Good evening and welcome to the 17th meeting of fiscal year 2026 for the Milton Planning Board. At this time, I would like to now call the meeting to order and begin begin with our administrative items. The first item um before I would like to actually
go into administrative items, introduce uh the members of the board and our staff. >> Um Jim >> Jim Davis member >> Maguel Fieldfield member >> Sean Fehee member >> and Mayor Depal serving as chair. Um Cheryl cannot be with us this evening. Um so um we will now introduce our
staff. >> Yeah. Vonte Grady, assistant director. >> Liz Manning, planning director. >> Great. Thank you. Um, and again before we just get started here, I just want to just acknowledge that this is Jim
Davis's u final meeting and he has been just an incredible member of the board and we are so incredibly grateful. you really you jumped in from day one and were so um just so thoughtful and with
the questions you asked and your contribution especially with the challenging um the challenges of the MBTA zoning and ADU zoning some of the other things that we've had to work through. So um we are just very very grateful for um for your service to the
town and I'm sure other members um would like to say something as well. >> Well, I just want to say thanks. It's been nice serving with you and having you sit next to me and I'll miss it. Um, but I know I'll see you around town and I know you'll still remain active and
um, you know, come and come back anytime and um, would just love to have your insight. Um, so don't be a stranger. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Yeah. And Jim, I think you know how I feel about the time and commitment that this takes for anybody and everybody
that does it. and um I'll always appreciate what you've committed to the town and to the residents and the service um that you've uh that you've given. It's uh I I think unless someone has run for an election and and and been
elected and been in this position, you really don't know what it's like. And um you now do and I'll always be grateful for what you did. And uh um as far as friendship um you know you're a new friend for me but you can't shake me now
buddy. >> All right >> life looking forward to it >> and >> thank you guys. >> Yes. At the end we have a cake um >> Sean has brought and we will have a little celebration host. So >> all right thank you >> and anyone who wants to join us come.
>> All right. Well I um I I got an interesting thing this week actually and the and the timing couldn't be better. So, I just want to share um something that a Milton High School student dropped off at my house. It's interesting. Jim Davis, you've
brightened my day. Of course, that's the Hallmark card. The National Honor Society at Milton High School is doing an initiative to thank volunteers in the Milton community. I wanted to thank you for your time on the planning board. I just recently had an extensive unit about zoning in my law class and I got to
learn a lot about how important it is for our town to have a planning board. Thank you for your time and dedication to our town. I'm not going to say uh the student's name, but I thought that was very nice. Um >> and it made me realize, you know, we're we're a planning board. We're we're tied
up in our business. Um but there's a lot of people watching us. Sometimes it's the uh the Facebook crowd waiting for us to make a mistake. Um, but I'm thinking more often than not at citizens who are concerned, citizens, children, kids in school, high school kids, uh, looking
for, um, you know, maybe information on a project or just wanting to know how their town runs. Um, and I think it's important to, um, it's important to just
be sort of true to the uh, position. you know, your word is your badge if you're going to do something. Um, which I think we all for the most part do. Um, keep it on the up and up, keep it civil, um, to be here sort of as leaders of the
town because that's what people elected us to be. Um, and I think one of the things that I'm taking away from the blading board is just that, you know, your your reputation is sort of your word. And when you're on a board like this and there's all the discussion and all the
research and all the time that goes into it, keep everything on the level, keep everything at the meetings. Um, and I think a better result will come of whatever we do because of that. So, um, I have to thank the the person who sent me that. He delivered it actually. So, >> well, it's well deserved. Yes.
>> Thank you. >> Very true. >> Great. Well, we're going to miss you. >> All right. But um now moving onward we are um there's four sets of minutes which um Cheryl has edited. They were
back um some October 9th, October 27th, November October 23rd and November 13th. Um they didn't get uploaded so they're very dense. Um there's a a lot that of
stuff that was covered in these. Um, and so I've had a chance to look through most of it, but I'm assuming that because I Cheryl had sent them to me when she um had sent them earlier in the week that others have not had a chance
to. And I just wanted to give everybody a chance to review them if they haven't. If you have, that's great. But, um, just thoughts by the board because we can defer them. >> To defer them, I didn't see them until just now ago. the department.
>> Yeah, >> that's great. And it Yeah, it'll be um good to take a look through everything and just make sure um there's nothing that we want to maintain in there. Um so, we will defer the minutes to our next meeting, which will be May 14th.
