Town Meeting OKs Recall Changes, Right to Farm Bylaw

Before diving into business for the night, Town Manager Paul Cohen read a declaration from the state that recognized Town Clerk Elizabeth L. Delaney for her 39 years of service in Chelmsford. Cohen mentioned that this town meeting might be Delaney’s last if the town decides to hold its next meeting in the spring.

“I hope this is my last town meeting,” Delaney said to laughter.

After a lengthy discussion on article 15, which makes changes to the town’s recall processes, passed by a vote of 86-42 after 2 hours and 18 minutes. Several other warrants passed, quickly, though after so much time spent on the first article of the night, they were unable to finish in the allotted time.

In the end, one rep moved to adjourn early before the reps discussed or voted on warrant article 22--CPC funds designated for the first parish steeple--so that the issue could have the time it deserved. After debating over what night was best for the next session, the reps voted to adjourn until 7:30 on Monday. Town meeting will discuss articles 22 through 25 on the warrant.

Article

Vote

Discussion

15—Town Charter Amendment—Recall of Elected Officers

Recall has 20 days to be returned instead of 14. Also, 15% of voters must sign instead of 10%. Recalled or resigned officers cannot serve in an appointed office for two years instead of one.

 The main motion as amended passes by a vote of 86 to 42

16—Electronic Voting at Town Meeting—Appropriation/Bylaw

$10,000 appropriated to use electronic tally to assist town meeting processes. Voting records would be available in the town clerk’s office. Town meeting would be more transparent to residents.

Motion passes by majority.

One rep questioned as to how the equipment would be calibrated to accurately reflect the meeting reps votes. Another was worried about the additional administrative burden to the clerk’s office.

17—Transfer of Town Owned Land to Conservation Commisssion

This is part of the town’s open space consideration, to transfer a few of the town’s undesignated parcels (non-developable) to Conservation Commission in order to protect wetlands and other natural features.

Article passes by unanimous vote.

Reps were worried about the added cost in maintaining the parcels, to which the Town Manager replied that the parcels were already owned by the town, so there shouldn’t be any added costs.

18—Transfer of Town-Owned Land to Cemetery Commission

Lexington Street (0.06 acres), off of Riverneck Road will be designated as cemetery land.

Motion carries unanimously

No important discussion.

19—Right to Farm Bylaw

Article promotes farming and farming activities.

Motion passes by majority.

One rep was worried about language that allowed composting to be constituted as farming. Another was worried about the minimum number of acres necessary to be declared a farm.

20—Bylaw Amendment—Snow Removal from Sidewalks

No action taken on article 20.

21—CPC—Report & Budget

Article passes unanimously.

No discussion.