Good evening and welcome to the third meeting of fiscal year 2027 for the Milton Planning Board. At this time, I would like to now call the meeting to order and begin by introducing the members and our staff. >> Cheryl Tayas, secretary, >> Magfield, member.
>> Hal Munger, member >> and Sean. >> Sean Fehee, member. >> Great. And Meredith Hall serving as chair. Um, Liz, um, Elizabeth Manning is not able to be with us this evening, our planning director, but we do have Avante here.
>> Avante, assistant planning director. >> Great. Thank you very much. Um, moving to number two, our administrative items. We have a large number of meeting minutes to approve and it would be nice to get those off and I will read um
the [snorts] dates of those of those meeting um minutes that we are seeking to approve. We have meeting minutes from May 14th, uh, June 11th, June 25th,
July 9th, and Cheryl was not here, but we do have April 23rd, and most recently July 23rd. Have has everyone been able to review those?
>> Yes, with the exception of the April 23rd. Except for the 23rd. Yes. Oh, you have not had a chance to Well, you weren't here. You weren't here and Cheryl wasn't here. >> Um, so we should break those. Yeah, let's take them separately.
>> Um, well, let's take Yes, we'll take the >> Let's start with the May for excuse me. Um, yeah, May 14th, June 11th, June 25th, July 9th, and July 23rd.
I was not present 611 meeting >> for the 611 meeting. Okay, then let's let's take that back. Let's do the May 14th, June 25th, July 9th, and July 23rd. >> I'll move to approve those minutes as
stated by the chair. >> Is there a second? >> Second. Okay, great. And we'll do roll call since Sean um is on Zoom. Um Sean, start with you. >> How? >> Yes. >> Maggie? >> Yes. >> Cheryl? >> Yes.
>> And myself? Yes. Great. >> Then let's do take the um June 11th. Sean was not here. >> Sorry. >> Here. So, um a motion to approve the minutes from June 11th. >> I make a motion to approve the minutes on June.
>> Is there a second? >> I'll second that. >> Okay. Uh roll call. Cheryl, >> yes. >> Um, you're abstaining. Sean, correct? >> Okay. >> Hal, >> yes. >> Maggie, >> yes.
>> And myself, yes. And then the last is uh the April 23rd. Um, if I could have a motion to approve those. >> Motion to approve the minutes from April 23rd. >> Is there a second? I'll second. You were here. So, okay.
Um, and this would be um Sean Mush to approve. >> Yes. >> Maggie, myself. Yes. And abstained Hal and Cheryl. Correct. >> Correct. >> Okay. >> Correct. >> Great. >> I just Sean, we're having a hard time hearing you.
>> Is that right? I apologize. >> Yeah, we can hear you. That's better. >> I'll lean closer. Thank you. >> Great. Okay. So, our future um meeting dates that we have scheduled. Our next um
regularly scheduled meeting is for let's see, we had the 27th because we were skipping our next week's meeting. So, it'll be July, excuse me, August 27th. It's hard to
believe. And then the next first meeting um let me just double check that in September. Hold on. Founder that would put us um at September 10th
would be the next those would be the next two meetings. August 27th and September 10th. >> Okay. Um great. And then staff update Avante. >> Yeah. Um so few updates.
I looked a little bit into labor uh college. I know they talked about it at the select board meeting on Tuesday. Um they showed some conceptual designs an architect did about like a prek to kindergarten. Um I believe the slide
deck related to those conceptual designs is on the school building committee web page. Um, I believe a decision will be made in about a week about whether or not the town will purchase the property and I think they're also working on a
warrant article related to the topic for fall town meeting. So that's about what I learned today. Great. >> Good. So, um yeah, next on Monday had a meeting with MAPC for
the economic development plan um with Nick and Cody uh just talking about resuming the work from the original MAPC scope, albeit with some tweaks depending or based off of the planning board and the select board's kind of um comments.
And so MAPC is working on updating that scope and we'll um when they're finished send that back to us to review. So So yeah um briefly wanted to mention vision zero. I uploaded the report and the conceptual designs to the materials
folder. I'm working with the Boston Metropolitan Planning Organization and DPW to see if they can upload those materials to like their respective websites so that it's publicly accessible.
>> This is still the uh West Squantum Squantum discussion we had from last meeting or different >> This is for the vision zero. Um yeah, just related to the kind of the safety audit and then a few conceptual designs to kind of >> Okay. >> Yeah. address
>> but on Squanum >> I believe one of them. Yes. Is on Squanum. Yep. Yep. >> More than one project. Yeah. >> You have a customer that I just spoke to the other day and he lives in the Quinzy part like he's one of the first houses in Quinsey on Squanum and um he knew
nothing about it. Um, so and he works for the city of Quinsey. So, um, I don't know what Quinsey is doing for outreach. Not that it's our responsibility, but, um, he didn't know anything. So, I don't know if our residents on that
>> street know anything about it. Have they been has any outreach been done to them? >> That's a good question. Um, can can certainly look into it. Yeah, I know there was like a walk um that was part of this uh study for for the project,
but um yeah, I'd have to get back to you on on level of engagement. And yeah, I think it just kind of circles back to I definitely feel like this should be publicly accessible >> information. >> I I did share with the East Milton Neighborhood Association, they said they were going to broadcast it to their
members and provide feedback if there were any, but >> Okay. I too spoke with someone just over the line in into Quinzy and uh they did not know anything about it and they indicated that they're one of the ones that cuts that corner um coming down. [laughter]
Yeah, he his concern was that you could a lot had to do with signs and you know he said you can put as many signs as you want but unless there's enforcement um signs will just become pollution especially if you're um you're littering
the streets with signs as well as um putting up those signs that light up then that becomes light pollution. So he he's more he's an advocate for just more enforcement rather than um littering the street with signs.
>> So Avante, I'm sorry. Did you say there's going to be a public hearing on this? Some sort of public um out an outreach, but but have some sort of there's >> for for the vision zero. Um that
project's pretty much wrapped up. But basically the um final result was like this this report and then these like conceptual designs that the town can kind of move forward with pushing forward. Um there are there's other work
in the area uh that is that is being pursued um which I believe how you've asked about in the past and I believe that's related to Adam Street improvements in the mass works and there is a public forum associated with that
that'll occur in the fall. Um >> so this is just a this is a recommendation to the town. It's not a requirement that the town does this work and or or the town has the opportunity to make changes uh should residents want
um have suggestions to change this. It sounds like that it's up to the town what we would like to do. Correct. >> That's what I thought I heard said is that these recommendations there's no real funding associated with them at this time. So the town could town Milton and or Quincy however that program now
could decide to >> Yeah. Looks like some of it is striping. >> Yeah, some of it's striping on rumble strip kind of stuff. >> Pedestrians. >> And look, the goal of the I guess vision
zero is safety, right? And vehicle, pedestrian, bicycle. So it I do think it um the recommendation should be reviewed. Um, it probably is a DPW le review because it's streets,
>> but I do think um I saw that the select board is um restarting the bicycle advisory committee and so maybe this would be one of the things that they could review as well. Um, >> and the traffic commission >> and the traffic commission, right? Um,
>> yeah, I think that's [clears throat] >> all with the goal of I think you know sharing the roads and improving safety. It makes a lot of sense to um not let it be sort of back burnered or >> um but brought out. >> I'm just curious to see the difference
in what they currently have and what they're proposing since it was so recent that they did that project. So >> that's great. >> Yeah, I can I can make sure to share the report and designs with the bicycle advisory committee and and the traffic commission. >> Yeah, good. [clears throat]
Anything else? Okay. >> Um, I was just going to briefly mention me and Liz went out to the gardener school yesterday just to do a sitewalk. So, it's >> progressing very well. Much of the pavement's in. Much of the landscape is
in. Um, most of the lighting was in, but not all of it. So, um, we're still intending to meet with, um, the Butters just in relation to addressing her concerns about the screening.
So yeah, and then also to kind of meet with engineering and um in [clears throat] building to see just kind of we can wrap some of those final items up with the >> project. So So yeah, that happened yesterday. >> When is their anticipated um open day
this fall or like a year? >> Their temporary sign says fall 2026, but um >> yeah. Yeah. Not not sure about an exact date yet. So I will relay once I learn more.
>> Good. >> I think that's it on. >> Yeah. Okay. Great. Um so we can then move to um public comment. Um I don't see anyone here in the room, but if there's anyone on Zoom who would like to
um provide any comments to the board, this is you can raise your hand and we'll welcome you to speak. Hi, it's Deborah Felton. >> Hi, welcome. >> I would like to speak. >> Great. Please. >> Yep. Deborah Felton, town meeting
member, precinct 2, 20 Willoughby Road. Um, if any of you in your free time, I know Meredith, you were there, watched the um, select board. I did speak again about short-term rentals because I am concerned that this is being pushed down
the road to the spring and um things that get pushed aside can die. Um you know there are a lot of people in the town um all across town that you heard from at the um um at the meeting at your
last meeting but also you know I had reached out to people in East Milton um John Cohane especially um and people are concerned all over town. I think that um the town's attorney Carolyn Murray did a great job
of drafting the short-term rental from the beginning from her purpose which is supposed to be short and concise to through the entire thing. I do question it now being pushed to the health department to draft the regulations and
I haven't had an opportunity to do further research to see what other towns do with that. But I really thought it was going to fall with the building inspecting and really at at one meeting it was said well we can leave the health department out of it. So I don't know
why now the health department is now taking full responsibility for drafting um the regulations on inflictions. Um so I really hope that we get some progress
on this. Um and um I as I said I think it is a good draft. Really impressed with what the town's attorney has done and um and hope you will, you know, work
on it as you see fit from the draft that the town attorney did. Uh thanks so much. >> Thank you very much. >> Can I make a public comment? you would like to make >> I just would like to congratulate Sean Fehee on completing um his first pan
mash challenge and um I just um think it was an awesome accomplishment and I believe that if people still want to u donate they can donate to pan mass um up until maybe the end of September. So
congratulations Sean. >> Thanks. >> Yes, I was going to say something about that too. So, I'm No, I'm glad you did. I was going to hold off and a little bit later, but I'm glad. So, congratulations, Sean. That is great. Very.
>> And um and thank you to uh so many people that supported me. It's uh you know, >> yeah, >> you know, what inspired me to ride certainly, which was Janice, but I don't think there's a family that hasn't been
affected either directly. Oh, we just lost you, Sean. We just lost you. Sorry. >> Now, >> now we can hear you. Yes. >> Just expressing my gratitude to everybody that has supported me. It's uh you know, Janice was my inspiration to
ride and I'm grateful for all the support that I've had. So, uh, thanks to all my friends and all the folks throughout Milton that have been, uh, kind enough and generous enough to support my ride. I deeply appreciate it and, uh, it's only my first.
>> I'll do it for as long as I can. >> Great. >> Thank. >> Congratulations again. >> I do see another hand raised. >> Okay. Yes. Um, >> we can Hello. Good afternoon. Good evening. My
name is Jin Hadad. I'm a resident at 25 Meadow View. Um I had just put in a service request to the traffic commission yesterday um requesting some speed humps on Brush Hill Road around
the elementary school bus stop at Low Circle. Um last year my children rode the bus and um where Low Circle is located on Brush Hill. There's two blind spots around the corner and coming up and down
the hill and just cars are constantly speeding and it's just so unsafe in the morning crossing over to get to the bus stop. Um I know that there's another family who plans on intending to take the bus um this upcoming school year. Um
last September there was a car crash at the corner of Meadow View in Brush Hill. Um, and I believe my neighbor had requested with traffic commission to put a stop sign, but I realized that the traffic commission's regulations
for stop signs does not meet the uh requirements uh for how much um volume is on that road. Um so I suggested again speed humps uh to again slow traffic for um you know the morning and afternoon
commute for our our children who are taking the bus and you know there's no sidewalks on Brush Hill and again cars are cars drive very stop that corner and it's an obstructing view
um right where the pickup um spot is at Low Circle. Um, so I just wanted to bring it to the committee's attention that that request um, like I said was put in with the traffic commission um, as of yesterday. Hey, so much for your time. >> Great. Thank you very much.
[clears throat] >> Are we able to ask a question? Not really a question, but uh, could you send your contact information to maybe Avante and we could >> see if we can help at all? >> That >> Yeah, that's great. what they do on NPR when they uh when when the governor or something calls in.
>> And if I may, I'll make a suggestion too. If you haven't reached out to the school department or the school committee um in terms of the location of that bus stop, that might be another avenue for for safety improvement.