Our regular scheduled meetings um in May will be May 14th and May 28th. Um and See staff update. >> Did you want to talk about um uh town
meeting? Posting for town meeting. >> Oh, yes. I'm sorry. In the posting for town meeting, we have our upcoming town meeting. Thank you. Um will be May 6th, which is a Wednesday start date. And we're going to have a premeating. Uh that town meeting starts at 7:30 and we're going to schedule just a half an
hour premeings in case there's anything that we need to discuss prior. So, um we'll get the room um reserved at at uh the high school and that so we'll have a meeting um at 7 p.m. >> Okay. Planning board for this I think
for the sixth and seventh and then um if hopefully we won't need to but we might need to go into that next Monday. >> Okay. >> Um for those first three nights. >> Okay, >> great. Um thank you. Um and then now we
can do staff update. >> Do you want to kick off? >> Sure. >> So the climate action plan, we're still waiting on the grant, but just wanted to give a brief update related to it. Um Kai Mueller, he's looking to hire a fellow
through the UMass LOL Clean Energy Legacy Transition Program. Um they're going to work about 20 hours between Randolph and Milton. in relation to the plane department. Um Liz has kind of discussed with Kai that um she's able
to, you know, have us do three hours a week with the um fellow uh to support finishing the climate action plan. So >> um but but yeah, I think that was like April 17th, that uh application for the fellow. So um so yeah, that was just a
little update there. >> Okay, great. And then next, the open space and recreation plan. I've been working on a lot of different things to get the first um deliverables for that going. Um one
of them being the popup for the food pantry. Um that's going to be on May 16th. So, and then the other one is the youth focus group. That's taken a little bit more time to arrange. I um talked to
Rachel from the Milton task force and I learned that they're not quite a very active group. So, I'm kind of rethinking that approach. I'm I've got a few contacts that I'm looking into that I got from Bonnie from the parks department about how I could get that
youth engagement because I do think it's really important because it is a gap in previous engagement events, not only for this plan but for the recreational master plan. So, um, so looking into that, trying to make sure I do that right. Um, and then the ADA
self-evaluation and transition plan. Um, I'm getting feedback from both Congs department, both of which I should be getting tomorrow. Um, from there, I can pass it on to Nick and the Commission on Disability to have them review that. Um but yeah, feel
free to look at the memo um that Craig put together for the open space and recreation planning committee for more details and feel free to ask me any questions. So >> yes, can I ask a question about that? >> Sure. >> Um so I was reading through and two
things actually. One comment was I didn't see um that the um our land up at um Granite Links was in it. So So I'm not sure if it it listed some properties
that are being looked at, but I don't want us to forget that the town of Milton owns um you know rented out or leased out land to um Granite Links Golf Course. And so we do all it was supposed to be a nine-hole golf course, but I believe there's only eight holes
unfortunately. >> So, but um I you know that should be included in the plan. >> Um and then just one other thing when I was looking through the your um outreach, >> you know, I saw that a group called
Connect Milton was um highlighted as a focus group. And I just wanted to say um I have a few concerns about um including Connect Milton in the official outreach um list because it's my understanding that Connect Milton is an out of it's
funded by an out ofstate organization in California and it has um you know it's a political focus to the group and I feel like um I'm not comfortable that we're just reaching out to one um particular
particular group. If we're going to reach out to that one group, then we should be reaching out to other groups in town. So, my primary concern is just being fair. You know, it doesn't seem right to give one specific group, you
know, official priority or access. Um, and I just want to make sure that all the um, woes who actually live in Milton um, have a voice in Milton and it's not funded by any out of state or out of
town um, um, group. And I like connect Milton, full disclosure, I've hoping to um, you know, put some literature about my business in their packages. So, I'm not saying they're not a worthy um group
to talk to, but I just think you're opening a can of worms when um you're only o reaching out to one group in town. >> So, I would just caution that.
So, so for that particular focus, for that for that focus area, maybe think about including a couple of other organizations that are sort of focused on like civic engagement. >> Yeah. >> So maybe like League of Women Voters like I'm I don't know. Is there like are
there are there a couple of like maybe sort of like civic groups that might that might come to mind? Any thoughts on that? >> Yeah. or other I think um they're funded by um a 5013C or C3 >> 501c3.
>> Um so perhaps it's other nonprofits um who have um some of those um >> okay >> so I don't know I could give you the list. I I know that there's a couple other groups in town that maybe might want to have a voice um
>> at the table. So, I just wouldn't want to limit it to one group that it just I think might have a a certain political meaning. >> Yeah. No, that makes sense. And I'm I'm definitely open to any recommendations you have. >> Um, yeah, I just
>> I think that came to mind because we went to the like library event and there was kind of a big turnout there and they seem to be like I don't know, my impression was like community like focus. However, I' I've only been to like one of their meetings and um yeah,
on their website they say they're like dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion. So, so those were some things, but obviously want to be sensitive to the community and make sure that you know their values are reflected in this work. So, um yeah, definitely
open to any suggestions you have. >> Thank you. >> Very good. Um all right so shared supporting housing office uh we've been working with our consultants at Accenture to stay on top of the um the
um you know the process for 440 granite for for ensuring that those um affordable units are qualify for the support of subsidized housing inventory. um they've submitted a draft affordable fair housing marketing plan and we're awaiting additional documents uh about
the um for the for the homeowners association and etc. Um so we're also working with the um the um folks at Asenture on um closeout items for 936 Brush Hill Road and and in contact with
the um building commissioner on that. He wants to make sure we've got everything we need before before any certificates of occupancy are issued there. Um, traffic commission met on April 14th and it was u Marina Fernandez's um, final
meeting. So, there was a really busy agenda. Um, we covered our vision zero walk audit that took place um, at the Granite A West Guanum intersection all the way up to the Quinsey line by the president's golf course. There was a discussion about a crosswalk in the
vicinity of the Eustace estate which I believe has been has been tabled for the time being. Um trafficcomi master plan was also discussed. Uh let's see there was a mass dot project at Brush Hill Road and Milton Street for a four-way stop sign. There were a couple of
different folks on the citizens speak um folks from Saias Lane um Adams and Swan intersection. uh citizen request for parking restrictions on Crown Street because of the really difficult winter with the snow and ice. Um and so and also to a a
talk about a pilot for uh restricted parking uh in the wintertime for for to to facilitate snow and ice removal. So, a lot happening and um and so I think Marina's final day is May 8th and so the next commission
meeting will will be headed by the new DPW director Um, so any questions on that? Uh, so housing production plans. So, uh, Pavante and I have had a co coordination call with Karen Sunborg in late March.
Um, and she gave us some some feedback about different ideas for, you know, people to to participate on this advisory group. um you know things like council on aging perhaps if the planning board was interested in in in designating somebody from you know from from that from that stakeholder group um
housing authority um sort of blanking on what somebody oh CPC um zoning board you know a lot of different a lot of different ideas about different you know stakeholders that might make sense to participate in this advisory group um I know that
I didn't get this until today apologies um So, this was on the um this charge was on the select board's um agenda on 414. Um I'll just I'll just hand this around. Have you have you folks seen this?
