A notable moment unfolded when a committee member, frustrated with the ongoing debates, decided to resign. This member voiced concerns about the placement of a sound ordinance under the health department’s jurisdiction, arguing it should instead be enforced by the police department.

Further complicating matters, the committee discovered that the published version of the outdoor lighting bylaw was missing a section related to enforcement. This oversight led to a debate on how to address the issue at the upcoming town meeting. The committee expressed frustration over the situation, emphasizing the importance of clear and accurate bylaw documentation, as seen in the discourse surrounding Article 17, which pertained to correcting typographical errors in the town’s affordable housing trust bylaw.

The discussion on outdoor lighting, encapsulated in Article 16, was extensive, as the committee examined the history of these regulations, which have been in place since at least 1978. The proposed revisions aimed to maintain the essence of the existing regulations while improving clarity and flexibility, addressing light trespass, energy use, and color temperature guidelines. While the committee members were generally satisfied with the revisions, the narrative’s length for presentation at the town meeting was a concern.

Accessory apartments were another focal point of the meeting, with the committee scrutinizing issues related to septic systems, ingress and egress, and size limitations. The Town Council had expressed concerns over ingress and egress, which led to a debate among the committee members, with one member suggesting that the council’s worries be disregarded.

The meeting also touched on logistical matters for the upcoming town meeting, including the creation of a YouTube presentation to inform attendees about the bylaw changes. There was a call for someone to film the presentation, and it was noted that TCAM would be filming it for YouTube.

In addition to bylaw discussions, the committee explored the allocation of funds for the town’s 300th anniversary celebration and expressed concerns about the town’s budget, including school budgets and trash collection contracts. Questions were raised about the length and cost of the trash collection contract as well as the need for transparency in the bidding process.

The committee planned to provide a report for each article to preemptively address questions and clarify the purpose behind the amendments. The importance of narratives for each article was emphasized, with the intent of streamlining the town meeting process.

As the meeting concluded, a member voiced their opposition to a separate article proposing the deletion of the zoning bylaw. This sentiment added to the array of concerns and issues that were to be presented and addressed in the town meeting.