{"id":1909,"date":"2014-05-01T01:32:55","date_gmt":"2014-05-01T05:32:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dandunn.org\/blog\/?p=1909"},"modified":"2014-05-01T01:32:55","modified_gmt":"2014-05-01T05:32:55","slug":"town-meeting-14-session-2-and-special-town-meeting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dandunn.org\/blog\/2014\/05\/town-meeting-14-session-2-and-special-town-meeting\/","title":{"rendered":"Town Meeting &#8217;14 Session 2 &#8211; And Special Town Meeting"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><em style=\"color: #303030;\">I take notes during Town Meeting. They are not official in any way. As I listen to people speak, I type notes. I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m sure that, at times, I mishear or misunderstand the speaker, but my notes represent what I hear at the time. I try to publish the notes every night after the meeting. I do go back and make a few edits as errors are pointed out to me. \u00c2\u00a0<\/em><em style=\"color: #303030;\">I do not try to reproduce my entire notes for this online version. Sometimes I relay a quote from a specific speaker. Most of the time I only summarize the discussion. At points I give a purely personal opinion; those are clearly labeled like this:\u00c2\u00a0<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Personal note<\/span>.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Jane Howard played the piano as the meeting sang the Star Spangled Banner.<\/p>\n<p>Moderator John Leone swore in a handful of new members of Town Meeting.<\/p>\n<p>We opened the Special Town Meeting. We took the same votes yesterday setting the rules and motions of the meeting. They are important, but no need to repeat them here &#8211; you can just <a title=\"Town Meeting \u00e2\u20ac\u212214, Session 1\" href=\"https:\/\/dandunn.org\/blog\/2014\/04\/town-meeting-14-session-1\/\">read them from Monday<\/a>. <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Why are we having a special town meeting? For the purpose of speed. Votes of the regular town meeting don&#8217;t become valid until many weeks after the meeting closes, and that is generally mid- or late summer. We do the special town meeting so that the decisions in the meeting can be effective more quickly. Because of timing this year it might not be a significant difference.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>We voted to return on May 5th.<\/p>\n<p>The moderator made several announcements:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Precinct organization is in progress, reminder to attend precinct meetings.<\/li>\n<li>On electronic voting, he asked us to wait until the clock starts before we vote. &#8220;Wait until\u00c2\u00a0Simon says go&#8221; he said. <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">I think the first night of electronic voting went really well. It was interesting to see the votes posted the next day. By the time you read this, tonight&#8217;s votes will probably be <a href=\"http:\/\/www.town.arlington.ma.us\/Public_documents\/ArlingtonMA_TownMeet\/2014ATM\/voting\/index\">posted on the town website<\/a>.<\/span><\/li>\n<li>99.5% return on clickers on Monday &#8211; one went home with the owner, but came back today.<\/li>\n<li>He announced there was information on the Community Preservation Act info in back of the hall.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Announcements<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Jane Howard announced two art exhibits. One is Sunday through 26th of may. The other is Chairful Where You Sit &#8211; Jefferson Cutter Green July 18-July 20.<\/li>\n<li>Annie LaCourt &#8211; Tech Initiative Showcase. Monday 6-8PM.<\/li>\n<li>Sheri Baron &#8211; Human Rights Commission. Sunday 10th anniversary of marriage equality. 2-4. Video screening and speakers from wedded couples.<\/li>\n<li>Christian Klein &#8211; Friends of Robbins Farm Park. May 3 in morning is park cleaning. Afternoon is kite day.<\/li>\n<li>Al Tosti &#8211; May 7 will be the night for Minuteman votes because that is when Dr. Bouquillon can be here.<\/li>\n<li>Jim O&#8217;Conor &#8211; Go to town website to sign up for Town Meeting email list.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>STM Article 1\u00c2\u00a0Reports of\u00c2\u00a0<\/strong><b>Committees<br \/>\n<\/b>Only two reports &#8211; Selectmen and FinCom.