Littleton Weighs Town Manager Transition, Sets Special Town Meeting
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Meeting Date:
06/10/2024
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Recording Published:
06/11/2024
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Duration:
124 Minutes
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Middlesex County
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Towns:
Littleton
- Meeting Overview:
The Littleton Board of Selectmen’s recent meeting addressed several substantive issues, but two topics stood out for their potential long-term impact on the town’s governance and policies. The board delved into a discussion about a potential transition from a Town Administrator form of government to a Town Manager form, a move that could reshape the town’s administrative structure. Additionally, the board set a date for a special town meeting.
While the discussion revealed a general favorability towards the idea, the board recognized the need for a careful and thorough process. The potential transition sparked debate on topics such as the possible need for more manpower to support the process and whether a Town Manager would improve coordination and communication within the town’s administrative functions. The board agreed to continue the conversation and consider forming a committee to explore the transition further.
In planning for the near future, the board voted to hold a special town meeting on October 29th at the middle school. The board’s approval of the meeting schedule, to be sent out to all board chairs, also included discussions on the meeting frequency during the summer months and the scheduling of a tax classification informational session for November 4th.
Another item on the agenda was the board’s authorization to execute the purchase and sale for the Webster property. The board also tackled the need to establish an Animal Control Officer position as the town’s agreement with Foxboro for these services was concluding. The board ventured into a discussion about the job description, reporting structure, and budget implications before voting to approve the new position.
The Parks and Recreation Department provided updates on several community initiatives, including the installation of a permanent walkway at Long Lake Beach, events on the horizon, and the installation of a communication sign for individuals on the autism spectrum at a local park. These updates reflect ongoing efforts to improve local amenities and the quality of life for residents.
The board also discussed the future of the town orchard, debating long-term solutions, fiscal responsibility, and whether to form a working group to address leasing and maintenance concerns. The urgency of addressing the orchard’s maintenance and the clarity on funding for tree removal were issues. The board considered the implications of an agricultural preservation restriction for the barn on the property and the importance of public engagement in the decision-making process.
Furthermore, the meeting touched upon the need to fill vacancies on town boards, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s notification of a local oil spill, and an advisory from the Alcohol Beverage Control Commission concerning hemp-derived CBD products. The board also took up matters concerning public school and town staff 20b exemptions and approved them after a discussion that highlighted the need to simplify the exemption forms.
With the police and fire departments’ approval, the board voted on extending the event’s hours, illustrating support for local community organizations.
Education was also on the agenda, with the meeting starting off with a visit to three elementary schools and discussions about the new Shaker Lane Elementary School project. The Studio G team and Turner Construction representatives outlined their experience, community engagement plans, and the importance of adhering to schedules to maximize reimbursement from the Massachusetts School Building Authority.
Lastly, the select board addressed the conduct of public hearings. While acknowledging legal limitations, the board emphasized the right of the public to be heard on various issues.
James Duggan
City Council Officials:
Gary Wilson, Charles DeCoste, Mark Rambacher, Matthew Nordhaus, Karen Morrison
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Meeting Date:
06/10/2024
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Recording Published:
06/11/2024
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Duration:
124 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Middlesex County
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Towns:
Littleton
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