0:00At the heart of the meeting was Milton’s non-compliance with the MBTA Communities Act, which places the town in a difficult position regarding access to certain state grants. The decision by the select board and planning board not to submit an action plan by the deadline has led to a significant disadvantage in terms of funding opportunities. This situation was a focal point of the discussion, as it directly affects the resources available for various town initiatives, including those aimed at climate action.

The board members recognized the critical nature of engaging with ongoing town conversations that could influence resources for climate action initiatives. A proposed strategy involved utilizing the climate action plan as a tool to engage the select board and town staff in budget discussions. The urgency of this matter was underscored by the potential need for override votes to manage rising costs and maintain service levels amid inflation, as constrained by Proposition 2½.

Further complicating the town’s fiscal landscape is a structural budget deficit that particularly impacts the school system. The constraints of Proposition 2½, which limits property tax increases without public override votes, pose additional challenges in addressing these financial issues. The Select Board members discussed the necessity of educating themselves on climate planning to ensure it remains a priority in budget allocations.

The climate action plan was also a major topic, with a draft document being introduced for review. Members emphasized the importance of engaging the select board in refining the plan to ensure alignment of resources and staffing with the outlined initiatives. A strategy was proposed for subgroups to attend select board meetings to present their areas of focus, breaking down the plan into manageable pieces to maintain attention and facilitate feedback.

There was concern about how public events might be perceived, with members wary of being seen as attempting to mobilize support or create contention. However, the commitment to developing a robust communications plan that avoids sensationalism and focuses on creating a relatable narrative for community members was highlighted. This approach was deemed essential given the current funding environment and the need to align with state laws on emissions mitigation.

21:54In terms of the climate action plan structure, there was discussion on creating a concise document that delineates key areas of mitigation, such as building and energy, transportation, and forest conservation. The need for an executive summary to convey main messages was emphasized, as it was noted that most readers would not delve beyond the first few pages. Participants reiterated the importance of short-term priorities and actions within the framework of a roadmap leading to the 2050 emissions goals.

39:55The meeting also touched on the development of a two-year action plan focusing on emissions and resilience. A significant portion of emissions was identified as originating from private residences, prompting a discussion on engaging residents in taking action. Members debated feasible actions for residents, such as transitioning from natural gas or oil heat to heat pumps, recognizing the financial challenges this might pose.

59:50The need for a Community Wildfire Protection Plan was also discussed, with references to funding opportunities from the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). However, challenges in securing such funds due to Milton’s economic status were acknowledged. Participants expressed concern about federal grants, noting that many programs might be under review or paused.