Middlesex Town Meeting Solutions Committee
Meeting Minutes
October 9, 2002

Present: Susan Clark, Greg Whitchurch, Barb Whitchurch, Kelly Ault and Dave Shepard

1. Technology
Susan asked how the committee wanted to proceed with the list of questions developed by the subcommittee that met in August to discuss issues relating to technology to allow voting without being physically present at Town Meeting. Greg mentioned that Brattleboro’s representative Town Meeting seems to have a lot of interest and support. He asked if we should offer it as an option? Susan posed the question of whether this alternative reaches more people or just appeals to the same people who would likely attend Town Meeting anyway. Greg suggested that if we decide to pursue a town charter we should not be too specific about the methods of voting without being present at Town Meeting. Susan mentioned that we still need to determine if a charter is actually necessary to allow voting without physical presence. Susan will email the Office of the Secretary of State and the League of Cities and Towns to ask this question. There was agreement that if a method is approved to allow voting without physical presence, it should be available on the basis of need rather than just a matter of preference.

2. Promoting Discussion of Issues at Town Meeting
The committee would like to promote more discussion of issues at Town Meeting. The question was raised whether conducting Town Meeting according to Robert’s Rules of Order may cause some people to feel intimidated and may serve to stifle debate and discussion of issues. It was suggested that perhaps the committee could speak with Peter Hood about means to promote more discussion. Some ideas for promoting more discussion were to provide guidance on how to participate at Town Meeting including a brief primer on Robert’s Rules. This guidance might be included in the guide to Middlesex that the committee is going to produce or it might be able to go into the Town Report. Susan thought it might be helpful to produce something for the Select Board to review and get guidance from them on whether it should go into the Town Report. The Middlesex Monthly is another avenue for distributing this information.

3. Middlesex Operator’s Manual
Susan has learned that it is likely that National Life will print this for free. They can do four color printing or something more basic.

 
The question of possible business support for this publication, perhaps in the future, was raised. Including businesses could be a useful service to both the businesses and town residents. It was decided to put a notice in the next Middlesex Monthly seeking businesses and services in Middlesex that would like to be listed in the owners manual. This notice could include a short form that could be cut out of the paper and returned to the committee to allow businesses to provide a brief description of what they do. Greg said it should be made clear that part time businesses are welcome.

Susan has asked Patty Wiley about historic quotes and photos that might be included. Photos of current residents could be included; Kelly is interested in pursuing this.

The meeting concluded at 8:30 p.m.

Minutes recorded by Dave Shepard