During a recent government meeting, the focus was on aligning local initiatives with the Board of Selectmen's primary goals, particularly economic development. The town manager emphasized the importance of transparency, public engagement, and government efficiency, noting that the town's website is currently outdated and difficult to navigate.
The discussion highlighted the need for better implementation of ideas proposed by the Economic Development Commission (EDC). The town manager expressed disappointment that many promising initiatives, such as tourism and community centers, remain unexecuted and merely stored in binders. He stressed that the successful realization of these ideas is crucial for the town's growth and quality of life.
A significant barrier to the EDC's past performance was identified as a lack of funding and a budget line dedicated to their initiatives. The town manager urged the need for a collaborative approach, inviting all stakeholders to the table to discuss potential projects and funding opportunities.
The conversation also touched on the necessity of a Request for Proposal (RFP) for developing a new app, while the website could be updated without one. The town manager indicated that if there is sufficient interest, they would prioritize these updates, aligning them with the town's Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) to enhance economic growth.
Overall, the meeting underscored a commitment to revitalizing local initiatives and improving government transparency and efficiency, with a clear call for action to implement the community's ideas effectively.