Belmont’s Special Town Meeting on Nov. 6, 8 and 13 at Belmont High School is addressing everything from zoning bylaws to how the town will use Community Preservation Funds. Below are some highlights.
Article 2: Community Preservation Committee Off-Cycle Requests
Town Meeting will vote on allocating Community Preservation Funds toward the Town Hall retaining wall, roof restoration of the school administration building and the Belmont Community Path.
Community Preservation Funds are financed by tax surcharges and annual distributions from the state Community Preservation Trust Fund for projects involving recreation, open spaces, housing and preservation.
The CPC is asking for:
- $360,000 for the Community Path project, which is an off-road, multi-use path that will provide a walkable and bikeable route through town. It will also be part of the Mass Central Rail Trail (MCRT) which will connect Boston and Northampton. The funding will cover the additional design plans for Phase 1 of the project, which will link the Alewife Path at Brighton Street to Belmont Center and build a pedestrian walkway under the railroad tracks, connecting the Winn Brook neighborhood with the new Belmont Middle and High School.
- $160,000 toward the Town Hall retaining wall.
- $200,000 to fund the roof restoration of the school administration building.
These requests are part of eight proposals put forward by the Community Preservation Committee. However, according to the article, these projects cannot wait until the regular funding cycle at the annual Town Meeting in the spring.
- Majority vote required for passage.
Article 6: Amend Restaurant Zoning Bylaws
The Select Board is proposing two articles to simplify zoning regulations for restaurants that it says will help create a more business-friendly environment. The first one would replace four separate categories of restaurants with two streamlined definitions. The changes would help distinguish independent restaurants from chains with different regulations governing whether a chain can be approved to operate in town.
- Two-thirds vote required for passage.
Article 7: Amend Parking Requirements
The second restaurant-related article would amend off-street parking for eateries. The change would cut the parking requirement for restaurants in half, from one space for every two diners to one space for every four diners. This is designed to make it easier for a restaurant to gain approval, and puts Belmont in line with other communities.
- Two-thirds vote required for passage.
Article 8: Removal from Police Civil Service
The decision on whether to allow the Belmont Police Department to leave the Civil Service Division is expected to dominate much of the debate at the Special Town Meeting. Civil Service was established in the 19th century to ensure that appointments to government jobs were based on merit and ability, requiring towns to hire employees from a list of individuals who have passed the Civil Service Exam.
Belmont Police Chief James MacIsaac told The Belmont Voice earlier this year that he believes these lists are too restrictive and have limited his ability to fully staff his department.
The Belmont Police Patrolmen’s Association is opposed to the change, saying it could lead to nepotism and an unfair work environment.
Forty-five Massachusetts town and city police departments have left civil service. Belmont floated the idea three years ago for the police and fire departments to leave the civil service, but it never ended up going before Town Meeting.
- Majority vote required for passage.
Article 9: Home Rule Petition to End Golf Course Tax Break
Belmont resident Max Colice read an article in the Boston Globe that led him to file this citizen petition. The story detailed how golf courses in Massachusetts can get a huge discount in property taxes because of a state program designed to preserve recreational space.
The Belmont Country Club cuts nearly $368,000 from its property tax bill. And The Globe found about 100 golf courses in Massachusetts are currently taking advantage of this tax break.
If this article is approved, it would require the Select Board to work with the legislature on a so-called “home rule petition” that would allow Belmont to override the state program, getting rid of the golf course discount.
If the article passes, it would likely set a precedent for neighboring towns to pursue similar legislation.
- Majority vote required for passage.
The Special Town Meeting will be held in person at 7:00 p.m. in the high school auditorium on Nov. 6, 8 and 13, with links available to participate via Zoom. The meeting will also be broadcast live by Belmont Media Center.
Editor’s note: The latest list of the articles on the town’s website will be updated. For example, the Select Board has already decided to move Article 10 to another Special Town Meeting in January. Look at the Town Clerk’s website for the most current information.
