Home / VOL. VII NO. 08 04/15/2026 / Notes from the Committee Studying Expanding from 3-5 member Select Board (SB), March 23, 2026, Hybrid meeting

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Notes from the Committee Studying Expanding from 3-5 member Select Board (SB), March 23, 2026, Hybrid meeting

Notes from the Committee Studying Expanding from 3-5 member Select Board (SB), March 23, 2026, Hybrid meeting

  1. Jorja Marsden, Chair and members: David Adler, Bruce Auerbach, Patty Caya, Don Chabon, Nancy Gilbert, Terri Iemolini, Cheryl Resetarits, Peter Strauss, and Sally Underwood-Miller – Peter Strauss is a member but was not present.
  2. The Chair opened the meeting and explained this committee was established to study the issue and report to the SB. She hoped everyone would approach the topic with an open mind
  3. Questions asked:
    • Did they have a time limit? No
    • Since it was true that SB members also receive insurance and a stipend – would they consider the additional costs of 5 members over 3 members? Yes
    • Who decides after they report – the SB? No. It is decided by vote of the people at Town Meeting (TM).
    • What would be this committee’s process? The Chair said they would study. She hoped there would be a report disseminated to SB and the voters. There might be public hearings and then a vote at TM. Finally, if a change is recommended and TM approves it, it must go to the State Senate and ouse for final approval.
    • Would it be considered at TM in 2026? No, possibly 2027
    • Can it pass TM with a simple majority? Chair said yes, but if considered a bylaw change, then 2/3 vote is required
    • Why is it called a Special Act? Because when it relates to one municipality only.  A General Act changes the rule for all municipalities in Massachusetts
    • The committee will begin its investigations into what other municipalities have done. If they enlarged from 3 – 5, the committee can determine how it turned out. What decision making process did they employ?
    • The committee will meet again on May 7, 2026. The meetings are open. The public is encouraged to attend and to contact any member with questions or suggestions.
    • Editor’s notes: 1. FYI – if searching for this meeting on CTSB-TV, please note, it is misidentified as a 250th Committee Meeting. 2. A member of the public was on Zoom. She made a number of informed comments.  The identification was “SESP” and of course no face. It would have been helpful if the Chair asked folks speaking to give their names.
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Lionel Delevingne

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