Norwell Considers Reinstating Government Study Committee

Board explores ad hoc group to review town charter changes

NORWELL, MA - October 2 - The Norwell Select Board is considering reinstating a Government Study Committee to review the town charter and evaluate changes made 12 years ago. During their Oct. 2 meeting, board members discussed forming an ad hoc committee to gather information before establishing an official committee.

Select Board Chair Jason Brown initiated the discussion, citing the need to assess the impact of charter changes implemented over a decade ago.

"After 12 years, there have been changes to the town charter and it's a mistake not to review what the consequences are," Brown said. "We don't know if the charter improved efficiency in government."

Brown emphasized the importance of evaluating whether the changes have benefited the electorate and if dissenting opinions are being heard effectively.

Town Moderator Darleen Sullivan, who would be tasked with appointing members to the official Government Study Committee, raised concerns about the current charter's restrictions on committee membership.

"A member shall not hold any other elected or appointed town government position during the period he serves on the Commission," Sullivan quoted from the charter. She argued this limitation could make it difficult to find qualified members with sufficient knowledge of town operations.

Board members suggested forming an initial ad hoc committee to gather information and provide recommendations. This approach would allow for the inclusion of individuals with town government experience who might be excluded from the official committee.

"We have an ample amount of people that are not currently in elected office that have served in elected office and know the ins and outs of town government fairly well that could serve on that committee," Brown said.

The board discussed potentially appointing five members to the ad hoc committee, with each board member suggesting a candidate. They agreed to include this item on a future agenda to formally establish the group and draft a mission statement.

In other business, the board approved a contract for exterior painting and restoration of the Cushing Center. Funding had been approved for $92,500 from Community Preservation funds.

Town Administrator Darleen Sullivan presented two CPC funding applications for the board's consideration. The first request is for $460,350 to construct a new vault in the town hall, required by state law for document storage.

The second application seeks $872,833 for a multi-year project to organize, digitize, and microfilm town records. Sullivan explained the project would help preserve historical documents and free up physical space.

"We have 799 boxes of permanent records upstairs," Sullivan said. "We also have about 20 to 30 tons to dispose of and an entire room to dispose of properly through the state."

Board members requested more information on cloud storage options as an alternative to microfilming before making a decision on the records project.

The board also opened and closed the warrant for the special town meeting scheduled for Dec. 12 at 7 p.m.