Thursday, October 12, 2023

2023 Annual Town Meeting - Night Seven


Welcome to Night Seven. Tonight could be the night we dissolve the Annual Town Meeting. I’m worried that an email sent around earlier today will jinx it...

The Moderator called the meeting to order. He had some brief remarks. He acknowledged the procedural complexities last week. It was not easy to address questions during meeting, but members should ask to join the procedures committee ... after he has had a chance to recover. He encouraged members to consider how things went this year and help plan for the future.

Mr. Helmuth, the Chair of the Select Board moved that should the meeting need to continue, it would continue to Wednesday. He also noted that at this point in the meeting, "it is traditional to growl at this motion." Grrrr! The motion was seconded and approved on a voice vote.

The Moderator called for a test vote. TMM Wagner raised a Point of Order to comment that again we would not be singing the National Anthem. The Moderator noted he has asked TMM Wagner for recommendations, and he only heard crickets. The test vote was whether tonight would be the final night of the 2023 Annual Town Meeting. The vote was an optimistic 114-50-18 in favor of finishing tonight.

The Moderator noted that should we go to Wednesday, we do have a singer lined up. "Yeah, that’s my daughter!" shouted from the floor. The Moderator continued that we need to be on a pace of 6.5 min per article to close tonight.

For announcements, TMM Newton spoke for the MBTA Communities Working Group. In 2021, the MBTA Communities Act was enacted. The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has issued compliance guidelines for communities to follow. The working group held a public forum earlier in the spring. They have survey responses, and they will offer additional ways to provide input. They plan to have a proposal ready for a Fall Special Town Meeting. He encouraged members and residents to find a way to be engaged. On June 8, at 7:30 in the Community Center here would be a forum to present the first iteration of plan. There would be an opportunity for questions and answers. Members were encouraged to hold a "conversation in a box" with neighbors. He asked to please note which community groups would be good to engage. We were advised to keep eye on town notices and take part in the discussion. TMM Tosti said that the Minuteman Chart from the last session was now posted to the Annotated Warrant. It includes the operating cost comparison from the state. TMM Mewada presented Arlington Center for the Arts (ACA) updates and announcements. She thanked the Town for its support. The ACA appreciated Mr. Feeney’s support, including CRA funding towards improvements to the Community Center. The ACA has 750 students in year round programs and 1,250 in vacation camps. They have 80 instructors. They support Porchfest and Open Studios. They have a program coming with the Arlington Housing Authority (AHA). Several exhibitions are ongoing and forthcoming, including Porchfest on June 17 in the afternoon. If interested in joining the ACA Board, please contact her or director. As tonight is Al Tosti’s birthday, he would like the gift of it being the last night.

TMM Fisher started a volunteer list for Precinct 6, and he has leafleted the precinct. If anyone else is interested, he has information in the back. Mr. Hurd, the Vice Chair of the Select Board announced Town Day would be Saturday, September 23 10:30-4:30. The fireworks were also coming back. Booth applications are now available.

TMM Auster offered a complimentary resolution. On the screen, well, waiting for it to be on screen. He moved, regarding Town Meeting’s role in Town and the difficulties in COVID, to thank those who helped keep Town Meeting going, especially John Leone and Greg Christiana. The motion was seconded and passed on a unanimous voice vote.

TMM Levy noted that several people close to him were recently in auto accidents. One was lucky to be alive. He asked that we set an example. With more kids now in the streets, please obey the traffic rules. Keep your phones in your pockets. Make our streets safe for our residents.

The Moderator called for Reports of Committees. TMM Deshler, Chair of the Finance Committee moved to take Article 3 from table. This was seconded and passed on a voice vote. Article 3 was now before us. TMM Slotnick, Co-chair of the Zero Waste Committee moved to submit the report of their committee. This was seconded and passed on a voice vote. It was a busy year for the committee. He told what they had done over the previous year, including a ban on single use plastic bottles. Seven hundred thousand bottles were sold last year. Our tap water is great. Aluminum cans are now on store shelves. It is double the per unit cost, but aluminum tends to be more recycled. Paperboard containers are sold as singles, but they are not recyclable in Massachusetts. Plastic reduction is being promoted by their subcommittee, Arlington on Tap. They are working to provide water filling stations outdoors. Please ask local vendors to provide plastic single-use items only by request. They are working with local restaurants to participate, and include a sticker on their door. TMM Sankalia spoke about the legislative subcommittee. They follow actions at the State House. She spoke about Article 64 outreach and education, the website launched last year, social media campaigns, and a webinar series. For questions about solid waste, see Charlotte Milan. She thanked the committee, and asked everyone to check their website.

