Charles P. Comeau

The Special Town Meeting addressed several funding and appropriation articles. Key votes included funding the first fiscal year of a successor Collective Bargaining Agreement (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2027) with A.F.S.C.M.E, Local 1395, with funds allocated from the FY26 operating budget and Salary Reserve. Another article approved funding for the first fiscal year of a successor Collective Bargaining Agreement (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2027) with the Avon Firefighters Relief Association, drawing funds from the FY26 operating budget and Salary Reserve. Furthermore, the meeting authorized the transfer of funds from the CMVI Receipts Reserve Account and Free Cash to appropriate One Hundred Fifty Six Thousand Dollars ($156,000) for the purchase of two police vehicles (one unmarked and one marked). The final approved article involved transferring remaining funds from Article 12 of the May 2024 Annual Town Meeting to execute necessary repairs and/or improvements to the Town Hall and Council on Aging offices.

The Avon 2040 Master Plan outlines the town's shared vision, values, and pathways for guiding its policies, investments, and regulatory systems over the long term. Approved in 2026, with an action plan starting in 2024, the plan prioritizes six key themes: broadening the tax base through commercial and industrial development, enhancing transportation safety and walkability, improving community focal points, fostering civic participation and a small-town atmosphere, modernizing municipal facilities, and protecting the public water supply. The overarching vision aims to preserve Avon's small-town character, ensuring a safe, resilient community with a strong identity, affordable living, and a clean environment.

This document is a presentation detailing the Fiscal Year 2027 capital requests and proposed operating budget for the Town of Avon. It outlines significant capital investments across departments such as Public Works, Fire, Police, and Schools. The presentation also provides a comprehensive overview of the operating budget, including increases and reductions, estimated revenues, and levy capacity, designed to inform fiscal planning and ensure financial sustainability.

The meeting is a workshop to discuss the development of Central Street. The applicant will make a presentation, followed by questions from the board and the public. No decision will be made during this meeting. The discussion includes the process for a friendly 40B application, the local initiative program (LIP), and the potential for a land development agreement. The proposed development includes 36 additional units, with a percentage set aside as affordable, and the town can request local preference for these units. The architectural plans and a preliminary waiver list are also discussed.

The workshop discussed warrant articles for the special town meeting and annual town meeting. Key discussion points included guidelines for voters attending the meetings, such as mask requirements and separate screening areas. The board reviewed and discussed articles related to a collective bargaining agreement with the Professional Firefighters, transferring funds to pay down bonds, and a prior year bill. Additionally, they discussed a tax increment financing agreement with Karis and Karis Glass Company, focusing on potential job creation and investment in the town.