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FinCom Minutes 4-8-26 (Approved)
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Source page 1
Canton Finance Committee Meeting
Wednesday, April 8th, 2026, 7pm
Virtual Meeting
In Attendance: Emilio Mauro, Nicholas Corkery, John Leonetti, Evan Patton, Reuki Schutt, Kristin Mirliani,
and Ronald Wilson
William Scollins – Finance Director
Absent: Cindy Thomas and Helen Mancuso
CCTV Recording
Recording Secretary: Allison Neff
Chairperson Mauro called the meeting to order at 7:01pm.
VOTE ON STREET ACCEPTANCE ARTICLES
Chairperson Mauro reminded the Finance Committee and viewers that Articles 34-36 have been accepted by
the Planning Board and recommended to the Finance Committee for acceptance at Annual Town Meeting this
year, while Articles 37-39 are being deferred to a future Town Meeting. Mr. Mauro has already written draft
discussions for these articles, but they must be voted on individually at this meeting. These were all discussed
at the March 25th meeting, which Town Planner Connor Murphy attended. Ms. Mirliani asked if the Finance
Committee would still be voting on and submitting minutes for the March 25th meeting so there is a record of
the discussions, and Chairperson Mauro confirmed this.
Article 34: Accept Stillwater Road as a Town Way
Ms. Mirliani made a motion to recommend Article 34 (That Stillwater Road be hereby accepted as a Town public way, as recommended by
the Planning Board and laid out by the Select Board pursuant to G. L. c.41 and c.82; that the Select Board be authorized to acquire by purchase, gift and/or eminent
domain such land and easements for the creation, maintenance and operation of a public way, including, but not limited to easements for access, grading, drainage,
sloping, construction and utilities, in all or any portions of such way and the parcels on such street, including but not limited to the parcels listed below; the Select
Board be authorized to order the assessment of betterments in connection with an improvements of said way and to undertake all actions deemed by the Select Board
to be necessary for such betterments to be assessed, including but not limited to determining the value of such improvements and the proportionate share of the cost
of such improvements and preparing plans and estimates; and further that the Select Board be authorized to take any and all related actions necessary or appropriate
for such purposes.) to Town Meeting as written and presented. Mr. Patton seconded the motion.
Discussion: There was no further discussion.
The motion passed with a vote of 7-0-0.
Article 35: Accept Foundry Lane as a Town Way
Chairperson Mauro noted that this road is also part of the Stillwater Estates development, and Mr. Murphy
and the Planning Board are in support of the Article.
Ms. Mirliani made a motion to recommend Article 35 (That Foundry Lane be hereby accepted as a Town public way, as recommended by
the Planning Board and laid out by the Select Board pursuant to G. L. c.41 and c.82; that the Select Board be authorized to acquire by purchase, gift and/or eminent
domain such land and easements for the creation, maintenance and operation of a public way, including, but not limited to easements for access, grading, drainage,
sloping, construction and utilities, in all or any portions of such way and the parcels on such street, including but not limited to the parcels listed below; the Select
Board be authorized to order the assessment of betterments in connection with an improvements of said way and to undertake all actions deemed by the Select Board
to be necessary for such betterments to be assessed, including but not limited to determining the value of such improvements and the proportionate share of the cost
of such improvements and preparing plans and estimates; and further that the Select Board be authorized to take any and all related actions necessary or appropriate
for such purposes.) to Town Meeting as written and presented. Mr. Corkery seconded the motion.
Discussion: There was no further discussion.
The motion passed with a vote of 7-0-0.
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Article 36: Accept Dalebrook Court as a Town Way
Chairperson Mauro noted that this road is a third part of the Stillwater Estates development, and Mr. Murphy
and the Planning Board are in support of the Article.
