Arlington public meetings in 2023

School Committee Special Meeting

The Arlington School Committee is holding a special meeting, conducted remotely, to enter executive session for strategy discussions on collective bargaining with the Arlington Education Association (AEA) for Units A and D. The committee may also vote to approve the AEA Unit D contract. The meeting is largely procedural, with the substantive items occurring in closed session.

• Executive session for strategy on union and nonunion personnel negotiations
• Discussion of Arlington Education Association Unit D negotiations
• Discussion of Arlington Education Association Unit A negotiations
• Possible vote to approve AEA Unit D contract
• Meeting conducted via Zoom webinar

The Arlington School Committee unanimously approved a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the AEA Unit D contract, which includes a working day adjustment and pay increases of up to 33% for the lowest-paid paraprofessionals, effective February 1, 2024. The vote was 7-0 in favor. The meeting was held remotely and adjourned after the vote.

• Approved MOA for AEA Unit D contract adjustment (7-0)
• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

Conservation Commission Meeting

The Arlington Conservation Commission will meet remotely to discuss several items, including an update on the Mt. Gilboa Feasibility Study, a vote on chair/vice chair transition, the annual report, and an update from the Artificial Turf Study Committee. The commission will also hold public hearings on permit extensions and amendments for properties at 51 Grove Street and 88 Coolidge Road.

• Mt. Gilboa Feasibility Study update
• Spy Pond Invasive Control Permit Request for Amendment to Order of Conditions (DEP #091-0344)
• Permit Extension: 51 Grove Street (DEP #091-0326)
• Permit Amendment: 88 Coolidge Road (Continued from 06/01/23)
• Chair/Vice Chair Transition Vote

The Commission approved a three-year extension for the Order of Conditions for the Town Yard facilities at 51 Grove Street, with a unanimous vote. It also continued the hearing for the 88 Coolidge Road permit amendment to January 18, 2024, and approved amending the Spy Pond invasive control permit to address phragmites control. The Commission approved its Annual Report and elected new officers.

• Approved 3-year permit extension for 51 Grove Street (7-0)
• Continued 88 Coolidge Road hearing to Jan 18, 2024 (7-0)
• Approved amending Spy Pond invasive control permit for phragmites (7-0)
• Approved Annual Report as amended (7-0)
• Elected Chuck Tirone as Chair, Susan Chapnick as Vice Chair (9-0)

Redevelopment Board

The Arlington Redevelopment Board will meet to review and vote on meeting minutes, discuss proposed warrant articles from the Conservation Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals, and consider a parking lot plan from Green Streets Arlington. They will also discuss the feasibility of affordable housing above a new Fox Branch Library and review work on permitted projects at 882-892 and 455-457 Mass Ave.

• Discussion of Conservation Commission proposal to remove Inland Wetland District overlay from Zoning Bylaw
• Discussion of Conservation Commission proposal to rezone 68 open space parcels to Open Space District
• Discussion of Zoning Board of Appeals proposed warrant articles
• Discussion of Green Streets Arlington parking lot plan
• Discussion of affordable housing feasibility above new Fox Branch Library at 157 Mass Ave

The Arlington Redevelopment Board discussed two Conservation Commission proposals: eliminating the Inland Wetland District from the zoning bylaw and rezoning open space parcels. The Board agreed to support the Inland Wetland District removal, but decided the open space rezoning needs more work and won't be ready for Town Meeting in April. The Board also reviewed ZBA-proposed zoning amendments and a Green Streets parking lot shade proposal, but took no final votes on those items.

• Approved December 4, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Agreed to support elimination of Inland Wetland District from zoning bylaw
• Decided not to advance open space rezoning proposal to Town Meeting in April
• Agreed to work with ZBA on clarifying attached/detached building definitions
• Agreed to work with ZBA on relabeling bullets in ADU section 5.9.2
• Agreed to work with ZBA on setback exceptions for vacant properties
• Agreed to work with ZBA on clarifying ADU setback within 6 feet of property line
• Deferred parking section rewrite to 2025 Town Meeting

Select Board Meeting

The Arlington Select Board will consider routine items including reappointments, a contractor license, a proclamation, and a late-night liquor extension for Menotomy Grill & Tavern on New Year's Eve. The board will also vote on the annual renewal of numerous business licenses, with no objections from town departments. Correspondence includes a housing feasibility study for Fox Library and a request for speed bumps on Appleton Street.

• Annual license renewals for 14 license types (e.g., all-alcohol restaurants, package stores, common victuallers)
• One-time liquor license extension for Menotomy Grill & Tavern (25 Massachusetts Ave) until 1:00 AM on Jan 1, 2024
• Proclamation for 250th anniversary of Battle of Menotomy, reenactment on April 20, 2025
• Reappointments to Transportation Advisory Committee: Scott Smith and Melissa Laube
• Contractor/drainlayer license request for MTP Communications, Inc. (Bellingham, MA)

The Select Board approved a consent agenda including committee reappointments and a late-night event for Menotomy Grill & Tavern. The board also approved a broad set of license renewals for various business categories.

• Approved consent agenda including Transportation Advisory Committee reappointments and MTP Communications license (3-0)
• Approved Menotomy Grill & Tavern late-night event for 12/31/2023 - 1/1/2024 (3-0)
• Approved various license renewals including food, alcohol, and contractor licenses (3-0)
• Received correspondence regarding Fox Library housing study and Town Manager vacation buy-back (3-0)
• Referred request for Appleton Street speed bumps and stop signs to Mr. Feeney (3-0)

School Committee Meeting

The Arlington School Committee is meeting to discuss and decide on several items, including approving a field trip for the Model Congress, receiving updates on the EL Education literacy curriculum implementation, the Visual Arts program, and the Arlington High School Improvement Plan. They will also review the AEA budget proposals, the second finance report, and the superintendent's update, which includes administrative hiring searches, grants, enrollments, and a revised budget request. The meeting includes a consent agenda with a warrant of $669,851.16 and an executive session for union negotiations.

• Field trip approval for 2024 Harvard Model Congress conference, Feb 21-25, 2024, Boston, no cost to students
• EL Education implementation update for K-5 literacy curriculum, Cohort 1 and 2 professional development
• Visual Arts report presentation for 2023-24 school year
• Arlington High School School Improvement Plan presentation
• Consent agenda: Warrant #24137 for $669,851.16 and draft minutes from 11/30/2023

The Arlington School Committee unanimously approved a field trip, the consent agenda (warrant and minutes), and a special meeting for December 21 to consider the AEA Unit D contract. They also heard reports on EL Education implementation, visual arts, AHS school improvement, HGI program, AEA budget proposals, and finance. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved field trip (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda: Warrant #24137 ($669,851.16) and Nov 30 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved special School Committee meeting on Dec 21, 2023 (unanimous)

Conservation Commission Meeting

The Arlington Conservation Commission will meet remotely on December 14, 2023, to discuss enforcement orders, permit amendments, and conservation projects. The meeting includes a public hearing on a wetlands permit for the Thorndike Place multifamily development on Dorothy Road, with the applicant requesting a continuation to January 18, 2024.

• Public hearing continuation for Thorndike Place wetlands permit (Dorothy Road, multifamily development)
• Enforcement order update and ratification for 66-66R Dudley Street
• Arlington Reservoir permit amendment request
• Menotomy Rocks Park playground and picnic area working session
• Spy Pond invasive species control discussion

The Arlington Conservation Commission amended the enforcement order for 66R Dudley Street to include installation of a 12-inch mulch sock near Mill Brook and append a list of outstanding items. The property owner must contact the condominium association by 2/15/2024 and return to the Commission on 3/7/2024. The Commission also approved 2024 meeting dates, supported two CPA proposals, endorsed a zoning change for town-owned conservation parcels, and continued the Thorndike Place hearing to 1/18/2024.

• Amended enforcement order for 66R Dudley St, adding 12" mulch sock and outstanding items list (6-0)
• Approved 2024 meeting dates (6-0)
• Approved minutes of 11/2/2023 and 11/16/2023 as edited (6-0 each)
• Found Arlington Reservoir trail connection can be handled via permit amendment, not new NOI (6-0)
• Supported CPA proposal for McClennen Park detention pond survey (6-0)
• Supported CPA proposal for Public Land Management Plan addendum (6-0)
• Endorsed rezoning of 18 town-owned conservation parcels to Open Space zoning (6-0)
• Continued Thorndike Place NOI hearing to 1/18/2024 (6-0)

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals is meeting remotely via Zoom. The board will vote on approving a decision for Docket #3775 at 54 Mary Street #2, and will also vote to approve meeting minutes from three prior meetings. The agenda is largely administrative, with no public hearings or new proposals listed.

• Vote on approval of Decision Docket #3775 for 54 Mary Street #2
• Vote to approve meeting minutes from August 29, 2023
• Vote to approve meeting minutes from October 3, 2023
• Vote to approve meeting minutes from October 24, 2023
• Meeting held remotely via Zoom due to COVID-19 order

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals held a remote meeting on December 12, 2023, and approved Decision Docket #3775 for 54 Mary Street, #2, along with meeting minutes from August 29, October 3, and October 24, 2023. All votes were 5-0. The meeting was brief and procedural, with no other substantive decisions made.

• Approved Decision Docket #3775 for 54 Mary Street, #2 (5-0)
• Approved meeting minutes from August 29, 2023 (5-0)
• Approved meeting minutes from October 3, 2023 (5-0)
• Approved meeting minutes from October 24, 2023 (5-0)

Standing Subcommittee: Sepac

The Arlington Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) will meet via Zoom to discuss planning workshops for the coming year, receive reports from officers and Arlington Public Schools staff, and hold public participation. The agenda is routine, with no specific votes or dollar amounts listed.

• Planning workshops for the coming year
• Officers/Committee reports
• APS Staff Reports
• Public participation / New business / Open discussion

Negotiations Subcommittee: Aea

The Arlington School Committee's Negotiations Subcommittee for the AEA is holding a meeting on December 12, 2023. The agenda includes an open meeting, followed by an executive session, and then adjournment. No specific negotiation items are listed, so the meeting appears to be primarily procedural, with the substantive discussion likely occurring in the closed session.

• Open meeting led by R. Spiegel
• Executive session
• Adjournment

Standing Subcommittee: Budget

The Arlington School Committee's Budget Subcommittee will discuss enrollment projections, FY25 budget development, fund balances, and policy revisions. They will also consider proposals for auditorium rental fees and Ottoson bus fees, and may enter executive session for union negotiations.

• Review of FY25 enrollment projections showing a projected decline in district enrollment through FY29
• Discussion of FY25 budget development and fund balances report
• Proposal for AHS Auditorium rental fee changes
• Review of Ottoson bus fee proposal
• Policy revision for DI - Fiscal Accounting and Reporting

Board Of Health

The Arlington Board of Health will meet virtually on December 6, 2023, at 3:00 PM to discuss a variance request from Umi Sushi, review the 2024 meeting schedule, and receive updates from the Director, Environmental Health, Restaurants, and Public Health Nurse. The meeting is closed to the public due to a state order suspending certain Open Meeting Law provisions.

• Variance request from Umi Sushi (474 Massachusetts Ave) to use acidification for cooked rice
• Proposed 2024 Board of Health meeting schedule with 8 dates from January to December
• Virtual meeting due to state-ordered public closure

The Arlington Board of Health unanimously approved a variance for Umi Sushi to use a vinegar solution to acidify cooked rice, rendering it a non-time/temperature control for safety food. The board also moved its January 24 meeting to February 7 and received updates on the Artificial Turf Study Committee, a regional public health grant, and other departmental matters. No public comments were made.

• Approved Umi Sushi variance to acidify cooked rice with vinegar (3-0)
• Moved January 24 Board of Health meeting to February 7
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Negotiations Subcommittee: Aea

The Arlington School Committee Negotiations Subcommittee: AEA is meeting to conduct strategy sessions. The meeting focuses on preparations for collective bargaining and contract negotiations with union or nonunion personnel.

• Executive session for collective bargaining strategy
• Executive session for litigation strategy

Select Board Meeting

The Arlington Select Board will consider approving the sale of $18,090,000 in general obligation bonds, set the property tax rate, and vote on a betterment order for Montague Street. The board will also discuss a bill on combined sewer overflows and an overnight parking pilot program. Several appointments, licenses, and event requests are on the consent agenda.

• Approve $18,090,000 General Obligation Municipal Purpose Loan sale to Fidelity Capital Markets at 3.7% interest
• Public hearing and vote on property tax classification and tax rate
• Public hearing on Montague Street betterment for private way repair
• Discussion and potential vote on House Bill 886 regarding combined sewer overflows
• Discussion and potential vote on overnight parking pilot program

The Select Board approved a $18.09 million bond issue and set the property tax rate for the upcoming year. The Board also extended the overnight parking pilot program and approved several committee appointments and business licenses.

• Set property tax rate to $10.59 (5-0)
• Approved $18,090,000 General Obligation Municipal Purpose Loan sale (5-0)
• Extended overnight parking pilot through June 30, 2024, with 125-permit cap (5-0)
• Approved repair to private way on Montague Street, subject to funds (5-0)
• Approved Common Victualler License for The Mill Cafe (5-0)
• Approved Menorah lighting event for December 12, 2023 (5-0)
• Approved appointments to ACAC Grants, Elderly & Disabled Tax Relief, and LGBTQIA+ Rainbow Commission (5-0)
• Voted to send a letter supporting House Bill 886 regarding sewer overflows (3-0-1)

Redevelopment Board

The Arlington Redevelopment Board will meet to review and vote on approving meeting minutes from November 20, 2023, and decide on a citizen warrant article to rezone 5-7 Winter Street to the MBTA-Communities Overlay District, Neighborhood Multi-Family Subdistrict. The Board will also discuss 2024 priorities, including the Arlington Heights Business District and residential traffic demand management plans.

• Vote to approve November 20, 2023 meeting minutes
• Re-zoning of 5-7 Winter Street to MBTA-Communities Overlay District, Neighborhood Multi-Family Subdistrict
• Discussion of 2024 priorities: Arlington Heights Business District, residential TDM plans, and reduced height buffer area
• Potential master plan update funding request (~$175,000)

The Board discussed a citizen warrant article to rezone 5-7 Winter Street into the Neighborhood Multi-Family (NMF) Subdistrict of the MBTA Communities Overlay District. Members expressed general support for the rezoning but preferred it proceed as a citizen petition rather than a Board-sponsored article. No formal action was taken; the Board will hold a full hearing if the owner moves forward. The Board also discussed potential changes to administrative review of signs and other 2024 planning topics, but made no decisions.

• Approved November 20, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Discussed citizen warrant article for 5-7 Winter Street rezoning; no vote taken
• Discussed rewriting Rule 18 to allow administrative sign review; no action taken
• Discussed potential urban renewal areas; no action taken
• Discussed reduced height buffers for January 8 meeting; no action taken
• Discussed adding Massachusetts Architectural Access Board language to decisions; no action taken

Redevelopment Board

The Arlington Redevelopment Board will meet to review the current year’s accomplishments and objectives, followed by a discussion on 2024 goals. Staff will present an overview of planning and community development efforts, and the Board will deliberate on future priorities.

• Review of FY24 budget accomplishments and objectives (FY24_Budget_Accomplishments_and_Objectives.pdf)
• Discussion of 2024 Board goals

School Committee Meeting

The Arlington School Committee will hear presentations on the Ottoson and Gibbs school improvement plans, review the FY25 budget requests report and the end-of-year financial report, and discuss furniture for the committee room. The committee will also consider approving a field trip to Carnegie Hall and an executive session for negotiations.

• Ottoson Middle School and Gibbs School improvement plan presentations
• FY25 Budget Requests Report and EOYR23 All Fund Types Expenditure Summary
• Approval of field trip to Carnegie Hall, NYC
• Consent agenda includes Warrant #24120 for $702,607.77
• Executive session for strategy on union negotiations

The Arlington School Committee unanimously approved a field trip for choral and orchestra students to Carnegie Hall in April 2024, and tabled the remaining agenda items before the field trip. The committee also received presentations on the Ottoson and Gibbs school improvement plans, discussed budget requests and the end-of-year financial report, and entered executive session for collective bargaining strategy.

• Approved Carnegie Hall field trip for AHS choral/orchestra students (unanimous)
• Tabled agenda items prior to field trip (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including warrant #24120 for $702,607.77 (unanimous)
• Entered executive session for collective bargaining strategy (unanimous roll call)

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

The Zoning Board of Appeals will meet to vote on a decision for 40-42 Dorothy Road and hold hearings regarding property appeals and requests at three different locations.

• Vote on decision for Docket #3770: 40-42 Dorothy Road
• Hearing for Docket #3772: 44-46 Amsden St (Appeal of the Building Inspector)
• Hearing for Docket #3764: 212 Pleasant Street (continuance)
• Hearing for Docket #3775: 54 Mary Street Unit 2

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals voted 5-0 to continue the hearing for 212 Pleasant Street to January 9, 2024, after the applicant and neighbors could not reach a compromise. The Board also voted 5-0 to approve a special permit for 54 Mary Street, Unit 2, to convert a balcony into an enclosed home office, and accepted the withdrawal of a variance application for the same property. Additionally, the Board accepted the withdrawal of an appeal for 44-46 Amsden Road and approved a decision for 40 Dorothy Road.

• Continued 212 Pleasant Street hearing to Jan. 9, 2024 (5-0)
• Approved special permit for 54 Mary St., Unit 2 balcony conversion (5-0)
• Accepted withdrawal of variance application for 54 Mary St., Unit 2 (5-0)
• Accepted withdrawal of building permit appeal for 44-46 Amsden Road (5-0)
• Approved decision for 40 Dorothy Road (5-0)

Negotiations Subcommittee: Aea

The Arlington School Committee Negotiations Subcommittee will hold an executive session to prepare for upcoming contract talks with union and non-union staff. Collective bargaining may also occur in private.

Negotiations Subcommittee: Aea

The Arlington School Committee's Negotiations Subcommittee is meeting to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with union and/or nonunion personnel, and for collective bargaining or litigation. The meeting is largely an executive session, with only an open meeting call and adjournment listed as public items. No specific contract terms or dollar amounts are disclosed in the agenda.

• Executive session for strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with union and/or nonunion personnel
• Executive session for strategy regarding collective bargaining or litigation
• Meeting held at Arlington High School District Offices, 14 Mill Brook Drive, 2nd Floor

Select Board Meeting

The Arlington Select Board will vote on setting useful-life standards for $3,687,270 in capital purchases and on expanding four school-zone areas around Hardy and Thompson schools. They will also introduce the new Veterans’ Services Director and hear public comments on Alewife Brook sewer overflows.