TMM Stamps submitted the Tree Committee report. They continued their annual planting of 300 trees around town. All sites were first checked for natural gas leaks. The town is targeting gas leaks. Their mission is protection, preservation, and planting of trees. Their members go to board meetings to support mission. They have an adopt-a-tree program with details on their website. The Community Canopy Program offers homeowners discounted trees which can be planted on private property. They are working with the Chamber and other groups to improve out tree canopy. She thanked everyone for their support. The Moderator noted that she needed a motion. TMM Stamps moved acceptance of the report. The motion was seconded and approved on a voice vote. TMM Deshler moved to table Article 3, which was seconded and passed on a voice vote.

TMM Deshler moved to table Articles 41-53, so we could take up Article 56.  The motion was seconded and passed on a voice vote.  TMM LaCourt introduced the appropriation article brought to Town Meeting by students from the Ottoson Middle School civic action project group:  Alexandra Lay, Summer Schradinger, Eleanor Rockwood, Anne Marie Spiker, Forrest Woodberry.  It was requested that the students have 3 additional minutes for their presentation.  This article proposes a one year pilot program for restaurants to divert their food scraps for composting.  The cost to Arlington would be $5,000, but it will have real environmental benefits.  Sixty-three million pounds of food waste are produced nationally each year.  We incinerate our waste, which leads to a release of greenhouse gasses.  Food waste is 70% water, which leads to less efficient incineration.  By composting, scraps are broken down to water, CO2, and solids, producing only one-third of the CO2 of incineration.  Restaurants create 600 lb of solid waste, 90% of which is recyclable.  Restaurants are high impact.  By sticking to restaurants along Mass Ave, the pilot will reduce fuel costs and emissions. Participating restaurants can use this in their business model.  People prefer zero-waste restaurants.  The town would help promote the pilot and provide a financial incentive.  A 10% cost subsidy will equal the cost to participate.  The Town benefits, as this pilot would help meet 2050 carbon goals and reduce the need for pest control, as compost does not attract rodents.  Compost units are easier to clean and provide good pest control.

As for the impacts on the town, the pilot would be able to subsidize 16 restaurants, which diverts a half-million pounds of food waste per year.  For each dollar spent, restaurants divert 100 lb of food waste. [This was an extremely impressive presentation, possibly the best all year.]  TMM Tosti passed.  TMM Loreti had questions,.  If restaurants are creating more than 1,000 lb of organic waste, how many now divert trash under law.  TMM Slotnick responded that no restaurants currently fall under the mandate. TMM Loreti asked if the town subsidizes any other business waste.  TMM Slotnick answered that the town has an orange bag program where businesses, pay $2 - $2.50 per bag to have trash picked up.  He was not sure of the actual disposal cost.  TMM Loreti asked if we are we losing money.  TMM Jamieson noted that businesses get free collection of recycling.  TMM Loreti asked why it was a good idea for the town to pay.  TMM LaCourt noted that the Finance Committee is skeptical of these kinds of articles, but they though this would be a good investment and have positive impact.  TMM Loreti thanked everyone for their responses

TMM Crowder said that after last year’s rodenticide article, she was glad to see this article.  This will keep food out of dumpsters, reduce the number of rodents, and reduce need for poisons.  TMM Kepka, (you won the lottery) thinks this is great.  She composts, which produces much less waste.  She wanted to know if the schools compost?  The Students responded yes.  TMM Kaepplein wanted to understand the program better.  Would instructional materials be available in languages spoken in those kitchens? It was noted that Black Earth Compost does provide materials that can be distributed to employees.  TMM Kaepplein also sought to better understand the finances.  If businesses are now paying $2 per bag, who pays, how much.  TMM Deshler said the details will need to be worked out.  Funds would be spent at direction of the Town Manager in conjunction with the DPW Director.  This is a pilot program to get data and evaluate the feasibility.  Details would come later.  TMM Badic offered congratulations to the students.  He thought it was really great.  He has a composter himself.  His oldest child promoted composting although they didn’t subsidize the compost bin.  There is more weight in tiny compost bin, and everyone should support the article.  TMM Carman moved to terminate debate.  The motion was seconded and passed on a voice vote.  The vote on the main motion was 207-4 in favor.  The meeting applauded the students.

TMM Deshler moved to take Articles 41-53 back off table. This motion was seconded and passed on a voice vote.

