I take notes during Town Meeting. They are not official in any way. As I listen to people speak, I type notes. I’m sure that, at times, I mishear or misunderstand the speaker, but my notes represent what I hear at the time. I try to publish the notes every night after the meeting, as time allows. I do go back and make a few edits as errors are pointed out to me.  I do not try to reproduce my entire notes for this online version. Sometimes I relay a quote from a specific speaker. Most of the time I only summarize the discussion. At points I give a purely personal opinion; those are clearly labeled like this: Personal note.

Town Meeting Member Charles Gallagher played the national anthem.

The moderator noted we can finish tonight.

Announcements

• Sean Harrington – Honorable mention for Mr. Worden in a photography award.
• Angela Olszewski – Historical events and volunteers
• Gordon Jamieson – Collection day Saturday from 9-1
• Kevin Greeley – Town Hall Centennial on June 7. Buy your tickets!

Article 3

Trembly – Tree Committee report.
We dissolved a number of committees – the list was too long for me to jot down.

Article 3 is tabled

Article 35 – Sewer Finance

2/3 required, approved.

Article 36 – Water Finance

unanimous

Article 37 – Committees

unanimous

Article 38 – Celebrations

unanimous

Article 39 – Miscellaneous

unanimous

Article 40 – Water Bodies

Question about salinity testing. Comment on drainage water going into Spy Pond. Question on the size of the appropriation.  Approved.

Article 41 – Eminent Domain for Mass Ave/60 Intersection

I introduced the article and explained that it had no appropriation.  It’s for temporary taking for construction, and a few permanent to install handicap ramps.  Questions on the proposed plan. parking.  and notification. The plan is on the town website.  Speakers were opposed. Mark McCabe moved to terminate. Passed on voice (2/3 vote)

Article 43 – Harry Barber

unanimous

Article 44 – Historic Signs

$20,000 in signage.  Speakers were opposed because we haven’t seen a sign design yet. Speakers were in favor because it advances Arlington’s cultural and commercial goals. There was concern that this program would support non-profits rather than the town. As Chris Loreti left the podium, he called the signs “a poster child for the opposition of the tax override that is being planned by the people behind me.” To be clear: Barring some revolutionary transformation of the tax structure in this state, the town will need another tax override. I don’t know if we’ll need it in 2017 or 2020 or somewhere in between, but we will need it. I suppose you can characterize that override as being planned by the people behind Mr. Loreti, but it’s a plan that has been endorsed by the people in front of him when they approved the budget, and endorsed by the people at the ballot box at the last override and at other town elections. As with all things in this town, there is no them-and-us; there is only us.  One final thought: this appropriation is for $20,000; the projected budget for 2019 is more than $150,000,000; the projected budget gap is about $9,000,000. That’s 450 “poster children.” Clarissa Rowe noted that this appropriation is in support of tourism. There was more discussion of the potential design. Sean Harrington moved terminate debate, and it was. Appropriation was approved

Article 45 – Uncle Sam Sign

Lawrence McKinney gave the presentation in support of the appropriation. Question about how the money will be expended. A speaker complained that debate was going on too long. Nathan Swilling moved to terminate debate and it was. Approved.

Article 46 – Pension Adjustment

Approved unanimously.

Article 47 – OPEB

Unanimous

Article 48 – Override Stabilization Fund

Stephen Harrington asked a question about the long term planning projections – he wasn’t happy with the proposed motion. Charlie Foskett explained the long term planning process. Al Tosti explained that we’re saving more than we expected (back in 2011) because of the GIC and other spending reductions.

We had a 10 minute break

John Maher moved to terminate debate and it was. Appropriation approved.

Article 49 – Long Term Stabilization Fund

Approved unanimously.

Article 50 – Overlay Reserve

Question on the size of the appropriation. Approved.

Article 51 – Tip Fee Stabilization Fund

Al Tosti noted that this is the end of NESWC. Approved unanimously.

Article 52 – Transfer of Cemetery Funds

Approved unanimously.

Article 53 – Unencumbered Funds

Approved unanimously.

Article 3 was taken from the table.

Town Meeting was dissolved.