• Approve maximum useful life for $375k ambulance, $215k truck/sander, $165k dump truck, $100k modular classrooms
• Add Hardy School zones on Brooks Ave & Chandler St and Thompson School zone on River St ($3.7M bond)
• Public hearing on Eversource petition for Massachusetts Ave
• Approve Transportation Advisory Committee recommendations for Rawson Rd/Broadway and Jason St/Hillsdale Rd
• Introduce Veterans’ Services Director Philip McGovern

The Board approved procedural steps for an $18 million bond sale and an intermunicipal agreement for the 250th Celebration. They also authorized short-term traffic improvements for Rawson Road and Broadway and approved several appointments.

• Approved maximum useful life of assets for $18M bond issuance (5-0)
• Approved special one-day beer and wine licenses for Roasted Granola Cafe (5-0)
• Approved reappointment of Daniel Ricardelli (5-0)
• Approved Eversource petition for 15 feet of conduit on Massachusetts Avenue (5-0)
• Approved Eileen Coleman and Sara Alfaro-Franco to Conservation Commission (5-0)
• Approved Alewife CSO comment letters subject to revisions (5-0)
• Approved short-term traffic recommendations for Rawson Road and Broadway (5-0)
• Approved intermunicipal agreement for 250th Celebration with Concord, Lexington, and Lincoln (5-0)

Redevelopment Board

The Arlington Redevelopment Board will meet to approve prior meeting minutes, decide on a date for their 2023 Board Retreat, and hold a preliminary discussion on zoning amendments to bring to the 2024 Annual Town Meeting. The agenda also includes an open forum for public comments and new business.

• Review and vote to approve meeting minutes for November 6, 2023
• Decide on a date for the 2023 Board Retreat
• Discuss zoning amendments for the 2024 Annual Town Meeting
• Open Forum for public comments (3-minute limit per speaker)

The Board discussed potential zoning amendments for the 2024 Annual Town Meeting, focusing on the Arlington Heights Business District, residential TDM plans, reduced height buffer, and administrative approval of illuminated signs. No formal votes were taken on these items; the only votes were to approve the November 6 minutes (4-0) and to adjourn (unanimous). The Board also scheduled a retreat for December 3 and a joint meeting with the ZBA and Conservation Commission for December 18.

• Approved November 6, 2023 meeting minutes as amended (4-0, Korman-Houston abstaining)
• Scheduled Board retreat for December 3, 2023, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
• Tabled discussion of ZBA/ConCom warrant articles until December 18, 2023
• Agreed to prioritize Arlington Heights Business District for 2024 Town Meeting
• Agreed to focus on residential TDM plans, reduced height buffer, and administrative approval of illuminated signs
• Adjourned meeting unanimously at 8:20 pm

Conservation Commission Meeting

The Arlington Conservation Commission is meeting remotely to discuss enforcement orders for properties on Dudley and Mystic Streets, the Symmes Conservation Restriction, and zoning of town-owned properties. The main public hearing continues for Thorndike Place, a multifamily development on Dorothy Road, focusing on peer review of wildlife habitat and stormwater materials. The agenda also includes updates on CPA projects, the Water Bodies Working Group, and correspondence from residents and officials.

• Public hearing continuation for Thorndike Place (Dorothy Road) on peer review of wildlife habitat and stormwater
• Enforcement orders at 66R Dudley Street and 451/455 Mystic Street
• Discussion of Symmes Conservation Restriction
• Zoning and ownership of town-owned properties
• Spy Pond invasive control update

The Commission amended an enforcement order for 451-455 Mystic Street, requiring a restoration plan by 6/15/2024 with signage and temporary fencing. It also selected Hatch as stormwater peer reviewer and SWCA as planting plan peer reviewer for the Thorndike Place project, and continued the hearing to 12/14/2023. No decision was made on zoning/ownership of town-owned parcels.

• Amended enforcement order for 451-455 Mystic Street, restoration plan due 6/15/2024 (5-0-1 abstain)
• Selected Hatch as stormwater peer reviewer for Thorndike Place (5-0-1 abstain)
• Selected SWCA as peer reviewer for planting plan for Thorndike Place (5-0-1 abstain)
• Continued Thorndike Place public hearing to 12/14/2023 (6-0)

School Committee Meeting

The Arlington School Committee is meeting to discuss and review the Peirce and Brackett School Improvement Plans, a buffer zone and enrollment report, and materials for the superintendent's evaluation. The committee will also hear updates on administrative hiring, grants, and enrollments, and will vote on routine consent agenda items including warrants totaling over $1.18 million.

• Review of Peirce School Improvement Plan 2023-2024
• Review of Brackett School Improvement Plan 2023-2024
• Buffer Zone and Enrollment Report for 2023-24
• Consent agenda: Warrant #24093 for $935,772.28 and Warrant #24114 for $252,885.66
• Superintendent's evaluation materials and update

The Arlington School Committee unanimously approved two warrants totaling $1,188,657.94 and the draft minutes from October 26, 2023. The committee also received presentations on the Peirce and Brackett School Improvement Plans, a buffer zone report, and the superintendent's evaluation, which rated her proficient by all seven members.

• Approved Warrant #24093 for $935,772.28 (unanimous)
• Approved Warrant #24114 for $252,885.66 (unanimous)
• Approved draft minutes from October 26, 2023 (unanimous)

Standing Subcommittee: Community Relations

The Standing Subcommittee on Community Relations will discuss the School Committee Chat format for the 2023-2024 school year. The body will also review the advisory role of town committees to the School Committee and Arlington Public Schools.

• Discussion of School Committee Chat format for 2023-2024
• Review of the advisory role of Town Committees to APS and the School Committee
• Discussion of a draft for the APS Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging and Justice (DEIBJ) Task Force
• Arlington Human Rights Commission vacancy

Standing Subcommittee: Sepac

The Special Education Parent Advisory Council will meet to discuss planning workshops for the upcoming year. The meeting includes reports from APS staff and a presentation on literacy screening.

• Presentation on Universal Early Literacy Screening by APS Literacy Coach Jacque Aureli
• Planning workshops for the coming year

Zoning Board of Appeals meeting

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals will meet remotely on November 14, 2023, to conduct procedural business and review zoning changes. The board will continue hearing Docket #3770, a proposal to replace an existing garage at 40-42 Dorothy Road with a 900 sq ft all-electric, net-zero accessory dwelling unit (ADU) for affordable rental housing.

• Docket #3770 40-42 Dorothy Road (continuance) — ADU proposal for affordable rental unit
• Special Permit application for ADU under Section 5.9.2 of Arlington Zoning Bylaws
• Variance requests for parking driveway placement and ADU size (1008 sq ft vs. 900 sq ft limit)
• Proposed ADU: 2-story, 23 ft height, replacing existing garage, 3 ft from side property line

The Board approved a special permit for a passive house Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) at 40-42 Dorothy Road. The applicant withdrew a requested variance after modifying the project's size and height. The Board also discussed creating guidance documents for the town's online permitting system.

• Approved Decision Docket #3771 for 28 Buena Vista Road (5-0)
• Approved Special Permit for ADU at 40-42 Dorothy Road with conditions (5-0)
• Accepted withdrawal of Variance request for 40-42 Dorothy Road

School Committee Meeting

The Arlington School Committee holds a tour of Arlington High School at 4:00 PM as part of a regular meeting. The meeting adjourns at 5:00 PM. This is a procedural, non-decision meeting with no substantive items listed.

Standing Subcommittee: Budget

The Arlington School Committee's Budget Subcommittee will meet to review the FY24 budget, discuss enrollment projections, and begin developing the FY25 budget. They will also review fund revenues, expenses, and balances, and approve minutes. The meeting includes an executive session for strategy discussions on union negotiations.

• Update on FY24 Budget
• Enrollment Projections for FY24
• FY25 Budget Development
• Fund Revenue, Expenses and Balances report
• Executive session on AEA Unit D and Unit A negotiations

Select Board Meeting

The Select Board will consider the 2024 Annual Town Election date and the opening of the 2024 Annual Town Meeting warrant. The body will also review proposed improvements to Brooks Avenue and Elmhurst Road and discuss comments regarding the Alewife CSO.

• Acceptance of $53,000 gift from Friends of the Robbins Farm Park for inclusive play renovations
• Request for free parking for local holiday shopping from the Arlington Chamber of Commerce
• Common Victualler License for Umi Sushi at 474 Massachusetts Avenue
• Recommended improvements to Brooks Avenue and Elmhurst Road
• Holiday Stroll in Arlington Heights scheduled for December 9, 2023

The Select Board unanimously approved a $58,000 gift from the Friends of the Robbins Farm Park for inclusive playground renovations. They also set the 2024 Annual Town Election for April 6 and approved installing stop signs at the intersection of Brooks Avenue and Elmhurst Road. Additionally, the Board appointed new members to the Bicycle Advisory, Tourism, and Redevelopment committees and approved a new restaurant license.

• Approved acceptance of $58,000 gift for Robbins Farm Park renovation (5-0)
• Approved proclamations for Bob Sprague and Small Business Saturday (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including prior minutes and holiday permits (5-0)
• Appointed Linda Epstein to Arlington Bicycle Advisory Committee (5-0)
• Appointed Olga Baker to Arlington Committee on Tourism & Economic Development (5-0)
• Appointed Shaina Korman-Houston to Arlington Redevelopment Board (5-0)
• Approved Common Victualler License for Umi Sushi at 474 Massachusetts Avenue (5-0)
• Set 2024 Annual Town Election date for April 6, 2024 (5-0)

Redevelopment Board

The Board will discuss a request to close a public hearing for 251 Summer Street and a request to reopen a hearing for a proposed hotel and restaurant. The meeting will also include a discussion on the 2024 meeting schedule.

• Proposed 50-room hotel and restaurant at 1207-1211 Massachusetts Avenue (Docket #3602)
• Request to close public hearing for Calyx Peak at 251 Summer Street (Docket #3752)
• Review and vote on meeting minutes from October 2, 10, 16, and 23, 2023
• Discussion of the 2024 meeting schedule

The Arlington Redevelopment Board voted unanimously to extend the special permit for the proposed hotel at 1207-1211 Massachusetts Avenue for two years, until December 8, 2025, with six-month check-ins and conditions requiring compliance with current street tree and solar zoning bylaws. The Board also accepted the withdrawal of a special permit application for 251 Summer Street (Docket #3752) without a finding, allowing the applicant to resubmit in the future. The 2024 meeting schedule was approved with amendments, and a Board retreat was scheduled for December 3, 2023.

• Approved two-year extension of special permit for 1207-1211 Massachusetts Avenue hotel, with six-month check-ins and conditions (unanimous)
• Accepted withdrawal of Docket #3752 (Calyx Peak, 251 Summer Street) and closed the hearing without a finding (unanimous)
• Approved 2024 meeting schedule with amendments, including replacing April 15 with April 8 and adding August 5 (unanimous)
• Scheduled Board retreat for December 3, 2023 (unanimous)

Standing Subcommittee: Facilities

The subcommittee is reviewing reports on building air conditioning capacity, playground conditions, and the district's bus inventory. Members will also discuss submitting a Statement of Interest to the MSBA for the Ottoson Middle School.

• Discussion of Statement of Interest to MSBA for Ottoson Middle School
• Report on building air conditioning capacity
• Inventory of district-owned buses
• Playground report
• Analysis of MSBA accelerated repair program for upgrades

The Facilities Subcommittee discussed reports on bus inventory, custodial staffing, playgrounds, air conditioning, and potential MSBA programs. No formal votes were taken; the subcommittee directed staff to follow up on several items, including adding a missing playground to a report and exploring MSBA funding for roof repairs and a Statement of Interest for Ottoson Middle School.

• Discussed bus inventory report; no action taken
• Discussed AHS custodial staffing report; no action taken
• Discussed playground report; directed staff to add missing playground and clarify bleacher responsibility
• Discussed air conditioning report; directed staff to contract an engineer for capacity study
• Discussed MSBA Accelerated Repair Program for Hardy roof; staff to investigate
• Discussed potential Statement of Interest for Ottoson; no decision made
• Adjourned meeting unanimously

Conservation Commission Meeting

The Arlington Conservation Commission will hold a hybrid meeting on November 2, 2023, to discuss administrative items, enforcement actions, and several conservation topics. The main item is a continued public hearing on the Thorndike Place multifamily development, focusing on peer review of wildlife habitat and stormwater materials. The commission will also hear a request for determination of applicability for an addition at 70 Dow Avenue and discuss various other matters.

• Continued Notice of Intent hearing for Thorndike Place, multifamily development on Dorothy Road
• Request for Determination of Applicability for addition at 70 Dow Avenue
• Enforcement Order: 66R Dudley Street
• Notice of Violation: Watermill Place
• Discussion of Spy Pond invasive control

The Arlington Conservation Commission continued the Thorndike Place hearing to November 16, 2023, after deciding to resend peer review requests to additional firms and retract a request from Weston & Sampson due to a conflict of interest. The Commission also issued a Negative 4 and 6 Determination for 70 Dow Avenue, meaning the property is not subject to the Wetlands Protection Act. Additionally, the Commission discussed enforcement actions for Watermill Place and 66R Dudley Street, and did not issue a Certificate of Compliance for the DCR Mystic River outfall maintenance due to replanting requirements.

• Continued Thorndike Place public hearing to 11/16/2023 (6-0)
• Retracted peer review request from Weston & Sampson due to conflict of interest
• Issued Negative 4 and 6 Determination for 70 Dow Avenue (6-0)
• Amended Enforcement Order for 66R Dudley Street to require site visit and attendance at 11/16/2023 (6-0)
• Did not issue Certificate of Compliance for DCR Mystic River outfall maintenance
• Approved minutes of 10/19/2023 as amended (6-0-1)

Board Of Health

The Arlington Board of Health is meeting remotely to consider a body art practitioner application, appoint an agent, and review correspondence from a local smoke shop. The board will also receive updates on environmental health, restaurants, and public health nursing. The agenda includes routine administrative items and public comment.

• Hearing: Body Art Practitioner Application - Francisco Mejia
• Hearing: Appointment of Brian McCracken as Agent of the BOH
• Correspondence from Irfan Modi of Arlington Smoke Shop
• Acceptance of meeting minutes from July 12, 2023
• Updates on environmental health, restaurants, and public health nurse

The Arlington Board of Health unanimously approved Francisco Mejia's application for a Body Art Practitioner license and appointed Brian McCracken as an agent of the board for tobacco compliance checks. The board also accepted the July 12, 2023 meeting minutes and discussed updates on environmental health, restaurants, and public health initiatives, but took no other formal votes.

• Approved Francisco Mejia's Body Art Practitioner application (3-0)
• Appointed Brian McCracken as agent of the Board of Health (3-0)
• Accepted July 12, 2023 meeting minutes (3-0)

School Committee Meeting

The Arlington School Committee will discuss school improvement plans for Dallin and Thompson schools and receive an update on the AHS Heterogeneous Grouping Initiative. The body will also review superintendent evaluation materials and monthly financial reports.

• Warrant #24085 for $932,966.98
• 2023-2024 Dallin School Improvement Plan
• 2023-2024 Thompson School Improvement Plan
• AHS Heterogeneous Grouping Initiative October Review
• FY24 Enrollment Reports and Period 3 Monthly Financial Reports

The Arlington School Committee met on October 26, 2023, and took one substantive action: approving the consent agenda, which included Warrant #24085 for $932,966.98 and the draft minutes from October 12, 2023, by unanimous vote. The rest of the meeting consisted of informational presentations and reports, with no other formal decisions made.

• Approved consent agenda including Warrant #24085, $932,966.98 (unanimous)
• Approved draft minutes of October 12, 2023 (unanimous)

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals will meet virtually to approve decisions for five properties and hold public hearings on three special permit applications, including a continuance for 212 Pleasant Street. The meeting is conducted remotely due to the COVID-19 emergency, with public comments accepted by email.

• Approval of decisions for 5 Mystic Lake Drive, 15 Moccasin Path, 32 Appleton Street, 106 Mt. Vernon Street, and 77 Tanager Street
• Hearing on Docket #3764: 212 Pleasant Street (continuance) for a special permit for a 936 sq ft addition
• Hearing on Docket #3770: 40-42 Dorothy Road
• Hearing on Docket #3771: 28 Buena Vista Road

The Board approved a Special Permit for a 1,252 sq. ft. addition at 28 Buena Vista Road, pending updated open space calculations. Applications for 212 Pleasant Street and 40-42 Dorothy Road were continued to future meetings.

• Approved Special Permit for large addition at 28 Buena Vista Road (5-0)
• Approved Decision Docket #3761 5 Mystic Lake Drive (5-0)
• Approved Decision Docket #3768 15 Moccasin Path (5-0)
• Approved Decision Docket #3758 32 Appleton Street (5-0)
• Approved Decision Docket #3765 106 Mt. Vernon Street Appeal (5-0)
• Approved Decision Docket #3767 77 Tanager Road (5-0)
• Continued hearing for 212 Pleasant Street to 11/28/2023 (5-0)
• Continued hearing for 40-42 Dorothy Road to 11/14/2023 (5-0)

Standing Subcommittee: Accountablity/Curriculum

The Curriculum Instruction Accountability and Assessment Subcommittee is reviewing reports on special education programs and a proposed overnight experience for 6th grade students. The body is also considering the approval of previous meeting minutes.

• Special Education New Programs Report covering Supported Learning Centers at Peirce and Hardy Elementary, MAICEI, Compass (AHS), and Summit (OMS)
• Proposal for Gibbs School 6th grade overnight trip to Nature’s Classroom at $404 per student
• Request for approval of a 30% downpayment to Nature’s Classroom to hold trip dates
• Proposed $3,600 total cost for registered nurse coverage across three 6th grade camp trips
• Review of draft meeting minutes from June 14, 2023, and September 13, 2023

The subcommittee approved the meeting minutes from June 14, 2023, and September 13, 2023. Members received reports on special education programming and a proposed 6th grade overnight camp experience. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved 9/13/23 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved 6/14/23 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Redevelopment Board

The Board will discuss warrant articles and amendments scheduled for the October 23, 2023, Special Town Meeting. The meeting will conclude with the Board adjourning to attend the Town Meeting.

