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Charter commission removes obsolete ‘moderator’ clause, debates warden language and voter outreach
Summary
The commission voted unanimously to strike a leftover 'moderator' provision from Article II and spent much of the meeting debating Section 209’s references to wardens and clerks and how to describe elections (referendum/municipal). They emphasized legal review and voter education before any charter vote.
The charter commission voted unanimously to remove Section 208 from Article II, concluding that references to a town-meeting "moderator" are obsolete now that the town does not hold town meetings.
Commission members then focused on Section 209, which concerns the clerk of the town meeting and the role of a warden. The commission reviewed an attorney response noting that "21 a.m. RSA section 501" (municipal officers) allows either the town clerk to appoint wardens and deputy wardens or municipal officers to select them; the response also reiterated that wardens, board clerks, and deputy wardens must be registered voters and cannot be officers of political-party committees.
Members debated whether to replace any remaining "town meeting" language with broader phrasing such as "municipal election" or "referendum" so the charter covers all modes of voting. One commissioner summarized the practical point: the town still needs election officers whether voters decide by referendum or another election format, so language that covers "any and all elections" would be simpler and more inclusive.
The commission agreed to ask the town attorney to provide a written opinion and recommended language options to accompany public information packets; members stressed the need for clear outreach so voters understand the changes before they appear on a ballot.
The item will return for further review with counsel input; commissioners scheduled additional meetings and public hearings as part of the outreach plan.
