The primary focus of the meeting was on interviewing candidates for the Town Administrator role. Brian Morard, a former Select Board member, was the first to be interviewed. Morard highlighted his extensive background in telecommunications and public service, emphasizing his project management and budgeting skills. He discussed his approach to communication within the town, proposing new methods to enhance outreach, including the use of social media experts and signboards. Morard also addressed the importance of effective pre-town meeting discussions to help residents understand warrant articles better.

Another aspect of the meeting was the discussion on budget preparation and contract negotiations. Various participants shared their experiences with municipal budgeting, emphasizing a collaborative team approach involving department heads and financial personnel. The necessity of clear communication and early engagement with departments was stressed to ensure effective budget advocacy. Participants also elaborated on their experiences with contract negotiations, particularly within the school system and the Department of Public Works (DPW), highlighting the complexities of these discussions and the importance of listening to all parties involved.

The topic of housing was also addressed, with a focus on the town’s comprehensive plan and efforts to enhance affordable housing opportunities. Candidates discussed their experiences with zoning bylaws and accessory dwelling units (ADUs). One candidate shared their involvement in revising zoning bylaws in Edgartown to clarify homeowners’ rights regarding ADUs, which are referred to as guest houses there. The goal was to minimize the need for extensive planning board or zoning board adjudication by establishing straightforward criteria for homeowners.

Environmental projects, particularly improvements to the wastewater treatment plant, were another key topic. Participants discussed the importance of effectively communicating the reasoning behind such decisions to the community. Additionally, the complexities of grant applications were addressed, with participants advising careful evaluation of potential returns on investment and the benefits of hiring consultants for larger grants.

Douglas Finn, another candidate for the Town Administrator position, shared his background and philosophy on community engagement. Finn emphasized the importance of first-person communication and attending public meetings to foster connections. He advocated for a multi-faceted approach to communication, including traditional methods like mail and modern options like social media. Finn also highlighted the necessity of direct communication with department heads.

The meeting also touched on personnel management and the importance of performance evaluations. One candidate described a situation where uniform cost-of-living raises led to employee dissatisfaction and the implementation of a more robust performance evaluation system that allowed for above-and-beyond raises for high performers. This system was credited with motivating employees and maintaining morale.

Lastly, the Select Board discussed the role of the Town Administrator in managing procurement processes and grants. Participants shared their experiences with procurement projects, emphasizing the importance of adhering to state procurement laws and preparing thorough bid specifications. Grant management was recognized as a vital financial resource for the town, with specific examples of successful grant applications and the need for careful record-keeping to ensure reimbursement.