• Discussion of warrant articles and amendments for the October 23 Special Town Meeting

The Board reviewed several proposed amendments to Article 12 regarding the MBTA Communities Law. The Board voted against the majority of the amendments, citing concerns over zoning capacity, uniformity, and community goals.

• Voted unanimously not to support Worden Amendment 1 and 2
• Voted unanimously not to support Evans Amendment (if NMF maximum remains 3 stories)
• Voted 2-2 on support for Bagnall-Fleming Amendment
• Voted unanimously not to support Babiarz Amendment
• Voted unanimously to support Anderson Amendment (preferring removal of '40%' language)
• Voted unanimously not to support Loreti Amendments 1, 2, and 3
• Voted unanimously not to support Wagner Amendments 1 and 2
• Voted unanimously not to support Revised Lane and Leone Amendments

Select Board Meeting

The Arlington Select Board will decide on multiple one-day beer and wine licenses for private events and a common victualler license for The Fat Greek. They will also discuss a ballot question for a senior tax circuit breaker program and vote on reducing the size of the Broadway Plaza parklet.

• Approval: Special (One Day) Beer & Wine License for 11/04/2023 @ Whittemore Robbins House
• Approval: Common Victualler License for The Fat Greek, 185 Massachusetts Avenue
• Vote: Senior Circuit Breaker Ballot Question for November election
• Amendment: Reduce Broadway Plaza parklet to 3 parking spaces and 3 tables
• Discussion: Stop Sign request at Sunset Road and Blossom Street

The Select Board approved a common victualler license for The Fat Greek restaurant at 185 Massachusetts Avenue, a one-day beer and wine license for a private event, and consent agenda items including lawn signs and meeting minutes. The board also discussed and expressed no concern with April 20, 2025, as the date for the Semiquincentennial reenactment, though no formal vote was taken on that date. A request for stop signs at Sunset Road and Blossom Street was received and referred to the Town Manager.

• Approved consent agenda including Sept. 11, 2023 minutes, lawn signs, and one-day beer & wine license (5-0)
• Approved common victualler license for The Fat Greek, 185 Massachusetts Ave (5-0)
• Referred stop signs request at Sunset Road and Blossom Street to Town Manager (5-0)
• Adjourned at 7:45 p.m. to reconvene at Special Town Meeting (5-0)

Conservation Commission Meeting

The Arlington Conservation Commission is meeting remotely to discuss administrative items, enforcement actions, and a continuation of the public hearing for the Thorndike Place multifamily development on Dorothy Road. The hearing concerns peer review of submitted materials under the Wetlands Protection Act. The agenda also includes discussion of a certificate of compliance, unpermitted vegetation removal, an enforcement order, and updates on conservation projects.

• Public hearing continuation for Thorndike Place, a multifamily development on Dorothy Road, regarding peer review of submitted materials
• Certificate of Compliance for 10 Devereaux Street (dock installation, DEP #091-0242)
• Unpermitted vegetation removal near Brookside Condos
• Enforcement Order: 66R Dudley Street
• Spy Pond invasive control update

The Arlington Conservation Commission approved a Certificate of Compliance for 10 Devereaux Street, ratified an Enforcement Order for 66R Dudley Street, and continued the Thorndike Place hearing. The commission also discussed unpermitted vegetation removal near Brookside Condos and planned to send letters about encroachments at Symmes Conservation Restriction.

• Approved Certificate of Compliance for 10 Devereaux Street (5-0)
• Ratified Enforcement Order for 66R Dudley Street (5-0)
• Continued Thorndike Place hearing to 11/2/2023 (5-0)
• Engaged peer reviewer for Thorndike Place planting plan and stormwater report (5-0)
• Approved minutes of 9/7/2023 as amended (5-0)

Select Board Meeting

The Select Board is meeting to review fiscal commitments related to the November 7, 2023 Override Election. The board will also enter an executive session to discuss strategy regarding impending litigation.

• Review of commitment to no Proposition 2 1/2 Overrides prior to Fiscal Year 2027
• Proposed annual operating budget increases: 3.5% for general education and 3.25% for general government
• Proposed funding for School Committee Strategic Plan: FY24 $1,000,000; FY25 $3,100,000; FY26 $1,700,000; FY27 $600,000; FY28 $300,000
• Proposed budget additions: $200,000 for pedestrian infrastructure, $250,000 for trash collection contract, and $150,000 for OPEB fund
• Executive session regarding impending litigation

The Select Board voted unanimously to approve two minor changes to the override commitments, clarifying the title and effective date. This follows a typographical error in the ballot language that delayed the override's start to July 2024, reducing the amount asked from voters by $7 million through FY2026. The board also entered executive session to discuss impending litigation.

• Approved revised Select Board Override Commitments (5-0)
• Entered executive session to discuss impending litigation (5-0)

Special Town Meeting

This Special Town Meeting will decide on a $400,000 appropriation for Arlington Public Schools, contingent on a Proposition 2½ ballot question, and will consider a series of zoning bylaw amendments aimed at reshaping development in Business Districts, including open space, setbacks, step-backs, height minimums, and street trees. It also includes articles on an MBTA Communities overlay district, a fossil fuel-free building demonstration, and collective bargaining funding.

• $400,000 appropriation for FY2024 Arlington Public Schools operating budget, contingent on Prop 2½ passage
• Zoning amendments to modify open space, rear yard setbacks, step-backs, height/story minimums, and corner lot requirements in Business Districts
• Adoption of MBTA Communities Overlay District(s) for multi-family housing as of right
• Bylaw amendment to restrict new construction and major renovations to fossil fuel-free standards
• Funding for collective bargaining agreements with Arlington Police Patrol Officers' and Ranking Police Officers' Associations

Redevelopment Board

The Arlington Redevelopment Board will meet to deliberate and potentially vote on a citizen warrant article creating MBTA Communities Act neighborhood multi-family overlay districts. The Board will also hold a public hearing to re-open Special Permit Docket #3602 regarding a proposal to construct a 50-room hotel and restaurant at 1207-1211 Massachusetts Avenue.

• Public Hearing on Citizen Warrant Article for Fall 2023 Special Town Meeting regarding MBTA Communities Act Neighborhood Districts
• Public Hearing for Docket #3602 to re-open a special permit for a 50-room hotel and restaurant at 1207-1211 Massachusetts Avenue

The Arlington Redevelopment Board voted unanimously (3-0) to recommend no action on Citizen Warrant Article 13, which proposed an MBTA Communities Act neighborhood district. The article's submitter, Wynelle Evans, said she would not pursue it unless Town Meeting reverses the Board's decision on building heights. The Board also continued the public hearing for Docket #3602 (1207-1211 Massachusetts Avenue) to November 6, 2023, due to lack of quorum.

• Recommended No Action on Article 13 (MBTA Communities Act Neighborhood District) (3-0)
• Continued public hearing on Docket #3602 to November 6, 2023 (3-0)

School Committee Meeting

The Arlington School Committee will hear reports on staff diversity and hiring, and on student outcomes for fall 2023, then vote on a memorandum of agreement with the Arlington Education Association. The meeting also includes public comment, a vote on a MASC delegate, and routine consent agenda items.

• Vote on APS and AEA Memorandum of Agreement
• Diversity and Hiring Report with October 2023 HR staffing update
• Fall 2023 Outcomes Report covering MCAS, AP, and belonging data
• Consent agenda: Warrant #24072 for $860,315.89
• Elect MASC Delegate to Delegate Assembly

The School Committee approved a Memorandum of Agreement for cafeteria worker wage increases and elected delegates for the MASC. The committee also reviewed annual staffing demographics and fall student outcomes reports.

• Approved APS and AEA MOA for cafeteria worker wage increase (Unanimous)
• Elected P. Schlichtman as 2023 MASC Delegate (Unanimous)
• Elected K. Allison-Ampe as 2023 alternate MASC Delegate (Unanimous)
• Approved Warrant #24072 for $860,315.89 (Unanimous)
• Approved September 21, 2023 draft meeting minutes (Unanimous)

Select Board Meeting

The Arlington Select Board will review its position on the Mugar Development, hear the end-of-year budget report for FY2023, and receive updates on health and human services. The board will also consider consent agenda items including a one-day beer and wine license, a Veterans' Day parade permit, and a contractor license, plus appointments and other business.

• Review of Select Board position on Mugar Development
• End of Year Budget Report: FY23 General Fund spending at 96%, revenue at 103%, Free Cash certified at $18,032,011
• Special one-day beer & wine license for fundraiser at Buck Field on 10/29/2023
• Permit for Veterans' Day Parade on November 11th
• Contractor/Drainlayer license for Galway Excavation LLC

The Select Board voted unanimously to reaffirm its long-standing opposition to any development at the Mugar Wetlands, a position held since 2015. The board also approved the end-of-year budget report, a consent agenda including licenses and permits, an appointment, a report to Special Town Meeting, and a signage recommendation for Downing Square. No public comments were made during open forum.

• Reaffirmed opposition to Mugar Wetlands development (5-0)
• Received end of year budget report for FY2023 (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda: one-day beer & wine license, Veterans' Day parade permit, contractor/drainlayer license (5-0)
• Appointed Nicole Gustas to Tourism and Economic Development Committee (5-0)
• Approved draft Select Board report to Special Town Meeting (5-0)
• Approved TAC preferred signage option for Downing Square (5-0)
• Referred Wildwood Avenue no-parking sign request to Town Manager (5-0)
• Received Civilian Police Advisory Commission appointments (5-0)

Redevelopment Board

The Arlington Redevelopment Board will discuss and vote on its report to the Fall 2023 Special Town Meeting, which includes recommendations on multiple zoning bylaw amendments. The board will also vote to disband the MBTA Communities Working Group effective at the start of Town Meeting on October 17, 2023. The agenda includes an open forum for public comments and correspondence review.

• Vote on Board Report to Fall 2023 Special Town Meeting with recommendations on 10 zoning articles
• Vote to disband MBTA Communities Working Group as of October 17, 2023
• Article 5: Amend open space requirements in business districts to ease redevelopment
• Article 6: Reduce or make variable rear yard setbacks in business districts
• Article 12: Favorable action on MBTA Communities zoning

The Arlington Redevelopment Board unanimously approved its report to the Fall 2023 Special Town Meeting, incorporating numerous edits to the discussions of zoning articles, including clarifications on open space, step-backs, and the MBTA Communities Overlay District. The Board also voted to disband the MBTA Communities Working Group at the conclusion of the Special Town Meeting. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved Redevelopment Board Report to Fall 2023 Special Town Meeting as amended (unanimous)
• Disbanded MBTA Communities Working Group at conclusion of Fall 2023 Special Town Meeting (unanimous)

Standing Subcommittee: Sepac

The Arlington School Committee's Standing Subcommittee, the Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC), is holding a remote business meeting via Zoom. The agenda includes officer and committee reports, planning workshops for the upcoming year, and APS staff reports.

• Volunteer Opportunities: School Liaisons
• Planning Workshops for the coming year
• APS Staff Reports
• Public participation / New business / Open discussion

Standing Subcommittee: Budget

The Arlington School Committee’s Budget Subcommittee meets to discuss updates on the FY24 budget, including reserve positions, contingent funding for a potential Special Town Meeting override, and staffing changes in the Business Office. The meeting also covers the FY24 budget calendar, accounts for SEPAC and Performing Arts, ESSER III updates, and approval of minutes.

• FY24 budget adjustments totaling $16.84M net reduction across school programs
• Contingent funding request of $400,000 for AEA-D negotiations, instructional technology plan, and licensure program if override passes
• Business Office staffing update with 7.0 FTE positions, including cross-training initiatives
• FY24 Budget Calendar presented, including key dates like override election (Nov 7) and budget approval (Mar 14, 2024)
• ESSER III funding update discussed

Conservation Commission Meeting

The Commission will discuss an enforcement order for Mystic Street and zoning changes for the Inland Wetland and Floodplain Districts. The meeting includes reviews of the Thorndike Place project and updates on Community Preservation Act items.

• Enforcement Order: 451 and 455 Mystic Street
• Thorndike Place Third Party Review
• Inland Wetland District and Floodplain District Zoning Changes
• CPA Updates regarding Mt. Gilboa
• Colonial Village Drive Landscape Management Plan for invasive plant removal along Mill Brook

The Arlington Conservation Commission decided that Colonial Village must file a new Notice of Intent for vegetation management along Mill Brook, including herbicide use, rather than a permit amendment. The Commission also amended an Enforcement Order for 451 and 455 Mystic Street, requiring a restoration plan by 10/25/23 and a meeting appearance on 11/2/23. Additionally, they recommended two residents for Associate Commissioner positions.

• Required new Notice of Intent for Colonial Village vegetation management (unanimous consensus)
• Amended Enforcement Order for 451/455 Mystic Street: restoration plan due 10/25/23, appearance 11/2/23 (6-0)
• Recommended Sara Alfaro-Franco and Eileen Coleman as Associate Commissioners (5-0)
• Approved 8/17/2023 minutes as edited, pending confirmation of M. Gildesgame's attendance (6-0)

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals will meet remotely to decide whether to accept an appeal of the Building Inspector’s decision to issue a permit for 106 Mt Vernon Street. The board will also vote on two prior decisions and continue hearings on four other zoning cases.

• Members Vote: Approval of Decision Docket# 3762 148 Mt Vernon Street
• Members Vote: Approval of Decision Docket# 3763 56 Newcomb Street
• Docket #3765 Appeal of the Bldg Inspector Decision on 106 Mt Vernon Street
• Docket #3764 212 Pleasant Street (continuance to October 24, 2023)
• Docket #3758 32 Appleton Street (continued)

The Zoning Board of Appeals voted 5-0 to dismiss an appeal of a building permit for 106 Mt. Vernon Street, finding the appeal was not filed within the 30-day window. The board determined the permit was issued on June 23, 2023, and that the appellants had adequate notice. The board also approved several other items, including a special permit for a second driveway at 5 Mystic Lake Drive and a home occupation permit for a massage business at 32 Appleton Street.

• Dismissed appeal of building permit at 106 Mt. Vernon St as untimely (5-0)
• Approved continuance for 212 Pleasant St hearing to Oct 24, 2023 (5-0)
• Approved home occupation special permit for massage business at 32 Appleton St (5-0)
• Approved second driveway special permit at 5 Mystic Lake Dr (5-0)
• Approved front porch addition at 77 Tanager St with condition for corrected open space docs (5-0)
• Approved garage/addition at 15 Moccasin Path (5-0)
• Approved decision docket #3762 for 148 Mt. Vernon St (5-0)
• Approved decision docket #3763 for 56 Newcomb St (5-0)

Redevelopment Board

The Board will deliberate and vote on several proposed zoning bylaw amendments. These items include the creation of an MBTA Communities Overlay District and various updates to Business District regulations.

• Article 12: Proposed MBTA Communities Overlay District for multi-family housing
• Article 5: Modified requirements for landscaped and usable open space in Business Zoning Districts
• Article 6: Reduced or variable rear yard setbacks in Business Districts
• Article 8: New minimum height and story requirements in all Business Districts
• Article 10: Requirement for one street tree every 25 feet of street frontage for all developments

The Board voted to recommend favorable action on the MBTA Communities Overlay District warrant article after finalizing several amendments. Key changes include reducing the maximum height in the Neighborhood Multi-Family district to three stories, applying specific solar and signage requirements, and refining the district map. The Board also recommended favorable action on several other articles related to business district zoning, street trees, and administrative corrections.

• Approved MBTA Communities Overlay District warrant article (4-0)
• Reduced NMF district maximum height to three stories (3-1)
• Adopted Alternative 2 for Arlington Heights map (4-0)
• Recommended favorable action on Article 3, administrative correction (4-0)
• Recommended no action on Article 4, reduced height buffer area (4-0)
• Recommended favorable action on Article 5, open space definitions (4-0)
• Recommended favorable action on Article 7, step-back requirements (3-1)
• Recommended favorable action on Article 10, street trees (4-0)

Select Board Meeting

The Select Board will discuss and vote on a draft response to Corey Spaulding's Open Meeting Law complaint, which alleges the board and other town bodies failed to place her fraud allegations on agendas. The board will also consider several licenses, a road betterment, a design approval, and a bylaw amendment.

• Vote on response to Open Meeting Law complaint from Corey Spaulding
• Public hearing on Oldham Road betterment (repair to private way)
• Approval of Mass Ave/Appleton Safety and Accessibility Project conceptual design and tree removal hearing
• Review of Article 14: Bylaw Amendment/Fossil Fuel Free Infrastructure Demonstration
• Special one-day beer & wine licenses for private events at Whittemore Robbins House (10/14/2023)

The Select Board approved the final conceptual design for the Mass Ave/Appleton Street Safety and Accessibility Corridor Project, with one member voting against and one recusing. The board also approved the removal of nine trees for the project, with four to be transplanted and 20 new trees planted. Other actions included approving a betterment for Oldham Road repairs, a food vendor license for Number 1 Taste, a no-parking sign on West Street, and a favorable recommendation for a warrant article on fossil fuel-free infrastructure.

• Approved Mass Ave/Appleton safety project conceptual design (3-1, DeCourcey recused)
• Approved removal of 9 trees for Mass Ave/Appleton project (4-0, DeCourcey recused)
• Approved Oldham Road betterment contingent on sufficient funds (5-0)
• Approved food vendor license for Number 1 Taste (5-0)
• Approved no parking sign on West Street (5-0)
• Voted favorable action on warrant article for fossil fuel-free bylaw (4-0, DeCourcey recused)
• Approved response to Open Meeting Law complaint (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including one-day beer & wine licenses and police detail for special election (5-0)

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

This Zoning Board of Appeals meeting has been rescheduled from September 26 to October 3, 2023, at 7:30 PM. The agenda contains only a single item to adjourn, with no substantive decisions or discussions listed.

• Meeting rescheduled to October 3, 2023 at 7:30 PM

The September 26, 2023 Zoning Board of Appeals meeting was rescheduled for October 3, 2023 at 7:30 PM. No substantive decisions were made at this meeting.

• Rescheduled meeting to October 3, 2023 at 7:30 PM

School Committee Meeting

The Arlington School Committee will discuss revisions to the 4th and 5th grade Human Growth and Development health curriculum and receive a district accountability overview. The body is also scheduled to vote on three policies and a job description for a DEI & FE Administrative Assistant.

