Live Blog from the First Night of Town Meeting

Motion to adjourn is unanimous at 10:22 p.m. The first night of Town Meeting is in the books.

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Article 13 began at 10:05 p.m. The first motion failed. It had to do with heating at Ben-Hem School.

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9:42 p.m.: Article 11, home rule petition to establish non-civil service Deputy Police Chief position (Board of Selectmen)

Foss: "Everybody have time to read the motion? That's the scope of what we're gonna discuss."

First question: why do we need to ask the state for permission to go do something in Natick by telling them what this isn't? I don't understand. Maybe someone else could enlighten me and others who are puzzled.

Town Counsel, Mr Flynn: "As I understand the law, without this legislation, the position of Deputy Chief in Natick would be subject to Civil Service."

Some people have been leaving the past 10 minutes or so. Not sure if they are elected Town Meeting members or just people who came out as members of the community.

Question: If we don't have a Deputy Chief, do we need this? [I believe he's talking about something specific in the motion or in the article or other documentation, although I'm not sure as to the exact citation he's referring.]

Town Counsel responds by explaining that it's really just a standard thing so he kept that in.

Chief Hicks has taken the podium to explain civil service a little to help everyone understand.

Ms. Coughlin: "I find it disturbing that this is just one of the positions that are being presented to us..."

She was interrupted by a point-of-order. A gentleman argued that she was off-topic.

Foss the Moderator gives Coughlin the microphone back. She continues by saying the position is not necessary (talking about Deputy Chief of Police).

Foss said that the point-of-order was on-point. [the motion is about making the Deputy Chief of Police, if Natick eventually hires one, a non-Civil Service position).

A member asks Chief Hicks if this position is needed because there is a lack of leadership. There was hesitation before any response, but Foss tried to reel everyone in and explained where he felt the scope should remain. Foss said that this article is only about the civil service issue, not finance or hiring or any part of the position.

A vote has been taken and it prevails by a majority vote.

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9:38 p.m.: Article 8 is Town Clerk salary. It is up for $76,000.

Martha White also introduces a new town employee- Gemma Lambert, Community Services Director. Says she forgot to introduce her at the beginning of the night.

This passed overwhelmingly.

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There has been some long discussion and many questions about Article 7.

Many of the questions seems to revolve around money set aside in the personnel board pay plan for positions that don't currently exist or are not filled at the moment.

Some of the frustration (that's what it looks like) that some of the Town Meeting members have are with some positions that have not been officially created and don't seem to have official job descriptions (that is something one member specifically mentioned).

A couple Town Meeting members seemed to have concerns about adding a Deputy Chief to the Police Department.

A member just asked what the plan is to find a Deputy Chief. Martha White said if that article is passed the Selectmen would determine whether to make a home rule petition and she also says the police department are still working on a strategic plan.

Follow-up question: when will we have a Deputy Chief?

Foss says he'll allow the question, but doesn't want the question to get out of the realm of where this question is. He clarifies that the question is about establishing guidelines and not about filling the positions.

White says a Deputy Chief would be in place July 1, 2014 if the motion passed. That is the expected date.

Questions continue about this article.

Other questions brought up about being stuck in a box or not when positions are put in a pay position.

Someone asked why social workers make less than yoga instructors. This person asked what the definition of a social worker is?

Martha White said social workers are in Level 2 range: $47,000-$70,000 when they are full-time, but they have part-time ones too.

It is now 9:35 p.m. They have been discussing this article since about 8:48.

The article just passed by a majority vote. It looked awfully close to me, but somehow they didn't have to go around and count one-by-one.

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8:41 p.m.: Article 6 is collective bargaining. Martha White at the podium explaining the details.

A Town Meeting member asks about police lieutenants driving town-owned vehicles home and if they're informed about the tax responsiblities. The member's name is Mr. Snow. He also asks who does the bargaining with the unions and what he process is. White says she does it along with town counsel and they bring it back to the Selectmen for approval.

Another overwhelming majority passes Article 6.

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Article 5 is about moving free cash to other post-employment benefits liability trust fund. The amount is $224,217. Town Administrator Martha White is explaining where this money came from. It's related to getting money back due to something with health insurance and prescriptions instead of Medicare.

It passes almost unanimously.