>> I did watch the meeting, but I was sort of unclear. There were >> I think I think the way I think >> ended up landing on >> I suppose I could just sort of read this out if that's helpful. Um, housing production plan advisory committee charged to facilitate the creation of the town's housing production plan in
coordination with the town's consultant and to monitor the implementation of the housing production plan upon completion and approval by the Commonwealth of Mass. Membership at least six members appointed as follows. Two members affordable housing trust, two members select board, two members planning
board. Term members shall be appointed for a term of one year concurrent with the town's fiscal year. the CAPC shall determine a chair and recording secretary annually members shall be eligible for reappoint. Um so I
think the way it was left on the 14th because I actually went and looked you know watched the watch the meeting um that um I think really where it stands is needing to determine if the seats are going to be actual planning board members. the two seats are planning
board members or does the planning board choose to have it be a designate? >> So, it's sort of like back to you guys if if you want to if you want to have it be specifically planning board members or if you'd like to have it be a designate. And I I think it's I think it's probably, you know, if you choose
to have a designate, but then if the affordable housing trust wants to have two two of their members, I don't think there's anything in here that says you can't do it that way. Um, so it's really kind of up to you folks like what what you're comfortable with. So, they're definitely wanting to form another committee because I think I had
brought up a concern that, you know, we have 90 committees in town and we have too many committees and do we really need an official committee and is that going to hinder um the progress? Because even when I was reviewing some of these um minutes, we were talking about this
housing production plan all the way back in October. So, here we are, however many six months later, and we still haven't done anything in our housing production plan is expired. And because we have an expired housing production
plan, we run the risk of another 40B coming in. And to me, it seems like there's not any sense of urgency to get this housing production plan wrapped up. And I'm not understanding why there isn't a sense of urgency about it. And I
think creating another committee is just another hurdle um to the process and it puts us at risk. So I you know I'm not trying to exclude anybody and I think the selectman have their meeting. We have our meeting the affordable housing
trust have their meeting and anybody from any group council on aging could come to any one of our meetings come to all three. they could participate in the process and then we can move the ball down the court.
>> Well, so yeah, it is it's probably slower than people wanted to be, but you know, we had to solicit proposals. We had to get we had to get that get the funding lined up and we had to get the contract signed. So that's all been completed and the next step would be
some of the you know sort of existing conditions analysis that the consultant can move forward with. So so that that can start going that can the conversation I had with Karen Sunboard was that she she could she could still
meet the the um deadline that she gave us in in the in the scope um even if it took a little bit of time to to get this committee you know organized. Um so so I think we are going to be able to make some progress on it even in the short term. Um I think it would be hard for
her not to have a dedicated committee though, right? In terms of like her time because she needs to be able to just kind of like she's got to come in and she's got to sort of like bang out, you know, a list of items with a with a dedicated group that's been that's been on it. >> Right.
>> Right. You know, from you know, and and even even as a subset of you folks, right? because because a couple of you will will be potentially be, you know, following it like a lot more closely. So, I I I think this is I think this is sort of the this is the compromise, you
know. I think yeah, I think they were wanting to have um a committee that would meet and be able to give input and feedback like Liz said. Um what I'm thinking um is that we can sort of think about this
if we would who would want to be on it. I do feel like at least we should have at least one planning board member because we're so familiar with the projects. Obviously, um Liz can give input, you know, in Albante as well and feedback, but it would make sense to have at least one member of the planning
board, possibly two. Um but um but we could maybe discuss that when we when we have a new our next meeting when we have our new members know who our members are. Does that make sense? Then we can think
about possible people that we would want to appoint. >> I think we should have the latitude to choose either a design or a member. Um I reading those notes that I will discuss 414 to see itself and the design or both
I think it really should or both should say or either you know but um I think you know a little bit maybe it should be at least one of the gym free time now.
going to do with all your >> That's true. >> Better be a really good cake. >> That's true. That's true. >> You got to get through the meeting to have the cake. Can't leave early. Uh the I just want to ask is is that is that correct though that last sentence the
CAPC is determining the chair. Is that a typo or is that >> I think that must be a typo. This this I I pulled I pulled this I pulled this down from the select board packet. >> Okay. Um, >> so it would be the housing production plan advisory committee. That's >> gonna HP HPAC.
>> HP. >> Yeah, that's probably the climate action planning committee, right? CAPC. >> That came to mind. I was like, huh? >> Yeah. >> And I thought I thought there had been some discussion about adding one additional member at large to make it a seven member.
>> Yeah. And that just sort of and I think and as I watched it, I think the the whatever the motion was for that just was withdrawn or it it just that so I I think that's kind of >> but it didn't. >> Yeah. Yeah. And I don't know I don't think that I think the the concern was about a tie vote, but I don't this is an
advisory committee. I don't know that that's really going to be as much. I don't I don't think that's a real huge issue. Is it um it is well would you be a participant in this group
>> at all? I'm ex officio for like the traffic no for the sign review committee exeicio. >> Um so maybe >> maybe I mean we're going definitely going to be staffing it like sta
staff-wise like with the consultant like so we're going to be in the in the mix for sure. Yeah. >> But in terms of a vote >> yeah I don't I don't I don't know. Well, there's a really good template that's in place right now that
>> fortunately the consultant who's going to be doing the updating um and the new plan did the last plan. So, she's familiar with >> the community, which is really going to be helpful. >> I'm so glad we were able to get her on board. So, >> at the next meeting, I think we'll we'll pick this up and put that on the agenda
for May 14th meeting. >> Great. Okay. Okay. So, nothing nothing really to report on the um the library parking forum. I'm still working on putting some some comments together for you folks. So, to get that over to the to the
trustees and make sure your comments are on the record on that and you desire to to continue to participate in the RFP creation. >> Can I can I um Is it okay? Can I comment? I just I just want to >> I um I know on the plan that we looked
at it referenced the in front of the police police station, the lawn area, the grass area as being too far away. That's how I recall it being referenced. I walked that distance and measured it
from where that grass area is to call out small structure. The distance from the powder house which is where the proposed >> to that grass area is onetenth of a mile
>> onetenth of a mile. >> To me one10enth of a mile is a very short distance to be able to take advantage of property that already developed that we could create potential parking.
