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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989 Rules Committee Report. r y Reading Town Meeting Rules Committee Report of Progress - No-ember, 1'386 Mr. Moderator, Members of the Board of Selectmen, Town Meeting Members. This is a report of progress for the Rules Committee. The Reading Home Rule Charter, adopted March 24, 1985, established, in s.-:::?cti+!n 2-12, three standing committees to assist Town Meeting in its deliberations. These committees were Finance, Bylaws, and Rules. The charter states "there shall be a rules committee consisting of the precinct chairmen which shall review all aspects of the operation of town meeting and make an annual report in writing to town meeting setting forth its findings, recommendations, and proposals for rules governing the conduct of town meeting." The precinct chairmen held the first scheduled session on May 1, 198'3 and elected Mr. Henry Higgs Ott as Chairman, and Mr. George Theophanis as Clergy:. During the last six months, we have held a total of eight public sessions at a variety of sites throughout Reading, including one "Under the stars" on the front steps of the Pearl Street School because of a locked room. One of the opening themes that all members of the committee readily embraced was that we should not rush to any quick: decisions or "fixes", but rather should seek as many and varied opinions and suggestions as possible from a number of points of view. To faster this input, our chairman went before Town Meeting in May, 1989, prier to the close of business, and announced that the Rules Committee was formed, that we were an xicOus to-get on with our work, and requested that any member who had concerns or _ ideas should submit them to the committee as soon as possible. Because we felt it most desirable to get a broad perspective of Town Meeting issues and possible areas for further discussion? we began the process by collecting input and setting our agenda. During the past eight sessions, we have invited the following for brainstorming sessions: Mr. John Far i a, ex-moderator and Chairman of the Charter Commission, Mr. Paul Dustin, current Moderator, Mr. Gerald Fiore, former Finance Committee Chairman and Charter Commission member, and the Bylaw Committee. In addition, we have had both written and oral comments and concerns from several Town Meeting members. During two t of our working sessions, we also reviewed all of the existing Town Meeting rules as defined in the town bylaws. As you can see, we have been busy can the input side of the equation. While we have not fecund a lengthy list of items that need action, we have identified several areas that need attention. For example, we are all frustrated with the lack: of timely attendance at Town Meeting sessions. We struggle at the start of each session to achieve a quorum, resulting in delays of up to thirty minutes. While we all complain about the number of Town Meeting sessions, we could probably cut a- "east one meeting from the schedule if members wool: =.ke some personal responsibility for arriving can t- Each member took: this obligation to serve seriously when = asked our precinct voters to elect us to this body. Now iJ,s time we accepted all facets of that obligation, including prompt attendance. As a committee we have discussed this issue with the Moderator and encourage and support the Moderator in starting sessions can time. We have established a prioritized list of items for action in the ensuing months, and it is our intention to continue to address these and other subjects. on an on-going basis and to offer our suggestions for improvements at future Town Meeting sessions. The issues we've identified as high priority-are as follows: o Annual budget mechanics o Expanded Town Meeting schedule/frequency c1- Sessions that fall on a holiday 0 Reconsideration Town Meeting members who wish to discuss these items or wish to add items to our list of cc oncerns should plan to attend our upcoming meetings. In closing, we think: it is important to state that Reading's Town Meeting is alive, well, and fulfilling its intended purpose. Yes, there are some adjustments that could be made to enhance its effectiveness. It is true that we sometimes discuss and debate endlessly, but we should never reach the paint Hof rushing debate or stifling comments to hasten the process. Through it all, however, we believe decisions are generally made in the best interests of all citizens. In the months ahead, we strongly encourage all members to get their thoughts to us relative to the operation of Town Meeting. It's our Town Meeting and if you have issues or concerns, the Rules Committee may be a good place to try to resolve them. Respectfully submitted, Chairman Clerk: Member Member Member Member Member Member Henry A. Higgs Ott George A. Theophanis Sally C. Nitzsche Virginia M. Adams Victor R. Carlson Robert R. Lynch C. Dewey Smith. Frederick Van Magness Chairman-Precinct 5 11 4 2 S 7 S