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04-22-2024 MPIC Minutes
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Master Plan Implementation Committee Minutes Tuesday, April 22, 2024 - 7:00-9:00 p.m. Zoom Meeting Present at the meeting: Emilio Mauro, Chair (Finance Committee); Kristian Merenda, Vice Chair (School Committee); Bob MacDonald (Conservation Commission); Peg Mead (Citizen - at -Large); and Jim Quigley (Planning Board) Not Present: Chris Albert (Select Board); Stacy Gorman (Parks & Recreation); Mike Nourse (Historical Commission), and Alan Rapoport (Economic Development Committee) Staff Member: Taylor (TJ) Torres, Town Planner Guests: Tom Birmingham (of Sustainability and Climate Action Plan Steering Committee and Canton Energy Advisory Committee) and Greg Murphy (of Sustainability and Climate Action Plan Steering Committee) Item #1- Introductions: Chair Welcome Attendees and Introduces Members, Chair Mauro welcomed everyone to the meeting of the Master Plan Implementation Committee, and the viewers at home. He noted that the meeting was being taped by Canton Community Television. He introduced the guest speaker, Tom Birmingham. Item #2 — Sustainability and Climate Action Plan Update: MPIC Discussion with Torn Birmingham regarding the progress of the Sustainability and Climate Action Plan. Chair Mauro introduced Tom Birmingham and T.J. Torres who have been working on this Plan. Mr. Birmingham wanted to provide information; and an update on what progress has been made. He is not looking for any type of approval tonight and he has been working with T.J. Torres and Greg Murphy. There have been different stages of the Plan and Article #27 at the 2023 Annual Town Meeting 2022 set the wheels in motion. He has been a member of the Canton Sustainability and Climate Action Plan Steering Committee (SCAPSC) since that time. He also serves on the Canton Energy Advisory Committee. Canton Sustainability & Climate Action Plan: This slide illustrates the seven (7) major stages of our SCAPSC process — current state at each stage noted below: Current State — 1. Mandate — ATM Warrant Article #27 Approved 2. Govern — Committee Formed: By -Laws Approved 3. Fund — Received $5o,000 EEA Grant 4. Engage — Hiring Consultant 5. Scope - Hiring Consultant 6. Plan - Hiring Consultant 7. Implement — FY'25 or'26 ATM Ratification (ATM 2025 or ATM 2026) Master Plan Implementation April 22, 2024 Page 1 of 7 Committee — Minutes
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Hiring Consultant — Highlights of major milestones hit and pending regarding the Request for Proposals (RFP) process: • September 2023 — Received $5oIZ Grant • January 2024 — Issued RFP • February 2024 — Received 3 qualified bids • March / April 2024 — Interviewed two most qualified vendors • April 2024 — Seeking Select Board approval of $15IZ to cover incremental expenses identified during RFP process • May 2024 — Award Contract In Scope — Highlights of major tasks in scope and target completion dates: • Task 1: Evaluation & Selection Criteria — July 2024 • Task 2: Technical Memorandum and Matrix — August 2024 • Task 3: Community Outreach — Ongoing June 2024 — March 2025 • Task 4: Develop Drafts & Final Plans — December 2024 • Task 5: Meetings & Project Management — Ongoing • Task 6: Final Report — April 2025 Once the consultant is hired, it will be an 8 to io-month process to create a plan and provide a road map. They will come to another Town Meeting to seek approval of the Action Plan. There are three (3) committees under this Plan and they will consolidate in the future. They are (1) Sustainability Committee; (2) Sustainability and Climate Action Plan Steering Committee (SCAPSC); and (3) the Canton Energy Advisory Committee. Hiring Consultants: Both applicants were qualified and the SCAPSC had to differentiate between the applicants. Blue Strike located in Boston and California scored higher; and Weston & Sampson (very qualified — not their primary business), came in lower priced at $50,000. They spoke with Canton Finance Director Randy Scollins, Town Planner T.J. Torres, and Town Administrator Charlie Doody and presented to the Select Board on April 30 to answer any questions and ask for support for an incremental cost of $15,000 to cover the added cost for Blue Strike plus an extra cushion if needed. Blue Strike was chosen. Mr. Torres stated that all three (3) bids qualified and leaned to Blue Strike, since they are more customized. The requested additional $15,000.00 beyond the original budget comes from the mitigation fund. Mr. Birmingham explained that between Task #1 & #2 there is (1) Master Plan review process; (2) Open Space and Recreation; and the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Plan, and these have already gone through the review process. The purpose is to prioritize these plans and the highest priority is activities and what we can focus on in the next five years. SCAPSC and the consultant need to conduct community outreach and engage the community, and they will finalize the report. Chair Mauro explained that the MPIC endorsed Article #27 and it is consistent with the Master Plan and the MPIC will continue to monitor the process. Master Plan Implementation April 22, 2024 Page 2 of 7 Committee — Minutes