Article 41 was introduced by TMM Deshler.  It involves the transportation infrastructure fund, whereby monies collected from ride sharing services are dispersed back to the Town based on the number of trips originating in town.  There are $15,000 available for use to improve our sidewalks and pedestrian safety.  This article was held off the consent agenda by TMM Trembly.  He asked if the funds would be used to improve any intersections?  Mr. Pooler noted the funds would be used primarily for sidewalks.  That might be in conjunction with road work.  TMM Trembly noted that curb extension make driving harder.  Mr. Pooler responded that is the point.  TMM Trembley asked if anyone really thinks about this?  The Moderator called scope,and discouraged personal attacks.  TMM Trembly noted people cannot navigate  the corners.  Mr. Pooler noted that he cannot design them himself.  The extensions come into intersections to try and calm traffic.  TMM Trembly disagreed with the last comment, the pedestrian safety theory.  He felt the extensions force traffic onto the wrong side of road.  TMM Heigham moved to terminate debate.  The motion was seconded and passed on a voice vote.  The main motion passed 210-4.

Article 42 was introduced by TMM Deshler, who noted she would be commenting on Articles 42 and 43 together.  These articles allow the town to utilize zero interest loans from the MWRA to be repaid through water and sewer rates.  Article 42 was funding for sewer work, and Article 43 was funding for water service improvements.  She encouraged passage of both articles.  TMM Kapplein held the article off the consent agenda, but now, he passed.  TMM Revilak noted that the town has about 100mi of sewer lines, and this program services about 1 mi per year.  The Moderator agreed that was Mr. Revilak's recollection.  TMM Revilak asked whether the town should increase the rate of replacement? Mr. Rademacher indicated that the goal was to increase the request.  The value has been creeping up in the Capital Plan, moving towards 2 miles per year.  TMM Foskett moved the question, which was seconded and passed on a voice vote.  The main motion passed 211-5.

Article 43 was introduced by TMM Deshler who had nothing to add to the previous information presented on this article.  Going to the speaker queue, TMM Granucci moved to terminate debate.  The motion was seconded and passed on a voice vote.  The main motion passed 207-7.

Article 45 was introduced by TMM Deshler.  The article appropriates funds for committees funded by the town.  The Harry Barber program funds are now reported in this article.  She recommended an affirmative vote.  TMM Ruderman passed.  TMM Tosti moved to terminate debate.  The motion was seconded and passed on a voice vote.  The main motion passed on a voice vote of the majority.

Article 46 was introduced by TMM Deshler.  This article appropriates funds for town celebrations.  There is a state law that the town has to put flags on the graves of veterans on Memorial Day.  TMM Holland moved to terminate debate.  The motion was seconded and passed on a voice vote.  The main motion passed on a voice vote of the majority.

Article 47 was introduced by TMM Deshler.  She noted there was a correction to the proposed vote from opening night.  The article would appropriate $11,000 for various expenses including indemnification of the costs of medical expenses for officers injured on the job.  She recommended a positive vote.  TMM Monks moved to terminate debate.  The motion was seconded and passed on a voice vote.  The main motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.

Article 48 was introduced by TMM Deshler.  This was the annual appropriation for the town's Waterbodies Fund, which has been expanded to all town waterbodies.  She recommended approval of the $50,000 appropriation. TMM Farrell moved to terminate debate.  The motion was seconded and passed on a voice vote.  The main motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.

Article 49 was introduced by TMM Rowe, the Chair of the Community Preservation Act Committee (CPAC).  She requested 3 additional minutes, which passed on a voice vote.  She noted this was a wonderful committee.  She thanked Ms. Wayman and Mr. Feeney for all their assistance.  Each year, the CPA deals with three areas, spending a minimum of 10% of the total appropriation on each area.  The remainder of the appropriation is flexible.  They allocate 5% for administration, but it usually comes in at 2.5%.  The Housing Corporation of Arlington (HCA) requested $500K towards affordable housing at 10 Sunnyside Avenue.  The Arlington Housing Trust Fund (AHTF) requested $370K.  Overall, the CPA received requests for $1M over their available funding.  The Somerville Homeless Coalition requested $30K.  Menotomy Manor requested $400K for window replacement.  Hauser Building needed $120K for a roof replacement.  The committee also recommended $400K for off-road bike trails at Hills Hill.  TMM Rowe noted this was the most controversial item in their history.  They received comments from all over Arlington.  There was lots of email from youth.  It was very important to balance needs for open space with needs for recreation areas.  There is a compromise with three parts.  The CPAC will have the final say.  She felt it was a good compromise.

