Civic Engagement Takes Center Stage in Burlington's Government Review

The work of Burlington's Government Review Committee is underway, and the group is taking a fresh look at the town's governance structure, evaluating what's working well, and exploring potential changes to enhance efficiency and engagement.

During their recent meeting, Interim Chair Betsey Hughes introduced the Committee's charge to participants, whose experience ranges from long-time elected officials to residents who have only recently become involved in the town's government. The Select Board, who formed the Committee, asked them to:

• Follow an open, inclusive, and thorough process that reviews all facets of governments, considers all opinions, respects all points of view, researches comparable communities for alternatives, and obtains as much information as possible
• Produce a Charter for the Town [similar to a constitution for the town] that provides all residents with a local government that is transparent, effective, efficient, and responsive both for present day and future generations
• Consider shifting from a Town Administrator to a Town Manager form of leadership
• Consider new provisions such as referendums, recalls, and periodic reviews of government structure
• Delineate what structures should be in the Town Charter and which should be codified in bylaws
• Write a report to accompany the proposed charter that clearly explains the proposed changes

Pat Lloyd from the Collins Center, the consulting firm supporting the Committee with the process, explained that the way the town's government functions is currently outlined in various different bylaws and special acts, and one key outcome of this Committee's work will be to synthesize this disparate information in one cohesive Charter that contains a broad overview of the way the town works and is easily accessible and readable by the average resident.

Lloyd shared a comprehensive work plan with a sample schedule in which the Committee looks at one aspect of government at a time, examining what currently is in place, discussing potential changes, and codifying it in the Charter that will be compiled over the course of a year or so and proposed to the Select Board along with other recommendations related to the above points at the end of the work.

During the meeting, Committee members shared thoughts on the current system's strengths and areas that could use some improvement.

Jack Kelly, a committee member who has been involved in town government for decades, said the evaluating the government's current efficacy "depends on who you're asking," but expressed satisfaction with the overall performance, saying, "I think we do a pretty good job. I'm not looking to change things just for the sake of it."

The committee identified several positives, including proactive leadership, responsive services, and an effective town meeting structure. They also pinpointed areas for potential enhancement, such as better communication with residents, increased diversity in local government, and improved coordination between town departments.

A notable concern is the low voter turnout in local elections, with participation hovering below 20% on average.

Discussions also touched on the organizational structure of town departments and the need to clarify reporting relationships. The committee raised questions about the differences between town administrator and town manager roles, which will be clarified in future meetings.

Moving forward, the committee aims to gather input from a wide range of stakeholders, including town employees, elected officials, and residents. Be on the lookout for opportunities to engage in this work.

The committee chair emphasized the importance of approaching the review with an open mind, stating, "We need to all ... just be open to new ideas and new ways of thinking of things."

The next meeting is set for July 22, where they'll be looking at the town's legislative structure.

Editor's note: Writer and Burlington Buzz Editor-in-Chief, Nicci Kadilak, is a member of the Government Review Committee.