Source: https://www.littletonma.org/town-meetings/pages/may-6-2013-annual-town-meeting
Timestamp: 2020-04-08 08:42:12
Document Index: 587489763

Matched Legal Cases: ['§173', '§173', '§173', '§173', '§173', '§173', '§171', '§171', '§171', '§171', '§ 40', '§171', '§171', 'Art. 9', 'Art. 7', 'Art. 5', 'Art. 25']

May 6, 2013 Annual Town Meeting | Littleton MA
May 6, 2013 Annual Town Meeting
FY14 Annual Town Meeting
Town Meeting Report: Town Meeting Report - w/ motions, recommendations, explanations
FY 2014 Water Enterprise Fund Operating Budget
FY 2014 Capital Items from Available Funds
Borrowing: Littleton Common Smart Sewering Preliminary Design withdrawn
M.H. Kimball Trust School Grant Funds
FY 2014 Revolving Funds
Personnel By-law Amendments
Community Preservation Fund Local Appropriation withdrawn
FY 2014 Community Preservation Budget
Home Rule Petition: Conservation, Recreation land exchange
Acquisition of Congregational Church Meadow Property, 194 Great Road
FY 2014 Personal Exemption Amounts
Payment in Lieu of Taxes – Solar
Tax Title Abutter Lot Sales Program – List of Parcels
Zoning By-law Amendment: Open Space Development
Zoning By-law Amendment: Temporary Moratorium on Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers
Voter Petition: Zoning By-law Amendment: Extensive Recreation Special Permit Granting Authority no action taken
Voter Petition: Zoning By-law Amendment: Extensive Recreation Definition no action taken
Town By-law Amendment: Wetlands Protection
Town By-law Amendment: Director of Elder and Human Services
Use of Chapter 90 MassDOT Funds
Drainage Easement on Harvard Road
Sewer Easements on Grist Mill Road and Surrey Road
Community Septic System Repair Loan Program
Rescind Unused Borrowing Authorizations
To choose all Town Officers and Committees necessary to be chosen at the Annual Town Meeting
Motion: Moved and seconded by the Board of Selectmen that the following Officers be chosen for the year 2013: Fence Viewers: Timothy Harrison Whitcomb, Joseph Knox; Field Driver: Raymond C. O'Neil; Surveyor of Timber & Measurer of Wood Bark: Henry Parlee; Measurers and Weighers of Grain, Hay, Coal and Livestock: Tom Wood, Ronald Pollack, Michelle Roche, and Cindy McNiff.
[Consent Calendar Article: approved by unanimous vote]
ARTICLE 2 - Board of Selectmen - Annual Report
Motion: Moved and seconded by the Board of Selectmen that the Town vote to accept all printed reports of Town Officers and Committees as published in the 2012 Annual Town Report.
ARTICLE 3 - Board of Selectmen - Borrowing Authorization
To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of the revenue for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2013, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 44, Section 4 of the General Laws, and to issue a note or notes as may be given for a period of less than one (1) year, in accordance with Chapter 44, Section 17 of the General Laws, or to take any other action in relation thereto.
Motion: Moved and seconded by the Board of Selectmen that the Town vote approve Article 3 as printed in the warrant.
ARTICLE 4 - Finance Committee/Board of Selectmen - FY 2014 Operating Budget
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from available funds in the treasury or transfer from the Enterprise and Trust Funds, such sums of money to defray the expenses of the various departments of the Town and to fix the salary and compensation of all elected officials for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2013, or to take any other action in relation thereto.
Motion: Moved and seconded by the Finance Committee that the Town vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $34,136,077 and transfer from the funds specified herein the sum of $1,035,695, for a total of $35,171,772 to defray the expenses of the various departments of the Town as specified herein and to fix the salary and compensation of all elected officials for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2013.
FY2012Actual
Total 114 45 100 100
156,993 158,435 166,720
11,794 11,870 11,870
MAGIC Assessment
1,625 1,600 1,600
Total 122 170,412 171,905 180,1901
173 500 500
Total 131 173 500 500
1,218 150,000 150,000
Total 132 1,218 150,000 150,000
503,167 505,315 554,380
48,117 36,655 36,655
34,500 35,000 37,500
Total 135 585,784 576,970 628,535
208,246 175,000 175,000
Total 151 208,246 175,000 175,000
60,263 62,610 87,030
84,943 136,300 174,402
Total 155 145,206 198,910 261,432
49,126 52,495 54,355
16,397 16,635 17,625
Transfer In - Dog Tax Fund
(2,200) (2,200) (2,200)
Total 161 64,823 68,430 71,280
11,377 8,700 8,700
Total 162 11,377 8,700 8,700
20,730 21,960 23,490
941 1,000 1,000
(5,050) (5,280) (5,280)
Total 171 16,621 17,680 19,210
52,628 56,475 61,055
1,175 1,175 1,175
Total 175 53,803 57,650 62,230
4,399 3,830 4,240
557 1,200 1,200
Total 176 4,956 5,030 5,440
48,436 48,425 50,405
355,027 321,556 365,000
Total 191 403,463 369,981 415,405
279,674 340,000 340,000
Total 193 279,674 340,000 340,000
3,758,525 5,027,865 5,326,503
500,000 689,835 605,000
0 (21,692) (21,692)
Transfer In - Recreation Revolving
(14,416) (14,556) (14,647)
Total 194 4,244,109 5,681,452 5,895,164
4,915 5,000 5,000
Total 196 4,915 5,000 5,000
0 70,145 83,400
0 20,250 20,250
0 -90,395 -103,650
Total 197 0 0 0
1,463,079 1,532,577 1,543,047
117,523 100,571 100,571
Total 210 1,580,602 1,633,148 1,643,618
652,004 670,645 936,753
95,523 95,523 95,523
Transfer In-Ambulance Fees (485,000) (287,000) (287,000)
Total 220 262,527 479,168 745,276
99,059 91,625 98,768
5,430 5,430 5,430
