60. Citizens Petition: Amendment to Town Code - Time Limits for Speaking at Town Meeting

Article 60: To see if the Town will vote to amend Section 1-80-200(A) of the Town Code of the Town of Northborough by:
1.    Striking the word “five” and inserting in place thereof the word “three,” so that the maximum time a person may speak at one time shall be three (3) minutes; and
2.    Amending subsection (1) by inserting the words “as determined by the Moderator” after the word “Meeting”;
so that the relevant portions of said section shall read as follows:

“No person shall speak more than once on one article until others who have not spoken shall have the opportunity to do so. No person shall speak more than three (3) minutes at one time. The limitations shall not apply in the following situations:
(1) Where the person desiring to speak has obtained consent of the Meeting as determined by the Moderator.”

or take any other action relative thereto.

Explanation: This article amends the Town Code to update rules governing participation at Town Meeting. The proposed changes reduce the maximum time a person may speak from five minutes to three minutes and clarify that the Moderator determines whether the Meeting consents to allow a speaker additional time. These revisions are intended to promote more efficient proceedings, ensure broader participation, and clarify the Moderator’s role in managing discussion.

Votes Needed to Pass: Majority

Current text of Section 1-80-200(A) of the Town Code: No person shall speak more than once on one article until others who have not spoken shall have the opportunity to do so. No person shall speak more than five minutes at one time. The limitations shall not apply in the following situations:
(1) Where the person desiring to speak has obtained consent of the Meeting.
(2) Where the person desiring to speak seeks to correct his mistake or misstatement previously made by him.
(3) Where the person desiring to speak seeks to make an explanation by way of response to a question.
(4) Where the person desiring to speak seeks to make a motion relative to the matter.
(5) Where this chapter otherwise provides.