I had reached out to the bus department um last year requesting that they change the bus stop to a meadow view. Um but I believe that the schedule hasn't come out for this year.
Um but it seemed like they've always assigned the um stop to be at low circle. >> Okay, great. Yeah, thank you so much. That that's great.
Okay. Um, so if there's no other hands, um, we can move to our short-term rental bylaw, draft bylaw, and invite our town council, Carolyn Murray, to join us. >> We hope you had a nice vacation. >> Yes, >> it it was only a couple of days, but it
was nice. Yes. Thank you. >> All right. But your colleague um was very helpful to us. So, thank you for arranging for the attendance. >> Good. I'm I'm glad because I spent a little time briefing her on it. So, I'm glad.
>> Thank you for that. >> And Bonte, if you could pull it up on the >> Oh, yeah. >> screen. >> We're going to be looking at the 84 draft. >> There were two in the folder. And >> the 84 is what we should pull up. That's right. So, there there were two. one was
they [snorts] both have the same text but have slightly different purposes. So one um that isn't so colorful, >> let's put it that way. >> And that just says draft 84 2026 at the top. Um [clears throat] that
incorporated any changes that Liz had forwarded to me from your last meetings, you know, saying yes, you agreed to these changes or whatever. Then the one that's a little more colorful as as I understood it from Liz.
You wanted to sort of get a sense of with the draft that we've been working with perhaps there are certain things that belong in zoning, certain things that belong in a general bylaw, maybe some things that are common to both. So, um, I took the existing text from the 84
bylaw, taking out all of the red lining so that it's a little easier for everyone to follow. Um, anything that is green would be something that I think should be um, more appropriate to a zoning bylaw. Anything
in blue is a little more appropriate for a general bylaw. Anything not highlighted at all could go in either one. Um, and then at the very end of that colorful document, I just have included a little chart with a couple of ideas of
sort of sidebyside comparisons or what's the difference between doing this as a general bylaw versus a zoning bylaw. Um there are still some things I'll say that that are included here that could
also be moved to regulations if that is you know if the ultimate path is um that we're going to make decision as to whether it be a general or zoning bylaw. you know, some of the um requirements like for the application and things that
they need to submit could be moved to regulations if you wanted to [clears throat] have this a little bit um scaled down from its its current length. Um, but one thing I I still think needs to be addressed regardless of which direction you take is let's
assume you decide and based on public comments I I think it's moving in the direction of perhaps a general bylaw with more involvement from the board of health. Um, even if that's the case that this is how
this winds up, I still think we want to amend the zoning bylaw to be clear to identify the use and to also be clear where that use would be allowed and even if it isn't going to be allowed in all zoning districts, um that there should
be some passing reference to it because right now um with respect to most of your residential um zoning districts that, you know, the opening line is that, you know, a use not mentioned is not allowed. So,
someone could argue that a short-term rental since it's not identified in the zoning bylaw other than is a passing reference in the ADU bylaw. Uh, someone could make an argument that it's not um not allowed by zoning. How is it that we
are registering them on the general side of things, but then we're not allowing the use on the zoning side? >> Sean has his hand raised. >> Sean, yes. >> Good evening, Carolyn. How are you? >> Good. How are you? Congratulations.
>> Fine. >> Thank you. Thank you. I apologize for not being present tonight. Um the the the distinction that we had asked your colleagues was to identify from what we had prepared for a draft
what could be in a regulation and what could be in a bylaw. the distinction. We weren't asking about the distinction, at least I don't recall asking about the distinction between a zoning bylaw and a general bylaw, but we were having some lengthy discussion
about the potential to have regulations. So, what I recall the request being was to identify what we had within the draft that could be in a regulation. Um, that that was the ask.
Um, my apologies if I didn't quite understand that to be um the ask, but >> no, no, that's okay. Uh, but I think to answer the question, I think most of
section four, which is the registration requirements and what an applicant needs to submit, I think that could all be in regulations. Um, and I think the inspections could also fall under regulations.
I also think that portions of section six, which would be the responsibilities of the operators, um, particularly when we get into the whole house rules requirement, I think all of that could go to regulations as well. >> So, I'm sorry, [clears throat] I was
writing a note. So, sections four and five, >> six >> and six, >> right? Okay. >> Right. Thank you. >> 6.5 also four >> four five and >> four five and six the >> five is inspections. >> Yeah. Four, five and six. The bulk of
those could go to regulations. >> So Caroline, in your experience, do you see towns first adopting regulations and then creating a bylaw? Because I think our board values both. And is that as
long as they're consistent, is that um [clears throat] something that you see commonly done or just towns go either either to regulations or to a bylaw? >> I think typically I say bylaw get passed first because if town meeting doesn't
approve the bylaw, then it really doesn't matter what your regulations say. Uh but sometimes um I have seen in some instances where the the regulations will also be prepared at the same time as town meeting
>> because there are folks who will say okay we have this very bare bones bylaw that says that all these short-term rentals have to be registered. But the devil's in the details you know what about this what about that? What about insurance requirements? what about
the house rules which is probably going to be important to folks. So I have seen in some instances where the regulations will be provided as far as asformational um you know as a handout at town meeting or maybe available you know on the
website or whatever just so that folks know here's also the regulations that are being contemplated but the regulations wouldn't actually be finalized until um you know till town meeting actually voted on the bylaw itself. particularly if there's a floor
amendment at at town meeting and something has changed, you do want to make sure the regulations are consistent with that. >> So right now we got a second. >> Yep. Go ahead. >> Yeah, just one more question. So if I'm hearing what you're saying
correctly, any town that has regulations also has a bylaw. And and I guess what that would mean is you cannot only have regulations. So, some towns do only have a regulation, and that
regulation is typically um through the board of health, but I will say that the short-term rental statute itself, chapter 64G, and it's section six, sorry, section 14, that begins with a city or town by
ordinance or bylaw may regulate short-term rentals. So where the legislature was very specific that this be done by a bylaw, it called into question whether those who did it only by regulation would be enough. Um, so I
think some communities um have gone ahead and also adopted the bylaw to go with it. >> Yeah. >> Oh, um, right now we've got a singular general bylaw. Are you suggesting one path
forward would be to one path forward that we could take is to remove sections of four, five, and six, continue to advance that and have it be a regulation that eventually would be uh implemented by the board of health and at the same time take the remaining
uh sections of the general bylot we have continue with the general bylaw and at the same time in parallel do a zonot bylaw which is much smaller. It just addresses the few things that you think that we need to in in a zoning bylaw. Is that >> Yes. >> a fair summation? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Okay.
>> Um and not to bring up a sore subject, but you just explaining that reminds me of the what the legislature did with MBTA zoning. So they passed a very short statute and said that HLC would pronate
the guidelines and regulations at a future date. And then they primed these regulations that many people at Rome legislator said that they had no intention of supporting these they wouldn't have
supported these regulations. So I'm a bit hesitant to follow that process um because how do we know what the regulations are going to be? We've been burned by it. So I'm uncomfortable with that process >> and and that's fair. And I think I think
this is a a process that a lot of communities had to work through on their own that um perhaps in some communities where maybe the board of health did not want to take this on for example because for whatever reason a lot of this fell to the board of health initially
um if the board of health didn't seem to have the staff or the inclination to take it on I think in those communities it tended to fall more towards a more expansive bylaw and then someone else would have been ident or some other
office would be identified. You know, this could come through the select board's office quite frankly because it's just another form of licensing similar to you know liquor licenses or entertainment licenses. Um it there's really no right or wrong. it it's just
what what works best for Milton and who has who has the staff and the inclination to really enforce this and implement the the registration process >> and not to discount that that uh
feeling you expressed but you also did say we could we could continue with the the regulations have those ready to go handinhand with the bylaw. So if we get to a town meeting and it's passes general or zoning, you could have those regulations ready to go at the same time as reference, right? >> You could. Yes.
>> But then also you could continue with it the way it is here where they're combined as a general bylaw. >> Yes, you could. >> So Tom Median would be voting on this general bylaw. They would be voting on the regulations at the same time. So that seems to give
more assurance that people will know what it it entails. That seems a better path from what I've heard thus far. >> The only thing I want to make sure I heard correctly, town meeting is not going to vote on the regulations.
They'll vote on the bylaw and the regulations might also be available so they can see what are these other details that whether it's the board of health, select board, whoever it is, what are those other provisions uh or protections? What what are they?
What do they look like? But only town meetings only voting on the bylaw itself, >> right? A current draft has a lot of things that could be in a regulation but are currently in the bylaw. >> Correct. >> So if we keep them in a bylaw then town
meetings voting on those and there would be very I would assume very few things left to come in a separate regulation. >> I would agree with that. >> Such as this the fee schedule that we've discussed having be separate so that we didn't have to come back and change the bylaw every time that we >> the fees changed.
>> Right. Right. >> So it seems to me >> Yeah. Um, we spoke about getting more feedback from the various department heads and of course including the department of health and building commissioner, fire and police. Um, and
that would u provide more guidance to these which might normally be regulation. So if the board of health did it, I assume that they would need to also reach out to the building commissioner and the police and fire. Um but that
would be a separate regulation that people may not have had time to do all of that at the same time meeting. Right. >> I think so. I think and I what my understanding is that Nick has scheduled a meeting in two week two weeks or around roughly two weeks
>> to bring in all the departments together. So, I feel like >> at this point until we get to I don't want to waste our board's time. I don't want to waste Caroline's time. Until those conversations have been had, I feel like we can take this give this to the select
board at this point. Let them have those conversations and and determine which way we would like to go. I think our sense has been that we would like to do a general bylaw and have and do some amendments to the zoning to make to
change the use, but I think until I can't we can't speak for our staff. I I I get CCed on what they're what all the permits that are going through with all the 40B projects, the expansion of the hospital. they are out straight and
with a skeleton crew and I just I think we have to be very sensitive to that and sort of follow the guidance um from the select board on on timing for this. They've decided not to put it forward for town for fall town meeting. Um but I
I do want the residents who live near these who are pro have problematic um Airbnbs. Um, Miss Felton has spoken and we've heard other residents, John Cohane, you know, this is there are some problematic um,
short-term rentals that need I need regulation. So, I think >> I think that the important thing though to pass along >> is um this conversation that we've just had about um what information is
available to town meeting members at the time they take a vote. Um because if it's a zoning bylaw has to go and regulations aren't in place then um I think there will be concern
>> and yet um the timing of this the regulations only have to be approved by the board of health. Mhm. >> So, um, town meeting members, 275 are going to be voting on something and then
they're going to be relying upon a set of regulations developed and voted on by a much smaller group, three, a board of health of three. So I am more comfortable in terms of a transparency and information being available to town
meeting members when they vote to have a general bylaw that incorporates all the feedback as you've as has been suggested from the departments. Um but in terms of a kind of bylaw and a path forward I I think um the path that we've been on
with the general bylaw is what I would suggest to the select board is is a way to go. Are we able to continue along that path with a general bylaw that was just described in the meeting two weeks you described and also spin out of here the
limited zoning bylaw so that we can continue along that? Is that something that would be appropriate for us to to proceed with? Because that that to me that seems less um impacted by town staff input in terms of
um I see at the bottom the little uh spreadsheet you created about the difference between general and by and general and uh zoning and one of them you point out is the grandfathering in and where it's located and something about parking. So is there could could we would it be prudent for us to pull
some of these things out and and now ask you to create a zoning bylaw that's very limited. >> Sure. >> So that when those conversations happen with town meeting with town staff and the select board has that they could proceed with that in parallel so that we can
tie a bow on this and be ready to go so we don't have to address this in March or whatever. So to that point, sorry. >> Oh, Sean raised his hand. >> Oh, um Sean, is this along the same um discussion? I was just going to do a
followup to Hal, but if you have something else, it's also following up. >> Please, please continue. >> Okay. >> Thanks. Um in green, you have um for zoning bylaw, this should be incorporated into the definition. And then you have somewhere else, this should be for zoning, this should be
incorporated somewhere else. to How's point, would it make sense for you to do a draft based on just the green items here that would be a standalone zoning bylaw? And then the question is, I guess, would it would it be a general
bylaw and a zoning bylaw or a zoning bylaw and regulations? >> Either one. So, I think to to House's point, um I envision a very brief zoning amendment, which would really be just
amending, and I guess I need to verify this with all of you, is the intent to allow short-term rentals in all zoning districts or only certain zoning districts? And if it is only certain zoning districts, then I need to know
which ones those are. and that can be a pretty brief amendment um to just recognize that use as an allowed use. I would also recommend that the
definition of short-term rental that's contained in the zoning bylaw be consistent with what the general bylaw states. because it's one thing to just refer to section um you chapter 64G
section one that's perfectly fine but for example you're tailoring short-term rental uses to just wanting them to be owner occupied owner adjacent that doesn't exist in the state law so that's something we'd have to make sure we're
clear that the zoning bylaw is allowing short-term rentals but only in so far as they are owner occupied or owner adjacent um the 48 hours or or limiting the duration for a rental to 48 hours. If if
you opted just to do a zoning bylaw, I would incorporate that into the definitions for short-term rental. But if that's going to be contained in a general bylaw, I think I don't think it's necessary to repeat that in a
zoning bylaw. Um, so I think what makes the most sense in my mind is a real simplified zoning amendment that just makes it clear the usees allowed and where it's allowed. Making sure the definition in zoning
syncs up with the definition of the general bylaw. adopt a general bylaw and whether or not that general bylaw continues to include these sections four, five, and six and is presented, you know, as one
complete package to town meeting or whether we simplify the general bylaw and start to create this separate document that be that can become the beginnings of regulations. It could be done that way as well. It starts to sound a little cumbersome
though to say, well, we've got a general bylaw, we've got a zoning bylaw, and then there are regulations. Now folks are going to, you know, three separate locations. It might in some ways be a little more advantageous to contain it all in the
bylaw itself. The downside to that though is that let's suppose at some point in the future somebody decides well you know this requirement that somebody provide proof that they live in the uh residence nine months out of the
year um seems to be a little bit ownorous or we we want people to make sure they to we want that to be that they live in their house six months out of the year. Every time we do that, we're going to town meeting versus regulations do give us a little bit more
flexibility to amend them. >> So, does it make sense to think about the things that are in this bylaw now that are like that that might be subject to change and make that part of a regulation? I mean
something that might change just based on experience how how it's going versus other things that are not likely to change just thinking about the fact that you go to general vo go to town meeting maybe twice a year sometimes more times
a year that there's a town meeting but um or just flagging them in here that's another I think the color coding works well in terms of [clears throat] trying to understand that was I wanted to stay away from yellow since that had different meaning in the prior draft.