(3,000) (3,000) (3,000)
Total 241 101,489 94,055 101,198
14,977,076 15,618,010 16,400,000
Transfer In - LH Zappy Trust
(200) (200) (200)
Transfer In - Hildreth Trust
(6,000) (6,000) (6,000)
Transfer In - Goldsmith Trust
Transfer In - Johnson Trust
(750) (750) (750)
Total 300 14,969,626 15,610,560 16,392,550
Nashoba Valley Technical
620,422 692,374 689,712
Minuteman Vocational
Total 301 620,422 692,374 729,712
651,324 690,000 697,000
389,847 396,927 396,927
30,829 29,351 30,693
6,800 6,936 9,250
66,938 65,000 65,000
2,806 2,806 2,806
102,054 120,000 120,000
Total 420 1,250,598 1,311,020 1,321,676
474,142 478,884 483,673
Total 422 474,142 478,884 483,673
54,546 68,000 68,000
162,469 132,000 132,000
Total 423 217,015 200,000 200,000
77,778 85,215 91,445
17,482 17,800 17,800
(12,000) (12,000) (12,000)
(18,897) (18,897) (18,897)
Total 491 64,363 72,118 78,348
20,439 17,225 19,065
2,574 3,235 3,235
21,651 22,250 22,250
8,18 28,325 8,325
3,780 3,780 3,780
Transfer In - B. Sampson Animal Fund
(2,500) (2,500) (2,500)
Total 510 56,526 54,715 56,555
63,210 67,515 70,195
11,861 13,416 13,416
Total 541 75,071 80,931 83,611
1,009 750 750
31,952 12,000 25,000
Total 543 37,961 17,750 30,750
350,460 342,170 397,933
65,859 90,400 71,157
31,714 31,714 31,714
(13,000) (11,500) (11,500)
Total 610 435,033 452,784 489,304
151,638 154,850 168,095
Transfer In - Revolving Wages
(113,774) (113,774) (128,095)
Total 630 45,364 41,076 40,000
444 700 700
350 500 500
Total 690 844 1,250 1,250
LONG TERM DEBT 5,004,135 4,886,847 3,612,121
200,000 326,033
Transfer In - Cemerery Trust
(13,000) (13,000) (13,000)
(17,000) (17,000) (17,000)
(17,274) (17,274) (17,274)
(38,113) (37,206) (36,269)
(49,641) (43,373) (42,248)
Transfer In - Clean Lakes
(70,086) (66,170) (62,268)
(67,111) (62,038) (61,038)
(183,309) (175,477) (168,687)
4,695,890 4,655,309 3,520,370
32,215,119 34,724,232 35,171,772
(1,132,821) (1,021,782) (1,035,695)
Total Appropriated Budgets 31,082,298 33,702,450 34,136,077
ARTICLE 5 - Board of Water Commissioners - FY 2014 Water Enterprise Fund Operating Budget
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate $2,327,500 or any other sum or sums of money from the Water Enterprise Fund to finance the operation of the Water Department for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2013 (detail below), or to take any other action in relation thereto.
[FY 2013]
$2,060,554 $2,227,500
2,060,554 2,327,500
665,000 670,000
888,500 876,500
387,000 377,775
20,054 303,225
$2,060,554 $2,327,500
III. Costs Appropriated for General Fund to be Charged to Enterprise Fund
Total Costs Appropriated for the General Fund
Total Costs $2,060,554 $2,327,500
Motion: Moved and seconded by the Board of Water Commissioners that the Town vote to approve Article 5 as printed in the warrant.
Finance Committee, Board of Water Commissioners and Board of Selectmen support Article 5.
ARTICLE 6 - Board of Selectmen - Stabilization Fund
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $4,310 for the Stabilization Fund in accordance with the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 40, Section 5B for the twelve month period beginning July 1, 2013, or to take any other action in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 7 - Board of Selectmen/ Finance Committee - FY 2014 Capital Items from Available Funds
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, and/or transfer from available funds, a sum or sums of money, to be expended by the respective Departments or Officers indicated, for the capital projects and purchases itemized and described, or to take any other action in relation thereto.
Police Cruiser Leases - $75,089 to be expended by the Police Department for police cruiser leases, as follows: $28,500 for third year (final) payment on two cruisers; $16,145 for second year (final) payment on one cruiser, $15,820 for third year (final) payment on one unmarked vehicle; and $14,624 for second year (final) payment on one unmarked vehicle.
Police Vehicle Maintenance -$5,000 to be expended by the Police Department for tire replacement and equipment maintenance of its fleet of vehicles.
Police Vehicle Refurbishment - $13,000 to be expended by the Police Department for the refurbishment of a marked 2008 Dodge Charger.
Police Portable Radios - $11,600 to be expended by the Police Department to replace portable radios in Command and Detective Vehicles.
Fire Major Equipment Repair -$15,000 to be expended by the Fire Department for major equipment repairs and upkeep.
UHF Radio System Upgrade - $120,000 to be expended by the Fire Department for the radio system upgrade. The current system will require significant upgrades by the FCC imposed December 31, 2013 deadline for narrow banding.
Highway Major Equipment Repair - $15,000 to be expended by the Highway Department for major equipment repairs and upkeep.
Highway Loader Refurbishment – $35,000 to be expended by the Highway Department for refurbishment of a 2003 John Deere Loader.
Highway Dump Pickup truck - $58,000 to be expended by the Highway Department to purchase a new pick-up truck with plow to replace an existing 2004 vehicle.
Asphalt Hot Box trailer - $26,000 to be expended by the Highway Department for the purchase of a trailer mounted Asphalt Hot Box for roadway repairs and maintenance.
School iPads & Carts - $33,000 to be expended by the School Committee for the second year payment on the lease / purchase agreement for four complete carts, 120 iPads, MacBook Air laptops, carts, charging station and all accessory hardware and equipment.
