patching...
Update: Sign up for our free daily e-newsletter, and get Framingham news straight to your inbox every morning! » »
Welcome back, Patch Blogger!

LIVE BLOG: Framingham Town Meeting 2012 - Day 8

Framingham Town Meeting is scheduled to start at 7:30; on tap tonight is the fiscal year 2013 budget.

 

Framingham Town Meeting is scheduled to start at 7:30, or when a quorum is reached.

Framingham Patch will be live blogging, using our Cover it Live platform. Feel free to interact with us.

To see the live blog, please click on the arrow in the grey box.

NOTE: If you are using the mobile version, you must go and click on desktop version to see the grey box.

You can comment while we are live blogging. You may also ask questions, but keep in mind I may not be able to answer right away as I am listening and typing.

Town Meeting members will be discussing, debating, and hopefully voting on the the municipal and school operating budgets - Article 34.

***

7:29
Framingham Patch: Town Meeting members are getting their electronic keypads and taking their seats.
Wednesday May 9, 2012 7:29 Framingham Patch
7:30
Framingham Patch: There is a quorum
Wednesday May 9, 2012 7:30 Framingham Patch
7:31
Framingham Patch: Moderator is asking Town Meeting members to take their seats ...
Wednesday May 9, 2012 7:31 Framingham Patch
7:33
Framingham Patch: Moderator making announcements
Wednesday May 9, 2012 7:33 Framingham Patch
7:34
Framingham Patch: E-voting -- system is up and running - Moderator
Test question --
Wednesday May 9, 2012 7:34 Framingham Patch
7:34
Framingham Patch: Should Framingham spend $10,000 for improvements to Garden in the Woods? - TEST QUESTION
Wednesday May 9, 2012 7:34 Framingham Patch
7:36
Framingham Patch: Point of order -- a TMM members says his vote is incorrect
at least another half dozens hands are raised also
the screen showed everyone in precinct 1-2-3 voted yes
***
Wednesday May 9, 2012 7:36 Framingham Patch
7:36
Framingham Patch: RE_VOTE -- test question on Garden in the woods
Wednesday May 9, 2012 7:36 Framingham Patch
7:38
Framingham Patch: yes - 45
no - 47
abstain - 27
Wednesday May 9, 2012 7:38 Framingham Patch
7:38
Framingham Patch: Moderator is satisfied the electronic voting system is operable
Wednesday May 9, 2012 7:38 Framingham Patch
7:39
Framingham Patch: Terri Banerajee - TMM1 speaking -- this Saturday -- Rotary Club craft fair at Keefe Tech - $2 adults $1 seniors and children admission
Wednesday May 9, 2012 7:39 Framingham Patch
7:40
Framingham Patch: Joel Winett - TMM7 -- flyer on the table, park & recreation - Cushing Memorial Park open house this Saturday morning from 9 a.m. to noon
Wednesday May 9, 2012 7:40 Framingham Patch
7:41
Framingham Patch: Moderator calling the meeting to order
Wednesday May 9, 2012 7:41 Framingham Patch
7:42
Framingham Patch: Article 34 --
Moderator -- last night two amendments and one motion.
I did not make a ruling on those.
With regards to Estes amendment - zero percent increase and reduce money to OPED, moderator has decided not too accept this amendment, after consult with town counsel. Able to do that by passing on those line items when we get to that line item in the budget -- says the moderator
Wednesday May 9, 2012 7:42 Framingham Patch
7:44
Framingham Patch: Amendment by Ted Anthony - TMM1 -- 1% levy as recommended by the fincom - moderator -- article 34 is about line items ...much like capital budget, in addition there are 3 items that the finance committee have asked to be reduced (there is a handout on the table tonight)
I am refusing this amendment - recommendation is to pass on the line items recommended by the fincom - moderator
Wednesday May 9, 2012 7:44 Framingham Patch
7:47
Framingham Patch: Motion by Peter Pleshaw - TMM 11 -- refer back to sponsor.
move FY13 go back to sponsor - Town Meeting would like a level funded appropriation ...