>> Yeah. But even very helpful. >> Even if you did that, I think that would be helpful. Sort of sets it up for um next steps, I guess. >> Sure. Right. because I think um
maybe there I might suggest there'd be a small working group if the select board and the board of health and planning board all have a role in how this moves forward. Um and it could be whether it's the chairs or the boards or some somebody else from the the boards, but
that might be helpful. uh we've been talking about it and looking into this for so long and it's new to to some folks like the board of health and select board um that haven't been a a part of all the detail that we've had with with Carolyn. So, you know, some
questions that might come up in their uh meeting in >> that's something to be thinking about. But I think right now I really trust Nick and Liz and Carolyn and the staff to sort of work, you know, work through this and
then come back and, you know, um, give us their thoughts. >> Caroline might Caroline might say, I don't want anything to I don't want this. I she, you know, we saw what's happening, you know, with some of the residency in the school departments. you
know, some may feel that they don't want to be involved with it. Um, you know, the building department is extremely busy. They might not want, >> right? So I I feel like until they get and I appreciate setting up a working group, but I think until the staff gets
to um >> So one thing I want to say about the building department at least and I'm not sure that it transfers to the >> board of health or the health department, >> but there are fees assoc that can be associated with this >> and there it was said at one of our
meetings um by a resident that there might be 75 of these already in Milton And if you calculate it, it's out then it's you know it could be um you know a fair amount of money that comes in just like building permit fees are intended
to pay for the staff of the building department to review and inspect. Yeah. >> Um these fees I would think would also be applied to that >> and cover their time >> and cover their time. So it's like they can hire additional staff then to to bring this up. It's not like it would
have to be absorbed. Uh I don't think but I I did have a question and I don't know if this is one >> and Sean. Yeah. >> Sean ask his question. Yeah. Sean, why don't you go and >> um yeah mine is real simple. Nick's going to have a meeting with our
town staff in two weeks. Our next meeting is in three weeks. We should wait until the meeting occurs that next point could conduct hear what comes from that meeting rather
than rather than continue to discuss [snorts] what might become or irrelevant as a result of the meeting that they point out. you know, a lot of what we're talking about is some of it conjecture of what
could be best, but um it's we're not really probably not using our time as well as we could and probably not using time as well as we could use Carolyn's time. If this meeting is going to occur that Nick's gonna chair, we'd be much better
positioned to talk about the best path forward once that meeting occurs and we have a chance to hear from all the built the [snorts] built-in staff side. Said that before in previous meetings
>> agreed. It's on the agenda tonight. So I I think it's fair that we're discussing it. And I do have comment after >> I understand I understand it's on the agenda and I understand we are discussing it but prior to the agenda being issued having this meeting we were
not aware I was not aware that Nick was having a meeting in two weeks how they know that I think we should be patient and what comes from that meeting before we continue this discussion >> right >> and so I had a question on the process
So, um, the selectman voted not to put this on fall town meeting. >> So, there doesn't seem to be a rush on the town side to do anything. I understand that residents have come
forward and have voiced their concerns. I hear those concerns. And um, so it goes back to my original question. If there is a rush to do something because we have 75 of them and
the neighbors are feeling the impacts. Could we quickly pass a bylaw like you know and just prohibit it? That's an easy enough fix to give the residents
a quick easy answer. where it gives our staff, the building inspector, um the the the right to prohibit until we can figure this out. So, that was one
question. My other concern is um since the select board chose not to put this on um the the the town meeting as we all know because it
happened to us before with MBTA zoning a citizens petition was put forward. >> So I think the same path is going to happen here. >> Yeah. And what we did for MBTA zoning, we did all the work. We then concluded
that it wasn't worth going and the citizens petition just citizens just put forward that and then it was passed. And so I I don't necessarily want to do all the work on something that we don't
really believe in right now. um we haven't had any real public outreach. And even when I was reviewing the meetings, you know, if we go back to a gentleman who came into like one of the first meetings, he said, and I quote
in in our um minutes, he does not think Airbnb should be allowed in a residential neighborhood, in any residential neighborhood. And you know, and he is right next to it. So, he has not come back to um to
follow up on that comment or follow up on what we've done so far. And also, we have not agreed to a minimum stay in the bylaw says 48 hours. I'm not a fan of 48 hours. all the
people that I've spoken to and I and and I've followed Hal's um Facebook posts, but I have a pretty extensive reach with just so many random people around town who really don't know anything because they're just living their lives. And
when I see them, I ask them and I don't lead them. I don't put them on any I don't have an agenda. I'm just trying to gather information. And most people that I'm talking to is they don't want turnover every single weekend.
They would hope that it would be 30-day. So that's what they would like. But they can be could they be convinced of 14 days? Maybe. So that means that their neighbor could rent it out to two
different people in a month. They possibly could be okay with that. So, I think it's kind of too premature to continue down this mostly because I'm afraid our work is going to be hijacked and then used against us.
>> But can I just get back to a question I was going to ask? First of all, I'm I watched the entirety of the select board meeting and it would uh Nick Milano um framed it that the planning board was not going to move this forward and
members of the select board said they respected that but they did not want to see a delay in it and they wanted to see this move forward for spring. So I I think that that characterization um Maggie was not quite accurate from what I heard. Now the the other qu the
question though that I had was because this came up in a qu conversation I had with someone could the money that is received um I I guess it's an excise tax is that what it is does that go into the general fund or can okay
>> but complete okay but sorry complete that question but could it >> but could it be uh earmarked for the you know the health department and the building department because that's where the work would be done or whomever it is, you know, if it's allocated across
um uh departments, can it be restricted that way in some way and not let's say go for something that's totally unrelated to these? >> Um yes, it could. We'd have to talk about what that looks like. Um, you
know, sometimes a a dedicated revenue stream would go into say like a special purpose stabilization fund. That might be more cumbersome than we really want it to be. Um, but the reality is is that the money comes in, yes, it goes into
the general fund and from there it's then available obviously to be appropriated for whatever purposes. Um, can we say that that dollar that came in from short-term rental excise tax that went into the general fund went directly to the health department, went directly
to the building department, you don't necessarily trace it in that linear fashion, but it is still additional revenue that comes in and it is it, you know, offsets obviously the taxpayers um burden of funding those departments. But
I have seen um revolving funds set up for for use. Like I said, I think a special purpose stabilization fund could be something that would work. Um but we'd want to think about that how that impacts budgeting and maybe it would just have
to be like an annual appropriation from that special purpose stabilization fund to fund say the building departments or partially fund building and board of health. Um there are there are some ways to structure it that way if we really want
to make sure that it's targeted. >> Could it be like an enterprise fund? >> No. No. So I just had a question about that too because as I me started mentioning earlier like the building department takes in a fair amount of
revenue for uh permits fees especially on larger construction projects and um so those are just going to the general fund as well. >> Yes. >> But there there is also the community impact fund that if someone owns or more than two properties it can be up to 3%
additional tax on top of that. And then I believe you previously said that that money needs to be shown to >> for affordable housing purposes. >> Yes. That directly tied back to what's being affected by those >> the impacts created. Yes. >> But we're not allowing more than two
properties a property owner to hold. Yeah. >> Is it two or more or more than two? >> Two or more? >> No. No. I I I know what >> I know what ours says. I'm saying >> if we say no more than two mean meaning they could own two. So if someone owns
two, could we then >> charge that fee? >> I'd have to look to see >> how that squares. Yeah. Um >> so I think Sean had a had a question or sorry are you looking? >> No, that's okay. That's all right. I can
Sean if you had your hand up still. >> I think I had left it up. Meredith. Yeah. I apologize. So I guess hearing the the residents who are concerned about and really you know are really affected by this their neighbors to
Maggie's point is there without having a whole new bylaw is there something that we can put in our zoning that says it's a simple um short-term rentals are not allowed. put that in for a fall town meeting. Just a simple in our zoning and
then have the understanding that we're moving forward with regulating these which we would then amend that put our new use in saying we do allow them and then adding our general bylaw. >> You could do that >> which would maybe
>> I would be strongly opposed to that. >> I understand I understand. >> Yeah. I'm just I'm throwing it out as for the people who express concerns. That's a curveball that no one's discussed before right now and I I don't think that we've >> Well, I brought it up first. >> Fair enough.
>> On Watertown on the Watertown's website, it says the city's zoning regulations prohibit the rental of properties for a period of less than 31 days. And those violating this ordinance are subject to fines. So, they specifically say
regulation. Can we have a regulation >> that prohibits? >> I will double check because Watertown happens to be one of my communities. I think they actually have a Well, they're a city now. Sorry. They used to be a town. Um, I think they actually do have
an ordinance plus regulations. So I think when they use the term regulations, they're not using it the same way we've been talking about it like in the context of, you know, a separate board of health regulations >> because they also sent me their copy of
their their bylaw which was not adopted by their city council. To your point, Maggie, though, about the experience of the MBTA and learning lessons from that, I would be concerned that if we were to do something like
proposing a total ban on it now for fall meeting that I think we would be open ourselves up to not showing good faith to the rest of the town meeting that we've been working on this and this is what we said we've been doing to the select board and the to the members. I think that we'd be open ourselves to
that exact thing. you mentioned that we we want to avoid, right? I think we want to show that we're working towards this and this is what we've been discussing and continue along that path. >> Yeah. And I and I hear that and I you know I know how town the composition of town meeting how it would go. Um but to
those you know everybody has spoken about the residents have are concerned. We've got 75 of them, you know. So, I'm just trying to protect all those residents who are concerned, even if it's just for a few months. And if it
helps our town staff, then why not just do it, even if it's just a shortterm fix. But, >> and just to add that that number of 75, we don't know if those are those have been recorded at different times. We don't know how many of those are [clears throat] actually active right now. So, it may be, you know, somebody
put it on as an Airbnb um site at one point and but it's no longer. We we just don't know. >> I think um for fall would just go counter to what we've talked about confusing to
>> it would be very very confusing and also very little time for um folks who've been following along. I mean, you said there's not been a lot of public comment, but the U Milton Times has run several articles, front page articles about it. Um, I I do think people are
aware of it. And then to come suddenly and have it be a ban with with very little uh time for any opportunity for comment. I don't think is, as said, I don't think that is in good faith with what >> um we've been asked to do.