I take notes during Town Meeting. They are not official in any way. As I listen to people speak, I type notes. I’m sure that, at times, I mishear or misunderstand the speaker, but my notes represent what I hear at the time. I try to publish the notes every night after the meeting, as time allows. I do go back and make a few edits as errors are pointed out to me.  I do not try to reproduce my entire notes for this online version. Sometimes I relay a quote from a specific speaker. Most of the time I only summarize the discussion. At points I give a purely personal opinion; those are clearly labeled like this: Personal note.

Town Meeting Member Charles Gallagher played the national anthem.

The moderator noted we might finish Wednesday. I had been hoping that we finish tonight – but it wasn’t meant to be. We took our time with the budgets over the last two nights.

•  Marvin Lewiton announced a large cancer study that Arlington is an enrollment center for and invited others to participate. cancer.org/cps3ne
•  Patricia Worden gave the report and history of the Affordable Housing Task Force. It has not met in five years. She asked that the task force be dissolved.
•  Sean Harrington Monday May 13th benefit show for Krystle Campbell Memorial. regenttheatre.com
•  Barbara Costa gave the report of the Arlington Cultural Commission.
•  Angela Olszewski was confused about whether we were in reports or announcements. She’s right; we have not been careful about the delineation.
•  Bob Tosi announced that May 11 US Postal Service food drive. Arlington Food Pantry.

Article 3 taken from the table.

•  Brucie Moulton gave the Vision 2020 report.

Article 31 – Budgets continued

Education, continued: Stephen Harrington moved to increase the education budget by $300,000. He said he also intended to move to place less in the stabilization fund as well in order to balance the budget. He suggested the money be used to reduce student activity fees. FinComm Chair Al Tosti spoke. He requested that substantive amendments be provided in advance – it would be appreciated. Tosti noted that in past years changes in state aid, good and bad, are shared by the town and school budget. Tosti noted the history of school budget increases. He noted that this motion would violate the agreements and commitments of the 3-year plan. Carl Wagner asked if a motion to terminate debate was in order. He was told that it was in order, but he was not permitted to make the motion because he had said other words. I disagree with the enforcement of this rule. The spirit of the rule is that you shouldn’t be able to both speak to an issue and terminate debate; you can only do one. Carl Wagner did not speak to the issue, even obliquely, so his motion to terminate should have been in order. Gordon Jamieson asked for the rationale for the amount of $300,000 – Mr. Harrington said it was the amount of unexpected revenue. Superintendent Kathy Bodie was asked what she’d do with the money, and she feels bound by the 3-year plan. Mr. Harris disagreed with some of the arguments of both sides. “The last time we reduced fees we had a plan. This time, we’re apparently hoping for a visit from the magical fee fairies” – it got a chuckle from the crowd.  Mark McCabe moved to terminate debate, which carried 142-45.

Tosti moved to table Articles 31-33 so that the Minuteman Superintendent could speak.  A loud minority forced a standing vote on the motion to table. 145-41 we tabled.

Article 34 – Minuteman Vocational

Tosti asked for 10 minutes for the presentation which was granted. Superintendent Bouquillon gave a presentation on the school district’s budget. He also gave an update on the school rebuild feasibility study. In answer to a question, we found that Arlington is 34% of the operating budget. Six towns have approved the budget, and 6 are voting tonight, so the budget will probably get it’s 11 required votes tonight. Dean Carmen talked about the problems with the regional agreement – we have 1/16 of the votes but 1/3 of the budget.  Bouquillon noted that the feasibility study is looking at two numbers for school size – a member-only version and a version that includes non-member students. Chris Loreti asked about marketing money – the answer is that they market to students, and not about the school rebuild project.  There was a question about enrollment numbers. Michael Ruderman asked about whether or not Dr. Bouquillon was going to leave the school district, and it was ruled out of order. Swilling moved to terminate debate.  Budget approved.

Break for 10 minutes.

31-33 came back from the table.

Article 31 – Budgets continued

Libraries. The budget does meet state requirements. John Deyst talked about the finance committee process.

Reserve Fund. Ted Peluso thinks the budget process within Town Meeting is broken.  I can’t say that I agree with him on this point.  As time goes by, the process has to keep changing, and there are improvements that can and should be made.  But broken is a strong word.   I think Churchill said it best: “Town Meeting is the worst form of government except for all those others that have been tried.”  Or, at least, that’s what he should have said.

