Town Meeting is expected to start at 7:30 p.m. or when a quorum is reached.
Framingham Patch will be live blogging.
Copied & pasted below is our live blogging from our Cover It Live Platform.
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| 7:27 |
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Framingham Patch: Town Meeting members are picking up their electronic keypads to vote and checking in. Town Meeting will start when there is a quorum. |
Thursday April 26, 2012 7:27 Framingham Patch |
| 7:28 |
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Framingham Patch: Framingham residents and Town Meeting members may interact with us using this cover it live platform or via twitter @FraminghamPatch or #FraminghamTM
Both will pull into this platform |
Thursday April 26, 2012 7:28 Framingham Patch |
| 7:28 |
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Framingham Patch: Please keep in mind if you ask questions it may take me a few minutes to find an answer as I am listening and typing during the conversations here. |
Thursday April 26, 2012 7:28 Framingham Patch |
| 7:29 |
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Framingham Patch: Editor's Note: The Bruins loss looks like it has brought out more Town Meeting members tonight. We should have a quorum very soon. |
Thursday April 26, 2012 7:29 Framingham Patch |
| 7:30 |
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Framingham Patch: Town Meeting when it begins should start with Article 11. There are more than 40+ articles on the warrant. |
Thursday April 26, 2012 7:30 Framingham Patch |
| 7:35 |
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Framingham Patch: Moderator is banging the gavel and calling Town Meeting members to their seats. |
Thursday April 26, 2012 7:35 Framingham Patch |
| 7:36 |
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Framingham Patch: There will be a precinct organization meeting for all precincts on Tuesday, May 1. They will elect new precinct officers - chair, vice chair and clerk and elect members to the standing committees - Moderator. Precinct meetings will take place during the break. |
Thursday April 26, 2012 7:36 Framingham Patch |
| 7:37 |
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Framingham Patch: Jen Adams speaking -- reminding Town Meeting members Earth Day Festival at the common from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Saturday, April 28. |
Thursday April 26, 2012 7:37 Framingham Patch |
| 7:37 |
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Framingham Patch: Moderator is asking Town Clerk to swear in a new Town Meeting member... |
Thursday April 26, 2012 7:37 Framingham Patch |
| 7:39 |
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Framingham Patch: There are 110 Town Meeting members present at the moment.
Residents elected 216 Town Meeting members
Moderator is acknowledging that he has not seen some waving hands in the back and suggested Town meeting members wishing to speak to stand up. |
Thursday April 26, 2012 7:39 Framingham Patch |
| 7:40 |
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Framingham Patch: Moderator - reminding Town Meeting members to check in. |
Thursday April 26, 2012 7:40 Framingham Patch |
| 7:40 |
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Framingham Patch: Moderator is explaining how to use the electronic keypad machines when voting, again. |
Thursday April 26, 2012 7:40 Framingham Patch |
| 7:43 |
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Framingham Patch: Moderator is doing a test run of the electronic keypads ...
FAKE QUESTION -- Will the Red Sox win the World Series this year? |
Thursday April 26, 2012 7:43 Framingham Patch |
| 7:45 |
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Framingham Patch: yes - 25
no -67
abstain - 17 |
Thursday April 26, 2012 7:45 Framingham Patch |
| 7:46 |
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Framingham Patch: Moderator has declared Town Meeting open |
Thursday April 26, 2012 7:46 Framingham Patch |
| 7:47 |
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Framingham Patch: Article 11 - TMM7 Kevin Crotty making the motion
Authorize Selectmen to acquire easements at 301 Howard Street for sewer and drainage at a cost of $25,000. |
Thursday April 26, 2012 7:47 Framingham Patch |
| 7:48 |
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Framingham Patch: Editor's Note: Framingham Town Meeting has no faith in the Red Sox winning the World Series this year - based on the test question and the test of the electronic keypads. |
Thursday April 26, 2012 7:48 Framingham Patch |
| 7:50 |
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Framingham Patch: DPW speaking -- Railroad tracks to the south street and howard street to the north for the easement. - This article would allow the town to acquire three small easements at a total cost of less than $25,0000. |
Thursday April 26, 2012 7:50 Framingham Patch |
| 7:51 |
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Framingham Patch: Standing Committee on Public Works report by Dennis Paulsen - Monday April 23 - voted - 11-0-0 in favor |
Thursday April 26, 2012 7:51 Framingham Patch |
| 7:52 |