Ms. Mirliani made a motion to recommend Article 36 (That Dalebrook Court Road be hereby accepted as a Town public way, as
recommended by the Planning Board and laid out by the Select Board pursuant to G. L. c.41 and c.82; that the Select Board be authorized to acquire by purchase, gift
and/or eminent domain such land and easements for the creation, maintenance and operation of a public way, including, but not limited to easements for access,
grading, drainage, sloping, construction and utilities, in all or any portions of such way and the parcels on such street, including but not limited to the parcels listed
below; the Select Board be authorized to order the assessment of betterments in connection with an improvements of said way and to undertake all actions deemed
by the Select Board to be necessary for such betterments to be assessed, including but not limited to determining the value of such improvements and the
proportionate share of the cost of such improvements and preparing plans and estimates; and further that the Select Board be authorized to take any and all related
actions necessary or appropriate for such purposes.) to Town Meeting as written and presented. Mr. Corkery seconded the
motion.
Discussion: There was no further discussion.
The motion passed with a vote of 7-0-0.
Article 37: Accept Stonewood Drive as a Town Way
Chairperson Mauro explained that the next three articles (37-39) all regard streets from the same
development: Yorkshire Estates. While originally intended to be put forward for acceptance at Annual Town
Meeting this year, they are not ready and have been withdrawn without prejudice, which means the
developers may refile at a future Town Meeting. The Planning Board recommendation to the Finance
Committee for all three articles is to indefinitely postpone them.
Ms. Mirliani made a motion to recommend indefinitely postponing Article 37 (That the subject matter of Article 37 be
indefinitely postponed.) to a future Town Meeting. Mr. Corkery seconded the motion.
Discussion: There was no further discussion.
The motion passed with a vote of 7-0-0.
Article 38: Accept Isabella Circle as a Town Way
Chairperson Mauro stated that this is another road in the Yorkshire Estates development and was withdrawn
without prejudice.
Ms. Mirliani made a motion to recommend indefinitely postponing Article 38 (That the subject matter of Article 38 be
indefinitely postponed.) to a future Town Meeting. Mr. Corkery seconded the motion.
Discussion: There was no further discussion.
The motion passed with a vote of 7-0-0.
Article 39: Accept Holly Way as a Town Way
Chairperson Mauro noted that this is another road in the Yorkshire Estates development requesting
postponement.
Ms. Mirliani made a motion to recommend indefinitely postponing Article 39 (That the subject matter of Article 39 be
indefinitely postponed.) to a future Town Meeting. Mr. Corkery seconded the motion.
Discussion: There was no further discussion.
The motion passed with a vote of 7-0-0.
VOTE ON ZONING BYLAW ARTICLES
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Chairperson Mauro reminded the Finance Committee that articles 43-47 were also discussed with Mr. Murphy
at the March 25th meeting.
Article 43: Amend Zoning Bylaw Section 8.1 Accessory Dwelling Units
Chairperson Mauro explained that language changes were approved at a Special Town Meeting in 2024, but
the Town has now received the final language from the State after review by the Attorney General’s office.
This update reflects the changes regarding limitations on use and other wording/term changes.
Ms. Mirliani made a motion to recommend the Planning Board motion for acceptance of Article 43 (That the Zoning
By-law, Section 8.1, be amended as set forth in the Warrant with the clerical correction of changing the spelling of the word principle to p-r-i-n-c-i-p-a-l wherever it
appears.) to Town Meeting as written and presented. Mr. Corkery seconded the motion.
Discussion: Mr. Leonetti asked for confirmation that this article is not one of the articles involving the
downtown district (CCEOD), which Chairperson Mauro confirmed.
The motion passed with a vote of 6-0-1 with Ms. Schutt abstaining.
Article 44: Amend Zoning Bylaw Section 11.0 Definitions
Chairperson Mauro noted that this article’s content is related to that of Article 43, but, in this case, it changes
the language of Section 11.0.
Ms. Mirliani made a motion to recommend the Planning Board motion for acceptance of Article 44 (That the Zoning
By-law, Section 11.0, be amended as set forth in the Warrant with the clerical correction of changing the spelling of the word principle to p-r-i-n-c-i-p-a-l wherever it
appears.) to Town Meeting as written and presented. Mr. Corkery seconded the motion.
