Sorry this is so late. I've got excuses, but I won't bore you with them.
Last night was the opening of the Annual Town Meeting. Night two will be Wednesday. (Will we get a quorum when the American Idol finale is on??) Further nights, if necessary, will be Thursday, and then next week on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
The show had some notable highlights. The new moderator, Chris Mehne, kept his predecessor's methods and formats. He suggested at last week's pre-town Meeting, however, that starting at the next Town Meeting he would begin to make his changes. Mehne honored our longest-serving Town Meeting Member ("TMM"), Bob Lutz. Lutz left early in the night, which might explain how he keeps his record going.
He's still rusty on procedure, notably flubbing which motions we were considering when there was a motion to end debate or a motion to amend. That, I suspect, was just opening night jitters.
I'm seriously worried that we won't get all of our business done in three nights. Last week I was telling friends that I thought we'd be OK, but now I'm not so sure. We spend an especially long time on the budget last night and we have a lot of contentious items on tap. I think we should suspend the 10:30pm adjournment time (or make it later), and just entertain a motion to adjourn naturally. What do you think?Mehne abruptly asserted his authority by reining in TMM John Lukach who had tried to hold onto the microphone and engage in a conversation with the town officials he was questioning. Mehne stated that other TMM must have opportunities to speak and the rules discourage multiple questions by the same person.
As I've written many times in the past, the Town is addicted to State Aid. Compared to other towns, Shrewsbury gets a disproportionately large share of its budget from the Commonwealth. This has become even more evident this year because Boston has taken so long to flesh out its budget. The latest proposal, from the Senate Ways and Means Committee, was a stark reduction from the House numbers, the House Ways and Means Committee numbers, and the Governor's proposed budget. These rapidly changing figures lead the Selectmen and FinComm to release a joint statement last week telling TMMs that they had enough confidence in the current state figures that Town Meeting could proceed to consider the town budget without fear of State Aid dropping drastically in later Beacon Hill negotiations.
TMM John Martin moved to restore crossing guards at the schools back to the police budget instead of the proposal to fund them in the schools. His proposal was backed by rogue Selectman Ben Tartaglia. This lead to an angry statement from FinComm chairman Gene Buddenhagen. He said that there was a lot of discussion on this already and that they had made an agreement to move the crossing guards from the PD budget to the School budget; but he bemoaned the apparent "back sliding" on that budget agreement.
Actually, Gene, there had been no discussion at Town Meeting about this. All the discussion was made by the School and Police Departments, Selectmen and FinComm. I was glad to vote against this move, but I liked to have the choice. Are we the legislature? Do we get to make our own decisions? Why does the FinComm chairman think that we are rubber stamps?
What is our role in this play? Are we the audience or the performers?
Update (9:45am): I added a sentence to the first full paragraph.
35 comments:
Two questions I would have liked to have seen asked about the crossing guards:
1) Where do they actually work? Driving around town before and after school I've only seen one at Paton, one on South St. (presumabley for Floral), and one at St. Mary's
2) Do we, the taxpayers, pay for the crossing guard at St. Mary School? If we do, isn't that a violation of not using public dollars for private schools? And does that woman ever get out of her car?!
I'm sure that the crossing guards are lovely ladies who truly need the income, but I sincerely wonder if they are truly fulfilling a need for the benefit of all.
Let's summarize the job Chris Mehne did as moderator: lousy. Even he'd agree with that. Chris admonished John Lukach for having dialogue, but then allowed several others to do the exact same thing. A moderator is supposed to be fair.
Worse, Chris kept making mistakes. It wasn't one false step, it was all night. He had to be corrected at least a dozen times about various things and made the same mistakes over and over. Town Meeting needs someone fair and someone who knows how to run the meeting. Help!
As to the crossing guard at St. Mary's, yes she does get out of her car and has assisted my Paton children and I cross. No clue on where her pay comes from.
I'm puzzled by SRT/Martin/Tartaglia's stand on this. Currently they get paid for 5 hours a day and the new proposal is to pay them 2 hours a day for the actual time they work. Since when has SRT been in favor of paying someone for time for which they do not work.
