Thursday, April 21, 2016

BOARD ETHICS:
 1. A member of the Board of Selectmen, in relation to his or her community should:

      A. Realize that his or her basic function is to make policy, with administration delegated to the                Town Administrator.

      B. Realize that he or she is one of a team and should abide by all board decisions once they are                made.

      C. Be well informed concerning the duties of a board member on both local and state levels.

       D. Remember that he or she represents the entire community at all times.

       E. Accept the office of Selectmen as a means of unselfish service, not benefit personally
            or politically from his or her board or outside activities.

       F. In all appointments, avoid political patronage by judging all candidates on merit,
          experience and qualifications only.

       G. Abide by the ethics established by the state and not use the position to obtain inside
            information on matters which may benefit someone personally.

 2. A member of the Board of Selectmen, in their relations with administrative officers of the Town
     should:
      A. Endeavor to establish sound, clearly defined policies that will direct and support the
           administration for the benefit of the people of the community.
         
      B. Recognize and support the administrative chain of command and refuse to act on complaints as
           an individual outside the administration.
         
      C. Give the Town Administrator full responsibility for discharging his or her disposition and
           solution.
       
 3. A member of the Board of Selectmen, in his or her relations with fellow board members, should:

          A. Recognize that action at official legal meetings is binding and that he or she alone cannot
               bind the board outside of such meetings

.      B. Uphold the intent of executive session and respect the privileged communications that exists
            in executive session.
       C. Make decisions only after all facts on an issue have been presented and discussed.
       D. Treat with respect the rights of all members of the board despite differences of opinion.
            from the selectmen policies and procedures
Jeff Bennett
this is from the Policies and Procedures document that is on the town web site in the selectmen section:

TOWN MEETINGS:
 1. Annual Town Meeting: There shall be an Annual Town Meeting in May each year for the consideration of all Town business which is to be posted properly prior to the meeting. The Annual Town Meeting Warrant is the Selectmen’s by statute. The Selectmen may insert articles in the warrant; within the time frame the warrant is open, on their own initiative or by written petition signed by the proper number of registered voters for the Annual Town Meeting.

 2. Special Town Meeting: The Selectmen will call a Special Town Meeting when deferment of the particular matter (s) proposed for inclusion on the Warrant for the Annual Town Meeting will not serve the interest of the Town. The Selectmen must call a Special Town Meeting if they receive a written request, signed by at least 200 hundred registered voters of Templeton. It is the practice of the Town of Templeton to address major issues at the Annual Town Meeting versus a Special Town Meeting.

 3. Notwithstanding the above, in the interest of economy of operations and imposition on the taxpayers and voters, the Selectmen shall strive to limit the calling of Special Town Meetings to the minimum necessary as is otherwise in the Town’s best interest. In determining whether to call a Special Town Meeting, the Selectmen may consult with other Town Committees, Boards, Commissions, staff and other Officials as is appropriate. It is advisable to contact the Town Moderator and Town Council for consultation prior to each Town Meeting.

Jeff Bennett