And furthermore the other side of the parking at the police station between the police parking lot >> and the hospital property is viable land. >> Again, just coming back to it since it's
since it's in your notes, Liz, it is onetenth of a mile. >> That's a short distance to me. >> Even the library staff could park there and that would free up spots.
>> Yeah. if we're going to build it. I know a lot of towns are not going to public safety buildings, so I don't know if if the police station is maxed out or I know we're building fire stations. Um, but it might be an opportunity to do something with an overall public safety
building, rolling into something if it's going to be bigger as opposed to apartments on the second and third or third and fourth floor. I'm sure that many people pass by that police station parking lot more often than I do. The police have their own parking behind the
fenced area. The front area is for a visitor to the police station. So that's the area that I'm referring >> just use the police parking lot. >> Yeah. Well, >> being over the grass parking beyond it, but it generally is lightly used. I mean
on occasion you'll see a car there. Very very rarely. We need the police need their parking. I'm sure >> I'm sure a chief would say, "No, I have to have my parking." But I'm talking about expanding beyond what is there to create additional parking so that we
could provide >> I miss it. That's a great idea. >> That makes the most sense. >> And and you know, again, I'm referring back to the plan where it said it was too far. I just I can't see onetenth of a mile from the proposed area to the police station as being a barrier
>> uh based on distance. >> Great idea. >> All right. Um so if you were following the select select board's meeting on the 14th and you saw that they had voted to um issue the um Milton fire station RFP and I had a quick chat with um McMillano
today and I believe it is in front of town council before it gets issued. So that's where it stands. >> Is there a deadline on this? >> I didn't see a deadline in in the draft that was in their packet. I wonder I don't know if that's going to get inserted. That'll probably be inserted
once the town council review is complete. Yeah. >> So, I I watched that meeting because I was really interested to see what they what their comments were on our comments. So, at our meeting, we spent a considerable amount of time talking
about this. our town staff spent time creating um you know our memo and it wasn't even mentioned. They didn't read they didn't reference
our memo. They didn't discuss our memo. They didn't there was no I was a little bit shocked that um that there they didn't
uh take into consideration any of our comments. Um, and that was frustrating to me because one of the reasons, you know, we have this budget coordination committee meeting was on day one it was to
facilitate um, uh, dialogue and collaboration between boards. And I know this topic doesn't necessarily have anything to do with budgets, >> but um, it's all about collaboration. Um
and again I feel like there was not any collaboration given or um and I was just frustrated and even in the Milton Times today you know there was no mention they mentioned our meeting which was the week prior
but they didn't mention anything about our memo. Um so that was that's frustrating to me. So I'm wondering why Nick didn't bring it up. Did he say why he didn't bring it up? >> I honestly the we had a very quick
conversation and I think there was a consensus that the the I think the the main question I think was on the um you know not not selling the property, right? Um and I I think maybe the the
consensus for the board, I can't speak for the board, was that was that they were wanted to proceed with their original their original, you know. >> Yeah. But they didn't even say that at their meeting. They didn't say what's the consensus of the board. The the they
just said, "Oh, let's just go ahead with the RFP that was written." So, they wrote the RFP, we commented on it. Our comments went back, disregarded, and the only how they entered into the discussion was we have
our RFP. Does anybody want to comment on it? No comments. So they just put it forward. >> So to me that was just really disappointing. Be interesting to see what comes back from that. >> All right.
>> All right. >> And then language access plan. >> Oh yeah. I just wanted to touch up briefly on this. Um so I've been in contact with Sasha Parody from MAPC. They've been working on the Three Rivers Interlocal Council
expanding language access project. Um, which is apparently in its final stages. Um, I kind of reached out to her just to be like, oh, like what's going on with this project? Is there any way I can support it? And she's like, oh yeah, it's basically almost done. um we're
just basically now doing some sort of like test activity or pilot activity in the participating communities um to just kind of have lessons learned, try things out. So, I've been kind of working with her and she's been providing me guidance
on um the food pantry popup and how to best approach that. She's has had experience there, so it's been great to get her feedback. um on how to best um provide language access because that's a um spot in town
that has like multiple languages that you can find spoken there. Um and so yeah, I'm looking forward to just seeing what we learned from that experience and having that feed into like her project too. Um which I think will ultimately result in a report that like details
language access needs for Milton, for a couple other towns. So, so yeah. >> Is one of the language that that they're looking at is sign language? >> It's a good question. Um, >> you know, I'm sensitive to that. I had a sister with special needs. I have a
niece with Down syndrome and um I I know there were a lot of kids in town and families in town who um have disabilities, so I've seen a lot of people um doing sign language. >> That's a good question. Um I'm more than happy to look into that and see. Yeah,
because I think it should definitely be included. Um, yeah. Yeah, I'll definitely follow up on. >> Excellent point. Um, okay, that's it. >> Back to
I I >> can't hear. >> Mike. >> Oh, it's right up there. >> It picks up everything in the room. >> It's very quiet. That's all. >> Okay. >> All right. >> Sure. >> Thank you. Thank you.