<\/p>\n<p><strong>STM Article 2 -\u00c2\u00a05 More All-Alcohol Restaurant Licenses, Total of 20<\/strong><br \/>\nJohn Leonard asked: do we have a drunk driving problem. Chief Ryan &#8211; we don&#8217;t have a trend in offenses from any establishments. It was noted that we get revenue, more annually, from meals tax. Do we have too many alcohol incidents? Answered no. \u00c2\u00a0Eric Helmuth asked a question on alcohol source density that no one had the answer to. Diane Mahon noted the town has received a request for a license from a resident. Questioner: does this permit bars? No. It was noted this is just to put it on the ballot. John Worden thinks we have enough licenses, and doesn&#8217;t think you need hard liquor with dinner. Mark McCabe moved to terminate debate, which passed. Main motion passed. 187-22<\/p>\n<p><strong><strong>STM\u00c2\u00a0<\/strong>Article 3 &#8211; FY14 Budgets Change<\/strong><br \/>\nUnanimous passed without discussion.<\/p>\n<p><strong><strong>STM\u00c2\u00a0<\/strong>Article 4 &#8211; Police Patrolmen Union Contract<\/strong><br \/>\nDean Carman spoke. He wanted to point out in FY15 2.75% raises translate to a \u00c2\u00a04.02% increase in personnel costs. John Deyst and Al Tosti both spoke on the issue as well. Carl Wagner moved to terminate vote which passed. Motion passed\u00c2\u00a0194-17-1.<\/p>\n<p><strong><strong>STM\u00c2\u00a0<\/strong>Article 5 &#8211; Central Fire Station<\/strong><br \/>\nAl Tosti said we are waiting for bids to be opened on May 8th. \u00c2\u00a0May 12th we&#8217;ll have the bids. Table to 12th<\/p>\n<p><strong><strong>STM\u00c2\u00a0<\/strong>Article 6 &#8211; Insurance Transfer for Peirce Elementary<\/strong><br \/>\nJohn Leonard had questions about the cause of the failure and who we could go after to get the money. Mr. Burke gave his opinion that the town wasn&#8217;t building buildings well. Peter Fuller noted it was 5th graders who restocked the library, and their efforts were applauded. The building committee was praised. The motion was approved by voice vote.<\/p>\n<p><strong><strong>STM\u00c2\u00a0<\/strong>Article 7 &#8211; Special Education Stabilization Fund<\/strong><br \/>\nWe deposited this money last year, and we need it this year. 209-2<\/p>\n<p>Adjourned the Special Town Meeting to May 12.<\/p>\n<p>We resumed the Annual Town Meeting.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Article 12, continued, Cemetery Parking.<\/strong><br \/>\nJohn Maher said that he thinks parking will be resolved when the construction is done. He asked the opinion of Chief Ryan. Chief Ryan said the cart is before the horse. This is a blunt solution for a delicate problem. We should not legislate parking problems. If we do, there will be a flood of special warrant articles. He asked that we wait for normalcy in the area, then evaluate it and make decisions rather than make decisions now based on an unusual situation. <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Some person(s) hissed while\u00c2\u00a0Chief\u00c2\u00a0Ryan was speaking. That is totally inappropriate and disrespectful. I was appalled. \u00c2\u00a0We are better than that &#8211; and thankfully, we are. Such a gross outburst is rare.\u00c2\u00a0<\/span>Michael Ruderman is sure enforcement won&#8217;t be a problem, doubted the opinion of the police chief, and is in favor of the substitute motion. Peter Fiorie thinks parking\u00c2\u00a0should have\u00c2\u00a0a time limit, not full ban. Carl Wagner moved to terminate debate, 127-87 failed. Roly Chaput asked people to vote no &#8211; he enjoys birding and other activity in the cemetery. He thanked Mr. Harrington for bringing it up. He wants a 2-hour limit. Christopher Moore &#8211; not clear how to fix the parking problem. Joe Curren said that the cemetery\u00c2\u00a0was sacred ground and should be gated.<\/p>\n<p>10 minute break<\/p>\n<p>Jim O&#8217;Conor &#8211; will the BoS make a change? Steve Byrne responded: given the discussion, agree with Chief, after it settles down we should look at it. <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Steve was in a tough place on that question because he can&#8217;t speak for the board unless we&#8217;ve taken a vote, but I think he handled it well. \u00c2\u00a0I was on the list to speak and if I&#8217;d gotten to the podium I would have gone a bit farther. \u00c2\u00a0As I mentioned Monday, I didn&#8217;t know we couldn&#8217;t ticket in the cemetery; I had assumed that power already existed. We need to fix that. \u00c2\u00a0That new information didn&#8217;t change my opinion of the substitute motion. \u00c2\u00a0The parking problems exist on just one stretch of road, not the whole cemetery. \u00c2\u00a0It was too much of a change. \u00c2\u00a0I also agree that it wasn&#8217;t the right venue. Town Meeting isn&#8217;t a great place to debate individual parking regulations.