2000-10-19 Bylaw Committee Minutes

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BYLAW COMMITTEE MINUTES #257 J ED October 19, 2000 CLERK MASS. 2001 OCI 23 , 8: 5b 7:35 p.m. Meeting called to order in the Town Hall Conference Room. Members present: Chairman Pro Tem Jack Russell, George Theophanis, Nate White and Dolores Carroll. Guests present: Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Police Chief Edward Marchand and Paul Kelly, a member of the proposed Human Relations Commission, to review articles for the November 13, 2000 Subsequent Town Meeting. Article 7: Chief Marchand explained that Article 7 is proposed by the Reading Police Department, at the suggestion of the Registry of Motor Vehicles, to regulate the speed and safety of motorized scooters. This amendment to the bylaw would ban the vehicles from public streets and public property unless the operators and vehicles are licensed. This is an interim measure until the legislative body acts in 2001. On motion of Nate White, seconded by George Theophanis, the Committee voted to recommend Article 7 by a vote of 4-1. Article 8: Peter reviewed Article 8 with the Committee. As it now stands, three members of the Reading Municipal Light Department sign off on warrants and payrolls. Approval of this Charter amendment would require the signature of the General Manager and one board member, eliminating delays in getting three board members to sign off. If approved by Town Meeting, voters will make the final decision at the April, 2001 election. On motion of Dolores Carroll, seconded by Jack Russell, the Committee voted to recommend Article 8 by a vote of--14. I Article 9: This article proposes the creation of a Human Relations Commission as a forum to discuss racial, cultural, and ethnic issues and improve the environment in Reading. Nate felt the Commission should be restricted to Reading residents only and not include a member of the business community who resides outside of the community. The Committee disagreed and voted not to recommend this amendment by a vote of 1-3. George recommendations included eliminating Section 3.9.3. In Section 3.9.1 add "or designee" after "Board of Selectmen" and delete "her" from "his/her", to comply with the General Bylaws. In Section 3.9.2., replace "shall" with "may". Replace "at least bimonthly" with "as needed" and add "an official body of the Town" after the word "by" . Also within Section 3.9.2. replace the word "Chair" with "Chairman".