>> Did you hear me? I heard you. I got you. >> Okay, good. I want to make sure that's really important. >> Talk to the man. Look up when you're talking. >> Um, but uh I I believe that the residents of the town uh
expect um a professional collaboration between all of the boards in town. Um and you know there may be of opinion between
um elected board members of one board or the other. And I think that we find disappointing is that uh not even a recognition that comments had been received from what I
would consider, you know, a um a fellow board or assistant board in the town. um you know the select board doesn't have to agree with the planning board and nor does the planning board have to agree
with the select board and nor do I have to agree with you or do you have to agree with me but um you know the the purpose of of uh the boards is to look after the interests of the town
and the residents of the town. It's not the planning boards town and it's not the select boards town. It's the town of the residents and I think the frustration that you feel I recognize because just to receive due consideration
uh for the input that's provided by our board is really all you're asking for. Um we don't have to receive support of our you don't have to receive support of your point of view. You'd probably prefer that. Um but at
least that uh uh input was received, our input was considered and um select board is moving forward in whatever direction we're moving forward in. I don't think that's a big ask and and nor do I think that would be a big
ask of our board to offer the exact same thing to the select board or any other elected board in town. Um the bottom line is we serve the interests of the residents no matter what board we serve
on or what the charge is of the specific board. This is only for the residents of the town and the obligation that we have is to do what's best uh in in the interest of the residents. That's it.
So, I understand your frustration and I I um I think it's fair. I think you deserve to be frustrated. >> Thank you. >> All right. And I guess just one um one item that if
we could we don't need to report on uh currently but um I was reached out today um by a writer for the Milton Times and they are asking um what information that I had on the 450,000
uh dollar award Milton received through the EOD for an upcoming story that they're working on for Milton Times. Um the money will be used, his understanding, along Mechanic Street and Franklin Street to help accommodate the
two new housing developments. Um he asked, "What exactly is being done being done there?" Uh what projects do you see down the road for Milton? Um, some residents feel nervous about changes in the new development that comes with being designated a rapid transit
community that Milton may become too congested or lose its or lose its calm residential character. Um, asking about that and in the past Milton has struggled to find an agreement. Um, just asking about um, MBTA zonings and what
we would find is challenging. Um, I guess the what I have asked him to do is to reach out to Nick Milano on the grant. We don't have to talk about it tonight, but maybe we could have an update report for the residents um because clearly people are hearing about
the grant, but they don't know what's what's happening with it and what what um what work is going to be done in that area. And I think East Milton, given the level of construction, is very sensitive about understanding what new proposals um to road work or streetscapes or what
exactly is happening there. So maybe for our next meeting if we could just put that on the agenda. And I did um refer this writer to to maybe talk to reach out to Nick and get them an update.
>> Good. I just wanted to have an update. some good things that will be happening and that's a huge that's a nice size grant. So >> it's great. >> Good. All right. So the next um item is
our citizen speak if um >> see if we've got comment if there's anybody online like to speak. I don't see anybody with their hands up >> so I think we're okay. >> Okay. Um then we can move to our um our
next item number four ANR plan application 120 Highland Street map J1 lot 2. We can bring in uh the engineers and I don't know if the owner of the property is on as well. >> Do you want me I can I can the applicant
is here. >> Okay. Jim, did you want me to um promote promote the corpses? No, >> go ahead. >> Okay. I mean, it's just an ANR, so I you know, I didn't know if you had any questions.
And >> yeah, Liz, if you want to tee this up and >> Sure. Sure. Absolutely. So, um you you you folks received in your um in your packet the um the a copy of the application stamped into the clerk's office. I did the ANR checklist and and
indicated that everything that was required to be on the plan is on there. Um you know, the the application indicates that each lot has adequate frontage on an existing approved way in the town of Milton. um which I confirmed and um and I also, you know, understand
that this was a plan that the board signed um less than a year ago, Jim. >> About a year ago. Yeah. >> The same property. Uh so, >> same property. >> Yep. Same property. So, do you want to do you want to just explain quickly to them why this needs to get this is
because has been re uh submitted? >> Sure. um my clients, the Cochran are um potentially uh purchasing the property or have it under agreement and um when we were looking at the plan to you know
put houses on it and so on and so forth, we noticed some issues with the existing plan uh both uh technically and um that would work with the houses that they wanted to put on the property. So, we
resubdivided the land and, you know, so that it would fit the houses that they're planning on building. That's pretty much it. It's, you know, it's virtually the same plan, um, with some minor modifications and corrections to the property line.
>> Can you just point those out real quick? the minor modifications to the property line like is it this little 20 foot dash that >> Well, the minor modifications are um on lot A and B u the frontage along
Highland Street shortened. Uh it was uh the previous uh survey had it about a foot longer. Um and we found that to be not correct. Um and the property itself twisted when we held the monumentation
that they found, the previous surveyor found and we found. Um and then the other thing too is one thing that they um put on there is uh they put the setback for the side in the
rear. um I believe incorrectly because on Spafford Road for lot A that doesn't have adequate frontage for um the the zone that it's in. So the actual frontage for lot A is Highland Street.
So the rayard would be budding lot B. Um there we go. I think >> trying to >> position this better. Sorry guys. >> Is that better? >> Does that help? >> Zoom in a little bit more maybe.
>> Sure. >> Okay. Jim, did the um did the updated uh plan change the square footage of either of the lots? >> Yes, it did. It >> it reduced the total lot area because um the distance between Stafford Road and
the rail and the property line that um heading towards the Hooper Berdick property reduced by about a foot. >> I see. Okay. So, so Jim, was it was it a result of a of a survey that might not have been
correct? >> Yes, there were issues with the survey prior. >> Okay. >> Any other questions? >> I'm good with it. Looks like they have the frontage and they have the lot size. >> Jim, one question. that that 10- foot
sewer easement. Um I I suppose it it's a bit of a restriction on lot B, right? Because what what will that restrict them from? They can't build over it. Correct. >> Well, it that's the sideyard for lot B.
So, we couldn't build on it anyway. >> Yeah. >> So, it doesn't really do anything. What we found during our u research was that um the sewer easement shows up on
the town records um the assessive map and in an asbuilt plan um done in like 20, you know, in the year 2000 or whatever. Um but there's no it's not in the title. So that's an
issue that's got to be fixed. I see. But >> it doesn't do anything to the lot because we can't build within that 10-ft sideyard requirement anyway. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else?