Twelve thousand dollars was proposed for invasive vegetation removal.  An additional $120K was proposed for the restoration of Mill Brook.  Fifteen thousand dollars wass proposed for a feasibility study for 21 Pond Lane.  Twenty thousand dollars was proposed for preservation of the No Name Brook.  The Girl Scouts requested $2,500 for signage at the Town Orchard.  No one knows where it is, which is why we need the signs.  The Friends of the Drama requested $188K for repairs to their building.  Seventy-two thousand dollars were requested for document scanning at Dallin Elementary.   One hundred, twelve thousand dollars was requested for a Foot of the Rocks Battleground Memorial.  This would be for the design phase only.  The Jason Russell House requested $74K for ongoing renovations, which is their 5th request.  The Town requested $385K for the preservation of Town Hall including the clock tower.

TMM Brown moved to divide the article and vote no on $400K bike trail.  Mountain bikers can ride now.  There is no need to fix something that works well.  If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.  They can do it now.  It is good for lots of kids to figure out how to do things.  Let the kids be creative and do it themselves.  To quote some of the kids, "the woods are pretty good.  We don’t want to do any construction.  We are making our own trails."  It is good how the kids are making this.  That is better than having them spend their time using technology.  They learn to use independent judgement.  We should be grateful to be in a country where we can debate, and live in a town where we can consider spending this money. The Moderator asked the speaker to move his motion.  TMM Brown thought this was to divide the question.  The Moderator said this is how he figured it out.  There would be one debate for all but the bike track, and second debate just for Hills Hill. The motion was seconded, but it failed on a voice vote.  Five members rose, so we proceeded to using the handsets.  The vote was 77-134 against the motion.  There would be a single discussion.  Before we started, we took our break.


TMM Kepka brought a prop. She has concerns about the Hills Hill proposal.  What is a pump track?  She has visited many, read about them, and watched videos.  The proposed track is very different from others she has seen.  She was concerned about maintenance.  Like a swimming pool, everyone likes them, but they don’t like to pay the costs of building and maintaining.  There will be limited use  because of weather.  Those who proposed the trails indicated the woods are misused.  Hills Hill is near the Rink.  Will Recreation maintain it.  The Town has lots of facilities which need maintenance.  We need to focus on maintaining what we have before building something new.  TMM Exton rose in support of the article.  She introduced resident Henry Fenollosa with a presentation.  He has searched for great places to ride.  Biking was an outlet for him and other friends.  It was a safe outlet during COVID.  The Crusher Lot became their home.  Kids came together from all over town.  The building quality of the trails was highly variable.  They were brought before the Park and C=Recreation Commission, who made the recommendation for Hills Hill.  The proposal has many more supporters. Mr. Fenollosa explained what the project is about.  What are bike trails?  They have features specifically designed to be ridden safely.  They are mainly dirt, and they follow the flow of land.  In total, it would be half the size of a soccer field.  Why would this be good to have?  Mountain biking is a growing sport with many supporters.  Having a dedicated place will encourage people to stay away from other parks.  This use supports the open space plan.  There are many benefits of trails.  They provide a safe place to meet and exercise, increase access to outdoors, and teach environmental stewardship.  He encouraged Town Meeting to vote yes.  

TMM Heigham introduced resident Brian McBride from Save Hills Hill.  They are lobbying for habitat protection.  He asked why he was then asking for a yes vote.  Outdoor recreation is important for youth, biking and other things.  He agrees with the creation of trails, but he is concerned about “man-made” features of the proposed pump track and flow zone.  They are concerned loss of woodlands is their concern.  There was a process through Park and Rec.  The public hearings were divided with many letter submitted on both sides.  The CPAC did a great job of listening, and they built conditions to address the concerns.  The three conditions were appreciated; it was a reasonable compromise.  He encouraged approval of the article.  TMM Heigham asked how the conditions would be enforced.  TMM Rowe said all applicants would need to sign a contract which would be enforceable by Town Counsel.  Counsel Heim noted that grant agreements often have compliance requirements.  If there are issues, the applicant can be asked to return the funds or make corrections.  TMM Rowe said that she signs the checks, and she checks everything.  TMM Heigham asked what department would do the maintenance. Director of Recreation Joe Connelly said the park department, volunteers, and the community would pitch in.  TMM Heigham noted some maintenance would need to be budgeted.  Director Connelly agreed the proposed conditions were appropriate.

