A tragic car crash on Randolph Avenue claimed three lives, leading to an outpouring of grief in the community. The board acknowledged the efforts of public safety teams who responded to the incident and emphasized the importance of preventing similar tragedies. Discussions with public safety officials are ongoing to address the accident and recent shooting at Milton Landing, which has raised safety concerns among residents. Suggestions have been made to install gates to restrict vehicle access and to implement surveillance cameras to deter nighttime disturbances at Milton Landing.

During the public comment segment, a resident highlighted the escalation of confrontational activities at Milton Landing, urging the board to take swift action to restore safety. The board is working with the Milton Police Department and other stakeholders to address these concerns.

The board dedicated significant time to discussing the Milton Climate Action Plan. The plan outlines ambitious goals for reducing fossil fuel consumption in municipal buildings by 2030, 2040, and 2050. A participant presented an overview of the plan, which aligns with Massachusetts legislation on climate change. The plan identifies transportation and buildings as the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions in Milton, proposing measures to improve energy efficiency, transition to electric heating, and promote alternative transportation methods.

The board considered pursuing climate leader community certification, which would provide access to technical support and grant funding for emission reduction projects. The plan also recommends conducting electrification and energy efficiency studies for municipal buildings, with a focus on schools where HVAC systems are nearing the end of their lifespan.

Transportation was identified as a key area for reducing emissions, with proposals to support zero-emission vehicles and reduce vehicle miles traveled. The board discussed the potential benefits of expanding the town’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure and streamlining permitting processes for home EV charger installations.

Solid waste disposal was another focus of discussion, with recommendations to enhance collaboration with residents to improve waste quality and reduce volume. The board explored the possibility of expanding access to hazardous waste, e-waste, and compost drop-off locations.

The meeting also addressed the town’s compliance with the MBTA Communities Act and the need for a compliance application by July 14th. Concerns were raised about potential state funding cuts and the impact of additional housing on the town’s resources. The board voted to approve the submission of the compliance application.

The board discussed upcoming appointments to the Milton Budget Coordination Committee and the approval of a contract with Capital Strategic Solutions for a financial and operational overview of town and school operations. The contract aims to identify areas for improvement and deliver recommendations that could benefit both entities.

Proposals to increase the renewable energy content of the Community Aggregation program were considered, with a suggestion to move from a 10% to a 20% renewable electricity option for residents. This change could accelerate the town’s transition to clean electricity and is expected to be financially manageable for residents.