Town staff presented a proposal to establish a community engagement task force to strengthen outreach and build trust between residents and the town. The council continued the item to its Nov. 3 meeting to allow more time for review and follow-up.

Susan Scarlata, director of External Affairs, said the task force would "shrink the distance" between people impacted by decisions and those making them, functioning in the "collaboration" level of the town’s engagement spectrum. Staff proposed an 11-member group (including two youth seats), staggered terms, and member responsibilities that would include acting as ambassadors for town initiatives, participating in engagement events and providing input to staff.

The staff report proposed compensating task force members with a stipend of up to $450 per month (based on historic practice for other sponsored ambassadors) and estimated that members would spend about 8–10 hours per month on task-force duties. Staff said funding for stipends could be covered within the current year’s budget subject to council direction.

Council members asked clarifying questions about scope, duration and public access. Councilor Schechter noted the staff memo said the task force would “continue until dissolved by council,” and asked whether the body was intended as perpetual or a pilot. Staff said the structure could be set by the council; staggered terms were recommended. Councilor Veenan asked whether the task force’s work plan would be specific or broad; staff said a combination of council-directed priorities and staff-proposed engagement projects was envisioned.

After questions, the council voted to continue the item to Nov. 3 so staff could provide additional detail on purpose, scope, funding and internal coordination with department directors.

The Nov. 3 meeting will include further information about roles, any proposed stipend policy and a draft charge for the task force.