HomeMy Public PortalAboutCharter Committee ChargeJan. 29, 2019
Brewster Charter Committee Charge
MOTION: The Select Board will appoint a Charter Committee for the purpose of making
a recommendation to the Select Board as to a Charter for the Town of Brewster . A
municipal charter is a legal document that defines how a municipality is organized, how
it functions, its powers, and how public services are handled. The charter functions as
the constitution of a local government.
STARTING POINT: The Committee will utilize the Town Bylaws and current form of
Town operations as a starting point, and will consider the recommendations of the
Collins Center, the Government Study Committee, the Brewster Vision plan, the
Department of Revenue Division of Local Services, and others as appropriate,
to establish checks and balances for all functions and operations, and to
prioritize efficiencies.
SCOPE: The proposed charter will address the structure and powers of Brewster town
government, including election procedures, the legislative and executive branches, town
administration, multi-member bodies, and financial provisions. The Charter Committee
shall analyze municipal charters currently operating within the Commonwealth, and
prepare a recommendation that is consistent with Massachusetts law as we ll as best
practices in municipal government.
COMMITTEE STRUCTURE: Such committee will include eight voting members:
Town Moderator or designee (ex officio)
Select Board member, designated by the Select Board (ex officio)
Finance Committee member, designated by the Finance Committee (ex officio)
Three registered voters of the Town appointed by the Select Board
Town Administrator or designee (ex officio)
Town Clerk (ex officio)
MEETINGS/PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT: The Charter Committee will hold public meetings
and invite input from Brewster residents.
PROCESS: When approved by the Select Board, any proposed Town Charter will be
presented to Brewster voters for adoption at Town Meeting, and, when approved,
forwarded for approval by the General Court and Governor.