Moderator -- chosen to ask TM members to vote on this now ...
best interest at Town Meeting to vote this refer back motion at this point
Wednesday May 9, 2012 7:47 Framingham Patch
7:48
Framingham Patch: Jeanne Bullock - TMM5 -- my understanding we have to pass a budget before the end of the year and it has to be balanced ... what happens if we refer back ..doesn't make any sense to me.
Wednesday May 9, 2012 7:48 Framingham Patch
7:48
Framingham Patch: Moderator - if we refer back - don't have a budget to consider ..how soon brought back depends on the CFO and her staff ...cannot enter a fiscal year - July 1 - without a budget
Wednesday May 9, 2012 7:48 Framingham Patch
7:49
Framingham Patch: Moderator -- you have a decision to make
Wednesday May 9, 2012 7:49 Framingham Patch
7:49
Framingham Patch: Chair of the Board of Selectmen -- if this article is refered back - it cannot come back at THIS Town Meeting .. selectmen would be forced to open & close a special Town Meeting to be held before July 1.
Wednesday May 9, 2012 7:49 Framingham Patch
7:51
Framingham Patch: Ted Anthony - TMM1 speaking -- respectful disagree with the previous speaker's comments. We have 7 weeks between now and July 1.
we don't have to close the warrant -- we could adjourn to a date in the future ...
ask CFO to come up with a revised budget ...
by not allowing vote on 0%, 1% or 1.5% ....
By not allowing the motions/amendments tonight -- but there should be indication on how this Town Meeting feels ... instead we are turning over all of our responsibility to the Board of Selectmen
Wednesday May 9, 2012 7:51 Framingham Patch
7:52
Framingham Patch: Moderator -- says the motion - has very clear instructions
Wednesday May 9, 2012 7:52 Framingham Patch
7:53
Framingham Patch: Caraline Levy -- move the question motion
2/3 needed
about 7-8 still wish to speak plus the CFO
Wednesday May 9, 2012 7:53 Framingham Patch
7:53
Framingham Patch: Moderator will not take vote to move the question
Wednesday May 9, 2012 7:53 Framingham Patch
7:53
Framingham Patch: CFO -- we can not act on this article, if referred back, -- unless someone asks for reconsideration...
Wednesday May 9, 2012 7:53 Framingham Patch
7:54
Framingham Patch: CFO -- recommendation is to give each department 3.5% .. there are items now 6% decreases -- why would I want to give them 3.5% increase - there are some budgets that need more than 3.5% ...school budget wants more than 3.5%
Wednesday May 9, 2012 7:54 Framingham Patch
7:54
Framingham Patch: CFO - I don't understand the motion
Wednesday May 9, 2012 7:54 Framingham Patch
7:55
Framingham Patch: Levy -- point of order - I asked to move the question
Wednesday May 9, 2012 7:55 Framingham Patch
7:55
Framingham Patch: Moderator -- I have not accepted your motion
Wednesday May 9, 2012 7:55 Framingham Patch
7:55
Framingham Patch: Larry Schmeidler - TMM4 -- speaking
Wednesday May 9, 2012 7:55 Framingham Patch
7:56
Framingham Patch: Richard Paul - TMM7 -- I feel this discussion -- precicipated on the comments last night - the final say what is the final budget is up to Town Meeting - let us NOTadvocate our responsibility
Wednesday May 9, 2012 7:56 Framingham Patch
7:57
Framingham Patch: move the question vote - hand vote -- passed
Wednesday May 9, 2012 7:57 Framingham Patch
7:57
Framingham Patch: Pleshaw motion --
majority vote needed
electronic voting
Wednesday May 9, 2012 7:57 Framingham Patch
7:59
Framingham Patch: Moderator asked to read the motion again - article 34 be referred back to sponsor - Town Meeting would like a level fund budget, with a 3.5% increase ... total budget of FY13 - $223 million (about $3 million less than what CFO recommended)
Wednesday May 9, 2012 7:59 Framingham Patch
8:01
Framingham Patch: two town meeting members have hands up that there may be an issue with their vote...
Wednesday May 9, 2012 8:01 Framingham Patch
8:02 Wednesday May 9, 2012 8:02 
8:03
Framingham Patch: yes - 20
no - 126
abstain - 1
MOTION FAILS
Wednesday May 9, 2012 8:03 Framingham Patch
8:03
Framingham Patch: Moderator -- any other general comments on the overall budget?
Wednesday May 9, 2012 8:03 Framingham Patch
8:05
Framingham Patch: Moderator suggested TMM pick up a worksheets ... (there are no more on the table)
Finance department will have some new ones made
Wednesday May 9, 2012 8:05 Framingham Patch
8:07
Framingham Patch: Kevin Crotty - TMM7 -- speaking I may get a little philosophical ... I had a day to mull over everything that transpired last night .. I don't think anyone came up with a motion or amendment that they didn't think was correct ... everyone here has the good of the town at heart ... have to look at this with an economic viewpoint ..
