Charter committee flags chapter 7 for rewrite, recommends removing detailed job descriptions

Commission members spent substantial time on Nov. 13 reviewing Chapter 7's lists of departments and administrative officers, an org chart, and embedded job descriptions. Several commissioners identified inconsistency: some positions listed as "town officers" appear to be subordinate to department directors, and others carry differing term lengths in the draft.

"If we list them all, it looks like job descriptions, and they're not balanced," a member said, noting the director of public works entry ran far longer than other entries. Commissioners suggested moving detailed job descriptions out of the charter (which would allow the town to adapt positions over time) and replacing varied labels with consistent terms such as "administrative officers" or "department directors." That approach would preserve statutory offices required by state law while reducing future friction when departments change.

Members also asked staff to cross‑check which positions are bargaining‑unit employees and which are non‑bargaining so the commission does not inadvertently conflict with union contracts or employment statutes. The commission agreed to task a small subgroup and staff (Franklin) to draft a revised structure for Chapter 7 and return a redline for review prior to the next meeting.