HomeMy WebLinkAboutWhat to Expect - 2021 Annual Town Meeting_202105231215146440What to Expect
Nantucket’s 2021 Annual Town Meeting
As of May 23, 2021
When is it:
Saturday, June 5, 2021 starting at 9:00 am
Rain date: Sunday, June 6, 2021 starting at 9:00 am
If Town Meeting begins on Saturday and is not finished on Saturday it will be recessed until
Sunday, June 6 beginning at 11:00 am.
Where:
Town Meeting will be outdoors, at the Backus Playing Fields behind the Nantucket Intermediate
and Elementary Schools.
How:
We will have tents and chairs set up for voters. We will have a separate area for non-voters. We
anticipate having a sufficient number of chairs (800) however we suggest that the non-voters
may wish to bring their own, just in case.*
Porta-potties will be available.
Hand sanitizer will be available.
Microphones will be sanitized between each use.
Masks are requested.
We will not have a projection screen.
Wi-Fi will not be available unless you have your own “hot spot”.
We will use E-Voting with handheld devices as we did for the 2020 Annual Town Meeting. Prior
to commencing Town Meeting, there will be a test to ensure that everyone understands how to
use the devices.
*The Town Meeting will be live-streamed on Channel 18; and, the Nantucket Government TV
YouTube Channel – non-voters may wish to consider viewing Town Meeting remotely with one of
these options Non-voter participation is permitted as follows, pursuant to Chapter 44, section 2B
of the Town Code:
“The Chairman or Vice Chairman (or his designee) of the Advisory Committee of
Nonvoting Taxpayers will be allowed to speak, but not vote, at Annual and Special Town
Meetings on matters of concern to the nonvoting taxpayers.”
How do I submit an amendment?
Amendments should be provided to the Moderator as early as possible prior to June 5. Email to
sfa@sfapc.com
People who have amendments that are more comprehensive than the average straightforward
wording change should a) consult with the Moderator well in advance of June 5 and b) provide at
least 500 copies for the Town Meeting attendees.
Parking:
Parking will be available at all the School parking lots. Extra handicap spots will be so
designated. Carpooling is encouraged. Walking if possible, for those in the nearby area is
encouraged. Use of the NRTA Wave is encouraged.
What people should bring:
Water bottle (there will be a water bottle filling station)
Snacks (no food will be provided)
Sunscreen if needed
Your 2021 ATM Warrant (this will be mailed to you prior to Town Meeting)
A writing utensil and perhaps a pad of paper
A portable charger for your cell phone and/or other device
Face coverings are requested
Please come prepared dressed for an outside venue – we all know the weather on Nantucket can
change quickly
Your Patience! We have never done an outdoor Town Meeting before. There are likely to be
some challenges, please bear with us and with each other.
What people should not bring:
Pets
Smoking/vaping materials or alcoholic beverages – these are not permitted on school grounds
Other General Information:
You must check in to be allowed access into the Town Meeting area. You will receive a voter
identification bracelet and electronic voting device.
There will be a handout table located at the entrance into the Town Meeting area with materials
directly related to Town Meeting warrant articles, as well as extra warrants. Handouts must be
pre-checked with the Town Clerk in advance, and must meet the requirements of Nantucket
Town Meeting Traditions and Procedures (available on the Town website).
No large-scale Zoning Maps related to the Articles will be available at the site – 8½” x 11” paper
reference copies of the maps will be available for viewing. You may also view the Zoning Maps
in advance on the Town website 2021 Annual Town Meeting page.
Trash bins will be available; please be sure to keep track of any trash that you generate and
dispose of it properly. It would be greatly appreciated if attendees would “pack in and pack out.”
Again, as this is our first complete Town Meeting during a continuing global pandemic, as well
as our first outdoor Town Meeting, please attend with mutual respect and consideration for each
other and the procedures.
Where to obtain information:
Town Website: https://www.nantucket-ma.gov/1923/2021-Annual-Town-Meeting
Public information session to be held on Tuesday, May 18 at 5:00 pm on Zoom – link/video
information is on Town website
Public information session regarding Finance Committee motions to be held on Monday, May 25
at 5pm - link/video information is on Town website
97.7 promos on radio
Town of Nantucket informational videos on various warrant articles
Voter’s Guide https://www.nantucket-ma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/39359/2021-ATM-Voters-
Guide-PDF
Nantucket Civic League “Meet the Articles” annual forum:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDOY0EXayzo