>> I'm good. So, I don't have any questions, but I just would like to disclose um that I hope, you know, all elected officials make disclosures, but that um um my son and daughter played
hockey with Mave Corkran and um her family is an infrequent customer of mine and even though every customer is important, they're not a significant client to mine. So based on ethic
guidelines, I'm confident in my ability to remain objective and evaluate this matter impartially. >> Thank you. >> Well said. >> All right. So um we I'll entertain a
motion to approve current ANR before us um at 120 Highland Street, not Jot 2. So moved. >> Is there a second? >> Second. In >> favor.
>> Thank you. >> Can I sign them after or >> sign? Yeah. After. Okay. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Get away from the cake. >> Thanks. >> Okay. >> All right. And item number five uh for
annual town meeting our article uh sign bylaw. Um Liz, do you want to take this? just keep on the agenda in case there's anything that comes up. And >> so very very minor amendment um which is in your packet and again same issue I had it didn't sync properly
so I don't know who saw it when so it's I have a hard copy for you. It's it's just this tiny amendment to enable the building commissioner additional time to review the sign permit application before it gets submitted to the sign review committee. I I doubled back with
um John John Zikowitz Zikowitz about this and he was fine with it. He thought it made sense to give the building commissioner ample time to do what he needs to do. So, and this was the request of the of the building commissioner. Um I also uh ran this uh format past uh Carolyn Murray as well um
for to make sure that it was drafted properly. So, she was didn't have any concerns. Um it potentially could get sort of words smmith though maybe between now and sort of when it goes on like a green sheet. Is that is that the process?
>> Um so if you are to take a vote maybe just kind of a little bit of flexibility if if a little bit of this you know to see if the town stuff and whatnot has to be kind of word smith a little bit. >> Okay. >> So that'll go back to Carolyn prior to it going to the warrant committee. She
has seen this, but I can but I but I I can I can send it back to her again prior to it going to the warrant committee. She's she she's reviewed it, but um I can I can definitely do that before it goes to them. >> Okay. Because um
and we were talking about this that um who would prepare the green sheet for this? >> This is like I'm I'm learning. I'm learning. So, so I'm happy to I'm happy to have is it typically >> I just want to make sure that we do the green sheet that
>> Okay. >> like any changes that are made that would be done before the green sheet. >> Got it. >> So So as long as as long as I know sort of like who's supposed to do what at at different parts of the process, I'll I'll make sure that happens. But I'm looking for I'm looking for guidance.
So, if you guys have, >> you know, want to give me some feedback on it or I'd be happy to to turn to town council on it, what, whatever. I think I think because they're new as well, this is their >> second second town meeting, right? Because I think they were here. >> So, Galvin and the clerk's office would
be all >> Okay. >> Um because they distribute them. Okay. >> So, they'll know if they're printing them or if somebody else is. >> Okay. All right. >> But, um I'm comfortable, you know, supporting this change. the building commissioner has asked for a 7 to 30 days. So I think if we approve that the
language from seven days to 30 days um and um and trust you know Caroline to to put it in >> format the correct format to Yep. Absolutely.
>> Okay. I just have one question on um and I I think the document that uh you've included >> is is this is this is great >> you've given us good this is this is going to be so helpful in town meeting
>> um my only question was the in the sign review process >> will we be adding the 30 days because we do reference that the sign review committee schedules hearing within 60 days in the previous block >> waited Let's say the building commission
certifies certifies materials for completion and forward to signed review committee. >> Could we say within 30 days just so it's on it's right on the process. >> Yeah. Yep. Excellent point. >> Yep. Definitely. >> But I you guys did a great job on this.
That is so easy now for people to understand. >> That's fantastic. The whole thing is great. >> I can't really take credit for the flowchart. It was Larry Johnson. >> Okay. Remember >> and you added pictures. the images. This is this is really really helpful. This is
>> it just it just condenses a lot of really difficult narrative to >> follow. Great. >> So if folks are good for that, once that change is made, Liz um will send it over to the war committee and to Nick, but I wanted her to share it with everybody
else first. So do people feel like they want to take another look at it or send it to? Okay. Is Larry a significant author to this document? with the with so so he produced he produced the first version of that to go to the when we sat in front of the
warrant committee. Okay. >> And did sort of like the sideby-side comparison which is super super helpful. >> Okay. >> Um especially being you know a member of both committees like he really he got it from every angle. So it was really really helpful. So so what's happened is
it it went to the war committee it went for your public hearing. It went to the chamber of commerce and now it's going for a town meeting. So every time every time it's gone, it's sort of gotten a little bit more a little bit little bit tightened up and a little bit more information and so >> Yeah. Yeah. >> We could express our gratitude to Larry
by giving a piece of Jim's cake. >> If you're listening, >> he's actually a great guy. I know him from scouts. He's a scout dad. >> Yeah. So if there's been three or four iterations of this, >> he probably has a couple of hours into this. >> Oh my god. I wish there was a way we
could just >> thank him at town meeting or just put us credit. He's put so much work into it. My first my first time getting to know Larry was through this process. The effort he's put into it and the commitment he makes to the town and to the residents
>> is is tremendous. >> Nice. >> That's nice. >> Did you need a vote? >> We do need a vote. So, we need a motion to >> I'll make a motion to amend
um article 42 from 7 days to 30 days. >> Second. All >> in favor? All right. >> I got a building commissioner working really hard and we don't want um
Okay. So number six the recotification scope of services discussion. Yes. So, yet again, if anyone needs a hard copy, um this is a um I just kind of did
a quick just a quick sort of um table for myself for the for the for how much funding we had available and sort of what was anticipated for each of these different phases for the recottification. So, um,
I think two meetings ago or one meeting ago, we voted to encumber 27,272 of FY26 planning studies funding for this process. And then there is an anticipated 35,000 in the FY27. So that
brings us a total of 62,272. So the proposal in front of you, the first phase is um comes out to 6,800 and it's it's a called an optional zoning audit. So we can talk about that a
little bit more when people have more time to kind of think about this and really read through it. Um my my first my first blush is we probably want to do it um because it's not it's not a a huge
amount of time. Um and then phase two is a zoning diagnostic. That's when you really get into the into the nitty-gritty with the different um areas of the zoning that need to get need to get um you know sort of tightened up and cleaned up and etc. So that is um an
estimated total of 40 hours. And then she gave us a range on phase three which is the drafting of the of the different zoning amendments. Um so she's Carolyn Murray is is anticipating anywhere between 60 and 120 hours for that depending upon the extent to which you
know different different uh amendments are anticipated. So I included those two numbers there as well. Um so essentially if if we if we come out on the higher end we're just a little bit over the 62,000 that's available. it comes out to
about 64 64,600 would be sort of like the top end depending on how um you know how how deep things get. Um and um yeah, it it's it it seems it I I I gave it a really quick look. Um it came in on
Tuesday. Um it's it's detailed. Uh it gives us flexibility to um determine sort of you know areas that need to get covered and sort of how deeply folks want to get into them. Um you know maybe
this is a first maybe this is even a even this 60,000 could even be sort of like a first the first phase and maybe there might even be additional work required beyond that potentially. I don't know but but it just it it allows that that type of flexibility
um in in in the approach. So um lot to digest but I think it's a good start. >> You know is um is more uh focused on
how we manage this cost. Mhm. >> It's a $20,400 range between >> the low >> anticipation for phase three and the high anticipation for phase three. It's just a lot of dollars.