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Framingham Patch: Ned Price - TMM17 - report on real property committee -- met on April 17 - unanimous support for he article. |
Thursday April 26, 2012 7:52 Framingham Patch |
| 7:52 |
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Framingham Patch: Town Meeting member speak - none
2/3rd vote needed says moderator |
Thursday April 26, 2012 7:52 Framingham Patch |
| 7:53 |
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Framingham Patch: Electronic vote -- taking place |
Thursday April 26, 2012 7:53 Framingham Patch |
| 7:53 |
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Framingham Patch: Point of order - Gloria Geller - her vote did not register |
Thursday April 26, 2012 7:53 Framingham Patch |
| 7:56 |
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Framingham Patch: 120 - yes
1 - no
1 - abstain
articles passes |
Thursday April 26, 2012 7:56 Framingham Patch |
| 7:57 |
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Framingham Patch: ARTICLE 12 - TMM7 - Kevin Crotty motion - Authorize selectmen to acquire easement at 354 Waverly St for drainage easement |
Thursday April 26, 2012 7:57 Framingham Patch |
| 7:59 |
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Framingham Patch: DPW speaking -- Edward M. Kennedy Health Center at 354 Waverley St. - existing storm water drainage - waverley, howard & kendall street all contribute here via catch basins ...
the health center has offered to grant the drainage easement at no cost to the town
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Thursday April 26, 2012 7:59 Framingham Patch |
| 7:59 |
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Framingham Patch: Real Property committee - Ned Price - TMM17 - speaking - april 17th voted - 10-0-0 in favor. |
Thursday April 26, 2012 7:59 Framingham Patch |
| 8:00 |
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Framingham Patch: DPW standing committee - Dennis Paulsen - vice chair - april 23rd 11-0-0 in favor |
Thursday April 26, 2012 8:00 Framingham Patch |
| 8:01 |
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Framingham Patch: Town meeting members wishing to speak -
Caraline Levy - TMM12 - have no problem with it but has a question?
Mentioned drainage goes into Beaver Brook? what is the environmental impact?
DPW - easement would be over an existing pipe .. work health center did improved the storm draining on that site. Discharge no change. |
Thursday April 26, 2012 8:01 Framingham Patch |
| 8:02 |
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Framingham Patch: Moderator calls for a vote - via electronic keypad
Voing taking place now |
Thursday April 26, 2012 8:02 Framingham Patch |
| 8:04 |
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Framingham Patch: Majority vote is needed to pass
Yes - 123
No - 0
Abstain - 1
Article passed |
Thursday April 26, 2012 8:04 Framingham Patch |
| 8:04 |
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Framingham Patch: ARTICLE 13 - TMM7 - Kevin Crotty with motion - authorize selectmen to acquire easements at 900-904 Edgell Rd, re: TD Bank for sidewalks. |
Thursday April 26, 2012 8:04 Framingham Patch |
| 8:07 |
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Framingham Patch: DPW speaking - TD Bank at 900 Edgell Rd received site plan approval from Planning Board for a new bank. as part of the bank's project sidewalks, wheelchair access ..
property owner has agreed to grant sidewalk easement at no cost. |
Thursday April 26, 2012 8:07 Framingham Patch |
| 8:08 |
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Framingham Patch: Committee reports
DPW standing Committee - vice chair Paulsen - april 23rd voted 11-0-0 in favor |
Thursday April 26, 2012 8:08 Framingham Patch |
| 8:09 |
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Framingham Patch: Real property committee - Ned Price speaking - Vote was slightly more controversial 7-2-1, not sure of those who voted against would like to talk. |
Thursday April 26, 2012 8:09 Framingham Patch |
| 8:09 |
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Framingham Patch: Christine Long - vice chair planning board speaking - april 23rd planning board reviewed this project - unanimous support |
Thursday April 26, 2012 8:09 Framingham Patch |
| 8:10 |
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Framingham Patch: Town Meeting members wishing to speak - Harold Gellar - member of the real property committee - ask Town Counsel about terms and conditions about this easement. |
Thursday April 26, 2012 8:10 Framingham Patch |
| 8:11 |
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Framingham Patch:
Town Counsel speaking -- proposed sidewalk here is not a public way but it is a private way. If Town Meeting accept this easement - if the town created the hazard, the town could be responsible; but if TD Bank created the hazard, it could be responsible. |
Thursday April 26, 2012 8:11 Framingham Patch |
| 8:13 |
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Framingham Patch: Harold Geller speaking concerned with construction - as it was just built - did we check to see if it was well-built. Is there a rush to go into this easement?