• Possible vote on Policy ACA-E, Policy ADF, and Policy JJ-E
• Possible vote on DEI & FE Admin Assistant job description
• Warrant #24052 for $260,758.72
• Warrant #24065 for $699,480.30
• Discussion and approval of response to Open Meeting Law complaint by Corey Spaulding

The School Committee approved the updated Grade 4 & 5 Health Curriculum and the creation of a DEI & FE Administrative Assistant position. Members also adopted three policy changes and authorized Town Counsel to respond to an Open Meeting Law complaint.

• Approved Grade 4 & 5 Health Curriculum (Unanimous)
• Approved Policy ADF changes (Unanimous)
• Approved Policy ACA-E changes (Unanimous)
• Approved Policy JJ-E changes (Unanimous)
• Approved DEI & FE Administrative Assistant position (Unanimous)
• Authorized Town Counsel to respond to Open Meeting Law complaint (Unanimous)
• Approved Warrant #24052 for $260,758.72 (Unanimous)
• Approved Warrant #24065 for $699,480.30 (Unanimous)

Conservation Commission Meeting

The Conservation Commission will discuss enforcement orders and permit amendments. The body will also hold public hearings regarding a multifamily development and other local construction projects.

• Notice of Intent for Thorndike Place multifamily development on Dorothy Road
• Request for Determination of Applicability for driveway expansion and retaining wall at 65 Dudley Street
• Request for Determination of Applicability for a footpath at 70 Medford Street (Mt. Pleasant Cemetery Columbarium)
• Enforcement Order discussion for 65 Dudley Street
• Enforcement Order discussion for 451 and 455 Mystic Street

The Commission issued a negative Determination of Applicability (no Notice of Intent required) for driveway and retaining wall work at 65 Dudley Street, with conditions including tree planting and a three-year monitoring period. It also issued a negative determination for the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery columbarium project at 70 Medford Street. The hearing for the Thorndike Place multi-family development was continued to October 19, 2024, pending additional information from the applicant.

• Issued negative Determination of Applicability for 65 Dudley Street driveway/retaining wall (6-0)
• Amended Enforcement Order for 65 Dudley Street requiring tree planting by June 15, 2024 (6-0)
• Issued negative Determination of Applicability for 70 Medford Street columbarium project (5-0, 1 abstention)
• Ratified Enforcement Order for 451/455 Mystic Street boat launch (6-0)
• Modified Enforcement Order requiring owner attendance at October 5, 2024 meeting (6-0)
• Continued Thorndike Place Notice of Intent hearing to October 19, 2024 (6-0)
• Approved minutes of 8/3/2023 as amended (5-0, 1 abstention)

Standing Subcommittee: Sepac

The Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) will meet to discuss planning workshops for the upcoming year. The meeting includes reports from officers and APS staff, followed by a parent meet and greet with special education administrators.

• Planning workshops for the coming year
• APS Staff Reports
• Parent Meet and Greet with Special Education Administrators

Redevelopment Board

The Board will hold a public hearing regarding a special permit for new signage and an awning at 315 Broadway. Additionally, the Board will deliberate on several proposed zoning bylaw amendments for the Fall 2023 Special Town Meeting.

• Special Permit Docket #3766: Proposed replacement of wall signs and awning at 315 Broadway (Thai Moon)
• Proposed zoning amendments for open space and rear yard setbacks in Business Districts
• Proposed zoning amendments for upper-story building step back requirements
• Proposed zoning amendments for minimum height and story requirements in Business Districts
• Proposed zoning amendment to require one street tree for every 25 feet of street frontage

The Board approved a special permit for an internally illuminated sign at 315 Broadway, contingent on the removal of existing exterior lights. The Board also held public hearings on nine proposed zoning bylaw amendments for the Fall 2023 Special Town Meeting, with final votes deferred to October 2.

• Approved Special Sign Permit for 315 Broadway (unanimous), conditioned on removal of gooseneck lights and façade repair
• Scheduled additional board meeting for October 10, 2023 (unanimous)
• Deferred voting on Warrant Articles B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, and J to October 2, 2023

Standing Subcommittee: Facilities

The Arlington School Committee Standing Subcommittee on Facilities issued a meeting notice for September 14, 2023, to be conducted via remote participation. The provided source document cuts off before listing any specific agenda items or discussion topics.

The Arlington School Committee's Facilities Subcommittee met on September 14, 2023, and approved the minutes from February 13, 2023. They reviewed the district's $7M capital plan request to the Town's Capital Planning Committee, which typically approves $3M, and discussed ventilation and cooling challenges at schools. No formal decisions were made on these items; the subcommittee requested reports on air conditioning capacity, bus inventory, playgrounds, and the MSBA accelerated repair program for the next meeting.

• Approved minutes from February 13, 2023 (unanimous)
• Reviewed $7M capital plan request (no vote)
• Requested air conditioning capacity report for next meeting
• Requested bus inventory report for next meeting
• Requested playground report for next meeting
• Requested MSBA accelerated repair program feasibility info for next meeting

Standing Subcommittee: Accountablity/Curriculum

The Arlington School Committee's Curriculum Instruction Accountability and Assessment subcommittee is meeting to review the district's 2022-2023 outcomes report, including MCAS results and state accountability data. They will also discuss the use of X-block as instructional time. The meeting includes standard items like old/new business and approval of minutes.

• Review of 2022-2023 Outcomes Report with MCAS results in ELA, math, and science
• Discussion of X-block as instructional time
• Presentation on Massachusetts District and School Accountability System
• Review of 2023 accountability determinations and school categorizations

The subcommittee discussed the district's accountability system and provided feedback on the outcomes report. A memo on X-block and time on learning at Arlington High School was reviewed, but calculations were found to exclude half days, conference days, and final exam schedule; the superintendent will revise it for October. No formal votes were taken.

• Reviewed accountability system overview and provided feedback on outcomes report
• Deferred X-block memo revision to October after noting calculation omissions
• Scheduled next meeting for October 23, 2023 at 2 PM

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a remote meeting to continue its review of a comprehensive permit application for a proposed 43-unit, 100% affordable housing development at 10 Sunnyside Avenue. The project, submitted by the Housing Corporation of Arlington, includes a 5-story building with a mix of 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units, 21 parking spaces, and bike parking. The agenda lists this as the sole substantive item, with extensive reference materials attached. The meeting is conducted virtually due to the COVID-19 emergency.

• Comprehensive permit application #3747 for 10 Sunnyside Avenue
• 43-unit affordable housing building, 100% affordable at 60% AMI, with some units at 30% AMI
• Total development cost of $24,551,500.39
• Includes 21 parking spaces and 43 bike parking spaces
• Project includes rooftop solar panels and Passive House certification

Redevelopment Board

The Arlington Redevelopment Board will hold a public hearing on a proposed zoning amendment to create an MBTA Communities Overlay District, allowing multi-family housing as of right per state law. The board will also vote on continuing a hearing for a project at 315 Broadway and approve prior meeting minutes.

• Public hearing on MBTA Communities zoning amendment with working group presentation and open forum
• Vote on continuance of Docket #3766 for 315 Broadway to September 18, 2023
• Review and vote to approve meeting minutes from August 28, 2023

The Arlington Redevelopment Board held the first of three public hearings on warrant articles for the Fall 2023 Special Town Meeting, focusing on the MBTA Communities zoning proposal. The Board heard a presentation from the MBTA Communities Working Group on two alternative zoning maps and received extensive public comment. No decisions were made on the zoning articles; the Board voted unanimously to continue the hearing to September 18, 2023, and will deliberate and vote on October 2, 2023.

• Approved August 28, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Granted continuance for Docket #3766, 315 Broadway signage request to Sept. 18 (unanimous)
• Continued public hearing on MBTA Communities warrant articles to Sept. 18 (unanimous)
• Scheduled additional Board meeting for Oct. 10 to review report to Town Meeting

Select Board Meeting

The Select Board will consider the confirmation of the Town Treasurer appointment and hold a public hearing regarding a betterment order for Oldham Road. The board will also discuss traffic rules, a senior circuit breaker ballot question, and a parklet at Fusion Taste.

• Vote on confirmation of Treasurer appointment for Julie Wayman
• Public hearing for Oldham Road Betterment repair to private way
• Discussion and vote on Senior Circuit Breaker Ballot Question
• Request for street closing on Mill Lane for Oktoberfest on 10/31/2023
• Executive session regarding litigation with Wadleigh Construction for recovery of monies

The Select Board confirmed Julie Wayman as Arlington's next Treasurer and Collector by a 5-0 vote. The board also approved a proclamation declaring September 15 as Hunger Action Day, approved multiple special one-day beer and wine licenses, and tabled the Oldham Road betterment project due to insufficient funds and neighbor opposition. Additionally, the board approved two versions of a senior circuit breaker ballot question for the November election and amended the Broadway Plaza parklet at Fusion Taste to 3 parking spaces and 3 tables.

• Confirmed Julie Wayman as Treasurer and Collector (5-0)
• Approved Hunger Action Day proclamation for September 15 (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda items 3-5 and 7-13, including special beer and wine licenses and a traffic rule amendment (5-0)
• Approved special one-day beer and wine license for Robbins Memorial Town Hall (4-0, Hurd recused)
• Approved National Coffee with a Cop Day event for October 4 (5-0)
• Tabled Oldham Road betterment project (5-0)
• Appointed Sanjay Newton and Kathleen Rogers to the Arlington Civilian Police Advisory Commission (5-0)
• Approved both versions of senior circuit breaker ballot question (5-0)

Conservation Commission Meeting

The Conservation Commission will conduct a public hearing regarding a Request for Determination of Applicability for a footpath. The body will also discuss enforcement and conservation restrictions.

• Public hearing: Request for Determination of Applicability for a footpath at 70 Medford Street (Mt. Pleasant Cemetery Columbarium)
• Discussion: Enforcement Order for 65 Dudley Street
• Discussion: Symmes Conservation Restriction/Arlington 360
• Discussion: CPA Updates
• Discussion: Town Day Volunteers

The Commission ratified an updated Enforcement Order for 65 Dudley Street. Requests regarding the Symmes Woods restoration plan and a footpath at 70 Medford Street were continued for further review.

• Approved minutes of 7/20/2023 (6-0)
• Ratified updated Enforcement Order for 65 Dudley Street (6-0)
• Continued Request for Determination of Applicability for 70 Medford Street to September 21, 2023 (6-0)
• Continued discussion on Symmes Woods Conservation Restriction to October 5, 2023

School Committee Regular Meeting

The School Committee will consider authorizing the Superintendent to make administrative changes to policies regarding the Deputy Superintendent title and the central office address. The meeting includes reports on summer curriculum work and updates on administrative hiring and enrollments.

• Vote to authorize administrative changes to policies containing the title Assistant Superintendent and the central office street address
• Motion to advance File AC to Second Reading to correct a typographical error
• Warrant #23304: $624,184.99
• Warrant #23312: $494,945.19
• Warrant #24036: $525,191.80

The Arlington School Committee unanimously approved a typographical correction to Policy AC, advanced three other policies for second reading, and authorized the Superintendent to make administrative changes to policies referencing the Assistant Superintendent title and the old central office address. The committee also approved the consent agenda, including six warrants totaling over $2.2 million, and discussed but did not decide on the timing of superintendent evaluation materials.

• Approved Policy AC amendment inserting 'Arlington Public Schools' (7-0)
• Advanced Policy ACA-E, ADF, and JJ-E to second reading (7-0)
• Authorized Superintendent to update policies with new Deputy Superintendent title and address (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda including six warrants totaling $2,295,679.80 (7-0)
• Canceled September 23 Community Relations meeting
• Tabled superintendent evaluation timing discussion to Policy Subcommittee

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a virtual meeting to review a comprehensive-permit application for a 43-unit affordable housing development at 10 Sunnyside Avenue. The project proposes a five-story building with on-site parking, a rooftop garden, and Passive House certification. The board will also discuss remote-meeting procedures under current COVID-era rules.

• Comprehensive permit application for 43-unit affordable housing at 10 Sunnyside Avenue
• Virtual meeting via Zoom due to COVID-era public-health order
• Passive House certification and rooftop photovoltaic panels proposed
• 43 residential units: 16 one-bedroom, 20 two-bedroom, 7 three-bedroom
• Project budget: $24.55 million total development cost

School Committee Special Meeting

The Arlington School Committee is holding a special meeting to review and possibly approve revised student handbooks for the high school, middle schools, and elementary schools. The committee will also consider appointing a representative to the Arlington 250th Anniversary Committee and may vote on two agreements with the Arlington Education Association, including a memorandum of agreement for counselors and a retention payment agreement. The meeting includes public comment and an executive session for collective bargaining strategy.

• Review and possible approval of revised student handbooks for AHS, Ottoson, Gibbs, and elementary schools
• Appointment of William Hayner as SC representative to the Arlington 250th Anniversary Committee
• Possible vote on APS and AEA MOA for Counselors, August 2023
• Possible vote on Unit D 2023-2024 SY Retention Payment Agreement, August 28, 2023
• Executive session for strategy on collective bargaining and litigation

The Arlington School Committee unanimously approved revised elementary and high school student handbooks, with one abstention on the high school handbook. It also approved two union side letters with the AEA, including a retention payment agreement for Unit D professionals and a merger of social worker and counselor duties at Ottoson Middle School. The committee appointed Bill Hayner as its representative to the Arlington 250th Anniversary Committee.

• Appointed Bill Hayner as School Committee representative to Arlington 250th Anniversary Committee (7-0)
• Approved revised elementary school handbooks (6-0, Kardon abstained)
• Approved revised high school handbooks (7-0)
• Approved side letter for Unit D 2023-2024 retention payment agreement (7-0)
• Approved side letter merging social worker and counselor duties at Ottoson Middle School (7-0)

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals meets remotely to vote on approval of past meeting minutes and to hear five public hearings on property-variance applications at addresses across town. The meeting is closed to in-person attendance and held via Zoom due to the Governor’s COVID-era order suspending certain Open Meeting Law provisions.

• Docket #3758: 32 Appleton Street — variance request
• Docket #3761: 5 Mystic Lake Drive — special permit application
• Docket #3762: 148 Mt. Vernon Street — variance request
• Docket #3763: 56 Newcomb Street — variance request
• Docket #3764: 212 Pleasant Street — variance request

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals approved special permits for additions at 148 Mt Vernon Street and 56 Newcomb Street, both with conditions. The board continued hearings for 212 Pleasant Street, 32 Appleton Street, and 5 Mystic Lake Drive to later dates. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved special permit for rear addition at 148 Mt Vernon Street (5-0)
• Approved special permit for second-floor remodel at 56 Newcomb Street (5-0)
• Continued hearing for 212 Pleasant Street to 9/26/2023 (5-0)
• Continued hearing for 32 Appleton Street to 9/29/2023 (5-0)
• Continued hearing for 5 Mystic Lake Drive to 9/26/2023 (5-0)
• Approved minutes from July 25, 2023 (5-0)
• Approved minutes from May 30, 2023 (5-0)
• Approved minutes from May 11, 2023 (4-0)

Redevelopment Board

The Arlington Redevelopment Board will meet to approve prior meeting minutes and hold public hearings on three special permit applications: a showroom/office at 1306-1308 Massachusetts Ave, an exterior remodel at 355 Massachusetts Ave, and a marijuana retail establishment at 251 Summer Street. Each hearing includes applicant and staff presentations, public comment, and possible board votes.

• Public hearing: Docket #3760, 1306-1308 Massachusetts Ave, change of use for showroom/office (RB Farina Roofing)
• Public hearing: Docket #3759, 355 Massachusetts Ave, interior/exterior remodel of multi-use building (DeMello Fine Building)
• Public hearing: Docket #3752, 251 Summer Street, marijuana retail establishment (Calyx Peak of MA, Inc.)
• Review and vote on meeting minutes for 7/10/2023 and 7/24/2023

The Arlington Redevelopment Board unanimously approved a special permit for a change of use at 1306-1308 Massachusetts Avenue, allowing RB Farina Roofing Company to convert retail space to office, with conditions including interior bike parking and courtyard cleanup. The Board also unanimously approved a special permit for significant exterior renovations at 355 Massachusetts Avenue, a mixed-use building, with no additional conditions. The Board voted to request the applicant for the Calyx Peak cannabis dispensary at 251 Summer Street to withdraw their application and reapply after re-review by other town entities, effectively closing the hearing.

• Approved special permit for change of use at 1306-1308 Mass Ave (unanimous)
• Approved special permit for exterior renovation at 355 Mass Ave (unanimous)
• Voted to request withdrawal of Calyx Peak application at 251 Summer St (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of July 10 and July 24, 2023 (unanimous)

Standing Subcommittee: Budget

The Budget Subcommittee will discuss FY24 budget updates, including the use of reserve positions and contingent funding for a special town meeting. The body will also review the 2023-24 budget calendar and spending mechanisms for SEPAC and Performing Arts.

• Review of paraprofessional hiring bonuses ranging from $500 to $1,000
• Discussion of paraprofessional adjustment costs ranging from $322,304.61 to $674,403.33
• Update on ESSER III funding
• Review of the 2023-24 budget calendar
• Approval of minutes from April 24 and May 16, 2023

School Committee Special Meeting

The Arlington School Committee is holding a special meeting to discuss and review a proposed job description for an Inclusion Specialist. The agenda also includes a 30-minute public comment session and an opening/adjournment by K. Allison-Ampe.

• Discussion on proposed job description for an Inclusion Specialist

The Arlington School Committee unanimously approved the job description for an Inclusion Specialist at Thompson School, as proposed by Superintendent E. Homan. The meeting was conducted remotely via Zoom, with no public comment. The approval was the only substantive decision made; the meeting then adjourned.

• Approved Inclusion Specialist Job Description for Thompson School (5-0)

Conservation Commission Meeting

The Arlington Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing on a request to extend an Order of Conditions for construction of a new house at 88 Coolidge Road in a wetland buffer zone. The commission will also discuss an enforcement order at 65 Dudley Street, a certificate of compliance request for the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery Columbarium at 70 Medford Street, and other administrative matters.

• Public hearing on permit extension for 88 Coolidge Road (Order of Conditions 91-278)
• Enforcement order discussion for 65 Dudley Street
• Certificate of compliance request for 70 Medford Street (Mt. Pleasant Cemetery Columbarium)
• FY25 capital planning discussion
• Correspondence regarding tree in Mill Brook and trees at 16 Forest

The Arlington Conservation Commission approved an amended Enforcement Order for 65 Dudley Street, requiring the homeowner to address unauthorized driveway widening and tree removal. The Commission also issued a Certificate of Compliance for the columbarium at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, extended the permit for 88 Coolidge Road by three years, and discussed FY25 capital planning and water body management.

