Public Hearing Concerns & Answers: May 6, 2017

The questions below are based on questions raised or comments made and re-phrased into questions from the Commission’s public hearing and are taken from our minutes.  They are organized by hearing (not topic) so that, if interested, one can go back to the minutes and read the context.

1. How do current and Charter proposed government structures compare?
   1. The Charter maintains a Direct Democracy with all significant decisions brought before Annual Town Meeting by citizens.  The Select Board will be responsible for creating a Strategic Plan and policies and the budget to support their goals. The leadership function of the Select Board is re-affirmed.  Existing boards and committee’s mandates continue however, certain boards are now appointed to align their activities with the Strategic Plan.
2. How does the Charter insure/encourage town government interaction/communication with citizens? (Another issue raised – stated the Charter Commission “could do more to communicate with residents.”)
   1. The Charter Preamble notes “inclusionary procedure ensure(s) all voices are heard and all citizens are emboldened to contribute to Harvard’s governance and community spirit.”   At Annual Town Meeting, the Select Board will report on the State of the Town, including a report on the status of the Strategic Plan, and describe current and anticipated actions, issues, and opportunities.  
3. Is there a position of volunteer coordinator?
   1. The commissioners discussed this at length and it is not currently included in the Charter.  This position may be added at any time by the Select Board or at a town meeting.
4. Did the commission consider reducing the number of town committees?
   1. No, however the Select Board may examine the roles and functions of any non-state mandated board or committee and add or remove as deemed necessary.
5. Does the Charter recognize that some committees/boards require more technical expertise than other boards?
   1. Yes, the Select Board will determine through their budgetary process and policy goals the technical expertise needed and seek ways to acquire this expertise.
6. Are committee/board terms staggered or coterminous?
   1. Terms remain staggered terms.
7. Issue with Select Board appointment of board/committee members: a: Does this diminish the importance of volunteers in our community? b: How does the Charter prevent the Select Board from only appointing their friends?
   1. The Charter Preamble notes “inclusionary procedure ensure(s) all voices are heard and all citizens are emboldened to contribute to Harvard’s governance and community spirit.”   
8. Are there term limits for any committee or board?
   1. The Commission considered it and after much public input, chose to not to adopt term limits.
9. How is the Select Board going to find volunteers?  (Issue – there are many vacancies now and the Charter calls for the Select Board to appoint even more.)
   1. It is a primary responsibility of the Select Board--volunteers must represent a cross-section of town.  The Charter Preamble notes “inclusionary procedure ensure(s) all voices are heard and all citizens are emboldened to contribute to Harvard’s governance and community spirit.”   
10. Are there term limits for committee/board chairs?
    1. No.  After many discussions and public input, the commissioners decided to leave this to individual committees and boards.  Some boards require expertise provided by “institutional knowledge” and leadership.