1998-04-08-ATM-min - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

ADJOURNED SESSION — 1998 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING APRIL 8, 1998 The April 8, 1998 Adjourned Session of the 1998 Annual Town Meeting was called to order by Moderator Margery M. Battin, at 8:05 p.m., in Cary Memorial Hall. A quorum of 179 members was present. 8:05 p.m. The Moderator declared a recess. Representative Jay Kaufman and Lexington High School Principal Philip Lanoue recognized the achievements of the 1998 Merit Scholars. Selectman Dan Busa updated the meeting on the April 13 appearance of the U. S. Women's Olympic Ice Hockey Gold Medallist Vicki Movsessian 8:11 P.M. The Moderator called the meeting to order and presented a brief update on the "snail's pace" of the meeting thus far, having voted on only 19 of 61 articles and confirmed plans for addressing Article 4 on April 13 In order to do so, it is hopeful that Articles 49 -53, 56 -60, and 47 be voted this evening. 8:12 p.m. The Moderator declared the meeting open under Article 49. ARTICLE 49: AMEND GENERAL BY-LAWS — TOWN MEETING 2/3 VOTE 8:12 p.m. Presented by Selectman Jeanne Krieger. ------------------------- MOTION: That Article V of the General By -Laws be amended by adding a new Section 29A thereto as set forth in the article. "Section 29A Whenever a two - thirds vote is required by statute, such vote may be declared as such by the Moderator without a count and be recorded as such by the Clerk upon such declaration, provided, however that if seven or more members doubt the vote, a counted vote shall be taken." --------------------- - - - - -- 8:15 p.m. Ms. Krieger explained the intent to amend the general by -laws. 8:15 p.m. Town Counsel Norman Cohen, presiding as Moderator, recognized Margery Battin, president of the Massachusetts Moderator's Association. Mrs. Battin, explaining she will not be voting on the article, presented background on the intent of the legislation to allow Moderators to declare a 2/3 vote without a count if the voice vote is clear. If the Moderator's declaration is questioned by seven or more town meeting members, the vote must then be counted. 8:18 P.M. Following a voice vote, the Moderator declared the motion unanimously adopted. ARTICLE 50: ACCEPT SEC. 22F OF Ch. 40 OF THE M.G.L. 8:20 p.m. Presented by Selectman Jeanne Krieger. ----------------------------- MOTION: That the Town accept Section 22F of Chapter 40 of the Massachusetts General Laws. ----------------------------- 8:20 p.m. Mrs. Krieger explained passage of this article would allow fees imposed by Town Offices, including the Town Clerk's Office, to be approved by the Board of Selectmen and not require town meeting approval. 8:20 p.m. Sam Silverman, pr.5, questioned authorization for approval. Town Counsel Norman Cohen confirmed approving authority would be the Board of Selectmen. 8:20 p.m. Following a voice vote, the Moderator declared the motion adopted.