As to Mehne's performance, chalk it up to 'his first time as moderator'. If you are already to throw the towel in on him, heaven help anyone else who would want the role.
Gene actually used the term "Flip Flopping" perhaps you just misremembered.
Oh, right! "Flip flopping"! Thanks.
Chris Mehne did a fine job out of the gate. Yes, he made a few minor mistakes, but give the guy a break. Mr. Byrne had years to hone his act. I believe the tone of town meeting was much more respectful last night. I didn't feel like the moderator was calling on his cronies. He gave everyone an equal opportunity to speak. The questions last night were really indepth and honed in on the municipal budget. I also think the new chair of the school committee did an outstanding job. I looks like the meeting is off to a good start.
I thought Chris Mehne did a good job. Yeah, he had some trouble remembering to vote on the "move the question" to end debate before the actual ammendments, but he kept his cool, showed a sense of humor and was fair. He admonishment of Mr. Lukatch was fair and he was quite clear on follow up questions. Seriously, how many years have we watched Lukatch monopolize the floor? He got plenty of chances to speak, but needed to yield the floor to others as well. He got called on every time he raised his hand. I'd give Mehne a passing grade for his first time.
I have actually heard (but, can't substantiate) that the crossing guards previously worked 15 hours a week, but were paid for 20. In addition, they receieved unemployment pay for summer months, benefits and a pension. Moving them to the school department and cutting hours will eliminate the extras.
I'm sure the guards are very nice people, but this does seem curious that SRT would so vehemently support this cozy arrangement that is not in the best interest of the taxpayer!
The crossing guards are on the higher side of middle age. I think it is obvious why SRT supported the change they are supporting their base as every politican does.
Is that a good or bad thing hard to say but it is the reality.
Ben comes across so disingenuous when he tries to pretend that he actually cares about the well-being of our school children. The only reason why Ben was so adamant about keeping the X guards in the PD and retain their benefits was because they belong to the No crowd and this was his way of thanking them for displaying some of the largest No signs in town. Sorry ladies, like Ben says: “We must live within our means.”
As for Chris’s debut, I too thought he did a fine job. I was just thinking to myself, if Fiore had actually won, last night would have been a fiasco. There is no way Fiore could have maintained order at that podium, not unless Morgado is a ventriloquist. Chris is a class act. He kept the meeting moving, interjecting explanations throughout. He was self deprecating in his humor and clearly understands he is new at this role and would appreciate our patience. He graciously plugged his predecessor, who as another poster stated, had over three decades under his belt, and even in his final years, old Kevin had the occasion flub up…least we forget we are all human and subject to err?
I was angry at the folks, including Mr. Lutz (who I believe feels he is entitled to his seat), who packed it in at 9:00. Why do you insist on taking up a seat if you have no intention of fulfilling your obligation to your constituents? Do us all a favor and stay home and let someone who actually cares do the town’s business.
Also noticed Mr. Levine showed up late and missed his intro and left to take a long phone call. Let’s see what his SC attendance will be like. And speaking of attendance, where in the world was Donna O’Connor?
There is one at Coolidge,also. She works in the cafeteria too.
But there is no crossing guard for the middle schoolers that have to cross route 9. Why is that?
It was Dan Morgado who stunk up the place last night. He had errors in the warrant, he did not fully answer questions, and he brow beat Ms. Musselman when she wanted to make a change to HIS budget.
Dan was very smug on stage starring down at the audience (whoops I mean town meeting members).
Dan also did not come off as the golden boy this year - what is with the 3.5% pay increase for the fire and police when the rest are getting pay freezes - when us mortals are getting laid off or pay cuts?
Dan you shine is gone - thanks for not taking the pay raise you did NOT earn.
Loved when Missy was "out of order" questioning why the selectman that wants to "cut everything" suddenly suppported a more costly option for the crossing guards!
It was great to see the school committee chair give such a great report!
Finally the town is waking up and saying we need to fund our schools more - too bad they wake up when we don't have the money. If we had been funding our schools in the past we would not have such a hole in programs at the elementary and middle school level today.
