by Frank Schroth

At last Thursday’s meeting of the Board of Selectmen issues discussed included but were not limited to: a update from Tom Hurley regarding the citizens petition to form a government study committee, a discussion with Emily Innes, Chairman of the Planning Board on a Warrant article for a new master plan, and a review of housing issues with Bill Clark.

Mr. Hurley met with Michael Joyce, Town Meeting Member of Precinct 3, to discuss the Special Meeting article calling for a committee to be appointed by the Town Moderator to review town government. Hurley noted that the problem is “we already have a committee [that is] basically studying the same thing.”

Joyce had appeared before the Selectmen and informed them of a Citizens petition he had filed to look at Milton’s form of town government. After Joyce left the session the Selectmen decided to form a committee with a similar charge. Their committee has been appointed and consists of former Town Administrator John Cronin, former Warrant Committee Chair Kathleen Conlon, School Committee member Leroy Walker, Chair of the Warrant Committee Ewan Innes, Ann Marie Fagan, Assistant Town Administrator, and resident Robert Gatnik. The Selectmen also hope to appoint a former member of the Board of Selectmen to the group. Mr. Hurley has said he would be willing to take the seat in the event a former Selectman is unavailable.

The Warrant committee voted to “recommend that the Town vote to authorize the Town a Town Moderator to appoint a Town Government Study Committee.” Hurley reported that he and Joyce met over coffee and Hurley offered to revise the composition of the committee to include two people who had nothing to do with government. However, Joyce indicated that he wanted the article to move forward.

Should Town Meeting pass the article, Hurley recommended that the Selectmen modify the charge of their committee to focus on streamlining operations of town departments and leave the 2nd committee to focus on the form of town government. That is, evaluating whether Milton should move to a Town Manager or Mayor and Town Council.

Neither Mr. Sweeney nor Mr. Shields made any comments.

In other business:

• Emily Innes, Chair of the Planning Board, met with the Selectmen to discuss upcoming articles for Annual Town Meeting that relate to zoning. The conversation focused primarily on an article to fund the development of a new master plan for the town. Innes noted that towns are required to have a master plan under Massachusetts General Law (Chap 41, Section 81D). The master plan lays out policies regarding  land use and development. Milton’s plan has not been updated since 1974. It was noted that while Milton is largely built out, master plans can guide re-development. Innes said the budget for the plan is still being researched. She estimates it will be between $100 – 200K with it more likely being on the lower end. She is researching what other towns such as Foxboro have recently spent. Bob Sweeney would like to see the exercise of a new plan explore how more business tax revenue could be generated from existing commercial districts. The master plan for Winchester was cited by both Innes and Hurley as an interesting example. Hurley commented that the two towns are remarkable similar.  You can find the first phase of Winchester’s master plan here.

• Planning Director Bill Clark also met with the Selectmen to discuss housing. The developers of 36 Central Avenue would like to have consideration given to converting two affordable units to subsidized housing. This can be done through a Local Initiative Program (LIP). Guidelines for this can be downloaded here. Clark also encouraged residents to where their property is relative to the Milton flood plain. Lastly, Clark made a passing reference to the Hendries property which triggered a quick reaction from Selectman Shields who voiced his frustration over lack of progress, “When are we going to move forward?” he asked. Clark explained that the Planning Board had not received the materials it requested from the developer, Connelly Construction. In meetings with the developer’s team they state, “We are not there yet.” There are outstanding issues regarding traffic plan, landscaping, and resolution of a possible FAR (Floor Area Ratio) bonus. Shields reiterated, “It’s really frustrating.” Clark noted “It is frustrating on both sides.” Connelly is scheduled to appear before the Planning Board this Thursday to continue the hearing. At that time it is hoped that he is going to serve up a Hendries triple scoop as it were of landscaping plans, traffic study, and massing study.

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