Natick committee backs warrant article to adopt 4th edition of Town Meeting Time

The Charter and Bylaw Review Committee voted unanimously on July 3, 2025, to support placing a warrant article on the town warrant that would adopt the 4th edition of Town Meeting Time into the town bylaw. Committee member Paul Griesmer, who led the discussion, said the town’s current bylaw cites the 3rd edition (published 2001) and that many of Natick’s norms have been guided by that edition for 24 years.

The committee reviewed a comparison (Appendix C) of changes between the editions and discussed updates that the town may want to accept, adapt or reject. Public attendee Jeff Alderson told members the 3rd edition is no longer generally available and that newer town meeting members cannot easily access it; he urged the committee to consider the 4th edition’s expanded guidance for hybrid meetings, Community Preservation Act management, consent agendas and execution.

The committee also noted specific procedural changes in the 4th edition that could alter local practice: a new section on challenges to the moderator’s rulings and language indicating that a second is not required for a motion to be discussed. The transcript notes that Natick passed a bylaw addressing 'move the question' at the Fall 2025 Town Meeting; committee members said that, once the state Attorney General approves that revision, Natick will implement the updated process as provided by the approved bylaw.

Committee member Bob Awkward moved to support the edited warrant article; committee member Donna McKenzie seconded the motion. The motion passed by roll call vote, 6-0-0. The warrant article, as supported by the committee, will appear on the town warrant for the next appropriate Town Meeting and is subject to the usual review and approvals that follow warrant placement.