Task Force Description

In an effort to increase the Town's financial position and achieve needed new growth, the 2005 Master Plan recommended the creation of an Economic Development Committee that would be charged with promoting economic development in our Town.  The Economic Development Task Force was established by vote of the Board of Selectmen on December 7, 2005.  The Task Force initially was made up of five members and was expanded to seven members by vote of the Board of Selectmen at its March 7, 2007 meeting.  They are appointed to three-year terms. All members shall be individual with specific professional business-related credentials (ie., bankers, accountants, marketers, developers, real estate brokers), and an environmental professional. A member of the Planning Board and a member of the Board of Selectmen shall be ex-officio members.

It is expected that the Economic Development Task Force shall develop short-term (commercial revitalization) and long-term (small business expansion and local ownership new enterprise development) strategies in keeping with the above mission statement.  This Task Force shall improve communication between the town government and the business community, debate economic development policy for the Town, seeks to develop a consensus and promote economic growth.  In addition, the Task Force has been asked to report back to the Town Administrator and the Board of Selectmen as to whether or not it would be prudent to create a formal Economic Development Commission as per MGL Chapter 40 (8A).

A majority of the authorized membership of the Economic Development Task Force shall constitute a quorum, but a smaller number may adjourn finally or from time to time without further notice until a quorum is secured. If a quorum is present, a majority of the members present may take action on behalf of the Task Force.