Finance Committee Recommends Adoption of 41 of 42 Articles, Unanimously Supports MBTA Communities Act 

A citizen petition on snow clearing had only one yes vote, but Town Meeting has final say

The Finance Committee met last night without clerk Stephanie Klinkenberg-Ramirez. This was the annual meeting to answer resident questions prior to Town Meeting on May 6 and 8.

The committee first took up Article 34, a citizen petition that requires property owners, both residents and businesses, to clear their sidewalks of snow within 24 hours. Those with sidewalks that are cleared by the town are exempt. The aim is to improve pedestrian safety and promote walkability. The fine would be nominal, $10 per day, the maximum allowed by the state. Petitioner Kyle Parker pointed out that the DPW doesn’t have resources to clear all sidewalks. Surrounding towns including Billerica and Andover have similar bylaws.

Member David Aznavoorian asked Parker about disabled or elderly residents and enforcement.

“You don’t want to have neighbors ratting on neighbors,” said Aznavoorian. 

Parker said many cities and towns have programs where students shovel, with community service hours an option. Neighbors also help neighbors, and exemptions could be granted. Town Manager Richard Montuori said any enforcement would likely be by the DPW.

Member Tom Cooke asked about areas without sidewalks and what enforcement might cost the town. Landowners who don’t have sidewalks would not be affected, though Parker pointed out that the town is adding sidewalks continually. The DPW reports that we currently have 53 miles of sidewalks, 43 of them public. The town clears 23 miles, so 18 miles are not necessarily passable now.

Only member Jason Christian voted in favor of the article. Residents can hear more about it from Parker at tonight’s Select Board meeting.

The Committee also held off on recommendations on articles 5 through 8 pending final numbers.

A full rundown of all articles is here, with a Town Meeting 101.

A few key points from the meeting:

Article 13 is where funds will come from for new flooring and to replace inefficient windows and doors for the Recreation Building on Livingston Street. The floors have broken tiles that make fitness classes a challenge.  This article will also fund construction of Phase 1 of a new sidewalk on Whipple Rd., from Pleasant St. to Ferncroft Rd., among other one-time capital expenditures.

If you’ve spent time in the Wynn on even a moderately warm day, you know that cooling is much needed. Article 14 allocates $4,400,000 to improve HVAC and air filtration at the Wynn and Ryan schools. The Wynn system should reduce heating energy use by 25% and qualify for a minimum of $700,000 in energy rebates, which will be returned to the general fund. The Ryan Elementary School rebates are unknown at this time but should qualify.  

There’s also $1,100,000 for repairs not covered by insurance to the Heath Brook school, which was damaged by heavy rains in August 2023. We’ll cover this in more depth, including some photos of areas the School Department proposes to repair.

If you’ve gotten an eye-popping water bill, Article 19 allocates $1,500,000 to fund Phase 1 of a three-year program to replace non-functioning water meter endpoints, which often have dead batteries. New meters will ensure that consumption is accurately calculated — estimated bills are inaccurate, time consuming, inconvenient for residents and problematic for the town from a consumption and revenue calculating standpoint. Montuori said the new meters will enable residents to track their water use with updated software and get alerted to possible leaks.

The Chandler Well Fields is one of the best places in town for a hike. Funding from Article 21 will be used to design and build two boardwalks using CPA funds to provide an approximately 1.5 mile loop trail. Each boardwalk will feature an observation platform where walkers can stop and appreciate the wetlands. The town has applied for a $200,000 grant, said Montuori; if that comes through, the cost will be reduced. 

Article 30 will transfer the North St. school to the town, while Article 31 will create a Shawsheen Valley Regional Vocational/Technical School District Stabilization Fund. Montuori expressed support for the idea of allowing the district to set aside funds for future capital expenditures, and the Finance Committee agreed. Article 32 will ask the legislature to approve an adjustment to a deed restriction so the town can install pickleball courts at Livingston St. Funding for the project was approved at the October Special Town Meeting.

The Finance Committee does not always take positions on non-financial articles, but it signed off unanimously on Article 35, the rework of the Tewksbury Wetland Protection Bylaw, and Articles 41/42, MBTA Communities zoning. Members thanked both Conservation Commission Chair Dan Ronan and Town Planner Alex Lowder for their work.

Lowder outlined the proposed district, “Main A,” located along the southern end of Route 38. It spans both sides of Main Street from Heath Brook Plaza (1777 Main St.) and Al Fresca (1768 Main St.) to the Main and Shawsheen Street intersection.

“As written, this bylaw amendment brings the Town into compliance with state law, and it locates the potential for multifamily housing near amenities,” said Lowder, pointing out that as units are built in the zone, it would be a highly walkable neighborhood. She also noted that Tewksbury has among the highest rental rates in the region and essentially a zero percent vacancy rate. The Planning Board also unanimously recommended adoption of the article.

The Finance Committee will reconvene just before Town Meeting on May 6 to make final recommendations.