HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-10-05 Bylaw Committee MinutesBYLAW COMMITTEE MINUTES #302
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
7:10 p.m. Meeting called to order in the Town Hall Conference Room.
Members Present: Phil Pacino, Ronald O'Keefe, Jr. and Dolores Carroll.
Also Present: Town Manager Peter Heckenbieickner. Finance Committee Members John Arena,
Marsie West and Dave Mancuso. Historical Commission Members Virginia Adams, Roberta
Sullivan and Mark Cardono. Also present was Town Meeting Member Bill Brown.
Article 31: John Arena explained that the proposed Charter amendment would increase the
effective date of Town Meeting's vote from seven (7) days to ten (10) days following the close of
Town Meeting, with several exceptions. Approval would also change the condition of petitions
and tighten up last years Charter.
On motion of Dolores Carroll, seconded by Ron O'Keefe, Jr., the Bylaw Committee voted to
recommend the subject matter of Article 31 by a vote of 3 -0 -0.
Article 25: Approval of Fin Com's proposed bylaw amendment would permit Selectmen to
schedule a local election on the same date as a Federal or State election; thereby increasing the
possibility of greater voter turnout.
On motion of Dolores Carroll, seconded by Ron O'Keefe, Jr., the Bylaw Committee voted to
recommend the subject matter of Article 25 by a vote of 3-0 -0.
Article 32: Dave Mancuso reviewed this Charter amendment which limits the terms served by
volunteers on appointed boards, commissions or committees. The Committee feels this would be
a difficult task to accomplish, as currently openings remain, due to lack of interest.
On motion of Ron O'Keefe, Jr., seconded by Dolores Carroll, the Bylaw Committee voted not to
recommend the subject matter of Article 32 by a vote of 3 -0 -0.
Article 27: Dave Mancuso continued with this bylaw amendment which would permit owners
of historical properties the right to appeal a negative decision of the Historical Commission.
Members feel it needs to be more specific. Chairman Pacino suggested postponing action on this
article until the next meeting scheduled for October 19' and invited the Historical Commission
to attend.
Article 26: Marsie West reviewed the bylaw amendment which enables the Fin Com to delay
their vote to Town Meeting if additional information is still pending.
On motion of Dolores Carroll, seconded by Ron O'Keefe, Jr., the Bylaw Committee voted not to
recommend the subject matter of Article 26 by a vote of 2 -0 -1
Article 30: Marsie continued with this Charter amendment which enables the Fin Com to
review various accounts within Town government involving the expenditure of funds, but delay
their final vote if matters are still pending.
On motion of Ron O'Keefe, Jr., seconded by Dolores Carroll, the Bylaw Committee voted not to
recommend the subject matter of Article 30 by a vote of 2 -0 -1
Article 19: Peter and the Committee reviewed this article which requires that recodification of
the General Bylaw be done every ten (10) years and presented to Town Meeting for final
approval.
On motion of Ron O'Keefe, Jr., seconded by Dolores Carroll, the Bylaw Committee voted to
recommend the subject matter of Article 19 by a vote of 3 -0 -0.
Article 20: Peter explained that the Organization Table is basically the same, with a few minor
adjustments.
On motion of Ron O'Keefe, Jr., seconded by Dolores Carroll, the Bylaw Committee voted to
recommend the subject matter of Article 20 a vote of 3 -0 -0.
Article 23: Peter continued with the proposed bylaw which requires property owners to maintain
their vacant properties or be subject to a daily fine of One Hundred ($100.00) Dollars.
On motion of Dolores Carroll, seconded by Ron O'Keefe, Jr., the Bylaw Committee voted to
recommend the subject matter of Article 23 by a vote of 3 -0 -0.
Article 28: Approval of this article would permit the Town Manager to have an employment
contract with the Town instead of an agreement, which is currently the case and considered
highly unusual.
On motion of Dolores Carroll, seconded by Ron O'Keefe, Jr., the Bylaw Committee voted to
recommend the subject matter of Article 28 by a vote of 3 -0 -0.
Article 29: Currently the Town Manager submits a proposed budget to Fin Com on a yearly
basis. This Charter amendment would ensure that the Selectmen are also included in the process.
On motion of Ron O'Keefe, Jr., seconded by Dolores Carroll, the Bylaw Committee voted to
recommend the subject matter of Article 29 a vote of 3 -0 -0.
At this point Chairman Pacino suggested that Articles 27, 22 and 24 be discussed at our next
meeting and that we revisit Articles 26 and 30 when Jack Russell is present..
Article 21: Peter explained that this proposed zoning amendment to the Aquifer Protection
District both protects our water supply and simplifies the process for homeowners to make
improvements to their property.
On motion of Ron O'Keefe, Jr., seconded by Dolores Carroll, the Bylaw Committee voted to
recommend the subject matter of Article 21 a vote of 3 -0 -0.
9:10 p.m. The Committee adjourned to meet again on October 19'. 2011.
Respectfully submitted,
Dolores S. Carroll-'
Clerk