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 Missions of Town Boards
   
Airport Commission Council on Aging Library Trustees, Board of
Animal Welfare Committee Disability Commission Planning Board
Art Commission Economic Development Council Recreation Commission
Assessors, Board of Finance Committee Recycling and Renewable Energy Committee
Beautification Committee Harbor Committee Registrars of Voters, Board of
Building Committee Health, Board of School Committee
Cable Advisory Commission Historical Commission Selectmen, Board of
CCNS GMP Implementation Advisory Committee Historic District Commission Shellfish Committee
Cemetery Commission Housing Authority Town Scholarship Committee
Charter Enforcement Commission Human Services Committee Visitor Services Board
Community Housing Council Insurance Advisory Committee MGL.32B,s.3 Water & Sewer Board
Community Preservation Committee John Anderson Francis Family Scholarship Committee Zoning Board of Appeals
Conservation Commission Licensing Board  
     
Advertising Committee - abolished Local Comprehensive Plan Implementation Committee - abolished
Cape End Manor Board of Directors - abolished Local Housing Partnership - abolished
Community Policing Steering Committee - abolished Wastewater Management Planning Citizen Advisory Committee - abolished
Heritage Museum Board of Trustees - abolished  

 

Animal Welfare Committee

Mission & Authority:
To advise the Provincetown Board of Selectmen on matters pertaining to the welfare of animals in the Town of Provincetown, and to develop, coordinate and implement a plan addressing concerns of both wild and domestic animals in our community.
Appointing Authority:
Board of Selectmen
Origins of Authority:
Annual Town Meeting, April 4, 2005 Article 27: Elizabeth Gabriel Brooke moved that the Town vote to establish a standing committee of the Town to be known as the "Committee for Animal Welfare" to be comprised of five members appointed by the Board Selectmen for three year overlapping terms so arranged that the terms of at least one member shall expire each year. It shall be the mission of the Committee for Animal Welfare to advise the Board of Selectmen on matters pertaining to the welfare of animals in the Town of Provincetown, and to develop, coordinate and implement a plan addressing concerns of both wild and domestic animals in our community.Motion Passed.
Number of Members:
Committee of five members for three year overlapping terms
Support & Resources:
No budget

Advertising Committee

 Mission & Authority:

To promote year-round tourism in Provincetown.

Appointing Authority:

Moderator

 Origins of Authority:
 
 
Authority
Summary
Special Town Meeting, June 1953, Article 8 Adopts Acts of 1953, Chapter 206, giving the Town the authority to appropriate money for advertising the advantages of the Town with special reference to its facilities for summer vacations, recreation, residential purposes and seashore advantages.
Annual Town Meeting, March 1986, Article 12 From room excise tax receipts of a sum of money to be spent by a committee of five appointed by the Town Moderator for the purpose of promoting year-round tourism in Provincetown.
Special Town Meeting, March 1987, Article 3 Accept the provisions of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40, Section 6A on Municipal Advertising.
Massachusetts General Law 40'6A; Town Meeting Approved 1987, Article 3. Allows a Town to spend up to $50,000 in any one year for the purpose of advertising its resources, advantages and attractions.

 Number of Members:

Committee of five members

 Length of Term:

Indefinite

 Support & Resources:

Annual Town Meeting budget item 189: FY99=$50,000

 Additional Guides:

Provincetown Committee Handbook

Annual Town Reports

 

Airport Commission




Mission & Authority:

To have full charge of the maintenance and operation of the airport and to expend all funds; and have the custody, care and management of the airport. Appointing Authority:

Board of Selectmen

Origins of Authority:
 
 
Authority
Summary
Annual Town Meeting, February 1947, Article 16 To accept the Acts of 1946, Chapter 613, of which authorizes the Selectmen to appoint an Airport Commission. 
Acts of 1946, Chapter 613 An act relating to the acquisition, establishment, maintenance, operation and regulation of airports by the Commonwealth and the Towns thereof.
Massachusetts General Law 90'51E Massachusetts General Law Chapter 90, Section 51E for Airport Commissions.
Provincetown Charter 6-2 Size of Commission

Number of Members:

Committee of five members and one alternate

Support & Resources:

Airport Manager

General Ledger 27-3562 Revolving Account

General Ledger 32-99-3230 New Airport Terminal, various on-going projects

General Ledger 25 Grants
 

 Additional Guides:

Provincetown Committee Handbook

Acts of 1943, Chapter 613

Massachusetts General Law Chapter 90'51E

Chronology of Provincetown Airport Activities - 1971 Annual Town Report, page 59

Annual Town Reports since 1947

Art Commission



Mission & Authority:

To cataloge, appraise, restore, and maintaine the works of art owned by the Town of Provincetown. Appointing Authority:

Board of Selectmen

Origins of Authority:
 
 
Authority
Summary
August 17, 1959 vote of the Board of Selectmen For the purpose as stated in the above mission statement.
Provincetown Charter 6-2 Size of commission. Contrary to Provincetown Charter 6-3-1, Town Meeting has never voted to give the Art Commission the powers and authority provided by Massachusetts General laws Chapter 41, Chapter 82.

Number of Members:

Committee of five members and one alternate
Support & Resources:

Annual Budget Line 672 Additional Guides:

Provincetown Committee Handbook

Kopelman & Paige Opinion dated February 21, 1997

Annual Town Reports since 1959

 
 

Board of Assessors

Mission & Authority:

To assess taxes and estimate the value of property for the purpose of ad valorem taxation and to assess state and county taxes duly certified to them. Appointing Authority:

Board of Selectmen (4 regular positions & 1 alternate); Principal Assessor fills one regular position.
 

Origins of Authority:
 
 
Authority
Summary
Provincetown Charter 6-4 Authority and size of the Board of Assessors.
Massachusetts General Law Chapter 41'24 Formation of the Board of Assessors.
Massachusetts General Law Chapter 59'21 Duties of the Assessors as set forth in mission statement above.
Chapter 14 of the Acts of 2006 Allows Principal Assessor to fill one regular position, and eliminates term limits for Board of Assessor members.

 

Number of Members:

Committee of five members and one alternate
 

Support & Resources:

Principal Assessor, Assistant Assessor, Assessing Deptment Clerk, and part-time Property Inspector.