• Approved amended Enforcement Order for 65 Dudley Street (5-0)
• Issued Certificate of Compliance for 70 Medford Street (Mt. Pleasant Cemetery) (5-0)
• Extended Order of Conditions for 88 Coolidge Road for three years (5-0)
• Approved minutes of 6/15/2023 as edited (5-0)

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals will meet virtually to decide on three development projects at 18 Robinhood Road, 14 Oakland Avenue, and 10 Sunnyside Avenue, and to approve minutes from February and March 2023 meetings. The meeting is closed to the public per state COVID-19 emergency orders and will be held via Zoom.

• Decision on Docket #3757 at 18 Robinhood Road
• Decision on Docket #3754 at 14 Oakland Avenue
• Decision on Docket #3747 at 10 Sunnyside Avenue (43-unit affordable housing project)
• Approval of minutes from February 28, 2023 meeting
• Approval of minutes from March 28, 2023 meeting

Select Board Meeting

The Select Board is discussing the removal of on-street parking on Medford Street to install bicycle lanes. The board will also vote on a date for a Special Town Meeting and review various parking and licensing requests.

• Proposed removal of on-street parking on Medford Street for bicycle lanes from Warren Street to Mystic Valley Parkway
• Proposed parking restrictions on the north side of Appleton Place to support electric school bus parking at Ottoson Middle School
• Relocation of a Bluebike station to the Russell Place permit parking area
• Vote on the date and opening of the warrant for a Special Town Meeting
• License category change to All Alcoholic Beverages for Arlington Restaurant & Diner at 134 Massachusetts Avenue

The Select Board unanimously approved removing on-street parking on Medford Street to install bike lanes from Warren Street to Mystic Valley Parkway, citing low parking usage and alignment with town plans. The board also approved all consent agenda items, appointments, and licenses, and voted 4-1 to call a Special Town Meeting on October 16, 2023, to address fossil fuel-free building and MBTA Communities zoning compliance.

• Approved Medford Street bike lanes, removing on-street parking (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including parking changes and special beer & wine licenses (5-0)
• Appointed Ralph MacDonald to Board of Registrar of Voters (5-0)
• Appointed Brian McBride to Conservation Commission (5-0)
• Appointed Rebecca Gruber and Rebecca Steinitz to Library Board of Trustees (5-0)
• Appointed John Aslanian to Transportation Advisory Committee (5-0)
• Approved license changes for Arlington Restaurant & Diner, Zomsa, and Alta Coffee Roasters (5-0)
• Called Special Town Meeting for October 16, 2023, warrant opening September 11 (4-1)

Conservation Commission Meeting

The Arlington Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing to consider extending the permit for construction of the new Arlington High School at 869 Massachusetts Avenue, which involves work within the 100-foot Wetlands Buffer, Adjacent Upland Resource Area, and the 200-foot Riverfront Area of Mill Brook. The commission will also discuss the Symmes Conservation Restriction/Arlington 360 project, the Water Bodies Working Group, and other liaison updates. Correspondence received includes a resident's concern about shorebird habitat at Arlington Reservoir and testimony supporting a state bill to ban artificial turf fields.

• Public hearing on permit extension for Arlington High School construction at 869 Massachusetts Avenue (DEP #091-0323)
• Discussion of Symmes Conservation Restriction/Arlington 360 forest restoration and invasive species mitigation plan
• Correspondence regarding Arlington Reservoir shoreline and bird habitat concerns
• Written testimony supporting House Bill H.3948 to prohibit artificial turf field contracts
• Discussion items: Water Bodies Working Group, Tree Committee Liaison, Park & Recreation Commission Liaison, Open Space Committee

The Arlington Conservation Commission voted unanimously to extend the Order of Conditions for the Arlington High School construction permit (DEP #091-0323) for one year, until August 4, 2024, instead of the requested three years. The shorter extension allows time for the School Committee to consider alternatives to crumb rubber infill for the artificial turf field, amid concerns about the toxic chemical 6ppd-quinone. The commission also discussed the Symmes Conservation Restriction management plan and water body monitoring, but took no formal votes on those items.

• Extended Order of Conditions for Arlington High School (869 Massachusetts Ave) for one year until Aug 4, 2024 (5-0)
• Discussed Symmes Conservation Restriction forest management plan; no formal action
• Discussed Water Bodies Working Group updates; no formal action

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals meets virtually on August 1, 2023 to review a comprehensive permit application for a 43-unit affordable housing project at 10 Sunnyside Avenue. The board will consider a proposed redevelopment of a vacant auto repair site into a five-story building with 100% income-restricted units, community room, and rooftop garden.

• Comprehensive permit #3747 for 43-unit affordable housing at 10 Sunnyside Avenue
• Project budget of $24.55M including $3.68M acquisition costs and $14.86M construction budget
• Proposed 43 units: 16 one-bedroom, 20 two-bedroom, 7 three-bedroom
• Passive House certified building with rooftop photovoltaic panels
• Virtual meeting via Zoom due to COVID-era public-health rules

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a remote meeting to vote on minutes and a decision, and to hold hearings on two zoning applications. One is a continuance for a variance and special permit at 14 Oakland Avenue, and the other is a special permit request for an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) conversion in an existing garage at 18 Robin Hood Road.

• Vote on Decision Docket #3748 for 60 High Haith Road
• Hearing (continuance) Docket #3754: variance and special permit for 14 Oakland Avenue
• Hearing Docket #3757: special permit for ADU conversion at 18 Robin Hood Road
• Meeting conducted via Zoom due to COVID-19 order

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals approved a special permit for an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) at 18 Robin Hood Road, with conditions including a direct exterior egress and compliance with building codes. The board also approved a special permit for an addition at 14 Oakland Avenue, determining it as an extension of an existing non-conformity. Both decisions were unanimous (5-0).

• Approved ADU special permit at 18 Robin Hood Road (5-0)
• Approved special permit for addition at 14 Oakland Avenue (5-0)
• Approved meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved Decision Docket #3748 for 60 High Haith Road (5-0)

Standing Subcommittee: Policies And Procedures

The Policies and Procedures Subcommittee is meeting to align district policies with a June 15, 2023, resolution affirming the LGBTQIA+ community. The body will also discuss updating policies regarding the administration of medicines to students and nutrition and wellness.

• Review of File ACA (Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Sex)
• Review of File JJ-E (Co-Curricular and Extracurricular Activities)
• Review of File AC and AC-R (Non-Discrimination Policy Including Harassment and Retaliation)
• Review of File JLCD (Administering Medicines to Students) for alignment with state regulations
• Review of File ADF (Nutrition and Wellness Policy)

The Policies and Procedures Subcommittee voted unanimously to recommend several policy revisions to the full School Committee, including updates to align with the June 15, 2023 LGBTQIA+ resolution. The subcommittee also referred the revised non-discrimination policy (File ACA) to town counsel for review, and recommended authorizing the Superintendent to make administrative corrections to contact information in policies. All votes were 3-0.

• Approved minutes of May 17, 2023 (3-0)
• Referred revised File ACA (non-discrimination) to town counsel (3-0)
• Recommended File ACA-E (DESE guidance) for first reading (3-0)
• Recommended File JJ-E (co-curricular activities) as amended for first reading (3-0)
• Recommended authorizing Superintendent to make administrative changes to policies (3-0)
• Recommended File AC (non-discrimination) as amended for first reading (3-0)
• Recommended File ADF (nutrition/wellness) as amended for first reading (3-0)
• Voted to ask Director of Health and Nursing Services to recommend changes to File JLC/JLCD (3-0)

Redevelopment Board

The Arlington Redevelopment Board will hold a working session with the MBTA Communities Working Group to discuss zoning changes required by the state's MBTA Communities law. The board will also vote to approve meeting minutes from three prior meetings. Public comments will be accepted during the designated open forum period.

• Working session with MBTA Communities Working Group
• Vote to approve meeting minutes for 2/27/2023, 4/3/2023, and 6/26/2023
• Public comment period with three-minute limit per speaker

The Arlington Redevelopment Board held a discussion-only session on the MBTA Communities zoning proposal, reviewing a 3-D model and an updated map. Board members and the Working Group debated design details such as building heights, set-backs, parking requirements, and incentives for commercial space and affordable housing. No formal votes were taken on the zoning proposal; the Board only approved the minutes of three prior meetings.

• Approved February 27, 2023 meeting minutes as amended (unanimous)
• Approved April 3, 2023 meeting minutes as amended (unanimous)
• Approved June 26, 2023 meeting minutes as amended (unanimous)
• Discussed MBTA Communities zoning map and 3-D model; no action taken
• Discussed potential zoning incentives for commercial space and affordable housing; no vote
• Discussed set-back, parking, and tree requirements; no vote
• Discussed timing for state pre-adoption review of zoning; no vote

Conservation Commission Meeting

The Arlington Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing on a request to extend the permit for construction of the new Arlington High School at 869 Massachusetts Avenue, which involves work in wetland buffer and riverfront areas. The commission will also discuss requests for Certificates of Compliance for properties at 47 and 49 Spy Pond Lane, along with various administrative and liaison updates.

• Public hearing on permit extension for Arlington High School at 869 Massachusetts Avenue (DEP #091-0323)
• Request for Certificate of Compliance for 47 Spy Pond Lane
• Request for Certificate of Compliance for 49 Spy Pond Lane
• Discussion of Symmes Conservation Restriction / Arlington 360
• Administrative items include MBTA Communities Update and Artificial Turf Study Committee Liaison

The Arlington Conservation Commission approved the June 1, 2023 meeting minutes, recommended Brian McBride for full commissioner appointment, appointed Mike Gildesgame to the Artificial Turf Study Committee, and issued a Certificate of Compliance for #49 Spy Pond Lane. The Commission also continued the public hearing for the Arlington High School permit extension to August 3, 2023, and discussed various other items including the MBTA Communities Act and herbicide use in Spy Pond.

• Approved June 1, 2023 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Recommended Brian McBride to Select Board for Conservation Commission appointment (6-0)
• Appointed Mike Gildesgame to Artificial Turf Study Committee (6-0)
• Issued Certificate of Compliance for #49 Spy Pond Lane (6-0)
• Continued public hearing for 869 Massachusetts Avenue permit extension to 8/3/2023 (5-0, 1 recused)
• Appointed Brad Barber and Ellen Reed to Water Bodies Working Group (6-0)

Select Board Meeting

The Arlington Select Board will meet to consider various licenses, including a common victualler license for Turmeric House at 444 Massachusetts Avenue and a package store license for City Wine and Spirits at 232 Massachusetts Avenue. The board will also discuss traffic rules, electric vehicle charging station signage at Ottoson Middle School, Bluebikes station expansions, an ARPA budget update, and an overnight parking pilot policy.

• Common Victualler License approval for Turmeric House, 444 Massachusetts Avenue
• All Alcohol Package Store license for City Wine and Spirits (Nilkant 232 Inc.), 232 Massachusetts Avenue
• Signage and Traffic Rules & Orders Amendment for Electric Bus and Vehicle Charging Stations at Ottoson Middle School
• Bluebikes Station Expansion
• Temporary Revisions to Parking Policy and Regulations to Incorporate Overnight Parking Pilot

The Arlington Select Board approved a common victualler license for Turmeric House and an all-alcohol package store license for City Wine and Spirits at 232 Massachusetts Avenue, with conditions including no nips, kegs, malt liquor, candy, or lottery, and a commitment to apply for zoning relief within six months. The board also approved signage and traffic rule changes for electric bus charging stations at Ottoson Middle School, approved two new Bluebikes stations, and made several other administrative decisions.

• Approved common victualler license for Turmeric House (5-0)
• Approved all-alcohol package store license for City Wine and Spirits with conditions (3-2)
• Approved signage and traffic rules amendment for electric bus charging at Ottoson Middle School (5-0)
• Approved two new Bluebikes stations at Mill Street and Arlington High School (5-0)
• Received ARPA budget update (5-0)
• Approved temporary revisions to parking policy for overnight parking pilot (5-0)
• Tabled Special Town Meeting discussion to a date to be determined (5-0)
• Appointed Mr. Heim as Acting Town Manager for July 29-31 (5-0)

Board Of Health

The Arlington Board of Health will hold hearings on AbCellera Boston's request to add large-scale production at 91 Mystic Street and a tobacco violation at Fenway Market. They will also accept minutes from June 7, 2023, and receive updates on environmental health, restaurants, and public health nursing. The meeting is virtual only.

• Hearing: AbCellera Boston large-scale production proposal at 91 Mystic Street
• Hearing: Tobacco violation at Fenway Market
• Acceptance of June 7, 2023 meeting minutes
• Updates on environmental health, restaurants, and public health nurse

The Arlington Board of Health unanimously approved AbCellera's request to increase rDNA work to large scale at its Mystic Street facility, contingent on re-inspection and documentation review to confirm all deficiencies are corrected. The board also upheld a $2,000 fine and 14-day tobacco permit suspension for Fenway Market after a second underage sale violation. Meeting minutes from June 7, 2023 were accepted unanimously.

• Approved AbCellera large-scale rDNA production at Mystic Street facility, contingent on re-inspection and documentation review (3-0)
• Upheld $2,000 fine and 14-day tobacco permit suspension for Fenway Market (3-0)
• Accepted June 7, 2023 meeting minutes (3-0)

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals will meet remotely to vote on a comprehensive permit for a 43-unit affordable housing development at 10 Sunnyside Avenue. The meeting follows Governor Healey’s executive order allowing virtual public hearings during the COVID-19 emergency. Public comments are accepted during designated periods.

• Vote on comprehensive permit for 43-unit affordable housing at 10 Sunnyside Avenue
• Project includes 16 one-bedroom, 20 two-bedroom, and 7 three-bedroom units
• Total development cost: $24.55 million with $3.68M acquisition and $14.86M construction budget
• Project aims for Passive House certification and 100% affordability (max 60% AMI, with reserve units at 30% AMI)
• Includes 21 parking spaces, 43 bike parking spaces, rooftop garden, and community room

Redevelopment Board

The Arlington Redevelopment Board will hold a public hearing on a special permit application to replace five exterior wall signs at 1309-1323 Massachusetts Avenue, a multi-tenant building in the Village Business District. The applicant, Barlo Signs, seeks approval under the town's sign regulations. The board may vote on the permit after hearing from staff and the public. The agenda also includes routine items like approving meeting minutes and an executive session.

• Public hearing on Special Permit Docket #3756 for replacement wall signs at 1309-1323 Massachusetts Avenue
• Applicant: Barlo Signs, 158 Greeley Street, Hudson, NH; owner: 1309-1323 Mass Ave LLC, Boxford, MA
• Signs for tenants: Classic Café, Classic Kitchen, Heights Barbershop, RB Ace Disposal, RB Farina Roofing
• Board to vote on approving meeting minutes for 5/15/2023 and 6/5/2023
• Executive session to discuss litigation or collective bargaining strategy

The Arlington Redevelopment Board unanimously approved a special permit for replacement signs at 1309-1323 Massachusetts Avenue, with conditions. The approval grants relief on sign height but requires reduced length, removal of certain text, and limits window signs. The board also approved minutes from May 15 and June 5 meetings and heard public comments on MBTA Communities zoning.

• Approved sign package for 1309-1323 Mass Ave with conditions (unanimous)
• Approved Classic Kitchen and Bath sign as proposed
• Approved RB Farina Roofing and RB Ace Disposal signs at proposed height, reduced to 6 feet length with stacked text
• Approved Heights Barbershop sign at proposed height, third line removed, length reduced to 6 feet
• Approved Classic Café sign as proposed, no window signs
• Approved one window sign for Classic Kitchen and Bath
• Approved May 15, 2023 meeting minutes as amended (unanimous)
• Approved June 5, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals is meeting remotely to conduct hearings on four zoning dockets and vote on a decision for 20 Martin Street. The board will consider variance and special permit applications for properties on High Haith Road, Magnolia Street, Oakland Avenue, and Aerial Street. Public comments are accepted via email before the meeting.

• Vote on decision for 20 Martin Street
• Hearing Docket #3748: 60 High Haith Road
• Hearing Docket #3753: 60-62 Magnolia Street
• Hearing Docket #3754: 14 Oakland Avenue (variance and special permit)
• Hearing Docket #3755: 60 Aerial Street (special permit)

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals approved special permits for additions at 60 High Haith Road, 60-62 Magnolia Street, and 60 Aerial Street, all by 5-0 votes. The board continued the hearing for 14 Oakland Avenue to July 25, 2023, to review whether the basement counts as a story. An administrative approval for 20 Martin Street was also granted 5-0.

• Approved special permit for 60 High Haith Road addition (5-0)
• Approved special permit for 60-62 Magnolia Street porch expansion (5-0)
• Approved special permit for 60 Aerial Street addition (5-0)
• Continued 14 Oakland Avenue hearing to July 25, 2023 (5-0)
• Approved administrative decision for 20 Martin Street (5-0)

Redevelopment Board

The Arlington Redevelopment Board will meet to review meeting minutes from March and April 2023 and vote on the 2023 meeting schedule. The Board will also discuss a Memorandum of Understanding for former ARB properties with the Town Manager and hold a working session regarding MBTA communities. A public hearing for Calyx Peak at 251 Summer Street is continued to August 28, 2023.

• Public Hearing Docket #3752 continued for Calyx Peak at 251 Summer Street to 8/28/2023
• Review and vote to approve meeting minutes for 3/13/2023, 3/27/2023, 4/24/2023, and 5/1/2023
• Review and vote to approve the meeting schedule for the remainder of 2023
• Discussion on the Memorandum of Understanding for former ARB Properties with the Town Manager
• Working session with the MBTA Communities Working Group

The Arlington Redevelopment Board voted unanimously to continue the public hearing for Docket #3752 (Calyx Peak, 251 Summer Street) to August 28, 2023. The Board also approved minutes from four prior meetings, the July-December 2023 meeting schedule, and authorized the Chair to execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for former ARB properties. The Board held a working session with the MBTA Communities Working Group, discussing zoning maps, density, and Mass Ave development, but took no formal votes on these items.