Discussion: There was no further discussion.
The motion passed with a vote of 6-0-1 with Ms. Schutt abstaining.
Article 45: Amend Zoning Map of Canton by Removing CCEOD A
Chairperson Mauro explained that Articles 45-47 are in regard to the Canton Center Economic Opportunity
District (CCEOD), which is now being removed from Town zoning maps, as it has already been eliminated and
replaced with other zoning. Section A of the CCEOD is now part of the Central Business District.
Ms. Mirliani made a motion to recommend the Planning Board motion for acceptance of Article 45 (That the Zoning
Map be amended as set forth in the Warrant.) to Town Meeting as written and presented. Mr. Corkery seconded the motion.
Discussion: There was no further discussion.
The motion passed with a vote of 7-0-0.
Article 46: Amend Zoning Map of Canton by Removing CCEOD B
Chairperson Mauro noted that this article removes Section B of the CCEOD from the zoning map because it
has already been deleted and replaced in the Zoning Bylaws and is now part of the Central Businesses District.
Ms. Mirliani made a motion to recommend the Planning Board motion for acceptance of Article 46 (That the Zoning
Map be amended as set forth in the Warrant.) to Town Meeting as written and presented. Mr. Corkery seconded the motion.
Discussion: There was no further discussion.
The motion passed with a vote of 7-0-0.
Article 47: Amend Zoning Map of Canton by Removing CCEOD C
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Chairperson Mauro noted that the zone referred to in this article (CCEOD Area C) is associated with the Paul
Revere Heritage Site area and is being removed from the zoning map. The new housing in that area is now
part of the Canton Junction Overlay District.
Ms. Mirliani made a motion to recommend the Planning Board motion for acceptance of Article 47 (That the Zoning
Map be amended as set forth in the Warrant.) to Town Meeting as written and presented. Mr. Corkery seconded the motion.
Discussion: There was no further discussion.
The motion passed with a vote of 7-0-0.
Mr. Patton noted that the discussions written for Articles 45 and 46 mention the abstention of one member
who chose not to abstain during this round of voting, and Chairperson Mauro requested that Mr. Scollins
remove those references from the appropriate discussions.
VOTE ON ARTICLE 21: APPROPRIATION FOR GRIDLEY CEMETERY REPAIR
Chairperson Mauro explained that this article is for part of the funding for the repair and preservation of the
Gridley Cemetery. This project has a split funding source, with $10,000 recommended from Community
Preservation Act funding (under Article 17, Motion 6) and $20,189 requested under this article. Mr. Comeau
discussed this with the Finance Committee on March 25th, and he explained that this funding will preserve and
repair this plot to memorialize the residents buried there, as well as add signage and period-appropriate
fencing.
Ms. Mirliani made a motion to recommend Article 21 (That the sum of Twenty Thousand One Hundred Eighty-Nine Dollars ($20,189) be
transferred from Free Cash (Undesignated Fund Balance) to be expended by the Historical Commission with the approval of the Select Board for the purpose of
protecting and preserving the Gridley Cemetery on Kinsley Place. Said funds shall be used for the implementation of an in- depth ground penetrating radar (GPR)
survey and constructing a historically appropriate fence and interpretive signage. Said work shall meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.) as
written and presented. Ms. Schutt seconded the motion.
Discussion: Mr. Leonetti noted that Ms. Mancuso is absent from this meeting, but she had been the sole nay
vote on this article when the Committee discussed it at the March 25th meeting. He explained his concern that
without her nay vote at this meeting there will not be a minority discussion sharing her concerns. Chairperson
Mauro noted that concerns may be included in the majority discussion, and Mr. Scollins explained that he and
the Chairperson had discussed the issue with Ms. Mancuso and her concerns about the funding sources for
this article were allayed. Chairperson Mauro also pointed out that Finance Committee members were
welcome to speak as residents at Town Meeting, whether for or against any article. Mr. Patton added that the
original nay vote was confusing for some as the Finance Committee had unanimously supported the
recommendation of the Community Preservation Committee for their portion of the funding. Mr. Patton
asked if this article would be linked with the Article 17 motion. Mr. Scollins responded that there is a pre-ATM
meeting next week with the presumed moderator-elect and others to review the articles and nuances. Which
articles should be linked (clustered) will be part of that discussion.
