Winchester Town Meeting Comes to an End Monday Night

After three sessions, Winchester Town Meeting came to a close shortly before 9 p.m. Monday at Winchester High School in the Auditorium.

Here is a recap from our three live blogging sessions:

May 13

7:30 p.m.: Third Town Meeting session is underway.

7:35 p.m.: Article 17 passed. Voters approved continuing a revolving fund in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 44 Section 53E½ in order to receive fees associated with the use of energy in school and municipal buildings; that funds derived from the assessment of fees for such use may be expended by authorization of the Town Manager for projects that conserve energy in the operation of the Town’s buildings and that the amount of the fund be limited to $80,000 in fiscal 2014.

7:40 p.m.: Article 18 passed. Voters approved continuing a revolving fund in accordance with Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 44, Section 53E½, in order to receive monies, grants or gifts and fees charged for public health programs, such as clinics, sponsored by the Board of Health, and further, to authorize the Board of Health to administer and expend funds for these and related programs, such as medical services, up to a limit of $60,000 in fiscal 2014. 

7:42 p.m.: Article 19 passed. Voters approved continuing a revolving fund in accordance with Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 44, Section 53E½  in order to receive monies, grants or gifts and fees charged for grass field permits sponsored by the Field Management Committee, and further, to authorize the Town Manager, based on recommendations by the Field Management Committee, to administer and expend funds received for natural grass, playgrounds, tennis and basketball permits and that the amount of the fund be limited to $50,000  in fiscal 2014, any remaining funds will remain in this account and not rolled into the General Fund at close of the fiscal year

7:43 p.m.: Article 20 passed. Voters approved continuing a revolving fund in accordance with Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 44, Section53E½  in order to receive monies, grants or gifts and fees charged for the synthetic turf field permits sponsored by the Field Management Committee, and further, to authorize the School Committee and Athletic Director to administer and expend funds received for maintenance and salaries for Knowlton Turf Field permits and funds be limited to $50,000 in fiscal 2014, any remaining funds will remain in this account and not rolled into the General Fund at close of the fiscal year.

7:44 p.m.: Article 21 being discussed. 

8:08 p.m.: One resident spoke in opposition to the bill, while another questioned the need for it. The Winchester Board of Selectmen's recommendation is "reluctant(ly) favorable for $100,000." Town Manager Richard Howard called the $100,000 contribution as "reasonable" amount to the Other Post Employment Benefits liability trust fund.

8:15 p.m.: Voters pass Article 21, with only a small segment vocally opposed to it.

8:15 p.m.: Council on Aging member Paul Collins introduced Article 22, which involves reducing income level/interest on property taxes deferred by senior citizens.

8:25 p.m.: Both the Selectman and Finance Committee support favorable action for Article 22. Just as a side note: The Selectmen recommend favorable action for all articles except Article 4, which involved establishing a committee appointed by the Town Moderator to draft a by-law that would specify what should be provided with the Town Manager's budget on Feb. 15 before Town Meeting. Voters pass Article 22.

8:33 p.m.: Article 23 presented by Howard, who recommended indefinite postponement. Voters approve indefinitely postponing the article. The article concerned raising and appropriating or transfering from available funds a sum or sums of money to the General Stabilization Fund in accordance with the provisions Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40 Section 5B.

8:34 p.m.: Article 24 passes. The article involved appropriating the sum of $994.50 to pay a bill incurred in a prior fiscal year to Chelmsford-based Merrimack Education Center.

8:35 p.m.: Article 25 being introduced. The article was recommended for favorable action by the Finance Committee. The Selectmen did not provide a recommendation, as they were awaiting a report related to the matter. After brief presentation, voters approved the article. The article involved hearing and acting on the report of the Personnel Board and take any action in connection with recommendations as to wages and salaries, working conditions, new or revised rates of wages and salaries, changes, additions, adjustments or revisions of wages and salaries and in classifications and definitions, and in amending, revising and adding to the Personnel Policy Guide as well as in other matters thereto related; and to raise and appropriate money for any adjustments or revisions of wages and salaries of employees subject and not subject to collective bargaining agreements or in any job classifications, and to provide for salary or wage adjustments not otherwise provided for, said monies to be expended by the departments affected; determine in what manner the monies shall be raised by taxes or otherwise. Voters approve article.

