Rochester meeting votes near legislative approval
Votes taken at Rochester’s Annual Town Meeting are on their way to becoming official after receiving approval from the State Senate and House of Representatives.
Held on June 8, the meeting required the participation of 100 registered voters. Nearly 30 days after the town conducted business Town Clerk Naida Parker discovered that 91 voters were present. That nullified votes on agenda items such as the town’s multi-million dollar operating budget and new bylaws.
On Monday, Town Administrator Mike McCue informed Selectmen that special legislation filed by Gov. Charlie Baker had made its way through the house and senate.
McCue said he was thankful for support from state Rep. Bill Straus (D-Mattapoisett) and his staff.
With the Annual Town Meeting votes close to being approved, McCue said it’s time to consider scheduling a Special Town Meeting.
Originally set for Nov. 30, McCue had advised postponing that meeting until the Annual Town Meeting votes were approved.
McCue said he hoped to schedule the meeting within the next two months.
With the presidential primary taking place on March 1, McCue said he would coordinate with Town Clerk Naida Parker on a date for the Special Town Meeting.
“Ideally it will be held at the end of February or beginning of March,” McCue said. “It will be in that time frame so the board and public should be aware of that.”