Mattapoisett is on its way to requiring a two-thirds vote to amend, modify or get rid of a general bylaw, following a close vote at Special Town Meeting on Monday night. The current requirement is for a simple majority vote.

Zoning bylaw changes already require a two-thirds vote.

“It was felt that any amendment to a general bylaw has the same weight or effect as a zoning bylaw,” said Town Administrator Mike Gagne.

Some residents, however, thought the proposal overstepped the government’s authority.

“What the board is suggesting is a limitation of the first amendment rights,” said Don Fleming, who also called it “draconian”. “Why do we want to restrict our rights? There’s no good reason for it.”

Kevin Geraghty, a member of the Finance Committee, was also opposed to the article.

“I don’t see any reason why we need to create super majorities,” he said.

Doug Schneider thought differently.

“I don’t see this as limiting a petition coming in front of Town Meeting,” said Schneider. “What it does is make adopting new regulations that are controversial more difficult.”

When the votes were counted, the motion carried 52-41, but Ray Andrews followed with a motion to reconsider since the vote was so close.

Town Moderator Jack Ecklund denied the request.

The change won't take effect immediately. The town must first file a home rule petition to the state for approval.

In other news:

Water and sewer salute: After approving $78,000 towards a matching grant for replacement an older water main, Selectmen and Special Town Meeting voters gave Water and Sewer Commissioner Nick Nicholson a standing ovation.

It was announced that Nicholson will retire from his long-held post next month.

"We're really going to miss you. You just did a hell of a job for the town. Thank you very much," said Selectman Tyler Macallister.

17 articles pass: Voters passed all of the articles that come up for a vote on Monday night, most with little to no discussion. The agenda items included $189,000 for library roof repairs. The existing roofing has been found to be defective, and a class action suit is being filed against the manufacturer. In the meantime, the town will replace the roofing.

$150,000 was approved from free cash to pay for roadwork in the Village come next summer.

One agenda item, funding to replace a new police car, was no longer needed.