TMM Mazor moved to terminate debate.  The motion was seconded and passed on a voice vote.  Only one member stood for a recount, so we moved the the vote.  The main motion passed 193-9.

Article 51 was introduced by TMM Deshler.  This article appropriates money to support 25+ years service or accidental retirement.  The recommended appropriation for this year was $0.  She recommended a positive vote.  TMM Friedman passed.  TMM Hamlin passed. The Moderator quipped whether anyone else wanted to enter the "termination of debate queue".  TMM Holland moved to terminate debate.  The motion was seconded and passed on a voice vote.  The main motion passed 204-0.

Article 52 was introduced by TMM Deshler.  This article appropriates money from the state opioid settlement.  Money will be distributed to towns over 17 years.  It is restricted to drug abuse prevention and support.  The Finance Committee recommends a positive vote.  TMM Kaepplein asked to break out where the spending will go.  Will any go towards buying meth pipes for addicts as other towns have done.  Mr. Magee, the Assistant Town Manager responded that funds would go towards treatment, harm reduction, and drug prevention programs.  TMM Kaepplein asked for numbers and to know who decides.  Mr. Magee said it was at the discretion of the town.  TMM Culverhouse asked how the money was spent?  Would it be used inside Arlington or go towards outpatient services.  Mr. Magee said it would be directed by the HHS Director after receiving resident input.  The focus would be on residents.  TMM Foskett moved to terminate debate.  The motion was seconded and passed on a voice vote.  The main motion passed 205-0.

Article 53 was introduced by TMM Deshler.  She introduced TMM Jamieson from the Board of Assessors.  This article appropriates funds for assessments which are required to be re-certified every 5 years.  The Director and their staff need additional assistance with this process.  This will take place again in five years.  The  Department of Revenue requires this process.  TMM Mozina asked if this would this be an early way to evaluate local property taxes.  When would the assessments be in effect.  TMM Jamieson said there was no early way to determine taxes.  The annual rate is only set in December.  TMM Monks moved the question.  The motion was seconded and passed on a voice vote.  The main motion passed 193-8.

Article 57 was introduced by TMM Deshler.  The article appropriates funds to provide health insurance and other benefits to retirees.  The town is building a balance in funds in the Other Post Employment enefits (OPEB) account coming from the Health Benefit Trust Fund used before the town joined the GIC.  The town will likely stay in the GIC, and there is little chance of claims against this fund.  The proposal is to move the majority of the funds into the OPEB account this year.  This is an appropriate use of these funds.  This will bbe a transfer of $1.4M.  The Finance Committee recommends a positive vote.  TMM Rosenthal noted that this was explained as moving from one bank account to another.  Is the town risking funds by being over a limit.  Mr. Pooler said that was a metaphor only.  We are just shifting funds from one town account to another.  TMM Jalkut passed, and there were no other speakers.  The main motion passed 200-0.

At this point, there are only 12 articles remaining.

Article 58 was introduced by TMM Deshler.  This article would transfer $210K in cemetery funds to maintenance and a further $75K to the Capital Fund for equipment purchases.  TMM Bergman and TMM Moore passed.  TMM Holland moved to terminate debate.  The motion was seconded and passed on a voice vote.  The main motion passed on a voice vote.

Article 59 was introduced by TMM Deshler.  This article would transfer funds initially set aside by the Assessor for possible abatement.  The surplus amount is to be returned to town.  There were no speakers, and the main motion passed on a voice vote.

Article 60 was introduced by TMM Deshler.  The article appropriates $588K from the Override Stabilization Fund to be transferred into the General Fund.  This requires a ⅔ vote.  The Finance Committee recommends a positive vote.  The speaker queue was empty.  The main motion passed 200-2.

Article 61 was introduced by TMM Deshler.  This article appropriates money for the Long Term Stabilization (rainy day) Fund.  The Town appropriates $100K every year to help reinforce our bond rating.  Again, the speaker queue was empty, and the main motion passed on voice vote.

Article 62 was introduced by TMM Deshler.  Free Cash is funds left over at end of year if more revenues came in or there was less spending.  Once these funds have been certified by state, they can be placed into the General Fund and used for the upcoming year.  TMM McSweeney passed.  (They were accidentally placed in the queue.).  With no other speakers, the main motion was passed 195-2.

