[HISTORY: Adopted by the Annual Town Meeting of the Town
of Blackstone 5-27-2014 by Art. 31. Amendments noted where applicable.]
There is hereby established in the Town of Blackstone the Blackstone
Economic Development Committee, which shall serve as an advisory committee
to the Board of Selectmen and other Town boards, committees and agencies
with respect to matters relating to economic and business development
within the Town.
A.
Mission. The mission of the Economic Development Committee is to
promote and develop business and industry for the purpose of strengthening
the local economy, generating jobs, and advancing economic growth
to ensure the fiscal stability of the Town of Blackstone.
B.
Role of the Economic Development Committee. The role of the Economic
Development Committee, hereafter referred to as the "EDC," is to act
as an advisor to the Board of Selectmen and other Town agencies with
respect to the preparation and implementation of economic development
plans and initiatives for the Town. The EDC may make recommendations
to Town boards and committees, including, but not limited to, the
Board of Selectmen, Planning Board and Finance Committee, regarding
the economic and business development needs of the Town and may offer
suggestions as to how such needs may be most effectively addressed.
The EDC may, at the request of the Selectmen or Town Administrator,
participate in the recruitment and retention of companies or industries
within the business community to advance and secure sound economic
growth in Blackstone. The EDC may also become involved in such other
tasks as may be requested by other Town boards and committees. Additional
subcommittees or task forces may be created within the EDC as needed
to fulfill this role.
The EDC shall consist of no fewer than four and no more than
eight members, including ex officio members, each of whom shall be
appointed by the Board of Selectmen, to serve staggered terms of three
years. Certain initial appointments to the EDC may be for lesser terms
in order to implement this "staggered term" provision. Members may
serve an unlimited number of terms. If a vacancy on the EDC occurs
by reason of death, resignation, or any other cause, the vacant seat
shall be filled, upon recommendation of the EDC Chairman, by the Board
of Selectmen for the duration of the unexpired term.
A.
The officers of the EDC shall consist of a Chairperson and a Vice
Chairperson.
(1)
Chairperson. The Chairperson shall be elected by a majority vote
of the membership of the EDC from among its voting members. The term
of the Chairperson shall be for one year and until a successor is
elected, beginning with the first regular July meeting of each calendar
year. The Chairperson shall be eligible for reelection. The Chairperson
(unless absent or excused) shall chair each meeting of the EDC and
shall be a full voting member. The Chairperson shall decide upon all
points of order and procedure at EDC meetings. The Chairperson shall
represent the EDC when called upon or directed by the EDC to do so.
(2)
Vice Chairperson. A Vice Chairperson shall be elected from among
the members in the same manner and for the same term as the Chairperson.
The Vice Chairperson shall serve as Acting Chairperson in the absence
of the Chairperson and in such capacity shall have the same powers
and duties as the Chairperson.
A representative of the Blackstone Board of Selectmen shall
be designated by the Board to serve as an ex officio member of the
EDC. This ex officio member will not be counted for quorum purposes
and will not have the right to vote. The ex officio member is encouraged
to participate in discussion at meetings and to assist with other
aspects of the EDC's agenda, including coordinating initiatives
among other Town boards, committees and departments.
A.
Open Meeting Law. The EDC shall be considered a "public body" and
is subject to all provisions and regulations applicable to public
bodies contained in the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law (MGL c. 30A,
§§ 19-25, as may be amended). The EDC may, at times,
need to discuss specific economic development projects and, therefore,
may meet in executive session, as permitted under an applicable exception
to the Open Meeting Law. The Chairperson, in consultation with the
Town Counsel, shall recommend when the EDC meets in executive session
and shall be responsible for adherence to all laws regarding such
meeting sessions.
B.
Regular meetings. Regular meetings of the EDC shall be held monthly,
commencing in July 2014. Notice of a meeting, with information on
agenda items, shall be posted and supplied to all members at least
48 hours, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, before each meeting.
C.
Special meetings. Special meetings of the EDC may be called at any
time by the Chairperson or Acting Chairperson in the Chair's
absence. Notice of the time and place of a called meeting shall be
given to all members and the media at least 48 hours, excluding Saturdays,
Sundays and holidays, prior to the meeting by the Chairperson. The
Chairperson will attempt to contact each member of the EDC as soon
as possible after a special meeting is set.
D.
Quorum. A quorum of the EDC shall be required to open any meeting
and to conduct business. Members may participate in a meeting remotely
with voting privileges and be counted present for quorum purposes
in accordance with applicable provisions of the Open Meeting Law and
regulations/policies promulgated thereunder.
E.
Participation. Members of the EDC are strongly encouraged to participate
and attend EDC meetings. Any member who shall fail to attend at least
75% of the regular and special meetings of the EDC during any one-year
period shall be subject to removal. The Chairperson shall notify the
Board of Selectmen of any member who shall so fail to attend. Upon
vote of the Board of Selectmen, said position shall be deemed vacant.
The vacancy shall thereupon be filled, upon recommendation of the
EDC Chairperson, by the Board of Selectmen.
No member of the EDC shall seek to influence a decision, participate
in any action or cast a vote involving any matter that is before the
EDC which may result in a private benefit to him/herself, his/her
immediate relatives or their business interests. If an EDC member
determines that he/she may have a conflict of interest on a particular
issue, he/she shall declare the nature of such conflict and ask to
be excused from deliberating and voting on the issue related to the
conflict. If a member is excused from voting, he/she shall leave the
meeting table and not participate in any further discussion on the
matter.
The EDC may adopt policies and/or regulations governing its
procedures by majority vote of the EDC. Said policies/regulations
shall at all times be consistent with all statutes, laws, bylaws,
regulations and general policies of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
and the Town of Blackstone.