Shaker Lane Univents - $25,000 to be expended by the School Committee to replace univent HVAC units at the Shaker Lane School.
High School WIFI Upgrades - $40,000 to be expended by the School Committee to upgrade the WIFI systems at the High School.
School Technology - $25,000 to be expended by the School Committee to upgrade the network infrastructure and firewalls/switching in the district.
Shaker Lane Playground & Fencing - $30,000 to be expended by the School Committee to upgrade the Shaker Lane School Playground and equipment.
Shaker Lane Bathroom Door Dividers - $10,000 to be expended by the School Committee to replace the bathroom door dividers at the Shaker Lane School.
Technology Computer Replacements - $50,000 to be expended by the School Committee to for replacements of computer systems.
General Building Maintenance - $10,000 to be expended by the School Committee for major systems repairs and maintenance at School locations.
V. FACILITIES AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Town Hall HVAC - $30,000 to be expended by the Board of Selectmen and the Permanent Municipal Building Committee for major systems repairs and upkeep of the HVAC Roof Top Units at the Town Offices on Shattuck Street.
Town Building Major Equipment Repairs/Maintenance - $14,000 to be expended by the Board of Selectmen for major systems and equipment repairs and maintenance of public buildings.
Cemetery Building Repairs - $30,000 to be expended by the Cemetery Commissioners and the Permanent Municipal Building Committee for repairs to the exterior brick work of the Cemetery facility.
Salt Shed Building Repairs - $20,000 to be expended by the Highway Department and the Permanent Municipal Building Committee for repairs to the salt shed facility.
Fire Station Modular Building - $38,410 to be expended by the Fire Department and the Permanent Municipal Building Committee to locate a modular building on site for sleeping quarters (should additional staffing be approved).
Sidewalk Repairs - $20,000 to be expended by the Highway Department to repair the sidewalks and walkways located at the Shaker Lane and High Schools.
Cemetery Paving - $15,000 to be expended by the Cemetery Commission to repair pavement on the Foster Street site.
Long Lake Security - $6,700 to be expended by the Recreation Commission to upgrade security at the Long Lake facility.
Recreation vehicle lease - $4,000 transferred from the Recreation Revolving account to be expended by the Park and Recreation Commission for the third year payment of a five-year lease for a Ford Ranger.
Library Furniture $3,000 – to be expended by the Library Trustees to replace worn and damaged furniture at the Reuben Hoar Library.
Motion: Moved and seconded by the Board of Selectmen that the Town vote to raise and appropriate $394,689 and transfer from the Undesignated Fund Balance the sum of $379,110 and transfer from the funds specified herein the sum of $4,000 for a total of $777,799 for capital projects and purchases itemized and described in Article 7 as printed in the warrant.
Finance Committee, Board of Selectmen, and School Committee support Article 7.
ARTICLE 8 - Board of Selectmen - Borrowing: Littleton Common Smart Sewering Project
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate and borrow a sum of money for the purpose of funding preliminary design services and preparation of a Preliminary Design Report and other tasks related to development of a sustainable wastewater management system for the Littleton Village Common District and the Village Overlay District West—Beaver Brook Common District, including sewers, pump stations, wastewater treatment facilities, treated wastewater disposal systems and other ancillary facilities; and that to meet this appropriation, the Treasurer, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, is authorized to borrow up to said sum under and pursuant to Chapter 44, Section 7 (1) of the General Laws, or pursuant to any other enabling authority, and to issue bonds or notes of the Town therefor, or to take any other action in relation thereto.
[Article 8 has been withdrawn by the Board of Selectmen at the request of the Littleton Common Sewer Feasibility Study Committee. No action will be taken at town meeting.].
No affirmative action taken under Article 8.
ARTICLE 9 - Board of Selectmen/School Committee/Trust Fund Commissioners - M.H. Kimball Trust School Grant Funds
To see if the Town will vote to transfer $14,200 from a grant from the M.H. Kimball Trust to the Littleton School Department for the purpose of providing students with access to current technology through the purchase of additional technology items for students and staff at the Russell Street Elementary School and costs related thereto, or to take any other action in relation thereto.
Motion: Moved and seconded by the Board of Selectmen that the Town vote to approve Article 9 as printed in the warrant.
Finance Committee, Trust Fund Commissioners, School Committee, and Board of Selectmen support Article 9.
ARTICLE 10 - Board of Selectmen - FY 2014 Revolving Funds
To see if the Town will vote to authorize the following Fiscal Year 2014 Revolving Funds, in accordance with Chapter 44, section 53E½ of the General Laws, or to take any other action in relation thereto.