<\/span> \u00c2\u00a0Peter Fuller is in favor. Ted Peluso said to put it on the books. Sean Harrington proposed an amendment to change &#8220;conducting cemetery business&#8221; to &#8220;visit the cemetery.&#8221; Two speakers who live nearby said they don&#8217;t think there is a parking problem. John Deyst in favor of waiting a year. Andrew Fischer is worried we are doing a bad law, and moved to postpone. That motion failed on voice vote. Phil Goff tried to terminate the debate, but he gave a few words as preface, and was ruled out of order. He then asked a question about how long the problem has been, and got contradictory answers. Len Kardon moved, and by a vote 184-23-1 terminated debate. There was confusion about which motion to vote first, but it was cleared up. Sean Harrington&#8217;s amendment passed 161-48. The substitute\u00c2\u00a0motion failed 90-115-4.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Article 13 &#8211; Poet Laureate<\/strong><br \/>\nChairman of the Board of Selectman Steve Byrne introduced the article. There was a question about the length of terms. Is it really a poet? Yes. \u00c2\u00a0Terminate debate? \u00c2\u00a0Terminated and approved.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Article 14\u00c2\u00a0-\u00c2\u00a0Public Music<\/strong><br \/>\nTed Sharpe talked about the benefits to a community for public performance. Ed Trembly\u00c2\u00a0wants to\u00c2\u00a0rid of the bylaw entirely. Sean Harrington asked\u00c2\u00a0a question about amplification. \u00c2\u00a0<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">I&#8217;ll quote the printed report of the board, which had already answered the question explicitly: &#8220;The Board expressed its commitment to developing regulations and enforcement measures to protect residents and businesses from unreasonable performances, such as those employing sound amplification at inappropriate hours or otherwise disrupting and disturbing the Town.&#8221;<\/span> Moore terminated debate. \u00c2\u00a0Motion passed unanimously.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Article 15 &#8211; Cultural Commission Name Change<\/strong><br \/>\nName change to alleviate confusion. It is now CultureComm.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Article 16 &#8211; Venner Road<\/strong><br \/>\nJohn Leone stepped down because of a conflict of interest. Jim O&#8217;Conor moderated. Town Manager Chapdelaine explained the negotiated agreements. \u00c2\u00a0The abutters are buying part of the property as a buffer. The town is agreeing to release the land in exchange for $30,000 in value, plus $35,000 of the taxes that could have been collected. \u00c2\u00a0Leone explained that the resulting land can have 2 houses, not 3. Denise Long spoke and explained the history of her family on the land, and why they needed this in order to sell the house. A speaker was passionately opposed to the price, and wanted to give the land back for free. A speaker was in favor. Scott Smith move to terminate, 134-52-1. Motion passed 162-17-9.<\/p>\n<p>Meeting was adjourned.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>I take notes during Town Meeting. They are not official in any way. As I listen to people speak, I type notes. I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m sure that, at times, I mishear or misunderstand the speaker, but my notes represent what I hear at the time. I try to publish the notes every night after the meeting. I [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[43],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1909","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-town-meeting-14"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dandunn.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1909","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dandunn.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dandunn.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dandunn.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dandunn.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1909"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/dandunn.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1909\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1914,"href":"https:\/\/dandunn.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1909\/revisions\/1914"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dandunn.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1909"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dandunn.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1909"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dandunn.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1909"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}