<<Rule Revisions Approved by R and O Sept 2 2009.doc>>
RTM Rules & Ordinances SPECIAL Committee Meeting Minutes for 9-2-09
The meeting was called to order at 7:20 p.m. at Canoe Brook Senior Center.
Present: Reps. Sterling, Sullivan, Lambert, Docknevich, Black, Bodner, Leonard, Giardiello, Reiners, Avitable, Maynard; First Selectman Unk DaRos; Second Selectman Fran Walsh; Third Selectman John Opie; Town Counsel William Clendenen.
The committee heard the following item:
To consider RTM procedures concerning the presentation of information by the public.
Motion by Rep. Black to approve the proposal before the committee, which proposes changes to Rules 1.11; 2.5; and 7.6. Seconded by Rep. Docknevich. Rep. Black presented by the proposal. Town Counsel commented on the proposal.
Motion to recess by Rep. Docknevich, seconded by Rep. Sullivan. All in favor. Meeting called to order again. Mr. Cook is removed from the meeting. Comment by Town Counsel concludes. Comments by members of the audience concerning the proposal.
Motion to amend main motion to proposed changes to Rule 2.5 to delete everything after “24 hours prior to the meeting shall be” and insert “copied with copies distributed to all members.” by Rep. Black; seconded by Rep. Sterling. Discussion to the effect that this generates a lot of paper. Suggestion that correspondence from the public be circulated to the RTM members from the correspondent’s district and that those members have responsibility to present the correspondence. Motion to amend the main motion fails (Reps. Black, Sterling, Leonard for; Reps. Sullivan, Lambert, Docknevich, Reiners (voting to break tie) against; Rep. Bodner abstains.
Motion to amend main motion to proposed changes to Rule 2.5 to delete last three sentences and insert: “Letters received from anyone other than town officials received by the Clerk at least 72 hours prior to the meeting shall be made available to the members before the RTM meeting.” Motion by Rep. Sterling; seconded by Black. Discussion to the effect that this is meant to do away with the proposed language requiring the reading of correspondence. This proposed amendment contemplates that a representative who has reviewed correspondence from the public and wishes to bring it to the attention of the full RTM during the course of the meeting may do so under new business. Motion to amend the main motion carries (all in favor).
Motion by Rep. Sterling to amend the main motion to add a revision to Rule 3.1(3) concerning the Order of Business to read “Reception of communication from town officials”. Seconded by Rep. Docknevich. All in favor.
Discussion concerning the difficulty of scheduling another meeting between now and the next RTM. Rep. Black moves the question, seconded by Rep. Docknevich. 6 for; Rep. Sterling against. The question is moved.
The main motion, as amended, carries. 4 for (Reps. Black, Docknevich, Leonard, Bodner); 1 against (Rep. Sterling); 2 abstentions (Reps. Sullivan, Lambert).
Meeting adjourned approximately 9:50 p.m.
A copy of the proposed rule changes approved by the committee will be posted with these minutes.
Respectfully submitted,
Alinor Sterling
Rules and Ordinances Committee Chair
September 3, 2009
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