8:50 p.m.: Article 26 and Article 27 were passed by voters.

8:55 p.m.: Article 28 and 29 were indefinitely postponed.

8:55 p.m.: The third and final Town Meeting session comes to a close.

May 6 Blog Recap

7:30 p.m.: The second Town Meeting kicks off.

7:35 p.m.: Selectmen chairman Doug Marmon introduces new comptroller Stacie Ward. 

7:40 p.m.: Town Moderator John Sullivan introduces Article 4. The article seeks to establish a committee appointed by the Town Moderator to draft a by-law that would specify what should be provided with the Town Manager's budget on Feb. 15 before Town Meeting.

7:42 p.m.: A Winchester resident seeks to have an interim town moderator step in for Sullivan given the fact that Sullivan is the article's proponent. Sullivan refused to step down, requested that the resident sit down and proceeded to introduce the article.

7:50 p.m.: Article 4 withdrawn.

7:52 p.m.: Article 5 was approved. The article sought to have the town authorize the Treasurer, with the approval of the Town Manager and the Board of Selectmen, to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of revenue for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2013 in accordance with Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 44, Section 4 as amended and to issue a note or notes therefore, payable within one year, and to renew any note or notes that may be given for a period of less than one year in accordance with the provisions of Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 44, Section 17

7:54 p.m.: Article 6 introduced. The article, which consists of 47 motions that need to be voted on by attendees, concerns the fiscal 2014 operating budget. 

8:10 p.m.: Mid-way through the voting on the 47 motions. 

8:15 p.m.: An amendment has been proposed for motion 25, regarding the Winchester Public Schools budget. The amendment calls for a $162,500 increase to the education budget to cover various expenditures, bringng the total to $39,106,081.

The additional funding covers:

• Assistant principals at Lincoln, Muraco and Vinson Owen Schools (0.5 FTE each)
• K-5 literacy curriculum leader
• Nurse/guidance counselor at McCall Middle School/Winchester High School
• Elementary school librarian
• Instructional technology director

The amendment is currently under discussion.

8:28 p.m.: Multiple residents opposed to the amendment. The amendment, if passed, would come from free cash. Town Manager Richard Howard and the Board of Selectmen oppose the amendment.

8:46 p.m.: Vote on the amendment appeared to be split. Head count being conducted. Amendment fails, 87-59.

8:52 p.m.: Residents vote in favor of motions 27-39.

8:55 p.m.: Town Meeting goes into recess until 9:15 p.m.

9:15 p.m.: Town Meeting resumes.

9:22 p.m.: Motion 40 passes. The motion calls for $300,000 for DPW roads and sidewalk improvements.

9:23 p.m.: Motion 41 passes. The motion calls for $195,000 for Skillings culvert repairs. 

9:24 p.m.: Motion 42 passes. The motion calls for $70,000 for MIS Town.

9:25 p.m.: Motion 43 passes. The motion calls for $125,000 for ADA.

9:29 p.m.: Motions 44-47 pass. Article 6 passes.

9:30 p.m.: Article 7 introduced. The article seeks to appropriate $100,000 to the Special Education Stabilization Fund from the fiscal 2013 Education Budget Account.

9:35 p.m.: Article 7 passes. 

9:40 p.m.: Article 8 passes. The article included three motions for:

• Appropriate $286,000 to the Capital Stabilization Fund
• Appropriate $180,000 to the Building Stabilization Fund
• Appropriate $30,000 to the Building Stabilization

9:43 p.m.: Article 9 passes. The article seeks to see raise and appropriate, or transfer from available funds, sums of money to defray the expenses of the Water and Sewer Division of the Department of Public Works for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2013, and to appropriate and transfer free cash into the Water Sewer Enterprise Account.

