I’m a Precinct 17 Town Meeting member as well as the Precinct 17 clerk. I’ve heard from constituents that there is some concern as to the intent of Article 28 and what the implications are if it does not pass at Town Meeting. I thought I’d clarify that and provide information on how public comment is incorporated in Precinct 17 meetings.
Article 28 is a citizens petition to “add a new bylaw requirement to town bylaws…Each precinct caucus shall have provision in its agenda for public comment.” I’ve heard from some residents that they fear that if this article is defeated, public comment will no longer be allowed at precinct meetings. Please be reassured, whether or not the vote passes at Town Meeting, public comment will continue as it has at the various precincts.
Public Comment statements vary in the different precinct agendas. Precinct 17 agenda states: “Under the Open Meeting Law, determination of whether to allow public comment is at the discretion of the Board Chair. G.L. c. 30A, sec. 20(g). Members of the public wishing to speak must first be recognized by the Precinct Chair. Members of the public are allowed three (3) minutes to speak. All public comments and questions are to be directed to the Precinct Chair.”
This provision allows the chair flexibility in determining the time during the meeting at which Public Comment is most appropriate.
In addition to including public comment at our monthly caucuses, we have held additional caucuses in response to constituents’ requests/concerns.
- In 2022/2023, in response to resident safety concerns in Redbrook, we held a number of caucus meetings to listen to Redbrook residents’ safety concerns and then worked with various town boards to have a four-way stop installed at the intersection of Wareham and River Run roads.
- In spring of 2024, in response to constituent concerns, we held additional caucus meetings so residents could voice their thoughts on the proposed senior affordable housing (Jan 22, Jan 31, and March 12 [Article 16C/now Grantham housing – over 30 residents spoke at these meetings]) and on Wareham Road traffic/safety concerns (April 3). More than 40 residents attended and spoke.
Note [that] all precinct meeting minutes are approved by the caucus and then posted on the town’s website for public view.
– Kathy Bell