Tom Arkinson

The meeting included a discussion regarding a tower failure causing a collapse, where the applicant committed to providing technical data to demonstrate the affected area in case of a fall. Concerns were raised about security fencing around the tower's guy wire grounding points, with the applicant noting that landscaping would interfere with security at these locations. The applicant also stated that backup antennas for local emergency services could be installed on the tower, as well as potential future placement for telephone company cell phone units. The Request for a conditional use permit was subsequently moved to be sent to the Town Council for review.

The Town Council meeting commenced following the Board of Appeals meeting. The agenda was approved, and the primary New Business item involved discussion and a subsequent vote regarding the appointment of Election Officers for the 2021 Water System Improvements Referendum due to several existing officers being unavailable. The Council approved the list of officers, including two new additions as alternates.

The Town Council meeting included executive session discussions on legal matters and personnel issues, which were subsequently voted upon for implementation. Key public hearings addressed Ordinance 2018-010, concerning zoning amendments related to spray irrigation and the prohibition of wastewater effluent use, and a proposed amendment to the Town Charter regarding purchasing contract thresholds and supplemental assessments. The Council reviewed the Fiscal Year 2018 annual financial audit, noting that the Town was in strong financial shape with no accounting or compliance weaknesses found. Presentations were given regarding Transportation Improvement Districts (TIDs) and a proposal by Verizon Wireless to construct a 140-foot cell tower, which required subsequent Planning and Zoning and conditional use approvals. Old Business included the adoption of Ordinance 2018-010 and a vote on the Magnolia Street drainage project and parking plan, resulting in approval for a limited bulkhead condition assessment and implementation of the parking plan contingent on securing agreement with the Historical Society and funding. New Business involved the approval of a lot line adjustment, a partial sidewalk waiver request, establishing a public hearing for amendments to the Historic Preservation Overlay District, granting design standard modifications for a land subdivision request, and ratifying amendments to parking and speed limit ordinances.

The meeting included an Executive Session covering collective bargaining strategy, disclosure of excluded public record content, personnel matters, and preliminary land acquisition. Following the Executive Session, the Council unanimously approved an employee salary increase and authorized the Town Manager and Solicitor to make an offer regarding preliminary land acquisition. The Council formally thanked the Milton Fire Department for their service, particularly for providing space for park concerts during inclement weather, and presented a check. A proclamation commemorating the Twentieth Anniversary of the Milton Garden Club was read, and the annual contribution was presented. Public participation included thanks for sidewalk repairs and updates regarding the Garden Club's anniversary and upcoming events. The Police Department presented a certificate of appreciation to K-9 Kennels for their support. Discussions also covered the successful receipt of a USDA grant for engineering reports related to water infrastructure projects on Atlantic Avenue and Chestnut Street, and the delivery of the Comprehensive Plan. The Consent Agenda was approved, which included written reports and the minutes from previous meetings. In Old Business, the Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2018-011, approving the issuance of general obligation bonds for the Wagamons Water Main Extension Project and the Shipbuilders Well and Treatment Facility Project, with authorization given to complete financing agreement details. In New Business, Resolution 2018-012 to ratify the 2019 Fee Schedule was adopted, with a discussion emphasizing the requirement to incorporate a fee to recover future loan costs.

The meeting included administrative reports covering a composting update, treasurer notes regarding seed reimbursement balance, and a motion to hold a work session regarding the Guide. Announcements included updates on VegFest attendance and the passage of bills banning ocean drilling. Key discussions focused on composting, with the committee acknowledging it requires serious commitment from partners and recommending the final sustainability plan include a composting strategy. New business involved scheduling workshops and reviewing sample sustainability plans from other cities like Baltimore, Bowie, Frederick, and Greenbelt, noting the importance of public input and graphic representation in plan development.