The motion passed with a vote of 7-0-0.
VOTE ON BYLAW MODERNIZATION STUDY COMMITTEE ARTICLES
Article 23: Bylaw Modernization Study Committee Extension
Chairperson Mauro explained that this article extends the authorization for the Bylaw Modernization Study
Committee (BMSC) for 2 more years, with the same structure, in order to continue the work they are in the
midst of, as the Committee learned from Chairperson Comeau at the March 25th meeting.
Page 4 of 8Source page 5
Ms. Mirliani made a motion to recommend Article 23 (That Town Meeting reauthorize the Town Meeting Bylaw Modernization Study
Committee, established with adoption of Article 30 Bylaw Modernization Study Committee Creation at the May 2024 Annual Town Meeting, for two (2) years to
conduct a review of the Town of Canton’s General Bylaws for possible town meeting articles to adopt changes thereto (but not the Town’s Zoning
Bylaws) and to bring forth recommendations for adoption of changes before the 2030 Annual Town Meeting. Vacancies occurring on this Town Meeting Committee
shall be appointed by the Town Moderator. The Committee shall continue to be comprised of 9 members as presented in this article.) as written and
presented. Mr. Corkery seconded the motion.
Discussion: There was no further discussion.
The motion passed with a vote of 7-0-0.
Article 24: Amend General Bylaw Article IV Annual Town Meeting – Moderator
Chairperson Mauro explained that this is a recommendation to amend the bylaw in order to change the way
the moderator is elected. Instead of being elected at Annual Town Meeting, this article would make the
election for moderator part of the general town election, as well as establishing a deputy moderator
appointed by the moderator. This was further discussed with Mr. Comeau, chairperson of the BMSC, during
the March 25th meeting.
Ms. Mirliani made a motion to recommend Article 24 (That General Bylaw Article IV be amended as printed in the Warrant.) as
written and presented. Mr. Patton seconded the motion.
Discussion: There was no further discussion.
The motion passed with a vote of 4-3-0.
Mr. Leonetti noted that the minority discussion for this article was written with the input of all three
committee members who voted nay. He acknowledged that it was lengthy, but he stated his desire to include
the varying perspectives of all three members who had concerns. Mr. Mauro responded that this makes sense
given there were a significant number of votes against it and this is a complex subject. He pointed out that this
exemplifies the problem with putting a word limit on discussions, as some articles are more complex and
difficult than others. Mr. Leonetti agreed with Mr. Mauro, and he noted that more information going to voters
is a good thing. Chairperson Mauro thanked Mr. Leonetti and the other minority discussion contributors.
Article 25: Amend General Bylaw Article IV Annual Town Meeting – Voting
Chairperson Mauro explained that this article will allow the Moderator at future Town Meetings to utilize
electronic voting devices in addition to or instead of a show of cards, as was discussed with Mr. Comeau,
chairperson of the BMSC, during the March 25th meeting.
Ms. Mirliani made a motion to recommend Article 25 (That General Bylaw Article IV be amended by inserting the following language into
Section 12 after the second paragraph: Notwithstanding the provisions of Voice vote, subject to the availability of an approved electronic vote counting and recording
system for use by Town Meeting members, the Moderator may determine that a vote be taken by use of such electronic vote counting and recording system.) as
written and presented. Ms. Schutt seconded the motion.