• Continued Docket #3752 public hearing to Aug 28 (unanimous)
• Approved March 13, 2023 minutes as amended (unanimous)
• Approved March 27, 2023 minutes as amended (unanimous)
• Approved April 24, 2023 minutes as amended (unanimous)
• Approved May 1, 2023 minutes as amended (unanimous)
• Approved July-December 2023 meeting schedule (unanimous)
• Authorized Chair to execute MOU for former ARB properties (unanimous)
• Adjourned to Town Meeting (unanimous)

Select Board Meeting

The Select Board will hold final votes on an overnight parking proposal and override commitments. The board is also reviewing a master plan for the Foot of the Rocks historic landmark and considering several business licenses.

• Final vote on Overnight Parking Proposal
• Final vote on Override and Commitments
• Approval of Foot of the Rocks Project master plan
• Common Victualler License for Tatte Bakery & Cafe at 645 Massachusetts Avenue
• All Alcohol Package Store ownership change for Sant Krupa, LLC at 94 Summer Street

The Board approved a special election to vote on a $7 million Proposition 2 ½ override for town and school operating budgets. It also launched two parking pilot programs: one for seniors aged 65+ and another for overnight residential parking.

• Approved Special Election on Nov 7, 2023, for $7M tax override (5-0)
• Approved 2-year senior parking pilot for residents 65+ starting Sept 1 (5-0)
• Approved overnight parking pilot from Aug 1 to Dec 31, 2023, at $1/day (4-1)
• Approved Common Victualler License for Tatte Bakery & Cafe (5-0)
• Continued hearing for City Wine, Spirits and Smoke Shop liquor license (5-0)
• Approved Class II License transfer for Real Motors Inc. (5-0)
• Approved ownership interest change for Sant Krupa, LLC (5-0)
• Approved appointments for Disability Commission and Clean Energy Future Committee (5-0)

Select Board Meeting

The Arlington Select Board is meeting to consider appointing a new Arlington representative to the Minuteman District School Committee for a three-year term starting July 1, 2023. Two applicants, Sarah Montague and Paula Dimattia, have applied and will attend the meeting to discuss their qualifications. The agenda also includes a legislative provision for remote participation and board announcements.

• Appointment of Minuteman District School Committee representative (three-year term)
• Applicants: Sarah Montague and Paula Dimattia
• Legislative provision for remote participation
• Next Select Board meeting scheduled for June 26, 2023

The Select Board interviewed five candidates for the Arlington representative seat on the Minuteman School Committee, after one candidate withdrew. The Board voted 4-1 to appoint Sarah Montague, with Ann Horgan receiving one vote. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Appointed Sarah Montague as Arlington Representative to Minuteman School Committee (4-1)
• Nominated Sarah Montague (5-0)
• Nominated Ann Horgan (5-0)
• Closed nominations (5-0)

Conservation Commission Meeting

The Arlington Conservation Commission will hold two public hearings on June 15, 2023, via Zoom. One hearing concerns a request to pave a rear parking area at 106-108 Varnum Street within a flood zone. The other hearing continues discussion of alleged wetlands violations at 218 Pleasant Street.

• Request for Determination of Applicability: paving rear parking area at 106-108 Varnum Street (flood zone AE)
• Enforcement Order continuation: wetlands-related activities at 218 Pleasant Street

The Arlington Conservation Commission voted unanimously to lift an enforcement order at 218 Pleasant Street after determining the work was routine maintenance. The Commission also approved a Determination of Applicability for a parking area at 106-108 Varnum Street, allowing the project to proceed with conditions, including a vegetated buffer, native tree replanting, and no snow dumping in drainage areas.

• Approved May 18, 2023 meeting minutes as edited (6-0)
• Lifted enforcement order at 218 Pleasant Street citing compliance (6-0)
• Closed public hearing for 106-108 Varnum Street (6-0)
• Issued Determination of Applicability for 106-108 Varnum Street with conditions (6-0)

School Committee Regular Meeting

The Arlington School Committee is meeting to discuss and vote on several items, including a resolution affirming the LGBTQIA+ community, a motion to support an override, and approval of international trips for Arlington High School students. They will also receive reports on diversity, equity, and inclusion, the Heterogeneous Grade 9 English pilot, and a year-end financial update.

• Resolution Affirming LGBTQIA+ Community
• Motion to Support Override
• Approval of Arlington High School International Trips (Quebec City, Taiwan)
• Year-end Financial Update with balance transfers
• Approval of Job Description for Leadership Development and Onboarding Program Designer

The Arlington School Committee unanimously approved a revised resolution affirming the LGBTQIA+ community, despite some members expressing concerns about the process. The committee also approved a $42,000 grant from the Arlington Education Foundation, approved two international student trips (Quebec City and Taiwan), and voted to support a $7 million override on the November 7 ballot. Several other routine items, including the district goals, a job description, financial report, and policy changes, were also approved unanimously.

• Approved revised resolution affirming LGBTQIA+ community (unanimous)
• Approved $42,000 AEF grant for Strategic Initiative Working Groups (unanimous)
• Approved Quebec City international trip (unanimous)
• Approved Taiwan international trip (4-2; Gitelson and Morgan opposed)
• Approved second read of District Goals (unanimous)
• Voted to support $7 million override on November 7 (unanimous)
• Approved Leadership Development and Onboarding Program Designer job description (unanimous)
• Approved AEA Unit A Mentor Stipend memorandum (unanimous)

Standing Subcommittee: Accountablity/Curriculum

The Arlington School Committee's Curriculum, Instruction, Accountability and Assessment Subcommittee will meet to discuss the SIP template, consider approval of a one-year, grant-funded Leadership Development and Onboarding Program Designer job description, and hear a presentation on Project U, a program at Gibbs School addressing identity and belonging. The committee will also review and approve minutes from the May 22, 2023 meeting. This is a working meeting with several discussion and approval items.

• Approval of job description for Leadership Development and Onboarding Program Designer (one year, grant funded, salary to be negotiated)
• Discussion of SIP (School Improvement Plan) template
• Project U presentation on identity and belonging program at Gibbs School
• Approval of minutes from May 22, 2023 meeting

The Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment & Accountability Subcommittee voted 3-0-0 to recommend approval of the job description for the Leadership Development and Onboarding Program Designer to the full committee. They also discussed standardizing School Improvement Plan templates and reviewed Project U at Gibbs School, noting implementation challenges and undetermined plans for the 2023-24 school year. Minutes from the May 22 meeting were unanimously approved.

• Recommended approval of Leadership Development and Onboarding Program Designer job description (3-0-0)
• Approved minutes from 5.22.23 meeting (unanimous)

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a virtual meeting to review a comprehensive permit application for a 43-unit affordable housing development at 10 Sunnyside Avenue. The project includes a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units, parking, and community amenities.

• Comprehensive permit #3747 for 43-unit affordable housing at 10 Sunnyside Avenue
• Project includes 16 one-bedroom, 20 two-bedroom, and 7 three-bedroom units
• Total development cost of $24,551,500.39 with $3,969,666.88 in soft costs
• Passive House certified with rooftop photovoltaic panels
• 100% affordable with household income capped at 60% AMI

Standing Subcommittee: Sepac

The Arlington SEPAC Standing Subcommittee will meet to receive committee reports, introduce the town’s ADA Coordinator, hold board elections, and discuss planning workshops for the coming school year. The meeting is conducted remotely via Zoom.

• SEPAC Board Elections
• Planning Workshops for the Coming Year
• Introduction of Tim Ross, ADA Coordinator for Health and Human Services
• Public Participation / New Business / Open Discussion

Redevelopment Board

The Redevelopment Board is meeting on June 8, 2023. The sole item on the agenda is for members to attend the MBTA Communities Public Meeting.

• Attendance at MBTA Communities Public Meeting

The MBTA Communities Working Group presented a report summarizing public feedback from a June 8, 2023, forum regarding multi-family zoning districts. No formal votes or zoning changes were decided during this session; the report captures resident input to refine future maps.

Board Of Health

The Arlington Board of Health is meeting remotely to consider three body art-related items: two variance requests and one practitioner application. The board will also accept minutes from the previous meeting and receive updates on environmental health, restaurants, and public health nursing. Public comment will be taken.

• Hearing: Body Art Variance Request - Anthony Marcia
• Hearing: Body Art Variance Request - Lily Jarnryd
• Hearing: Body Art Practitioner Application - Zachary Young
• Acceptance of Meeting Minutes from May 24, 2023
• Updates: Environmental Health, Restaurants, Public Health Nurse

The Board of Health approved a variance for a body art apprentice and a practitioner application for a tattoo artist. The Board also decided to cancel its July 12 meeting.

• Approved Body Art Apprentice Variance Request for Lily Jarnryd (3-0)
• Approved Body Art Practitioner Application for Zachary Young (3-0)
• Approved May 24, 2023 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Cancelled July 12 meeting

Redevelopment Board

The Arlington Redevelopment Board will open a public hearing for a special permit application by Calyx Peak of MA, Inc. to establish an adult-use marijuana retail establishment at 251 Summer Street. The hearing is scheduled to be continued to June 26, 2023, as the applicant and DPCD agreed to postpone the project presentation. The board will also receive updates on MBTA Communities, review its meeting schedule, and discuss zoning bylaw amendments for a potential Fall Town Meeting.

• Public hearing Docket #3752: Calyx Peak of MA, Inc. proposes marijuana retail at 251 Summer Street (B4 district)
• Applicant requests waiver of buffer requirement (Section 5.3.21A) for existing building
• MBTA Communities update from DPCD Director
• Review of ARB meeting schedule for remainder of 2023
• Discussion of zoning bylaw amendments for Fall Town Meeting

The Board voted unanimously to continue the public hearing for Docket #3752 (Calyx Peak, 251 Summer Street) to June 26, 2023. The Board also discussed the MBTA Communities zoning process, including survey results and draft maps, and reviewed the fall Town Meeting warrant articles, agreeing to move forward with six articles and postpone two others to spring 2024. No final decisions were made on the MBTA Communities or warrant article items.

• Continued public hearing for Calyx Peak to June 26, 2023 (unanimous)
• Agreed to move forward with six business zoning warrant articles for fall Town Meeting
• Agreed to postpone ARB Jurisdiction over Industrial District and Arlington Heights Business District articles to spring 2024
• Agreed to have Benson, Ricker, and Heim clarify inclusionary zoning requirements and report back
• Scheduled August 28 meeting to review and vote on warrant articles
• Adjourned to Town Meeting (unanimous)

Select Board Meeting

The Arlington Select Board will review the town’s third-quarter FY2023 budget, hear updates on capital projects, and vote on a Mass Ave outbound bus-lane and safety-improvement plan. Several alcohol-license transfers and one-day event permits are also on the agenda.

• FY2023 third-quarter financial report (approval)
• Mass Ave outbound bus lane & safety improvements (vote)
• Alcohol license transfer at 434-436 Massachusetts Ave (approval)
• Alcohol package store license at 232 Massachusetts Ave (approval)
• Friday Night Concert Series Beer Garden at Arlington Reservoir (consent)

The Select Board voted to hold a special election on November 7, 2023, for a Proposition 2½ override question asking voters to approve $7,000,000 in additional property taxes for FY2024 operating budgets. The Board also approved the FY24 override commitments, which include no further overrides before FY2027 and specific budget increases. Other actions included approving the Mass Ave bus lane design, appointing Fiorella Badilla to the Housing Authority, and approving several licenses and permits.

• Scheduled Nov. 7, 2023 special election for $7M override (4-0)
• Approved FY24 override commitments with amendments (4-0)
• Approved Mass Ave bus lane and safety improvements design (4-0)
• Appointed Fiorella Badilla to Arlington Housing Authority (3-0, Hurd recused)
• Approved all-alcohol license transfer for 434-436 Mass Ave (4-0)
• Tabled all-alcohol package store license for 232 Mass Ave to 6/26/2023 (4-0)
• Approved Friday Night Concert Series beer garden at Arlington Reservoir (4-0)
• Approved consent agenda including reappointments and one-day licenses (4-0)

Conservation Commission Meeting

The Arlington Conservation Commission will hold a virtual meeting to discuss wetlands protection, invasive plant management, and enforcement actions. Not all listed items may be discussed, and additional topics may arise during the session.

• Public hearing on aquatic vegetation management plan for Hill’s Pond
• Public hearing on permit amendment for 88 Coolidge Road construction in wetlands buffer zone
• Enforcement hearing for potential wetlands violations at 218 Pleasant Street
• Discussion of Arlington Catholic Artificial Turf Field Operation and Maintenance Plan
• Update on invasive bittersweet removal and native plantings at McClennen Park

The Commission approved a project to manage aquatic vegetation at Hill's Pond with specific conditions. It also authorized a peer review contract for a permit amendment at 88 Coolidge Road and ratified an enforcement order for 218 Pleasant Street.

• Approved Hill's Pond aquatic management project with conditions (5-0)
• Approved contract with Nobis for peer review at 88 Coolidge Road (5-0)
• Ratified Enforcement Order for 218 Pleasant Street (5-0)
• Tabled appointment of artificial turf committee liaison
• Tabled appointment of CPA committee member

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

The Zoning Board of Appeals is meeting to deliberate the final decision for a Comprehensive Permit application. The proposal involves developing 50 home ownership condominium units and 1,700 square feet of commercial space.

• Proposed 50 home ownership units at 1021-1025 Massachusetts Avenue
• Requirement that at least 25% of units be restricted as affordable
• Proposed 1,700 square feet of ground-level commercial space
• Plan for 51 residential and commercial parking spaces
• Proposed creation of 7,362 square feet of restored woodland and 4,119 square feet of meadow

The Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously (6-0) to approve a comprehensive permit for the project at 1021-1027 Massachusetts Avenue, with conditions and waivers as noted in the written decision. The public hearing had been closed on April 25, 2023, and the board's deliberations were held openly but without public comment. The meeting was otherwise procedural, covering administrative items and adjournment.

• Approved comprehensive permit for 1021-1027 Massachusetts Avenue with conditions and waivers (6-0)
• Closed public hearing for 1021-1025 Mass Ave project on 4/25/2023, initiating 40-day decision period

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals will deliberate and vote on the final decision for a Comprehensive Permit for a 50-unit condominium development at 1021-1025 Massachusetts Avenue. The project includes 25% affordable units and commercial space. The board will also hold an executive session to discuss litigation strategy regarding 335 Mystic Street.

• Final decision on Comprehensive Permit for 1021-1025 Massachusetts Avenue (50 units, 25% affordable)
• Executive session to discuss litigation strategy regarding 335 Mystic Street
• Project includes ~1,700 sq ft ground-level commercial space
• 51 parking spaces and 83 bicycle parking spaces proposed
• Meeting held remotely via Zoom due to COVID-19 order

School Committee Regular Meeting

The Arlington School Committee is meeting to discuss and vote on several items, including summer programming reports, first readings of district goals for 2023-24, policy changes, and job descriptions. They will also hear updates on administrative hiring, grants, enrollments, and the strategic plan.

• Summer programming report for ESY and Title I programs
• First read of 2023-24 District Goals
• First read of policies including Public Complaints (KE) and Curriculum Adoption (IGD)
• Approval of job descriptions for Family Liaison, Service Desk Manager, and Mental Health Initiative Grant Program Manager
• Consent agenda includes warrant #23266 for $786,671.06

The School Committee unanimously approved three new staff job descriptions and a resolution supporting METCO funding. The committee also updated public hearing policies and approved a copier contract and a $786,671.06 warrant.

• Approved METCO resolution for MASC Delegate Assembly (unanimous)
• Approved changes to Policy BEE regarding state-mandated public hearings (unanimous)
• Extended suspension of File IJ-R to the next meeting (unanimous)
• Approved job descriptions for Family Liaison, Service Desk Manager, and Mental Health Initiative Grant Program Manager (unanimous)
• Approved Warrant #23266 for $786,671.06 (unanimous)
• Approved May 11, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved copier contract (unanimous)

Board Of Health

The Arlington Board of Health will meet remotely to accept past meeting minutes, hold public hearings on keeping hens at three homes and two restaurant variance requests, and receive updates on environmental health, restaurants, and the public health nurse.

• Hearing on keeping hens at 1 Oak Hill Dr, 40 Peter Tufts Rd, and 55 Greely Circle
• Hearing on variance requests for Anthony's East Side Deli and Thai Sticky Rice
• Update on Environmental Health
• Update on Restaurants
• Update on Public Health Nurse

The Arlington Board of Health unanimously approved three Keeping of Hens permits (1 Oak Hill Drive, 40 Peter Tufts Rd, 55 Greeley Circle) and two variance requests for sushi rice preparation (Anthony's East Side Deli and Thai Sticky Rice). The board also approved meeting minutes from April 5 and April 26, 2023. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved Keeping of Hens permit for 1 Oak Hill Drive, contingent on final site inspection (3-0)
• Approved Keeping of Hens permit for 40 Peter Tufts Rd (3-0)
• Approved Keeping of Hens permit for 55 Greeley Circle, contingent on final site inspection (3-0)
• Approved variance for Anthony's East Side Deli to use vinegar solution for sushi rice (3-0)
• Approved variance for Thai Sticky Rice to use vinegar solution for sushi rice (3-0)
• Approved April 26, 2023 meeting minutes as submitted (3-0)
• Approved April 5, 2023 meeting minutes as amended (3-0)

Standing Subcommittee: Community Relations

The Community Relations Subcommittee of the Arlington School Committee is meeting remotely to discuss the MBTA Communities zoning requirement, which mandates Arlington to create a zoning district for at least 2,046 multifamily units. They will also review the School Committee Chat format and schedule for the 2023-2024 school year, and discuss family and community engagement initiatives from the strategic plan. The meeting includes public comment and is open to residents.

• MBTA Communities Discussion: Arlington must create a zoning district of at least 32 acres allowing 2,046 multifamily units by right, per state law.
• SC Chat Format and Schedule for 2023-2024 School Year: Review of past attendance data from 2021-2023.
• Strategic Plan - Family and Community Engagement Initiatives & Priorities: Discussion of engagement strategies.
• Public Comment: Opportunity for residents to speak.
• Remote participation via Zoom; meeting ID 827 5897 8478.

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals meets remotely to vote on a decision for 21 Oakledge Street and hold hearings on four zoning dockets, including a continuance for 106 Varnum Street. The 106 Varnum hearing involves a special permit request to add three parking spaces in the rear yard, with opposition from abutters citing flooding and character concerns.

