2011-10-05 Bylaw Committee Minutes

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BYLAW COMMITTEE MINUTES #302 Wednesday, October 5, 2011 7:10 p.m. Meeting called to order in the Town Hall Conference Room. Members Present: Phil Pacino, Ronald O'Keefe, Jr. and Dolores Carroll. Also Present: Town Manager Peter Heckenbieickner. Finance Committee Members John Arena, Marsie West and Dave Mancuso. Historical Commission Members Virginia Adams, Roberta Sullivan and Mark Cardono. Also present was Town Meeting Member Bill Brown. Article 31: John Arena explained that the proposed Charter amendment would increase the effective date of Town Meeting's vote from seven (7) days to ten (10) days following the close of Town Meeting, with several exceptions. Approval would also change the condition of petitions and tighten up last years Charter. On motion of Dolores Carroll, seconded by Ron O'Keefe, Jr., the Bylaw Committee voted to recommend the subject matter of Article 31 by a vote of 3 -0 -0. Article 25: Approval of Fin Com's proposed bylaw amendment would permit Selectmen to schedule a local election on the same date as a Federal or State election; thereby increasing the possibility of greater voter turnout. On motion of Dolores Carroll, seconded by Ron O'Keefe, Jr., the Bylaw Committee voted to recommend the subject matter of Article 25 by a vote of 3-0 -0. Article 32: Dave Mancuso reviewed this Charter amendment which limits the terms served by volunteers on appointed boards, commissions or committees. The Committee feels this would be a difficult task to accomplish, as currently openings remain, due to lack of interest. On motion of Ron O'Keefe, Jr., seconded by Dolores Carroll, the Bylaw Committee voted not to recommend the subject matter of Article 32 by a vote of 3 -0 -0. Article 27: Dave Mancuso continued with this bylaw amendment which would permit owners of historical properties the right to appeal a negative decision of the Historical Commission. Members feel it needs to be more specific. Chairman Pacino suggested postponing action on this article until the next meeting scheduled for October 19' and invited the Historical Commission to attend. Article 26: Marsie West reviewed the bylaw amendment which enables the Fin Com to delay their vote to Town Meeting if additional information is still pending. On motion of Dolores Carroll, seconded by Ron O'Keefe, Jr., the Bylaw Committee voted not to recommend the subject matter of Article 26 by a vote of 2 -0 -1 Article 30: Marsie continued with this Charter amendment which enables the Fin Com to review various accounts within Town government involving the expenditure of funds, but delay their final vote if matters are still pending. On motion of Ron O'Keefe, Jr., seconded by Dolores Carroll, the Bylaw Committee voted not to recommend the subject matter of Article 30 by a vote of 2 -0 -1