The meeting’s main agenda item involved a detailed presentation from representatives of the law firm Murphy Hessie Tumian Lehane. She introduced Kate Connelly as the proposed lead counsel and Caris North as the backup counsel, highlighting the firm’s extensive experience and its diverse team. Connelly shared her 32 years of experience in municipal law, with a focus on land use permitting and litigation, while North brought nearly 20 years of practice, including experience with the Environmental Protection Agency.

The firm’s representatives detailed their approach to providing town council services, emphasizing their role as advisors rather than decision-makers. They stressed the importance of clear communication with the select board and the town administrator. Connelly and North proposed regular office hours at town hall to facilitate direct consultations with department heads, thereby fostering stronger relationships and more personal connections.

The firm’s representatives assured the board of their commitment to ensuring compliance with open meeting laws and offered proactive training for town officials. This training would cover essential municipal governance topics, equipping the select board and other officials to navigate legal challenges effectively.

In addition to the firm’s proposal, the meeting addressed the ongoing challenge of airplane noise, a long-standing issue for Milton residents. The transition to electronic navigation in 2015 led to concentrated flight paths over the town, resulting in increased noise and disturbances. Despite previous legal actions against the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), efforts to secure relief have been unsuccessful. The issue remains a concern, with the speaker describing it as a “Mount Everest type climb” due to its complexity. The speaker suggested reactivating the airplane noise advisory committee to enhance community engagement and support for this ongoing issue.

The discussion also touched on the legal counsel’s role in advising on municipal issues, with an emphasis on managing potential risks and ensuring legally compliant decisions. The counsel outlined their extensive experience in dealing with a variety of municipal matters, from labor disputes to land use litigation. Specific cases, such as the Guile Road turf field litigation and a local bylaw challenge related to a fields project, were mentioned to illustrate the counsel’s expertise in navigating complex legal situations.

As the meeting progressed, the potential vote on town council services was discussed. A member expressed the need for additional time to reflect on the information presented before making a decision. Acknowledgment was given to the longstanding service of the current legal counsel, who has been integral to the community for over four decades. A representative from Murphy Hessie Tumian Lehane reassured the board of their readiness to assist and their ability to quickly provide necessary legal documentation to facilitate continuity in service.