2011-03-21 Bylaw Committee Minutes

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RECEIVED BYLAW COMMITTEE MINUTES#2% TOWN CLERK READING, MASS. Monday, March 21. 2011 2011 MAY 12 A & 28 Meeting called to order at 7:05 p.m. in the Conference Room at Town Hall. Members present: Phil Pacino,Jack Russell,Ron O'Keefe,Jr. and Dolores Carroll. Also Present: Town Manager Peter Heckenbleickner to review the following articles with the committee prior to the Annual Town Meeting on April 25,2011. Minutes#295 were read and accepted as presented by a vote of 4-0. Article 17 would increase survivor benefits for spouses of retirees who retired on disability prior to 1996,from Six Thousand($6,000.00)Dollars to Nine Thousand($9,000.00)Dollars annually,their first increase in 17 years. On motion of Ron O'Keefe,Jr., seconded by Jack Russell,the committee voted to recommend the subject matter of Article 17 by a vote of 4-0-0. Article 18 deletes Section 5.15 of the General Bylaw as the Fire Chief is now responsible for issuing permits and inspecting underground storage. On motion of Ron O'Keefe,Jr., seconded by Jack Russell,the committee voted to recommend the subject matter of Article 18 by a vote of 4-0-0. Article 19 amends the bylaw by decreasing demolition time of historic structures from twelve(12) months to six(6)months. On motion of Jack Russell, seconded by Ron O'Keefe,Jr.,the committee voted not to recommend the subject matter of Article 19 by a vote of 1-2-1. Article 20 grants restaurants the use of a public address or loudspeaker system as long as they don't impact adjoining properties. On motion of Jack Russell,seconded by Dolores Carroll,the committee voted to recommend the subject matter of Article 20 by a vote of 3-0-1. Article 1 requires property owners to clear snow and ice from their sidewalks. Although it would be beneficial for the Town,the daily fine could create a hardship for many homeowners. On motion of Jack Russell, seconded by Ron O'Keefe,Jr.,the subject matter of Article 21 was recommended by a vote of 4-0-0 Article 22 amends the Home Rule Charter so that the Board of Assessors would no longer be elected, j but appointed by a three(3)member board,consisting of the Moderator,Chairman of the Finance Committee and Chairman of the Board of Selectmen. i '------