HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-10-04 Bylaw Committee MinutesTown of Reading
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Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Bylaw Committee 2024 FEB 12 AM 8: 07
Date: 2023-10-04 Time: 7:30 PM
Building: Virtual Location: Zoom
Address: Session: Open Session
Purpose: Snow Removal bylaw; Warrant Version: Final
articles; Approval of meeting minutes
Attendees: Members - Present:
Jared Belliveau
Jason Clarke
Jennifer Hillery
Jesse Arnold
Liz Sullivan
Members - Not Present
Others Present:
Matt Kraunelis
Ethan Dively
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Liz Sullivan
Topics of Discussion:
The meeting was called to order at 7:31 PM.
Snow Shoveling Bylaw
• Jesse Arnold summarized the confusion regarding the origins of the snow shoveling bylaw, which
did not come to the Bylaw Committee as an instructional motion passed by town meeting, but
rather had been indefinitely postponed
• Ethan Dively provided the legal counsel that it should go on the warrant for a future town
meeting (the warrant has closed for the November meeting), sponsored by either the Bylaw
Committee or Select Board, or as a citizen petition.
• Jesse Arnold recommended that the committee make its decision tonight. Liz Sullivan stated that
it would be more successful if presented by the Bylaw Committee, rather than by the Select
Board or citizen petition.
• Jesse Arnold added that she had spoken to the owner of Whitelam Books, and learned this type
of maintenance is already built into her lease. The owner also stated that making sure
downtown sidewalks are clear is good for customers and staff.
• Jason Clarke stated that the forums would help make sure that the applicable area is correct.
• Jen Hillery said she was comfortable bringing the bylaw forward as a committee.
• Liz Sullivan made a motion that the Bylaw Committee bring this article forwards at the April
town meeting. Jen Hillery seconded, and the motion passed with a roll call vote of 5/0.
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• Jesse Arnold will work with Town Hall to set up forums, likely in February. Jason Clarke will
help with the presentation.
• Ethan Dively provided counsel regarding compliance with Open Meeting Law, specifically that a
quorum could not be formed outside of a public meeting, and that serial communication be
avoided. A future Bylaw Committee meeting would be needed to get input from other
committee members.
Article 7 — Solid Waste Revolving Fund
• Liz Sullivan clarified that the committee was only voting on the changes to language in 6.5.8 of
the bylaws.
• Jason Clarke made a motion to approve Article 7 as written on the warrant, seconded by Jesse
Arnold. The motion passed with a roll call vote of 5/0.
Article 12 —Additional Compensation for a Town Clerk
• The Committee asked Ethan Dively whether it mattered whether the text reads "per cent" to
"percent'. "Per cent" is how the Massachusetts General Law reads.
• Liz Sullivan made a motion to approve Article 12 as written on the warrant, seconded by Jen
Hillery. The motion passed with a roll call vote of 5/0.
Approval of Past Meeting Minutes
• Jared Belliveau made a motion to approve the minutes from the August 9, 2023, meeting, as
amended, and Jesse Arnold seconded. The motion passed with a roll call vote of 5/0.
• Jen Hillery made a motion to approve the minutes from the September 13, 2023, meeting, as
amended, and Liz Sullivan seconded. The motion passed with a roll call vote of 5/0.
Future Agenda Items
• If the Town Forest Committee wants input on the potential bylaw regarding dogs in the town
forest, it should engage with the Bylaw Committee early.
• Currently in a holding pattern for ELVIS (electronic voting), especially with Fidel Maltez leaving.
Jen Hillery made a motion to adjourn, which was seconded by Liz Sullivan. This motion passed with a
roll call vote of 5-0 and the meeting adjourned at 8:32pm.
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