Annual Budget Line 141 Additional Guides:

Provincetown Committee Handbook

Municipal Bulletin No. 32, Laws Relating to Municipal Finance and Taxation

Annual Town Reports Training:

A majority of members must be certified by the Department of Revenue to classify properties.
 
 

Oath of Office:

I, having been chosen to assess taxes and estimate the value of property for the purpose of taxation for the Town of Provincetown for years ensuing, do swear that I will truly and impartially, according to my best skill and judgement, assess and apportion all such taxes as I may during the time assess; that I will faithfully perform all the duties of said office.

Beautification Committee

Mission & Authority:

To develop a program for the planting and maintenance of areas such as Lopes Square and Town Hall grounds. Appointing Authority:

Board of Selectmen
 
 

Origins of Authority:
 
 
Authority
Summary
Board of Selectmen Motion on August 21, 1978 As described in the above mission statement.

Number of Members:

Committee of five members and one alternate

  Support & Resources:

Annual Budget Line 651
 
 

Additional Guides:

Provincetown Committee Handbook

Provincetown Charter

Annual Town Reports since 1981

Dedicated file cabinet in Archive
 
 

Building Committee

Mission & Authority:

To interview prospective architects and general contractors, review blueprints and contracts, and oversee the payment of vouchers, for any construction work to be done by the Town. The Building Committee shall have no independent authority. Appointing Authority:

Board of Selectmen

Origins of Authority:
 
 
Authority
Summary
Provincetown Charter 6-5 Describes mission and Committee composition.
Acts of 1996, Chapter 22 An act providing for an alternate member on the building committee in the Town of Provincetown.

  Number of Members:

Committee of five members and one alternate

  Support & Resources:

Assistant Town Manager and/or Project Manager

  Additional Guides:

Provincetown Committee Handbook
 

Cable Advisory Commission

Mission & Authority:

To advise the issuing authority throughout the licensing process and frequently remains as an active committee after the process has terminated, continuing to advise the issuing authority in the general oversight of cable television operation through the life of the license. Appointing Authority:

Board of Selectmen

 Origins of Authority:
 
 
Authority
Summary
Annual Town Meeting, April 1994, Article 33 To establish a Cable Advisory Committee.
Massachusetts General Law Chapter 166A Description of laws related to cable licensing and responsibilities of the issuing authority. 

  Number of Members:

Committee of five members and one alternate
 

Support & Resources:

Assistant Town Manager and/or Project Manager

  Additional Guides:

Provincetown Committee Handbook

Provincetown Charter Massachusetts Cable Commission, Municipal Liaison

133 Portland Street, Suite 300

Boston, MA 02114-1707 (617) 727-6925
 
 

Cape End Manor Board of Directors



Mission & Authority:

To assist the Town manager in the administration of the Cape End Manor. It shall be the duty of the Board of Directors to review regularly the utilization of the facilities and personnel; to submit monthly reports to the Town Manager and the Board of Selectmen; to prepare and submit an annual budget for consideration at the Annual Town Meeting; and to consider any and all matters concerning the operation of the Cape End Manor. Appointing Authority: Board of Selectmen Origins of Authority:
 
 
Authority
Summary
Annual Town Meeting, April 1978, Article 60 To establish a Board of Directors as described above.
Board of Selectmen Motion, June 22, 1998 To change from one to two alternate members.

Number of Members:

Committee of five members and two alternate. Two members shall be chosen on the basis of medical background, two members on the basis of business background, and one member from the community-at-large. Support & Resources:

Coordination with Town Manager

Cape End Manor Administrator

Enterprise Fund - Budget
 

Additional Guides:

Provincetown Committee Handbook

MA Dept of Revenue: Implementing an Enterprise Fund Handbook Annual Town Reports since 1978
 
 


 
 

Cemetery Commission




Mission & Authority:

To have sole care, superintendence and management of all public burial grounds in the Town. May lay out any existing public burial grounds or any land purchased and set apart for cemeteries with proper paths and avenues; may plant, embellish, ornament and fence the same and erect therein such suitable edifices and conveniences and make such improvements as it considers convenient; and, subject to the approval of the Town, may make such regulations, consistent with law, as it deems expedient. Appointing Authority: Town Manager Origins of Authority:
 
 
Authority
Summary
Annual Town Meeting, April 4, 1891 

Committee on Article 3 & 7

 Town Meeting adopted The recommendations of this Committee. (Town Report 1891, page 13 supports this decision.)
 
 

Town Meeting accepts Massachusetts General Laws as listed here. 
Acts of the Legislature of 1884, Chapter 186 Town may hold funds deposited with Treasurer for care of burial places.
Acts of the Legislature of 1890, Chapter 264 Authority for commission; to lay out grounds in suitable lots; to make laws and regulations, execute deeds; receive grants and bequests; return proceeds to treasury; to submit annual report.
Acts of the Legislature of 1913, Chapter 582 Authority for the Town of Provincetown to borrow money to restore Cemetery Trust Fund.
Massachusetts General Law Chapter 114'22 Defines authority and structure of the commission.
Special Town Meeting, October 1977, Article 24 Designates the Historical Commission as the approved organization to carry out restoration programs in Provincetown=s Oldest Cemetery.
Special Town Meeting, October 1977, Article 23 Accepta Massachusetts General Law Chapter 272 Section 73A; Provisions of 73 shall not prohibit the removal, in accordance with rules and regulations by State Secretary, of a gravestone or other structure or thing which is placed or designed as a memorial for the dead, for the purpose of repair or reproduction thereof by community sponsored, educationally oriented, and professionally directed repair teams.
Annual Town Meeting, April 1977, Article 67  Erect a permanent enclosure around Provincetown=s Oldest Cemetery and begin the four-year restoration work.
Annual Town Meeting, April 1975, Article 32 Approval to fence Provincetown=s Oldest Cemetery.
Annual Town Meeting, March 1968, Article 25 To obtain a permanent easement and construct a retaining wall on the SE embankment of Winthrop St Cemetery on the property of Christopher Salvador.
Annual Town Meeting, March 1963, Article 34 Take over Gifford and Hamilton Cemeteries for care, maintenance and control provided by Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 114, Section 18.
Annual Town Meeting, March 1961, Article 26 Revision of Cemetery Regulations.