Wednesday May 9, 2012 8:07 Framingham Patch
8:08
Framingham Patch: Crotty -- there are too many people that are hurting in this town, this country and through the world ...
Wednesday May 9, 2012 8:08 Framingham Patch
8:10
Framingham Patch: Harold Geller - speaking -- need to spend money wisely .. putting money into savings is not spending
Wednesday May 9, 2012 8:10 Framingham Patch
8:13
Framingham Patch: We have to be careful and not spend money unwisely... putting money in the stablization fund is paying yourself first ...
Wednesday May 9, 2012 8:13 Framingham Patch
8:14
Framingham Patch: Jeff Cox - TMM14 -- motion to conclude discussion and move immediately to the budget
Wednesday May 9, 2012 8:14 Framingham Patch
8:15
Framingham Patch: Moderator did not accept the motion
Wednesday May 9, 2012 8:15 Framingham Patch
8:16
Framingham Patch: Bob Bush - TMM5 -- I'm very confused -- I believe I early on the rise of the property tax -- taxy levy and budget spending -- the other side is increase property assessments and split tax rate ... question? Property tax went p significantly - what is the main cause?
Wednesday May 9, 2012 8:16 Framingham Patch
8:16
Framingham Patch: Moderator will not accept the question .. can discus assessments in the line item in the budget..
Wednesday May 9, 2012 8:16 Framingham Patch
8:17
Framingham Patch: I move to table this article until after 38,39 and 44 - William LaBarge
Not debatable
2/3rd vote needed
moderator suggested by hand vote
Wednesday May 9, 2012 8:17 Framingham Patch
8:18
Framingham Patch: MOTION FAILS
Wednesday May 9, 2012 8:18 Framingham Patch
8:21
Framingham Patch: LLoyd Kaye - TMM10 -- members of ways & means -- speaking -- discussion of assessments will get into later ... need to go through this line by line ...
Wednesday May 9, 2012 8:21 Framingham Patch
8:22
Framingham Patch: Moderator - my comments were meant NOT to discourage people from asking questions
Wednesday May 9, 2012 8:22 Framingham Patch
8:23
Framingham Patch: CFO speaking -- assessed values and the levy.
the levy increase generates an increase in the average family tax ... would pay $86 but because we have changes in values of the home - decrease for commercial and residential ...increase will be $74
Wednesday May 9, 2012 8:23 Framingham Patch
8:23
Framingham Patch: Values to decrease for residential by 2.3% -- CFO
Wednesday May 9, 2012 8:23 Framingham Patch
8:27
Framingham Patch: Moderator -- move to the each division ... Town Meeting members can say pass for any budget they wish to discuss and not approve automatically ...
Wednesday May 9, 2012 8:27 Framingham Patch
8:28
Framingham Patch: Melanie Goddard speaking -- (as TM members are picking up their budget scorecard)
Wednesday May 9, 2012 8:28 Framingham Patch
8:28
Framingham Patch: Vacant vs full positions???
Wednesday May 9, 2012 8:28 Framingham Patch
8:29
Framingham Patch: There are some positions still frozen - CFO
Wednesday May 9, 2012 8:29 Framingham Patch
8:29
Framingham Patch: There are no positions in the budget that are intended to be vacant - CFO
Wednesday May 9, 2012 8:29 Framingham Patch
8:30
Framingham Patch: CFO - bringing back 4 firefighters and 2 police officers that were frozen that are being restores, everything else is still frozen..
Wednesday May 9, 2012 8:30 Framingham Patch
8:31
Framingham Patch: Unclassified division --
Passes on three items -- Group insurance, Medicaid and salary reserve
Wednesday May 9, 2012 8:31 Framingham Patch
8:33
Framingham Patch: Audrey Hall - passed on group insurance - $33.085 million
TMM3 -- long term costs for retirement - related to group insurance..
whatever it costs us to fund group insurance or health care costs - plays into the long term liability we will discuss later - for other post-employment benefits ...
standing committee on ways & means discussed this and took some action
Wednesday May 9, 2012 8:33 Framingham Patch
8:33
Framingham Patch: More it costs us for group insurance -- greater the long term liability will be.
Wednesday May 9, 2012 8:33 Framingham Patch
8:34
Framingham Patch: State mandated age - eligibility for retirement - later retire the less it cost the town.
Board of Selectmen - file state legislation - state mandated retirement to 55 to at least 62 years of age -- 8-0-0
Wednesday May 9, 2012 8:34 Framingham Patch
8:34
Framingham Patch: Point of order -- Steve Freedman -- in pass we typically vote on other items not passed on ..
moderator -- I will get to that --trying to see if we can vote once
Wednesday May 9, 2012 8:34 Framingham Patch
8:36
Framingham Patch: Pass on Medicade part 1 -- $50,000 - Harold Geller - TMM2 - ask question - CFO - why town of Framingham is paying this?

