2018-11-15 Subsequent Town Meeting Minutes

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SUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School November 15, 2018 Prforming Arts Center The Precincts listed below met at 7:00 PM to conduct the following business: Precinct 2 - With a Quorum present, no vote was taken to fill a vacancy until the next election The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Alan E. Foulds, at 7:33 PM, there being a quorum present. The Invocation was given by Philip Pacino, Precinct 5 followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. The Constables return of the Warrant was read by the Town Clerk. The following announcements were made by the Moderator: At this week's Select Board meeting comments were made by a member of this body that were construed by many as a threat. After reviewing the quote, this Moderator recognizes the seriousness of the situation. In this day and age when we hear of tragedies, seemingly every week, there was legitmate concern felt by those in the room at the time, as well as those watching at home. I realize that things are said in the heat of the moment that are, in hindsight, regrettable. However, people need to realize that words do count. That speaker, and of course, all of us needs to keep that in mind when doing the town's business. Steps have been taken for this meeting to assure everyone's safety. We have asked that a greater than normal police presence be on hand and the department has complied. - The speaker in question for Tuesday evening is a longtime member of this body and his comments understandably put town meeting members on edge. That speaker has asked to make a very short statement to this body, and the Chair has agreed to allow it. After that we need to return to the business at hand. Thank you, Mr. Moderator, Bill Brown, Precinct 8 I stand tonight to apologize for my conduct to the Select Board meeting Tuesday night. The remark I made was totally out of line and made with a sense of total frustration, I am very passionate as most of you know about my first amendments and your first amendment rights. I felt that while people were listening they did not hear what I was saying. Just so that you people know, I grew up with a Jewish uncle, an Italian brother-in-law and a French-Canadian sister-in-law so I know all about prejudice. I served in the Air Force, I have taken a great deal of pride in that I have served this country for over 50 years in many compacities and each and every time I took pride to stay above in this kind of conduct I displayed the Tuesday night. Again, I apologize for my conduct and I will try in the future to think before I speak, but I will still speak about what I want. Thank you Motion made by Andy Friedmann, Select Board to dispense of the reading of the warrant and all motions in their entirety. Motion Carried IIPa , .