The 10/6 session of the Milton Board of Selectmen largely focused on a variety of issues. Mr. Shields raised some thoughts about how Citizens Speak is conducted. He recommended that the board consider limiting speakers to a reasonable length, perhaps 2 – 3 minutes. he also suggested that the board refrain from engaging with the speakers and offering any immediate response. His feeling was that it could sometimes color the tone and tenor of the meeting adversely depending on the topic etc. The School Committee has a similar policy of not immediately responding to issues and questions raised during Citizens Speak. The other members, Hurley and Sweeney agreed. The board will revisit the issue and formally establish the policy at a future meeting.
Chief Wells appeared before the board to make his recommendations regarding two positions on the force. Earlier this week the board interviewed 4 candidates for two positions. Wells recommended Kelly Little and Timothy Doyle for the patrolmen slots. The selectmen (and the Chief) all commented that the 4 nominees were impressive and the choice difficult. Hurley asked the Chief to explain his recommendation. The Chief cited their experience with the 911 dispatch. “911 is a control center.” He mentioned Mr. Doyle’s ability to function superbly while coping with some personal adversity. He also spoke to the diversity on the force and said female officers had “changed the face of the department’ in positive ways. She will be “the 12th or 13th female officer” on a force of 50.
Chief also spoke to the benefits of the cadet program. About of a third of the force comes from the cadet program and Wells said he expects a cadet will sometime be a future chief.
The board discussed two issues. One was the appointment of a committee to study town government. A motion was made by Selectman Hurley to appoint the committee consisting of someone with a background in provate sector management, a member of the Board of Selectmen, a Town administration member, a Warrant Committee member, a member of the School Committee (or School Administration) and a member of the general public. The principal objective is to see what changes if any can be made to improve look at how the town can be more efficient and economical. This would include but not be limited to the form of town government, regionalization opportunities, and benefits of enhanced technology. Residents interested in serving on the committee should contact the Selectmen’s office. Shields stated that he “felt this is a good idea.’ He also commended Town Meeting Member Mike Joyce, who filed a citizens petition regarding the formation of a similar committee, for bringing the issue forward.
They also discussed the proposed 40B developement at 711 Randolph Avenue. Mr. Shields recommended taking a proactive approach. He believes the number of units proposed (over 90) excessive and expressed special concern over traffic impacts. Sweeney shared his concerns especially regarding school enrollments. Hurley understood the concerns but advocated looking at strategies that would pre-empt such efforts. He is in favor of a plan that responsibly integrates affordable housing into Milton and would help deflect 40B efforst such as the one proposed. A motion was made and approved to engage with Town Counsel on how to see after town interests and discuss possibility of retaining a special counsel to advise on the matter.
Other business included but was not limited to:
Representative Walter Timilty appeared before the board to inform them of two important items: 1) a hearing on the Wind Turbine that will take place at Barnstable High regarding a bill that would effectively bar Milton from building any wind turbines. Milton has been seeking to erect a turbine on town land that abuts the Granite Links Golf Course. Timilty does not believe the bill will pass and will be present and encouraged interested townspeople to attend the hearing which will be on October 20th. You can call his office 617-722-2230 with questions 2) The supplemental budget is about to be approved. It also includes an amendment recommending that the town receive a 25 year lease for the Ulin Rink. This has been an issue for some time. Curry College is currently managing the rink. However, the town only has a temporary permit. For any entity to manage the rink on a secure financial footing requires a long-term commitment. The lease would provide that and Timilty is hopeful the budget will pass with lease provision intact.
Ewan Innnes, Chairman of the Warrant Committee, and Emily Innes, Chairman of the Planning Board, appeard to discuss Special Town Meeting datesa and status of citizens petition for redeveloping St. Elizabeth’s property. Mr. Innes outlined time frame pressures. Scheduling a town meeting (Special or not) can be logistically challenging. The warrant needs to be circulated to teh twon in advance and there is a print deadline that needs to me be met. And then there is the committee work that has to be completed to compose recommendations etc. in time to meet that deadline etc. in short, they agreed that Special Town Meeting will take place on January 30th. The warrant for that meeting will close on November 17th.