Commission debates strengthening town manager powers but preserves Select Board control

The Charter Commission spent substantial time reviewing a consultant memo (Harrington Heath) that suggested strengthening the town manager's administrative powers and clarifying supervisory language. Commissioners discussed replacing the consultant's phrasing 'coordinate' with stronger language such as 'supervise and be responsible for the efficient administration' of functions under the town manager's control.

Chair (speaker 3) read proposed language from the consultant and said stronger wording would better empower the town manager to supervise department heads; the commission nevertheless emphasized limits, noting the Select Board should remain the appointing authority for many positions. “Supervise and be responsible for the efficient administration of all functions under the town manager's control,” the Chair summarized from the memo during the meeting.

The commission considered but did not adopt giving the town manager independent investigative authority; members observed the town manager already conducts certain hearings and that emergencies can be handled by delegated emergency powers. On contracting, members discussed naming the town manager as chief procurement officer and recognized certification requirements and the existence of several procurement officers in town, concluding the charter should allow delegation and set thresholds rather than mandate a single approach.

Next steps: the commission will incorporate clarified town manager language into Draft 7 while preserving Select Board oversight language and will forward specific questions about appointments and procurement certification back to Harrington Heath for legal review.