CFO -- this is a $50,000 contract to the accept collaborative, for reimbursement for of medicaid for students ... gets us in the nieghborhood of $800,000 in revenue
Wednesday May 9, 2012 8:36 Framingham Patch
8:37
Framingham Patch: Pass - salary reserve - $625,199 - Gloria Geller - TMM2 -- ask - what is this for? Thought salaries are in the department line items? do we need all of this?

Wednesday May 9, 2012 8:37 Framingham Patch
8:38
Framingham Patch: CFO -- reserve -- two parts - $277,000 set aside for collective bargaining for police patrolmen union - currently in mediation...
remaining amount is a 1% COLA for town employees within town department - collective bargain or not collective bargain, via a fall Town Meeting.
Wednesday May 9, 2012 8:38 Framingham Patch
8:38
Framingham Patch: Police has not had an agreement since 2008 .. CFO - that is what about 1/3 money for.
Wednesday May 9, 2012 8:38 Framingham Patch
8:39
Framingham Patch: Electronic vote on Unclassified - $36,273,074
Majority vote needed
Wednesday May 9, 2012 8:39 Framingham Patch
8:40
Framingham Patch: There is an issue with the electronic voting ... again
Wednesday May 9, 2012 8:40 Framingham Patch
8:43
Framingham Patch: Moderator -- we are having technical difficulties again with the system
Wednesday May 9, 2012 8:43 Framingham Patch
8:43
Framingham Patch: hand vote --
PASSED - less than a handful voted no
Wednesday May 9, 2012 8:43 Framingham Patch
8:44
Framingham Patch: Point of order - Hall -- TMM3 -- motion to table the next item (made last night) - retirement
Wednesday May 9, 2012 8:44 Framingham Patch
8:45
Framingham Patch: TMM - Estes -- Motion on the floor by Hall not made... re the retirement age to petition the legislature with the mandatory age.
Wednesday May 9, 2012 8:45 Framingham Patch
8:45
Framingham Patch: Moderator - you made a motion - I don't have it -- can you give me another copy ...
Wednesday May 9, 2012 8:45 Framingham Patch
8:46
Framingham Patch: Hall motion -- to ask selectmen to petition the legislature to file state mandated age for health carebenefits from 55 to at least 62 of age...
motion requires a majority vote
moderator suggests a hand vote
Wednesday May 9, 2012 8:46 Framingham Patch
8:47
Framingham Patch: Ed Cross - TMM12 -- point of order - is there an opportunity to discuss this??
Moderator - yes - I like the idea -- not sure why 55 or 62? why is there such a difference in age there?
Wednesday May 9, 2012 8:47 Framingham Patch
8:48
Framingham Patch: CFO -- recently 50 to 55 - those hired after that law has passed. SJC - when hired - pension benefits is basically a contract with the state -- whatever pension rules made - are --55 minimum age is for new hires -- different rules for different class - fore example police and fire is 50
Wednesday May 9, 2012 8:48 Framingham Patch
8:49
Framingham Patch: CFO -- if you are vested in the system, 10 years of service, eligible for health insurance when you retire ...
Wednesday May 9, 2012 8:49 Framingham Patch
8:50
Framingham Patch: Editor's Note: Not sure my battery will last tonight .. 90 minutes and no vote yet on one line item in the budget - Article 34
Wednesday May 9, 2012 8:50 Framingham Patch
8:51
Framingham Patch: Caraline Levy - TMM12 - point of order - already had the opportunity to discuss this motion ...