But it was a refreshing turn of events.
I belong to SRT, and I don't support the crossing guard change. I think the school should over see the guards and also take on the responsibility of their salaries and other perks. This takes a small load off the town side of the budget.
I would also question as a previous blogger mentioned the guard at St. Mary's! That would be a real no no. Someone look it to that. Please.
If nothing else, the new articles that Ben T is proposing, (and I don't agree with all of them either), are at least getting the town to participate in what's going on around them. People are starting to question more and more where money is going, and what for and this is a really good thing.
Just because someone belongs to a group does NOT mean they all agree on everything. We are not a rubber stamp group.
So before we start attacking groups, I'd think twice. We are all different, with different ideas.
What does it say about elected officials (Mr. Levine) and Town Meeting members that can't show up on time or stay for the duration of the meeting? It's one thing to be a couple of minutes late, but TM was well underway by the time Levine strolled in. If selling houses is more important than serving on our School Committee, you shouldn't have run! The same for the TM members who leave early. If it's a night driving issue (sorry, making assumptions about folks older than myself), then let's talk to the COA about a shuttle or something. Otherwise, plan accordingly!!! My kids are seeing precious little of me this week, but they know having a parent serve as TMM is important. They can see me on tv.
Either serve to the best of your ability, or don't run!!
Ok, Lutz left early...another perfect reason why there should be term limits for the older or long term members!! New blood, new ideas! He and others shouldn't just take up a seat if they won't be voting! I know for a fact this has been done in the past with JP appointments. People just like to keep the appointment, and then they don't use it. Other people would like to fill some of these seats or appointments if you will, but, first we have to get the dead wood to sit at home or step down.
The new moderator was a bit prejudiced against J. Lukash. And, yes, he did allow a few others to do exactly the same thing. I noticed that also! Not fair play.
The fact that Mehne said he was coached by Bryne and prepared by Bryne prior to last night gave me the willies. It was like he passed on all the same "knowledge" on to Mehne. He was I must say, a bit more refreshing then Brnye. He was polite and not full of himself at all, which I so appreciate. All in all, he did well.
I agree with the above blogger that mentions Lutz left at 9. This used to happen when I was a TMM. They check in, get the quarum, then sneak out.
In this instance I agree with Ben on the term limits article. Term limits might be a good thing for people who just don't know when to take their leave.
One or two votes could make the difference in a vote, so no one should leave before the meetings are over.
I for one did not love when Missy spoke out of line. She's better than that. Town Meeting isn't the forum for that type of behavior.
I also noticed that Chris only took Lucach (sp?) to task for pontificating. There were a few others he let slide. I'd assume that too was opening night jitters but once is an occurance and twice is a pattern. I hope he'll be more mindful next time.
A change has been approved relative to the crossing guards. Previously, they were under the police department budget. Some say they worked 15 hours, but were paid for 20. They received unemployment in the summer, benefits and a pension. Now, they will be under the school department, working fewer hours. The fewer hours means they are not eligible for the town benefit package. After this summer, the summer unemployment will be gone. Chief Hester has pledged to continue to work with them, through the school resource officers so that they will be appropriately trained.
Tartaglia and Martin were fighting the move from police to school. Now the crossing guards will not receive town benefits, and if the schools determine the same functions can be appropriately handled by other school personnel, they will be. I think I'd be fine with an aide helping my kids cross the street, wouldn't you?
"And speaking of attendance, where in the world was Donna O’Connor?"
Donna had a death in her family yesterday. That ok with you?
"Donna had a death in her family yesterday. That ok with you?"
immediate family fine. otherwise she should have been at the meeting.
To 12:00-You asked what’s up with the police and fire 3.5% raises. What has been said over and over is that this year’s raise is the third year of a three year contract. This contract was negotiated two to three years ago. It was a different economy then. Did you know two to three years ago what was going to happen?
I don’t think Dan’s golden; he’s human like the rest of us. He also happens to be an excellent town manager, one of the best. I hope he decides to hang on for a few more years because retirement must be looking pretty good in contrast to all he has to deal with and who he has to deal with.