Water and Sewer. We don’t borrow all the money we could because we don’t have the revenue to repay it.

Stephen Harrington’s amendment went down 42-127.  He asked for roll call, but he did not have enough support to force one.  I note that next year this won’t be an issue.  Electronic voting will get us roll call records for votes like this without any additional effort.  Of course, I voted against it.  The integrity of our multi-year planning process depends on us sticking to our commitments to spending limits.

Budgets were approved.

Article 32 – Special Education Reserve Fund

Transferring funds from last year to this year – no new appropriation. Approved unanimously

Article 33 – Capital Budget

Charlie Foskett gave the report of the committee. He outlined the people, process, and major projects that are in progress. Chris Loreti moved that the money proposed for the parking study be changed to pay for new trees instead. There were questions on the school fire alarm and the school clocks.  I spoke about parking and the trees, and I tried to explain how one of the problems is already managed and the other one isn’t.  We need to manage parking better. Question about ADA. Question about leases and software licenses being capital – they are. My notes are thin here as I was listening more than taking notes. Carl Wagner moved to terminate debate. It was terminated. Loreti’s amendment defeated by voice vote. Capital budget approved through the several procedural votes.

We adjourned.  I feel like we came up about a half-hour short of a 5-night meeting.  We’ll finish Wednesday, and hopefully early.

I take notes during Town Meeting. They are not official in any way. As I listen to people speak, I type notes. I’m sure that, at times, I mishear or misunderstand the speaker, but my notes represent what I hear at the time. I try to publish the notes every night after the meeting, as time allows. I do go back and make a few edits as errors are pointed out to me.  I do not try to reproduce my entire notes for this online version. Sometimes I relay a quote from a specific speaker. Most of the time I only summarize the discussion. At points I give a purely personal opinion; those are clearly labeled like this: Personal note.

Jane Howard led the meeting in the national anthem.

Moderator John Leone announced that all precincts should have organized – elected chairs and clerks.

We will return on Monday May 6. That will hopefully be the last night of this year’s Town Meeting!

Announcements

•  Town Manager Adam Chapdelaine reported on the compensation study, and provided a memo.
•  Town Manager asked everyone to take the website survey.
•  Sean Harrington announced the Republican Committee meeting for tomorrow at 7:30 Senior Center.
•  Jane Howard announced the Spy Pond Trails Day cleanup on the 11th from 9-1.
•  Gordon Jamieson – Collection Day is May 11th 9-1
•  Beth Ann Friedman: SNAC meeting 87 Medford tomorrow at 7:15pm.

Article 3

• John Cole gave the Permantent Town Building Committee report. He updated on the town’s building projects, including the Public Safety building and Thompson School.
• School Committee Chair Judson Pierce introduced School Committee report. Superintendent Kathleen Bodie gave the full report.
• Laurence McKinney gave the report of the Uncle Sam Committee.

Article 25 – Personal Property Exemption

Moderator John Leone stepped down for this article because he has a (small) financial interest in this matter. Assistant Moderator Jim O’Conor took over. I introduced Director of Assessments John Speidel. There were several questions. I regret that I didn’t emphasize that this article was about $3100 in total revenue. With 252 people in Town Meeting, you could have paid us all $12.30 with the revenue we just passed up! Terminate debate from Paul Schlictman. Approved.

Article 31 – Budgets

Board of Selectmen – Question on expense calculation.
IT – Question on Assessor’s software. Questions on job titles that were changed. Question on school budget for IT. There was a question about the new systems analyst postion. CTO David Good explained that we have a “hole in our skill set.” We’re not good at counseling other departments in how they can use IT to improve business processes. This position will help us do that.
Treasurer – He intends to fill his vacant position. There were questions on salary increases, expenses, and overtime. There was confusion on budgeted v. actual.
Legal – Stephen Harrington asked questions on the cost of the lawsuit against the town.
Planning – Budget growth is largely from picking up declining CDBG funding.
ZBA – Question on increase in salary.
DPW – Question on salt usage and equipment choices. Stuart Cleinmann praised the DPW for their response to the microburst. There was a question on the brick holes in the sidewalk in front of Town Hall. There was a question on the “snow graveyard” remediation. The new trash policy was discussed. There was a question on street cleaning. There was a question about too much salt on lawns. Several questions on trees. This debate went on for an hour – I think people forgot you can call the question. Question on sidewalk repair. There was more discussion of trees.
Community Safety – Question on police budgeting and enforcement. There was a discussion of brush and fire risk. Paul Schlictman asked for more parking enforcement and revenue. There was a question on park patrolling.
Inspections – Question on Symmes.
Education – There was a question on Chapter 70 aid and kindergarten. There was a question on high school science MCAS scores. There was a question on user fees for athletics.