  Number of Members:

Committee of five members and one alternate Support & Resources:

Cemetery Superintendent

Director of Public Works

Budget Line 491
 
 

Additional Guides:

Provincetown Committee Handbook

Provincetown Charter

Cemetery Regulations

 Annual Town Reports since 1901
 


 
 

Charter Enforcement Commission



Mission & Authority:

To encourage and compel compliance with the Provincetown Charter. Appointing Authority:

Elected office
 

Origins of Authority:
 
 
Authority
Summary
Provincetown Charter 5-2 Defines the responsibilities and procedures of the Charter Enforcement Commission as described in Provincetown Charter 5-2.

  Number of Members:

Committee of five members elected for three-year overlapping terms so arranged that the term of at least one member shall expire each year. Support & Resources: To support the Commission=s authority to file a complaint with the Massachusetts Superior Court. The Town may establish a fund to enable the Commission to pay the costs and expenses relating to such filing. Additional Guides:

Provincetown Charter

Charter Enforcement Commissions Policies and Procedures

Provincetown Committee Handbook

Annual Town Reports since 1991
 


 
 

Community Policing Steering Committee

Mission & Authority:

To help coordinate the implementation of the philosophy of community-oriented policing in the Town of Provincetown. Appointing Authority:

Town Manager with the approval of the Board of Selectmen
 
 

Origins of Authority:
 
 
Authority
Summary
Special Town Meeting, April 1993, Article 1 Defines the purpose and composition of the Community Policing Steering Committee.

 
 

Number of Members:

Committee of nine members

  Support & Resources:

Chief of Police or designated officer
 
 

Additional Guides:

Provincetown Committee Handbook

Provincetown Charter

Annual Town Reports since 1993

Conservation Commission



Mission & Authority:

To establish a Conservation Commission for the promotion and development of the natural resources and for the protection of watershed resources of the Town. Such commission shall conduct researches into its local land areas and shall seek to co-ordinate the activities of unofficial bodies organized for similar purposes and may advertise, prepare, print and distribute books, maps, charts, plans and pamphlets which, in its judgement, it deems necessary for its work. Among such plans may be a conservation and passive outdoor recreation plan which shall be, as far as possible, consistent with the Town Master Plan and with any regional plans relating to the area. The Commission may, from time-to-time, amend such plan. Such plan shall show open areas including marsh land, swamps and other wetlands, and shall show which areas are subject to restrictions or wetland zoning provisions and any other matter which may be shown on a plat index. Acquisitions of interests in land and other municipal open lands shall be shown thereon as well as lands owned by other entities kept open through any legal requirement. Such plan shall show other areas which public necessity requires to be retained for conservation and passive recreation use.

Said commission may receive gifts, bequests or devises of personal property or interests in real property in the name of the Town if approved by the Board of Selectmen. It may purchase interests in such lands with sums available to it. If insufficient funds are available or other reasons so require, a Town Meeting may raise or transfer funds so that the Commission may acquire, in the name of the Town by option, purchase, lease or otherwise the fee in such land or water rights, conservation restrictions, easements or other contractual rights including conveyances on conditions or with limitations or reversions, as may be necessary to acquire, maintain, improve, protect, limit future use of or otherwise conserve and properly utilize open spaces in land and water areas within the Town and it shall manage and control the same. A Town may, upon a written request of the Commission, take by eminent domain the fee or any lesser interest in any land and water areas within the Town, provided such taking has first been approved by a two-thirds vote of Town Meeting. The Commission may adopt rules and regulations governing the use of land and waters under its control, and prescribe penalties for any violations.
 
 

 Appointing Authority:

Town Manager with the of the Board of Selectmen
 

Origins of Authority:
 
 
Authority
Summary
Annual Town Meeting, March 1963, Article 49 To establish a Conservation Commission in accordance with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40, Section 8C.
Annual Town Meeting, April 1996, Article 15 A member of the Conservation Commission cannot serve simultaneously as a member of any other regulatory Town Board.
Annual Town Meeting, April 1995, Article 1 Establish abandoned Railroad right-of-way abutting Foss Woods as Park, Recreation and Conservation Land with Town easement for utility purposes.
Annual Town Meeting, April 1995, Article 7  Acquisition of Foss Woods Property by Conservation Commission and conveyance of the 14.87 acres to the Trustees of the Provincetown Conservation Trust.

  Number of Members:

Committee of five members and one alternate
 

Support & Resources:

Part time Secretary in the Department of Regulatory Management

Permit Coordinator

Annual Budget Line 171

 Additional Guides:

 Provincetown Committee Handbook

Provincetown Charter

Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act Massachusetts General Law Chapter 131'40

Provincetown General By-laws Chapter 12

 
 

Council on Aging



Mission & Authority:

To identify and support the total needs of the senior (59 years and older) population. To design and implement programs, make referrals and advocate for the elderly. The Council On Aging shall prepare and submit an Annual Report of its activities to the Town. Appointing Authority:

Board of Selectmen

 Origins of Authority:
 
 
Authority
Summary
Annual Town Meeting, March 1972, Article 47 Accept Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40, Section 8B with authority as defined above.
Town of Provincetown Charter Chapter 6.1 Revised 1990 Changed the composition of the COA from seven (7) members to five (5) members and one alternate.
Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 19A Authority of the Massachusetts Office of Elders Affairs. Defines authority for certain elders services.

 

Number of Members:

Committee of five members and one alternate
 

Support & Resources:

Council on Aging and Public Health Director

Annual Budget Line 541

Several General Ledger Grants

 Massachusetts Policy & Procedures Manual (Massachusetts Council on Aging)

  Additional Guides:

Provincetown Committee Handbook

Provincetown Charter A Guide for Board members of Councils on Aging

Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 19A ''1,2,4
 

Disability Commission



Mission & Authority:

To coordinate and carry out programs designed to meet the problems of the handicapped in coordination with programs of the Office of Handicapped Affairs. Shall research local problems of the handicapped and shall coordinate the activities of other local groups organized for similar purposes, and may advertise, prepare, print, and distribute books, maps, charts, plans and pamphlets necessary for its work. Shall file an Annual Report which shall be printed in the Town Annual Report and shall have at least six meetings annually. Appointing Authority:

Town Manager with the approval of the Board of Selectmen

  Origins of Authority:
 
 
Authority
Summary
Annual Town Meeting, April 1991, Article 28 Accept Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40, Section 8J with authority as defined above.
Annual Town Meeting, April 1993, Article 15 Renamed Handicapped Commission as ADisability Commission@

 

Number of Members:

Committee of five members. A majority of members of said commission members shall consist of disabled persons; one of such members may be a member of the immediate family of such disabled person and one member shall be either an elected or appointed official of that town.
 

