32:23At the forefront of the meeting was the proposal for a home rule petition to grant Milton five additional on-premises liquor licenses, aimed at streamlining the lengthy and complex process currently required for such licenses. Presently, Milton is restricted to a quota of six off-premises licenses, with no on-premises licenses available due to past community votes against alcohol sales. If included in a broader state quota system, Milton could qualify for up to 19 licenses. The proposed home rule petition seeks to allow the town to manage these licenses more efficiently, bypassing the need for town meeting approval each time. This would enable potential restaurant operators to secure licenses more readily, fostering local business development.

The conversation highlighted the bureaucratic challenges of the current system, citing past cases like the One Elliot Street project, which saw a protracted approval process spanning over two years. The proposal would retain the requirement for thorough vetting by the select board and the Alcohol Beverages Control Commission (ABCC). Additionally, the committee considered allowing alcohol consumption on town property under certain conditions, promoting flexibility for community events while maintaining strict control measures.

1:07:01In parallel, the committee addressed concerns over lead service lines in Milton’s water supply, focusing on two articles seeking funding for their replacement. Despite passing regular lead testing, Milton’s water system includes lead and galvanized steel service lines connecting mains to residences. To combat this, the committee proposed allocating $1.7 million from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority for lead line replacement, benefiting from a zero-interest loan program. The funding aims to begin the replacement of known lead service lines, aligning with federal mandates requiring towns to remove 10% of such lines annually starting in 2027.

A second funding request for $200,000 was discussed, targeting data gathering and planning efforts to map the extent of lead issues in Milton’s private service lines. Currently, out of approximately 8,600 service lines, only 42 are confirmed lead lines, with the majority being copper. However, a significant number remain unverified, prompting the need for comprehensive assessment and homeowner engagement.

1:24:49The committee also delved into a proposed tax relief initiative for seniors, designed to ease property tax burdens for long-term residents. Modeled after the state’s senior citizen circuit breaker tax credit, the program would offer local matches up to 50%, approximately $1,300 annually for eligible seniors. Legislative approval is required for this home rule petition, with criteria mirroring the state’s credit system, including income thresholds and a ten-year residency requirement. The discussion raised concerns about asset evaluation fairness and the program’s impact on non-homeowning seniors, prompting suggestions for more flexible eligibility terms.

2:03:28The agenda further covered the expansion of the school building committee in response to an invitation from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) for a feasibility study concerning school projects. The proposed $1.5 million appropriation would initiate the study, with an expected 45% reimbursement of eligible expenses from the MSBA. The committee aims to ensure timely progress to meet MSBA deadlines and secure future project funding.

2:21:36Zoning updates were also on the docket, with a focus on incorporating two previously approved overlay districts into the town map and reviewing site plan amendments and accessory dwelling unit bylaws. These administrative updates aim to streamline regulatory processes and align with state directives on housing flexibility.