moderator -- I understand how to run the meeting Ms. Levy - point is not made
Wednesday May 9, 2012 8:51 Framingham Patch
8:52
Framingham Patch: Kevin Crotty - TMM - speaking
Wednesday May 9, 2012 8:52 Framingham Patch
8:54
Framingham Patch: TMM Betty Mutto -- speaking - important to take out time -- be very patient ... some of us do not have time to attend all the committee meetings -- only fair -- be more liberal in giving us infomation .. be patient, thorough .. we can do it write.
Wednesday May 9, 2012 8:54 Framingham Patch
8:55
Framingham Patch: Move to vote on HALL motion
electronic voting
Wednesday May 9, 2012 8:55 Framingham Patch
8:56
Framingham Patch: yes - 84
no - 47
abstain - 18
PASSED
Wednesday May 9, 2012 8:56 Framingham Patch
8:58
Framingham Patch: CFO reading items for the Retirement division - $13,794,409
Passed on Retirement - $10.779
OPEB passed -- $1.5 million
Wednesday May 9, 2012 8:58 Framingham Patch
8:58
Framingham Patch: there were a couple of point of orders ...
Wednesday May 9, 2012 8:58 Framingham Patch
8:59
Framingham Patch: Amy Weader -- TMM4 - heard motion to table on this
Moderator - I don't have one now but there may be one
Wednesday May 9, 2012 8:59 Framingham Patch
9:00
Framingham Patch: CFO -- pension fund has an unfunded liability - we are making contributions to that every year ...
Wednesday May 9, 2012 9:00 Framingham Patch
9:00
Framingham Patch: plan to completely fund that pension fund by 2030 - CFO
Wednesday May 9, 2012 9:00 Framingham Patch
9:01
Framingham Patch: Editor's Note: For those watching or reading (and texting me) my best guess - we will NOT get to the school budget tonight!
Wednesday May 9, 2012 9:01 Framingham Patch
9:02
Framingham Patch: 1986 - we were mandated by federal and state govt t o create afunding plan to fully fund our pension plan - CFO said
Wednesday May 9, 2012 9:02 Framingham Patch
9:03
Framingham Patch: Bill Cook - TMM13 - teacher at high school - what % - we pay to the retirement goes to the Framingham teachers?

CFO - zero
Wednesday May 9, 2012 9:03 Framingham Patch
9:04
Framingham Patch: Michelle Brosnihan - TMM10 -- who is getting the retirement money?
Wednesday May 9, 2012 9:04 Framingham Patch
9:04
Framingham Patch: CFO -- Framingham retirement system - covers all municipal employees and all non teaching employees
Wednesday May 9, 2012 9:04 Framingham Patch
9:05
Framingham Patch: OPEB - Other post employment benefits - $1.5 million