Article 63 was introduced by Mr. Helmuth.  He urged support for the article.  Although this vote is not necessarily required, the Select Board wanted to ask the town to support spending money to improve Veterans Memorial Park.  The Moderator noted that no one asked to speak either for or against this resolution.  No additional speakers are allowed.  The resolution passed 195-0.

Article 64 was introduced by Mr. Hurd.  This resolution from Zero Waste Arlington would encourage the State to pass legislation to pass end user costs on to producers.  The speaker in favor, TMM Mullin rose to speak, but there was a Point of Order from TMM Moore.  He asked which language were we being asked to vote on.  TMM Mullin noted there was placeholder language inserted in March which was swapped for new language on May 3.  TMM Moore asked if the language in the Select Board’s report was correct.  Counsel Heim said it was his understanding that TMM Mullin is correct that the Select Board approved alternate language.  He asked whether the meeting would be willing to move to the next resolution while the proper language was located.  Mr. Hurd moved to lay Article 64 on the table.  The motion was seconded and passed on a voice vote.

Article 65 was introduced by Mr. Helmuth.  There was a recommended vote of No Action, and no substitute motion was filed.  The scope is nothing.  A vote of No Action passed on a voice vote.

Article 66 was introduced by Mr. Hurd.  This resolution would urge the State to improve MBTA service, which is self-explanatory.  TMM Schlichtman noted that in brief, we know why we need to do this:  our neighbors want better service. The resolution passed on a voice vote.

The Moderator entertained a motion to take Article 64 off the table.  Mr. Hurd made the motion, which was seconded and passed on a voice vote.  Mr. Hurd asked to display the updated resolution language on the screen.  TMM Wagner raised a Point of Order asking whether the displayed language was made available to the Members.  The Moderator said it was only available on the screen.  TMM Jalkut raised a Point of Order indicating he was uncomfortable being unfamiliar with the changes.  Counsel Heim noted that the proponent would familiarize Town Meeting with the changes.  TMM Mullin noted this was his first year on Town Meeting.  Placeholder language was originally submitted.  The changes only add Arlington-specific facts and figures.  This revision was approved by the Select Board on May 8.

TMM Mullin introduced the concept of Producer Responsibility.  He gave a shout out to the Ottoson students and their article.  It is important to keep recycling rates high.  Producers decide which materials to to use.  This resolution encourages putting the responsibility on the manufacturers.  Residents pay the costs as many foils and plastics must be incinerated.  The Town produced 19.6K tons of trash last year.  The resolution encourages the State to act.  Newton and Boston acted four years ago.  The committee is looking for support from Arlington.  The Moderator apologized for the confusion over the language.  TMM Revilak raised a Point of Order asking whither the changes were only in the "Whereas" paragraphs or were they also in the "Resolved" paragraphs.  Counsel Heim noted this added detail to the "Whereas" paragraphs.  Four individual bills were referenced in the "Resolved" paragraphs.  TMM Bergman raised a Point of Order asking whether this language had been added to the online annotated warrant.  The Moderator said it had.  TMM Schlichtman raised a Point of Order asking to display the "Resolved" section.  The Moderator asked for an explanation from Town Counsel.  TMM Jamieson raised a Point of Order to ask that there be a handset vote to provide an actual vote count to the State.  The Moderator opened voting, and the resolution passed 170-11.

Article 67 was introduced by Mr. Helmuth.  He asked for support of the resolution.  He explained the basics of an affordable housing overlay district.  TMM Hamlin, the proponent, asked for support.  This is in the Housing Production Plan.  The Town is ahead of the plan, and this resolution is a way to support affordable housing.  TMM Ruderman, the opponent, asked whether we knew what an overlay district was.  He noted that we didn't discuss it, we just liked the idea.  What are we being asked to endorse?  We need to identify a problem and how to address it.  In the absence of that, we should not do anything.  The Moderator opened the voting, and the resolution passed 129-45.

Article 68 was to be introduced by Mr. Helmuth.  It was recognized that the recommended vote of No Action had already been recorded under the Consent Agenda.  As such, there was nothing further to do with this article.

Article 69 was introduced by Mr. Hurd.  This resolution would allow Arlington to encourage the State to change its flag and seal.  We need to push the state to get this done.  There were no speakers, so the Moderator opened the voting.  The resolution passed 172-12.

TMM Deshler moved to take Article 3 off the table.  This was seconded and approved by voice vote.

TMM Deshler moved to dissolve town meeting.  This was seconded and approved by voice vote.  The 2023 Annual Town Meeting for the Town of Arlington was concluded.

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