How and why committee work is important to a city’s future

By CHARLENE LOVETT
One of the things I learned from serving as a state representative was the critical nature of committee work. It was at the committee level that legislators were able to really study and develop a recommendation on any given issue. Those recommendations were then considered and voted upon by the full legislature. This process is mirrored at the municipal level, and it is a process that is serving our city well.

Incorporating the work of committees (this also includes commissions and boards) into policy discussions at the council level accomplishes several things. First, committee recommendations are the result of in-depth study, improving the council’s ability to base decisions on facts rather than opinion or individual experience. Second, committees utilize the perspectives of numerous individuals, thus decreasing the possibility of unintended consequences in policy development. Finally, it is a mechanism in which the public can be directly engaged in shaping policy in our community.

Some of our newest committees include the Energy Advisory Committee (EAC), the Finance Committee, and the Policy Committee. Below is an overview of what these committees have recently done or are doing to help shape policy at the council level.

In support of the master plan and the many issues relating to energy, the council voted to establish an EAC this year. The purpose of this committee is to identify opportunities and make recommendations to the council regarding energy policy, and facilitate energy-related educational opportunities in the community. The fact that it is already fully staffed (five members, two alternates), since being established earlier this year, testifies to the community’s level of interest in energy-related matters. 

Since its inception, the council has asked the EAC for feedback on legislative actions, and will be seeking its input on establishing tax exemptions for renewable energy systems (RSA 72:61-72). While the council has agreed the adoption of this statute will be beneficial to the community, the provisions in the statute can be adapted to local priorities. Consequently, the EAC will be asked to provide feedback on those provisions.

In 2017 the council voted to establish a Finance Committee, comprised of three councilors. Its purpose is to develop fiscal policy recommendations for the council’s consideration, and review current fiscal policy on a periodic basis. Since its establishment the committee has recommended changes to the fee schedule and adoption of numerous fiscal policies. These recommendations have been approved by the council. Most recently, the city’s Moody rating was upgraded from A2 to A1, and the adoption of certain fiscal policies was cited as one of the reasons why the city’s rating was upgraded.

The Policy Committee was established in 2016 and is also fully staffed, comprised of three councilors and two residents. Its mission is to review city ordinances, in accordance with our charter, and to consider any new policy recommendations. Because of a request that the council received from the public, one of its first actions was to create a policy for naming city property and streets. The policy, the first of its kind in New Hampshire, was adopted by the council. Its adoption created the criteria by which the council can fairly consider citizens’ requests to name municipal property and streets after individuals.

Currently, the Policy Committee is exploring the establishment of a board of assessors. Again, the impetus for this action was the result of public input. It is anticipated that the committee will be presenting its recommendation to the council on Nov. 14.

The importance of committee work in developing policy that is effective and beneficial to the city cannot be understated. We are very fortunate to have so many people in the community who are willing to invest their time and resources in this work. If you are or have been on a committee, thank you. If you would like to be on a committee, please contact DeForest Bearse at 603-542-7008. Together, we create the policy framework that provides opportunity for growth and prosperity.

 

Charlene Lovett is the mayor of Claremont, and welcomes your feedback. Please email questions, comments or concerns to her at [email protected].