Additional Guides:

Provincetown Committee Handbook

Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40 '8J

 

Economic Development Council

 

Mission & Authority:

To advise the Board of Selectmen on the development of strategies consistent with the Local Comprehensive Plan which will foster a sustainable year-round economy for Provincetown.

Appointing Authority:

Board of Selectmen

Origins of Authority:

 

Authority

 

Summary

Board of Selectmen Meeting on June 13, 2005.

 

Move that the Board of Selectmen vote to establish the Provincetown Council on Economic Development to advise the Board of Selectmen on the development of strategies consistent with the Local Comprehensive Plan which will foster a sustainable year-round economy for Provincetown. Said council shall be comprised of seven members appointed by the Board of Selectmen for three‑year overlapping terms so arranged that the terms of at least two members shall expire each year. Members of the council shall have education and experience in one or more of the following fields: tourism and visitor services, arts and culture, retail, general business, education, health care, commercial fishing and aquaculture, and housing and construction; and the council as a whole shall include persons with education and experience in several of these fields. In fulfillment of its mission, said council shall actively solicit ongoing input from businesses, organizations, and interested individuals.

 

And further to vote to advertise to fill positions thereon, with the establishment of said council to become effective upon appointment of its members.

 

Motion by:  Michele Couture               Seconded by:  Sarah Peake           

Yea  5    Nay  0

 

 

Number of Members:

Said council shall be comprised of seven members appointed by the Board of Selectmen for three-year overlapping terms so arranged that the terms of at least two members shall expire each year. Members of the council shall have education and experience in one or more of the following fields: tourism and visitor services, arts and culture, retail, general business, education, health care, commercial fishing and aquaculture, and housing and construction; and the council as a whole shall include persons with education and experience in several of these fields.

 

Support & Resources:

No budget

 

Other:

In fulfillment of its mission, said council shall actively solicit ongoing input from businesses, organizations, and interested individuals.

 

Finance Committee



Mission & Authority:

To hold hearings and make recommendations on Warrant Articles. Shall annually review Town expenditures for previous years and those proposed for the year ensuing. Appointing Authority:

Town Moderator
 

Origins of Authority:
 
 
Authority
Summary
Massachusetts General Law Chapter 39 '16 Requires a Town with a valuation for the purpose of apportioning the state tax exceeds one million dollars shall by by-law provide for a Finance Committee.
Provincetown Charter revised 1990, Chapter 6.7 Defines a composition of the Finance Committee, its authority, and the requirement that a member of the Finance Committee shall not be a member of any other town board.
Provincetown Charter, revised 1990, Chapter 2; 3-10 Express Finance Committee=s vote and provide a majority report.
Provincetown Charter, revised 1990, Chapter 9 '' 1-6,1-8, 2-3, 2-4, 5-2 Specific tasks assigned to the Finance Committee.
Town of Provincetown, General By-laws 

Chapter 5 '5.2

 Specific responsibilities of the Finance Committee.

  Number of Members:

Committee of nine members and two alternates

  Support & Resources:

Director of Municipal Finance

Annual Budget Line 131 Additional Guides:

Provincetown Committee Handbook

Provincetown Charter

Provincetown General By-laws

Finance Committee Handbook by The Association of Town Finance Committees
Implementing an Enterprise Fund Handbook by MA Department of Revenue
Annual Municipal Budgets

Harbor Committee



Mission & Authority:

To implement the Municipal Harbor Plan, to provide for the coordination of all harbor elements and activities, to make recommendations concerning updates and revisions to the Harbor Plan, and changes in Harbor and Shellfish regulations. Appointing Authority:

Board of Selectmen

  Origins of Authority:
 
 
Authority
Summary
Annual Town Meeting April 1997, Article 33 Defines the responsibilities as noted above and the composition of the Committee.
Annual Town Meeting April 1997, Article 32 Voted to ratify and approve the Municipal Harbor Plan for Provincetown Harbor.

  Number of Members:

Committee of five members and one alternate

  Support & Resources:

Marine Superintendent
 

Additional Guides:

Provincetown Committee Handbook

Municipal Harbor Plan for Provincetown Harbor

Provincetown Harbor Regulations

Provincetown Commercial Shellfish Regulations
Recreational Shellfish Regulations

 

 
 

Board of Health



Mission & Authority:

To make rules and regulations for its own government and for the government of its officers, agents, and assistants. Appointing Authority:

Board of Selectmen

  Origins of Authority:
 
 
Authority
Summary
Provincetown Charter (revised 1990) Chapter 6.8 Authority for the Board of Health as provided by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 111
Massachusetts General Law 111 ''26, 27, 31 Authority for the mission of the Board of Health as defined above.

  Number of Members:

Committee of five members and one alternate

  Support & Resources:

Health Inspector and Health Agent

Annual Budget Line 513 Additional Guides:

Provincetown Committee Handbook

Town of Provincetown Charter

Board of Health Legal Handbook, MA Association of Health Boards

Provincetown Board of Health Regulations

Heritage Museum Board of Trustees



Mission & Authority:

To have complete supervision and management of the Old Center Methodist Church Historical Building and the real estate attached thereto. Appointing Authority:

Board of Selectmen

  Origins of Authority:
 
 
Authority
Summary
Special Town Meeting November 1975, Article 8 Authorizes the Board of Selectmen to purchase the Old Center Methodist Church property for $135,000, to issue bonds and notes, and to establish a Board of Trustees. The building is to be used for historic purposes.
Special Town Meeting November 1995, Article 17 Increases the membership from seven (7) to nine (9).