Wiring/Plumbing/Gas Inspections: to allow receipts from wiring and plumbing fees to be segregated into a special account; and with funds therefrom, up to a limit of $100,000 annually, to be expended to compensate the Wiring, Plumbing and Gas Inspectors, under the direction of the Building Commissioner, with the prior year’s fund balance to be available for expenditure;
Dog By-law Enforcement: to allow receipts from dog license fees and fines to be segregated into a special account; and with funds therefrom, up to a limit of $5,000 annually, to be expended for costs associated with by-law enforcement, under the direction of the Town Clerk, with the prior year’s fund balance to be available for expenditure;
Alarm Box Repairs: to allow receipts from alarm box fees to be segregated into a special account; and with funds therefrom, up to a limit of $5,000 annually, to be expended for repairs to alarm boxes, under the direction of the Fire Department, with the prior year’s fund balance to be available for expenditure;
CPR Courses: to allow receipts from CPR course fees to be segregated into a special account; and with funds therefrom, up to a limit of $2,000 annually, to be expended for CPR course costs, under the direction of the Fire Department, with the prior year’s fund balance to be available for expenditure;
Sealer of Weights and Measures: to allow receipts from sealer fees to be segregated into a special account; and with funds therefrom, up to a limit of $3,000 annually, to be expended to compensate the Sealer, under the direction of the Board of Selectmen, with the prior year’s fund balance to be available for expenditure;
Fire Safety Act Compliance: to allow receipts from Fire Safety Act fees and fines to be segregated into a special account; and with funds therefrom, up to a limit of $3,000 annually, to be expended for associated administrative costs, under the direction of the Board of Selectmen, with the prior year’s fund balance to be available for expenditure;
M.A.R.T: to allow receipts from reimbursement from M.A.R.T. bus fees to be segregated into a special account; and with funds therefrom, up to a limit of $68,000 annually, to be expended for wages and expenses for senior van operation, under the direction of the Council on Aging, with the prior year’s fund balance to be available for expenditure;
Pet Cemetery: to allow receipts from pet cemetery fees to be segregated into a special account; and with funds therefrom, up to a limit of $20,000 annually, to be expended for associated administrative costs, under the direction of the Cemetery Commission, with the prior year’s fund balance to be available for expenditure;
Spectacle Pond Cell Tower: to allow receipts from the Spectacle Pond Cell Tower rent to be segregated into a special account; and with funds therefrom, up to a limit of $40,000 annually, to be expended for debt service for the Clean Lakes program, under the direction of the Board of Selectmen, with the prior year’s fund balance to be available for expenditure;
Legal Advertisements: to allow receipts paid by applicants for advertising costs to be segregated into a special account; and with funds therefrom, up to a limit of $5,000 annually, to be expended for legal advertising costs, under the direction of the Board of Appeals, with the prior year’s fund balance to be available for expenditure;
Cemetery Revolving: to allow a portion of receipts received from sales of lots to be segregated into a special account: and with funds therefrom, up to a limit of $10,000 annually, to be expended for expenses associated with maintenance of such under the direction of the Cemetery Commissioners, with the prior year’s fund balance to be available for expenditure;
Permitting Software: to allow a portion of receipts received from land use permit fees to be segregated into a special account: and with funds therefrom, up to a limit of $15,000 annually, to be expended for expenses associated with maintenance of permitting software under the direction of the Board of Selectmen, with the prior year’s fund balance to be available for expenditure;
Police Cruisers sale proceeds: to allow the proceeds resulting from the sale/disposal of retired police vehicles to be segregated into a special account: and with funds therefrom, up to a limit of $25,000 annually, to be expended for expenses associated with purchasing Police replacement vehicles authorized under the Capital Plan under the direction of the Board of Selectmen, with the prior year’s fund balance to be available for expenditure; and
Paper Recycling: to allow the proceeds resulting from the disposal/sale of recyclable paper product collected to be segregated into a special account: and with funds therefrom, up to a limit of $3,000 annually, to be expended for expenses associated with programming expenses of the Department of Elder and Human Services under the direction of the Council on Aging, with the prior year’s fund balance to be available for expenditure.
Motion: Moved and seconded by the Board of Selectmen that the Town vote, in accordance with Chapter 44, section 53E½ of the General Laws, to authorize Fiscal Year 2014 Revolving Funds precisely as set forth in Article 10 as printed in the warrant.
ARTICLE 11 - Board of Selectmen/Personnel Board - Personnel By-law Amendments
To see if the Town will vote to amend Chapter 33 of the Town Code, Personnel, as follows:
By adding the position of “Plumbing & Gas Inspector” to Grade 10 of Schedule A, Permanent Full and Part-time Employees, of the Classification and Compensation Plan; and
By amending Schedule C of the Classification and Compensation Plan to read as follows: Temporary/Seasonal Park & Recreation Department positions, 2013 Season
8.00 8.16 8.40 8.66 8.92
8.25 8.42 8.67 8.93 9.20
9.20 9.38 9.67 9.96 10.25
9.75 9.95 10.24 10.55 10.87
9.80 10.00 10.30 10.60 10.92
11.10 11.32 11.66 12.01 12.37
11.35 11.58 11.92 12.28 12.65
12.55 12.80 13.19 13.58 13.99
13.50 13.77 14.18 14.61 15.05
17.00 17.34 17.86 18.40 18.95
Snack Hut Attendee
Lifeguard II/WSI
Junior Guard Coordinator
Camp Lead Counselor
Motion: Moved and seconded by the Board of Selectmen that the Town vote to amend Chapter 33 of the Town Code precisely as set forth in Article 11 as printed in the warrant.
Finance Committee, Personnel Board, Board of Selectmen, and Park & Recreation Commission support Article 11.
Article 11 does not pass; does not receive required majority vote.
ARTICLE 12 - Board of Selectmen - Community Preservation Fund Local Appropriation
To see if the Town will vote to dedicate revenue to the Community Preservation Fund in an amount not greater than 2% of the real estate tax levy against real property against other sources of municipal revenue as specified in MGL Chapter 44B, section 3(b1/2), and to raise and appropriate or transfer from available funds a sum of money to the Community Preservation Fund, and or to take any other action in relation thereto.
[Article 12 has been withdrawn by the Board of Selectmen, pending release of guidelines from the Department of Revenue on implementation of Community Preservation Act amendments enacted in July 2012. No action will be taken at town meeting.].
No affirmative action taken under Article 12.
ARTICLE 13 - Community Preservation Committee - FY 2014 Community Preservation Budget
To see if the Town will vote to hear and act on the report of the Community Preservation Committee on the Fiscal Year 2014 Community Preservation Budget, to appropriate or reserve from FY 2014 Community Preservation Fund annual revenues and reserves the following amounts, as recommended by the Community Preservation Committee, with each item considered a separate appropriation:
Debt service – from FY 2014 open space
Debt service – from open space reserve
Debt service – from FY 2014 historic resources
Debt service – from historic resources reserve
Debt service – from FY 2014 undesignated
Regional Housing Services – from FY 2014 community housing reserve
Town Clerk Vault/Dehumidifier – from FY 2014 historic resources reserve
300 King Street Recreation - from undesignated reserve
Open Space (to Reserve)
Community Housing (to Reserve)
Budgeted Reserve (to Reserve)
Motion: Moved and seconded by the Community Preservation Committee to approve the appropriations and reserves itemized and described in Article 13 as printed in the warrant.
