2012 Town Meeting - Night One

Tonight was the first night of the 2012 Town Meeting!  We stumbled through the swearing in - the revised oath did not match what was shown on the screen.  Mr. Greeley's State of the Town Address was humorous and somewhat poignant.

The process of receiving reports from the various town committees started with Selectmen, Finance, Redevelopment, Zoning Review and one other report submitted.  Elsie Fiore was elected as the Measurer of Wood and Bark, taking over the position formerly held by John FitzMaurice.  Jim O’Conor was elected as Assistant Town Moderator.

We made it through three articles of substance tonight, all from the Redevelopment Board.  The first changed the definition a sign to remove wording that previously had categorized public art as a sign, as it was "designed to attract the eye."  After a short debate, I voted in the majority to change the language.


The second article proposed to create a mixed-use category to be available in certain business districts by special permit.  The initial presentation by the board was reasonable, but the opposition was more persuasive with what I felt was a very disingenuous presentation of worst-case scenarios.  An amendment was presented to apply the proposed change to all business districts.  I voted in favor, but it was not adopted.  Again, I voted in favor of the article, but it was not approved by town meeting.


Articles pertaining to accessory apartments and memorial parks were tabled (too little time remaining), so we moved on to an article seeking to clarify the language in the bylaws to allow "promotional" historic signs.  The previous language included a few inconsistencies with regards to historic signs, and the article sought to correct those problems.  After a short debate, I voted with the majority to make the change in language.


We adjourned shortly before 11:00, and we are scheduled to reconvene Wednesday at 8:00.