We got real slow today – lots of questions that can be asked before the meeting were asked during the meeting.  I hope that we can still finish on Monday.

 

I take notes during Town Meeting. They are not official in any way. As I listen to people speak, I type notes. I’m sure that, at times, I mishear or misunderstand the speaker, but my notes represent what I hear at the time. I try to publish the notes every night after the meeting, as time allows. I do go back and make a few edits as errors are pointed out to me.  I do not try to reproduce my entire notes for this online version. Sometimes I relay a quote from a specific speaker. Most of the time I only summarize the discussion. At points I give a purely personal opinion; those are clearly labeled like this: Personal note.

Jane Howard led the meeting in the national anthem.

Moderator John Leone made two announcements. Precincts 8-14 need to organize tonight. Boy’s lacrosse is having a bake sale outside.

Announcements

• I introduced the visitors from our sister city Nagaokakyo. The Cherry Blossom festival is Friday at at Ottoson School. The leader of the delegation extended his thanks to Arlington.
• I announced that the Attorney General had already approved the vote of the Special Town Meeting in regard to leaf blowers, and will become effective after the change is advertised on May 9. This is record time for such an approval!
• Gordon Jamieson asked how to inquire about legal questions. The moderator replied that a legal question about a vote is a legitimate point of information.
• Clarissa Rowe reported on progress for the Books for Bill program and invited members to talk to her during the break.
• Roland Chaput announced a cleanup of Robbins Park 9-1 on Saturday.
• Diane Mahon announced a Saturday cleanup of Hill’s Hill by the Summer Street Association at 9AM.
• Diane Mahon reported on the AHS basketball and cheerleaders banquet.
• Sean Harrington announced for Thursday at the Senior center.

Article 3 – Reports

• Stephen Gilligan gave the report of the treasurer.
• Gordon Jamieson asked for the dissolution of the bus shelter and liberty ride committees. It was granted.
• Diane Mahon asked for the dissolution of the leaf blower committee. It was granted.

Al Tosti moved to table Article 3.

Article 13 – New Animal Laws

Juliana Rice explained that the state has passed a new set of laws. This proposal updates our bylaw to fit the new state law and incorporates some other items that are already in practice. Zarina Memon asked several questions. She is opposed to the change. There were discussions of some of the detailed language and several corrections of typos. Mark McCabe moves to terminate debate. Debate was terminated. The new bylaw was passed.

Article 14 – Self-serve gasoline

I spoke, and said that this article was brought forward by 10 voters. Selectmen discussed the safety issues, ADA, and other considerations. Carl Wagner spoke. He had proposed this change, but is no longer in favor. The Master Plan (and others) should look at it. He urged the town meeting to vote it down quickly and move on. Mr. Worden proposed an amendment: permit self-serve, but require full-service. Paul Schlichtman terminate. Worden’s amendment went down. The main motion went down.

Article 15 – Utility Poles

John Leonard proposed a resolution that the selectmen ensure that all double poles and other utility pole issues be resolved in 90 days. I was opposed to the resolution. I complete agree that the poles are a problem and the town should work on it. We have adopted a new policy and put in some levers to get change in the future.  But a resolution that demands the problem be fixed in 90 days just isn’t a reasonable resolution.  I would have preferred a more realistic resolution.  A speaker was in favor, and one against.  A speaker wants us to bury the lines.   Swilling moves to terminate. debate is terminated.  Leonard’s motion was substituted and approved.

Article 16 – Safe Streets

No action

Article 17 – Overnight Parking Fees

Jim Ballin proposed a  resolution asking the selectmen to lower the parking fees. I noted that the issue will be on the agenda this summer and that we value the opinions of town meeting members.  Several speakers were in favor.

We took a 10-minute break.

Mark McCabe moved to terminate debate. The resolution was substituted and passed.

