May 26 Select Board: Community One Stop for Growth grant and Finance Committee updates

Covid-19 update

Restrictions are starting to lift, and things are starting to return to normal. On May 17, 2021, Governor Baker announced that he will end the State of Emergency on June 15, which will terminate most of the pandemic-related executive orders. Milton Town Hall is reopened to the public as of June 1! However, provisions to the open meeting law will extend to September 1, with further guidance to post as soon as updates are made.

Community One Stop For Growth

Allyson Quinn, Assistant Town Planner, joined the meeting to discuss the Planning Board’s interest in submitting an application to The One Stop grant program. The Community One Stop for Growth is a single application entry and collaborative review process of grant programs that make targeted investments based on a Development Continuum. The One Stop grant benefits communities as they pursue state funding to gain a better grasp on their housing and economic development goals. The Select Board moved to approve the request.

Finance Committee report/Fy22 budget

Since additional funds are available through the CARES Act, the committee plans to work with the School Committee to see how to best disperse and allocate the resources. Further discussion will take place at the planned meeting between the two committees whereas more information will come forth regarding allotment plans. 

Using some of the funds to plan for another pandemic type situation was discussed, such as the need for a storage container to house pandemic related necessities, such as PPE gear and sanitizer, for example.

Standout on violence

A request for use of the gazebo for June 11 at 4:30pm was submitted by a student organization. This standout is in regards to the recent violence against Israel and Palestine and protest against US involvement. The Select Board moved to approve the application request.

Additional items of discussion

The proceeds from the estate sale at 199 Church Street were accepted by the Select Board.

Resident abutters to 145/167 Lyman Road expressed interest in purchasing a parcel of land next to their property. They would like to add a one story garage, and put together tentative plans for review. The Select Board indicated that at this time it is best to preserve the towns rights, and in the best long term interest of the town it is important to retain the land. The Select Board moved to not deem the parcel as a surplus at this time.

A one day liquor license request for Dogwood Days Beer Garden event to be held at the Wakefield Estate on Saturday, June 19 was approved.

Future meeting dates are June 9, and June 23.