Town has problems mantaining sidewalks - not against DPW - concern when we enter this, that we have protections for the town including repair and maintenance apparently TD Bank will still own this sidewalk |
Thursday April 26, 2012 8:13 Framingham Patch |
| 8:14 |
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Framingham Patch: TMM7 - Kevin Crotty speaking - I think this is a could PR ploy for this bank and that is why TD Bank is my bank -- TM members laughed... |
Thursday April 26, 2012 8:14 Framingham Patch |
| 8:14 |
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Framingham Patch: VOTE - electronic voting
majority vote is needed says moderator |
Thursday April 26, 2012 8:14 Framingham Patch |
| 8:16 |
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Framingham Patch:
One TM Member has a problem with the vote -- TMM Joel Winett is assisting.
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Thursday April 26, 2012 8:16 Framingham Patch |
| 8:17 |
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Framingham Patch: Yes - 123
No - 4
abstain - 5
PASSED |
Thursday April 26, 2012 8:17 Framingham Patch |
| 8:19 |
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Framingham Patch: ARTICLE 14 - TMM7 Crotty motion - authorize selectmen for drainage easement on Long Ave. |
Thursday April 26, 2012 8:19 Framingham Patch |
| 8:20 |
Town Meeting members: With the new electronic keypads are you STILL sitting with your precinct members?
Yes
( 100% )No
( 0% )Never Knew there were Precinct sections
( 0% )
Thursday April 26, 2012 8:20 |
| 8:23 |
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Framingham Patch: DPW speaking -- explain that the property would be divided into two L-shaped properties for 2 single family homes -- (104 Long Ave.) There would be a discontinued drainage line and then a new drainage line proposed |
Thursday April 26, 2012 8:23 Framingham Patch |
| 8:23 |
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Framingham Patch: Committee reports
DPW Standing committee - vice chair Paulsen speaking - april 23rd voted - 10-1-1 in favor |
Thursday April 26, 2012 8:23 Framingham Patch |
| 8:25 |
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Framingham Patch: Real property committee Ned Price speaking - April 17th - 7-2-1 in favor
Price speaking -- philosophical question especially on the south side do we want to create new house lots?
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Thursday April 26, 2012 8:25 Framingham Patch |
| 8:26 |
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Framingham Patch: Town Meeting members wishing to speak -
Kevin Crotty TMM7 to speak - ask DPW if this passes, and the old easement can be potentials for pipes and sinkholes? Are the old pipes taken out?
DPW question -- in this case, the existing drainage pipe will be discontinued and would be removed. The foundation will require that the pipe is removed.
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Thursday April 26, 2012 8:26 Framingham Patch |
| 8:28 |
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Framingham Patch: Bill McCarthy - TMM10 to speak - question - who will pay for this? is there any liability here on who will pay for this?
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Thursday April 26, 2012 8:28 Framingham Patch |
| 8:28 |
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Framingham Patch: Jake Bajekian - TMM11 speaking - the property is in my precinct - I have the same question - not clear who is paying for this? town pays? or builder pays? |
Thursday April 26, 2012 8:28 Framingham Patch |
| 8:29 |
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Framingham Patch: Town Counsel - Chris Petrini -- since this article has no request for funding - the passage would not require funding ... we would secure an agreement. |
Thursday April 26, 2012 8:29 Framingham Patch |
| 8:32 |
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Framingham Patch: two TM members have an issue with the electronic keypads registering
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Thursday April 26, 2012 8:32 Framingham Patch |
| 8:34 |
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Framingham Patch: VOTING -
Yes - 111
no - 16
abstain - 5
majority needed to pass |
Thursday April 26, 2012 8:34 Framingham Patch |
| 8:34 |
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Framingham Patch: Article 14 PASSED |
Thursday April 26, 2012 8:34 Framingham Patch |
| 8:36 |
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Framingham Patch: ARTICLE 15 - authorize parks & recreation commission to accept a for no more than 99-year lease with Perry Trust at 21 Edgebrook Rd. (6 acres) - parcel to be used for recreational purposes and kept in it naturally wooded state |
Thursday April 26, 2012 8:36 Framingham Patch |
| 8:39 |
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Framingham Patch: Presentation -- Parks & Rec speaking -- property is near the Mass Turnpike and Edgell Rd. Trust was established ...property was to be kept in its naturally wooded state ... the last remaining trustee has passed away ... trust entered discussion with Parks & Recreation ... if Town Meeting authorizes the lease arrangements if we be presented to the courts ... property in an R3 residential zone and the trust will continue to pay taxes to the town ...any improvements will be paid by the trust.