Articles 18, 19, and 20

All voted no action

Article 21 – Evens Maurice

Bill Hayner said we should take a look at the rules more carefully. Carl Wagner said we should use existing rules, and we shouldn’t allow this to happen. In a more perfect world, I’d agree with Mr. Hayner and Mr. Wagner.  In this case, we are stuck between two terrible options by state law.  The exception granting process is a way to mitigate the bad options.  The real solution here is a change to civil service law by the state. Moore moved to terminate the debate. The motion was approved.

Article 22

Voted no action.

Article 23 – Public Art Fund

I noted that this article has no appropriation and no appropriation is contemplated at this time.  Stephen Harrington was opposed because he thinks it will be an appropriation. Several speakers were in favor. A vote to terminate debate failed.  Several more speakers were in favor.  Debate was terminated and the fund was approved.

Article 24 – Retirement Board Compensation

I noted it doesn’t affect retirement or health insurance benefits. John Bilafer spoke for several minutes about what the board does. Chris Loreti was opposed.  In Loreti’s speech, he referred to the board’s meeting minutes, and how the minutes talked about sending a member to a conference in Hawaii.  It was an attempt to paint the board as a cushy, perk-filled job where the members vote each other favors.  What Mr. Loreti didn’t say is that no one actually went on the trip.  A juicy sound bite, but lacking in substance when you find the real story. Other speakers were in favor. Mark McCabe terminated debate.  Passed 88-81.

Article 25 – Personal Property Exemption

Postponed to Wednesday because Assessors are out tonight.

Article 26 – Local Option Taxes

No action.

Article 27 – CDBG

I talked about the declining funding for CDBG.  We are trying to move programs to private charities where we can.  We are trying to prioritize and support health programs first.  There were several questions.  The motion was approved.

Article 28 – Revolving Funds

There were several questions and demands for more reports on spending.  The article was approved.

Article 29 – Collective Bargaining

One union still is not under contract.  This reserves money for future appropriation. Approved.

Article 30 – Positions Reclassification

No discussion.  Approved.

Article 31 – Budgets

With 9 minutes to go before 11, we adjourned early rather than take up the budgets.

At this pace, we are in a good position to have two nights left.  We can do most of the budgets on Wednesday, finish up any budgets and spending articles the following Monday.  Let’s hope we keep the pace up!

I take notes during Town Meeting. They are not official in any way. As I listen to people speak, I type notes. I’m sure that, at times, I mishear or misunderstand the speaker, but my notes represent what I hear at the time. I try to publish the notes every night after the meeting, as time allows. I do go back and make a few edits as errors are pointed out to me.  I do not try to reproduce my entire notes for this online version. Sometimes I relay a quote from a specific speaker. Most of the time I only summarize the discussion. At points I give a purely personal opinion; those are clearly labeled like this: Personal note.

Arlington Town Meeting of 2013 was called to order by Moderator John Leone.

The meeting sang the National Anthem led by Town Meeting Member Jane Howard on the piano.

Father John J. Graham from St. Agnes gave the invocation.

Moderator Leone gave his remarks.  He talked about the history of Arlington’s town meeting.  He reminded members that any substitute motion or amendment needs to be provided at least 48 hours before the article is discussed.  He invited members to join the town meeting member email list.  He talked about the improved civility last year and and asked for it to further improve.  He remarked on some of the terrible events of this year, and we had a moment of silence.

Town Manager Adam Chapdelaine talked about the condolence books in the front entry way for town residents to sign.  He reported on how the Arlington police department was involved in the week’s activities.  The department was given a standing ovation.

New members to town meeting were sworn in.  They were welcomed with applause. Returning members were sworn in.

I made the motion for the annual vote about seating rules.  The only people allowed “on the floor” are Town Meeting Members and various officials; guests and observers should watch from the balcony.

We voted to reconvene on Wednesday.

Article 2 – State of the Town

I gave the state of the town.

Announcements and Resolutions

• Jim O’Conor talked about joining town meeting member email list.
• Selectman Kevin Greeley announced the upcoming 100th anniversery of Town Hall.  Tickets can be bought at Leader Bank or the Selectment’s office.

Article 3 – Reports of Committees

Many of these reports can be found on the town website.

