I was unable to copy-paste the article with all the necessary formatting, so here is a link to view Article 16 - https://www.winchester.us/DocumentCenter/View/12799/2025-Fall-Town-Meeting-Warrant
Below please find a summary of the proposed updates.
Chapter 1 – General Provisions
Section 3 – Definition of Terms
o Adding language to paragraph that lists which aspects of the charter are incorporated into the bylaws “To the extent the Charter provides or suggests a different meaning, the meaning set forth in the Charter shall supersede and control.”
o Adding a new definition “Business Day – shall mean aby day other than a a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday. “Legal holiday” includes those days specified in M.G.L. c. 4. § 7 and any other day appointed as a holiday by the President or the Congress of the United States or designated by the laws of the Commonwealth.
o Striking the definition of “Charter”.
o Changing references to the “General Laws” to “M.G.L.”
o Striking the definition of “Majority Vote” (unnecessary, included in charter)
o Adding language to the definition of “refuse” to ensure it aligns with the definition in Chapter 11.
o Adding a new definition “Sidewalk – that portion of a public way that is set aside for pedestrian travel and travel otherwise permitted by Chapter 8, Section 11 of these bylaws”.
o Striking the definition of “Two Thirds Vote” (inserting same definition in correct alphabetical order)
o Striking the definition of “Town Agency” (unnecessary, included in charter)
o Striking the definition of Town Bulletin Board” and replacing with “Town Website – the words “town website” shall mean the internet site, maintained by the town through which the Town may post official notices for public viewing, provide access for the public to conduct online town-related business, and otherwise inform the public of the operations of the Town. The Town Website replaces the use of a bulletin board for posting public notices.
Section 5 – Computation of Time
o Adding new Section – Computation of Time
o Adds new language “In computing time under the bylaws, if seven days or less, only business days shall be counted; if more than seven days, every day shall be counted.”
Section 6 – Number and Gender
o Adding new Section - Number and Gender
o Adding new language to clarify how numbers are applied within the bylaws.
Section 7 – Non-Substantive Alphanumeric Changes
o Adding new Section - Non-Substantive Alphanumeric Changes
o Adding new language authorizing the Town Clerk to make these types of changes so long as they are footnoted.
