The Select Board Monday recommended approval of all articles on the annual town meeting warrant that voters will address on Saturday, May 15, beginning at 9 a.m. on Armand Sabourin Field.
A few articles did not receive unanimous support.
Board member Emily Mitchell opposed three articles that propose adding committees to the town bylaws They are the Arbor Resources Committee, the Patriotic Holiday Committee, and the Energy and Sustainability Committee.
Asked later to explain her opposition, Mitchell said she “voted against the inclusion of three new committees in the bylaws because I think Bedford’s practices considering bylaw inclusion should be reconsidered.”
Citing other towns’ limited bylaws, Mitchell said that these communities have “more flexibility in responding to current needs, without compromising the scope of volunteer involvement.”
“I value the work of the Charter and Bylaw Review Committee,” which recommended the additions, Mitchell said. “My objections are structural, and I hope in future years we can take a more considered look at the specific benefits we believe bylaw inclusion entails.”
Correction posted on 03.26.2021: It was incorrectly reported earlier that the Select Board voted 4-1 to recommend approval of a town meeting article that proposes to modify the property tax relief fund for elderly residents. That vote was 5-0.
The board also voted 4-0-1 to recommend approval of an article changing the name of the holiday on the second Monday in October from Columbus Day to Indigenous People’s Day. Member William Moonan abstained, explaining that “I think this is a decision for town meeting.”
Loading ...
