2000-06-25Beverly Charter Commission
Minutes of Meeting, June 25, 2000
A meeting of the Beverly Charter Commission was held in City Hall at 7:34 PM
on June 25, 2000. Present were: Crystal Atherton, N. Paul Galluzzi, Peter Gilmore,
Mary Grant, Maria O’Brien, Jack Quigley, and Mary Rodrick. Carol Girard and
Mickey Ratte were absent. The meeting had been rescheduled from June 14, 2000
because it had not been properly publicized.
Tim Flaherty, president of the City Council, addressed the Commission on behalf
of the Council to state that re-opening West Beach for public access is not, in their
opinion, in the best interest of the city. This is based on a concern that there could be a
financial burden on the city should the action be determined to be a land taking, and that
the issue creates conflict in the city.
Mary Grant made a motion, which was passed unanimously, to allow a period for
public comment for ten minutes at the start and end of each meeting. Timothy
McGuiness asked for a definition of pro bono, which is defined as free service, at no cost
to the client. Ralph Colontono stated that West Beach is open to the general public
during non-summer months. Nelda Quigley expressed that the public comment period
should be an opportunity to offer points for the Commission to consider, not for personal
attacks. Jack Quigley extended condolences to Mary Grant on the death of her father.
Discussion ensued about the need to transcribe the tape recordings of the minutes.
Some commission members requested more detail be included. Mr. Quigley will look
into the requirements for transcription. The minutes of previous meetings was put on
hold.
John Quinn made a presentation of the draft ballot language he had prepared for
Commission discussion. Members had been sent copies of the language along with a
document prepared by Mr. Tom Fallon for West Beach Corporation. Mr. Quinn noted
some changes needed to the draft language. There was extensive discussion about the
language, the process, and possible expense to the city. Mary Grant moved that the
Commission obtain legal counsel from Michael Curran, an expert in city charters, in
drafting the ballot language. The motion carried by a vote of 5-2.
Public comments were made at the end of the meeting by David Hackett who
stated West Beach Corporation (WBC) has 600 members from all economic groups. He
was followed by Tim McGuiness who suggested voters be informed that they may be
assuming a debt if they become members of WBC. Mr. Tom Fallon spoke of his concern
that the action of the Commission may represent a land taking whether the approach is to
dissolve the corporation or to amend the articles of incorporation. This could present a
financial liability to the city.
The next meeting was scheduled for September 20, 2000. The meeting was
adjourned at 9:45.