Community Preservation Committee, Finance Committee and Board of Selectmen support Article 13.
ARTICLE 14 - Board of Selectmen - Home Rule Petition: Conservation, Recreation Land Exchange
To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to petition the General Court for special legislation as set forth below authorizing a land exchange between the Conservation Commission and the Park and Recreation Commission, provided, however, that the General Court may make clerical or editorial changes of form only to said bill, unless the Board of Selectmen approves amendments thereto prior to enactment by the General Court, and provided further that Board of Selectmen is hereby authorized to approve amendments which shall be within the scope of the general public objectives of this petition:
SECTION 1. The conservation commission of the town of Littleton may transfer the care, custody, management and control of the dry (non-wetland) portion of the parcel shown as “Parcel A Open Space”, on a certain plan of land entitled “Definitive Subdivision Plan for Shelburne Village at Littleton Over 55 Housing Development”, prepared by R. Wilson and Associates dated September 27, 2006 and recorded with the Middlesex South District Registry of Deeds as Plan 1529 of 2006, which was acquired by the town and held for conservation purposes, to the Park and Recreation Commission for municipal recreation purposes. The dry (non-wetland) portion of said parcel, shown on a plan entitled, “Plan of Parcel A Open Space”, has been declared surplus by the conservation commission.
SECTION 2. The park and recreation commission of the town of Littleton may transfer the care, custody, management and control of the parcels of land shown as Lots 5A, 6A, 7A and 11A on a plan entitled “Apple D’Or Farms”, prepared by J.D. Marquedant & Associates, Inc. dated November 20, 1998 and recorded with the Middlesex South District Registry of Deeds as Plan 623 of 1999, which together contain proximately 5.18 acres and were acquired by the town and held for municipal recreation purposes, to the Conservation Commission for open space and conservation purposes. These parcels have been declared surplus by the park and recreation commission.
And, further, provided that the special legislation is approved by the General Court in a form consistent with the provisions of this article, to transfer the care, custody, management and control of the affected parcels of land as described in the special legislation, or take any other action in relation thereto.
Motion: Moved and seconded by the Board of Selectmen that the Town vote to approve Article 14 as printed in the warrant, with the last sentence of SECTION 1 therein to read as follows: "The dry (non-wetland) portion of said parcel, shown as Parcel A2 “for recreation” on a plan by R. Wilson Associates dated May 6, 2013, has been declared surplus by the conservation commission."
Board of Selectmen, Park & Recreation Commission, & Conservation Commission support Article 14.
ARTICLE 15 - Board of Selectmen - Acquisition of Congregational Church Meadow Property, 194 Great Road
To see if the Town will vote to:
Raise and appropriate and/or borrow a sum of money for the acquisition by gift, purchase, or eminent domain of a fee simple interest or lesser interest in a parcel of land approximately 7.16+/- acres, together with all flowage rights and easements and subject to all well rights and easements appurtenant thereto, currently owned by the Congregational Church of Littleton, located at 194 Great Road in the Town of Littleton and described by the Littleton Board of Assessors as Parcel U06 4 0, and to meet said appropriation with funds transferred and/or borrowed in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44B, the Community Preservation Act, and to authorize the Treasurer, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, to issue any bonds or notes that may be necessary for that purpose, as authorized by M.G.L. Chapter 44, or any other enabling authority;
Authorize the Town Administrator, Board of Selectmen and/or Conservation Commission to file on behalf of the Town any and all applications deemed necessary under the Self-Help Act (M.G.L. Chapter 132A, Section 11) and the regulations described in 301 CMR 5.00, the Land and Water Conservation Fund (P.L. 88-578, 78 Stat 897), or any other applications for funds in any way connected with the scope of this acquisition;
Provide that said parcel, or such lesser interest as may be acquired, shall be under the care, custody, management and control of the Board of Selectmen and held for the purposes of (a) agricultural use and/or (b) sale or lease to third parties who shall engage in such agricultural use; and
Authorize the Town Administrator and the Board of Selectmen, as they deem appropriate, to enter into all agreements and execute any and all instruments including the conveyance of a perpetual conservation or agricultural preservation restriction in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 184 as required by Section 12(a) of Chapter 44B, as may be necessary on behalf of the Town to affect, or further the purposes of, said acquisition.
Motion: Moved and seconded by the Community Preservation Committee that the Town vote as follows:
To transfer from Community Preservation Undesignated Reserve the sum of $145,000 and to appropriate and borrow the sum of $270,000 in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 44B, the Community Preservation Act, for a total of $415,000, for the acquisition by gift, purchase, or eminent domain of a fee simple interest or lesser interest in a parcel of land approximately 7.16+/- acres, together with all flowage rights and easements and subject to all well rights and easements appurtenant thereto, currently owned by the Congregational Church of Littleton, located at 194 Great Road in the Town of Littleton and described by the Littleton Board of Assessors as Parcel U06 4 0, and to authorize the Treasurer, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, to issue any bonds or notes that may be necessary for that purpose, as authorized by M.G.L. Chapter 44, or any other enabling authority;
To authorize the Town Administrator, Board of Selectmen and/or Conservation Commission to file on behalf of the Town any and all applications for grant funds pursuant to the Self-Help Act (M.G.L. Chapter 132A, Section 11), the regulations described in 301 CMR 5.00, and the requirements of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (P.L. 88-578, 78 Stat 897), or any other applications for funds in any way connected with the scope of this acquisition;
To provide that said parcel, or such lesser interest as may be acquired, shall be under the care, custody, management and control of the Board of Selectmen or its nominee and held for the purposes of (a) agricultural use and/or (b) sale or lease to third parties who shall engage in such agricultural use; and
To authorize the Town Administrator and the Board of Selectmen, as they deem appropriate, to enter into all agreements and execute any and all instruments including the conveyance of a perpetual conservation or agricultural preservation restriction in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 184 as required by Section 12(a) of Chapter 44B, as may be necessary on behalf of the Town to effect, or further the purposes of, said acquisition, or to satisfy the requirements of any grant fund received to effectuate this article.
