HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989-07-12 Rules Committee Minutes1934L 1 7/13/89 GT/DE
Town of Reading Rules Committee
Minutes No. 4, July 12, 1989
The Rules Committee met at the Pearl St. Senior Center at 7:30 P.M.
Members present were
H. Higott R. Lynch
N. Adams C. D. Smith
G. Theophanis S. Nitzsche
F. Van Magness
Guest was John Faria ex-moderator and Chairman of the Charter Commission.
Discussion started on the subject of the budget and the role of the
Finance Committee. Mr. Faria's observation was that there is no definite set
of rules on the presentation of the budget to Town Meeting; therefore, Town
Meeting members are not aware of all the budget preparation and approval
efforts preceeding Town Meeting. He felt that the Finance Committee
appointment process was good.
Discussion turned to the apparent conflict between the rights of
citizens to speak at Town Meeting and moving the question. Faria felt this
was not a problem and could be handled under the rules.
Faria was not favorable towards another scheduled Town Meeting. lie felt
special Town Meetings would work better. He felt the system (Town Meeting) is
good and that most problems are "people problems."
Faria felt that the rules on moving the question work adequately. He
felt that the reconsideration bylaw should be clarified, eg. what does
"disposing of an article" mean _ difference between motion and article. The
Bylaw Committee proposed amendment is helpful.
Faria suggested starting Town Meeting on time and conduct business not
requiring votes until there's a quorum. This way encourage members to come
on time.
Consideration of the minutes was deferred until the next meeting. The
next meeting was scheduled for August 9.
The meeting adjourned at 9:00 P.M.
pectf u 11,E b'~d
George K. Theophanis"r Clerk