>> Okay. Well, I just thought I would put it out there. Um, so I I think at this point it really to Sean's point, we have a meeting at the end of the month. In two weeks, the um Nick will have a meeting with the staff and let's see
what they come back with and then we can continue the discussion and have a lot more information for to guide Carolyn and and you've been wonderful in advising us on the various paths. Um, and so this has been really helpful and
just the way you color coded everything, it really does it will it will help I think when the staff looks at this to say, okay, this could be pulled out, this could be a regulations, you know, until we get into it, until we try it, we don't know. Um, but I hear what you're, you know, in some ways I do like
everything embedded all together so everyone >> knows what our intent is because I think >> um it's this is a real important um this is a a big change for our town >> and I if you think about the public too
who um might have think that they're going to have to watch select board of health and planning board meetings to be to follow everything that is going to affect this I think it's a lot you know right now if everything's in one bylaw and
>> um we get the feedback from the departments as as you said and then we can continue the discussion at least people know where to go >> right >> to give their feedback and to get the latest information and I think it's a lot to to to ask folks to think about having to go to through different bodies
for it >> I have one last I realize we're wrapping up uh I was referencing notes from the last meeting and we discussed possibility of reaching out to Newton uh Newton and uh Water not Watertown Lexington >> to get their input from their staff. Has
that happened? And if not, is there a chance that within the next 3 weeks that could happen so that on 27th we could have that information? >> Yeah, I could definitely try. I did um try to reach out to them but didn't hear back. But but I can I can follow up and do my best. >> That would be helpful maybe just to have
Liz going into the meeting too. Yeah. And if those communities, if you don't hear back from those communities, maybe try a couple others. >> And I don't know, Meredith, if you had Newton, you said you said Newton and Lexington, right? >> Right. >> Newton and Lexington were the ones that
were the most similar to, you know, and >> we looked at the >> Can I ask are you looking just to find out what their experience is with administering short-term rental or just looking? >> I know you looked at the zoning. We were Yeah, we were interested in how it's
how's it go implemented. >> So, if anyone from Lexington's watching tonight, [laughter] >> I'm sure they are. >> UCTV. >> Also, I'm wondering, I had sent over a list of questions from um that I gathered from different residents who
happen to be attorneys. So, I don't know if you had a chance to um review all those questions. Um, >> and if you haven't, that's fine. But, um, it's really >> I was going to say I know Liz did send them over and then we had a conversation, but I didn't bring them
with me tonight. But I do remember seeing the list. Yes. >> But yes, we can certainly look at that. Um, depending upon which way I guess the staff meeting goes. I I did just want to answer question, the community impact
fee. So, there is the generic vote to impose an impact fee that attaches every time a short-term rental changes over into a new occupancy. There can be a separate vote to also
have a community impact fee every time a transfer um occurs within a two or a three family dwelling. So, I don't know if that's where folks were thinking of two or two or more, but if it is a short-term rental in a two or a three family dwelling that also includes the
operator's primary residence, we can assign a I guess a separate impact fee there. I'm not sure what impact fee you're collecting there that you're not collecting generally, but um that's how the statute reads. And then 35%
would have to be dedicated for affordable housing which still leaves a fair amount left over that could be um revenue streams for building board of health whatever seems appropriate. >> Okay. >> Thank you for that. Sure.
>> Sean I you have your hand up. >> Thank you. Um, it may be helpful for Nick and our town staff to have >> We just lost you, Sean. >> Sorry, you were breaking up. Thank you.
>> I probably have to stay very close to my computer, but it may be helpful for Nick for that meeting with town staff to have the draft bylaw highlighted to uh clearly understand what could be in a regulation. When we spoke earlier, um Carolyn said section four, section
five and portions of section six. I think if Nick had that in hand for that meeting, it would be helpful for him to have. Is it possible for Caroline to give that to you, Meredith, or to and then for you to pass along to Nick? >> Yeah, I have it in the folder. >> We have It's in our folder. So, Avante,
if you could have that >> if I could. What's in the folder as I read it? One color is what could go into a zoning bylaw. The other color is what could go into a general bylaw. What's in the folder? I didn't see I didn't see a document that was colored
indicating what would go into a regulation and what would go into a into a bylaw. >> I think that was the the other color non- yellow that you were >> the non- yellow third color. I'll come up with Yes. That would be great. That would be great. And if you could send that
>> Caroline, I'd suggest just create a second document, right? just take one more document and and have it be a distinction between regulation and bylaw. >> Sure. >> You've already you've given us one that distinguishes between general and zoning. Now give us the same uh draft.
>> Okay, makes sense. >> Sure, that's a good suggestion. >> Thank you. Yeah. [snorts] So, I think Caroline, um, that's idea of a special, uh, purpose stabilization
fund. Um, would you be able to see if other towns have that or is that something that we could, um, find that information somewhere? There should be um usually through do or the department of local services
there should be a list perhaps I'm I'm what I I know that there's at least a list of communities that have created special purpose stabilization funds. Um, I'm not sure off the top of my head if
they are so specific as to let you know that this is related to a short-term rental as opposed to like I see a lot of capital stabilization funds or like a sidewalk and roads capital stabilization fund, a special ed stabilization fund.
I'd have to see whether they really um identify it as like a short-term rental or something that arguably could be a short-term rental stabilization fund because that might be something that is of interest particularly to the departments and so
when they meet if we could have an idea for them that yes this can be set up this way that might help. >> Yeah. See what I can find. >> Thank you. >> Sure. Great. Okay.
So, I think that wraps up our conversation for tonight. Caroline, thank you so much. >> Thank you, folks. >> Thank you. >> And yeah, it's always a pleasure having you. >> Always a pleasure to be here. So, thank you folks. >> Good. Thanks. >> Thank you. >> Good evening.
>> Good [snorts] evening. Yes. So um so zoning for annual um town meeting discussion. So this is where we had discussed >> um other zoning that we would like to look at for >> recodification.
>> Oh sorry Carolyn. Yes. I'm sorry [laughter] I did have we did have one other thing that we wanted to ask you. >> I don't want to overstay my welcome. >> I know that was too easy. [laughter] That was too easy. We just I know you haven't t um talked in depth with Liz about it, but yes, just because because
we had you sort of shift gears to >> our short-term >> rental the recotification uh >> next steps that >> so um I have started but I haven't gotten very far but what I I have
started to do is go through like section by section to just identify by things that I think um I would recommend changes and I know we've talked about the use table dimensional table um I have not tried to tackle that yet but um
so that would be my first phase like get all of that to you folks >> um so that then we can start talking about all right so the zoning amendments that come from that what are our priorities which ones do we want to present to a spring town meeting First,
I know we also talked a little bit about do we just rewrite the whole thing and do a fullon repeal and replace little aggressive but one long arduous process and it is done.
and we aren't worrying about presenting this in in you know peace meal where not everything is going to align beautifully until all of the pieces fall into place. So there's, you know, that discussion that that I think
needs to um take place in terms of what do you think town meeting will have the appetite for. Um if you decide to do a whole full-on repeal and replace, obviously rewriting the whole bylaw at one time is going to take a little bit more time. Not just
from my perspective, but showing sharing drafts with you all and going through it and making sure that you know I I want to reiterate at all times this is not you know zoning according to Carolyn Murray. It is your zoning bylaw and it should look like feel right and say what
you all want it to say. Um, so I my plan was to get that sort of initial overview to you all like early fall. >> Um,
does that seem to work for a >> Yeah. >> Okay. And then from there we can we can have a a meeting to go through it and just talk about okay, where do we go from here? >> Right. Right. So, can I just say that I was looking at one piece of property
today that has underlying zoning and two overlay zoning districts and these are the sections that I had to read and each one of them like here and this one I had to highlight what the frontage is and
what the height is and you'll find it in these paragraphs in all these different sections. This is what I don't think. This is my I'm making my pitch again for what needs to happen. Then I went and I did this
>> and I did a chart and I said in the underlying zoning and in this overlay and in this overlay, here's the allowed use and here's the dimensional. And then I compared I'm comparing them to one another. This is how easy it should be. Y
>> not all of these, right? And this took me a little bit of time to do. And this is what I'm trying to improve upon. So when I say uh user friendly, this is what I mean by user friendly. And this is what the zoning our zoning enforcement officer has to do,
>> right? >> And this is not efficient for them either. >> And this, you know, and it makes it uh unclear for applicants what they can do. And it might be why property like Brook Road sits there vacant because they've got somebody's got to sit down and do
all of this. And um this is a priority to me. >> Sure. >> This is the priority in the codification to me >> and I agree with Cheryl on that because perhaps that's my property. Um, [laughter] so I have underlying zoning
and I have other zoning on top of it. And sometimes the confusion is which takes priority and um and sometimes it's all three can take priority, but sometimes our building inspectors say
that one supersedes another. And I think that's not always a correct answer. It has gotten into a little bit of trouble. Okay. >> So, I agree with Cheryl that making it easy as possible um is beneficial for
the property owner and the neighbors. Like if someone wants to buy um a you know piece of property next to one of these um properties, you know, they they know what they're getting themselves into, >> right? I I do want to ask I I completely
agree that this needs to be made so much more user friendly because even as someone who's only been dealing with it, you know, for a few months now, it's a little cumbersome for me to find what it is I'm looking for. Um,
as far as the overlay districts, are you s you know, this this initial phase would not necessarily change any of those existing districts. It would certainly put everything in a table and and make it easier just to identify and you know the use, the
parking requirements, whatever it happens to be, but it wouldn't change any of your existing zoning districts. Not that we can't change the zoning districts, but you know, when when you mention something like, well, there's the underlying district, but this
certain properties also have two overlays. Do you still want all of that? Mhm. >> And you know, that's not necessarily a question that has to be answered tonight, but um the first phase would be make it so that we can at least
understand the bylaw a little bit better as is. Then you might still decide we've got too many overlays, we've got too many zoning districts, we've got, you know, we should consolidate a few here or there. Um or maybe as you were just
saying Cheryl that you know we've got one overlay district that we zoned it but it hasn't resulted in any development that we hope to attract. Why is that? You know, maybe there are reasons or or
or just provisions that need to be addressed or maybe it's time to throw that particular overlay out. Um, >> well, you'll you're [clears throat] going to find that there's a number of sections that are really specific to projects.
>> Yes. >> And so they got put into the back at a certain point because it's like, why is it something here when it really only applies somewhere? I'd like your advice about what to do with that. Um, and I would like things that are um,
you know, the overlays uh, unless you know about them for in some instances, they're not on the maps that easily, not easy to find. They're certainly not in the GIS mapping, which I doubt is the official map, right? We have to we just adopt the zoning map, right?
>> Yeah. And you know, we might we might need to look at that mapping. Um because I think um that's another piece of it is is the map. Like how do you know which overlays apply where unless you're in the know? Um and and that's a problem. I
think like to Maggie's point, somebody buying a piece of property, like I spoke to someone uh who said, "I thought we were buying a two family uh because it was built as a two family, but it's been used as a single and somehow now that the building official says it's a two."
Well, you know, these are the things that homeowners don't want to find themselves in that position of thinking they have some they purchased something that's not what they purchased, you know. [snorts] So, I I think that um that may be a little bit different in terms of this the details, but it's
important in terms of being able to find the information and have everything as clear as possible what people can do with the property. And you know, this property me talking about is that Brook Road property, but again, there you have pre-existing non-conforming, which is
another one of the topics that we feel like it uh we wanted to address. Um, right next to it are a couple of businesses that have been businesses since the 50s and yet it's an RC district. Um, and so, um, as we're looking at it, the zoning, I think in
some ways we're going to have to look at the map a little bit too. >> Um, and to your point about what still makes sense and what doesn't make sense. Um but I still think in terms of the first step is just um having it be that
the information is better organized >> and I think >> the next steps are changes >> and then I think those will become apparent. >> Yeah. >> So Right. >> And then also like some of these could >> like be changed because didn't the legislature somebody >> legislature has been very busy. Yes.
Yes. [laughter] >> Process. So now all of a sudden, if my understanding is correct, um getting a use variance um has changed dramatically. So a lot of businesses might not have to rely on um zoning
changes. >> They could just go and argue the case >> y and the economic development bill got referred to a conference committee between the house and the senate. So, it didn't die on July 31st when the
legislative session changed um or when it ended. So, we may still see changes to site plan review. We may see duplexes for everybody. >> Um it's going to be interesting if it comes out of this.
>> Yes, you're right. Those are those are like just the the the easy ones to pick out right now that your variant section absolutely needs to be changed or even though you didn't previously allow use variances, you can now grant them for a residential purpose.