Hall - ways & means - move to table this item -- until after the snow & ice line item - 9-2-0
Wednesday May 9, 2012 9:05 Framingham Patch
9:06
Framingham Patch: Moderator - asking Town Meeting to vote on Hall motion to table OPEB (and stablization) until after Snow & Ice line item
2/3 vote needed
Wednesday May 9, 2012 9:06 Framingham Patch
9:06
Framingham Patch: Moderator calls for using e-voting
Wednesday May 9, 2012 9:06 Framingham Patch
9:09
Framingham Patch: Hall motion
2/3rd to pass

yes - 79
no - 70
abstain - 4
MOTION FAILED
Wednesday May 9, 2012 9:09 Framingham Patch
9:11
Framingham Patch: OPEB discussion continues

Ted Anthony - TMM1 - speaking -- intent on passing on this one is to make a motion on this and other items recommended by the fincom to get the town to a 1% ...

making a minor adjustment to what fincom is recommending ...
FIncom had suggested reduce stablization fund ... instead suggest reduce OPEB

Motion to reduce by $411,354 the OPEB ...
Wednesday May 9, 2012 9:11 Framingham Patch
9:13
Framingham Patch: Bill McCarthy - TMM10 speaking - in the overall budget we are voting for - a few things that will never happen again - $4.5 million more from the state and no carry over of snow & ice this year ...

my issue with the OPEB ...once this money goes into the trust we can't take it out ...
this is not like putting into savings ..this is more like a long-term CD
this is really taking money from left pocket - putting it into right pocket
Wednesday May 9, 2012 9:13 Framingham Patch
9:15
Framingham Patch: we don't live in a perfect world ...
little concen about taking this $1.5 and putting it away for good

Motion - put the whole $1.5 into the stabilization fund ... and that would fully fund the stabilization fund -- it will give us flexability ... if we don't get the $4 to $4.5 million from the state
Wednesday May 9, 2012 9:15 Framingham Patch
9:19
Framingham Patch: Herb Chasan - TMM4 -- I strongly support the CFO's motion to put the $1.5 into the OPEB and the fincom recommended this money too (this is the future cost for health care for retirees .. this is not going to go away .. rising life expectancies .. increasing health costs up 5-7% a year -- this pay-as-your-go funding is unsustainable. ..responsible financial planning ... Town of Holliston - just put $500,000 into this OPEB ... governments failure to control OPEB will have srious negative impact on the future financial impact on cities and town .. this is vital .. let's do something really production .. let's show we are doing responsible financial planning - urge put $1.5 into OPEB
Wednesday May 9, 2012 9:19 Framingham Patch
9:19
Framingham Patch: Dick Weader - TMM4 -- I rise in speak in favor of McCarthy motion ..
Wednesday May 9, 2012 9:19 Framingham Patch
9:20
Framingham Patch: Can the OPEB trust fund ever be used for anything else?
This would be a major reason to put money into stabilization instead. - Weader
Wednesday May 9, 2012 9:20 Framingham Patch
9:21
Framingham Patch: the pilot program on this was OPEB --so the government is thinking twice about this mandate ...Weader
Wednesday May 9, 2012 9:21 Framingham Patch
9:21
Framingham Patch: Highly unlikely the politicians are going to go along with layoffs to pay for this ...
Wednesday May 9, 2012 9:21 Framingham Patch
9:23
Framingham Patch: Caraline Levy - TMM12 - last night the CFO had a slide if we did or did not put money in the OPEB -- can we see hat slide again and brief explination on what happens if we don't put the money in???
Wednesday May 9, 2012 9:23 Framingham Patch
9:25
Framingham Patch: CFO speaking -- it does make a difference .. the actions we do now make a difference in our obligations 5 years from now ...
Wednesday May 9, 2012 9:25 Framingham Patch
9:25
Framingham Patch: putting it into an OPEB trust fund -- can not touch it -- CFO
Wednesday May 9, 2012 9:25 Framingham Patch
9:26
Framingham Patch: The $1.5 million is not meaningless .. it is not too small .. plan for longterm contribution to OPEB -- put in one in 2013 but not one in 2014 ...CFO
Wednesday May 9, 2012 9:26 Framingham Patch
9:26
Framingham Patch: Money stays in the OPEB trust fund -- CFO
Wednesday May 9, 2012 9:26 Framingham Patch
9:27
Framingham Patch: Value is $202 million
if we pay as you go the value of the liability is $384 million
Wednesday May 9, 2012 9:27 Framingham Patch
9:28
Framingham Patch: Point of order -- Joel Winett - we have 2 motions on the table -- addressing 2 different line items ...