Community Preservation Committee, Finance Committee, Board of Selectmen, Agricultural Commission support Article 15.
In favor: 258; opposed: 12. Declared passed by a 2/3rds vote. So voted.
ARTICLE 16 - Board of Selectmen - Compensating Balance Agreement
To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Treasurer to enter into a Compensating Balance Agreement(s) for FY 2014, pursuant to Chapter 44, Section 53F of the General Laws, or to take any other action in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 17 - Board of Selectmen - FY 2014 Personal Exemption Amounts
To see if the Town will vote to accept Chapter 73 of the Acts and Resolves of 1986, as amended by Chapter 126 of the Acts and Resolves of 1988, and under the provisions thereof to grant additional real estate tax exemptions for fiscal year 2014 to those persons who otherwise qualify for an exemption under Clauses 17D, 22, 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E, 37A or 41C of section 5 of Chapter 59 of the General Laws (elderly persons, disabled veterans, or blind persons), in an amount equal to twenty percent (20%) of said exemption, or to take any other action in relation thereto.
Finance Committee and Board of Selectmen support Article 17.
ARTICLE 18 - Board of Selectmen - Payment In Lieu of Taxes - Solar
To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to enter into and execute on behalf of the Town a tax agreement, as authorized by MGL Chapter 59, section 38H, with NextSun Energy LLC with respect to annual payments in lieu of real and personal property taxes for a term of up to twenty years relative to a solar energy system with an AC-rated capacity of up to four megawatts, to be installed on a parcel of land owned by PR Littleton Expansion LLC and located at 1-3 Distribution Center Circle, Littleton, or to take any other action in relation thereto.
Motion: Moved and seconded by the Board of Selectmen that the Town vote to approve Article 18 as printed in the warrant.
Finance Committee, Board of Selectmen, and Solar PILOT Subcommittee support Article 18.
ARTICLE 19 - Board of Selectmen - Tax Title Abutter Lot Sales Program – List of Parcels
4000.1 Narcissus Rd
U12-158
1999.8 Pine Rd
U12-151
2000 Pine Rd
U12-122
4000.1 Oak Rd
U15-95
4000.1 Suffolk Dr
799.9 Shaker Lane
U15-182
4000.1 Middlesex Dr
U15-44
4000.1 Ipswich Dr
U17-296
4000.1 Washington Dr
U17-196 4000.1 Forest St
Board of Selectmen supports Article 19.
Declared passed by a unanimous vote (2/3rd required). So voted.
ARTICLE 20 - Planning Board - Zoning By-law Amendment: Open Space Development
To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning By-law of the Town of Littleton as follows:
Amend §173-104.A by deleting subsection A therefrom in its entirety, and inserting in its place the following:
Except as modified by Subsection B below, the maximum number of dwelling units in an Open Space Development shall be calculated via a Density Yield Plan. A Density Yield Plan shall show the number of building lots that can be developed by right in a conventional subdivision under the zoning requirements of the Zoning By-Law (other than the Special Permit provisions under this Article XIX, Open Space Development) and all applicable land use regulations in the district (including wetlands protection), and complying with the Subdivision Rules and Regulations, as demonstrated by a preliminary subdivision density yield plan. The applicant must further certify that each lot identified on the Density Yield Plan can support the placement of an on-lot septic system for a four bedroom residential dwelling, as evidenced by a soils and percolation tests, consistent with Title 5. Such Density Yield Plan shall be submitted with the Open Space Development special permit application and shall be subject to the review and approval of the Planning Board. The applicant is encouraged to submit such material to the Planning Board office early in the development process, prior to submittal of a completed application, for verification and acceptance of the proposed development density.
Further amend §173-104 by deleting subsections B, C and D therefrom in their entirety and designating existing subsection E as subsection B to account for the deletions.
Amend §173-98.C by inserting a new subsection (2) as follows: A “Density Yield Plan” sketch (at a scale of no less than 1”=100’) showing how development of the parcel would be achieved by a conventional subdivision plan, in accordance with all applicable land use regulations, to determine the maximum allowable density under this Special Permit.
and renumbering the existing subsections that follow to account for the new insertion, or to take any other action in relation thereto.
Motion: Moved and seconded by the Planning Board that the Town vote to approve Article 20 as printed in the warrant.
Planning Board supports Article 20. Board of Selectmen [3-1-1] and Board of Health [5-0] do not support Article 20.
In favor: 198; opposed: 44. Declared passed by a 2/3rds vote.
ARTICLE 21 - Planning Board - Zoning By-law Amendment: Temporary Moratorium on Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers
To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning Bylaw of the Town of Littleton by adding a new Article XXVII, to read as follows:
ARTICLE XXVII, Temporary Moratorium on Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers
§173-185. Purpose.
