Natick bylaw review committee approves $9,901 in special-counsel invoices, discusses Special Act and bylaw edits

The Town of Natick Charter and Bylaw Review Committee on Jan. 28, 2025, approved two special-counsel invoices totaling $9,901.10 and discussed the status of a filed Special Act and a slate of proposed bylaw edits.

Christine Weithman, secretary of the Charter and Bylaw Review Committee, reported that she has communicated with Representative Linsky and that the Special Act legislation has been filed but had not yet been assigned a bill number or committee; House procedural steps, including voting on house rules and forming committees, are delaying a hearing. Weithman said a committee hearing is expected in the spring once the bill receives a number and committee assignment.

Harriet Merkowitz, a committee member, summarized several bylaw subcommittee items. She said the Information Advisory group for Article 27 provided no follow-up; the Audit Advisory Committee (Article 23a) recommended no changes; and the Council on Aging bylaw may need adjustments to quorum language and governance rules. Merkowitz said Brian LeBlanc requested additions and deletions to Article 41 (town contracts) and that she would email proposed language to the committee chair.

Paul Griesmer raised possible revisions to Article 20 concerning the list of required fiscal documents and also expressed concerns about the personnel board bylaw. Paul Connolly reported that the Information Systems and Cable Advisory Committee members have been non-responsive; Dom Mallozzi, a member of the public, noted that the town and school information-services functions have been consolidated into a single position.

Bob Awkward reported meeting with the health director and said he wants to add propane to the list of underground tanks subject to regulation under Article 81; he reported no changes to Articles 80, 82, 83 or 84 at this time and said he will email recommended language to the chair.

The committee reviewed two invoices from special counsel covering November and December legal work on the Special Act and related materials. Committee members were told that $56,311.42 remained available for future special-counsel work. Harriet Merkowitz moved to approve both invoices in the total amount of $9,901.10; Bob Awkward seconded. The motion carried by roll call vote, 6-0-0.

The committee scheduled an ongoing meeting for Feb. 4 to draft warrant articles. Outstanding draft minutes from Nov. 6 and Nov. 21 were circulated but the committee deferred action on them until the following week. Merkowitz moved to adjourn at 7:59 PM; Donna McKenzie seconded and the committee voted 6-0-0 to adjourn.

The committee is expected to continue reviewing bylaw language and to prepare warrant-article drafts at its Feb. 4 meeting.