, with meetings generally ending by 8 PM to ensure discussions. The importance of compliance with open meeting laws was reiterated, especially for newer members, who were cautioned against discussing committee business outside formal meetings or via email.

A public commenter raised concerns about ranked choice voting, which had not been implemented despite being included in the charter. The council was urged to prioritize this issue, potentially allowing the town council to put it before voters for reconsideration. The legal implications of such a move were acknowledged, with mention of constitutional restrictions on election procedures.

The meeting concluded with discussions on public comment methods and the need for structured feedback mechanisms. The council considered creating dedicated social media accounts for better communication and engagement. A member noted the successful use of a Facebook page by the charter commission.

Looking ahead, the next meeting’s agenda will include topics such as legal advice, reviewing the committee’s charge, and examining community charter review reports from other municipalities. Members were encouraged to gather relevant documents for discussion, with a reminder to distinguish between logistical coordination and sharing opinions to maintain compliance with open meeting laws.