Town Moderator Ellen Harde submitted the following information to WestfordCAT News in advance of the March 25 annual Town Meeting at the Abbot School, 25 Depot St. The meeting opens at 10 a.m.
Dear Editor:
“The moderator has the power to change the order of the articles without the voters’ approval, but should exercise the power sparingly and for good cause, stating the reasons clearly and convincingly.” Source: “Town Meeting Time,” page 52.
Because of the unique interest in Articles 13 (the Proposition 2½ override for teachers salaries) and Articles 19 and 20 (the authorization to amend the Agricultural Preservation Restriction on parcel 3 at 66-68 Boston Road), I am exercising the authority stated in Town Meeting Time by setting a time certain for town meeting to discuss and vote on these three articles.
Article 13 will be taken up at 11 a.m. with a vote taken no later than noon. Articles 19 and 20 will be taken up as soon as we return from lunch, which should be 1 p.m., with a vote taken no later than 2:30 p.m.
All voters coming for the afternoon session, even those who were there in the morning, will have to check in, so voters should allow ample time to get checked in and find a seat in the Abbot gym by 1Â p.m.
To allow the maximum number of seats in the gym for voters, non-voters, including town staff who are not Westford residents, will be seated in the cafeteria. The meeting will be broadcast into the cafeteria.
–Ellen Harde, Town Moderator