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8:33 p.m.: It's time for Article 1.

There are two motions related to this article , which has to do with some budget appropriations. Martha White briefly explains and Motion A passes unanimously (I can't see anyone who voted against it). I do see one person vote against Motion B.

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A Town Meeting member in the crowd is making a point of order. It sounds like he may be making a point about certain documents not being prepared in time. He is citing laws and asks moderator to do something that normally can't be done. A little confusing...

The gentlemen sent up a document so there is something in writing. Foss said he was made aware of the point earlier and has consulted with counsel. He said he can't make the ruling yet because they need to find the answers. The matter may be postponed. This has something to do with the zoning article and changing zoning laws.

Foss says he doesn't see a reason not to move on with motion, which is to postpone 37, 38 and 39.

A Town Meeting member says that state's medical marijauna law will be done on May 8 and they should postpone until after that. Josh Ostroff then speaks and says that is immaterial.

The vast majority are in favor of the vote. The motion prevails.

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8:18 p.m.: There is a motion on the floor for a postponement of articles 2-4, 9, 10 and 12. Town Administrator Martha White explains they are requesting all of them be postponed because they are similar. Also, the request includes that they be first order of business. The postponement passes and is to May 7.

A motion follows to move Article 17 to Thursday, May 9 and it shall be first order of business. Mentions something about travel. It passes.

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Sen. Richard Ross (R-Wrentham) follows Gloff. He mentions that Linsky couldn't be here, unfortunately. He explains that they did a bill that went through the whole process and Mary A. Brown's name will forever be in the state records as honored.

Ross reads the proclamation outloud.

Mary Brown was given the microphone and addressed the other Town Meeting representatives, telling them to always remember that they "don't just represent their precinct; they represent the entire town."

Brown stressed the importance of doing what the people in town want, and to always do what's best for the entire town. That was a them she stuck to throughout, and the entire auditorium hung on every word. She said that members of Town Meeting are the town's "legislative body" and it's important to listen to everyone.

She received a thunderous standing ovation.

7:56 p.m.: Carol Gloff, Chair of the Board of Selectmen, reads a resolution from Rep. David Linsky about Mary Brown.

Among other things, Linsky points out her leadership roles. Mentions her being a mother to her two sons Jimmy and Wayne, as well as the many foster children. Linsky says the House of Representatives joins her family and friends in honoring her. Document is signed by Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo in addition to Linsky.

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A resolution at just after 7:45 p.m. is being heard regarding Mary Brown, a member of Town Meeting for 45 years who had three children and also worked for the Natick Police Department for over 40 years in a variety of capacities. In addition, Brown participated in a host of other volunteer activities. Resolution is by her oldest son, James Jr. He asks that everyone congratulate her and thank her for her dedication and commitment to the town of Natick and calls her a "True Champion in the Town of Champions."

Entire room is standing and applauding for Mrs. Brown. There is a second and all-in-favor. It doesn't look like anyone even hesitated.

James says that his entire life no one knew his name; he was always "Mary Brown's son."

James said that she hasn't relinquished a single seat she is on in 45 years.

He said she always fight for what she believes is best for the residents of Natick. She sacrifices her health and welfare to do so, he says. "It is far worse to disappoint others than it is to be disappointed," James said his mom believes.

"I encourage each and every one of you to stop and thank mom on your way out tonight," James said. "I am damn proud to be Mary Brown's son."

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7:45 p.m.: Important announcement: there is no Town Meeting on April 30 because of the Special Primary Election for U.S. Senator.

Moderator Frank Foss got things in order and started at 7:34 p.m.

New Town Meeting members were sworn in. The Pledge of Allegiance was cited. Father Brian Kiely spoke, followed by a moment of silence for the recent bombing victims.

Foss is now reading off a multitude off rules and regulations regarding Town Meeting. One member seems to be attempting to get Foss's attention with a hand up, but Foss didn't see it.

Town Clerk Diane Packer announces that there is a food drive from the town's Republicans and Democrats.

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Can't make it to Town Meeting tonight?

Don't want to sit through the entire night because you're only interested in some of the issues?

That's okay, because Natick Patch will be there the entire night live-blogging right here!

Town Meeting will be held at Natick High School and will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Check back here often for updates throughout the night.