Since Jim Kane was supported by all the selectmen except Ben, his huge victory makes it very clear that in spite of what we read here, the majority of the town substantially approves of what the BOS and Dan have been doing.
To 11:04-I asked. I was told Donna O’Connor had a death in her family, a close relative. I think that’s an acceptable absence.
If Lutz keeps getting applauded each year for being the longest TMM then what is the motivation to leave?
There are some TM precincts where you do not get enough TMM to run to fill the seats and others where there is a battle every year.
In general I support term limits to get some new blood involved. I would like to see the term set to 9 years max. Time for Moe and John L. to move aside. We have had two years of hotly contested selectmen races and those two get votes just because of name recognition. All who ran this year would have been better then either Moe or John and Ms. Musselman would be better than the two of them combined!
Move along boys!
Enough already about anyone's attendance. Further such comments will be rejected. Sorry for being so doctrinaire.
Did anyone check out the Shrewsbury Development Corporation handout? It says most likely(my interpretation) in 2012, after 10 years, none of the 8 building sites will be occupied. The town will have to convert it's interest only loan to interest and principal, going from $158K per year to around $600K- A nice tax increase for us all. Let's not sugarcoat it... The Shrewsbury Development Corporation failed.
The proposed zoning overlay is nothing more than wishful thinking. There are no buyers waiting in the wings for a zoning change.
The question is what to do now? Does the town want to throw good money after bad and do site devlopement including bringing in water and sewer? The Board of Selectmen and the SDC owe the town a specific plan on how to re-coup some of our losses. We've been waiting patiently for 7 years. NOW is the time for action.
I wish to make my apologies to Mr. Targalia and all Town Meeting members for my actions. I could blame it on sitting next to Mark Adler, or his tootsie pops having extra additves besides tootsie pops. But I won't blame anyone but myself, I lost myself in the emotion of the subject. I do that sometimes, I get a little too impassioned and let things fly.
At least I didn't say a naughty word or phrase like I did for the School Super. focus group. Boy did that former Shrewsbury High princpal guy glare at me, he must have been a terror--I was afraid.
I saw Steve Levine before town meeting out in the hall, maybe nature or a potential customer called.
And to those who were concerned about Mr. Mehne not being impartial, I think he proved he could be impartial and do his job.
Again my apologies and I will be more careful and maybe bring duct tape for mouth.
I thought Chris Mehne did a very nice job last night. A couple of hiccups which should be expected for the first time. In my opinion it was a breath of fresh air versus the actor/moderator and his theatrics of the past.
Attendance is important and a relevant topic Mark. Sadly you do not share the same opinion. There are always the legitimate reasons for missing...death to a loved one is definitely one of them. The TMM represent their precinct and if they are not fulfilling their obligation it should be promulgated to the masses.
I was pleased to see Mr. Lucash shot down. He is a windbag who wants to hear himself speak and the sad thing, as pointed out on numerous occasions, he speaks fiction more than fact.
I am looking forward to Wednesday. I truly hope that the TMM take their responsibilities seriously and attend and stay the entire meeting. Probably too much to ask.
Hey Bruce... Is Mr. Mehne a personal friend or something? His performance could hardly be called a couple of hiccups. He struggled throughout the night knowing what to vote on, but fortunately Mr. Morgado came to his aid repeatedly. Hopefully tonight will be an improvement.
I disagree with your disparaging of Kevin Byrne. For 35 years he ran town meeting so well, no one considered running against him. The man was a class act all the way.
As for Mr. Mehne's comment to John Lukach, Cushing's allows members to speak once before others get a turn. Mr. Mehne interpreted 'speak' to be over once somebody else talked even if that was someone at the podium replying to a question. This interpretation is a significant departure from previous town meetings and it should have been announced ahead of time. But then Mr. Mehne saw fit to allow at least 5 others to have mulitple questions. I think Mr. Mehne should figure out how he is going to interpret the rule and apply it evenly to all speakers.
