HomeMy Public PortalAbout03-27-2012 Rules and Ordinances reportCommittee on Rules and Ordinances
Minutes of Meeting — March 19, 2012
The Committee on Rules and ordinances met on Monday, March 19, 2012 at
11:30 in the Council Office. Present were Councilors John Donohue, Chair,
Vincent Piccirilli, Vice Chair, and Stephen Corbett, Secretary. Also present was
Councilor Anthony Palomba.
The purpose of the meeting was to review the existing Town Council Rules and
make a recommendation on any modifications that that might be appropriate.
The following changes of primarily a housekeeping nature were voted by the
committee:
2.1 Change the expression 'o'clock' to 'AM or PM' here and throughout
the document
2.6 and 2.11 Delete the use of numbers (i.e. 1,2,3, etc.) after a number
has been spelled out — here and throughout the document
4.3 Delete the last sentence
11.6 Delete the word 'printed'
11.7 Delete
11.8 Delete
13.1 Revise to read "No person shall approach the Council table in the
Richard E. Mastrangelo Chamber or enter the Council office except upon
permission of the President or other presiding officer."
13.2 Move to 7.7.2 and revise to read "The Clerk of the Council shall note
in the official minutes of all regular and special meetings of the Town Council the
names of all elected officials and invited guests seated within the Council
Chamber." Renumber items after 7.7.2 and 13.2.
15.1 Change the word 'chair' to 'presiding officer' — here and throughout
the document
17.1 Delete the phrase 'provided however, that Rule 16 shall not be
subject to such suspension'
19.1 Delete the phrase 'of written notice to'; add the word 'that'
The committee then discussed Rule 15 regarding public participation. The
committee voted to add a new 15.4 that would read as follows: "During any
public forum, there shall be no direct reply to the speaker or comment from
Council members." The remaining items in 15 would be renumbered. Councilor
Palomba then offered an amendment that would provide for public comment
during informational presentations. The committee agreed with the goal of
increasing public participation but was concerned that the amendment may result
in a change from informational presentations to expressions of opinion and
debate. This could result in discouraging the presentation of information to the
Council. The committee voted not to recommend the amendment.
It was noted that the Resolution on Proclamations (R-2012-1) was no longer
necessary as the issue has been addressed in the Council Rules (7.3).
There being no further business, the committee adjourned at 12:30.
Respectfully Submitted,
Stephen Corbett