HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989-05-30 Rules Committee MinutesTown of Reading Rules Committee
Minutes No. 2, May 30, 1989
The Committee met in Room 16 Town Hall at 7:30. Members present were:
H. Higgott
S. Nitzsche
V. Adams
G. Theophanis
F. VanMagness
Minutes No. 1 were accepted unanimously.
The subject of providing more detail on the annual budget was addressed,
and the consensus was to see how the Town Manager responds to the recent
insturctional motion before taking action.
It was decided to review all existing Town Meeting rules to see if
modification should be considered. The consensus was to let Rule 1 alone.
suggestion: combine Rule 2 + 3; (reverse subjects) add "and precinct" "after
name". Rule 4 - let alone. Rule 5 - let alone. Rule 6 - let alone; however,
should there be a rule to suspend the rules? Rule 7 - let alone. Rule 8 -
let alone for now but devise a way of getting main motions to Town Meeting
members in writing. Rule 9 - let alone. Rule 10 - let alone except possibly
expand on "committ". Possibly include a rule here on making motions before
discussion. Rule 11 - let alone. Rule 12 - investigate meaning. Rule 13 -
let alone. Rule 14 - let alone. Rule 15 - let alone. Rule 16 - let alone
(possibly place earlier). Rule 17 - include parallel rule for Bylaw committee.
Section 2 - Let alone; however, a suggested amendment from a first draft
from the Bylaw committee prohibiting other boards from having meetings during
the hours of Town Meeting with certain exceptions was considered (generally
unfavorably). Section 3 - let alone. Section 4 and 5 will be considered
later. Section 6 - let alone, except it appears to be in conflict with rules
to move the question, table etc. - should be resolved. Section 7 - let alone,
except do something to get it better enforced.
Members considered a draft section from the Bylaw committee on handling
the omnibus budget. (generally favorably).
Discussion turned to other possible agenda items. First was a list
presented by F. VanMagness. Members were receptive to additional one-session
Town Meetings to handle special items. Members felt "moving the question"
worked satisfactorily (except for possible conflict mentioned above). Should
sale of land be brought before Town Meeting before being officially acted on
by Selectmen-open subject. Should Town counsel be made more available to Town
Meeting Members - will be further discussed. Members felt Town Meeting
sessions falling on holidays should be handled differently - a consensus of
Town Meeting should be taken to suggest to Selectmen and moderator specific
schedule.
Items on a list submitted by G. Theophanis were discussed. Members were
favorable toward a new standing committee on land use - will be further
discussed. Other items were discussed above.
A.note from Kendra Cooper supports actions on obtaining more budget
information and on preventing boards from meeting during Town Meeting sessions.
Next meeting to prioritize agenda 7:30 on June 20.
Meeting adjourned 10:05.
Respectfully submitted
G. The a is - Clerk