Board of Selectmen |
May 4, 2009 |
Regular Meeting |
Selectmen’s Hearing Room, Town Hall |
Present: |
Robert P. MacKendrick, Chairman |
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Arthur J. Bourque III, Selectman |
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Al Merritt, Selectman |
Chairman MacKendrick called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
Closing of Special Town Meeting Warrant
Town Administrator William Gustus presented to the board two warrant articles for consideration for a special town meeting to be held on Monday, May 18, 2009, the date on which the annual town meeting is to be held after two postponements due to the lack of a quorum. (See attached exhibit.)
The first article would amend the Charter by striking the text of Section 2-1-2 and replacing it with the following: “There shall be no quorum required for the conduct of business at a Town Meeting.”
The second article would amend the Charter by striking the text of Section 2-1-2 and replacing it with the following: “The quorum necessary for the conduct of business at all Town Meetings shall be at least 100 registered voters.”
Mr. Gustus said that in accordance with the wishes of Board members, he was submitting these two warrant articles, which would give voters the option of doing away with the quorum requirement altogether or reducing the quorum from 175 voters to 100 voters. He noted that passage of either measure would require ratification by voters at the subsequent Town Election.
On the motion of Selectman Bourque, seconded by Selectman Merritt, the Board voted to call a special town meeting for Monday, May 18, 2009 in the Lynnfield Middle School auditorium at 8:30 p.m. and include the two articles presented by Mr. Gustus.
Selectman MacKendrick said he had previously supported the quorum requirement, but had found over the years it is unworkable. He said that if only 100 or 125 people want to conduct the business of town they should be allowed to do so.
Lynnfield Public Library Concerts on the Common
The Board received a request from the Friends of the Lynnfield Public Library for the use of the Common on the evenings of July 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30 for its annual Summer Concert Series. The request also sought the blocking of South Common Street to traffic during the customary times during these events. The second date of each pair is in the event of cancellation of the first date.
On the motion of Selectman Bourque, seconded by Selectman Merritt, the Board approved the request.
Flower Workshop Plant Sale
The Board received a request from the Flower Workshop of Lynnfield for use of the Common and the Meeting House on May 9 from 9 a.m. to noon for its annual plant sale. The event would include the displaying of hanging plants on the Common.
On the motion of Selectman Merritt, seconded by Selectman Bourque, the Board approved the request.
Executive Session
Mr. Gustus said the lone item remaining on the agenda was a request for executive session to discuss pending litigation.
Selectman Bourque made a motion that the Board enter executive session under the provisions of MGL Chapter 39, Section 23B (3) for the purposes of discussing pending litigation. He said the Board did not anticipate resuming the meeting in open session after the session. Selectman Merritt seconded the motion.
The board was polled on the motion. Selectman Bourque – yes; Selectman Merritt – yes; Chairman MacKendrick – yes.
At the conclusion of the executive session, on the motion of Selectmen Bourque, seconded by Selectman Merritt, the Board voted to adjourn at 8:24 p.m.
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