1989-05-30 Rules Committee Minutes

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Town of Reading Rules Committee Minutes No. 2, May 30, 1989 The Committee met in Room 16 Town Hall at 7:30. Members present were: H. Higgott S. Nitzsche V. Adams G. Theophanis F. VanMagness Minutes No. 1 were accepted unanimously. The subject of providing more detail on the annual budget was addressed, and the consensus was to see how the Town Manager responds to the recent insturctional motion before taking action. It was decided to review all existing Town Meeting rules to see if modification should be considered. The consensus was to let Rule 1 alone. suggestion: combine Rule 2 + 3; (reverse subjects) add "and precinct" "after name". Rule 4 - let alone. Rule 5 - let alone. Rule 6 - let alone; however, should there be a rule to suspend the rules? Rule 7 - let alone. Rule 8 - let alone for now but devise a way of getting main motions to Town Meeting members in writing. Rule 9 - let alone. Rule 10 - let alone except possibly expand on "committ". Possibly include a rule here on making motions before discussion. Rule 11 - let alone. Rule 12 - investigate meaning. Rule 13 - let alone. Rule 14 - let alone. Rule 15 - let alone. Rule 16 - let alone (possibly place earlier). Rule 17 - include parallel rule for Bylaw committee. Section 2 - Let alone; however, a suggested amendment from a first draft from the Bylaw committee prohibiting other boards from having meetings during the hours of Town Meeting with certain exceptions was considered (generally unfavorably). Section 3 - let alone. Section 4 and 5 will be considered later. Section 6 - let alone, except it appears to be in conflict with rules to move the question, table etc. - should be resolved. Section 7 - let alone, except do something to get it better enforced. Members considered a draft section from the Bylaw committee on handling the omnibus budget. (generally favorably). Discussion turned to other possible agenda items. First was a list presented by F. VanMagness. Members were receptive to additional one-session Town Meetings to handle special items. Members felt "moving the question" worked satisfactorily (except for possible conflict mentioned above). Should sale of land be brought before Town Meeting before being officially acted on by Selectmen-open subject. Should Town counsel be made more available to Town Meeting Members - will be further discussed. Members felt Town Meeting sessions falling on holidays should be handled differently - a consensus of Town Meeting should be taken to suggest to Selectmen and moderator specific schedule.