>> Good. So, I [clears throat] think that's a good plan. Okay. Shoot for the fall. So, getting >> an initial draft. So, I think that's great. Any other questions on that? And we really will let you go now. >> No, that's okay. [laughter] >> Thank you. >> I was going to say, would you like me to
stay ambulance for a zoning town meeting? That was Yes. One of the things. >> All right. Thank you very much. >> Get done. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> You by night. >> Good night. >> Okay. >> Good night. So, um, looking at the draft of the
things that we had spoken about because I do think the recottification needs to be a a real priority for us. I don't know what type of time commitment that's going to take from our board. I think we'll know more um when we see Carolyn's draft,
>> but we have a number of projects that we have been discussing and we we talked about sort of ranking them shortterm, medium, and long-term goals. >> Do we want to um >> do you have a new list there, Meredith?
>> No, this is based on our old >> matrix and the last page. matrix and our last yeah the Milton board planning >> this last tra or this is what >> okay >> um >> if you want to pull that up >> do you want to pull that up that would be great
>> is your thought to rank these tonight Meredith >> well maybe we Um >> I can I um can I continue before you answer? >> Yes. Go ahead. You have a suggestion? Yes. >> Uh well I although I recognize we have
Avante with us and he's super talented but doing this without Liz might not be might not be the best approach but it's your call. I think some of these we have more
familiarity with than Liz because they've been kicking around for a while. So I think we could take a first class and uh and then review with Liz of course. Yeah, I think some of the things that we've because we have put together
priority lists um in the past >> um you know I would say the open space and recreation plan that's something that we need to get grant money for. It's it's in the final stage >> so we can >> but that's not really on our board per
se >> on that it is funded by us and we've received emails from residents about it. So, I'm wondering if we could have uh the consultant come in and give
an overview um and how they're going to incorporate the comments that like that we've been receiving and that came from these new form these new gatherings that you've had because it's a little unclear to me how it all kind of comes together and who who approves this plan. Is it
the planning board that approves the plan? I'm assuming that I think it's going to be >> well I think the the committee will give it its blessing you know say this is correct >> recommend it to >> and then recommend it to the select board is what >> is that where it go
>> so and my understanding is there's two different consultants right you have the park and wreck consultant >> that's different the tag and bond that's a whole different that's like a micro version of this >> but that is part that will be in the ly
with one right >> I hope it will get that's what I have a question we have not met again to find out how that those recommendations get incorporated into because I right now I don't think they are going to get incorporated I think they're going to
stay separate but some of the overall suggestions I mean it makes sense for Horley Whitten to you know to see that report >> because the parks department one is focused solely my understanding is focused solely on existing spaces and maximizing the space that we
have, right? >> That's what it looks like. That's what it appears. >> It's not to not at all to minimize it, but to reorient sports fields and courts to maximize the space. >> And it's really field focused. It's not open space necessarily. >> It's not it's not the Egan Center for
Swimming. It's not the hockey program. >> It's not really recreational. It's field. >> It's a real field focus. >> Yeah. Splitting. But incorporate. Yeah. Yeah. >> Not like the hockey recreation. >> Yes. Right. So, so Meredith then uh I just would I'd like to get a
>> a better understanding of the plan maybe before it's forwarded to select. >> Yeah, I think we could. Um, and really a sort of a high level and I would what I what I think I'll do is provide a draft. Maybe we'll have a draft for our board to to be able to review
>> and then we can maybe take questions back >> as I as a representative could take those questions back if you think something missing. Yeah. So, >> and is that I agree >> is that ultimately something it just it goes to select board and then stops or is it >> okay this is sorry this is all a little
bit before I was >> yeah it's like the you know similar to the economic development plan procedurally I'll have to find out if it needs to be accepted at town meeting or you know how that um how >> because for example the housing production plan is voted on by both the
select board and the and the planning board and that's why I was just asking are we being asked to vote on a plan and if we are then I'd like to review a draft you know and um and and I think what you said about that having a draft sending questions back would be great
the same >> you know on the economic development plan since both boards are involved in that you know um >> we need to keep the dialogue about how our input and their input gets incorporated you know is it another joint meeting or or or how does that
work but >> and what yeah and those recommend recommendations. Um, but we certainly do want to sort of wrap that up because um, the requirements by the state, it's actually a state require to get grant funding for >> for the open space >> for the open space plan. So, it's it's a
little more high level, but we do want to sort of get that completed as soon as possible. um the and the aspects of you know the recommendations that will be in there um will be guidance for CPC. You
know, for example, um I know the conservation commission came and wanted money funded to be able to put conservation easements on properties and and or even do what um I don't know if it was cohass or what town did it, but
they they've been doing slowly incrementing having a little savings to buy land if some open space for a field or for whatever it is. Um, but the CPC felt strongly that they didn't want the conservation commission to have that
funding. So, I think if it's in sort of recommendations, it helps to guide the CPC because I I think in my opinion is because you're well, you're on the you're the representative now is that
it's for it's not just for um recreation and recreation of ball fields. It is for protecting open space. A lot of communities use that. I think it was and that's why I'm trying to remember um Southore just bought 114 acres that
they're putting up a preservation um restriction on and for [clears throat] preserving open space. So, just throwing it out there that this will be a more high level. Um, but I but I think we should have a draft to >> um
>> for us to weigh in on >> and then I'll find out if if we need to if we need to vote on it and as well as the committee and then should it go to the planning board and you know certainly um the select board as well.
So if we want to give our top three, I think um we should focus on um >> FS. F we've talked about >> uh site plan for town projects
and maybe I can't do three. Um of course I like pre-existing non-conforming and cut and fill. There's only a part that I have um personal interest in and I would have to um recuse myself, but
probably >> five, six, seven years ago, I made a proposal to how to amend that. So, that would be >> pretty easy amendment. Um and I like low impact design. I think that's important
on a lot of projects. I heard sorry. >> No, sorry. I was just gonna say um >> Avanti, do you want to keep a track of a list of these? Maybe we just have and then we come back we sort of narrow it down and to Sean's point, you know, we
want Liz to also be involved. Um but a lot of these we have talked about. Cut and fill we've talked about forever. But >> yeah, so the cut and fill I think um requires uh re
starting conversations because you know I participated this is how long ago it was with Dennis Swenson and uh Joe Pondac and um I think Maria Fernandez when she was the town engineer. Um but it requires
the input their input. So does low impact design. And so uh I think we have to put that into the category of what what does the capacity of the town to do it. But I u I'm happy to kind of get my
notes back out and and kind of give you an update on where we got with cut and fill conversation. Um, you know, I think the reason we've had that on the list is with some of the projects we've reviewed, feeling like we
didn't have anything to kind of sink our teeth into about saying, "Wow, this is just too much cut and fill, too much retaining wall, too much impact, uh, too close to neighbors, and that kind of thing." So, I do think um the thing is
that the there is a cut and fill bylaw already and it's like one sizefits-all. So what when it gets triggered might be it might get triggered on a small smaller piece of property because of the volume but not on a larger one because
and the one I keep I always refer to is it's out on the very end of Canton Avenue right before it makes the bend to Brushill Road and I remember reaching out to Joe Pondac about that u because it's a lot of fill there >> and um it had no review really and so
anyway um so maybe we could improve approve that you think for do that. >> Yeah, but I I don't um that's my top. So, I'm not putting that one on my top, but it's on my radar. Yes. My top is is um and I don't know if it's going to lead to zoning amendment, but Brook
Road, it's been vacant. People have been it's been vacant for what, 10 years? Um I started to look at the zoning just to to show us what the zoning is. Nothing else right at the moment. Um, [snorts] and it's a blight and the health
department's been called on it and I I think it's one of those things what, you know, we should act on. >> So, that would be my >> would love to see that done. Yeah. >> Now, can't can't the homeowner I mean the property owner come with the >> We did have we Liz was going to reach
out. I don't know if she's heard back to invite them to >> I just want to show everybody. I did a little analysis to show what the zoning is and where the pro what problems might be to at least help us understand if we need to guide if we could guide the
property owner into something just to to see so that we understand what we've got there as our underlying zone as our zoning three zoning districts >> what they what they came to Liz with initially um so it's zoned MDTA zone it allows for
three um three units on that >> for it's the it's the Blue Hill A and the Blue Hill A is 30 units an acre. >> I I read them all today part of my what [clears throat] I my demonstration here
of what I I read it. So the Blue Hill Lab is different than the Elliot Street Carter in terms of >> Okay, maybe >> Liz was so what they originally So what they suggested what they would like to do is seven town homes. >> So you can on that site.
>> So you can see Well, I emailed I >> Well, do you want to talk? We can talk about that if you'd like. >> Maybe we should talk about that with with Liz here. Um >> yeah, >> that might be something to go in depth, but I completely agree. I would love to see us work with that property owner and
try to get something. >> I would like >> I um I have a suggestion for this discussion. We have 16 listed here. Instead of trying to pick the top three, I'd suggest we pick the top five, then the second five, and then the
remaining six would be in the third category. So maybe it would be just what you said when you started this conversation, >> you know, um how you how you shortterm, midterm, long term, but instead of trying to pick three because I think we're it's hard for us to agree on
three, but we probably would agree on maybe five that should be the top five >> and then then the the uh >> the next five and then the remaining six would be. So, what I would say is that not all of these uh require town meeting approval.
For example, um our rules and rags, the subdivision rules and rags. I don't believe I believe those are just a planning board. Um so, >> we have so little Cheryl, we have so little time between now and town meeting. I'm not sure there's much we
could accomplish for town meeting, >> right? >> For spring. >> No, for the I'm sorry. Sorry. I thought you were thinking of the fall. >> I don't know. This is for spring. And um to me, >> um
some of these um are things that we've identified from things we've seen. But as I said before, um I I'd be surprised if we can't agree that we should address property that's been vacant for over 10
years and and being condemned by the board of health. >> So let's let's put that in the top five. Everybody agree? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Okay. Um I >> But just as a wait just as a note though. So are we going to do that with
all properties around town? If like I drive around town and I'm like, "Oh, well that's an underutilized property." Should I say, "Oh, we need to do something to make that not underutilized." I wouldn't say make it do something but try and understand what
we think might be the pretend and then >> I'd say um whatever Adam Street is where the red hat house the swift hat house >> is is another one because we know that they wanted to come forward with a proposal. In fact, I spoke to uh the
owner probably in March >> and I just spoke to him last week and I want to sit down and >> and he he wants to do something. So, you know, I so prop the paper mill we did work on that's been vacant. I mean, these it's better than doing something where that's already functioning well,
right? Why? So, so it's I don't have a problem reaching out to people because I think that's uh but do we officially as a board do that or do you know we call them up and say you know have an offline conversation?
>> Well, I actually I think u it would be great if Liz and Nvanti could take the lead on that and reach out to these property owners that where it's vacant. you know that there's that property on Smith Road where there was a sign out there that they were going to be doing a project there and like oh really you
know it's like these are the properties where and it was contempt. >> Yeah. Well, you know that something's going to eventually happen or you might want something to happen. These are the the things that neighbors would appreciate us spending time on.
>> So let's do a one rank one, two or three on these if that does that make sense. >> All right, let's stop at the top. I start at the top. Future zoning bylaw and regulations amendments that I I see as a longer term because we need to we need to let Carolyn do that research. So
>> So that's that's the recottification. >> The recottification. Yes. So and then from the recontification, what zoning do we want to do we want to make any changes? So I see that as a three. >> Yeah. >> Um condominium conversions. Remember this was something because of
the concern of properties larger homes on being purchased and being made into 40bs and if you lowered the just lower the minimum lot size for condo conversion from 10 acres to something less do nothing else
>> even but it might mean that you're not going to get um a larger house. It also helps preserve that historic building. Historic building the character of that, right? But I I think it was also in the housing production plan >> information that was sent out um sort of like the burough estate.
>> Exactly. I mean they added some units. >> Is that a two? >> I would say a two. >> A two. Okay. >> To look at >> go through the list. >> I'd argue a one and a half. >> We had that [clears throat] there was a lot of resistance. I' we had those come before the historical commission. That
was because we were going to allow more units on some of those in that long ago version. But this right now, what I'm suggesting is just the acreage because I I think it's real shame that those couple of homes um got al are getting
altered or demolished and becoming those big 40bs when it may have been prevented if they could have done something else. I do disagree that a 40B developer would not. >> Maybe somebody else would have been. >> Let's um let's let's um let's stay on
task. Let's identify one, two, or three. >> Okay. West Milton Brook Road overlay. We said one on that. >> One. Yeah. >> Pre-existing non-conforming uses. >> One might. >> And you're not you're talking about the commercial uses. >> Commercial.
