Select Board December 8: Precinct 4 split redistricting, Adams Street development concept plan, and more

Superintendent James Jette, joined to discuss some recent racially charged incidents that have taken place in the schools. He applauded the district’s response, and steps forward for the community as a whole were discussed. For more on this, please click here: Milton Public Schools (miltonps.org)

The Select Board reiterated their support for Milton being a ‘No Place For Hate’ town and Chairwoman, Katie Conlon, read the ‘No Place For Hate Proclamation,’ which can be viewed here: No Place For Hate Proclamation | Milton MA (townofmilton.org)

Update/discussion 2021 legislative redistricting

Susan Galvin, Town Clerk, joined to discuss the changes to be made to Precinct 4. Precinct 4 will have to remain as a split precinct. A letter will go out to all changing districts and all residents with thorough information regarding the changes and steps going forward. Any concerns or questions, please reach out to the town clerks office: Town Clerk | Milton MA (townofmilton.org)

30-40 Adams St. development concept plan 

A development of 53 apartments has been proposed near the Milton T stop on Adams Street. The apartments would be a mix of studios, and one- and two-bedroom units. The developer would also look into getting the stairs fixed at the T stop. Since parking in this area is already an issue, the developer would need to find out where they could get 20-25 additional parking spaces for the apartment units. The next steps for this proposed project is to gather feedback from residents and to look into hiring an attorney.

Finance Committee report

The Select Board motioned to approve two ARPA funding requests. The first request was for a new radio communications system for the Milton Fire Department. The current system is broken and not repairable and it is of extreme importance to have this in place. The updated quote for this system, provided by Fire Chief, Chris Madden would be for $218,000. The second request was to allocate $950,000 for the purpose of designing a town owned fiber network. 

Discussion/approval FY22 recommended stormwater rates

Chase Berkeley, Director of Public Works, joined to provide a presentation regarding updated stormwater fees for FY22. His department is trying to keep the budget as low as possible, and with every property paying the same rate, there will only be a slight increase in fees. The Select Board motioned to approve the updated rates.

Covid-19 update

Positive cases are continuing to go up in the town and in the state. 71% of those 12 and older in town have been vaccinated. All booster slots have been filled and additional slots will be added and posted when available. The next free Covid-19 test dates will take place on Sunday December 19 and Sunday December 26 from 10-2 at the DPW yard. All testing dates are weather permitting. Please visit the town’s website here for the most up to date information: Health Department | Milton MA (townofmilton.org)

Additional items of discussion

An amendment to the contract for the Fire Station Building Committee regarding providing a traffic study which would cost $19,000 was approved.

Karen Preval, Accounting Director, provided a FY23 timeline. Budget deadlines from departments are due to the accounting office by January 10 then they will be able to put together a revenue projection.

The next Select Board meetings are scheduled to take place on December 17 and December 22.