Neighbors advised and documented support for this article. |
Thursday April 26, 2012 8:39 Framingham Patch |
| 8:41 |
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Framingham Patch: Committee reports
Selectmen - Laurie Lee speaking - April 17th -- board voted 5-0 in favor - preserving this land consisted with open space plan of 2008 ... offers town unique opportunity to protect 6 open acres of land in a residential neighborhood.
April 25th met with Parks & Rec director Bob Merusi - this property is mentioned in the open space plan - protection of this process will meet goals of the 2008 plan .. thus the open space working group supports this article |
Thursday April 26, 2012 8:41 Framingham Patch |
| 8:42 |
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Framingham Patch: Planning Board - Christine Long - vice chair speaking - reviewed this - unanimous support 5-0. |
Thursday April 26, 2012 8:42 Framingham Patch |
| 8:46 |
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Framingham Patch: Ways & Mean Committee - Audrey Hall - TMM3 - chair of the committee -- meeting on April 11th - discussed article with Parks & Rec director ... trustee contacted parks & Recreation to find a way to preserve these acres ... trust conditions are outlined in the background materials ... taxed at $8,000 (R3 zoning) a year - trustee filed with assessor for new zoning and taxes will be reduced to $2,000 a year and will continue to be paid for by the trust.
No fee for the lease. ... abutts the Mass Pike .. been at its current state for years and not much will change except for people will be allowed on the property. Town can end this lease at any time with no penalties 9-0-0 vote in favor.
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Thursday April 26, 2012 8:46 Framingham Patch |
| 8:47 |
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Framingham Patch: Real Property committee report -- Ned Price speaking -- met on April 17th 9-0 in favor - there was some concern that this would be used for active recreation but now I see highlighted naturally wooded state ... |
Thursday April 26, 2012 8:47 Framingham Patch |
| 8:47 |
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Framingham Patch: Nicola Cataldo - question on use? |
Thursday April 26, 2012 8:47 Framingham Patch |
| 8:47 |
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Framingham Patch: Recreation speaking -- walking, hiking, general access to the property - no motorized vehicle, no camping and no fires. |
Thursday April 26, 2012 8:47 Framingham Patch |
| 8:49 |
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Framingham Patch: Melanie Goddard - TMM2 - speaking - rise to support this article. more detail on how the town will be reimbursed for any expenses for maintenance - will the town get the full $12,000 each year or will expenses have to be reimbursed - can Parks & Rec use that $$$ for anything else or just that property? |
Thursday April 26, 2012 8:49 Framingham Patch |
| 8:50 |
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Framingham Patch: Parks & Rec director Bob Merusi speaking - $12,000 maintenance fee -- how invoiced will be determined in the details of the lease. |
Thursday April 26, 2012 8:50 Framingham Patch |
| 8:51 |
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Framingham Patch: Kevin Crotty - TMM7 speaking - I have not been down this property for many years, but I know where that property is. At one point there was a log cabin that the girl scouts had access to .. is that house still in existence ..what will happen with it? |
Thursday April 26, 2012 8:51 Framingham Patch |
| 8:52 |
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Framingham Patch: Merusi - told there was a cabin on the property ... cabin burned down. No plans to rebuild the cabin. |
Thursday April 26, 2012 8:52 Framingham Patch |
| 8:52 |
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Framingham Patch: Lloyd Kaye - TMM10 - speaking - strongly for this article ... |
Thursday April 26, 2012 8:52 Framingham Patch |
| 8:55 |
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Framingham Patch: Robert Cushing - TMM14 - peaking - rise in support of this article.
One question -- this is very beneficial to the town -- what are the possibility if Parks 7 Recreation or some neighborhood group would want to build a ball field on this property?