>> So, is this is this work done basically on a on a time? Um, you know, are we just paying based on the number of hours that it actually takes? What happens if it if if um if the hour
is under or over? >> And that's such a big delta between the low and the high. >> You know, we we work so hard to get funding for a few thousand >> and we're looking at a potential swing from low to high of 20,000. Mhm.
>> Um >> I think I think she I think she she explains that um on page three where she talks about you know what what she's what she's characterizing as a repeal and replace right so that would be sort
of like wholesale like you take the existing one you repeal it and you replace it with just a whole new bylaw right her her her sense is that that's that's overwhelming and and doesn't necessarily get you where you need to go. So I think she's kind of I think
she's sort of positioning this so that if we say say we say a first cut at it was focused on specific topic like like definitions and dimensions or definitions and um you know allowed uses
or there could there could be sort of like a like a a a focused approach to try to try to handle some of those things that are that are problematic. And I think that's probably where you're going to get into like the 60 as opposed to the 120. And then and then maybe at a
subsequent town meeting you come back and you take another cut at it and then you probably would would be getting into that other chunk of 60 hours. Um so but yeah no absolutely it it's it it is an estimate you know for
you know for for for the reason that it's hard to know going in exactly what exactly what the stakeholders are really going to want to tackle >> because some of it has to do with interpretation. Some of it has to do with, you know, sort of like how things
function, h how things function today >> with the folks that use the document, right? >> So, it's like until you get people in the rooms really talking about it. I mean, I I've already had how many how many things have come up for us already with zoning >> like like literally daily
>> like just just questions about sort of like, well, does this apply? Doesn't that apply? And like what how what exactly does this mean in this circumstance? And and that's just us. >> Yeah. like we're supposed to be kind of like we're not the zoning board, we're not the building department, we're sort of like we're sort of like a couple levels down.
>> Yeah. >> I mean, even though I know the planning board has the has the the role of of of draft, you know, drafting zoning and and and you know, creating zoning. Um but um so yeah, so it so it it it yeah, there's
there's way I there's got to be ways to tighten it up for sure. For sure. But I think it's also kind of, you know, some of that fuzziness is, you know, I don't know. I I understand why there's a little until we get into it, we won't know.
>> Yeah. So, so, um, who who is who is going to provide that kind of guidance >> beyond Carolyn? >> Yeah. >> So, what? So, sort of like the the town's >> primary person on the project. >> Yeah. Exactly. because I think the way
that Carolyn wrote her note here on that particular topic um this particular topic we're talking about um she closes with you know your town meeting best so we will work with you to determine the best course of action
that's her last sentence in that phase three section so who is you >> I mean this is >> well it's either you >> yeah it's addressed to both me and Nick so >> okay so the guidance in terms of I should say we need to do it right.
