FALMOUTH — The town’s new Charter Commission is meeting with an eye toward putting any proposed amendments to the governing document on the November ballot.

The nine-member body, which includes elected and appointed representatives, met for the first time July 16 and was scheduled to hear staff recommendations for suggested charter updates on July 24.

At the first meeting, members elected former Town Councilors Karen Farber and Richard Olson as chairwoman and vice chairman, respectively.

In addition, the commission heard a presentation about the charter and how it works, Farber said.

In general, the charter dictates how the town functions, laying out the rules for elected officials and appointed boards and committees, as well as municipal department operations.

Under state law, Maine towns are required to review their charters every 10 years. The last time the Falmouth charter was revised was in 2008.

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Although the commission is aiming for a November vote on possible changes, there’s no requirement for the commission to work that fast, according to Farber.

She said at the first meeting commission members discussed how best to approach their task and were also encouraged to read through the existing charter in order to “put their thoughts on the table.”

Farber said she doesn’t have a preconceived list of possible charter amendments, but said one thing town staff has already mentioned is the idea of addressing how sewer projects are funded.

Farber said the commission plans to “to try and go through (the charter) in a methodical way.”

Commission meetings are open to the public and Farber said there will “certainly be opportunities for public input” as the process moves forward.

Kate Irish Collins can be reached at 710-2336 or kcollins@theforecaster.net. Follow Kate on Twitter: @KIrishCollins.


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