Parks & Receation speaking - no plans to convert any part of that land to playing fields, at this time; it is not allowed with this trust |
Thursday April 26, 2012 8:55 Framingham Patch |
| 8:55 |
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Framingham Patch: Bill Egan asks to move the question -- 2/3rd vote needed
Question moved via hand vote
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Thursday April 26, 2012 8:55 Framingham Patch |
| 8:55 |
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Framingham Patch: Electronic vote - majority vote needed to pass |
Thursday April 26, 2012 8:55 Framingham Patch |
| 8:58 |
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Framingham Patch: Yes - 132
No - 1
Abstain - 1
ARTICLE 15 PASSED
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Thursday April 26, 2012 8:58 Framingham Patch |
| 8:58 |
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Framingham Patch: Moderator calls a 10-minute breaking |
Thursday April 26, 2012 8:58 Framingham Patch |
| 9:11 |
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Framingham Patch: Moderator has called everyone back |
Thursday April 26, 2012 9:11 Framingham Patch |
| 9:13 |
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Framingham Patch: ARTICLE 16 - Government study committee - George Dixon - TMM3 - move Town Meeting amends general bylaws article 1 section 5.13 and article 10, section1.
Dixon will make the presentation ... |
Thursday April 26, 2012 9:13 Framingham Patch |
| 9:15 |
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Framingham Patch: Town Clerk is authorized to update the table ...
table of officials & committees ...
appropriate to ask Town Clerk to update
10-0-0 government study committee voted in favor. |
Thursday April 26, 2012 9:15 Framingham Patch |
| 9:16 |
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Framingham Patch: Joel Winnett to speak - TMM7 - question - via town counsel - is this wording change allowed? can the town clerk updates the bylaws to reflect the current practices in the town report? |
Thursday April 26, 2012 9:16 Framingham Patch |
| 9:17 |
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Framingham Patch: Town Clerk Valerie Mulvey speaking -- if this proposal is approved by AG - in the future I will be able to change the tables in article 1 and change positions in the town as I'm aware of them. |
Thursday April 26, 2012 9:17 Framingham Patch |
| 9:18 |
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Framingham Patch: Winett - ask Town Counsel his opinion? |
Thursday April 26, 2012 9:18 Framingham Patch |
| 9:19 |
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Framingham Patch: Town Counsel speaking - the vote of town meeting would be required ... TM should be able to make changes with the bylaw .. Town clerk would be allowed to make consistency and numbering changes ... |
Thursday April 26, 2012 9:19 Framingham Patch |
| 9:21 |
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Framingham Patch: Winett - like to make an amendment to the bylaw ... move to amend the motion -- change the title of office officials ... 5 positions shown on the screen with one title ..bylaw reflect the current practice .. further move that the additional entries be added ... reads a list including the town historian ... |
Thursday April 26, 2012 9:21 Framingham Patch |
| 9:21 |
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Framingham Patch: No committee reports |
Thursday April 26, 2012 9:21 Framingham Patch |
| 9:21 |
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Framingham Patch: Town Meeting members speaking - Jake Bakekian - TMM11 - ask question - how much work for the Town Clerk - manpower? |
Thursday April 26, 2012 9:21 Framingham Patch |
| 9:22 |
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Framingham Patch: Town clerk's responsibility to update the bylaws -- happy to do it ...Mulvey
additional work we have already agreed to take on - Mulvey
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Thursday April 26, 2012 9:22 Framingham Patch |
| 9:23 |
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Framingham Patch: Melanie Goddard - TMM2 - speaking - I see the clarification ..previous speaker ..there is an article 42 that will be before Town Meeting that will make changes ... if I understand correctly .. asking to take Article 42 and make it an amendment to this article 16. |
Thursday April 26, 2012 9:23 Framingham Patch |
| 9:24 |
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Framingham Patch: Winett - TMM7 -- happy to clarify it -- when I sponsored article 42 ... two objectives in mind - who is a town official? And to keep the bylaws up to date. .. this article also allows the bylaws to be kept up to date ... |
Thursday April 26, 2012 9:24 Framingham Patch |
| 9:25 |
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Framingham Patch: still an issue on 42 ... these title changes shouldbe done with article 16 - Winett.
