The absence of a full committee has led to an urgent need for reorganization. In a bid to maintain functionality, the Vice Chair assumed the role of Chair, supported by a newly appointed Vice Chair and Clerk. This restructuring aims to ensure the committee can effectively tackle its responsibilities, despite the reduced membership.

Dave Passios, a former committee member, expressed surprise at the diminished numbers during public comments. He raised concerns about the draft warrant’s language, which referred to a “fall town meeting” instead of a “special town meeting,” as the charter only allows one town meeting per fiscal year. Additionally, he questioned the establishment of a revolving account for the Council on Aging, pointing out potential issues with spending oversight.

The committee’s discussions delved into several warrant articles for the special town meeting. Article Two, proposed by the school committee, requested an additional $31,800.82 for the Chapter 70 account. However, the specific use of these funds remained unclear, prompting suggestions to invite school committee representatives to future public hearings for further clarification.

In addressing Article Three, which pertains to the Lunenburg Mart Connect Transportation program, the committee noted the program’s expansion to include rides to Emerson, the only institution outside the designated service area. This collaboration received positive feedback from the members.

The session also touched on Article Six, which proposed establishing a revolving fund for the Council on Aging meals program. The fund would require adherence to statutory accounting standards, with an estimated spending limit of $116,000 for the fiscal year. Members discussed the procedural steps needed to set up this fund, emphasizing the need for transparency and alignment with best practices.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on employee benefits and recruitment challenges. Proposed changes included modifying vacation policies, offering prorated benefits for part-time employees, and implementing a town-wide sick leave bank. The committee considered adjustments to the town’s wage structure, recognizing the competitive job market and the need for recruitment incentives.

These discussions extended to Article Nine, which aimed to streamline the hiring process and introduce a merit award program to recognize employees’ efforts. The committee weighed the potential impact of these changes on employee morale and retention, emphasizing the importance of fairness and inclusivity.

Additionally, the meeting addressed a proposal to allow the town to enter into contracts with department heads, extending the maximum contract term to three years. This change seeks to standardize contract lengths across departments and introduce merit-based pay increases. Concerns were raised about consolidating authority within the town manager’s office, highlighting the need for checks and balances.

Lastly, the Town Manager Search Committee update revealed progress in the search for a new town manager, with a requisition posted to the Massachusetts Municipal Association. The committee anticipates narrowing down candidates for interviews by January.