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Mr. Birmingham discussed the final slide in his presentation and explained how it aligns with the Master Plan. There are eight (8) covered program areas and the number next to the program indicates the number of activities identified in the Master Plan, malting the total 64 items: 1. Mobility & Transportation (4); 2. Built Environment & Development (12); 3. Critical Infrastructure (8); 4. Solid Waste (1); 5. Public Health & Safety (3); 6. Natural Resources (17); 7. Energy Conservation & Renewables (u); and 8. Communications and Education (8); for a total of (64) items. Ms. Merenda wanted to thank everyone who has been involved and for their hard work on this project. This is very important for the future of our Town. Chair Mauro stated that communication and education are very important. The goal is to develop a sustainability culture that naturally becomes a part of routine decision malting, beyond just the scope of a plan. Item #3 —Canton Elechicity Choice: MPIC discussion with Tom Birmingham regarding the launch of the Canton Electricity Choice Program. Mr. Birmingham, Chair of the Canton Energy Advisory Committee, explained that this program is to foster a positive culture and to show how people can make a difference and a positive impact. This is a six (6) step program and a type of buy -in club with 3Id party electricity to reduce the cost of energy through the aggregate purchase of electricity for consumers in town, This is a three (3) year program and consumers sign on for a 24-month period. It is renewable energy for a lower cost. Canton Electricity Choice: There are six (6) steps in the program as part of the approval process. These are the major steps and related timeline the town must go through to bring municipal electricity aggregation to Canton. As of March 2024, we are now beginning step 5, and the Program launches in June 2024. The six steps of the program are listed below: 1. Public Vote; 2. Public Comment & Review; 3. Regulatory Review and Approval; 4. Competitive Procurement Process; 5. Public Notification and Education; and 6. Launch Program. Contract Term: 3 options with fixed pricing for 24 months; more renewable energy for less than Eversource's current residential price; and opt out anytime with no fee or penalty. Options are below and customers can choose the one that is right for them: • Option 1- The Default Option - Canton Standard Green (13.434 01,M) • Option 2 — The "Opt Up" Option - Canton Plus Green (14.555 ¢/kWh) • Option 3 — The "Opt Down" Option - Canton Basic (13.003 OkWh) Master Plan Implementation April 22, 2024 Page 3 of 7 Committee — Minutes
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• STAY PUT — The "Opt Out" Option - Eversource's Basic Service (17,216 �/kWh) Public Notification & Education: Public information sessions were scheduled for Friday April 12t11 — Canton Senior Center (1:oo p.m.) (already held) and Thursday, May 2n1 at Canton Public Library's Community Room (7:00 p.m.) There will be public information tables on Saturday, April 27th — Earth Day Festival (12:00 p.m.) and Saturday, May 18ti', at the Canton Heritage Festival lo:oo a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Under the program, nothing else changes in a consumer's electricity plan & Eversource continues to: • Deliver your electricity and address power outages; • Send your electric bill and accept bill payments (this is the only electric bill you will receive as a participant); and • Provide fuel assistance or a low-income discount, if you are currently receiving these benefits. Ms. Mead and Ms. Merenda stated that the material was sent out and very clear and extremely well done. There was concern about existing agreements regarding solar panels and how they would be affected via the various choice options of the program. It is different if you own or rent, and if there is a separate