Motion to move question - 2/3rd vote needed |
Thursday April 26, 2012 9:25 Framingham Patch |
| 9:25 |
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Framingham Patch: Hand vote - PASSED
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Thursday April 26, 2012 9:25 Framingham Patch |
| 9:26 |
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Framingham Patch: VOTE - Winett amendment
majority vote needed
hand vote -- PASSED |
Thursday April 26, 2012 9:26 Framingham Patch |
| 9:27 |
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Framingham Patch: main motion, as amended, VOTE
majority vote is needed
hand vote -- PASSED |
Thursday April 26, 2012 9:27 Framingham Patch |
| 9:29 |
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Framingham Patch: ARTICLE 17 -- Town Meeting amend the general bylaws article 2, section 17, paragraph 12.3.7 and to amend article IV, sections 7, 8, 9 - motion by George Dixon - TMM3 - and member of the government study committee |
Thursday April 26, 2012 9:29 Framingham Patch |
| 9:33 |
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Framingham Patch: Dixon speaking -- this bylaws goes well with the strong town manager act - we seperately out the duties for the personnel board and the duties for the human resources director and then presented to the town counsel .. we believe we now have a good personnel bylaw ... personnel board reviews any actions coming before town meeting |
Thursday April 26, 2012 9:33 Framingham Patch |
| 9:33 |
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Framingham Patch: government study committee voted 9-0-0 in favor - Dixon |
Thursday April 26, 2012 9:33 Framingham Patch |
| 9:34 |
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Framingham Patch: Moderator -- no one is hear from the personnel board
Moderator is reading their statement ... reviewed the proposed change ..(Modertor appoints the board) unanimous vote they approve. |
Thursday April 26, 2012 9:34 Framingham Patch |
| 9:36 |
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Framingham Patch: Ways & means chair Audrey Hall speaking -- over the course of the year a subcommittee - 3 members ways & means and 3 members government study committee -- both effort and vote was via Town Meeting to preserve the personnel board ... major cleanup was done to eliminate some conflicts with the strong town manager act ... |
Thursday April 26, 2012 9:36 Framingham Patch |
| 9:36 |
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Framingham Patch: ways & means voted 9-0-0 in favor. |
Thursday April 26, 2012 9:36 Framingham Patch |
| 9:36 |
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Framingham Patch: Town Meeting members wishing to speak ... |
Thursday April 26, 2012 9:36 Framingham Patch |
| 9:38 |
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Framingham Patch: Yael Steinsaltz - TMM11 - speaking -- the wording is mathematically impossible
the fourth part conflicts the 2nd & 3rd -- Make motion to amend this paragraph -- |
Thursday April 26, 2012 9:38 Framingham Patch |
| 9:41 |
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Framingham Patch: VOTE - on amendment
Hand vote -- too close to call - says moderator |
Thursday April 26, 2012 9:41 Framingham Patch |
| 9:43 |
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Framingham Patch: Electronic voting on the amendment --
majority vote is needed
yes - 57
no - 41
abstain - 20
PASSED
|
Thursday April 26, 2012 9:43 Framingham Patch |
| 9:45 |
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Framingham Patch: Vote on article 17 as amended ...
majority vote needed
yes - 106
no - 9
abstain - 4
PASSED
|
Thursday April 26, 2012 9:45 Framingham Patch |
| 9:46 |
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Framingham Patch: ARTICLE 18 -- move that Town Meeting vote to accept section 20 of Chapter 32B of the Massachusetts general Laws an other post employment benefit trust fund and designate the treasurer/collector as the trustee - motion by CFO |
Thursday April 26, 2012 9:46 Framingham Patch |
| 9:50 |
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Framingham Patch: CFO Mary Ellen Kelley making a presentation --
OPEB Trust Fund (Other post employment benefits)
essentially that is the future cost of health insurance, for current retirees and future retirees ... government accounting standards board .. revenues over $100 million .. record value of future cost as a liability ..started doing that in 2008 ...
