A blog for locals, by a local

ATM passes everything Town officials asked for (and nothing it didn’t)

A recap on what voters approved — including two Articles now headed to ballot questions this May.

by Beth Melo on

Above: Over 4 hours after calling the Town’s Annual Meeting of voters to order, and the Moderator called the completed session to a close. (image cropped from meeting video)

On Saturday, at a meeting with low turnout and big financial asks, Southborough Town officials had resounding success. Annual Town Meeting (ATM) voters passed every Article put forward by the Town without any amendments. The only Article that didn’t pass was a Citizen’s Petition that officials didn’t support.

Approved requests included borrowing authorization for Trottier Middle School’s roof and the $25M for a 5-year road and sidewalk improvements plan. To move forward, those two projects will still need Annual Town Election voters’ support next month. Read the full article →

Saturday’s Annual Town Meeting at-a-glance

Basic details and quick links for info about the Budgets, Zoning Articles, Trottier roof, $25M for road & sidewalks, preparing to amend Articles, and more

by Beth Melo on

The Town’s legislative branch, Town Meeting, will convene a week from Saturday to approve spending, possibly increase budgets, amend local bylaws, and “advise” officials.

I’ll be digging into some of the Warrant Articles leading up to Annual Town Meeting. For now, I’m providing a general overview, including the hot topics on the Warrant most likely to spark debate. Read the full article → from Saturday’s Annual Town Meeting at-a-glance

Article 34: Citizen Petition on Plastic Bag Ban

Select Board advised teen sponsors to postpone the vaguely worded effort and work on a future proposal with more specifics.

by Beth Melo on

Two Southborough teen submitted a Citizen’s Petition Article seeking to ban non-reusable plastic bags (with some exceptions).

At a presentation last month, Select Board members applauded their efforts. But they encouraged the girls to go back to the drawing board. As written, the Article is vague and lacks penalties or enforcement mechanisms for violating the bylaw. Read the full article → from Article 34: Citizen Petition on Plastic Bag Ban

More Zoning Articles at Town Meeting

Zoning Articles seek to allow Tricentennial Signs, and fix errors in bylaws (MBTA Communities dimension restrictions, and outdated references to a defunct committee)

by Beth Melo on

The Warrant for tomorrow’s Town Meeting includes five zoning Articles. I’ve recently covered two of them. Today, I’m focusing on the three remaining proposed bylaw revisions. Read the full article → from More Zoning Articles at Town Meeting

Article 33: Citizen Petition for independent Finance Committee

Voters at Saturday's Annual Town Meeting will be asked to create a committee to help oversee and audit Town finances.

by Beth Melo on

At Saturday’s Annual Town Meeting, voters will consider creating a new finance committee. Citizen Petition Article 33 is intended to provide independent oversight of the Town’s financial practices. The Article proposes establishing a committee charged with reviewing accounting procedures, purchasing compliance, and contract oversight. Read the full article → from Article 33: Citizen Petition for independent Finance Committee

Article 13: $25M for Roads & Sidewalks (Updated)

If Town Meeting approves the Article, it will be the biggest borrowing request ever passed. Officials (mostly) support the Road Plan as necessary to improve crumbling roads and get back on track.

by Beth Melo on

The Select Board is proposing the Town make a big investments in a strategy change to repair and extend the life of more Town roads, beyond simply patching potholes and cracks. Read the full article → from Article 13: $25M for Roads & Sidewalks (Updated)

Annual Town Meeting: Amending Articles

If you have a pre-planned motion to amend, submitting a form in advance will help the meeting run smoother and faster.

by Beth Melo on

Is there an Article headed to Annual Town Meeting this Saturday that you know you would like to propose an amendment to?

Town Clerk Jim Hegarty is asking voters to plan ahead and complete and submit an amendment form in advance. Read the full article → from Annual Town Meeting: Amending Articles

Youth Volunteer Fair — May 12

Organizers are asking 6th-12th graders to Save the Date. And area organizations are invited to recruit volunteers at the fair.

by Beth Melo on

The Towns of Northborough and Southborough are organizing a volunteer fair for next month. It’s a chance for tweens/teens in grades 6-12 to learn about volunteer opportunities.

It’s also a chance for area non-profits, community groups and other organizations to promote their volunteer opportunities. Read the full article → from Youth Volunteer Fair — May 12

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