2007-05-24
Meeting of Ordinance Review Committee
May 24,2007
5:15 pm. To 5:50 p.m.
Present:
Councilor John Burke
Councilor Miranda Gooding
Councilor Kevin Hobin
Ab sent:
Councilor Paul Guanci
Invited:
Roy F. Gelineau, City Solicitor
Robert a. Munroe, Assistant City Solicitor
Noreen Slocomb
Meeting convened at 5: 15 p. m.
The meeting opened with informal discussion as to how the City Ordinances had been
handled in the past:
1. Frances Macdonald, City Clerk, previously used a Florida firm to update
(codify) the City Ordinance Books.
2. Noreen Slocomb has been updating the online version of the City Ordinances
since 2003.
3. Attorney Michael Cahill was hired as a consultant (January 2005 through
April 2005) to review the first four articles of the City Ordinances, bring them
into conformity with the City Charter and edit these four articles for
duplications and errors. He was doing an excellent job; however, he accepted
a full-time position before he could complete the review.
The present issue of whether or not the City Ordinances should be reviewed and revised
in-house or by outside counsel was discussed. Due to time constraints of the City
Councilors and the City Solicitor's office, it was decided to ask the City Solicitors and
Town Counsel Association and Massachusetts Municipal Association for names of
attorneys who specialize in this area. A letter requesting resumes, hourly charges, etc
will then be sent. After review by the Solicitor's Office, at least three names will be
submitted to the Ordinance Review Committee for further action at the next meeting of
the Committee.
Input from Department heads and enforcement officers will be requested regarding
possible changes to the current Ordinances. At present, the time and effort a department
must devote to the collection of a maximum $25 fine is not cost effective. Currently the
Clerk of the Salem District Court does not want to hear cases involving fines issued by
the Dog Officer.
Councilor Gooding nominated Councilor Burke as Chair, Seconded by Councilor Hobin.
All voted in favor.
Councilor Hobin made a motion to send a letter to all department heads and enforcement
officers asking for their input regarding possible changes to the City Ordinances.
Seconded by Councilor Burke. All voted in favor.
Councilor Burke made a motion to hire outside counsel. Councilor Gooding seconded
All voted in favor.
The next meeting of the committee is scheduled for Thursday, July 12,2007 at 5:00 p.m.
Councilor Burke made a motion to adjourn
Councilor Hobin seconded it. All voted in favor.
The meeting adjourned at 5:50 p.m.
F: IDocslN oreen ICityCoun 10rdRS 2407.doc