Discussion: Mr. Patton suggested that wording be added to the discussion to make it clear what parties would
be responsible for implementing the use of electronic voting devices. Mr. Scollins recommended against this,
stating that implementation is usually made by consensus among the Town Clerk, IT Department, Moderator,
and Town Administrator. Mr. Patton asked if anyone else could involve themselves, and Mr. Scollins
responded that everyone who has discussed it was excited about the prospect, and the group who vetted the
article also vetted the topic when it was explored at Town Meetings a couple of years ago. Mr. Scollins did not
know who else would be involved and recommended against making these changes to the discussion to
prevent unnecessary issues. Mr. Mauro added that the proposed bylaw does not state any regulation on this
beyond it being at the discretion of the moderator to implement these devices.
Page 5 of 8Source page 6
The motion passed with a vote of 7-0-0.
ARTICLE 2 UPDATE
Mr. Scollins explained an unanticipated change which he was notified of very recently. Town Counsel is
finishing their review of the Town Meeting motions and sent an update regarding who would be attending the
Town Meeting to represent Town Counsel, requiring them to be added to the approval list under Article 2,
Motion 2. The attending representative was originally John Clifford, but it is now Christopher Kenny.
Ms. Mirliani made a motion to reopen the Article 2 vote for consideration. Mr. Corkery seconded the motion.
Discussion: There was no further discussion.
The motion passed with a vote of 7-0-0.
Mr. Mauro asked if the Blue Hills Regional School had mentioned something in their communications
suggesting they might have representatives attending Town Meeting. Mr. Scollins stated that they did not
indicate if they would be attending, as they have several Towns holding meetings which they are interested in
the results of. While they have not attended in the past, they could do so this year, and are possibly more
likely to, considering they have a new school administrator. Mr. Mauro also noted that the Blue Hills School
Committee member representing Canton, who is a Canton resident, can also speak at Town Meeting on their
behalf. He suggested wording the motion to include the possible addition of Blue Hills representatives.
Ms. Mirliani made a motion to recommend the changing of the representative of Town Counsel listed in
Article 2, Motion 2, and the addition of any Blue Hills representatives. Mr. Corkery seconded the motion.
Discussion: There was no further discussion.
The motion passed with a vote of 7-0-0.
GENERAL BUSINESS OF THE COMMITTEE IN PREPARATION FOR TOWN MEETING
Ms. Scollins pointed out that he had sent out the most recent version of the warrant booklet earlier this day,
and it included edits sent in by Mr. Patton. Tomorrow (April 9th), he plans to add the discussions received
earlier this afternoon and edits regarding the votes taken at this meeting. The draft will then be distributed to
the Finance Committee, as well as the Planning Board, Community Preservation Committee, Town Counsel,
Town Administrator, and others, so that all concerned parties have the chance to review it and submit edits.
Mr. Mauro asked for clarification on when edits are due by, with Mr. Scollins responding that they need to be
sent in by Friday morning so the document can be sent to the printer on Monday. If anything is found over the
weekend, it should be sent to Mr. Scollins very early Monday so it can be incorporated.
VOTE TO NOMINATE A REPRESENTATIVE TO THE MASTER PLAN IMPLEMENTATION
COMMITTEE
Mr. Mauro stated that he has been the Finance Committee representative to the Master Plan Implementation
Committee for the past 5 years and is willing to continue serving another year if the Committee wills it.
Ms. Mirliani made a motion to nominate Mr. Mauro as Finance Committee representative to the Master Plan
Implementation Committee. Ms. Schutt seconded the motion.
Discussion: There were no further discussions or nominations.
Chairperson Mauro stated the nomination period was closed.
The motion passed with a vote of 7-0-0.
Page 6 of 8Source page 7
VOTE TO NOMINATE A REPRESENTATIVE TO THE WATER AND SEWER RATE POLICY
COMMITTEE
The Finance Committee has a liaison to the Water and Sewer Rate Policy Committee which is appointed by the
Select Board. Last year there were no members able to serve, so a former Finance Committee member (Dan
Cole) served. He is willing to continue serving, but he would defer to a current member if any have an interest.
