HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-11-14 ad Hoc - Charter Review Committee Minuteso� • orgr
Town of Reading
" ��: Meeting Minutes
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Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Date: 2023-11-14
Building: Reading Town Hall
Address: 16 Lowell Street
Purpose: General Buslness
Attendees: Members - Present:
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2123 DEC 12 AM 7:48
Charter Review Committee
Time: 7:00 PM
Location:
Select Board Meeting Room
Session:
Open Session
Version:
Final
Chair Chris Haley, Vice Chair Phil Pacino, Jesse Arnold, Jonathan Barnes,
Geoff Beckwith, Chuck Robinson
Members - Not Present:
Bill Brown, Alan Foulds, Andrew Grimes
Others Present:
Town Clerk Laura Gemme, Assistant Town Manager Matt Kraunelis
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Jacquelyn LaVerde
Topics of Discussion:
Chair Chris Haley called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
Discussion on Content and Potential Chanes to Charter Article 3 and Article 4:
Article 3
The Committee continued to update gender neutral pronouns, update "Board of Selectmen"
to "Select Board", and correct various typos.
Section 3.5 Municipal Light Board of Commissioners
Phil Pacino explained that the Light Department is subject to state statute Chapter 164.
Paragraphs four and five go beyond the authority of Chapter 164. The Committee debated
whether to grant the RMLD Board of Commissioners the ability to appoint the Accounting
Manager for checks and balances, and opted to ask Town Counsel to weigh-in with their
recommendation. Mr. Haley will consult with Town Counsel.
Section 3.6 Moderator
Alan Foulds sent comments ahead of the meeting with his suggestion of the Town Moderator
term remaining at one year. Other members agreed, as there is no recall mechanism for
the Town Moderator.
Article 4
Section 4.1 Board of Assessors
Per Mr. Foulds's comments, "The elected members of the Board of Assessors serving at the
time that this section first becomes effective may continue to serve in office until their
elected terms expire, unless reappointed for an additional term or terms pursuant to this
section." was stricken, as all members of the Board of Assessors are now appointed.
Section 4.4 Board of Health
Page 1 1
Town Meeting voted to increase the number of members on the Board of Health, but It is
still pending state approval. Mr. Haley will consult Town Counsel on how best to word the
charter given the anticipated Increase in the number of members.
Section 4.9 Housina Authority
The Committee discussed the membership of the Authority, which includes one state
appointed member that must be a resident of the Town, and one member who must be a
resident of the Authority. Mr. Haley will consult Town Counsel to clarify the wording In the
charter.
Section 4.14 Other Boards and Committees
The Committee briefly discussed residency requirement comments from Town Counsel and
agreed to leave the section in place, and add ex -officio, non-voting members, such as Town
Manager or School Superintendent, to Boards and Committees as applicable.
Section 4.15 Associate Membership
Per Mr. Foulds's comments, "Associates members of boards or committees serving as of the
effective date of this Section 4.15 shall be allowed to serve until the end of their term or
until June 30, 2015, whichever comes first.", was stricken as it is no longer applicable.
Mr. Haley reviewed his items to address with Town Counsel, including all paragraphs in
Municipal Light BOC Section 3.5, clarification on Board of Health Section 4.4, determining
the membership of the Housing Authority in Section 4.8, and asking whether to add the
Affordable Housing Trust Committee to the Charter or if it belongs In the bylaws.
Approval of Minutes:
Geoff Beckwith noted that the attendees list needs to be added to the flnal version.
On a motion by Chuck Robinson, seconded by Jesse Arnold, the Charter Review
Committee voted 6-0-0 to approve the meeting minutes of October 30, 2023 as
amended.
Future Agenda Items:
Laura Gemme stated that she will be unable to attend the next scheduled meeting on
November 27th. The Committee discussed and agreed to reschedule the next meeting for
Monday, December 11'h at 7:00 pm in the Town Hall Conference Room. The Committee will
review Articles 5 and 6, and potentially review responses from Town Counsel to date.
On a motion by Geoff Beckwith, seconded by Jesse Arnold, the Charter Review
Committee voted 6-0 to adjourn at 8:44 pm.
Roll call vote: Chuck Robinson - Yes, Jesse Arnold - Yes, Geoff Beckwith - Yes,
Phil Pacino - Yes, Jonathan Barnes - Yes, Chris Haley - Yes.
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