Moderator - it is a point of information and not a point of order and you should know that
Wednesday May 9, 2012 9:28 Framingham Patch
9:32
Framingham Patch: Hall - TMM3 - speaking -- chair of ways & means - TMM3 -- 2 motions to make on this ... committee discussed this quite ..question is the timing ...

Motion -- on behalf on behalf of W&M -- reduce $1.5 to $0 vote 6-4-0

If Town Meeting funds any of this OPEB -- contributions into the trust -- very real liability -- result of contracts we have agreed to - health benefits for life ... Framingham very generous benefits -- all benefits except for pension ... once we have 200 people in it (we have more than 1500) then must conduct a bi-annual - we don't know how the trust will be managed .. custodian of a trust fund - reporting requirements .. one deposit made -- there will be a calculated amount put in ... committee felt needed more info on how the trust fund will work over time ...

Wednesday May 9, 2012 9:32 Framingham Patch
9:33
Framingham Patch: 2nd MOTION -- move that if town Meeting votes to fund OPEB in any amount - money goes into stabilization until fall Town Meeting until the trust requirements can be explained 6-0-0
Wednesday May 9, 2012 9:33 Framingham Patch
9:33
Framingham Patch: Hand vote to move the question
PASSED
Wednesday May 9, 2012 9:33 Framingham Patch
9:34
Framingham Patch: 4 motions on the floor ... I believe - Editor's note
Wednesday May 9, 2012 9:34 Framingham Patch
9:35
Framingham Patch: Moderator wanted to combine McCarthy & Hall motions
TM from audience indicated no
Wednesday May 9, 2012 9:35 Framingham Patch
9:35
Framingham Patch: Moderator says he needs to consult with town counsel
Wednesday May 9, 2012 9:35 Framingham Patch
9:39
Framingham Patch: Moderator asking for e-voting on Hall MOTION
majority vote needed
removed $1.5 from OPEB - reduce line item to $0
Wednesday May 9, 2012 9:39 Framingham Patch
9:41
Framingham Patch: yes - 34
no - 108
abstain - 3
HALL/W&M MOTION FAILED
Wednesday May 9, 2012 9:41 Framingham Patch
9:42
Framingham Patch: ***
Operating Budget is divided into 24 divisions
we are on only division 2.

