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2264L 1 8/10/89 GT/DE <br />Town of Reading Rules Committee <br />Minutes No. 5, August 9, 1989 <br />The Rules Committee met at the library conference room at 7:30 P.M. <br />Members present were: <br />V. Adams <br />V. Carlson <br />H. Higgott <br />G. Theophanis <br />F. Van Magness <br />Guest was Paul Dustin current Moderator. Also observing was John <br />Milano. <br />Committee members summarized our agenda and priorities for Dustin. <br />Dustin addressed punctuality and excessive debate at Town Meeting by stating <br />that it is a matter of personal responsibility and descipline since the same <br />behavior is not prevalent in other towns. Means must be found to encourage <br />member punctuality. Dustin was not sympathetic toward a rule on suspension of <br />the rules. He laid protracted discussion to lack of information and lack of <br />self discipline. Dustin felt strongly that there should be more town meetings <br />either a third regular scheduled or more specials. Dustin was sympathetic <br />to the mini Town Meeting concept for both the Town Meeting warrant and special <br />issues such as the formation of fiscal policy. Members felt that demands on <br />Town Meeting members are so great that it is difficult for them to participate <br />in policy formation before Town Meeting. <br />Dustin suggested that budget material be presented to Town Meeting <br />members sufficiently in advance of the meeting for review. Dustin recommended <br />a study and decision on whether or not to operate under an omnibus budget by <br />next subsequent Town Meeting. Dustin stated he needs a way of going back to <br />prior items in the budget without going through the reconsideration process.. <br />Dustin feels such issues as "Motion first discussion later" and "moving <br />the question" should not be in the bylaws but should be at the moderator's <br />discretion. <br />Minutes No. 3 were approved as submitted by a vote of 5:0. Minutes <br />No. 4 were approved as submitted by a vote of 5:0. <br />Next meeting, 22 August. G. Theophanis will invite members of the Bylaw <br />Committee. V. Adams will invite the Budget Committee. <br />Meeting adjourned 9:50 P.M. <br />sp ttfullly-submitted <br />G. Theophanis. Clerk <br />