  Number of Members:

A Board of Trustees of nine (9) members. The Board shall at all times have as members at least one member from the Historical Commission or Historic District Commission; the Art Commission; and the Provincetown Historical Association. Support & Resources:

Administrative Director

Annual Budget Line 671 General Ledger 25 AGrants@
 
 

Additional Guides:

Provincetown Committee Handbook

Provincetown Charter

Annual Town Reports since 1976
 

Historical Commission



Mission & Authority:

For the purposes and with the rights and duties provided by law - for the preservation, protection and development of the historical or archeological assets of the Town. Shall conduct researches for places of historic or archeological value; shall cooperate with the state archeologist in conducting the activities of unofficial bodies organized for similar purposes, and may advertise, prepare, print and distribute books, maps, charts, plans, and pamphlets which it deems necessary for its work.

  The commission may make recommendations as it deems necessary to the Board of Selectmen and to the Massachusetts Historical Commission, that any such place be certified as an historical or archeological landmark. The Commission may hold hearings; enter into contracts with individuals, organizations and institutions for services furthering the objectives of the commission=s program; accept gifts, contributions and bequests of funds from individuals, foundations and from federal, state or other local governmental bodies for the purpose of furthering the commission=s program; make and sign any agreements and may do and perform any and all acts which may be necessary or desirable to carry out the purposes of this law.

 Appointing Authority:

 Town Manager with approval from the Board of Selectmen.

  Origins of Authority:
 
 
Authority
Summary
Annual Town Meeting, March 1970, Article 51 Voted to establish under the provisions of Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 40, Section 8d an Historical Commission.
Provincetown Charter, Chapter 7.9 Composition of the Commission.
Annual Town Meeting, April 1996, Article 15, Section 2 A member of the Historical Commission cannot serve simultaneously as a member of any other regulatory Town Board.
Annual Town Meeting April 1996, Article 15, Section 3 Adds an additional alternate to the Historical Commission.
Cape Cod Commission Act Section 12 (c)(1) Local Historical Commission=s review and make recommendation(s) to the Building Commissioner for referrals to the Cape Cod Commission of proposed alterations to Aexterior architectural features@ to historic structures listed on the National or Massachusetts registers of Historic Places.

  Number of Members:

Committee of five members and two alternates Support & Resources:

Building Commissioner

Permit Coordinator

Annual Budget Line 179 Additional Guides:

Provincetown Committee Handbook

Provincetown Charter

Annual Town Reports since 1970

Guidelines for Referral of Historic Structures to the Cape Cod Commission

 Note:

Annual Town Meeting March 1963, Article 57, the Town voted to request the Planning Board to study the advisability, hold public hearings and report to a future Town Meeting on the advisability of establishing an AHistoric District on Commercial Street@ either by State Legislation or by means of local zoning ordinance provisions for the purpose of preserving and controlling exterior architectural design of private buildings and gaining recognition for Commercial Street as the most famous street in America. Motion Carried.
 
 

Special Town Meeting October 1977, Article 43, to see if the Town will vote to adopt the following Bylaw establishing an Historic District and an Historic District Commission, under the provisions of the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 40C as amended by Chapter 359 of the Acts of 1971, and under the provisions of Article 89 of the Amendments to the Massachusetts Constitution. Twelve sections of the Historic District Bylaw did not pass with the two-thirds vote required.
 

Housing Authority



Mission & Authority:

The Housing Authority is a public agency with the primary mission to develop and manage decent, safe, affordable rental housing for low income households, in accordance with the needs of the Town. There are various related responsibilities and authorities listed throughout Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 121B, including rental assistance programs, redevelopment of distressed areas, housing for moderate income households, home ownership programs in rural areas, as well as state and federal enabling and funding legislation which targets different needs groups (family, elderly, persons with disabilities, special needs, etc). The Housing Authority is regulated in accordance Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 121B as well as the regulations governing grants utilized to develop or subsidize its housing programs, and other laws relevant to its operation as a public agency. At this time, the Provincetown Housing Authority operates housing for families and housing with supportive services for people who are homeless and HIV+. Appointing Authority:

Four Commissioners are elected in Town elections; the fifth is appointed by the Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development. Interim vacancies are filled by a vote of a joint meeting of the Board of Selectmen and the Housing Authority Board of Commissioners.
 
 

Origins of Authority:
 
 
Authority
Summary
Special Town Meeting, July 1948, Article 6 Voted in accordance with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 121, Section 26K as amended by the Acts 1946 Chapter 574 and Chapter 200 of the Acts of 1948 that there is need for a Housing Authority in the Town of Provincetown for the purpose of providing housing for families of low income.
1948 August 30, Secretary of the Commonwealth Certificate of Organization 

  Number of Members:

Five member Board of Commissioners

  Support & Resources:

Generally, operations are funded by a combination of tenant rents and State and Federal housing subsidies. The Authority=s budget is entirely separate from that of the Town of Provincetown and is in accordance with annual guidelines issued by the State. The budget is voted annually by the Commissioners and submitted to the State for approval. The Housing Authority may receive donations of land, buildings, technical assistance, and in-kind services from a Town, as well as having property taxes waived for some programs and making a payment in lieu of taxes for others. The Housing Authority may receive funds from the Town, but said Town is not its customary funding source. There is a part time administrative and maintenance staff.

  The Director is hired by, and reports to, the Board of Commissioners.

Additional Guides:

Provincetown Committee Handbook

Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 121B

Provincetown Charter
 
 

Human Services Committee



Mission & Authority:

To help identify human service needs in the Town of Provincetown. Appointing Authority:

Board of Selectmen

  Origins of Authority:
 
 
Authority
Summary
Annual Town Meeting April 1993, Article 16 Defines the purpose and composition of the Human Service Committee.

  Number of Members:

Committee of seven members

  Support & Resources:

Council On Aging & Public Health Director

Annual Budget Line 512 General Ledger grants
 
 

Additional Guides:

Provincetown Committee Handbook

Provincetown Charter

Annual Town Reports since 1994

John Anderson Francis Family Scholarship Committee



Mission & Authority:

To award the individual scholarships of the John Anderson Family Scholarship, To develop rules & regulations for the administration of the Scholarship Program. Appointing Authority:

Board of Selectmen appoints three members

School Committee appoints two members

Scholarship Committee appoints the alternate member.
 
