This evening’s Town Meeting largely dealt with approving a number of revolving funds for various departments.

There were however, several notable items.

The citizens petition to withdraw from the Norfolk County Mosquito was defeated after a fair amount of debate. Marjorie Jeffries, one of the citizens who signed the petition spoke at length. Her point being that the level of risk of contracting Equine Encephalitis or West Nile Virus. People spoke on both sides of the issue, but the majority spoke in support of staying within the program. Their principal arguments being that one reason the risk was low was that the mosquito prevention was effective and that the diseases were life threatening and consequently warranted the preventive measures.

More information can be found at the Norfolk Commission’s web site here.

Town Meeting Member Todd Greenwood re-opened the article regarding providing the funding required to keep the East Milton Branch Library open. This was an issue very close to the residents of East Milton. After deliberations a voice vote was taken but ten members stood up to request a stand up vote. The result was 132 vs 79 to retain the decision to maintain original appropriation.

After considerable discussion the Town Meeting approved the article 42 to pursue installation of wind turbines.

Town Meeting also went with Warrant Committee’s recommendation to refer the Blue Hill Ave Institutional/Business Overlay District back to the Planning Board for further review.

During a lull in the proceedings, Ms Innes, chairman of the Planning Board spoke about the recent survey they conducted. There were 693 responses.  They expect to release the full results next week and make those available on the town web site and hold a public meeting to discuss.

Lastly, the article to consolidate town and school properties was approved.