By vote at the State election on November 6, 2012, the voters of the Commonwealth approved a law regulating the cultivation, distribution, possession and use of marijuana for medical purposes. The law provides that it is effective on January 1, 2013 and the State Department of Public Health is required to issue regulations regarding implementation within 120 days of the law’s effective date. Currently under the Zoning Bylaw, a Medical Marijuana Treatment Center is not a permitted use in the Town and any regulations promulgated by the State Department of Public Health are expected to provide guidance to the Town in regulating medical marijuana, including Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers. The regulation of medical marijuana raises novel and complex legal, planning, and public safety issues and the Town needs time to study and consider the regulation of Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers and address such novel and complex issues, as well as to address the potential impact of the State regulations on local zoning and to undertake a planning process to consider amending the Zoning Bylaw regarding regulation of Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers and other uses related to the regulation of medical marijuana. The Town intends to adopt a temporary moratorium on the use of land and structures in the Town for Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers so as to allow the Town sufficient time to engage in a planning process to address the effects of such structures and uses in the Town and to adopt provisions of the Zoning Bylaw in a manner consistent with sound land use planning goals and objectives.
§173-185. Definition.
“Medical Marijuana Treatment Center” shall mean a not for profit entity, as defined by Massachusetts law only, registered by the Department of Public Health, that acquires, cultivates, possesses, processes (including development of related products such as food, tinctures, aerosols, oils or ointments), transfers transports, sells, distributes, dispenses, or administers marijuana, products containing marijuana, related supplies, or educational materials to qualifying patients or their personal caregivers.
§173-187. Temporary Moratorium.
For the reasons set forth above and notwithstanding any other provision of the Zoning Bylaw to the contrary, the Town hereby adopts a temporary moratorium on the use of land or structures for a Medical Marijuana Treatment Center. The moratorium shall be in effect through June 30, 2014. During the moratorium period, the Town shall undertake a planning process to address the potential impacts of medical marijuana in the Town, consider the Department of Public Health regulations regarding Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers and related uses, and shall consider adopting new provisions of the Zoning Bylaw to address the impact and operation of Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers and related uses.
Motion: Moved and seconded by the Planning Board that the Town vote to approve Article 21 as printed in the warrant.
Planning Board and Board of Selectmen support Article 21.
In favor: 243; opposed: 4. Declared passed by a 2/3rds vote.
ARTICLE 22 - Voter Petition - Zoning By-law Amendment: Extensive Recreation Special Permit Granting Authority
To see if the Town will vote to amend the Use Regulation Schedule 173-26 of the Town of Littleton Zoning Bylaws under Recreational Uses section “Extensive Recreation” to allow the Planning Board to be the special permit granting authority, or to take any other action in relation thereto.
No affirmative action taken under Article 22.
ARTICLE 23 - Voter Petition - Zoning By-law Amendment: Extensive Recreation Definition
To see if the Town will vote to amend the definition of “Extensive Recreation” to:
Golf Courses laid out substantially in accordance with the usual requirements or specifications of the United States Golf Association, ski areas, indoor and outdoor sports fields and recreational facilities which primarily use, preserve or provide open space, together with clubhouses and appurtenant facilities, whether or not operated for profit. Such appurtenant facilities may provide for recreational activities not directly connected with the use of open space, provided that in no event shall structures housing said recreational activities occupy more than five percent (5%) of the lot area. Additionally, such appurtenant facilities may also include the following commercial uses: office, restaurant and retail sales and services; provided that in no event shall structures housing said commercial uses occupy more than five percent (5%) of the lot area. In no event shall the appurtenant facilities housing recreational activities and the appurtenant facilities housing commercial activities combines occupy more than ten percent (10%) of the lot area.
No affirmative action taken under Artilce 23.
ARTICLE 24 - Board of Selectmen / Conservation Commission - Town By-law Amendment: Wetlands Protection
To see if the Town will vote to amend Chapter 171, Wetlands Protection, of the Town Code as follows:
Amend §171-1 by inserting a new subsection C, to read as follows: The Commission may establish, in its rules and regulations, design specifications, performance standards, and other measures and safeguards, including setbacks, no-disturb areas, and other work limits for protection of such areas subject to protection.
Further amend §171-1 by renumbering the remaining existing subsections to account for the insertion of new Subsection 171-1.C.
Amend the title of §171-7 so that said title reads as follows: General provisions, presumptions, performance standards, rules and regulations, and statute of limitations.
Amend §171-7.A so that said subsection reads as follows: Except as otherwise provided in this chapter or in the Rules and Regulations promulgated in accordance with this chapter, the provisions set forth in M.G.L. c.131, § 40, 310 CMR 10.03(1) through 10.03(6)(Presumptions), 310 CMR 10.04 (Definitions), and 310 CMR 10.51 through 10.60 (Performance Standards) shall be used for the interpretation and implementation of this chapter.
Amend §171-7 by inserting a new subsection B, to read as follows: After due notice, a public hearing, and approval by the Board of Selectmen, the Commission shall promulgate rules, regulations and procedures for compliance with this Bylaw, a copy of which shall be filed with the Town Clerk. Failure by the Commission to promulgate such rules, regulations or procedures or a legal declaration of their invalidity by a court of law shall not act to suspend or invalidate the effects of this Bylaw.
Further amend §171-7 by renumbering the remaining existing subsection to account for the insertion of new Subsection 171-7.B.
Board of Selectmen and Conservation Commission support Article 24.
ARTICLE 25 - Board of Selectmen / Council on Aging - Town By-law Amendment: Director of Elder and Human Services
To see if the Town will vote to amend Chapter 3, Section 3 of the Town Code so that said section reads follows:
The Town Administrator shall directly supervise and conduct performance reviews for the following current and future department heads unless otherwise specified by statute: Assistant Town Administrator for Finance and Budget; Head of the Highway Department; Facilities Manager; Head of Information Technology; Building Commissioner; Human Resources; Director of Elder and Human Services; and Littleton Community Television (LCTV) Executive Director. The department heads shall be appointed by, and can be removed by, the Town Administrator subject to the approval of the Board of Selectmen. The appointment of the Director of Elder and Human Services shall also be subject to approval by the Council on Aging. Employees of the heads of said departments shall be appointed by the department head subject to approval of the Town Administrator.”
Board of Selectmen and Council on Aging support Article 25.
