Local Government

Daily Buzz | Town Meeting Votes Down Hybrid Meetings, Approves Codifying Shared Parking

And a free seminar for new, current, and future elected officials

Nicci Kadilak

— 3 min read
Daily Buzz | Town Meeting Votes Down Hybrid Meetings, Approves Codifying Shared Parking

Hello, Burlington!

It’s another busy day in Burlington. Start your day at True North and support BHS’s DECA team. Just grab your usual between 6 and 11 AM and mention the DECA fundraiser. If you’re an elected official, set aside some time to learn about your duties and responsibilities at this afternoon’s 3-hour seminar. Then come out and hang at the Beer Garden. This and much more in town today; check out the schedule below for more.

Town Meeting Votes Down Hybrid Meetings, Approves Codifying Shared Parking

Town Meeting got off to a rocky start last night as Members expressed their disagreement with the Moderator’s decision (advised by Town Counsel) not to hear the resolution presented by the Land Use Committee against the proposed Winn View Heights II development. Things got heated, but ultimately, after a very long back-and-forth, the resolution was not heard and the body moved on.

The meeting ended in one night, but at the expense of Members’ sleep schedules, as the debate about hybrid Town Meetings extended almost into the midnight hour. Members took upwards of an hour to lay out their thoughts in favor and against the articles. Those in favor highlighted the opportunity a remote attendance option would bring to members who traditionally have been unable to participate. Those against cited technological issues and their opinion that elected officials should carry out their business in person, especially in such a large body.

Ultimately, Member Dan Collins pointed out, one major concern was that in-person attendance would decline—a condition some felt would erode the discourse and dialogue engendered by getting lawmakers in a room together, but one that could be somewhat alleviated by leaving the in-person quorum requirement in place. These articles were discussed together, though, and the article waiving the in-person quorum requirement failed easily while the one codifying hybrid meetings failed by a closer margin of 38-48.

Also at Town Meeting:

  • The Herb Chambers Kia dealership pulled their zoning article after receiving a petition signed by 45 abutters citing safety and sightliness concerns they anticipate a larger dealership bringing.
  • Shared parking was codified in the town’s bylaws.
  • Climate resiliency was added to the wetland bylaws interests, strengthening the importance of the 100-foot buffer zone near wetlands.

For a full report, check out the Town Meeting summary!

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Today in Burlington

Municipal Meetings and Community Events

Sports and Activities

This Buzz is very very late, so I’m going to summarize very quickly:

  • Swim falls to Reading 88-82
  • Girls’ Soccer loses 3-2 against Melrose; Boys lose 3-0
  • Golf team loses to Shawsheen
  • JV football wins against Winchester 40-32

Once again, we have a variety of high school sports on the menu today, kicking off with golf at 3:30 in Melrose. Volleyball is next, with girls hosting Wakefield at 4:00 (freshman/JV) and 5:30 (varsity), followed by field hockey at 4:15 (varsity) and 5:30 (JV) at BHS and freshman boys’ soccer against Wilmington at Memorial at 4:15.

That’s all for today. Enjoy your Thursday, as it brings us one day closer to Friday!

Nicci

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