contract, there should be no impact in this program. The best thing to do is to contact your solar provider and talk directly to them. Under contractual terms, you should check with the supplier and see if there are any exit penalties for early release of a contract. Mr. Birmingham explained that he has been doing this for thirty (30) years and this is a learning curve. It is always good to have a 3''a party supplier when it is not working, at night, or when not charging. In conclusion, they will be launching in June and everyone will see the results in their July bill. Chair Mauro wanted to thank everyone who worked on this program, Tom Birmingham and T.J. Torres, and the many others that worked on it, and the MPIC looks forward to monitoring the program. Item #4 — 2024 ATM Warrant Updates: Updates on some 2024 Annual Town Meeting articles that have Master plan relevance: • Article 20 —Establish 186o Washington Street Redevelopment Stabilization Account — Article #20 — This article is to support the Stabilization Fund for the redevelopment of St. Gerard's Church (186o Washington Street). Finance Committee voted 6-1-o in support of this article. A motion was made by Ms. Mead to support Article #2o, Redevelopment Stabilization Account, seconded Mr. Quigley. Roll Call Taken (In Favor: Quigley, MacDonald, Mead, Merenda, and Mauro). Motion Approved: 5-0-0. Master Plan Implementation April 22, 2024 Page 4 of 7 Committee — Minutes
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• Article 24 —Amend By -Law Article IV Section 12 (Voting) and Section 17 (Motion to Require the Use of Written Ballots) — Article #24 — This article is about trying to have electronic voting allowed. This article has been indefinitely postponed in order to have the language correct. • Article 27 — Appropriation to Increase Conservation Land Fund — Article #27 — This article is to increase the balance of the Conservation Land Fund in order to purchase land, if it becomes available, or support other permissible conservation costs. This is in accordance with the Master Plan. Finance Committee voted 8-o-o in support of this article. A motion was made by Mr. MacDonald to support Article # 27, Increase the Conservation Land Fund, seconded by Ms. Mead. Roll Call Taken (In Favor: Quigley, MacDonald, Mead, Merenda, and Mauro). Motion Approved: g-o-o. • Article 3o — By-law Modernization Study Committee Creation - Article #30 — This article is to hire a consulting firm to create a study which would modernize the language in the by-law and to create a By-law Modernization Study Committee. The committee would be appointed by the Moderator. This is in accordance with the Master Plan. Finance Committee voted 7-1-0 in support of this article. Ms. Mead, along with Tom Birmingham had concerns with the criteria of the designees, whether selected or designated by the Select Board. Ms. Mead explained that she will not vote in favor of this article and is uncomfortable with the make-up and the designee portion, and how this is worded and presented. She also feels that $22,000.00 for a review of the by-laws is not enough money. A motion was made by Ms. Merenda to support Article #30, to modernize the Town By-laws and create a study committee to do so, There was no second and the Motion did not carry. • Article .22 —Add Zoning bylaw Section 9.10 Canton Junction Overlay District — Article #32 — Purpose: The purpose of the Canton Junction Overlay District (CJOD) is to allow for and encourage the production of neighborhood scale, transit -oriented housing in walkable proximity to Canton's MBTA Commuter Rail stations, and in accordance with Section 3A of the Zoning Act (Massachusetts General laws Chapter VA). This is in accordance with the Master Plan. Finance Committee voted 7-0-0 in support of this Article. Mr. Torres explained that this article looks different than when it was printed in January. The working group received feedback in the spring from the state and some tweaks needed to be made for compliance. The warrant had already been submitted and printed and these are the changes. There were minor tweaks to the article, and the final motion by the Planning Board is what is being presented as Article 32. Master Plan Implementation April 22, 2024 Page 5 of 7 Committee — Minutes
