HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-03-19 Bylaw Committee MinutesBYLAW COMMITTEE MINUTES #304
taw Monday, March 19, 2012
7:35 p.m. Meeting called to order in the Arnold Berger Room in Town Hall.
Members Present: Phil Pacino, Jack Russell, Ronald O'Keefe, Jr. and Dolores Carroll.
Louise C. Callahan has submitted her resignated.
Also Present: Town Manager Peter Heckenbleickner, Historical Commission Members
Virginia Adams and Roberta Sullivan, Police Chief James W. Cormier and
resident/business owner Erin Calvo - Bacci.
Article 21: The first order of business was brought forward by Erin Calvo- Bacci, a local
mixed -use property owner who was dissatisfied with the manner in which her process was
handled by the Historical Commission, which resulted in the cancellation of the sale of her
property. This bylaw amendment would grant property owners the option of appealing a
decision that they disagree with. Virginia Adams feels more time is needed for
clarification; however, she is not sure how to accomplish that.
Jack suggested striking "conditions of demolition delay ", replacing twenty -one days
with "thirty days" and "HisCom" with "Historical Commission ".
On motion of Jack Russell, seconded by Dolores Carroll, the Bylaw Committee voted to
recommend the subject matter of Article 21, as amended, by a vote of 3 -0 with 1
abstention.
Article 11: Peter Heckenbleickner explained that removing Civil Service from the Police
Department's hiring process would lessen the time it takes to fill a position. Currently three
candidates are interviewed for one position. If no one is chosen, the time frame for hiring
increases. Under the proposed change, additional candidates would be interviewed and
judged not only on test scores, but previous use of sick time, education and job experience.
The promotional process would also be less time consuming. Employees presently under
civil service will remain under civil service unless promoted.
On motion of Jack Russell, seconded by Ron O'Keefe, Jr., the Bylaw Committee voted to
recommend the subject matter of Article 11 by a vote of 4 -0 -0.
Article 20: Police Chief Cormier explained that this bylaw would allow his department to
conduct a state and federal criminal background check on individuals applying for specific
licenses. If Town Meeting votes in the affirmative, it must then be reviewed by the Attorney
General's Office, the FBI and State Police before acceptance as a bylaw.
On motion of Ron O'Keefe, Jr., seconded by Dolores Carroll, the Bylaw Committee voted to
recommend the subject matter of Article 20 by a vote of 4 -0 -0.
W Article 22: Peter presented the proposed Charter amendment which would reduce Town
Meeting membership from 192 members to 144 members, or 18 members per precinct,
instead of the current 24 members per precinct. It's unfortunate, but residents no longer
show an interest in becoming Town Meeting Members. This amendment requires the
approval of Town Meeting, the Legislature and local voters.
On motion of Ron O'Keefe, Jr., seconded by Dolores Carroll, the Bylaw Committee voted to
recommend the subject matter of Article 22 by a vote of 4 -0 -0.
Minutes #304 were read and on motion of Ron O'Keefe, Jr., seconded by Phil Pacino,
approved by a vote of 4 -0 -0.
9:50 p.m. Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Dolores S. Carroll
Clerk
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