Through many hours of discussion the committee has outlined the following considerations but acknowledge we are not done.
IMPROVE EDUCATION OF TOWN MEETING MEMBERS ON BOTH THE PROCESS OF TOWN MEETING AND THE ISSUES TO BE DECIDED AT TOWN MEETING.
- Annual review of “A Guide to South Hadley Town Meeting”. Distribute to all Town Meeting members for 2010 Annual Town Meeting.
- Hold orientation for newly elected Town Meeting members annually.
- Require posting of minutes of all boards and committees on Town web site.
IMPROVE COMMUNICATION ABOUT TOWN MEETING TO SOUTH HADLEY CITIZENS AND TOWN MEETING MEMBERS.
- Utilize electronic communication for meeting reminder and Town Meeting materials.
- Publicize the schedule of budget meetings on line as soon as it is known and distribute with nomination papers.
- Use Cable Access Channel to improve communication with South Hadley Residents and Town Meeting Members.
IMPROVE ACCOUNTABILITY OF TOWN MEETING MEMBERS TO THEIR CONSTITUANTS
- Publish attendees to each Town Meeting on the Town website.
- Publish contact information of Town Meeting Members on website.
- Require all Town Meeting members to file nomination papers each time they run.
- Consider changes to number of Ex-Officio Town Meeting members.
- Consider recording non unanimous votes.
IMPROVE OPERATIONS AND LOGISTICS OF TOWN MEETING
- LOCATION – Parking and no air conditioning were biggest complaint but it was decided the schools were not a better option and recommend stay at Town Hall.
- DATES OF ANNUAL ELECTION AND TOWN MEETING – this is still in discussion and a survey will be developed for distribution at Town Meeting, public buildings and on the web
The committee has met with the Appropriations Committee to discuss their role in the Town Meeting process. We await their recommendations.
MEMBERS: Marilyn Ishler, Chair; Carol Constant, Clerk; Ted Belsky, Bob Berwick, Ira Brezinsky, Sarah Etelman, Peter Gagne, Carl Geitz, JoAnn Jordan, David LaBrie, John Paulin and Ed Ryan.
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