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A motion was made by Ms. Mead to support Article #32, Section 9.io Canton Junction Overlay District, at Town Meeting, and seconded by Mr. MacDonald. Roll Call Taken (In Favor: Quigley, MacDonald, Mead, Merenda, and Mauro). Motion Approved; 5-0- 0. • Article 34 — Amend the Zoning Map of the Town of Canton — Article #34 — This article is to change the color of the central business district and add it to the map key, so that the map matches the way things are broken down in the Zoning By-law. Finance Committee voted 8-o-o in support of this Article. This Article is relevant to the Master Plan. A motion was made by Ms. Mead to support Article #34, Amending the Zoning Map, seconded Mr. MacDonald. Roll Call Taken (In Favor: Quigley, MacDonald, Mead, Merenda, and Mauro). Motion Approved: 5-0-0. Article 36 —Amend Zoning By-law Section 3.1.4 Table of Use Regulations — Article #36 — This article is to change some of the use regulations. There are seven (7) pages of highlights and the changes came from recommendations of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council. They reviewed all the tables and discussed the changes with the Chair of the Planning Board, Chair of the Zoning Board, the Building Commissioner, and Mr. Torres. Finance Committee voted 8-o-o in support of this Article. This Article is relevant to the Master Plan. A motion was made by Ms. Mead to support Article #36, since this is consistent with the Master Plan, seconded Ms. Merenda. Roll Call Taken (In favor: Quigley, MacDonald, Mead, Merenda, and Mauro). Motion Approved: 5-o-o. Item #5 —Galvin Middle School Update: K. Merenda updates MPIC on Galvin Middle School Building Project. Ms. Merenda explained that there was a meeting held today and they are in the interview process with construction firms. They have been meeting with the community; Town Groups; Superintendent; Teachers; the Arts Community; among others. They arrived at a schematic design for the school and they have hired a Project Manager (LeftField) and Architect (AU. Once the construction firm is hired they can successfully put together a final proposal for a June submission to the MSBA. They have configured the new proposed school to be grades 5-8; there would be an 800-seat auditorium; and two (2) full size gymnasiums. They will need a vote at the fall Special Town Meeting and a debt exclusion vote by January 2025. There is overcrowding in the schools currently and there will be different wings in the new school for separation of upper and lower grades. This will be wonderful for the whole town with fields; theaters; and each phase of the project also looks at sustainability. There has never been a building project this big in Town. There are a lot of incentives to the Town including energy costs. The MSBA reimbursement is not a given. The Town Meeting vote will be for the full costs of the project and then some reimbursement by the MSBA will follow, if approved. The School Department wants to do it once and do it right. Master Plan Implementation April 22, 2024 Page 6 of 7 Committee — Minutes
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Item #6 — Canton Heritage Festival — Canton Heritage Festival — May 18, 2024. The MPIC will have a table in the Community Tent at the Canton Heritage Festival. Anyone who wants to attend is welcome and MPIC members are welcome to volunteer to staff the table. Item #7 — Acceptance of Minutes. Review MPIC meeting minutes from January 23, 2024: February 2e. 2024• and March 28 2024. A motion was made by Mr. MacDonald to accept the Minutes of January 23, 2024, as written, and seconded by Ms. Mead. Roll Call Taken (In favor: Mead, MacDonald, Merenda, Mauro; Abstain: Quigley). Minutes Approved: 4-0-1 A motion was made by Mr. MacDonald to accept the Minutes of February 29, 2024, as written, and seconded by Ms. Mead. Roll Call Taken (In favor: Mead, MacDonald, and Mauro; Abstain: Quigley and Merenda). Minutes Approved: 3-0-2 A motion was made by Mr. MacDonald to accept the Minutes of March 28, 2024, with an amendment that Tuesday is changed to Thursday, and otherwise as written, and seconded by Ms. Mead. Roll Call Taken (In favor: Mead, MacDonald, and Mauro; Abstain: Quigley and Merenda). Minutes Approved: 3-0-2 Item #8 — Upcoming Meetings and Planned Guests: Next Meeting: TBD. 2024 - The next meeting will be held on September 12, 2024, and is subject to change. Adjournment A motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:04 p.m. was made by Mr. MacDonald and seconded by Ms. Mead. Motion Approved, Roll Call Taken (In favor: Quigley, Mead, MacDonald, Merenda, and Mauro). Motion Approved: 5-0-0 Chair Mauro wanted to thank MPIC members and guests, Canton Community Television and the audience who tuned in and watched the meeting. for o r MPIC — Town Planner Master Plan Implementation April 22, 2024 Page 7 of 7 Committee — Minutes