 

Origins of Authority:
 
 
Authority
Summary
Cecilia C. Francis Will Devises and bequeaths to the Town of Provincetown for the purpose of setting up a scholarship fund.
Annual Town Meeting March 1984, Article 41 Defines the purpose and composition of the John Anderson Scholarship Committee.
Memorandum of Agreement 84E-0022-G1 Agreement between the Board of Selectmen and the School Committee in administering the Scholarship Program
Annual Town Meeting April 1995, Article 22 Adds an alternate member of John Anderson Francis Family Scholarship Committee.

Number of Members:

Five members and one alternate. No member of the Board of Selectmen or the School Committee or any current employee of the School Department will be eligible to serve on the Awards Committee. Support & Resources:

Director of Municipal Finance

Annual Budget General Ledger 82-408 Additional Guides:

Provincetown Committee Handbook

Provincetown Charter

Rules and Regulations for Scholarship Awards

Annual Town Reports since 1984

Licensing Board



Mission & Authority:

To act as a licensing authority with respect to all licenses issued by the Town to operate a business or any part of a business including innholders, common victuallers and alcohol beverages or wines and malt beverages. Appointing Authority:

Board of Selectmen

  Origins of Authority:
 
 
Authority
Summary
Town of Provincetown Charter 6-10 Authority and composition of the Board.
Annual Town Meeting, April 1996, Article 15 No Licensing Board member shall serve simultaneously as a member/alternate of more than one regulatory board. 

There shall be two alternate members.
Provincetown General, By-laws Chapter 8 Licensing and regulation of businesses within the Town of Provincetown.
Provincetown General By-laws, Chapter 9 Licensing and regulation of certain businesses within the Town of Provincetown.
Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 140'2 Authority to issue licenses to persons to be innholders or common victuallers. Massachusetts General Law Chapter 140 identifies a wide variety of licenses to be issued by this Board.

  Number of Members:

Committee of five members and two alternate

  Support & Resources:

Licensing Agent
 

Additional Guides:

Provincetown Charter

Provincetown General By-laws Provincetown Committee Handbook

Licensing Board Rules and Regulations

Committee Policies & Procedures

License Fees
 
 

Local Housing Partnership



Mission & Authority:

Article 12 of the April 7, 1997 Annual Town Meeting established the Provincetown Local Housing Partnership to develop housing goals and strategies, actively pursue funding opportunities for affordable housing, facilitate public/private/resident partnerships, establish criteria to evaluate affordable housing proposals, make recommendations on housing proposals, review and authorize applications for affordable housing permits as defined under the Growth Management By-law, and perform other activities related to the creation and preservation of affordable housing opportunities in Provincetown. Article 12 of the April 4, 2005 Annual Town Meeting clarified and affirm the role of the Provincetown Local Housing Partnership in reviewing and approving all affordable and community housing restrictions and in approving or disapproving the issuance of all affordable and community housing permits under the Town's Growth Management Zoning By-law (General Use Categories 1a. Affordable Housing Units, 1b. Medium Income Community Housing Units, and 1c. Middle Income Community Housing Units).
 Appointing Authority:

Board of Selectmen

  Origins of Authority:
 
 
Authority
Summary
Annual Town Meeting 1997, Article 12 Defines the purpose and composition of the Local Housing Partnership.

  Number of Members:

Committee of five members and one alternate

  Support & Resources:

Grant Administrator

Annual Budget Line 672 Additional Guides:

Provincetown Committee Handbook

Provincetown Charter

Provincetown Zoning By-laws
 
 
 

Note:

Articles 10, 11 and 13 of the 1997 Annual Town Meeting also approved related actions that influence the mission of this Board.

Parking Study Committee



Mission & Authority:

To conduct an ongoing study of the means and methods of remedying the Town=s parking problems. Appointing Authority:

Board of Selectmen

  Origins of Authority:
 
 
Authority
Summary
Special Town Meeting, November 1978, Article 6 Establishes the Parking Needs Study Committee for the purpose described above.
Annual Town Meeting April, 1996, Article 18 Ratified and approved the recommendations for the Provincetown Transportation Center Plan contained in the Final Report dated November 12, 1995, prepared by Cecil & Rizvi, inc., on the condition that final design approval shall be subject to further vote of Town Meeting.

  Number of Members:

Committee of five members and one alternate.

  Support & Resources:

Parking Administrator

  Additional Guides:

Provincetown Committee Handbook

Provincetown Charter

Provincetown Transportation Center Final Report

Annual Town Reports

Planning Board

Mission & Authority:

To review plans for the division or development of land; to oversee the creation and amendments of the zoning by-laws; make careful studies and, when necessary, prepare plans of the resources, possibilities and needs of the Town submit each study to Board of Selectmen with recommendations report annually to the Town giving information regarding the condition of the Town and any plans or proposals for its development and estimates of cost; and to prepare a Master Plan. The Board may adopt and alter an official map. Subdivision Control. Appointing Authority:

Board of Selectmen

  Origins of Authority:
 
 
Authority
Summary
Annual Town Meeting, February 1947, Article 33 Voted to establish a Planning Board as provided for in the Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 41, sections 81-A to 81-J.
Annual Town Meeting, February 1948, Article 20 Voted to specify five as the number of persons that shall constitute the Provincetown Planning Board.
Provincetown Charter, 6-12 Defines composition of the Planning Board.
Rules & Regulations Governing the Subdivision of Land in Provincetown, Massachusetts Adopted December 16, 1975, and updated on September 13, 1977.