9:46 p.m.: Article 10 passes. The article seeks to raise and appropriate, or transfer from available funds, sums of money to defray the expenses of the Recreation Department for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2013, and to appropriate and transfer free cash into the Recreation Enterprise Account.

9:50 p.m.: Article 11 passes. The article seeks to increase the fiscal 2013 Recreation Enterprise budget to reflect increased costs and revenues, and to reduce or increase the General Fund subsidy, and reduce or increase the use of retained earnings.

9:53 p.m.: Article 12 passes. The article seeks to appropriate a sum of money for the gas conversion at McCall Middle School, consisting of the installation of piping in the school building, on the school property, and on the street, replacement and installation of equipment, and including planning, design, engineering, and any other costs incidental or related thereto; to determine whether this appropriation shall be raised by a transfer from free cash, borrowing, or transfer from unspent bond proceeds, or any combination of the foregoing or otherwise.

9:58 p.m.: Article 13 passes. The article seeks to appropriate a sum of money for the investigation and evaluation of the gatehouse structure and low level outlet at the South Reservoir Dam, the design of the low level outlet rehabilitation and gatehouse improvements, including permitting costs and all other planning and engineering costs related to the development of construction plans for the project, and all other costs incidental or related thereto; to determine whether this appropriation shall be raised by borrowing or otherwise.

10:17 p.m.: Article 14 passes. 

10:18 p.m.: Article 15 passes.

10:20 p.m.: Article 16 passes.

10:21 p.m.: Town Meeting adjourned. The third Town Meeting session is slated for Monday, May 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the high school in the Auditorium.

April 29 Blog

7:30 p.m.: Town Meeting opens with a prayer for the Boston Marathon victims and former employees who have recently passed away.

7:35 p.m.: Posting of the colors by Girl Scouts. Town Meeting attendees then say Pledge of Allegiance.

7:37 p.m.: Roughly a dozen new Town Meeting are sworn-in by Town Moderator John Sullivan. 

7:42 p.m.: Finance Committee and Selectmen chairmen provide opening remarks.

7:52 p.m.: School Committee member Chris Nixon, who was reelected to the board this year, provided brief remarks about how the district is fairing in various areas.

8:01 p.m.: Town Manager Richard Howard provides a general overview of the issues facing the town. A few items he discussed were the town's interest in a reverse 911 system, and maintaining reserve accounts of 6-10 percent.

8:11 p.m.: Planning Board chairman Lance Grenzeback provides brief remarks about issues facing the town, including the CVS proposal. He later said, "We are under redevelopment pressure," he said.

8:16 p.m.: Library Trustee member Jon French discussed some of the items identified for improvement from a study conducted by the town, including improving the Winchester Public Library website. The new site was launched earlier this year. He said the town manager has included in the budget funding for Sunday hours, as well as Saturday hours. 

8:22 p.m.: Board of Health chairman Jessica Fefferman provided brief remarks on behalf of the board. 

8:27 p.m.: Opening remarks by various boards and committees conclude. 

8:28 p.m.: A 20-minute recess is called by the town moderator to allow precincts to choose chairmen and clerks.

8:51 p.m.: Historical Commission chairman Jack LeMenager discusses Article 2, which seeks to amend a demolition of historic buildings by-law. 

9:05 p.m.: Article 2 open for discussion.

9:22 p.m.: So far, four residents have spoken about the demolition delay by-law (Article 2) and all are opposed to it. The Historical Commission is over-stepping their authority, according to the residents.

9:40 p.m.: A couple speakers, including Planning Board chairman, spoke in favor of Article 2.

9:45 p.m.: Selectman Lance Grenzeback states the boards position in favor of Article 2, saying it impacts "very few" residents but rather developers. He added that the by-law amendment would not strip residents of their ability to sell their homes.

9:50 p.m.: Voice vote for Article 2 is too close to call.

9:55 p.m.: After a head count, Article 2 narrowly fails, 83-80.

9:59 p.m.: Article 3, which seeks to add Chapter 18 about public shade trees, is presented.

10:04 p.m.: Article 3 is open for discussion.

