One of the reasons we publish the Selectboard Agenda and Notes is to increase civic awareness and encourage more citizen participation in town government. We hope it gets a few more people interested and involved, or, at the very least is a reminder to watch and listen. There are a number of elements, however, not reflected in the agenda that are just as important and interesting as what is on the agenda.
Here are some things to watch for and know about.
Our first stop is "Chair's Remarks," a regular opportunity for the Selectboard Chairperson to say a few words. This often takes the form of some interesting news about the town or a recognition of some person or group. We've found out about Brattleboro's designation as a great arts community, for example, during this section of the meeting.
Next up, "Manager Comments", a regular opportunity for the Town Manager to update the Selectboard on issues of importance. These issues are not listed in the agenda, but are often very important.
For example, at last night's meeting we learn that Marlboro College won the tax debate with the Town, which adjusts the value of their buildings downward and reduces the tax income to the town by $90,000 over two years. This is rather big news that is great for Marlboro College, but not entirely pleasant for the the town's budget.
We also learned that new Entergy sirens will be tested for an extended period this Saturday, and that a state trooper is looking for a bone marrow transplant match.
This is all good information, often late-breaking, and not spelled out on the agenda. You have to be there, or be watching.
"Selectboard Committe Reports" are listed so that members of the Selectboard that have attended other meetings and committees can report of the progress or setbacks. Some new information
Our next stop is "Citizen's Participation." This regular agenda item can be one of the most interesting elements of the meeting, but you won't know what's going to happen unless you are there or you watch.
Last night, a citizen proposed that Malfunction Junction get a human to direct traffic during the busiest part of the day. It was argued that it would be in character for a small friendly town, and more efficient for a human to make decisions about traffic flow that a timed lighting mechanism. It was a great idea, well-reasoned, and, unfortunately, impossible to do without completely throwing out two years of planning and funding, according to the Town Manager.
Another part of the agenda that can hold surprises is the "Adjustments to the Agenda." This is a placeholder of sorts, so that last minute items can be added or moved around on the agenda. Sometimes there is a last minute grant request, or an issue that arose after the agenda went out, and this part allows for discussion and action on those sorts of things.
Our final stop is "Correspondence." If the Town receives a letter or note of importance, it may be read and discussed. Again, the agenda will not reveal the substance of the correspondence, and watching or attending is the best way to find out if someone sent us anything by mail.
As you can see, the published agenda and notes are an outline of the Selectboard meeting, but there are ample opportunities for discussion and debate of issues that are not listed. Just as a shopping list is not a substitute for a meal, the agenda and notes are not a substitute for the actual Selectboard meeting.
If you want to be fully informed, watch or attend the meeting. The agenda and notes will guide you, but you'll get even more in person.