HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990-03-06 Rules Committee Minutes'r✓✓'T 1~ 1 0/4141 7V UI/UI\
Town of Reading Rules Committee
Minutes No. 11, March 6, 1990
The Rules Committee met at the Town Hall Berger room at 7:30 P.M. Rules
Committee members present were:
H. Higgott
V. Carlson
S. Nitzsche
G. Theophanis
F. VanMagness
D. Smith
Guest was P. Hechenbleikner, Town Manager. The discussion opened with
opening Town Meeting on time. H. Higgott stated that Town Counsel advised
that opening Town Meeting without the present quorum would require a charter
change. He also stated that precinct meetings must be held before annual Town
Meeting. The possibility of starting the preliminaries of Town Meeting first
and then adjourn for precinct meetings at about 8:00 to improve attendance at
precinct meetings was discussed.
Other areas of facilitating Town Meeting procedure were discussed:
Highlighting differences in the projected motion from the warrant article was
suggested, also having current wording handouts available on the floor.
Hechenbleikner suggested the possibility of a "consent" warrant that would
contain all housekeeping articles and approved by a single vote. On a motion
by G. Theophanis the Committee voted unanimously to try this at the upcoming
annual Town Meeting if the moderator agrees.
Hechenbleikner suggested moving the annual Town Meeting later by two
weeks to get better information for the budget. Also, be suggested moving
earlier the fall Town Meeting. This would leave a period of time in the
winter for a special Town Meeting if needed.
There was a consensus to meet on the following day when a session falls
on a holiday by moderator action. It was suggested that an ad hoc committee
representing various interested boards study the issues of Town Meeting
calendar and report to Town Meeting.
Finally, further discussions on controlling debate on the floor of Town
Meeting included a suggestion that those wishing to speak line up at two
microphones in the aisles and speak in turn.
Minutes No. 10 were accepted by a vote of 5:0.
The next meeting will be after the annual Town Meeting but has not been
scheduled yet.
Adjourned 9:27 P.M.
Re yectfu11y _ ub it ;
George Theophanis Clerk