2017-05-04 Annual Town Meeting Minutes

Home Browse Search

ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School May 4, 2017 Performing Arts Center The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Alan E. Foulds, at 7:37 PM, there being a quorum present. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was said by all in attendance. The following announcements were made by the Moderator: Tonight we start with consideration of the 18 sections of the budget. Before that, however, the Chair would like to make a couple of comments regarding the events at the end of Monday's session. Before the meeting I was asked by a member of the school committee if she could address some questions posed by a town meeting member. I agreed, feeling that answering questions could only help push the discussion along. The member saw it differently and called for a point of order, saying that she was being singled out. After some thought and some heavy discussion I addressed the issue. Although I felt the answers to her questions were presented in a civil manner, her point on being singled out was correct. I understand that the member of the school committee apologized to her. A second point: The debate got heated, and I understand that, under the circumstances, but I ask that all members refrain from making personal attacks either directed at individuals or committees. Also, the ruling of the chair must be respected - not for my sake, but for the sake of Town Meeting. That's necessary for the system to work. We all need to heed the words we heard the first night from Mr. Pacino. I paraphrase, but his point was that we may come here with different ideas, we may leave with different ideas, but we also leave as neighbors and friends, all of whom are here to do what's best for the town. Motion made by John Arena, Board of Selectmen to dispense of the reading of the warrant and all motions in their entirety. Motion Carried ARTICLE 16: Move that the Town raise by borrowing, or from the tax levy, or transfer from available funds, and appropriate the sum of: $104.551.681 for the operation of the Town and its Government for Fiscal Year 2018, beginning July 1, 2017. Move that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2018 Budget as presented for Line Item B99 (Benefits): $16.496.047 to be provided as follows: Line B99 - $1,200,000 from Free Cash; $400,000 from Overlay and the balance from property taxes, State aid and non-property tax local receipts Move that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2018 Budget as presented for Line Item C99 (Capital): $2.259.400 to be provided as follows: Line C99 - from property taxes, State aid and non-property tax local receipts. Move that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2018 Budget as presented for Line Item D99 (Debt): $5.057.915 to be provided as follows: IIPa9e