>> Yeah. And what about like the two families or threes that are non-conforming? you put that. >> Yeah, I would say that I think if there were um >> I'm fine with a one on that too then, Maggie, >> I'll join you. >> I agree. I'd go one there. >> Okay.
Cuttingville. Is that a two, >> two, three? >> I think a two. I don't think it down as a three. >> Say a two. Three is too too far away. Make it a two. I think >> I agree on a two. >> Uh floor area ratio
>> one or two. I think if we combine that with dimensional standards um so and we so the one further down dimensional for accessory we just instead of having that separate do floor
area ratio slashdimensional standards and I think what this is going to take is like I tried to do so far looking at Brook Road is understand what we've got and see what what we've got allows before we can know what we're going to
change. So I think it requires a little bit of study. So that's why I might give it a two because I don't think we be be ready for spring. >> So taking a look at what we have right now, visualizing that in some manner and then having the discussion. >> Yeah. And
>> and then from that see where where we would want to go and I'm a little concerned that that might be tough for spring with with other things. So, are you good with a two on that, Maggie? >> I'm good with two. >> And did we say cut and fill was two as well?
>> Yes. >> Okay. >> So, parking requirements. I sort of see that >> before you go to that. The business zone. >> Oh, business zoning. Sorry. >> I thought should wait until the economic development plan. >> Yeah. But perhaps
>> you know, you're in the East Melton neighborhood association. Maybe you should start floating that to them. >> What do they want? >> There's two layers to that. One is just capturing buildings that have been commercial a long time >> existing. Yeah.
>> Yeah. And then another is to think about whether there's any other boundary beyond it. But the I see it as two different >> it's it might be two different like votes or something on a map >> just because >> because I and I hear what you're saying. the um the East Milton Neighborhood
Association or East Milton residents were very vocal about keeping our overlay very specific to where we where we landed on that. >> Um >> but remember the underlying zoning is different than the overlay map and that's what I think I'm talking about
the commercial. But the question what it what it does change is the permit process for let's let's say 10 Basset Street what they it would have been a very different process where those the neighbors and the abutters would have had less of a say I think if it was just
>> so that's why that I think is an offline an offline discussion at first >> so maybe this should say this should say business zoning district um not just the boundary Because remember we spoke about like the parking
requirements or other things. >> So >> we did a lot of work on the overlay. We did nothing on the underlying business zoning. >> So I think and that would apply to all the business districts, not just East Milton. >> So business district.
>> So it's the zoning and the boundaries. >> But I do think that it it should be informed by the economic development study. >> I don't think we're going to be able to tackle that. I would say three and not because I don't think it's important but I just think the timeline that the
>> so the parking requirements that are listed down below that would just all be part of the business. >> Yeah. So I'm combining those separate are one >> right those two would be connected. >> I would love to get that as a two but I
see that we have a lot of two so I guess a three. Um [laughter] and the dimensional requirements for accessory structures were doing that with the floor. Yes. So that's with that >> the small cellular. So this um is
something Katie Conlin spoke to me about. This is something that was um a requirement um a federal requirement that really we can't really regulate cell towers but we can't say no to them. Um and you know we had that recent
application they can be really unattractive. They can be noisy that you know um and so when it was coming down Katie Conlin was chair of the select board and said we just everybody she was on the Mass Municipal um lawyers
association and there was a big buzz about this because everybody was panicking saying we don't have a choice. So the the select board immediately put through it was sort of an emergency um regulation on this but she said it really doesn't address the the
aesthetics of these towers. [cough] So she really pushed [clears throat] excuse me and Tim also excuse me sorry just for something and Tim also had said this is something that the select board had wanted to do at the
time. >> So I don't know it's it's something that I think is simple but maybe we should ask Carolyn about this. >> Is this [clears throat] tied to scenic roads or anywhere >> anywhere in town? anywhere. >> So, they just did the ones in Hillside
Neighborhood Association. >> Those were approved by the select board, but >> um have they [clears throat] started to put those in yet? >> I haven't seen it because one's right across from my house and I haven't seen them. >> Okay. >> But is the idea what is what is I I
understand what small cellular is and I understand the desire to affect the aesthetics of them, but what what would this >> It's placement. It's I and that's what I'd have to ask Caroline. you know what what can we what aesthetic constraints
can we require location you know size what what >> I'm not exactly sure what we have control over >> but it was Katie certainly suggested that >> we get this in >> it is it is disturbing you know when my windows are open I can hear it buzzing
>> um you know at night >> yeah okay so I would say let I would say let's hold off on that and just ask Caroline Like >> is there are there other other towns who have done this? >> Okay. >> Cuz maybe it's something simple we could
advance but >> and then similar battery storage and solar. >> You going to ask her about that? >> We should ask about that too. >> This is like the solar fields or something. >> And the storage it's again it's sort of an aesthetic where those battery storage
you can go. I think um but I think we should ask Carolyn about that and I think Liz brought this one to us a recommend >> okay >> something past state level that we were >> right was that I think that's why I remember it
>> yeah I think it's connected to um [clears throat] like a consolidated permit pathway that um towns and cities are supposed to be able to provide applicants if they choose to
So, um, the deadline for that is October 1st. Um, so I think because of that, Liz brought it up and so yeah, I know me and Liz still have more questions about that. >> All right. So, let's that'll we'll have
an ask on that too. >> Okay. Site plan for town projects. >> I think the first thing there is to understand what other communities have. >> Yeah. >> Do some research, Maggie? >> I would say, yeah, let's look at that
and say maybe a We have a lot of twos on that or is that a three? >> Well, I mean, for site plan for town projects, Cal and I were going at it this afternoon on uh Facebook about the
generator at the library. And so I don't think it's appropriate to have a generator in front of a building, especially a historic building. >> I'm not against a generator at the library. I'm just against the placement
of it. So if um and I voted in effect, I voted to support it at town meeting. Um but um I just don't think that's an appropriate place. And they had just today they were removing they removed um
you know plant material. They exposed the transformer. They got rid of all these mature ink berries around the transformer. So I just don't think it's an appropriate place. And when I believe capital approved it, they didn't even have they didn't know where it was
going. Um so you know to me that's an important thing. A lot of people have um contributed a lot to that library [clears throat] with the the addition, the renovation, and it's really one of the um it's such a pretty building and everybody
>> it's one of the most beautiful buildings in our town. >> And so as a town, we learned just from town hall what happened. you know, they demoed um one of our historic um town buildings and we got town hall
um which, you know, some people probably think it's attractive, so I don't want to um say that it's not, but um I so I think having um site plan for town projects is important. >> I I agree with the the town the review
the site plan of the town project. I would say that's probably too in my book. uh not to go down a rabbit hole and we can have continuous conversation all night. I did speak with the library director today. He did say that they explored multiple options. I I think that he might say even a dozen different locations on the site this is the most
ideal and less least intrusive and disruptive and it was within budget. He did also express that there's a design that they have to screen it and to conceal as best we can and but I understand the points that have have
been made but I also think that there's a reason why they're doing that. >> Yeah, I think it comes down to cost. So my understanding is it's another $300,000 to put it behind the building >> and and to disrupt the parking to dig that up in the >> So I do like it comes down like every
everything in life it comes down to the finances. So the question I would have on the site plan review is you know how binding is it and like what you know is it advisory but even advisory I think like when we reviewed um the fire
station um I don't remember if it was the planning board or the master plan implementation committee because we they came to both but um I think it was the mic because thinking about they were only thinking about their that project
and nothing beyond it and you know it's part of a you know civic complex here and we had made the suggestion well there should be um a sidewalk that connects the council of aging to town hall and you know they can and get to
the basketball court and there I was [clears throat] by last week and there was a class that going on at the basketball court from the council on aging u but it's simple things like that where don't necessarily have to cost a lot Um I mean it it's not about
>> you know the the task of the building committee which is much more obviously uh more informed but just to kind of think about the things >> the whole whole picture kind of >> the whole picture beyond their project >> and it might not be maybe we asked Carolyn about this because maybe it's
just simple language that gets add to added to our current site plan review. Um, >> yeah. So, that's why >> I mean that bylaw to incorporate town. >> Yeah. >> And early enough. I I've heard you guys make comments that >> perhaps a fire the fire building did
come in here, but it's pretty late to have it come in pretty earlier in the process, >> right? >> Yeah. >> Well, we haven't reviewed Athetherton and we didn't review East Milton. >> So, um, you know, maybe you can reach out to Brian and see if we can review [clears throat] Athetherton site plan at
least as a cooperation amongst departments and committees. >> Yeah. And that's still in the design phase. So that's not going to go to uh that's not going to be ready for fall town meeting because it's still in the design phase. So I think that would be
Yeah, that would be great. reach out to you know because >> on task >> because >> I would say I would say too >> if would you be you were joking about Maggie doing research but if that's something that >> No I was actually I was kind of say jokingly because I don't like to volunteer anybody else to do something
but um I win >> if you have time I think can be beneficial. [laughter] >> Yep. I think that's great. All right. Two on that. Short-term rentals. One, low impact design. >> So, I understand what that is. How does
that What does that look like? >> It goes into like the rules and regs I think because right now like their storm water when we get the applications, we haven't had one yet. how that you've reviewed yet, but like on the memory care, they come in with these the storm
water design and it has these big structures and like out woods they had a big field in front. They tore up that entire field for those cult things >> and it just low impact design would allow you to do rain gardens and like at
the library they have that um that rain garden in parking lot so you know there's a little less of the structures and plus it breaks up the parking lot um that's what that is bio swailes I don't know if what technically what the one at the library is but storm water's
obviously reviewed by the town engineer and their storm water regs That's why I said it's really not something for us alone. >> But it on those projects we could only just encourage it, right? Because we had nothing to point to. >> And so sometimes people take our
encouragement and sometimes >> encourage under the same plan review. I would say three on this because we all have to think about how we would do that. I think >> subdivision rules and rags. I think that's something that would be great to look at. Um, I would say a three.
>> Right now we can always wave those things and we really haven't had many subdivisions. >> Not lately. Like >> and if it did come before us, we could we could give a waiver right now. >> Our pavement width requirement and right away width is way too wide. >> We require sidewalks on both sides, but then people ask for waiverss. They're
just >> those agree like all that pavement when we say we want tree canopy. Well, and street trees, you know, um I don't remember the requirement there, but like Boston now is requiring street trees to provide uh shade on sidewalks and and
impervious areas as much as possible. So, if you were going to plant trees on your property, they say move them closer to the property line or into the sidewalk so we can get >> uh cover. So, that's another thing that the dimension between the tree and the pavement should be looked at in our
standard section. customer today come up because he's his project is in the seapport. So he was looking for sizable trees and it's a big project. They have to they're replacing trees and they have to um pull up the grates and possibly
remove some um concrete to accommodate >> um because so they're going larger. So I mean really it's not on this list but we need a tree bylaw. Um >> yes, >> let's put it on the list. Let's add we should and >> you know in their requirement um I mean
Meredith did love it in elms you know at least 15 feet in Oh good where is this >> is in the se and um so um so I think they're they're being required to um to go bigger
>> and and so they >> and Newton we know has a really good really strong yes >> tree bylaw >> I think that was Ellen Anelone who did mention that Okay. >> Boston also um
has new tree regulations. Um so like if you're doing a project and they have you calculate your uh total caliper of tree being removed of a certain size. I think it might be 8 inch
caliper, six inch caliper. And then if you're not replacing that amount, you have to um contribute to a fund that puts trees elsewhere in the city. So u I know that conservation commission has something like that, but we've talked about whether
>> but their jurisdiction is only conservation land. Yes. So I I this would be a priority. I think this would >> but that would that come under a separate bylaw or does it come under the >> low impact? impact or does it get tight?
>> I could be I think it could be specific to trees. >> Could be separate. >> Okay. >> I think is separate. >> So, subdivision rules and rags. What number did you give them? >> Three. >> It's been on my list for 10 years. >> I know. It's
>> And then tree bylaw. I would move that up to >> scenic roads. >> And scenic roads. That's been a problematic. We don't have any fines. We don't have a clear. It's very vague. >> That's only us. So that could be a one that doesn't go to town meeting.
>> Yeah. And historical commission usually makes recommendations on that, >> right? >> To the planning board. So it goes to this. It goes to the historical commission and to the >> Let's make it a one. >> I think they do for 10 years. >> I think we can make it a one. I don't think it's a big
>> Yeah, I don't think it is either. >> Large amount of work. >> And I bet Caroline has a good one. And the tree by the way, you wanted to make a one. It'll be five ones. How many twos do we have? One, two, three, four.
