By Melanie Petrucci, Contributing Writer
Westborough – Westborough Town Manager Jim Malloy led a discussion with the Board of Selectmen at the board’s Jan. 24 meeting to discuss goals that were established at a selectmen’s retreat that was held last August.
Ian Johnson, the board’s chair, noted that “part of the board’s goals were to delegate the first board meeting of the month to standard business and the second meeting would include working sessions to set direction and strategy for the town.”
A list of 18 goals was laid out for the board to review at the retreat. Some were streamlined and combined, time frames for completion were set and further action identified. Among the goals included “housekeeping” items such as setting a policy to funnel citizen complaints through to the Town Manager, creating a list of routine items to be delegated to the Town Manager, and board meeting format.
Selectmen Denny Drewry and Bruce Tretter currently attend regional meetings including the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission. The board discussed if perhaps there could be additional involvement with other regional forums where best practices and resources are shared and grant opportunities may be available.
Other notable goals include the review of fiscal policies (capital planning, debt management and reserves policy), enhancing the use of the senior center, and setting town-wide goals relevant to strategic planning which includes mission and vision statements. The question of contracting with a consultant was raised.
The selectmen also discussed a review of town committees specifically looking at membership, recruitment, engagement and effectiveness. Selectman George Barrette requested to be assigned to this goal.
Improving customer service was also discussed. Questions included how town services are defined and measured and how other towns do this. Malloy and Selectman Leigh Emery will research and work on this goal.
The need for a formal succession plan has been identified as department heads retire. Malloy outlined a three to five year plan where talent in any given department would be identified and groomed as a successor. Selectmen Denny Drewry noted that he had concerns that keeping this information confidential in a town of Westborough’s size could be difficult.
Rounding out the remaining goals included adopting a performance measurement program for the Town Manager, establishing a trust fund for low to moderate income housing, continue working on bike trail and sidewalk issues and the exploration of becoming a “green” community.