Minutes for Town Meeting Rules Committee

January 11, 2006 – Open Forum

In attendance: Peter Burns, Bill Fonseca, Tom Florence, Donna Utter, Jim Sheils, and Catherine Durkin

Meeting commenced at 7:00pm with Jim Sheils as the chair. Four Townspeople were in attendance.

The participants discussed the changes to the existing Town Meeting By-laws, which Town Moderator Jim Sheils presented.

• Jim Sheils graciously highlighted all accomplishments of the committee thus far and reviewed all changes which the committee recommended.
• Members of the audience had rebuttals regarding the participants of children and the placement of non-voters. There was discussion on both topics.
• The idea of having Seniors in High School helping Seniors at the Town Meeting was openly received.
• The idea of marketing the Town Meeting a week before utilizing ELCAT was thought as a good idea.
• The Town Meeting Citizens guide was discussed as a very informational book to everyone as it will outline the various facts and methods used for our Town Meeting.
• There was lengthy discussion regarding a lottery system to choose where articles on the warrant are presented as well as holding the meeting on a Saturday compared to Monday night. This dictated a response form Jim Sheils that he will Email his fellow Town Moderators as to how they handle these two items. The responses will be discusses at our next meeting.

The next meeting was set for Wednesday, January 18, 2006.

There was a motion to adjourn at 8:21pm. Thanks to our guests for sharing their thoughts and ideas.

Respectfully submitted,

Thomas P. Florence

Town Clerk, Treasurer, Collector