Participatory local government is a hallmark of Massachusetts life. Since its incorporation in 1732, the town of Harvard has trusted its residents to create laws and allocate funds during its Annual Town Meeting. When in the course of a year, business arises that warrants additional attention, the Select Board may call a Special Town Meeting to address the community’s needs. This year’s Special Town Meeting will be held Monday, Oct. 28, at 7 p.m. in Bromfield’s Cronin Auditorium.
Special Town Meeting is sure to offer something for everyone, with 22 articles up for consideration, ranging from library repairs to deer hunting. All residents, as long as they registered to vote before Oct. 18, will have an equal opportunity to share their opinions, propose amendments, and vote on these important town issues. The complete text of the warrant can be found on the Town of Harvard website (https://www.harvard.ma.us). For additional details, see the “Warrant in Plain English” and special coverage of Articles 9, 10, 11, 20, 21, and 22 in this edition of the Press.
While special town meetings have been historically less well attended than the annual daylong event, Town Clerk Marlene Kenney anticipates that this year’s will be more popular, possibly due in part to the inclusion of a citizen petition. A petition to ban deer hunting on Harvard’s conservation land has gathered more than the 100 signatures to qualify for placement on the warrant. As the Press reported in last week’s issue, someone at the Special Town Meeting must propose changing the article (Article 18) to a bylaw in order for it to be passed. Without this procedural hurdle, the article would be unenforceable. This and other debates will likely unfold in regard to zoning changes proposed for Ayer Road’s commercial district (Articles 21 and 22) and the granting of a well protection easement for Carlson Orchards (Article 15).
Child care
The League of Women Voters will not be providing child care for this fall’s meeting, so be sure to make babysitting arrangements accordingly. “You never know” how long the meeting will last, says Kenney, but with 22 articles up for debate, you might plan to pay the sitter overtime. LWV President Meg Bagdonas noted that with the recent Select Board vote to split town meeting into two shorter meetings, they are assessing the need to continue the childcare program—known as “Camp ATM”—in the spring.
Getting there
The Council on Aging will once again provide rides for seniors who plan to attend. Director Debbie Thompson reminds interested seniors to call the COA at (978) 456-4120 at least 48 hours in advance to reserve a ride. For those attendees taking a private vehicle, consider carpooling to save the planet and the distance you’ll have to walk from a remote parking spot (remember, the Bromfield lot fills quickly).
Prepare
Bring your copy of this week’s Harvard Press and follow along with all the information you need. Want the complete language? Print the warrant directly from harvard.ma.us, or save it to your tablet or smartphone.
Knitters rejoice! The lights in Cronin Auditorium have been repaired and can now illuminate those pesky dropped stitches. According to Principal Scott Hoffman, the auditorium is also sporting a fresh coat of paint and new carpet.
Arrive early
Get a sneak peek into the behind-the-scenes of town government by attending a board meeting in advance of the Special Town Meeting. While there are no meetings currently posted, Kenney stated that a last minute Finance Committee meeting may take place. Boards are required to post their meetings with 48 hours’ notice.
How it goes
The Town Meeting is an official proceeding, conducted through specific procedures and norms. As stated on the League of Women Voters website, “The warrant is the agenda for Town Meeting.” This meeting’s warrant is organized with a number of “housekeeping” articles at the beginning, followed by larger issues of capital expenditure and bylaw amendments. As the moderator, Bill Barton will call for a motion on each article, which allows it to be taken up as a main motion. Main motions are decided by a yes or no vote after any necessary debate or amendment. Those who wish to speak to a motion must be recognized by the moderator and then state their full name and address into the microphone before proceeding. Speakers must also address their comments to the moderator, a rule that is sometimes forgotten in the heat of debate.
