HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-10-19 Bylaw Committee MinutesBYLAW COMMITTEE MINUTES #257
J ED
October 19, 2000 CLERK
MASS.
2001 OCI 23 , 8: 5b
7:35 p.m. Meeting called to order in the Town Hall Conference Room.
Members present: Chairman Pro Tem Jack Russell, George Theophanis, Nate White and
Dolores Carroll.
Guests present: Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Police Chief Edward Marchand and
Paul Kelly, a member of the proposed Human Relations Commission, to review articles for the
November 13, 2000 Subsequent Town Meeting.
Article 7: Chief Marchand explained that Article 7 is proposed by the Reading Police
Department, at the suggestion of the Registry of Motor Vehicles, to regulate the speed and
safety of motorized scooters. This amendment to the bylaw would ban the vehicles from
public streets and public property unless the operators and vehicles are licensed. This is an
interim measure until the legislative body acts in 2001.
On motion of Nate White, seconded by George Theophanis, the Committee voted to
recommend Article 7 by a vote of 4-1.
Article 8: Peter reviewed Article 8 with the Committee. As it now stands, three members of
the Reading Municipal Light Department sign off on warrants and payrolls. Approval of this
Charter amendment would require the signature of the General Manager and one board
member, eliminating delays in getting three board members to sign off. If approved by Town
Meeting, voters will make the final decision at the April, 2001 election.
On motion of Dolores Carroll, seconded by Jack Russell, the Committee voted to recommend
Article 8 by a vote of--14.
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Article 9: This article proposes the creation of a Human Relations Commission as a forum to
discuss racial, cultural, and ethnic issues and improve the environment in Reading.
Nate felt the Commission should be restricted to Reading residents only and not include a
member of the business community who resides outside of the community. The Committee
disagreed and voted not to recommend this amendment by a vote of 1-3.
George recommendations included eliminating Section 3.9.3. In Section 3.9.1 add "or
designee" after "Board of Selectmen" and delete "her" from "his/her", to comply with the
General Bylaws. In Section 3.9.2., replace "shall" with "may". Replace "at least
bimonthly" with "as needed" and add "an official body of the Town" after the word "by" .
Also within Section 3.9.2. replace the word "Chair" with "Chairman".
Mr. Kelly agreed to present these recommendations to his Commission for their review.
George Theophanis moved to recommend Article 9, as amended, which was seconded by
Dolores Carroll and voted in the affirmative by a vote of 4-0.
Articles 13 and 14 are amendments to the Zoning Bylaws which provide reconstruction rights
to property owners who convey land for public purposes, resulting in their land then becoming
non-conforming. These amendments allow the property owners to rebuild within the previous
structure without the approval of the Board of Appeals.
Article 13: On motion of George Theophanis, seconded by Dolores Carroll, the subject matter
of Article 13 was recommended by a vote of 4-0.
Article 14: Following a suggestion to add "subsequently" between "been" and "damaged",
Nate White moved and George Theophanis seconded a motion to recommend this article by a
vote of 4-0.
Meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m.
Submitted by,
Dolores S. Carroll, Clerk