In today’s edition of the Pepperell Free Press, you will find three pages of a draft document that is referenced as Pepperell’s Town Charter. This document is the culmination of numerous hours of work and effort that commenced in May of 2012 and will not be complete until the annual spring election 2014. The Charter will be on the spring 2014 ballot where you will have the opportunity to vote it into acceptance.
As required by Massachusetts General Law, the Charter Commission has published the draft Charter in this edition so you will have the opportunity to review it in its entirety and, hopefully, provide feedback at a public hearing scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 18, at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, Conference Room A.
The Charter Commission commenced this process with the desire of achieving the five following objectives:
1. To create an organizational structure that contributes to a more efficient town government responding to the needs of its residents;
2. To ensure there is the appropriate level of accountability in the Town Administrator function;
3. To allow for the budget and finances of the town of Pepperell to be consolidated, transparent and streamlined;
4. To preserve the policy role of all Town Elected Boards; and
5. To not alter in any form or manner our Open Town Meeting.
The Charter Commission believes the above stated objectives have been achieved and incorporated into this document. We ask that you please review the proposed Charter carefully and to attend one of the final meetings scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 18, at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, Conference Room A, as we drive to complete the document and submit it to the Board of Selectmen in October 2013.
Sincerely,
Joseph Sergi, chairman
Douglas R. Adams, vice chairman
Lisa Ferolito, clerk
Caroline D. Ahdab
Christopher F. DeSimone
Michael L. Hartnett
Peter J. Shattuck Sr.
Marcia A. Zaniboni