• Vote on decision for 21 Oakledge Street
• Docket #3745: 106 Varnum Street (continuance) - special permit for 3 parking spaces, permeable pavers, 2 sugar maple trees
• Docket #3749: 12 Puritan Road
• Docket #3750: 20 Martin Street
• Docket #3751: 48 Oakland Ave

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals approved a special permit for an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) at 12 Puritan Road, allowing a garage conversion and addition for an aging parent. The board denied a variance for a dormer at 20 Martin Street, citing that the hardship was not unique to the property. The board also approved a special permit for a porch enclosure at 48 Oakland Avenue and accepted the withdrawal of an application at 106 Varnum Street.

• Approved special permit for ADU at 12 Puritan Road (5-0)
• Denied variance for dormer at 20 Martin Street (3-2)
• Approved special permit for porch enclosure at 48 Oakland Avenue (5-0)
• Accepted withdrawal of variance application at 106 Varnum Street (5-0)

Select Board Meeting

The Arlington Select Board will hold a public hearing on a request to repair Village Lane, a private way, and consider a betterment order. The board will also discuss short-term rentals, double poles, reappointment policies, and an overnight parking pilot, along with routine consent items like licenses and a proclamation.

• Public hearing on Village Lane betterment and repair request
• Discussion on short-term rental at 350 Washington Street
• Discussion and proposed vote on double poles
• Discussion on overnight parking pilot proposal
• Acceptance of Minuteman Bikeway wayfinding sign donation from Arlington Chamber of Commerce

The Arlington Select Board approved the Village Lane betterment for private way repairs, accepted a Minuteman Bikeway wayfinding sign donation from the Chamber of Commerce, and authorized the Town Manager to send a letter to Verizon demanding prompt replacement of double poles. The board also discussed short-term rental complaints, a reappointment policy for the Minuteman School Committee, and an overnight parking pilot, but took no votes on those items.

• Approved Village Lane private way repairs and betterment order (5-0)
• Accepted Minuteman Bikeway wayfinding sign donation from Arlington Chamber of Commerce (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including Soap Box Derby, contractor license, and three one-day beer & wine licenses (5-0)
• Authorized Town Manager to send letter to Verizon demanding double pole replacement at Mass. Ave./Adams St. and 108 Warren St. (5-0)
• Approved proclamation honoring Veterans' Services Director Jeff Chunglo (5-0)

Standing Subcommittee: Accountablity/Curriculum

The Curriculum Instruction Accountability and Assessment subcommittee is discussing the 2023-2024 district goals and a Grade 9 English pilot. The body is also considering the approval of two new staff job descriptions.

• Approval of SAMSHA Grant Program Manager job description ($75,500 - $79,500 per year)
• Approval of Family Liaison - Gibbs 6th Grade School job description ($60,000 - $90,000)
• Review of 2023-2024 District Goals including a new elementary ELA curriculum
• Update on Heterogeneous Grade 9 English Pilot outcomes and evaluation

Conservation Commission Meeting

The Arlington Conservation Commission will meet virtually to discuss updates on local projects, hear a presentation on invasive species, and vote on a permit amendment for 88 Coolidge Avenue. Two public hearings will consider aquatic vegetation management at Hill’s Pond and a continuation of a proposal for work at 0 Kipling Road (Poet's Corner).

• Vote for 88 Coolidge Request for Permit Amendment
• Notice of Intent: Hill’s Pond Aquatic Management (Continuation)
• ANRAD: 0 Kipling Road (Poet's Corner) (Continuation)
• Presentation by Elaine Crowder on Arlington, MA Invasives
• Conservation Agent Request for Reimbursement for Evernote

Standing Subcommittee: Policies And Procedures

The Standing Subcommittee on Policies and Procedures will discuss policies regarding curriculum challenges and instructional materials. The body will also review meeting minutes from May 1 and May 11, 2023.

• Review of File IGD - Curriculum Adoption
• Review of File IJ - Instructional Materials
• Review of File IJ-R - Reconsideration of Instructional Resources
• Review of File IJL - Library Materials Selection and Adoption
• Discussion of proposed File KE-R - Academic Matters Review Committee

Standing Subcommittee: Budget

The Arlington School Committee Standing Subcommittee on Budget will discuss and consider several financial items for the district, including a four-year copier leasing agreement, proposed FY24 tuition and rental fees, and the establishment of a Performing Arts Gifts and Revolving Fund. The subcommittee will also review costs associated with the APS Strategic Plan, updates on the FY23 budget and ESSER III, and the job description for an IT Service Desk Manager.

• Consideration of a 4-year copier leasing agreement with Xerox, Konica, or Ricoh
• Establishment of a Performing Arts Gifts and Revolving Fund
• Review of proposed FY24 tuition and rental rates, including Menotomy Preschool and facility rentals
• Review of costs for the APS Strategic Plan
• Review of job description for Information Technology Service Desk Manager with a salary range of $75,000 to $85,000 annually

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals met to discuss a comprehensive permit application for a proposed 43-unit, five-story affordable housing development at 10 Sunnyside Avenue by the Housing Corporation of Arlington. The 16,500-square-foot site currently contains a vacant auto repair building and would be redeveloped to include parking, bike storage, a community room, and a rooftop deck garden. The meeting was conducted remotely via Zoom in accordance with remote participation laws.

• Comprehensive permit application #3747 for a 43-unit affordable housing development at 10 Sunnyside Avenue
• Total estimated development cost of $24,551,500.39
• Proposed unit mix including sixteen 1-bedroom, twenty 2-bedroom, and seven 3-bedroom apartments
• Inclusion of 21 car parking spaces and at least 43 bike parking spaces
• Proposed rooftop photovoltaic panels and Passive House energy efficiency certification

Redevelopment Board

The Redevelopment Board will meet to receive a staff update regarding the MBTA Communities planning process. The meeting is scheduled to adjourn at 7:50 PM for Town Meeting.

• MBTA Communities planning process update

The Board discussed two draft zoning maps created by consultant Utile to meet MBTA Communities requirements. No formal votes were taken on the maps, though members discussed density preferences and transit access. The Board also scheduled upcoming June meetings and project updates.

• Adjourned meeting to Town Meeting (unanimous)

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals will meet remotely to vote on two decisions for single-family homes at 90 Brantwood and 11 Pine Ridge. The board will also deliberate on a final decision for a comprehensive permit application for a multi-family development at 1021-1025 Massachusetts Avenue.

• Vote on variance approval for 90 Brantwood
• Vote on variance approval for 11 Pine Ridge
• Deliberate final decision for 1021-1025 Massachusetts Avenue comprehensive permit (multi-family with parking garage)

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved written decisions for five cases, each by a 5-0 vote. The board also voted unanimously to close the public hearing for the 1021-1025 Mass Ave comprehensive permit, starting a 40-day decision period. Deliberations on the Mass Ave decision will continue in open session.

• Approved written decision for 90 Brentwood (5-0)
• Approved written decision for 11 Pine Ridge Road (5-0)
• Approved written decision for 39 Sunnyside Avenue (5-0)
• Approved written decision for 25 Teal Street (5-0)
• Approved written decision for 15 Grandview Road (5-0)
• Closed public hearing for 1021-1025 Mass Ave comprehensive permit (unanimous)

School Committee Regular Meeting

The Arlington School Committee meets to discuss and possibly vote on the final selection of a new K-5 literacy curriculum. Other items include a financial report, SEPAC survey results, and routine administrative updates.

• Elementary Literacy Curriculum Recommendation and Possible Vote - Final K-5 Literacy Program Selection
• Monthly Financial Report - Period 10, May 9, 2023
• Consent Agenda - Warrant #23250, $602,574.35
• SEPAC Report - 2022-2023 SEPAC survey results and analysis
• Approval of Senior Award Letters - E. Nelson Blake, Jr. Book Awards and Ida Robbins Scholarship

The Arlington School Committee voted unanimously to approve the EL Education program as the new K-5 elementary literacy curriculum, following a detailed presentation by Dr. MacNeal. The committee also approved senior award letters, the consent agenda (including Warrant #23250 for $602,574.35), and heard reports from SEPAC, the finance department, and subcommittees. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved EL Education as K-5 literacy curriculum (7-0)
• Approved senior award letters (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda: Warrant #23250, $602,574.35 and April 27 draft minutes (7-0)
• Heard first read of Policy BEE, no action taken
• Received monthly financial report for Period 10, General Fund balance approx. $77,924

Standing Subcommittee: Policies And Procedures

The Standing Subcommittee on Policies and Procedures is discussing policies and procedures regarding curriculum challenges. The meeting covers the adoption of curriculum, instructional materials, and the process for handling public complaints.

• Review of File IGD (Curriculum Adoption) and File IJ (Instructional Materials)
• Review of File IJ-R (Reconsideration of Instructional Resources) and File IJL (Library Materials Selection and Adoption)
• Review of File KE (Public Complaints) and File KE-R (Academic Matters Review Committee)
• Discussion of retired File KEC (Public Complaints about the Curriculum or Curriculum Materials)
• Future agenda items: File ADF and File ADF E (Nutrition and Wellness Policy)

The subcommittee discussed proposed changes to curriculum and instructional materials policies but agreed to reschedule because the changes to Files KE and KE-R were not loaded into Novus and members needed time to review all proposals. No substantive decisions were made; the meeting adjourned with a 2-0 vote.

• Rescheduled meeting to review proposed policy changes (2-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 5:27 p.m. (2-0)

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals is holding a site visit for the proposed 40B condominiums at 10 Sunnyside Avenue. The meeting consists entirely of this administrative site visit and does not include public hearings or other agenda items.

• Site Visit for Proposed 40B—10 Sunnyside Ave. Condominiums at 10 Sunnyside Avenue

Standing Subcommittee: Sepac

The Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) will meet to discuss planning for upcoming workshops and review staff reports. The committee will present results from the 2022-2023 SEPAC survey and conduct board nominations.

• Presentation of 2022-2023 SEPAC Survey Results
• SEPAC Board Nominations
• Planning Workshops for the Coming Year

Select Board Meeting

The Select Board will review a National Grid response regarding the repair of gas leaks and consider updated language for a resolution supporting Producer Responsibility legislation. The board is also scheduled to vote on removing taxicab stands within the town.

• Discussion and vote on the removal of taxicab stands in town
• Review of National Grid's report that 5 of 14 listed G3SEI gas leaks remain to be eliminated
• Updated resolution language for Article 64 regarding Extended Producer Responsibility and Bottle Bill Legislation
• Outdoor restaurant and retail permit applications for Roasted Granola, The Heights Pub, Sugo Cucina, and Tryst
• Special beer and wine licenses for the Annual Greek Festival (June 9-11, 2023)

The Select Board voted to remove remaining taxicab stands to increase parking in business districts. The Board also approved updated language for Article 64 and appointed Brian McBride to the Conservation Commission.

• Approved removal of remaining taxicab stands (4-0)
• Approved updated resolution language for Article 64 (4-0)
• Approved appointment of Brian McBride to Conservation Commission (4-0)
• Approved outdoor restaurant and retail permits for Roasted Granola, The Heights Pub, Sugo Cucina, and Tryst (4-0)
• Approved Greek Festival beer and wine license and one-way designation for Appleton Place (4-0)
• Approved special one-day alcohol licenses for Jamie Fisher and Ellen Lawton (4-0)
• Approved lawn sign locations for Adult Spring & Summer Softball League (4-0)
• Referred Arlington High School parking concerns to TAC (4-0)

Conservation Commission Meeting

The Arlington Conservation Commission will hold public hearings on Notices of Intent for aquatic vegetation management at Upper Mystic Lake and Hill's Pond, and continue a hearing on a two-family dwelling redevelopment at 5 Mystic Lake Drive. The commission will also discuss several items, including a permit amendment for 88 Coolidge, a minor change at 1165R Massachusetts Avenue, and an artificial turf forum.

• Notice of Intent: 5 Mystic Lake Drive (continuation) - redevelop two-family dwelling in Riverfront Area and flood zone
• Notice of Intent: Upper Mystic Lake Aquatic Management - manage aquatic vegetation in Land Under Water
• Notice of Intent: Hill's Pond Aquatic Management - manage aquatic vegetation in Land Under Water
• Discussion: 88 Coolidge Request for Permit Amendment
• Discussion: Artificial Turf Forum

The Arlington Conservation Commission approved the Notice of Intent for the redevelopment of a two-family dwelling at 5 Mystic Lake Drive, with specific conditions including a No Rise Certificate for FEMA, 12-inch mulch socks, and a 2-year survivability report. The Commission also approved the Upper Mystic Lake Aquatic Management project, restricting treatment to the end of June and prohibiting glyphosate. The public hearing for Hill's Pond Aquatic Management was continued to May 18, 2023.

• Approved 5 Mystic Lake Drive NOI with conditions (6-0)
• Approved Upper Mystic Lake Aquatic Management with conditions (6-0)
• Denied waiver of $200 filing fee for Upper Mystic Lake project (6-0)
• Continued Hill's Pond Aquatic Management hearing to 5/18/2023 (5-0, White recused)
• Continued 88 Coolidge permit amendment discussion to 5/18/2023 (6-0)
• Continued Poet's Corner ANRAD to 6/1/2023 (6-0)
• Approved April 13, 2023 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Approved April 20, 2023 meeting minutes (6-0)

Special Town Meeting

At this Special Town Meeting, Arlington is deciding whether to form a committee to study hybrid in-person and virtual town meetings and whether to ask the state legislature to exempt the town from civil service rules for hiring full-time permanent police officers.

• Vote to establish a Hybrid Town Meeting Study Committee of 6 to 9 members
• Vote to petition the Massachusetts General Court for a civil service exemption regarding the recruitment and hiring of full-time permanent police officers under M.G.L. c. 31

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

The Zoning Board of Appeals will consider a comprehensive permit application for a residential development at 10 Sunnyside Avenue. The proposal involves replacing a vacant auto repair building with a 5-story affordable housing building.

• Proposed 43-unit affordable housing building at 10 Sunnyside Avenue
• Total development cost estimated at $24,551,500.39
• Project includes 16 1-bedroom, 20 2-bedroom, and 7 3-bedroom apartments
• Plan includes 21 car parking spaces and at least 43 bike parking spaces
• Proposed 2,000 square foot roof deck garden

Redevelopment Board

The Arlington Redevelopment Board will review and discuss a draft memorandum of understanding to transfer ownership and management of three properties—23 Maple Street, 20 Academy Street (Central School Building), and 611 Massachusetts Avenue (Jefferson Cutter House)—to the Town Manager’s office. Staff will also provide an update on the MBTA Communities planning process. The meeting adjourns to Town Meeting for further action.

• Draft MOU for transfer of 23 Maple Street, 20 Academy Street, and 611 Massachusetts Avenue to Town control
• MBTA Communities planning process update
• Public comment periods at 7:00 p.m. and 7:25 p.m.

The Arlington Redevelopment Board reviewed a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for transferring ARB properties back to the Town, with members suggesting changes including a cap on space leased to Town departments. The Board also received updates on the MBTA Communities zoning process, including survey results and upcoming public meetings. No formal votes were taken on these items; the only vote was to adjourn to Town Meeting.

• Reviewed draft MOU for ARB properties transfer; no vote taken
• Discussed adding cap on Town department leasing; no decision made
• Received MBTA Communities schedule update; no action taken
• Adjourned to Town Meeting (unanimous)

Standing Subcommittee: Policies And Procedures

The Standing Subcommittee on Policies and Procedures will discuss policies and procedures regarding curriculum challenges. The meeting includes a review of policy change recommendations from J. Thielman.

• Review of File BEE: Special Procedures for Conducting Hearings
• Review of File IJ: Instructional Materials
• Review of File IJ-R: Reconsideration of Instructional Resources
• Review of File IJL: Library Materials Selection and Adoption
• Review of File KE: Public Complaints

The Policies and Procedures subcommittee voted to amend File BEE, adding 'LEGALLY REQUIRED' to its title and clarifying that it applies only to state-mandated hearings. The amended policy was forwarded to the full school committee for first reading. The subcommittee also discussed revisions to curriculum-related policies but took no final action on them.

• Approved minutes of April 24, 2023 (3-0)
• Amended File BEE to add 'LEGALLY REQUIRED' to title and clarify scope (3-0)
• Forwarded amended File BEE to full school committee for first reading (3-0)

Select Board Meeting

The Arlington Select Board will discuss and potentially vote on a substitute motion for Annual Town Meeting Article 9 regarding the stenographic record requirements of Town Meeting. The board will also consider a proclamation honoring a longstanding community volunteer.

• Discussion and potential vote on a substitute motion for Annual Town Meeting Article 9 regarding town meeting records
• Proclamation honoring a longstanding community volunteer

The Select Board voted 5-0 to endorse a substitute motion for Annual Town Meeting Article 9, which would strike the word 'stenographic' from the warrant article. This change would eliminate the requirement to generate a stenographic record while still satisfying the article's intent. The Board also approved a proclamation honoring longtime volunteer Ann LeRoyer, to be read before Town Meeting.

• Approved proclamation honoring Ann LeRoyer (5-0)
• Endorsed substitute motion for Article 9 to strike 'stenographic' (5-0)
• Adjourned at 7:41 p.m., reconvening for Annual Town Meeting (5-0)

School Committee Regular Meeting

The Arlington School Committee will hold a public hearing and vote on reaffirming its policy not to admit non-resident students under the state's school choice law. The meeting also includes reports on K-12 science and social studies programs, a second reading of the LABBB Collaborative Agreement, and routine consent items.

• Public hearing and vote on School Choice policy (File JFBB) reaffirming no non-resident admissions
• Second read of LABBB Collaborative Agreement with Watertown Public Schools joining
• Consent agenda includes $733,399.22 warrant (Warrant #23241)
• First reads of new curriculum adoption and instructional resource reconsideration policies
• K-12 Science and Social Studies program updates

The Arlington School Committee voted unanimously to notify the Massachusetts Department of Education that Arlington will not participate in the School Choice program due to lack of capacity. The Committee also unanimously approved the LABBB Collaborative Agreement and the consent agenda items. Several reports were presented on the K-12 Science and Social Studies programs, and a first read of two policies was discussed.

• Voted unanimously to notify Mass DOE that Arlington will not participate in School Choice due to lack of capacity
• Approved LABBB Collaborative Agreement unanimously, authorizing the Chair to sign
• Approved consent agenda unanimously: Warrant #23241 ($733,399.22), and three sets of draft meeting minutes
• Held first read of policies IGD (Curriculum Adoption) and IJ-R (Reconsideration of Instructional Resources); no vote taken

Board Of Health

The Board of Health will discuss and vote on a formal statement regarding artificial turf fields in Arlington. The proposed statement addresses public health concerns and the board's position on a town-wide moratorium.

