As the BOS are members from the community, it relies heavily on the town administrator to bring up guidelines, policies, etc, particularly where their decisions may be counter to its established policies or an over-reach of its authority. If a policy is going to be overridden, then consideration must be made to vote on changing a policy. As long as changing the specific policy doesn't cause the board to exceed its authority, then it can change the policy. But just like the superintendent is the professional who should provide guard rails to the school board, the TA should provide guard rails to the BOS. Charlie Brown did an outstanding job in this area, as did Chris Sterndale. They were both well versed and would do their homework before a topic came up on an agenda in order that the BOS did not go beyond its authority.
Interesting: If "The board noted that it has the authority to override its own policies." is an accurate and prudent statement, can someone please tell me why we have Town policies or for that matter State/Federal laws?
I have never voted for someone so they can blatantly (so it seems) violate the policies that exist, whether the policies make sense at all. I see it as the elected officials should attempt to correct policies that fail the smell test!
Very important phrase, Mark: ". . . consideration must be made to vote on changing the policy". And you are absolutely correct. Let us hope that this is indeed happening and will continue to happen in the future. One should not proceed in decision making at the board level without making regular reference to the board's stated policies.
As the BOS are members from the community, it relies heavily on the town administrator to bring up guidelines, policies, etc, particularly where their decisions may be counter to its established policies or an over-reach of its authority. If a policy is going to be overridden, then consideration must be made to vote on changing a policy. As long as changing the specific policy doesn't cause the board to exceed its authority, then it can change the policy. But just like the superintendent is the professional who should provide guard rails to the school board, the TA should provide guard rails to the BOS. Charlie Brown did an outstanding job in this area, as did Chris Sterndale. They were both well versed and would do their homework before a topic came up on an agenda in order that the BOS did not go beyond its authority.
"The board noted that it has the authority to override its own policies."
Only those who make the rules may break them.
Interesting: If "The board noted that it has the authority to override its own policies." is an accurate and prudent statement, can someone please tell me why we have Town policies or for that matter State/Federal laws?
I have never voted for someone so they can blatantly (so it seems) violate the policies that exist, whether the policies make sense at all. I see it as the elected officials should attempt to correct policies that fail the smell test!
Very important phrase, Mark: ". . . consideration must be made to vote on changing the policy". And you are absolutely correct. Let us hope that this is indeed happening and will continue to happen in the future. One should not proceed in decision making at the board level without making regular reference to the board's stated policies.
Incredible- "The board noted that it has the authority to override its own policies."
This cabal of White, Morin, Dabreio, Shirland and Welch have done enough damage to Nottingham.
They should do the honorable thing and step aside.
Moving on from Upton and Hatfield is a very good start.
How many signatures does it take to remove a selectman or replace a town administrator?
I’ve heard rumors of petitions from fed up citizens starting to take form around town.
Good luck to the former Chief on his demand letter, hopefully it’ll be made public soon, we all deserve a look at it.
Good luck to all of us as our taxes and spending continue to spiral out of control thanks to this group.
Selectmen cannot be removed from office. Perhaps a warrant article could be used to fire a town employee, such as the Town Administrator.