Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Civic Procedure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Kingsboro Select Board opens review of town‑meeting bylaws, flags reconsideration and voting rules
Summary
The board discussed drafting town‑meeting bylaws and procedures to improve efficiency, including options to prioritize major articles earlier, limit reconsideration, and trial electronic voting systems; staff will draft proposals and consult with the moderator and town clerk.
The Select Board reviewed sample town‑meeting bylaws on June 1 and agreed to pursue a limited set of reforms aimed at shortening meetings and reducing disputed outcomes. Board members said they want clearer rules on when articles may be reconsidered, defined speaker time limits, thresholds or automated recount triggers for close votes, and the possibility of piloting electronic voting (clicker) systems.
Staff recommended beginning with a narrow set of changes and working with the moderator and town clerk. The board asked staff to prepare a draft and suggested appointing two Select Board members to serve informally with staff and the clerk to refine proposals before presenting a warrant article for a future town meeting. Members highlighted the need for strong public outreach so that users who do not usually attend town meeting can weigh in on timing, venue and procedural changes.
No bylaw was adopted at the meeting; staff will return with drafts and outreach plans.
