Commission debates charter triggers for referenda on major town property sales and acquisitions

The commission discussed whether the charter should include a threshold or special approval process — such as a supermajority vote or townwide referendum — for major acquisitions, disposals or changes of use of town‑owned real property.

Commissioners raised Irwin Park and other high-profile cases as examples prompting calls for clearer public involvement. Some members suggested a monetary trigger (the draft example was $3 million) that would subject a transaction to higher approval rules; others warned that supermajorities or added steps could complicate or kill legitimate transactions, particularly sales where timing and bidders matter.

Town attorney Nick advised the commission that if it intends to allow a townwide referendum on these matters, the charter must state that authority explicitly; statutory reference alone is not sufficient to create new referendum rights. He said, "If you want a right for a referendum, it needs to be expressly built into your charter."

The commission removed a newly inserted parks-specific acquisition clause pending review, agreed to ask staff for clearer cross-references to existing town code on sales and exceptions, and asked legal staff to draft options for (a) keeping acquisitions to town council approval, (b) a monetary threshold for heightened approval, or (c) express referendum language that could be applied townwide. The group will consider those options at upcoming meetings.