The Laboure property’s potential acquisition is driven by the need to address overcrowding issues within Milton’s school district. The board outlined the advantages of repurposing an existing building rather than constructing a new facility, citing environmental benefits and reduced costs. They prioritized the pre-K and kindergarten option due to time constraints and architectural scope, with an understanding that if these programs do not fit on the site, a K-5 building would be similarly unfeasible. The board acknowledged the limitations of this plan in addressing middle school space issues, stressing the necessity of a comprehensive approach to community engagement about the acquisition and its implications for relocating students.

The board also discussed the financial considerations of acquiring the Laboure property, including the need to quantify carrying costs associated with maintenance and functionality. They expressed a need for community input, particularly regarding the potential relocation of administrative offices from the high school to the new site, which would free up valuable space. The board agreed that if the town proceeds with the purchase, it would allow for flexibility in exploring alternative educational uses beyond the immediate pre-K and kindergarten focus.

In addition to the Laboure property discussions, the board also addressed the recodification of the town’s zoning bylaws. The ongoing effort aims to streamline and clarify the current zoning regulations, which have been a source of confusion for developers and town staff. The recodification project is structured in four phases, starting with an optional zoning audit and culminating in the adoption process. The goal is to create a cohesive set of bylaws that are both accessible and legally sound, reducing the need for residents to hire professionals and enhancing the efficiency of application processing.

Concerns were raised about the compatibility of existing bylaws with state law. The board was informed that the first steps of the recodification project would likely not be ready for the upcoming fall town meeting, with preliminary changes expected by the spring.

The Select Board also examined the town’s economic development plan, developed in collaboration with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC). The plan seeks to enhance the mix of economic activities in Milton’s commercial and industrial districts. However, funding issues have caused work to halt, with a shortfall of approximately $30,000 to $50,000. The board discussed the need for additional funding to continue the project and the importance of integrating existing district dynamics with new economic strategies.

Concerns about “retail leakage” were addressed, where Milton taxpayers spend money in neighboring communities instead of local businesses. The board considered engaging an outside consultant to assess the town’s business landscape, with a focus on reclaiming outflowing business to address budget challenges. Funding options for the proposed study were explored, with the possibility of utilizing free cash for one-time expenses and reaching out to Bid Milton for contributions through a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) program.

Lastly, the board discussed the logistics and implications of upcoming elections, particularly regarding ballot questions and voter engagement. The possibility of high mail-in ballot volumes was noted, with concerns about incomplete submissions due to multiple ballot pages. The board emphasized the importance of “heavy marketing” to inform voters about the questions on the ballot, as the official voter information booklet would not contain local ballot information. Alternatives such as holding a special election were considered to allow for clearer voter engagement on specific issues.