Special Town Meeting warrant taking shape

Weston residents will have a chance to weigh in on the town’s future at the Special Town Meeting, Nov. 23. As the date gets closer, the Select Board is shaping what will be on the docket.

At the Oct. 13 Select Board meeting, the board voted to add four items to the warrant, including a $2.75-million appropriation request to fund a feasibility study for the Middle School and High School building project. 

The School Building Committee is asking the town for $2.75 million to assess the conditions of the buildings, explore options for construction or repair and create a schedule and budget for the project.

Newberg said that the $2.75 million is a “spend-up-to” amount and the project might cost less. Permanent Building Committee member Dan Colli said he expects the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) to reimburse a portion of the money spent on the feasibility study.

The Select Board voted unanimously to add the money to the warrant.

It also supported a ban on gas-powered leaf blowers, which was brought to the board by Sustainability Committee Chair Nick Christman. If approved, the ban – modeled after similar bylaws in the state – will limit the use of gas-powered leaf blowers to March 15 through May 15, and Oct. 1 to Dec. 15, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays. In 2030, gas-powered leaf blowers would be prohibited.

Residents will also be asked to vote on the creation of a fire alarm revolving fund, which would allow the Fire Department to charge private businesses for fire alarm systems that are directly monitored by the department, according to Chief Justin Woodside.

In the past, alarm installation and fees were handled by Eaton, a third-party company. When Eaton ended its contract with Weston in 2023, the Fire Department took over the operation. The revolving fund would allow the department to charge contractors for the installation work.

“We’ve been doing that out of our operating budget as a necessity,” Woodside said. “It is a cost that should be borne by the contractors.”

Woodside also asked that two state fire sprinkler laws be added to the warrant. The first would require sprinklers in boarding houses, and the second would require them in buildings with four or more dwelling units. Town Manager Leon Gaumond said adopting these laws are overdue.

“These statutes were established many years ago, and frankly, many years ago is when most communities adopted these,” he said.

Discussions continued about the proposed senior housing development on Regis College land. Abutters came to speak out against the project, while supporters emphasized the need for housing. The developers are seeking a zoning change to allow the project to be built. The Select Board has yet to vote on whether the amendment will be included on the Special Town Meeting warrant next month.

The warrant closes Oct. 20. At that time, the Select Board will finalize the list of articles that voters will consider  at Special Town Meeting. Special Town Meeting will be held Monday, Nov. 23, at 7 p.m. at Weston High School.