Meetings Ahead
Most meetings in Truro are remote. Go to Truro-ma.gov and click on the meeting you are interested in for instructions on how to join.
Thursday, Nov. 16
- Pamet Harbor Commission, 3 p.m., Town Hall
Friday, Nov. 17
- Board of Library Trustees, 3:30 p.m., Public Library
Monday, Nov. 20
- Herring River Restoration Project, Regulatory Oversight Group, 1 p.m.
- Zoning Board of Appeals, 5:30 p.m.
Conversation Starter
A Committee for Part-Time Residents
With discussions about part-timer political representation proliferating in town, the select board voted unanimously on Nov. 14 to establish a part-time residents advisory committee.
The agenda item, presented by board member Stephanie Rein, represented “an effort to provide a public forum for part-time residents and property owners to make recommendations to the select board and other elected and appointed bodies,” according to the committee’s charge.
Rein noted that a similar committee had existed in town before but represented only property owners. This iteration will also represent part-time resident renters. “I truly believe that everyone should have a voice,” Rein said.
Her colleagues were supportive of the initiative.
Vice chair Sue Areson noted that the chance for virtual participation could make a difference. The lack of that option in the past, Areson said, was “one of the reasons this committee failed” the first time.
Chair Kristen Reed favored the idea but wanted town staff to be included. The problem with the committee’s previous iteration was “that it turned into a silo that didn’t include town staff,” she said.
The board agreed the committee will meet quarterly at a minimum and that it will include the town manager as an ex officio member. Select board clerk John Dundas will serve as liaison to the committee.
The new committee is also charged with working with the select board to hold an annual part-time residents meeting.
The committee will consist of seven part-time Truro residents who will be appointed by the select board. Per its charge, the committee will be subject to the state Open Meeting Law, Ethics Law, and Public Records Law. —Sophie Mann-Shafir
