Table of Contents
The Winchester Town Meeting Members Association (TMMA) supports informed discussion and decision-making for Town Meeting members. Its monthly Bulletin shares brief updates from town boards and commissions about their current work. Winchester News will publish each Bulletin as it’s released so all residents can stay informed. Winchester News has not edited this content.
TMMA editor’s note: The first session of Spring Town Meeting is Monday, April 27 at 7 p.m. at Winchester High School. The Town Manager’s public hearing on the warrant articles will be held remotely on Wednesday, April 22 at 6:30 p.m. Register in advance here. There will also be a joint meeting with the Select Board, School Committee, and Finance Committee this Thursday, April 16 at 6 p.m. to discuss the FY27 budget—details here.
Select Board Town Meeting Articles
The Select Board continues to work on the FY27 budget with the Town Manager, School Committee, and Finance Committee to prepare for Spring Town Meeting.
The Board has sponsored several Town Meeting articles:
- Article 4: Establish Human Rights Commission
- Article 7: 6% local room occupancy tax
- Article 8: Water and sewer rates
- Article 16 (co-sponsored with the School Committee): Purchase and install solar panels
- Article 25 (co-sponsored with the School Committee and Capital Planning Committee): Demolition of the Carriage House
- Article 28 (co-sponsored with the School Committee): Purchase of Arts & Letters literacy curriculum
- Article 45: Amend EFPBC Bylaw
Questions can be directed to the Board or raised at the Town Manager’s hearing on the warrant on Wednesday, April 22. —Anthea Brady, Chair, Select Board
School Committee Updates
At its April 9 meeting, the School Committee heard from many Muraco families and several educators regarding budgetary consolidations and the MSBA-required Muraco feasibility study.
Superintendent Hackett explained that FY27 budgetary cuts of approximately 33-36 FTEs across all departments are required to meet a 5% budget target set unanimously by the Committee after the failed operating override vote. He asked the Committee to defer Muraco feasibility to Fall Town Meeting so the district can assess the failed override’s impact on Muraco’s educational plan.
The Committee voted 3-2 to defer the Muraco feasibility study article to Fall Town Meeting and 5-0 to express support for rebuilding Muraco.
—Timothy Matthews, Chair, School Committee
Forest Ridge Land Acquisition Project
The Winchester Committee on Community Preservation submitted an article to acquire Forest Ridge, a property of approximately 13.7 acres off Forest Circle which abuts the Middlesex Fells Reservation. The project is championed by the Conservation Commission and will create a conservation area that would be a valuable resource for recreation and education through the creation of a trail to connect to the Middlesex Fells trails and by enabling residents to explore and enjoy the various habitats on the property, including wetlands and upland forest. The Community Preservation Act would fund the acquisition, with no annual debt service from the town's annual budget. More information is available here.
—Christina Marshall, Chair, WCCP, and Tracy Olson, Chair, Conservation Commission
Planning Board Considers New North Main St. Apartment Building
On April 7, the Planning Board held its first public hearing to begin consideration of an application for a 14-unit, three-story apartment building at 910 Main Street. The hearing was well attended by neighbors who expressed concerns about traffic and parking.
Situated at the corner of Canal and Main streets, the project will include the demolition of the existing historical structure, which currently houses the Sakura Japanese Restaurant. In addition to the rental units, there will be 2,326 square feet of commercial space on Main Street and underground parking. The continued hearing on the proposal is set for May 12. —Jack LeMenager, Chair, Planning Board
Capital Planning Committee—Spring Town Meeting Articles and Update
The Town Manager has indicated that he would like to proceed with the creation of design and development documents for Town Hall renovations despite the failure of the override. This project will create plans to coordinate various Town Hall projects that still need to be completed. Accordingly, the Capital Planning Committee voted to place an article on the warrant (Article 23).
Non-consent articles at this Town Meeting will include three project motions (ADA, MS4 permitting, and Everett Ave. Drainage) (Article 19); South Reservoir Dam supplemental funding (Article 21); Town Hall roof and bell tower repairs (Article 22); and Carriage House demolition (Article 25). —Roger McPeek, Chair, CPC
COGR Reviewing Proposed Bylaws Changes
The Committee on Government Regulations is currently reviewing six proposed bylaws, including Articles 4, 5, 6, 40, 41, and 45. Under newly adopted rules, COGR will analyze the legal, operational, and administrative implications of any proposal that would affect changes to the bylaws. COGR will seek the input of impacted stakeholders, bylaw sponsors, and the public in developing its report. The report will consist of a set of recommendations that we hope Town Meeting members find informative. Meetings are open to the public on April 14, 15, and 16 at Town Hall at 7 p.m. —Stephen A. Boksanski, Chair, COGR
Climate Action Advisory Committee—Support for Article 16
The Climate Action Advisory Committee voted unanimously to support Article 16, which would authorize the purchase and installation of seven solar power systems at five Town properties. This very attractive initiative would deliver over $5 million in net financial benefits to Winchester while helping us achieve the goals outlined in the Town's Climate Action Plan. We encourage your support! —Rick Eno, Chair, CAAC
Follow the Conversation
Visit TMMA's Forum to read posts from Town Meeting members about Town Meeting articles and issues. To contact your Town Meeting representatives with questions or comments, visit the TMMA website for the current list.
About TMMA
The Winchester Town Meeting Members Association is a non-governmental, non-partisan association that helps Town Meeting members stay informed about town issues and Town Meeting articles ahead of Town Meeting sessions.