• I gave the report of the Board of Selectmen, and introduced the board and department heads. I hadn’t remembered the introduction part – that was last minute, and I forgot three people.

• Al Tosti gave the FinComm report and introduced members of the committee.

• Bruce Fitzimmons gave the ARB report and introduced the committee.

• The electronic voting study report was given by Eric Helmuth.  He gave a 10-minute presentation about electronic voting, and showed a video from votevideos.wordpress.com.

• William Logan asked that the Zoning Bylaw Review Committee be dissolved, and it was.

The moderator said that several committees were ripe for dissolution, and that at the end of town meeting he was inclined to ask for several of them to be ended.

Al Tosti moved that all motions within the reports be incorporated as the main motions for the relevant articles.

Article 3 was tabled.

Article 4 – Measurer of Wood and Bark

I moved that Elsie Fiore be appointed, and she was.

Article 5 – Election of Assistant Town Moderator

Michelle Durocher nominated Jim O’Conor.  No other nominations.  He was elected.

Article 6 – Accessory Apartments

Voted no action.

Articles 7 and 8 – Medical Marijuana Zoning and 1-year Building Moratorium

ARB chair Bruce Fitzsimmons introduce the articles as a collaboration with department heads and the town manager. He noted that if both articles fail, dispensaries can open in the near future as a regular retail use. He said they are not trying to say no to these stores, they are trying to say not yet. A couple speakers spoke against 7 because of children and neighbors, but yes on 8.  They didn’t think that Arlington Center was a good location, but what those speakers didn’t suggest was where they thought it should be permitted.  Stephen Harrington moved to table article 7 so that the moratorium can be considered first.The motion to table failed on a standing vote.  Harry McCabe tried to postpone instead, and that failed on voice vote. Two speakers were in favor.  Molly Flueckige explained how the Massachusetts law is much more strict than previous states.  She is concerned that B5 is too small.

We had a break for 10 minutes.

Stuart Clienman said he is voting against both because it’s a medicine we shouldn’t delay. A vote to terminate debate failed. Other speakers were in favor of both, some in favor of only the moratorium.  Town Counsel Juliana Rice explained that both articles are being considered  because when warrant was opened, the legal situation wasn’t clear. It is more clear now that a moratorium is legal.  Nathan Swilling move terminate debate, which carried.  Article 7 failed by a vote of 114-72 (it required 2/3).  Article 8, the moratorium, was approved.  Lyman Judd gave notice of reconsideration.

Article 9 – Easements Thompson School

This is for 3 poles that are already in place.  There were a couple questions about poles and burying power lines that weren’t related to this specific article.  (It was noted that burying power lines would be expensive, and the cost passed on to the rate payer).  I was asked why I was opposed to this article.  I opposed it because an easement is a more permanent solution, and there are less permanent rights that we could grant instead.  Verizon had demanded the permanent.  I’m not too worried about this, though, because in the big picture we can just take it back by eminent domain if we really need to.   The easement was granted.

Article 10 – Junk Dealers

I explained that this doesn’t change any of the rules.  We’re making the change because sellers of used goods don’t like being told they are selling junk.  The change was approved.

Article 11 – Use of Public Property

No action.

Article 12 – Electronic Voting

Eric Helmuth gave a presentation and talked about how this will increase accountability.  Chris Loreti offered two amendments that would have reduced the number of electronic votes.  He said that “roll call shouldn’t happen by default.”   There were questions about how devices would work and how they might fail.  Pete Howard opposed the plan because of the cost.  Bill Hayner spoke in favor of accountability.  I spoke, not as a member of the board, but on my own behalf, against the amendments.  I think that roll call should be the default – we should be proud of our work.  Our votes over a three year term are our body of work that we should be judged by.  Hugh McCrory proposed an amendment to permit town meeting to override the moderator’s choice on whether or not to use electronic voting.  All three amendments went down by voice vote.  The main motion was approved.

Al Tosti moved to table articles 13-41, and it was approved.

Article 42 – Appropriation for Electronic Voting

Al Tosti explained this is a lease so we can evaluate for a year if we like it or not.  Lyman Judd was opposed and called it a parliamentary maneuver, and got in a shouting match with the moderator.  The motion was approved.

Articles 13-41 were taken from the table.

The meeting adjourned for the night.