Number of Members:

Committee of five members and one alternate

  Support & Resources:

Permit Coordinator

Annual Budget Line 175

  Additional Guides:

Provincetown Committee Handbook

Provincetown Charter

Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 41 '81A to 81GG

Cape Cod Commission Regional Plan

Provincetown Master Plan

Provincetown Zoning By-laws

Recreation Commission



Mission & Authority:

To have charge of all youth activities; to operate the Community Center; and to take on the functions of the Bicycle Committee and the Teen Center Study Committee. Appointing Authority:

Board of Selectmen

  Origins of Authority:
 
 
Authority
Summary
Annual Town Meeting, February 1949 Article 15 Accepts Massachusetts General Law Chapter 45 Section 14 that established the Recreation Commission and their responsibilities.
Annual Town Meeting, March 1956 Article 10 Accepts Massachusetts General Law Chapter 45 Section 14 that established the Recreation Commission and defines their responsibilities.
Annual Town Meeting, March 1956 Article 11 Authorizes the Board of Selectmen to appoint five Recreation Commissioners.
Annual Town Meeting, March 1956 Article 8 Allows the present New Governor Bradford School to be used as a Community Center for the citizens of the Town to be operated under supervision of the Recreation Commissioners, said commissioners to have charge of all youth activities; the use of the building, however, to be used on the condition that the same is to be returned to the Town for use as a school or other purposes whenever a vote of the Town so directs.
Annual Town Meeting, April 1998, Article 40 Transfers to the Recreation Commission the functions of the Bicycle and Teen Center Study Committees.
Board of Selectmen Motion on July 27, 1987 The Board Of Selectmen creates a Bicycle Committee. The mission and purpose of the bicycle committee was not recorded in the motion.
Special Town Meeting November 1995, Article 15 Creates the Teen Center Study Committee to support the establishment of a Teen Center; to study site location, size, cost, and grant application while emphasizing site location already owned by the Town.

 

Number of Members:

Committee of five members and one alternate

  Support & Resources:

Recreation Director

Annual Budget Line 630 and the Recreation Revolving Account Additional Guides:

Provincetown Committee Handbook

Provincetown Charter

Annual Town Reports since 1949

Recycling and Renewable Energy Committee



Mission & Authority:

  To develope strategies for recycling as much of Provincetown=s trash as possible.

Appointing Authority:

Board of Selectmen
 

Origins of Authority:
 
 
Authority
Summary
Annual Town Meeting, March 1990, Article 35 Establishes the present Provincetown Recycling Committee as a regular standing committee of the Town.
Annual Town Meeting April 1991, Article 14 Increases membership from five to seven.
Annual Town Meeting April 1993, Article 17  Decrease membership from seven to five.
Special Town Meeting April 2007, Article 11  Expand scope to include renewable energy.

  Number of Members:

Committee of five members

  Support & Resources:

Director of Public Works
 

Additional Guides:

Provincetown Committee Handbook

Provincetown Charter

Annual Town Reports since 1989

Board of Registrars of Voters



Mission & Authority:

Required to register voters from any town if their Affidavits of Registration are complete and do not set forth facts disqualifying them from registration; call before them for a hearing any person whom they have probable cause to believe made a false statement in their affidavit of voter registration; summon a person to a Public Hearing upon receipt by the Board of a signed and sworn challenge to that person=s voter registration; and examine under oath anyone summoned before the Board and remove the person from the voting list if found improperly registered, or in default for not appearing. Appointing Authority: Board of Selectmen shall pick from a list submitted to them by the Town committee of the political party from the members of which the position is to be filled, containing the names of three enrolled members of such party being a resident in Provincetown, and selected from a majority vote at a duly called meeting, at which a quorum is present. If the list is not submitted to the Board of Selectmen within 45 days after a political Town committee is notified by certified mail, the Appointing Authority shall make the appointment without reference to such a list. Origins of Authority:
 
 
Authority
Summary
Town of Provincetown Charter Chapter 6 '13 Links the responsibilities of the Board of Registrars to Massachusetts General Law Chapter 51, Section 15 and to submit an Annual Report with census and voter statistics.
Massachusetts General Law Chapter 51 ''18, 23, 25, 33, 36,38, 41, 42, 47, 48, 51, 52, 53  Sets forth the responsibilities of the Board of Registrars. 

 
 

Number of Members:

Town Clerk and three other persons. As nearly as possible, the members of the Board shall represent the two leading political parties. There shall not be any more than two members per political party including the Town Clerk. Support & Resources:

Town Clerk

Annual Budget 113 Additional Guides:

Provincetown Committee Handbook

Election Resource Handbook- Boards of Registrars (Outlines the requirements and major responsibilities.) Provincetown Charter
 

School Committee

Mission & Authority:

To have the power to select and to terminate the Superintendent; review and approve budgets for public education in the district; and establish educational goals and policies for the schools in the district consistent with the requirements of law and statewide goals and standards established by the Board of Education. Appointing Authority:

Elected Office
 

Origins of Authority:
 
 
Authority
Summary
Provincetown Charter, Section 5  Defines the composition of the Committee and local budget requirements.
Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 71 '37 Defines the powers and duties of the School Committee.
Annual Town Meeting, March 1959, Article 40 Reduces School Committee from seven to five memebers.
Annual Town Meeting, March 1983. Article 38 Accepts Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 71 Section 71E which authorizes expenditures by the School Committee for Adult Education and certain other programs.

  Number of Members:

Committee of five members.
 

Additional Guides:

Provincetown Charter

Provincetown Committee Handbook

Board of Selectmen

Mission & Authority:

The Board of Selectmen shall be the primary policy making, planning and goal setting agency of the Town. The Board shall be recognized as the head of Town government for all ceremonial purposes and exercise the powers and duties prescribed by the Massachusetts General Laws, the Provincetown General By-laws, and the Provincetown Charter. The Board shall establish an employment contract with the Town Manager; appoint members of most Town Boards; and may investigate the affairs of the Town. They shall make provisions for traffic regulations and control; and insure that the Provincetown General By-laws are up to date. Appointing Authority:

Elected Office

  Origins of Authority:
 
 
Authority
Summary
Provincetown Charter (revised 1990) Chapter 4 Outlines the composition, General Powers, Written Records, Powers of Appointment and Investigatory Powers.
Provincetown Charter (revised 1990) Chapter 2 Sets forth the responsibilities of the Board of Selectmen relating to Town Meeting.
Acts & Resolves of 1953, Chapter 78 Establishes the Selectmen/Town Manager form of government.

