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Putney Selectboard debates agenda changes, 360° Town Manager review and hiring a secretary
Summary
At its May 21 meeting the Putney Selectboard discussed reorganizing meeting agendas, creating an annual calendar, pursuing a 360° Town Manager performance evaluation in August, updating rules to emphasize public participation, and a town manager proposal to hire a secretary; no formal policy votes were recorded.
Eric McGowan, chair of the Putney Selectboard, called the special meeting to order at 5:48 p.m. on May 21 at the Putney Fire & Rescue Station. The board reviewed a goal-setting work session and several proposals aimed at changing how the Selectboard structures meetings and handles routine information.
Aileen Tulloch proposed moving public comment and Boards & Committees items to the start of the agenda and adding a "Selectboard FYI" section for emails and correspondence that do not require action. The board also discussed creating an annual calendar to track key municipal dates such as grand-list lodging deadlines, setting a new tax rate, town meeting and budget discussion timelines.
Selectboard member Fletcher Proctor requested a formal process for the Town Manager's performance evaluation and, during discussion, said the board should consider a 360° evaluation in August that would solicit feedback from colleagues at local, county and state agencies. Town Manager Karen Astley provided the evaluation form the office currently uses; Peg Alden volunteered to take charge of coordinating the item.
The board reviewed proposed changes to its Rules of Procedure. Member Proctor emphasized the importance of public participation and civil discourse; members suggested edits and planned for Member Proctor to draft revisions and return the document to the board for further consideration.
Town Manager Karen Astley suggested the Selectboard consider hiring a secretary to assist with meeting minutes and administrative duties. The discussion noted the potential administrative benefits but did not produce a formal motion or a budget decision.
The board set its next regular meeting for May 28, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at the town hall. Selectboard member Fletcher Proctor moved to adjourn; Peg Alden seconded. The minutes record the motion passed and the meeting adjourned at 7:32 p.m. The minutes were recorded and signed; the signature block transcribes the clerk's name as "Karen Astle."
