The most significant topic at the meeting was the presentation regarding the proposed storm water utility fund. A representative from the Storm Water Utility Advisory Work Group outlined the necessity of this initiative, citing the town’s storm water infrastructure’s replacement value of approximately $90 million. The current funding, reliant on the general fund, is deemed insufficient, covering only emergency repairs with annual allocations between $240,000 and $450,000. The proposed storm water utility fund would introduce a fee structure based on equivalent residential units (ERUs), set at $95 per ERU annually for single-family residences. Non-single-family properties would be assessed based on their impervious area, with fees adjusted accordingly and opportunities for fee reductions through compliance with storm water management practices.

The work group has been active since September of the previous year, engaging with various town boards and committees to gather support for the utility fund. They are planning extensive public outreach activities, including a public input forum and a presentation at the local library in 2024. The select board has already approved two articles related to the storm water initiative for the fall town meeting warrant, necessary for the initiative’s progression. The articles aim to establish a storm water enterprise fund and authorize the implementation of fees.

In addition to storm water management, the board discussed ongoing challenges with the inclusionary housing bylaw. Since its inception seven years ago, the bylaw has reportedly not been effective, with no affordable housing developments resulting from it. The lack of affordable units, despite high-value home sales, raised concerns about the bylaw’s effectiveness and the need to revise its structure to encourage affordable unit creation or generate funds for the Housing Trust.

The board also touched upon potential strategies like open space residential development, deemed more successful, and the necessity of clarifying thresholds for triggering affordable housing requirements. Upcoming warrants related to the MBTA communities overlay and updates to the inclusionary bylaw were discussed, with inquiries about public meetings to address these changes.

Aside from these primary topics, board members addressed community preservation projects, with emphasis on completing reports to inform the public about the successful use of funds. They also discussed the need for evaluations related to culverts, aiming to enhance hydrological connectivity and wildlife passage, potentially opening opportunities for additional grants.

During committee reports, updates included ongoing National Grid projects under conservation committee review and challenges faced with the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s responsiveness. The housing trust reported on their recent meeting with the affordable housing committee, focusing on rental assistance programs and the potential acquisition of affordable units, particularly the Devin Crest property.

As the meeting concluded, members discussed scheduling their next meeting, considering potential dates in November or December. They also acknowledged the importance of CPC representation in various community planning discussions, particularly for the Sandy Pond property planning committee.