>> We have four twos. >> Tree bylaw. Could be two. >> That could be two >> since it's two. >> Yeah. >> Think ahead. Maybe that could be fall of next year. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Newton, I was just looking it up,
says that if um tree has 40 in of RAM, can cost the builder $33,000 in fees. >> They're tight. They're really >> tight. They're very tight with it.
something that's not on here, but when I was looking at the MBTA community zoning for the parkway for the Brook Road, we incorporated in there um that design guidelines could be developed. And I'm
not suggesting that because we haven't had an application, but I think it should be on the radar screen to develop design guidelines for the districts. I think that's a good three. >> It's a three. Yeah. Unless we get start getting some applications that we see
some things that we want to address it sooner. But >> great. Okay. So, ones we've got West Milton, Brook Road, pre-existing, short-term rentals, scenic road rags, and
is that it? >> It's on the pre-existing, just to clarify, it's business and residential. >> Okay. >> Non-conforming. >> And on the on the twos, the Florida racial dimensional standards also includes
accessory structures and then the business includes the parking. Just to be clear, that's a three. And then we'll wait for guidance on small cellular and battery storage and solar. >> Yeah. >> Yes.
>> I think that's a good list. I think that's >> Can I just show you what I did to not to go in a lot of detail, but I just want to highlight what I sent late today quickly. >> Okay. So, it it won't I won't get into a
ton of detail >> because I think that when Liz and I were we were talking thought it was uh three units >> per acre and if it's 30 then maybe we could work with that developer on the town because I love the idea of the town home >> concept because I think we're that's
we're missing that sort of housing type in Milton. >> So, will people want their own individual front doors? Can you pass this off? I I'm not I haven't touched >> the style I envisioned there is like is limited
>> it was very classic what I saw >> that's what plans three of these three of I have one two three of these Yep. So let me >> let me see that Maggie and I have three of those. Okay.
>> Yep. So let me take one of these down. >> All right. Um, >> are you able to pull that up? >> Yeah. >> The whole >> It's all white. Classic New England. >> It's very Yeah. Well, that was one of
the ones that um >> at the art center. That's what they said. >> Yeah. Okay. So, I just wanted to >> Are you sure this is under that >> the 30 units? >> Yeah, I looked. Well, all right. So, you really want to can you go to the Town of
Milton website, the GIS and then um here's the MBTA zoning. I pulled this off today uh today. And the Parkway subdist,
the Blue Hills, the Blue Hills Parkway quarter subdists per acre of 30. >> I'll show you the map when Nanti brings that up. >> There we go. And >> so
>> this is only what 16,000 square feet. It's not amazing, >> right? So that's Yeah, you back it out. allows 11.5. But what I wanted to show is here the um Okay, so that's if you is that the website? >> Um no, this is just what [clears throat]
you printed. Um let me go to >> if you could sorry if you could go to the website. I'm just want it would be useful to see to see this tool which um Alan Bishop added which is great. It's a layer for the district. Are they talking about combining lots
there? >> Well, >> I mean with the um the foodie and the gas the service station. >> No, that would only be on what was the Knights of Columbus. So you see um [cough]
>> it >> you see zooming in there that green is the Blue Hills Parkway subdist and it includes this property, the Brook Road property. You could just scroll down a little bit
more. >> It's right there. Yeah. >> Oh, sorry. Did I I'm pan up there. Brook Road. >> A little bit further down there. >> Further down. Okay. >> Right there. >> Yeah. Right there. Okay. So, that's the
>> the Blue Hills Parkway. And um >> it's not in green. >> Well, no, it's right here. >> It's number nine. >> It's right here. >> Number nine. >> So, this was the old house that was a mess. And this was the Knights of Columbus, right? >> I'm just showing that that's the
district. But if you look at this map that you have here, it's number 9. Thatcher. >> So it has the old Knights of Columbus and the houses as Meredith said. So that property is zoned
uh RC so single family and the requirements you know are the what's allowed under single family um is one unit 7500 square foot minimum lot size frontage of 75 ft which this property
doesn't have. Um, and then it has the front at 20, front yard set back at 20 ft, rear 30, and [laughter and clears throat] sides at 10, heights at 2 and 1/2 ft, two and a half stories and 35 ft. Then there's a
Brook Road overlay, but it has a minimum lot size of 20,000 square feet. That's why it's in red on on my spreadsheet. It doesn't conform. And it's a frontage requirement of 150 ft. So the reason that those things are
off now is when the zoning was written written it contemplated that you would include three Laurel which is off to the right of this property. So you can't use the Brook Road because it doesn't meet those requirements
and you can't do single family because it doesn't have the right the adequate frontage. So then you go to the MBTA overlay and it's as you said Maggie 16,655
square feet which would allow 11 and a half units by math on the acreage on the density. The minimum lot size is 6,000 which this has frontage 50 feet which it has and then
the setbacks front and rear of 20 feet and the sides a sum of 20 minimum of five. So it could be five on one side 15 on the other could be 10 and 10. The FA there's an F requirement in the MBTA communities of 0.5. So you could do
8,328 square feet. Then there's a 50% open space requirement. So that would be um the same sort of same number 8,328 and you can do two and a half stories
and 35 ft. So I think the controlling dimensional standard here is probably the F. Um I don't you would have some pretty small
units, some very small units. um with 8,328 square feet and 11 units. So >> So that's what they want to do is seven units >> is what they wanted. Seven town homes. So
>> So they would have to make sure they meet the de the setbacks and if they can't meet the >> I think they were in the set I think their setbacks were fine. So then, >> so we should really have this conversation when when Liz is here because she has the >> So that's I just um I So Liz can take a
look at this. >> Um and then I just did these other properties because they're all zoned for RC, but none of them are single family. So I actually think it's a shame that
the businesses so this comes back to the pre-existing non-conforming Maggie that the businesses there are zoned RC single family residential. So if we think about Brook Road, we might want to think about those parcels
as well um as part and so it's not just siloed, you know, like the conversion, you know, we talked about them kind of siloed or but when you start looking at examples, they're not really. So I'm glad we put both of those as number ones because in this particular uh location,
we can look at them together, I think. And then I also just wanted to see show that like the 148 Blue Hill Lab is four units on >> Blue Hill Parkway. >> I'm sorry, Blue Hill Parkway. I wrote that incorrectly. Sorry about that. I
got to fix that. [laughter] >> It's not Avenue, it's Parkway on all of those that I wrote for Blue Hill. Um, >> but the uh but then there's some two families next to that and then um the
church and and they own also 174 Blue Hills Parkway. Um and all of those are in the um the Parkway MBTA zoning. So it's great. Yeah, it's something whether we we would want to think
anything beyond just purely nine Thatcher that it's good to have the context. >> Great. >> So that's that's all for I think. >> Okay. Yeah, that's that's great. And I think yeah, let's share that with Liz and have a followup conversation maybe
with that because it it is a a blight on the town and I think we should try to see what we can do to get that um pulled together. So thank you. So, I appreciate that. >> Um, so now we can move to item six. Um,
Hal, you have a CDC um update if >> you could for the board. >> Yep. Uh, let me just join. I already let me present share. >> Yes. Uh so since uh April, the uh CPC,
the Community Preservation Committee, um has had several meetings. Um and I'm catching up to speed and trying to fill some big shoes with uh Cheryl being on the committee. Um my understanding is right now the the process is that we have received uh
certain number of applicants and at this point we are just determining if these applicants are eligible or not eligible. Um and then in the fall there will be subsequent uh applications submitted, viewed by the board and ultimately decided upon uh for uh springtime
meeting to uh bring to before the uh uh the larger body to vote uh yes or no on them. So I just want to give a a quick update in terms of where we stand with that uh the number of applicants that have come in and uh just kind of give an overview. So I appreciate you uh great
>> letting me bring this up. So um 22 total applicants thus far. Um my understanding is this is the largest number of applicants [clears throat] to date. Um that's a a reflection on the
success of uh the committee uh advertising this and the success of the projects that have come thus far. Um and so uh the the other individuals on the on the committee that have been on there before are are overjoyed and uh little
little you know in a good way overwhelmed with the number of of applicants coming in and that's just really a a reflection on how well we've done with this as a town. Uh 4 point I'm sorry 5.94 million uh were requested of
the CPA by those 22 uh with a total of $22 million for the total project costs. Um, and so I'm going to kind of go through uh more granular, but there were 10 open space and recreation projects, uh, three affordable housing and nine
historic preservation. Um, of those 22, >> that's up a lot for historic preservation from last year. >> Oh, yeah. That's good. Um, so we we had 22 um, individuals submit the applications. Uh, they came in and give
a quick uh, presentation to the committee. Uh, and then at that time, like I said, we were only tasked with determining if they were eligible or not eligible for CPA funds. And I believe those letters are uh going to be going out to uh the applicants in the near
future. Um, 19 were deemed eligible. Uh, two were deemed ineligible and one was withdrawn. Um, the one that's the uh the bioail was withdrawn. Um, but maybe they'll be coming back. And that was the idea of uh trying to get funds for
introducing a low impact design um on u that particular street. Um we were just determining there were certain factors that I can go into or not going to if people are interested in terms of what deemed them being eligible but um >> I would love to hear what the Yeah.
>> Yeah. So uh my understanding was that there are uh certain criteria such as if it's a an existing uh structure or element that can be improved upon that is something that is deemed eligible but if it's something whole cloth brand new it's not necessarily something that's
eligible for CPA funds. um uh if it's uh something that has to do with uh kind of an adjacent um uh use or adjacent uh benefit perhaps that's not eligible but um as you'll see here in the different
applicants and the projects um that I'm going to kind of run through here in the open space uh recreation right these were the uh I believe there are 10 would I say in the beginning uh uh one two three four five six seven eight nine nine uh different projects
uh Tucker School uh playground. I think everyone is aware of what's going on out there. Uh the Randolph South playground, there was an idea um brought to by a citizen, a resident to uh explore the possibility of having a playground in that part of town >> where on sorry we're on where on
Randolph A. >> Yeah, right off Randolph A. Um kind of on the side of uh a Thomas and Suns like the the housing that is that are over there. >> So the town owns property. >> No. Um there this is more of an exploratory um idea to see if there is
any town owned property that would be beneficial or able to accept a playground. So this is just a asking for funds for that exploratory work and perhaps hiring a some sort of consultant or analysis to be done.
Uh Milton Landing boat house tent. Um right now, um there's a tent there and this is looking for funds to make it more permanent um so that uh can be continuously rented out and and activated for um uh use for uh rowing
there. >> So would that be put forth by de is it Dexter who rents it now? >> It is Dexter who runs it right now. And who is putting that forward? I have at the end of the list. I can come back to you and answer that at the end. >> Sorry. >> Yep, that's fine. uh Brooksfield LED
lighting. Um I think that's uh straightforward with that. Um >> is that replacement lighting? >> It is additional additional lighting. Uh let's see. >> This is um field the high school field. >> Yeah,
>> the turnfield right here. >> Yeah. >> Are those u put on timers and so forth? assume. >> Great question. I would assume so as well about the u there are residential neighbors like right next to it and some
single at least one single family right next to it. >> The uh boat house 10 was brought forth by the pontet ro rowing club. >> Um >> that would be great. >> Yes. Um Mary se lane safety and field
improvements. Um, so that's brought forth by American uh uh uh baseball. Uh, right now that field uh the left field there's a pathway uh that leads to the playground that's there. Uh, this idea is to add some sort of barrier uh for
protecting the people on the sidewalk so they're not getting hit with baseballs. >> Um, and then also some improvements to the field itself to make it more um, usable for multiple ages. Right now it's only really geared towards a younger age. And so there's a uh the idea was
that uh the the mound itself would be flexible and can be moved in and out and the field would be sized so that it would be uh more usable by more ages and and more easily utilized. Uh Andrew uh renovating Andrew's field uh Andrews Park [clears throat] at the field at
Andrews Park uh it's uh re redoing the turf that's there with grass um open space preservation trust fund. I believe that this is what uh you refer to. >> Hong Kong's coming back because they were denied the last time. So this is a different >> uh geo field phase 2. So this is brought
by I believe parks and wreck um to in uh further uh in uh enhance the uh facilities that are there for softball and then pagota circle restoration phase project phase two. Uh so I believe that
phase one was something where they uh did kind of an analysis uh this is coming back for further funds to start implementing some of those um those >> on the geo field. Is that turf or is that grass? >> Geo field is is turf but it's not it's not affecting that >> adding another turf field.