10:10 p.m.: Early reaction to the Article 3? Residents are opposed to it, with a couple wondering why there is a need for it.

10:15 p.m.: Article 3 passes. 

10:18 p.m.: Meeting adjourned until May 6.

To hear and act upon the reports of the town officers and the Finance Committee.

To see if the town will vote to amend Chapter 14, Section 2, Demolition of Historic Buildings, of the Code of By-Laws of the town of Winchester as follows: 

Add to Section 2.5, sub-section (b), the word “or” at the end, to read as follows: 

(b) which is included in the Massachusetts Historical Commission’s “Inventory of Historic and Archeological Assets of the Commonwealth” (the “Inventory”), or add to Section 2.5, a new sub-section (c), to read as follows: (c) which was constructed during or before 1920. 

To see if the town will vote to amend the Code of By-Laws by inserting a new Chapter 18 related to public shade trees

To see if the town will vote to establish a committee appointed by the Town Moderator to draft a by-law that would specify what should be provided with the Town Manager's budget on Feb. 15 before Town Meeting

To see if the town will vote to authorize the Treasurer, with the approval of the Town Manager and the Board of Selectmen, to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of revenue for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2013 in accordance with Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 44, Section 4 as amended and to issue a note or notes therefore, payable within one year, and to renew any note or notes that may be given for a period of less than one year in accordance with the provisions of Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 44, Section 17

To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, or transfer from available funds, sums of money to 

defray the expenses of the Town for the financial period beginning July 1, 2013 and especially for or relating to all or any of the officers, boards or departments and for all purposes authorized by law, vote to fix the salary and compensation of all elective officers of the Town as provided in Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 41, Section 108 as amended and to appropriate funds into the General Stabilization Fund

To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money to the Special Education Stabilization Fund in accordance with Section 5B of Chapter 40 of the Massachusetts General Laws, determine whether the money shall be provided by the tax levy, by transfer from available funds, or by any combination of these methods

To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money to the Capital Stabilization Fund and/or the Building Stabilization Fund established under Chapter 69 of the Acts of 2002

To see if the Town will raise and appropriate, or transfer from available funds, sums of money to defray the expenses of the Water and Sewer Division of the Department of Public Works for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2013, and to appropriate and transfer free cash into the Water Sewer Enterprise Account

To see if the Town will raise and appropriate, or transfer from available funds, sums of money to defray the expenses of the Recreation Department for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2013, and to appropriate and transfer free cash into the Recreation Enterprise Account

To see if the Town will vote to increase the fiscal 2013 Recreation Enterprise budget to reflect increased costs and revenues, and to reduce or increase the General Fund subsidy, and reduce or increase the use of retained earnings

To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money for the gas conversion at McCall Middle School, consisting of the installation of piping in the school building, on the school property, and on the street, replacement and installation of equipment, and including planning, design, engineering, and any other costs incidental or related thereto; to determine whether this appropriation shall be raised by a transfer from free cash, borrowing, or transfer from unspent bond proceeds, or any combination of the foregoing or otherwise

To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money for the investigation and evaluation of the gatehouse structure and low level outlet at the South Reservoir Dam, the design of the low level outlet rehabilitation and gatehouse improvements, including permitting costs and all other planning and engineering costs related to the development of construction plans for the project, and all other costs incidental or related thereto; to determine whether this appropriation shall be raised by borrowing or otherwise

To see if the Town will vote to appropriate or transfer a sum of money for the purpose of converting the current school administration office space at the Lynch Elementary School to classroom and other instructional space and for design, planning and consultant costs related thereto; and further to install air conditioning to those spaces at the Parkhurst School that will serve as office and work space for the school administration office personnel; to determine whether this appropriation shall be raised by borrowing, funded from the Capital or Building Stabilization Funds, transfer from the fiscal 2013 Education Budget, Free Cash or otherwise

To see if the Town will raise and appropriate any sums of money to be used with such sum or sums as may be made available from the State Highway Fund or allotted by the County Commissioners for maintenance, repair, alteration, relocation or other improvements of Town or County ways, together with the acquisition of easements for the payment of damages and expenses in connection therewith, as well as to authorize the transfer and use for said purposes of any unused balances

