Policy subcommittee debates scope, membership of town-wide capital planning committee

Kenny Largess, Chair of the Select Board Policy Subcommittee, led a discussion of a draft memorandum outlining the role and responsibilities of a proposed Town-Wide Capital Planning Committee.

The subcommittee spent much of the discussion clarifying which projects the committee should review. Members considered directing the TWCPC to review large or delayed capital projects (including those with unspent or unprogrammed funds) but debated whether the memorandum’s language should be broadened to capture projects that do not meet the highest complexity threshold. Colette Aufranc said she would bring a question about whether the committee’s charter should reference the town’s strategic housing plan to the full Select Board for further consideration.

The group also debated committee membership. Largess advocated giving the library a voting seat on the TWCPC, citing the library’s capital-planning experience and property ownership. Other members questioned whether the library’s facilities needs warranted equal representation alongside departments such as the School Committee and the Department of Public Works. The subcommittee did not reach a final resolution on the library’s status but acknowledged the library’s contributions and expertise.

The subcommittee’s review focused on tightening language and formatting in the memorandum and on ensuring the committee’s scope and membership align with town needs. No formal motion or vote on the memorandum was recorded at the meeting; members identified follow-up steps for consideration by the full Select Board.