Number of Members:

Board of five members

  Support & Resources:

Town Manager
 
 

Additional Guides:

Provincetown Charter

Board of Selectmen=s Policies & Procedures

Provincetown Committee Handbook

Handbook for Massachusetts Selectmen - Massachusetts Municipal Association

Annual Town Reports
 

Shellfish Committee

Mission & Authority:

To initiate, promote and manage shellfisheries in Provincetown; make or cause to be made such studies as may be necessary to enhance the value of such shellfisheries and shall enforce all statutes, ordinances, by-laws, rules & regulations relative to shellfish in Provincetown. Appointing Authority:

Board of Selectmen

  Origins of Authority:
 
 
Authority
Summary
Not Available  
   

Number of Members:

Committee of five members and one alternate

  Support & Resources:

Shellfish Constable

Annual Budget Line 296 Additional Guides:

Provincetown Committee Handbook

Provincetown Charter

Annual Town Reports

Mission & Authority:

To administer funds collected through donations on tax bills for Town Scholarship Fund.

Appointing Authority:

Board of Selectmen, School Superintendent

Origins of Authority:

 

Authority

 

Summary

 

Board of Selectmen Vote on November 28, 2005

 

The Town accepted MGL 194 of the Acts of 1986 in March of 1988 to establish a scholarship and education fund.  Tax bills include a donation request option to these funds. Treasurer requested committee be formed according to MGL 60 §3C to administer funds collected.

 

 

Number of Members:

Committee of five members: 4 appointed by the Board of Selectmen, 1 appointed by the School Superintendent

Support & Resources:

      No budget

 

Visitor Services Board

Mission & Authority:

To develop, coordinate and implement a long-term comprehensive plan to enhance tourism year-round. For the purpose of overseeing expenditures of the Tourism Fund with the expenditures of any funds of the Visitor Services Board to be expended under the Board of Selectmen. Appointing Authority:

Board of Selectmen

Origins of Authority:
 
 
Authority
Summary
Special Town Meeting April 1997, Article 5 Establishes the Visitor Services Board and sets its composition to consist of 7 members appointed by the Board of Selectmen as follows: one member nominated by the Provincetown Chamber of Commerce, one member nominated from the Provincetown Business Guild, one member nominated bythe Women Innkeepers of Provincetown, one member nominated by the Municipal Advertising Committee, and three members-at-large. The length of terms for the members serving on the Visitor Services Board will be staggered, with the length of terms determined by the Board of Selectmen.
Annual Town Meeting April 1996, Article 10 Instructs Town=s representative in the General Court to file a Home Rule petition to established a Tourism Fund to market, beautify, and enhance tourism in the Town of Provincetown. Twenty-five percent of the excise collected under section 3A of Chapter 64G by the town of Provincetown for fiscal year ending June 30, 1997, shall be credited to the Tourism Fund; for fiscal year ending June 30, 1998, thirty-five percent; and for each succeeding fiscal year, forty-five percent.
Acts & Resolves 1996 Chapter 178 H.B. No. 5959 An Act establishing a Tourism Fund in the town of Provincetown.
Annual Town Meeting April 1999, Article 64 Amends Visitor Services Board composition relative to the seven member Visitor Services Board by deleting "one member nominated by the Municipal Advertising Committee" and replaced with one member nominated from the Arts Community.

  Number of Members:

7 Board Members:

1 member nominated by the Provincetown Chamber of Commerce

1 member nominated by the Provincetown Business Guild

1 member nominated by the Women Innkeepers of Provincetown

1 member nominated by the Arts Community

3 members-at-large

 Support & Resources:

  Annual Budget Presented as Tourism Article at the Annual Town Meeting

 Additional Guides:

Provincetown Committee Handbook

Wastewater Management Planning Citizen Advisory Committee




Mission & Authority:

To work with the Board of Selectmen and the Administration in developing a scope of work for a wastewater management planning process. Appointing Authority:

Board of Selectmen

  Origins of Authority:
 
 
Authority
Summary
Board of Selectmen motion of December 12, 1994 Defines the purpose and composition of the Wastewater Management Planning Citizen Advisory Committee.

  Number of Members:

Committee comprised of up to fifteen (15) members

  Support & Resources:

Director of Public Works

  Additional Guides:

Provincetown Committee Handbook

Annual Town Reports since 1995
 
 

Related Town Meeting Decisions:
 
 
 
Special Town Meeting, April 1997, Article 3 

Special Town Meeting April 1998, Article 9

 To continue funding the development of plans and specifications for construction of sewerage systems in accordance with the engineering scope of services.
Special Town Meeting April 1998, Article 11 Establishes a Wastewater Enterprise Fund.
Special Town Meeting April 1998, Article 12 Increases local room occupancy excise tax from 2.3 percent to 4 percent and dedicate general fund=s increased share to Wastewater Enterprise Fund.

Water & Sewer

Not prepared at this time.





Zoning Board of Appeals

Mission & Authority:

To hear and decide appeals, applications for special permits, petitions for variances, and appeals from decisions of a zoning administrator. The board of appeals may. In conformity with the provisions of chapter 40A Section 14, make orders or decisions, reverse or affirm in whole or in part, or modify any order or decision, and to that end shall have all powers of the officer from whom the appeal is talem and mau issue or direct the issuance of a permit. The board of appeals may refer to the Cape Cod Commission a project, which exceed the Commissions DRI thresholds. Appointing Authority:

Board of Selectmen

  Origins of Authority:
 
 
Authority
Summary
Town of Provincetown Charter Chapter 6 '15 Authority as provided by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40A' 12. Defines the composition of the board. 
Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40A '14 Defines the powers of the board.
Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40B The Anti-Snob Zoning Act permits the Zoning Board of Appeals to grant a single permit to an eligible developer proposing state or federally subsidized low or moderate income housing. 
Town of Provincetown Zoning By-laws, Article IV 4200 Describes specific authority of the Provincetown Zoning Board of Appeals.

Number of Members:

Consisting of five regular members and five alternate members.

  Support & Resources:

Building Commissioner

Permit Coordinator

Annual Budget 176 Additional Guides:

Town of Provincetown Charter

Provincetown Committee Handbook

Town of Provincetown Zoning By-laws

Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40A

Committee Policies and Procedures

  Additional Notes:

MGL 40A '12 board of appeals shall adopt rules, not inconsistent with the provisions of the zoning ordinance or by-law for the conduct of its business and for the purposes of this Chapter 40A and shall file a copy of said rules with the Town Clerk.