HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990-06-13 Bylaw Committee MinutesBYIAW COMMITTEE MINUTES #174
June 13, 1990
Members present: Ed Murphy, George Theophanis, Nils Nordberg, Dolores Carroll
and Phil Pacino.
Guest present: Paul Dustin, Town Moderator.
7:39 Meeting called to order in the Berger Room of Town Hall.
Minutes #169 were approved by a vote of 5-0.
Minutes #172 were approved by a vote of' 5-0.
Minutes #173 were approved by a vote of 5-0.
Paul Dustin discussed with the committee some aspects of Town Meeting
that concerned him. The first area of concern was starting Town Meeting on
time at 7:30. The Moderator stated' that at 7:30 a quorum of Town Meeting
members required by the Bylaws in' order to "do the business" of Town Meeting
are usually not present at the appointed hour. He discussed with the
committee the idea of revising rule 1 of Section 2.2 of the Bylaws dealing.
with the conduct of Town Meeting to eliminate the requirement of a quorum or
to reduce the quorum to a smaller number. The committee did not feel that at
this time any change in rule 1 was appropriate. The committee suggested that
there be a possible definition of "doing business" that would allow Town
Meeting to start on time and take care of nonvoting items.
The second area of concern was the necessity of the 10 minute time
limit on speakers at Town Meeting. The Moderator felt that a shorter period
of time may be more appropriate and requested the committee. to consider a
change in the Bylaws.
The committee then discussed with the Moderator a proposed Bylaw
change that would allow the maker of the main motion after a question has been
moved the opportunity to speak on the motion moved for a period not to exceed
10 minutes before a vote is taken on that motion. The Moderator felt this
would prolong the debate on a motion and that he in his duties could give an
executive summary on the motion moved to accomplish the same purpose of the
proposed Bylaw change. The committee agreed with the Moderator.
The committee then discussed with the Moderator, the possible formation
of a Land Use Committee that would advise Town Meeting on land use issues.
The Moderator felt it was an idea worth pursuing further.
The committee then reviewed the instructional motion give it by the
Annual Town Meeting.
8:45 Meeting adjourned until July 18, 1990 at 7:30.
Respectfully submitted,
Philip B. Pacino Clerk