For those texting & emailing - school is division 19 ...
I vote we may not get to schools until next week IMO....
***
Wednesday May 9, 2012 9:42 Framingham Patch
9:43
Framingham Patch: McCarthy MOTION
$1.5 take from OPEB and moved to stabilization fund
majority vote needed
e-voting
Wednesday May 9, 2012 9:43 Framingham Patch
9:43
Framingham Patch: point of order - Scott Estes - TMM4 -- shouldn't Anthony motion go before ...
Moderator -- Anthony motion is last as it is just to reduce and not eliminate
Wednesday May 9, 2012 9:43 Framingham Patch
9:45
Framingham Patch: Point of information -- TMM2 - Shawn speaking --
Wednesday May 9, 2012 9:45 Framingham Patch
9:45
Framingham Patch: Point of information -- question about ways & means other motion
Wednesday May 9, 2012 9:45 Framingham Patch
9:47
Framingham Patch: Hall - TMM3 -- advised by town counsel -- to make a change to my second motion --
Wednesday May 9, 2012 9:47 Framingham Patch
9:48
Framingham Patch: Point of information -- Jake Bakekian - TMM11 -- I'm confused ..maybe other people are .. I'm not sure what the ways & means committee motion ... what was the vote.
Wednesday May 9, 2012 9:48 Framingham Patch
9:49
Framingham Patch: VOTE McCarthy Motion
move $1.5 out of OPEB into stablization fund
majority vote needed
electronic voting to be used
Wednesday May 9, 2012 9:49 Framingham Patch
9:50
Framingham Patch: Point of information -- TMM4 -- question - I feel like we should consider all the motions before we vote on an individual one.
Moderator - I determine the order of the motions ...
Wednesday May 9, 2012 9:50 Framingham Patch
9:50
Framingham Patch: electronic vote
McCarthy MOTION
majority vote needed
Wednesday May 9, 2012 9:50 Framingham Patch
9:52
Framingham Patch: yes - 46
no - 97
abstain - 6
MOTION FAILED
Wednesday May 9, 2012 9:52 Framingham Patch
9:53
Framingham Patch: Hall - Ways & means -- -- revised motion -- speaking on by own behalf -- motion on ways & means is no longer valid .. at fall2012 town meeting - PEB trust details be presented to Town Meeting
Wednesday May 9, 2012 9:53 Framingham Patch
9:54
Framingham Patch: Modeator -- vote on Anthony MOTION
reduce OPEB by $411,354
majority vote needed
electronic voting
Wednesday May 9, 2012 9:54 Framingham Patch
9:54
Framingham Patch: Point of order made -- please read the Anthony motion again
Wednesday May 9, 2012 9:54 Framingham Patch
9:56
Framingham Patch: Point of Information - TedAnthony - TMM1 - I think you read that wrong
Moderator - light up here is less than perfect -- moderator is re-reading the motion
Wednesday May 9, 2012 9:56 Framingham Patch
9:56
Framingham Patch: ANTHONY Motion
majority vote
electronic voting
Wednesday May 9, 2012 9:56 Framingham Patch
9:58
Framingham Patch: yes - 53
no - 94
abstain - 2
MOTION FAILED
Wednesday May 9, 2012 9:58 Framingham Patch
9:59
Framingham Patch: Take vote on this division - $13,794,409

Wednesday May 9, 2012 9:59 Framingham Patch
10:00
Framingham Patch: Point of order -- Joel Winett - TMM7 -- need to vote for OPEB funding vote only ...
moderator - nothing was changed
Winett - there was a pass
Moderator - nothing was changed
TMM -- called for a vote just on this line item
Wednesday May 9, 2012 10:00 Framingham Patch
10:01
Framingham Patch: VOTE on OPEB funding - $1.5 million
electronic voting
majority vote needed
Wednesday May 9, 2012 10:01 Framingham Patch
10:02
Framingham Patch: yes - 107
no - 38
abstain - 3
LINE ITEM PASSED - $1.5 million for OPEB
Wednesday May 9, 2012 10:02 Framingham Patch
10:03
Framingham Patch: Now vote the total division - $13 million
majority vote needed
electronic voting
Wednesday May 9, 2012 10:03 Framingham Patch
10:04
Framingham Patch: a large amount of Town Meeting members starting to leave ...
Moderator asking them to stay in seats for a few minutes
Have one more motion to vote
Wednesday May 9, 2012 10:04 Framingham Patch
10:05
Framingham Patch: Retirement Division vote
yes - 120
no - 20
abstain - 5
PASSED
Wednesday May 9, 2012 10:05 Framingham Patch
10:05
Framingham Patch: Hall motion -- on OPEB trust details
Wednesday May 9, 2012 10:05 Framingham Patch
10:06
Framingham Patch: electronic voting
majority vote needed
Wednesday May 9, 2012 10:06 Framingham Patch
10:08
Framingham Patch: MOTION PASSED
Wednesday May 9, 2012 10:08 Framingham Patch
10:10
Framingham Patch: Adjourn until Thursday night...
Wednesday May 9, 2012 10:10 Framingham Patch
10:13
Framingham Patch: EDITOR's NOTE: There MAY NOT be live biogging tomorrow night.
I am off.

I have a freelance reporter/writer covering Town Meeting.
She may report the old way - with articles after Town Meeting or she may live blog.

***

Related Topics: Framingham School Budget 2012, Framingham Town Meeting 2012, and Town of Framingham

Leave a comment