ARTICLE 26 - Board of Selectmen - Senior Work Program
To see if the Town will vote to request the Board of Assessors to commit $55,000, or any other sum or sums of money, from the Overlay Account for Abatements to fund the Senior Citizen Tax Work-off Abatement Program, or to take any other action in relation thereto.
Motion: Moved and seconded by the Board of Selectmen that the Town vote to approve Article 26 as printed in the warrant.
Finance Committee, Board of Selectmen, and Council on Aging support Article 26.
ARTICLE 27 - Board of Selectmen - Use of MassDOT Chapter 90 Funds
Motion: Moved and seconded by the Board of Selectmen that the Town vote to appropriate funds available in the amount of $573,593 for authorized road improvements and other projects provided for under Chapter 90 of the General Laws.
Finance Committee and Board of Selectmen support Article 27.
ARTICLE 28 - Board of Selectmen - Drainage Easement on Harvard Road
To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to acquire by purchase, gift or eminent domain an easement and/or rights in a portion of the parcel of land shown on Assessor’s Map R16 as Parcel 1-6 for the purposes of making certain roadway improvements on Harvard Road, said portion being shown as “Parcel 1” on the plan of land entitled "Harvard Road Easement Plan,” dated March 22, 2013 and prepared by Green International Affiliates, Inc., or to take any other action in relation thereto.
Motion: Moved and seconded by the Board of Selectmen that the Town vote to approve Article 28 as printed in the warrant.
Board of Selectmen supports Article 28.
ARTICLE 29 - Board of Selectmen - Sewer Easements on Grist Mill Road and Surrey Road
To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to convey to Fifteen Great Road, LLC, Fifteen Great Road II, LLC, John R. Keilty, as Trustee of Littleton Holding Realty Trust u/d/t dated April 8, 2010, John R. Keilty, as Trustee of Nashoba Place Realty Trust u/d/t dated December 22, 2011, recorded with Middlesex South District Registry of Deeds in Book 58154, Page 117, and/or Leslie J. French, as Trustee of JFM Realty Trust u/d/t dated February 24, 2005, recorded with Middlesex South District Registry of Deeds in Book 44725, Page 478 (individually and collectively, along with their respective successors and assigns, the “Developer”) the easements and rights needed from the Town to allow the Developer to install and maintain underground sewer lines and cleanouts, manholes, markers, magnetic marking tape, insulation for the sewer lines, posts to identify where the sewer lines cross under the public way and such other appurtenances as are normally associated with the installation of such sewer lines on, above or beneath Grist Mill Road and Surrey Road in order to connect Lot 41A as shown on a plan entitled “PHASE II ‘Apple D’Or Farms’ Subdivision of Land in Littleton, Massachusetts”, dated January 2, 1998, and recorded with the Middlesex South District Registry of Deeds as Plan No. 704 of 1998), Lots 46A, 47A, 97A, 102A, 127A and 128A as shown on a Plan of Land entitled “Plan of Land in Littleton, Massachusetts”, dated September 8, 1999, and recorded in the Middlesex South District Registry of Deeds as Plan Number 1419 of 1999), to a wastewater treatment facility the Developer proposes to construct on Lot 1 as shown on the entitled “PLAN OF LAND, LOCATION; 15 GREAT ROAD, TOWN: LITTLETON, MASSACHUSETTS, PREPARED FOR: FIFTEEN GREAT ROAD LLC” Dated December 2, 2012, by Places Associates, Inc., recorded in the Middlesex South District Registry of Deeds as Plan No. 86 of 2013, or to take any other action in relation thereto.
Motion: to be made at town meeting.
Board of Selectmen has no recommendation [3-2].
Article 29 does not pass. Does not receive required majority vote.
ARTICLE 30 - Board of Selectmen / Board of Health - Community Septic System Repair Loan Program
To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the sum of $300,000 for the purpose of financing the following water pollution facility projects: repair, replacement and/or upgrade of septic systems, pursuant to agreements with the Board of Health and residential property owners, including without limitation all costs thereof as defined in Section 1 of Chapter 29C of the General Laws; that to meet this appropriation the Treasurer with the approval of the Board of Selectmen is authorized to borrow said sum and issue bonds or notes therefore under M.G.L. c.111, s.127B 1⁄2 and/or Chapter 29C of the General Laws; that project and financing costs shall be repaid by the property owners, in accordance with those agreements, but such bonds or notes shall be general obligations of the Town; that the Treasurer with the approval of the Board of Selectmen is authorized to borrow all or a portion of such amount from the Massachusetts Water Pollution Abatement Trust established pursuant to Chapter 29C and in connection therewith to enter into a loan agreement and/or security agreement with the Trust and otherwise contract with the Trust and the Department of Environmental Protection with respect to such loan and for any federal or state aid available for the projects or for the financing thereof; and that the Board of Selectmen or other appropriate local body or official is authorized to enter into a project regulatory agreement with the Department of Environmental Protection, to expend all funds available for the projects and to take any other action necessary to carry out the projects, or to take any other action relative thereto.
Motion: Moved and seconded by the Board of Health that the Town vote to approve Article 30 as printed in the warrant.
Board of Health, Finance Committee, and Board of Selectmen support Article 30.
ARTICLE 31 - Board of Selectmen - Rescind Unused Borrowing Authorizations
11/8/2010 STM Art. 9
Cobb Land Purchase $323,955.68 $323,955.00 $0.68
5/3/2010 STM Art. 7
Road Resurfacing/ Water Mains 100,000.00 94,400.00 5,600.00
9/24/2001 STM Art. 5
Clean Lakes 50,000.00 - 50,000.00
5/3/1999 ATM Art. 25
Septic System Betterments 250,000.00 - 250,000.00
Total $305,600.68
Motion: Moved and seconded by the Board of Selectmen that the Town vote to approve Article 31 as printed in the warrant.
Finance Committee and Board of Selectmen support Article 31.