>> I'm not suggesting trying to save, you know, dollars in and and sacrificing what can be the document that we need in the end. >> So I I I don't want to do that, Liz. You know, I was just >> recognizing a significant difference, but but
>> you know this better than we all do, so there's probably good reason that Carolyn is projecting between 60 and 120 hours, and she can't project any better. So, >> you'll be it'll be you and Nick that will when she has a situation that requires,
>> you know, advice in terms of what we want, it'll be you and Nick that'll make that decision. >> It's a question, I guess, right? >> And it sounds like and it's a good question. >> Yeah. >> And it sounds like at this point we don't need to vote to accept to to do
phase three yet. And I think there's going to be information that comes out of phase one and phase two that are going to inform our focus. >> Okay. >> If that makes sense because we will we'll need to have a focus because I >> wholesale taking up a whole you know >> zoning but it it is that I don't see
that happening. >> Um but being able to assess after we do phase one and two >> where we want our focus to be that maybe will help us to narrow that. >> Okay. the number of >> I mean it still will be a little bit of a variable but um I think we'll be able
to target certain areas and say okay >> agreed >> and I would assume that um the building inspector would be part of it because he's the one who who reads it every day and applies for it >> you know applies it to projects so I
would think that you would start with him and he would he would say this is what needs to get fixed immediately >> I will abs I would love love love to have him be like a big part of this. I I I hate to sort of like volunteer anybody to be like a project manager. So, I'm
trying to I'm just trying to be sensitive to that, but he's definitely definitely like the like the key person, the the board of appeals for sure. um and and Michael and um and and and and Nick as well because he's he's he deals
with this stuff all the time as well that the phone calls go will go to the select board's office too, you know, hey, I want to run a 24-hour convenience store. Can I? And you just constant like constant that type of stuff. So, um it's uh
>> but I feel like all the in my opinion it all goes to the building inspector first and then he might say I don't know or >> but he gets all the phone calls first >> and then it only goes to the ZBA once he
denies an application. So, he has to put in a lot of manh hours um walking through, you know, the process with the resident before they even fill out an application. >> So, he would probably know how to make
it that first step easier. >> Yeah, he's got he's I know he's already got like a really lengthy list of things that he's already had issues with since he's been here. So, so he he's got a list I I believe there was a list from when they when they converted to the
e-code that that that company that group had already sort of identified like some of the in internal inconsistencies and and problems where it wasn't current with like state law. Um so there's that document as well. So that was why she had kind of said that zoning audit at
the outset is optional because there some of this work has been done. But, you know, I think the thing that really stuck out to me was, you know, sort of like this issue of like interpretation and and what have you. Like I think having having different, you know,
you've got different people in in in the mix now than you did when when that reotification was going on, I think in like like 20 21 maybe, something like that. Um, so that's why I'm kind of feeling like that phase one is probably worthwhile. It's probably probably worth
the money. um even though she's you know she's saying you could you could choose to to to do without it. Um but that's where she's talking about the you know the stakeholders the the you know concerns relative to interpretation and enforcement because those are really
really important. Um those that that's that's really those are really two key principles right there is interpretation and enforcement. Yeah, I I that should not be optional. That should be required. And you know what that reads
is that there'll be two working sessions which the building commissioner is going to be a part of. She wants that. >> I I think that's a must. >> It'd be crazy not to do that. >> So, >> okay. >> That's my opinion. >> Right. >> Yep.
>> Good. Well, I would say >> I don't know how soon she's ready to start ready to begin on on this. >> I just need to get >> soon vote at least on phase one, you know, because I think it even says phase two is informed by phase one.
>> So, it almost would be like >> do one step at a time. >> Well, >> or phase one and two. >> I haven't done one and two personally. I feel that way too, Jim. I I I kind of feel like we should we should authorize one and two uh together. Um
>> that's not going to encumber all our funds though. That's the only thing. >> Oh, so we should So what >> I need I need to I need to if it's I think that that the planning studies is use it or lose it. So So I need to encumber 272 before June 30. So would
you guys be comfortable encumbering up to that number for phase one and two and then part par part partial >> phase three >> if that's how if that how how they how Nick wants to put the contract together. I don't I don't necessarily do the
contract. >> Um >> I just want to make sure I get that encumbered. >> Can we Yeah. Can we have a general vote to well we voted to encumber the 27 >> 272 already >> for recottification >> for recottification right >> so perhaps we can keep that general
>> um move forward with phase one and two and then determine how we want to apply it to phase three when we get >> or I don't know
>> um would you consider this Meredith would would you consider consider would you consider approving um enough to accomplish the low total of the 442 and we don't know yet. We Carolyn
presents that as being >> the low total or we're we're interpreting as the low total. >> We approve the low total until we know that we need to spend more and then consider approving additional funds. Mhm. >> Yeah. >> That that way that makes sense.
>> That way at least we're not we're not doing it one step at a time where where we'll do it in a comprehensive approval. >> So and I think at that point if we need a second approval at that point we should know how much more we need. You know Caroline at that point might be able to say hey here's what I think you need
>> either that full additional >> 44 >> right doing that >> the low total approve of 442. >> Yep. That's that works. >> So we don't lose the momentum. >> Right. >> Right. >> Correct.
>> And at the same time, I think we are being responsible. We don't we shouldn't approve something that we don't know that we need, which is the second 20,000. You know, we may need it, but >> but I don't think we should approve it if we don't definitively know that we need it.
>> Absolutely. I'm in agree with that. >> Yep. >> Okay. Good. Good start. >> All right. So, we should take a vote on that. Um, if I could have a motion. >> So, that we need a motion to encumber
for the 44th to >> that we are voting for >> or did we already make a we already made a motion for 27 >> to encumber that money? Right. That >> was a vote. Yeah. >> Oh, go ahead. Go ahead. >> I was going to say, >> so is it the difference between 442 and
27 >> or is it the total? >> No. So, so do you do you do you want me to try to try to walk you through it? >> Um, so the 35,000 that's that's shown here as FY27 planning studies that that
has to be voted at town meeting, right? >> So, I'm sorry. I'm sorry, guys. I'm so rusty. I'm so rusty. If you get if that vote goes through, then this money I think in theory is available. So so so
it the I believe that we'd be able to to sign a contract that would get you up to that 442. So that will encumber the FY26 money and then the balance will come out of that 35 that gets voted at town meeting. I think that's how it can work.
I think the contract can get signed once that once that vote goes through. Um, I don't know. I don't And and the and the the money the 27 and change will be available before June 30 and then the balance probably won't be available until after July 1. So um so I think I
think the vote is to is to um move forward with a contract for for the 442 >> recodification >> for the recotification. >> That's all we Okay. So, I'll make a motion to move forward with the
recodification in the amount of 44,200. >> There second. >> Yep. All in favor? >> Okay, great. It's going to be so great to have them working on it in the house. So,
that being the last um item on our agenda, um if there is anything else and if there's anything else that anyone wants on a future agenda, please um reach out to Liz or myself. But with that, um we will conclude Tim's
last final meeting. Would you like to make the motion to adjurnn? >> Make a motion to adjourn my last meeting. Is there a second? >> I'll second. >> All in favor? >> All right. Thank you all. >> Thank you.