To see if the Town will vote to continue a revolving fund for the Archival Center in accordancewith Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 44 Section 53 E½ in order to receive monies, grants, or gifts and fees associated with the sale of reproductions of historical items; that funds derived from the sale of such items be expended by authorization of the Town Manager and that the amount of the fund be limited to $5,000 in fiscal 2014

To see if the Town will vote to continue a revolving fund in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 44 Section 53E½ in order to receive fees associated with the use of energy in school and municipal buildings; that funds derived from the assessment of fees for such use may be expended by authorization of the Town Manager for projects that conserve energy in the operation of the Town’s buildings and that the amount of the fund be limited to $80,000 in fiscal 2014

To see if the Town will vote to continue a revolving fund in accordance with Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 44, Section 53E½, in order to receive monies, grants or gifts and fees charged for public health programs, such as clinics, sponsored by the Board of Health, and further, to authorize the Board of Health to administer and expend funds for these and related programs, such as medical services, up to a limit of $60,000 in fiscal 2014

To see if the Town will vote to continue a revolving fund in accordance with Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 44, Section 53E½  in order to receive monies, grants or gifts and fees charged for grass field permits sponsored by the Field Management Committee, and further, to authorize the Town Manager, based on recommendations by the Field Management Committee, to administer and expend funds received for natural grass, playgrounds, tennis and basketball permits and that the amount of the fund be limited to $50,000  in fiscal 2014, any remaining funds will remain in this account and not rolled into the General Fund at close of the fiscal year

To see if the Town will vote to continue a revolving fund in accordance with Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 44, Section53E½  in order to receive monies, grants or gifts and fees charged for the synthetic turf field permits sponsored by the Field Management Committee, and further, to authorize the School Committee and Athletic Director to administer and expend funds received for maintenance and salaries for Knowlton Turf Field permits and funds be limited to $50,000 in fiscal 2014, any remaining funds will remain in this account and not rolled into the General Fund at close of the fiscal year

To see if the Town will vote to appropriate or transfer from available funds to the “Other Post-Employment Benefits Liability Trust Fund” in order to reduce the unfunded actuarial liability of health care and other post-employment benefits for which the Town is obligated

To see if the Town will vote to reduce the rate of interest that accrues on property taxes deferred by eligible senior citizens and to amend the income level set for eligibility for the program under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 59 Section 5, Clause 41A, with such reduced rate to apply to taxes assessed for any fiscal year beginning on or after July 1, 2013

To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from available funds a sum or sums of money to the General Stabilization Fund in accordance with the provisions Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40 Section 5B

To see if the town will vote to appropriate the sum of $994.50 to pay a bill incurred in a prior fiscal year to Chelmsford-based Merrimack Education Center and to determine how the same shall be raised and by whom expended

To see if the town will vote to hear and act on the report of the Personnel Board and take any action in connection with recommendations as to wages and salaries, working conditions, new or revised rates of wages and salaries, changes, additions, adjustments or revisions of wages and salaries and in classifications and definitions, and in amending, revising and adding to the Personnel Policy Guide as well as in other matters thereto related; and to raise and appropriate money for any adjustments or revisions of wages and salaries of employees subject and not subject to collective bargaining agreements or in any job classifications, and to provide for salary or wage adjustments not otherwise provided for, said monies to be expended by the departments affected; determine in what manner the monies shall be raised by taxes or otherwise

To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate, or transfer from available funds, a sum or sums of money to supplement or reduce appropriations previously voted for fiscal 2013 budgets

To see if the town will authorize and direct the Board of Assessors to take any sum of money from available funds to reduce the tax levy for the current financial term and/or transfer funds to or from the Stabilization Fund

To see if the town will vote to take appropriate or necessary actions to comply with the provisions of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 59 Section 21C, a law known as the “2½ Tax Limitation” or any State legislative acts or executive orders

To see if the town will vote to hear or accept committee reports, dissolve old committees, or authorize new committees