Published in the September 29, 2017 edition
MELROSE — Mayor Robert Dolan this week proposed amending the makeup of the city’s Water and Sewer Committee by adding two citizen representatives. The item was included on the Board of Aldermen’s September 18 agenda.
“For the past several years, we have worked collaboratively to improve the process by which water and sewer rates are set, stabilize rates, and increase transparency and accountability,” said Dolan. “This further enhances these goals by giving citizen representatives a vote on the committee.”
The Water and Sewer Committee is responsible for providing ongoing review of water and sewer rates, systems, and programs and for voting to recommend changes in the water and sewer programs and rates as warranted. The committee consists of a wide variety of individuals, including experts in the field and Aldermanic representation, who each offer a unique perspective to the group as they deliberate.
The proposal, sent to the Melrose Board of Aldermen for consideration, would add two residents appointed by the President of the Board of Aldermen to serve on the Water and Sewer Committee. Under the proposal, the committee would consist of the following seven members:
• The Chief Financial Officer of the City
• The City Treasurer
• The City Engineer
• The Director of Public Works
• Aldermanic Representative, appointed by the President of the Board of Aldermen
• A resident appointed by the President of the Board of Aldermen
• A second resident appointed by the President of the Board of Aldermen
“My proposal supports a collaborative process between the executive branch, the legislative branch, and citizens, to ensure all voices are heard and all opinions are recognized and acted upon,” added Dolan.
