2013-06-18 Rules Committee Minutes

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Rules Committee Jane 18, 2013 Town Hall Selectmen's Room In Attendance: Members: Alan Foulds (Moderator), Thomas Ryan (Prec. 1), Stephen Crook (Prec. 2), Nancy Graham (Prec. 3), Glen Hartzler (Prec. 4), Angela Binds (Prec. 5), Robert Lynch (Prec. 6), John Carpenter (Prec. 7), William Brown (Prec. 8) Others in attendance: Laura Gemme (Town Clerk) Meeting convened at 7:00 p.m. Four main topics were discussed, and the Moderator accepted feedback on miscellaneous subjects 1. Bob Lynch introduced the subject of finding ways to attract new members. It was decided that the moderator, with the help of volunteers, would host a session explaining to the general public how to go about becoming a member and what is involved with the position. This may be done live or on cable TV. The town clerk advised that the next town election is scheduled for April 8, and papers must be filed by February 18. It was decided that an early December date might work best. The moderator will consider other dates as well. Laura Gemme announced that the last time such an event was held, we recruited new members. 2. John Carpenter would like to we a mechanism which would allow non - members to speak before debate is ended. The moderator explained that the current town bylaws allow non - members to speak only after members have first had the opportunity to do so. Any member could call the question before the meeting reached the allotted time for non - members. To alleviate any such problem, the moderator will announce to the body, as it is considering a motion to end debate, that there are non - members who would like to speak — if he knows of any. The body can still decide to end debate, but will do so with the knowledge that there were non - members who did not get the chance to voice their opinions. 3. Steve Crook, a member of the bylaw committee, asked what the committee felt town meeting would like to hear from the bylaw committee. The rules committee answered by general consensus that it wants to hear whether or not a proposed bylaw is legal and fits well with other laws, rather than hearing the personal opinions of its members on the merits of the proposed change. Mr. Crook said he would repeat the feedback to the bylaw committee. 4. The moderator announced that he will be appointing a charter review committee soon. An instructional motion called for the creation of such a committee to include one town meeting member from each precinct, together with the moderator. Misc. Rules Committee members asked the moderator to ensure that all town meeting members — including town officials — identify themselves before speaking. It was also asked that all speakers begin talking only when they have the microphone.