Mr. Scollins explained that the Water and Sewer Rate Policy Committee is currently concluding a series of
meetings, which have taken place over the past 6-7 months, regarding procuring a consultant to revisit the
rate study and to analyze different rate structures. The final presentation on this will be sent to the Select
Board tomorrow, as there is public hearing being advertised. Due to the complexity of what is being reviewed
that Committee is not asking the Select Board to vote on this at the next Tuesday meeting. The Water and
Sewer Rate Policy Committee wants to give Select Board members two more weeks to review before taking
their vote. Mr. Scollins went on to explain that this has been the main focus of the Committee, along with a
focus on procurements like water tank maintenance and other special topics that may arise, like a company
claiming that all their water does not go down the drain and relief on associated sewer charges if requested.
The Committee analyzes these types of issues and makes recommendations to the Select Board.
No current members of the Finance Committee expressed an interest in serving on this Committee.
Ms. Mirliani made a motion to re-nominate Dan Cole as the Finance Committee representative to the Water
and Sewer Rate Policy Committee. Mr. Corkery seconded the motion.
Discussion: There was no further discussion.
The motion passed with a vote of 7-0-0.
Chairperson Mauro stated that the Select Board will consider both appointments voted on by the Finance
Committee at an upcoming meeting.
VOTE MINUTES
The minutes from the March 18th, 2026, meeting were sent out shortly before the meeting today, the minutes
of the March 23rd, 2026, meeting are under review, and the minutes of the meetings on March 25 th, 2026, and
March 30th, 2026, and still being written.
No changes were suggested to the minutes of the Finance Committee meeting on March 11 th, 2026.
Ms. Mirliani made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 11 th, 2026, Finance Committee meeting as
written and distributed. Mr. Corkery seconded the motion.
Discussion: There was no further discussion.
The motion passed with a vote of 6-0-1 with Mr. Leonetti abstaining.
No changes were suggested to the minutes of the Finance Committee meeting on March 16 th, 2026.
Ms. Mirliani made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 16th, 2026, Finance Committee meeting as
written and distributed. Mr. Corkery seconded the motion.
Discussion: There was no further discussion.
Page 7 of 8Source page 8
The motion passed with a vote of 6-0-1 with Mr. Leonetti abstaining.
Chairperson Mauro recommended deferring voting on the March 18th, 2026, minutes until the next Finance
Committee meeting, which all Committee members agreed with. He stated that the Committee will consider
those minutes along with those of more recent meetings at the May 11th meeting. He reminded Committee
members and viewers that recordings of all Finance Committee meetings are posted on Canton Community
TV’s website for viewing if the minutes are not available yet.
NEXT MEETINGS
The next Finance Committee meeting will take place on May 11th just before Annual Town Meeting at Canton
High School. The specific location in the school is not yet confirmed, but in the past this meeting has taken
place in the cafeteria. Mr. Scollins will reach out to the school to confirm the location and will release a draft
agenda. The Finance Committee meeting usually begins at 6pm and Town Meeting begins at 7pm.
Mr. Scollins thanked Recording Secretary Neff for her work on the meeting minutes. Chairperson Mauro
thanked Finance Director Scollins for all his hard work this season and thanked all Committee members for
their efficient and speedy work, noting that the Finance Committee recommendation booklet helps residents
prepare for Town Meeting. He also expressed appreciation for Canton Community TV’s coverage of the
meetings.
ADJOURNMENT
Ms. Schutt made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:59pm. Ms. Mirliani seconded the motion.
Discussion: There was no further discussion.
The motion passed with a vote of 7-0-0.
Minutes reviewed by: Kristin Mirliani
Respectfully submitted,
Emilio E. Mauro, Jr.
Chair, Canton Finance Committee
REFERENCED DOCUMENTS:
FINCOM April 8th, 2026, Agenda Revised
Articles 34-36 Street Acceptances PB Report Canton Reserve
Yorkshire Estates Withdrawal Letter
Planning Board Articles 43-47
DRAFT Fincom Report - MASTER COPY - 3-31-26
Finance Committee March 11th, 2026, Minutes – Draft
Finance Committee March 16th, 2026, Minutes - Draft
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