Article 62: To see if the Town will vote to amend Section 1-80-020(A) of the Town Code of the Town of Northborough by striking the existing language establishing the fourth Monday in April as the date of the Annual Town Meeting and inserting in place thereof the following:
“The annual town meeting shall be on the first Saturday in May at such place as the Selectmen shall determine. The initial session of the meeting shall begin at 9:00 a.m. Upon completion of the article which is under discussion at 10:00 p.m., the meeting shall be adjourned; provided, that it is not a recognized state or federal holiday; and thereafter, the meetings shall continue as provided in Section 1-80-170. A two-thirds (2/3) vote of those present may extend that meeting beyond the normal time of adjournment.”
or take any other action relative thereto.
Explanation: This article amends the Town Code to change the date and time of the Annual Town Meeting. The proposed amendment establishes the Annual Town Meeting to be held on the first Saturday in May, beginning at 9:00 a.m., instead of the current practice of holding it on the fourth Monday in April. The article also sets a standard adjournment time of 10:00 p.m., unless extended by a two-thirds vote, and clarifies that the meeting shall not be scheduled on a recognized state or federal holiday. This change is intended to improve accessibility and participation by holding Town Meeting during daytime weekend hours.
Votes Needed to Pass: Majority
Current text of Section 1-80-020(A) of the Town Code: The annual town meeting shall begin on the fourth Monday in April at such place as the selectmen shall determine. The initial session of the meeting shall begin at 6:00 p.m. Upon completion of the article which is under discussion at 10:00 p.m. on Monday, the meeting shall be adjourned to 6:00 p.m. of the following day; provided, that it is not a recognized state or federal holiday; and thereafter, the meetings shall continue on beginning at 6:00 p.m. and ending upon the completion of the article which is under discussion at 10:00 p.m., until the meeting is completed in accordance with Section 1-80-170. A 2/3 vote of those present may extend that meeting beyond the normal time of adjournment.