Feb. 10 Select Board Update: vaccinations, Regional Pilot Grant Program, animal shelter bids & more

The meeting began with the discussion regarding the transfer of RCN to Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners, which is basically just a change of control. All the transfer means is the enhancement of services offered to customers. The Select Board motioned to approve the transfer of control.

The Select Board took the time to mention the passing of Bob Sheffield, and to discuss their memories and sentiments about their times with him. ROBERT SHEFFIELD Obituary – (2021) – Milton, MA – Boston Globe (legacy.com)

Covid-19 update

Milton is still in yellow status with a low positivity rate of 3%. Residents are urged to continue to follow CDC guidelines to help stop the spread. Feb. 21 is the next free testing date, from 10-3 at the DPW Yard. There has been a great turnout at these events. The vaccination program is being held at the Council on Aging by the Health Department. (Council on Aging | Milton MA (townofmilton.org) Currently those residents who are in the 75 and up category and first responders are being given the vaccine.

Good Energy

John O’Rourke joined the meeting to speak about the Good Energy Aggregation Program, and provided a presentation of the timeline. Once the bid is accepted the plan is to start outreach right away, therefore the timeline is between March 3 to April 16.

Animal shelter

Tim Czerwienski, the Director of Planning and Community Development, joined the meeting to discuss the invitation for bids related to the construction of a new Milton animal shelter. The Select Board motioned to approve the invitation for bids for construction of a new Milton animal shelter.

Regional pilot project grant program

Tim Czerwienski discussed how the commonwealth is looking for ways to help communities with the Covid-19 emergency. The town of Milton in conjunction with the city of Quincy is seeking a letter of support from the town Chamber of Commerce in response to a grant request for the Regional Pilot Project Grant Program.

The Regional Pilot Grant Program is a way to help municipalities assist their business communities,( Regional Pilot Project Grant Program | Mass.gov,) by development of ecommerce and increasing their web presence. The Select Board motioned to approve the application to the grant program to assist small businesses with digital marketing expertise, they also made a friendly amendment to have the Town Administrator sign into effect immediately as to get this process moving quicker.

PEL response letter for 652 Canton Ave.

The original draft states that the Select Board does not think 652 should be considered for eligibility until 648 has concluded. The Select Board plans to submit the updated draft with a few additions and edits to Johanna Schneider for review. The Select Board motioned to approve the letter of comment for the proposed 40B project at 652 Canton Ave. The letter draft will be available for public view.

Finance Committee update

The main focus is on the FY22 budget. The Finance Committee has scheduled to meet with the School Finance Sub-Committee to see about how to come up with a plan to increase in person learning by using additional money from a reserve fund.

Broadband Committee update

Mr. Zullas provided a short presentation on the Broadband Committee and the plan to establish a Light Plant structure.

This is a proposed town meeting article and the Select Board accepted it as established in the agenda and moved to close the Warrant.

Historic District Study Committee

The Select Board voted to create and establish a Historic District Study Committee which would consist of 3-7 members. This committee would take 2 nominees from a local commission, then choose another member. The plan is to draft a letter to send to the organizations, and to create a press release.

Town Administrator report

Mr. Dennehy discussed snow and ice control and wanted to thank the operation people behind the scenes for all of their hard work. The goal is always to open things up as quickly and safely as possible for everyone.

Radio repeater

The discussion of the Agreement between the town of Milton and the city of Quincy regarding the radio repeater is moving forward. The issue was brought to attention by DPW as a means to approve efficiency of operation, and overall, everyone will be responsible for their own equipment on the shared tower. The Select Board motioned to approve the agreement between the town of Milton and the city of Quincy for the installation and maintenance of a radio repeater.

Additional items of discussion

The 350th Committee is seeking to plant trees at the Pierce Middle School. The Select Board motioned to approve.

Future meeting dates Feb. 22, Feb. 24.