Middlesex Town Meeting Solutions Committee
Meeting Minutes
November 7, 2007 

Present: Susan Clark, Tim Murphy, Ron Krauth, Chris Reilly, Lauri Scharf, Dave Shepard, Barb Whitchurch, Greg Whitchurch


1. Town of Middlesex Website
Tim reported that several businesses have been added to the listing on the website and that he is looking for a copy of the draft town plan to post. Apparently it will need to come from the Selectboard at this point; Cindy Carlson will likely have a copy.

2. Middlesex Operators Manual
Susan has obtained estimates for printing an updated manual from several printers. Printing in the preferred format, bound 8.5” by 11”, came in at about $2000 from both Minuteman Press and Capitol Copy. The Times Argus could do it for about $500 but it would be newsprint size paper and not bound. Committee members felt the newsprint format would not be very useful to people. National Life who printed the original manual are working up a quote as well. It is possible that they may donate some or all of the printing cost.

The next step is for committee members to review the current manual and make suggestions for what material should definitely be retained in the updated version and what type information could be deleted. For cost reasons the updated manual will need to be shorter than the current version. The current version is 48 pages and the updated manual will need to be reduced to 36 or possibly 24 pages. It was agreed that the contacts list can be an insert for easier updating. This feedback should be provided to Susan by one week prior to the next meeting.

3. Middlesex Community Building/ Enhanced Democratization Project
Bill Rossmassler is still looking into this potential project and may seek grant funding to assist with bringing in speakers and facilitators.

4. Technology Committee Report
The TMSC members who have been looking into the options for remote participation at Town Meeting reported on their findings so far:
• Streaming video - Greg has contacted ORCA, the local access television group. They might be willing to provide equipment and possibly also some technical assistance. So far they haven’t gotten back with more specifics. Lauri will follow up further with them.
• Web Cam: - This could be an option.
• There may also be potential for some assistance through U32.

There are a number of equipment options at the recipient’s home:
• With just a phone line there could at least be an audio connection to Town Meeting.
• A satellite internet connection is a possibility.
• A cell phone might be able to function as the phone connection if necessary.

Lauri suggested TMSC have a document for Town Meeting that would explain the various scenarios for connecting people at remote locations to Town Meeting depending upon what type of technology is available. Susan proposed a demonstration of one technology option with some town group, possibly the Selectboard, prior to Town Meeting. For a demonstration at Town Meeting it would be ideal if it used someone who really can’t get to Town Meeting. Members expressed a concern that any technological approach to allow remote participation at Town Meeting should be limited to those who really can’t physically get to Town Meeting and not just those who might prefer to attend in this manner but who could get to the meeting.

5. Town Meeting Location
The location for Town Meeting has been a concern in town for some time. TMSC members felt something to address this issue should be done this year. Possibilities include moving to Rumney for one year as a trial to see how it goes or putting an item on the ballot to vote on moving to Rumney for the following year. Susan will meet with the Selectboard to discuss this issue.

6. TMSC Meeting Schedule
There was discussion of whether it would be advantageous to hold TMSC meetings on a specific day each month. The third Tuesday of each month seemed to generally work for everyone and will be considered for the future. That day does not work for December however; so the December meeting will be on the first Tuesday, December 4th.

Minutes recorded by Dave Shepard