by Frank Schroth

The second night of Town Meeting began where the first left off — with a discussion of Article 15. This article, submitted jointly by the Board of Selectmen and Town Government Study Committee, would authorize the Selectmen to petition the legislature to allow them to appoint a strong Town Administrator. It is a signicant change in authority. It moves responsibility for day to day operations to the administrator and enables the Selectmen to focus on long term strategy and policy for the town.

The argument for making the change is that Milton, being a $100 million operation, requires a full-time dedicated resource focused on the delivery of town services: personnel, budgets, etc. and frees the Selectmen to focus their attention on long term issues that affect (or will affect) the the town’s future.

When the session resumed, Town Meeting Member James G. Mullen (Precinct 5) voiced concerns about the change and having Town Meeting make such “a major, major decision.” He noted that he is “the only living person who has 15 years as a member of the Board of Selectmen” and went on to state that the decision would “put too much authority in one individual [which] is not good for democracy” and that in doing this “We the people would lose our voice.”

Mr. Mullen made a motion to amend the article which, if passed, would put the question of a strong Town Aministrator on a ballot to the voters of the town in 2016.

Terry McNeil (Precinct 3) argued against the motion stating that Town Meeting is “representative democracy [and that] it is incumbent on us to move the town forward.” He did not see the value in drawing the matter out further. He noted, “Change is hard and change is necessary.”

TMM Susan Kiernan (Precinct 6) said “it makes me wonder what is left for the Board of Selectmen to do.”

The article was unanimously supported by the current Board of Selectmen and the Town Government Study Committee, three members of which are former Selectmen (Rick Neely, Marvin Gordon, and Kathy Fagan).

The moderator called a voice vote and ruled that the motion to amend was defeated; but a standing vote was called for. If 7 Town Meeting Members doubt the Moderator has heard a voice vote correctly, they can request a standing vote be taken. They do this by standing in their place. To the bewilderment of some, there were at least 7 TMMs who doubted the Moderator’s decision. A standing vote was taken and the motion to amend was defeated 158 to 57.

Town Counsel John Flynn spoke to the matter central to the article: the appointment and removal of department heads by the Town Administrator. This was of special concern to several town meeting members. Flynn noted that the change would not affect the current “Strong Fire Chief Act.” He said that while the appointment would change the remainder of the act would stay in force. Town Meeting Member Malcolm Larson (Precinct 1), who is also former Fire Chief, spoke of the “low bar” regarding possible dismissal and felt terms and conditions for temination should be simlar to those for the Town Administrator. A friendly amendment was made and accepted for language that satisfied Mr. Larson’s concerns.

The article to move forward with a strong Town Administrator passed.

Articles 16 through 30 also passed, most unanimously. Highlights include:

Article 16 – The appointment of an IT committee composed of 5 members to be appointed by the moderator to work with all town departments and committees, give advice and make recommendations regarding a strategic plan for town-wide technology. The article was modified by the Town Government Study Committee from what was printed in the warrant. The original article specified that the School Committee and Board of Selectmen each appoint a member. The revision has the moderator make all the appointments. In addition, a friendly amendment was made to have the members terms staggered. There was no amount of funds requested or appropriated for this committee.

Brendan McLaughlin – photo by Brian Kelley

Article 28 – The appropriation for the Milton Public Library – Diane DiTullio Agostino had questions regarding the interest from library trust funds. She referred back to concerns she had voiced about the Council on Aging funding, Milton’s growing senior population, and elder abuse during Article 17 which included the Council on Aging’s appropriation. It was unclear to this observer exactly what was being asked for. Kris Hodlin, Chair of the Library Board of Trustees, explained that the funds are managed in an investment portfolio by the trustees and that the interest is used to supplement book and materials purchases. John Hajjar (Precinct 9) argued against the library appropriation, which he noted was a 10.5% increase. He said it should be kept at 2.5%. Former Trustee Brendan McLaughlin (Precinct 3) rebutted that saying the library was “an institution that is working well” and “is a success story.” He cited the comment in the warrant which noted that the library, since re-opening 6 years ago, has experienced a 57% increase in circulation, a 79% increase in attendance, and a 178% increase in computer use while only seeing a 3% increase in staffing. Chair of the Warrant Committee Ted Hays also noted that the library has seen a significant increase in energy cost due to a reliance on electricity which has seen a jump in rates. The article passed.

Article 30 –  The appropriation for Parks and Recreation. Earl Fay (Precinct 1) asked for an amendment to add a line of $250 to fund Special Needs programs, and that a similar amout be taken out of Reserve Fund. Town Meeting Members can make recommendations to change funding but when asking for an increase to one line item or budget, they need to identify a corresponding line item from which that amount will be taken. After some discussion it was understood that there had been a $1000 amount earmarked for special needs programs but had been inadvertently left out of this budget. Mr. Hays said that the Warrant Committee did not approve moving funds but would amend the budget to add $1k to Special Needs from the General Expenses. Mr. Fay said he “would stand his ground.” No member of the Parks and Recreation board was present nor was their department head Dave Perdios to speak to the issue. Resolution arrived when Beirne Lovely (Precinct 9) offered to personally cover the $250 allocation. All parties were satisfied and the motion passed.

Town Meeting will resume tonight at 7:30.