Lastly, if you actually listened to what Mr. Lukach has been saying, you'd hear that public employee raises far in excess of inflation are unsustainable. That point was made clear with this budget and for the most part, employees accepted smaller raises. However next year will be the real test.
To the last poster bashing Bruce...if you think Mehne did not fare well, can you imagine the utter disaster Fiore would have created? Chris strikes me as a quick study, who I believe did a good job last night. How can you compare three hours to 35 years? Give me a break. Did you experience Bryne's first three years as a town moderator to make an acurate comparison between the two? Chris did a fine job and will make the adjustments necessary as time goes on. I can't say Dan had one of his better night's last night. At time's he forget's where the legislative power lies. There are TMMs who don't wish to be spoon fed and are capable of doing their own budget anaylsis. The days of always doing things Dan's way for the sake of long-standing tradition hopefully will come to end soon as TM seats turn over.
And for shutting down Lukach, kudos to Mr. Mehne. John pontificates and I believe he was badgering Mr. Froio. It was definitely time to move on.
I've been to both pre-town meeetings and town meetings where Mr. Lukach has "owned" the floor to thte point that little or no opportunity remains for others to speak. Doesn't he realize that while he make some good points, his badgering style and desire to be the smartest persone in the room makes lots of people discount the points he is trying to make.
The one thing I REALLY liked that Mr Mehne did Monday night as moderator is NOT permit the person that currently has the floor to make their points and close out their comments with "I move the question!" I was sitting in the back and saw many heads nodding their approval when Chris explained that he would not allow that this year at town meeting. He definitely got muddled in the procedural bits about voting to end the debate and THEN voting on and amendment but let's give him a few more nigths at the podium to work that out.
To the above blogger at 7:29
At least John Lucash speaks! He reads everything given him, goes to most of the town meetings, cares enough to make comments and takes part in town business. Even MOST of the TMM's don't ever get up to have an opinion!!
Of all the 33K residents in this town, most don't do anything at all!! Most don't even get their butts out to vote, so they get what they get for lack of participation. I find it remarkable that Kris K. J. Luckash and a few others take their time to attend meetings and really care about what's going on around them. This should be a huge wake up call for everyone else. But, as seen in the past, people would rather go home after work and plunk down on the couch and let the chips fall where they may.
Exactly how do Lukatch, Kirk, et al support themselves while they're at every public hearing and poring over the budget issues? Perhaps other TMM are equally as prepared, but have jobs and other obligations that prevent them from being permanant fixtures in the audience at town hall. Perhaps a little more time spent outside such hearings and spent with their constituents would give Lukach and Kirk some much needed perspective. Perhaps all TMM members should seek greater perspective.
Hey Anonymous 5:53 am or should I say Mr. Byrne???
I am not a personal friend of Mr. Mehne but I am certain he will be a fantastic moderator. He is an intelligent, articulate, fair, and honest guy. What else can you ask for. The procedural gaffes I am sure will be sorted in short order.
In terms of Mr. Lukash, maybe I was a little too harsh and he should be credited for his dedication as exhibited by his attendance at so many of the public hearings. But, I am not a fan of him trying to take over and sadly, although it appears he has done his homework, if you are truly familiar with the topics there are numerous times he is just wrong. I thought in a recent School Committee Meeting Dr. Bent summed it up best after one of Mr. Lukash's long winded speech/question, and I am paraphrasing....Once again Mr. Lukash comes with a list of inaccurate information that I could spend a long time going through each one but I won't...That's really my issue...not his dedication but rather his approach. Something that needed to be addressed early which was by Mr. Mehne.
What might have appeared to be slip ups by Mr. Mehne I think are really well controlled educational moments.
By not going through all the "new" rules that we will be following at the start of ATM, in which most of us would have sat there with glazed looks and drooping eyelids. He used the "on the spot" approach, when it happens then he mentions it.
Stopping Mr. L and the other guy who wanted to end debate while they were doing it was far more effective, we could hear pins drop and jaws hanging open. It must have been a sight from the stage.
And boy did we learn!
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