>> Uh no it's uh I believe it's uh south with the dugouts with the press box with the ADA ramp. Uh, let's see. Regrading of hillside and options to improve slope and grade for stair opportunities, ADA ramp improvements,
built-in spectator seating, open press box, and open concession area. So, it's improving the user experience. Uh, and again, these are just these are not approved necessarily. These are just the ones are eligible. Yep. >> Um, >> can I ask a question about these
playgrounds? Um, could you ask them if they could do natural colors, not like aqua like Beverly Park, it's like aqua slide. So, here we have a concom piece of property. And so, I think the colors
of the equipment should be natural looking, not like yellows and oranges and aqua color. >> They should sort of disappear into the landscape and not Yeah. Okay. >> Um affordable housing. So, Miller A.
Capital Improvements. Um >> the Milton Housing Authority. >> Ye. Yes. >> That's great. That's very needed. Yeah. >> Um I believe again at the end I have a a tabulation of all the um the amount. I believe this was 150,000 off the top of
my head. And the the big thing is um I'm forgetting gentleman's name who came in. Leo >> Earl Fay >> Earl Fay Earl Fay Yes. Um right he he spoke at town meeting and and stated that every dollar that the town gives I believe it's 2.5 that the state will match something along those lines. So
>> um and I know that that that Miller A uh did just get a bunch of money which is needed. Um >> I think they get like $600,000. >> Yeah. So, I've been a huge supporter of Milton Housing Authority and I would love to see them expand and um even
request more money to buy additional properties around town um because I know even I think we talked about having um a two family >> on Tucker and so they have two unit Tucker Street and um that it's a two
unit and they have not been available to be rented out because they needed like new plumbing. And so it's it's unfortunate and I did say this to Earl at one point. >> I said he kind of needs to do a little
bit more public outreach with all the contractors we have in town that perhaps um there could be opportunities for um you know small contractors to give back. Even I've been to Miller a somewhat
recently and they talked about the flooring in the um in their their gathering area. It's like this lenolum that's been down for you know 50 years. So again it just requires
you know outreach and have a like a couple contractors for a day come in and just lay down some new lenolium. So, I think we should, again, I don't know that much about Wilton Housing Authority. I've just sort of started becoming familiar with them. Um, but I
think um they we need to support them as much as possible. >> Well, certainly Earl made a um good case at town meeting. Yes. >> Right. Right. >> Really, really good. >> Uh affordable housing trust. Uh again, I think that's been a a one that's come
back several times for this affordable housing and Winter Valley solar lighting. uh looking to add uh sight lighting uh with some solar lights within the the parking there. So again for uh >> a butters
>> a butters because you know Winter Valley and then the hospitals really gotten a ton of new lighting with their new parking and then you're going to have the memory care on the memory care we asked them to you know [snorts] um have controls on the lighting so that you can
be them down at night and then act and then uh activated by activity because um like their new building is very close to like a butter that people mostly don't know
because it's kind of set back, but there are still a butters everywhere in Milton, right? And so I I just feel like lighting is so bright now >> and you need controls to dim it down and they can be dimmed down at night
and then um activated by use. >> Yeah. >> So that would be one of the things how that uh feedback that Okay. >> Georgia Valley is such a great neighbor to have in town. My grandmother lived
there for close to 20 years and um they're I think just um such a great organization that I think they probably be would be receptive to input. >> Yes, totally. I will um make sure to
raise those comments when they come back uh for the application in September. Uh, and then finally, the historic preservation. So, Athetherton Fire Station. Can you >> Oh, sorry, Sean. Yes, Sean. >> Uh, that's okay. I just I thought you
might have been near the end, but is there a sum of money that's available? >> Yes, I you're you're you're beating me to the to the to the punch line, Sean. Yes, I have I I have a slide at the end. >> I'll be patient. All right. Thank you. >> Uh I I'll I'll go through these. Uh
historic preservation fire station. We were aware of what's going on there. Uh, and as Meredith suggested, they're not going to be for fall town meeting, but maybe February special town meeting to they'll be ready. >> Uh, Milton lockup slate roof repairs. Um, I know that that previously the CBC
has funded uh brick repair, I believe, there and maybe perhaps the window replacement. >> Um, and so this is just then I believe that work is >> finally commenced or is just about to commence. Um, and then this is continuing along that with the slate
roof. Uh Forbes House came to us. It's a very nice presentation with uh some historic structures they're looking to keep uh uh refurbish and uh you know keep with us for another hundreds of years. Uh the stabilization of the historic 1879 receiving tomb at the
cemetery which is very cool. Right now that's a where they used to bring the the bodies and they would store them there before they were buried. Now it's empty. Um and they're just trying to stabilize that so it doesn't collapse. Uh Mstead landscape assessment. So, understanding uh what uh historic homes
and and landscape and gardens were designed by Mstead and his firm. Um and just trying to take a uh uh survey of those and see which ones were previously here and which ones are still with us today. >> Um and then perhaps there could be a phase two. >> That's great.
>> Who's the applicant for that one? uh his historic >> I think are looking at other land. >> Yeah. Like like Spalding Garden or the garden up at the Mcinley mansion. So >> it would be I guess they could look at that color.
>> They could not specifically. >> Yeah. This is specifically with Mstead and his firm that came after that. >> Yeah. >> Uh Suffach resolves uh house window replacements or and restoration. Uh right now those those windows are in great disrepair repair and they want to come back and uh repair them.
Restoration of Pine Grove at Winter Valley phase two. Um >> this is Pete and that sorry that's which is also in Mstead. >> This is a garden, right? Yep. Yep. We did a lot of research on that. >> Um monuments of historic marker restoration. So, this was uh existing
town uh historic markers around the around town that could be refurbished and and replaced if needed or just spruced up. Um and then Blue Hill Parkway historic markers. So, this would be a brand new uh markers along the Blue Hill Parkway just to kind of um
celebrate that wonderful piece of town. >> That's great. >> Uh then finally, just next steps. So, uh Sean uh asked there's about $1.2 $2 million of CPA funds available. Um 10% of that available funds needs to go
to each of the three categories and then the remainder is undesated funds. So it's about uh $120,000 or so has to go to each one of those three and then the $800,000 can go as the the committee decides. Um, at the last meeting, uh,
for a number of reasons, we decided to, uh, proceed with the Tucker playground request for $300,000. Uh, it's a little bit out out of sequence from what the I understand the committee's done before, but this is done so that it can be on the fall town meeting. They can get all the funds ready so that they can start
construction uh, come summer uh, next year uh, while the kids aren't in school. if they missed this deadline of the fall uh fall town meeting, they would have not have been able to do that in the spring and have it ready to go for next summer and have delayed a whole another year.
>> So, in that playground, so I've spent spent many years at Tucker Playground as an alum. Um, so I thoroughly enjoyed my time there, but we had zero green. There was no green space. >> So, that's part of the part of it. >> There will be actually a beautiful
design. >> Yes. >> Yeah. Okay. It's they've got little >> uh >> I don't have it memorized, but there's little uh segments. There's like a there's a green space like actual grass. There's a playground. There's a hardcape for ball play. >> There's like a little built-in um uh not
an amphitheater, but like some steps seats so that people can perform, you know, like uh plays or whatnot. >> Um it's a it's a >> Yeah. and trees. Yeah. It's it's very lush. >> Well, that's good because again, >> pollinating garden, I believe. A few years ago, I, you know, went down there
and donated some plants in time along the um the right side property line, but I don't think they made it because it was just weren't cared for. It's has always been a very hot site, a lot of asphalt.
>> Um, so as design, so that's good. And also, um, paying attention to the color of the equipment. >> I will make it the gateway. The Blue Hill Parkway is uh Charles Elliot. It's the gateway to the Blue Hill. So, >> it seemed very tasteful to me.
>> So, it should be natural. >> Okay. >> You know, Oak Oak Street's right there and needs to be lined with all these >> uh a lot of renderings of and plans of the design that I'm imagine that they have available publicly somewhere. >> Yes. Yeah.
>> Yeah. Uh and so the September 26th is the deadline for applicants to return their information and then uh looking forward to the springtime meeting where uh the decisions of the committee will then be presented to the town meeting. And then just uh a recap of all this uh I can
share this afterwards of of the ask and the total project cost. So >> that's great. >> Yep. So on the Athen fire station, they're looking for um bonding. Did they get into that?
>> Uh we anticipate that, but they have not >> formally asked because their ask is quite large. It's $3 million. Um and so my understanding is that uh part of the way the CPA passed
originally was with the promise of saving infrastructure like Etheon. So I think there's there's sentiment that uh to to fund at least some some large value uh that >> but how how do we get to $3 million? We
haven't gotten there yet. in and town meeting voted last year to bond um Warf Park. Does that affect this of what's available? >> It does not affect this. >> Yeah. >> Um I don't believe it's I don't believe that happens until the project starts is
my understanding which is not >> this cycle. >> Great. Thank you. This is really good. Sean, any other questions did you have? >> Oh, [snorts] no. Just I just uh commented I thought it was really well done. Oh, great presentation. Thank you.
>> Very nice. >> Okay, so the last item on our agenda um were the proposals for the East um Milton Fire Station. The select board has deferred and put this off until
September. Um so I'm wondering if we want to everyone wants to take their time to review the different projects and then maybe put this on our next agenda again. Did they ask for our feedback? By the way, >> they have not.
>> Okay. So, how do we want if they're going I saw that they're going to rank the proposals. >> Yeah. >> Um [clears throat] I didn't hear them say that they were going to have a public input on the proposals. So I to the
extent that we can offer some >> thoughts >> thoughts I think it would be very important to get the public feedback on the three uses doesn't have to be >> the I don't know if the prices are
>> um are all these posted on the town website >> okay then you know as much publicity can that can like anybody watching here they can find is on the select board website. >> Yep. Is >> that right? >> Yep. So, if you were to search for uh
Eastb Fire Station RFP proposals, it takes you right there. And then at the bottom of that page, there's some direct links to those three proposals on the the select website. So, I know that a letter was sent to the select board
about the RFP itself, but I'm I'm wondering um if the board or you representing the board should uh attend the select board meeting, the next one where they put this on the agenda. >> I think it's in September. Is that what
we talked about? That's the >> Yeah, I believe they're um >> meeting in September maybe or they >> Yeah, that they weren't going to deliberate on proposals until September 8th or the September 22nd meetings. So,
>> because one thing I would say is how we spent a lot of time on the mixed use overlay in East Milton Square on the design guidelines >> and um we should at least encourage them to um take those into consideration.
um the uses, you know, that are allowed, the kind of vibrancy of a mixeduse um walkable town center, which this is like the largest kind of one we have, right? So, kind of reiterate all the things that we talked about that they may not be talking about at the select board.
>> It's such an important corner. >> Such an important corner. >> Be an amazing thing to activate and have. >> Oh, I know. I know. We should remind them that the public outreach that happened at the art center clearly demonstrated that the residents want the
town to keep it and only one proposal is a lease um option. So that was my frustration. We spent time discussing it. We sent them a letter. We we said we really kind of wanted the town to put a
priority on um a lease agreement. So, I think we should remind them of that. Um, and you know, a lease agreement sort of buys us time, you know, um, we'll get
some income from renting it out and then, um, and then we can decide where, you know, what the need is in in a few years. So, um, >> where I thought I saw three of them. >> I thought one was >> Maggie's right. One of them has uh two
options, a purchase price and a lease offer. >> I missed that then. Okay. >> They they allowed the town to choose if they if they were chosen, the town could choose which. >> Got it. Okay. >> Oh, I see. Okay. I just saw that by
>> Yeah, but I think we should follow it closely and >> Yeah. >> Yeah. So, my preference is for the town to keep it and lease it out. And I don't necessarily have an opinion as to what the the use is. Um right now it's just I think uh we
should not be selling any town assets. >> We only have three proposals. >> So >> great. I I bet let's put that on the agenda, you know, and and have further discussion on this. um maybe when >> but I really feel as if we should um
>> wait >> submit something at when they're talking in September. >> So further discussion really might only be the next meeting, Meredith. >> Um >> because I really do feel like at least reinforcing
>> the importance of the use relative to the whole district. Yeah. >> It's not just one building >> that the town happens to own. Great. All right. Um I think that's um everything. If um I
would entertain a motion to adjurnn if >> there's nothing else. Is there a second? >> Second. >> We'll do roll call. Um all in favor? Um Cheryl? >> Yes. >> Maggie? >> Yes. >> Hal? >> Yes.
>> And Sean? >> Yes. >> And myself? Yes. >> Thank you all. Good night. >> Good night.