By-Law/Charter Review Committee Meeting

TOWN OF HARWICH

By-Laws/Charter Review Committee

MEETING MINUTES

Town Hall Library

Wednesday January 25, 2017 @ 6:30 pm

In attendance:  Anita Doucette, Don Howell, Joe Powers, Deborah Sementa

Absent: Katie O’Sullivan

Call to Order

Chairman Don Howell called the meeting to order @ 6:31pm.

Approval of Minutes

Minutes from the January 17, 2017 meeting were unanimously approved. Minutes from the January 10, 2017 minutes were unanimously approved. Minutes from the September 20, 2016 meeting were approved with Joe Powers abstaining from the vote.

Old Business

Don Howell shared the outcome of his presentation at the January 23, 2017 Board of Selectmen meeting. Chairmen Howell presented the Bylaw/Charter Committee’s proposed amendments to the Harwich Home Rule Charter to be approved by the voters at the next annual town meeting. The only comment received was Selectman Julie Kavanagh suggestion of changing part of the language to Chapter 7 § 7-13-2, Golf Committee, from “The committee shall recommend governing policies relating to the maintenance and operation…” to “The committee shall recommend governing policies relating to the operation and maintenance…” A motion was made and seconded to accept Selectmen’s Kavanagh’s amendment. The vote was unanimous.

Discussion continued regarding changes to Town Bylaws to make consistent with Charter. Don Howell feels that bylaw changes go through the Special Town Meeting since these recommended amendments have no financial implications. There was also discussion regarding how amendments to the Charter are reflected in the Bylaws. It was agreed that Don Howell go back to the Board of Selectmen for clarification on addressing this issue.

New Business

No new business was discussed.

The Committee agreed to meet again on Tuesday, February 7, 2017 @ 6:30pm.

Meeting adjourned at 7:57pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Deborah A. Sementa

Recording Secretary