November 8 Town Meeting
November 9, 2004
Bridgewater
Raynham
Easton
East Bridgewater
West Bridgewater
Massachusetts
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Bridgewater-Raynham Schools
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Opinion/Analysis
Joseph Gillis Jr.
You can do something!
The warrant for the Town Meeting is available on the Bridgewater Town website, and I have provided a direct link here. You should take some time a review it, ask questions, and be prepared for the 7:30 meeting. Some thoughts on a few of the Articles:
2: Similar to an Article from 6/14/04 Town Meeting, where we took no action. Back then, the total land was 28,205 sq ft.; this Article encompasses a much larger tract of land = 493,370 sq. ft.
>>After a couple of failed motions, this Article does pass with more than the required 2/3 vote; counted Yes = 157, No = 30.
10: Funds to cover the difference in pay for two police officers called up for an approximately 18 month tour of duty. Money included in this Article would cover fy05 and fy06 costs. (10/19 Bd of Selectmen Meeting)
>>Advisory Board recommended the Article, but only at $60k; the balance to be part of the Police Dept's 104 line item in the 2005-06 Fiscal Budget. This Article passes.
12: Interesting in that it appears the Town is covering the difference on some Social Security costs for a couple of individuals.
>>Described that about 7 years ago, as employees were converting between healthcare providers, somehow two employees did not go onto Medicare at the appropriate time. The Insurance Advisory Council (referred to at meeting, but not explained) advised Bridgewater to pick up the cost difference to the two individuals. Town Moderator declared this needed a 9/10 vote; counted Yes = 31, No = 18. Article fails.
13 & 14: Article 21 at 6/14/04 Town Meeting set the funding for all departments. Article 24 at same meeting set the schedule for salaries for elected officials. Therefore, it appears that the Town voted in the second Article to pay these people, but did not allocate funds in the first Article to accomplish that.
>>Both Articles pass.
18 & 19: The first one (18) here is to seek a vote on de-Regionalizing Bridgewater K-8 from the B-R Regional School District. The second Article (19) seeks to delay a vote until the Education Study Committees in Bridgewater and Raynham have "made determinations as to what is in the best interests of both Towns".
>>Article 18 was the center of much discussion. A couple of motions to withdraw or table were not successful. Town Consel advised the crowd that the Article was flawed and would not accomplish its intended purpose (an affirmative vote would only ask the School Committee to withdraw, rather than begin the withdrawal process). Article 18 was voted No.
Article 19 was also immediately recognized by Town Consel as flawed - A vote at Town Meeting cannot bind any action or inaction at a future Town Meeting. Is passed anyway.
20: Article about the Patriot Act. Several proposals to make a position clear that the Town of Bridgewater would join many other communities across Masseachusetts and the Country in opposing sections of the "Patriot Act".
>> Several people from Bridgewater State College spoke in favor of the Article, while Herb Lemon (Bridgewater Board of Selectmen) spoke against the Article. The Article ultimately passed.