Create a trust -- Town Meeting accepts Section 20 of Chapter 32B .. this article only creates the trust fund ... it does NOT fund the trust fund -- that recommendation is in article 34 says CFO |
Thursday April 26, 2012 9:50 Framingham Patch |
| 9:51 |
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Framingham Patch: liability value that assumes an 8% return on investment .. almost all municipalities in the state have created the trust fund but NOt all have put money in the trust fund says CFO |
Thursday April 26, 2012 9:51 Framingham Patch |
| 9:51 |
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Framingham Patch: some municipalities have created it and funded it with a $1 as a token explained the CFO |
Thursday April 26, 2012 9:51 Framingham Patch |
| 9:52 |
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Framingham Patch: 2010 health insurance changes
8% return value - $202 million
4% - $371 million
we have a downward trend here ... hoping to have it continue says CFO |
Thursday April 26, 2012 9:52 Framingham Patch |
| 9:53 |
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Framingham Patch: why create the trust fund now? CFO
every dollar we invest permanently reduces the overall liability - CFO |
Thursday April 26, 2012 9:53 Framingham Patch |
| 9:54 |
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Framingham Patch: if we go with the trust fund - recommended budget in FY13 -- trimmed it by $1.5 million |
Thursday April 26, 2012 9:54 Framingham Patch |
| 9:54 |
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Framingham Patch: do I know when the federal government will require the town to FUND the trust fund... |
Thursday April 26, 2012 9:54 Framingham Patch |
| 9:56 |
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Framingham Patch: long term plan -- if we can reduce the cost of health insurance ... if we can change our plan designs less expensive - by requiring the plan to cover hospital coverage less expensive, tiering the requirements for co-pays and deductibles, more incentive to go for testing, staying outside of Route 128 ...CFO
Making people aware of what is covered and what is not covered - education - CFO |
Thursday April 26, 2012 9:56 Framingham Patch |
| 9:59 |
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Framingham Patch: by 2038-39 - the difference is $40 million
The further out we go the more we save - what we do now has a huge impact - CFO |
Thursday April 26, 2012 9:59 Framingham Patch |
| 10:00 |
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Framingham Patch: Long term investment - CFO
start to fund this incrementally
FY13 - $1.5 in the fund
no contribution in FY14
FY 15-31 - allocation 20% of free cash
FY31 -- shift $14 million paying into pension liability into this year ...
plan is to have pension liability fully funded by fiscal year 2031
without having to cut services, programs, etc..
|
Thursday April 26, 2012 10:00 Framingham Patch |
| 10:02 |
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Framingham Patch: Finance Committee report - vice chair Dan Lampl - April 18 voted unanimous to adopt this article ... VOTE 7-0-0 in favor.
later at this meeting we can debate the wisdom of putting money into this fund.
for now the first critical action ...create the trust fund. |
Thursday April 26, 2012 10:02 Framingham Patch |
| 10:03 |
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Framingham Patch: Teri Banerjee - TMprecinct 1 - vice chair ways & means -- not going to address the financial accepts as this article is to just create the fund ...ways & means - vote April 23 - 9-0-0 |
Thursday April 26, 2012 10:03 Framingham Patch |
| 10:05 |
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Framingham Patch: Town Meeting member Richard Weader - precinct 4 - I am in favor of this article .. it is an accounting measure. .. next implication ... maybe we should start planning for what we are going to do if we are required to start funding this ... should have an ongoing discussion on how we will fund this (which could mean 250-300 town positions)
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Thursday April 26, 2012 10:05 Framingham Patch |
| 10:08 |
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Framingham Patch: Town Meeting member Ted Anthony - precinct 1 - I don't disagree with the concept - obviously we have to set something up .. what is the disadvantages of accepting this as opposed to filing our own legislation? Town Counsel ruling ...
we are in the position now as we were one of only a handful of communities who accept a provision of the state law in regards to health insurance ..
perhaps we should set up our own legislation ... |
Thursday April 26, 2012 10:08 Framingham Patch |
| 10:09 |
|
Framingham Patch: Town Counsel speaking - Chris Petrini
There has been legitmate concern about town's acceptance of the health insurance .. statute .. as speaker noted .. this particiular statute is nothing like that one .. we have learned our lesson .. from the previous one ... |
Thursday April 26, 2012 10:09 Framingham Patch |
| 10:10 |
|
Framingham Patch: Jeffrey Cox -- TMM - move the question
2/3rd vote needed
hand vote -- PASSED |
Thursday April 26, 2012 10:10 Framingham Patch |
| 10:11 |
|
Framingham Patch: Vote on article 18
electronic voting
|
Thursday April 26, 2012 10:11 Framingham Patch |
| 10:13 |
|
Framingham Patch: yes - 110
no - 1
abstain - 2
majority vote needed to pass this article
article 18 - PASSED
|
Thursday April 26, 2012 10:13 Framingham Patch |
| 10:14 |
|
Framingham Patch: Moderator -- motion to adjourn
Next session of Town Meeting is Tuesday, May 1 at 7:30 p.m. |
Thursday April 26, 2012 10:14 Framingham Patch |
