HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989-08-09 Rules Committee Minutes2264L 1 8/10/89 GT/DE
Town of Reading Rules Committee
Minutes No. 5, August 9, 1989
The Rules Committee met at the library conference room at 7:30 P.M.
Members present were:
V. Adams
V. Carlson
H. Higgott
G. Theophanis
F. Van Magness
Guest was Paul Dustin current Moderator. Also observing was John
Milano.
Committee members summarized our agenda and priorities for Dustin.
Dustin addressed punctuality and excessive debate at Town Meeting by stating
that it is a matter of personal responsibility and descipline since the same
behavior is not prevalent in other towns. Means must be found to encourage
member punctuality. Dustin was not sympathetic toward a rule on suspension of
the rules. He laid protracted discussion to lack of information and lack of
self discipline. Dustin felt strongly that there should be more town meetings
either a third regular scheduled or more specials. Dustin was sympathetic
to the mini Town Meeting concept for both the Town Meeting warrant and special
issues such as the formation of fiscal policy. Members felt that demands on
Town Meeting members are so great that it is difficult for them to participate
in policy formation before Town Meeting.
Dustin suggested that budget material be presented to Town Meeting
members sufficiently in advance of the meeting for review. Dustin recommended
a study and decision on whether or not to operate under an omnibus budget by
next subsequent Town Meeting. Dustin stated he needs a way of going back to
prior items in the budget without going through the reconsideration process..
Dustin feels such issues as "Motion first discussion later" and "moving
the question" should not be in the bylaws but should be at the moderator's
discretion.
Minutes No. 3 were approved as submitted by a vote of 5:0. Minutes
No. 4 were approved as submitted by a vote of 5:0.
Next meeting, 22 August. G. Theophanis will invite members of the Bylaw
Committee. V. Adams will invite the Budget Committee.
Meeting adjourned 9:50 P.M.
sp ttfullly-submitted
G. Theophanis. Clerk