• Vote to approve Statement on Artificial Turf
• Discussion of PFAS, PAHs, and VOCs contaminants in turf fibers and crumb rubber in-fill
• Board position opposing a town-wide moratorium or prohibition on artificial turf as proposed in Article 12
• Proposal for case-by-case site assessments prior to turf installation
• Support for a study committee where all named members are voting members

The Arlington Board of Health unanimously approved a statement on artificial turf, opposing a town-wide moratorium or prohibition as proposed in Article 12. Instead, the Board supports case-by-case site assessments and a risk reduction approach, while also supporting a study committee with all named members as voting members. The meeting was held virtually and adjourned after the vote.

• Approved Statement on Artificial Turf (3-0)
• Opposed town-wide moratorium or prohibition on artificial turf
• Supported case-by-case site assessments for artificial turf installations
• Supported a study committee with all named members as voting members

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals held a remote public meeting via Zoom on April 25, 2023. The agenda included administrative items and hearings for property dockets including 15 Grandview Road, 21 Oakledge Street, 106 Varnum Street, and 25 Teel Street.

• Docket #3744: 15 Grandview Road - Special Permit request under Zoning Bylaw Section 5.3.9(A) by Thomas and Jennifer Baxter to construct a 37-square-foot covered front porch
• Docket #3744: 21 Oakledge Street - Special Permit request under Zoning Bylaw Section 5.4.2 by Anthony and Lilah Byers to alter the property
• Docket #3745: 106 Varnum Street - ZBA Packet hearing
• Docket #3746: 25 Teel Street - Hearing item

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals approved three special permits and continued one hearing. They approved a covered front entryway at 15 Grandview Road, a second-floor addition at 21 Oakledge Street, and an accessory dwelling unit at 25 Teal Street, all by 5-0 votes. The hearing for a parking and open space variance at 106 Varnum Street was continued to await a Town Meeting decision on the usable open space requirement.

• Approved special permit for covered porch at 15 Grandview Road (5-0)
• Approved special permit for second-floor addition at 21 Oakledge Street (5-0)
• Approved special permit for ADU at 25 Teal Street (5-0)
• Continued hearing for parking/open space variance at 106 Varnum Street (5-0)

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a remote hearing on Docket #3719, a comprehensive permit (40B) application for a proposed multi-family dwelling with a parking garage at 1021-1025 Massachusetts Avenue. The board is considering a draft decision and related materials, including peer review comments. The meeting is conducted virtually due to the COVID-19 emergency.

• Public hearing on Docket #3719: 1021-1025 Massachusetts Avenue
• Comprehensive permit (40B) for a multi-family dwelling with parking garage
• Draft decision and waiver table under review
• Peer review comments from Tetra Tech on stormwater, construction, and emergency access
• Meeting held remotely via Zoom

Annual Town Meeting

The Town of Arlington will vote on the annual town and capital budgets, including funding for collective bargaining agreements. The meeting includes several proposed bylaw amendments regarding gas station operations, energy codes, and zoning for affordable housing.

• Proposed bylaw to allow self-service gas dispensing if one full-service attendant remains
• Proposed three-year moratorium on artificial turf installation on town land from May 1, 2023, to May 1, 2026
• Zoning amendment to allow 100% affordable housing developments to be built by right in all zones
• Transfer of 23 Maple Street, 20 Academy Street, and 611 Massachusetts Avenue to the Town Manager
• Vote to convert the Town Clerk office from an elected to an appointed position

Redevelopment Board

The Arlington Redevelopment Board will review proposed amendments to its Rules and Regulations, including updates to fees and submittal requirements, following state approval of 2022 zoning amendments. The board will also hear from the Arlington Chamber of Commerce about economic development. The meeting is scheduled for April 24, 2023, at 7:00 PM.

• Review of proposed amendments to ARB Rules and Regulations, including fee schedule updates (minimum fee $500, new construction $0.20/sq ft)
• Discussion with Arlington Chamber of Commerce on economic development
• Proposed changes to Rules 12 (fees) and 14 (environmental design review submittal requirements)

The Arlington Redevelopment Board unanimously approved revised Rules and Regulations, including changes to fee waivers and voting thresholds for multi-family housing projects. The board also discussed economic development with the Chamber of Commerce, focusing on retaining retail space and improving business districts. No other formal decisions were made.

• Approved revised ARB Rules and Regulations (unanimous)
• Discussed economic development with Chamber of Commerce, no formal action
• Adjourned to Town Meeting (unanimous)

Select Board Meeting

The Select Board will hold hearings on two warrant articles regarding a hybrid Town Meeting study committee and police recruitment exemptions. The board is also reviewing several event permits and contractor license requests.

• Article 2: Proposal to form a committee to study hybrid Town Meeting feasibility
• Article 3: Special legislation regarding Police Recruitment and Hiring Civil Service Exemption
• Pride Celebration in Whittemore Park on 6/17/2023
• Summer Concert Series at Whittemore Park (7/5, 7/12, 7/19, 7/26, 8/2)
• Temporary parking exemptions for AHS Junior and Senior Prom buses

The Arlington Select Board voted unanimously to support a warrant article creating a committee to study hybrid Town Meeting options, and voted 4-0 (with Chair Helmuth recused) to support special legislation exempting police hiring from civil service. The board also approved the consent agenda, including licenses and event permits, and received an ADA compliance report.

• Approved consent agenda including Pride celebration, contractor licenses, one-day beer & wine license, prom bus parking exemption, and summer concert series (5-0)
• Endorsed Article 2 creating a hybrid Town Meeting study committee (5-0)
• Endorsed Article 3 special legislation for police hiring civil service exemption (4-0, Helmuth recused)
• Received online ADA compliance report (5-0)
• Adjourned at 7:45 p.m., reconvening for Annual Town Meeting (5-0)

Standing Subcommittee: Budget

The Arlington School Committee’s Budget Subcommittee meets to review funding scenarios for the Arlington Public Schools (APS) strategic plan, FY23 and FY24 budgets, and long-range planning. The FY24 budget discussion is contingent on a potential override vote. The committee also plans to discuss enrollment updates, policy matters, and the status of ESSER III funds.

• FY24 Budget discussion contingent on override vote
• Costs of APS Strategic Plan reviewed
• LABB Collaborative Agreement amendment and expansion to Watertown discussed
• Long-Range Planning scenarios and funding requirements examined
• Update on FY23 Budget

Standing Subcommittee: Policies And Procedures

The Arlington School Committee’s Policies and Procedures subcommittee will meet to approve minutes from November 2022 and vote on first readings of several policy updates. Items include revised public-comment guidelines and a new electric-vehicle charging-station policy for school parking lots.

• File BEDH-E – GUIDELINES FOR PUBLIC COMMENT (first reading)
• File ECEV – ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS (first reading)
• File BEDB – AGENDA FORMAT/PREPARATION AND DISSEMINATION (first reading)
• Approval of November 21, 2022 minutes
• Request Town Counsel advice on accepting small gifts under state law

The Policies and Procedures subcommittee voted to send revised drafts of File IGD (Curriculum Adoption) and File IJ-R (Reconsideration of Instructional Resources) to the full School Committee for a first reading at its April 27 meeting. The subcommittee discussed the drafts, made minor edits, and agreed to incorporate language addressing concerns raised by Mr. Kardon. They also approved the minutes from November 21, 2022, and scheduled a follow-up meeting for May 1 to consider comments from the full committee.

• Approved minutes of November 21, 2022 (3-0)
• Voted to present File IGD and File IJ-R to full School Committee for first reading at April 27 meeting (3-0)
• Agreed to incorporate language into File IJ-R to address Mr. Kardon's concerns
• Scheduled follow-up meeting for May 1, 2023, to consider comments from full committee

Conservation Commission Meeting

The Arlington Conservation Commission will hold a virtual public hearing on a proposed 48-unit affordable housing condominium building at 1021-1025 Massachusetts Avenue. The hearing will review a Notice of Intent under the Wetlands Protection Act to demolish existing structures and construct the new building, including a ground-level parking garage and retail space.

• Notice of Intent under Wetlands Protection Act for 48-unit affordable housing condominium at 1021-1025 Massachusetts Avenue
• Demolition of two structures and associated driveways, parking lots, and site appurtenances
• Proposed 5-story building with ground-level parking garage and retail space
• Public hearing continuation for wetlands review under Chapter 40B

The Arlington Conservation Commission approved a Notice of Intent for a 48-unit, 5-story affordable housing condominium building at 1021-1025 Massachusetts Avenue, with conditions. The commission also voted to allow an amendment to a permit at 88 Coolidge Road to proceed, and discussed updates on the Symmes Conservation Restriction and the Arlington Catholic High School artificial turf field.

• Approved Notice of Intent for 48-unit affordable housing at 1021-1025 Massachusetts Avenue (unanimous)
• Closed public hearing for 1021-1025 Massachusetts Avenue (unanimous)
• Allowed permit amendment at 88 Coolidge Road to move forward (unanimous)

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

This Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals meeting is scheduled for April 17, 2023, at 7:30 PM, conducted remotely via Zoom due to the COVID-19 emergency. The agenda contains only administrative items regarding remote participation details and adjournment, with no substantive zoning decisions or discussions listed.

• Meeting held virtually via Zoom due to COVID-19 emergency
• Public physically closed from meeting per Governor's Order
• Registration required for Zoom participation

The Board approved a request for $2,500 in additional consultant funds for the Residences at Mill Brook project. The comprehensive permit hearing was continued to April 25, 2023, to allow for the finalization of conditions and coordination with the Conservation Commission.

• Approved request for additional $2,500 from applicant for consultant fees (7-0)
• Continued comprehensive permit hearing for Residences at Mill Brook to April 25, 2023, at 6 p.m. (7-0)

School Committee Organizational Meeting

The Arlington School Committee is holding its organizational meeting to elect a new chair, vice-chair, and secretary for the 2023-2024 term. The committee will also vote on subcommittee and liaison assignments, authorize the chair to sign payroll warrants, and review committee standards and norms.

• Nomination and election of office of Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary
• Vote to approve Committee and Liaison assignments for 2023-2024
• Vote on authorization of Chair (and alternative) to sign payroll warrant
• Review of Policy BDA-E: Standards and Norms of the Arlington School Committee

The Arlington School Committee held its organizational meeting and unanimously elected Dr. Kirsi Allison-Ampe as Chair, Paul Schlichtman as Vice Chair, and Liz Exton as Secretary for the 2023-2024 school year. The committee also unanimously approved committee and liaison assignments, authorized the chair to sign the payroll warrant, and acknowledged Policy BDA-E on standards and norms. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Elected Dr. Kirsi Allison-Ampe as Chair (unanimous)
• Elected Paul Schlichtman as Vice Chair (unanimous)
• Elected Liz Exton as Secretary (unanimous)
• Approved Committee and Liaison Assignments for 2023-2024 (unanimous)
• Authorized Chair and alternative to sign payroll warrant (unanimous)
• Acknowledged Policy BDA-E on standards and norms (unanimous)

Conservation Commission Meeting

The Conservation Commission will conduct public hearings regarding several development projects and resource area delineations. The body will also discuss enforcement orders, certificates of compliance, and updates from various town task forces.

• Notice of Intent for a 48-unit affordable housing condominium and retail space at 1021-1025 Massachusetts Avenue
• Notice of Intent to redevelop a two-family dwelling at 5 Mystic Lake Drive
• Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation (ANRAD) for 0 Kipling Road (Poet's Corner)
• Request to amend Order of Conditions for 88 Coolidge Road regarding foundation pinning
• Enforcement Order Ratification for 6 Lawrence Lane

The Arlington Conservation Commission continued public hearings for three projects: 1021-1025 Massachusetts Avenue (48-unit affordable housing), 5 Mystic Lake Drive (two-family redevelopment), and 0 Kipling Road (wetland delineation). It also approved a Certificate of Compliance for 77 Sunnyside Avenue. All votes were unanimous (7-0).

• Continued hearing for 1021-1025 Massachusetts Avenue to 4/20/2023 (7-0)
• Continued hearing for 5 Mystic Lake Drive to 5/4/2023 (7-0)
• Continued hearing for 0 Kipling Road to 5/18/2023 (7-0)
• Approved peer review for 0 Kipling Road wetland delineation (7-0)
• Approved Certificate of Compliance for 77 Sunnyside Avenue (7-0)
• Approved March 16, 2023 meeting minutes as edited (7-0)

School Committee Regular Meeting

The School Committee will discuss Policy IJ-R regarding the reconsideration of instructional resources and receive a report on the English Learner (ELL) program. The body is also tasked with approving job descriptions for two staff positions.

• Approval of Technical Theatre Manager and Communications Specialist job descriptions
• Review of Policy IJ-R Reconsideration of Instructional Resources
• Warrant #23231 for $1,082,086.67
• ELL Program Report including data on 295 active English Learners
• Cancelled public hearing for Policy IJ-R due to withdrawn challenge

The Arlington School Committee voted 5-2 to suspend Policy IJ-R (Reconsideration of Instructional Resources) until May 25 and directed the Policies and Procedures Subcommittee to recommend amendments to policies IJ, IJ-R, and KEC for public transparency. The committee also unanimously approved two job descriptions (Technical Theatre Manager and Communications Specialist) and the consent agenda warrant of $1,082,086.67. Public comment raised concerns about health curriculum changes, and the ELL program was presented with noted non-compliance issues.

• Suspended Policy IJ-R until May 25 and directed subcommittee to propose amendments (5-2)
• Approved Technical Theatre Manager job description (unanimous)
• Approved Communications Specialist job description (unanimous)
• Approved Warrant #23231 for $1,082,086.67 (unanimous)

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a virtual hearing on four residential variance requests. Three new cases involve rear-yard expansions and deck construction on small nonconforming lots, while one is a continuance of a prior petition. Neighbors have filed detailed objections citing setback, open-space, and floor-area violations.

• Docket #3735 106 Mt. Vernon (continuance)
• Docket #3738 39 Sunnyside Avenue
• Docket #3739 90 Brantwood Road
• Docket #3741 11 Pine Ridge Road

The Zoning Board of Appeals voted 7-0 to accept the applicants' withdrawal of their special permit and variance application for an accessory dwelling unit at 106 Mt. Vernon Street, after determining the proposed structure was detached and could proceed by-right. The board also approved special permits for additions at 39 Sunnyside Avenue, 90 Brantwood Road, and 11 Pine Ridge Road, each by a 5-0 vote, and approved the final decision for 121 Park Ave.

• Accepted withdrawal of special permit/variance application for 106 Mt. Vernon ADU (7-0)
• Approved special permit for 384 sq.ft. addition at 39 Sunnyside Avenue (5-0)
• Approved special permit and variance for addition at 90 Brantwood Road (5-0)
• Approved special permit for porch extension at 11 Pine Ridge Road (5-0)
• Approved final decision for 121 Park Ave (5-0)

Standing Subcommittee: Sepac

The Arlington Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) is meeting to discuss routine business, including approving minutes, officer reports, and planning workshops for the coming year. The agenda also includes staff reports and public participation. This is a regular meeting with no major decisions or proposals listed.

• Planning workshops for the coming year
• Officers/Committee Reports
• APS Staff Reports
• Public participation and new business

Select Board Meeting

The Select Board will hold an executive session to negotiate and potentially vote on a contract for Town Manager applicant James R. Feeney. The board will also discuss a report to Town Meeting and nominations for the Civilian Police Advisory Commission.

• Vote on Town Manager contract for James R. Feeney
• One-day all-alcohol license request for Fidelity House on 04/22/2023
• One-day beer and wine license request for Arlington Community Center on 04/29/2023
• Appointment to the 250th American Revolution Anniversary Commission
• Discussion of nominations for the Arlington Civilian Police Advisory Commission

The Select Board unanimously approved James R. Feeney as the next Town Manager, effective August 1, 2023, following a strategy session in executive session. The Board also approved the draft Select Board report for Town Meeting with amendments and voted to schedule future meetings through June. Several special alcohol licenses and a Memorial Day ceremony were approved via consent agenda.

• Approved James R. Feeney as Town Manager starting Aug 1, 2023 (5-0)
• Entered executive session for contract negotiations (5-0)
• Approved draft Select Board Report to Town Meeting with amendments (5-0)
• Approved Special Alcohol Licenses for Fidelity House and Arlington Community Center (5-0)
• Approved Memorial Day Ceremony on May 29, 2023 (5-0)
• Appointed Paul Fennelly to 250th American Revolution Anniversary Commission (5-0)
• Voted to schedule Select Board meetings for April 24, May 8, May 22, June 5, and June 26
• Referred Dow Avenue crossing concerns to TAC and Byrne Memorial request to Chair/Town Manager (5-0)

Standing Subcommittee: Accountablity/Curriculum

The Arlington School Committee’s Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment and Accountability Subcommittee will meet remotely to approve three new job descriptions for district roles: Communications Specialist, Technical Theater Manager at Arlington High School, and Family and School Transition Liaison at Gibbs School. The meeting is conducted under the state’s open-meeting law suspension for remote participation.

• Approval of job description for Communications Specialist ($80,000–$110,000)
• Approval of job description for Technical Theater Manager at Arlington High School ($80,000–$110,000)
• Approval of job description for Family and School Transition Liaison at Gibbs School ($60,000–$90,000)

The subcommittee reviewed and approved revisions to three job descriptions. All three positions were forwarded to the full committee for further action.

• Approved Technical Theater Manager description with experience edit (3-0)
• Approved Communications Specialist description with contract type edit (3-0)
• Approved Family and School Transition Liaison - Gibbs description with Master's degree edit and labor collaboration (3-0)

Board Of Health

The Arlington Board of Health will meet virtually to accept March meeting minutes, hold a hearing on a tobacco violation at Arlington Smoke Shop, discuss artificial turf fields, and receive updates on environmental health, restaurants, and COVID-19. The meeting follows state COVID-19 emergency protocols allowing remote participation.

• Tobacco Violation Hearing - Arlington Smoke Shop
• Discussion on Artificial Turf Fields
• Presentation on Town Meeting Warrant Article 12 - Beth Melofchik
• Update on Environmental Health including rodent control and noise bylaw changes
• New restaurant approved: Donut Villa at 319 Broadway

The Board of Health voted unanimously to fine Arlington Smoke Shop $300 for selling non-tobacco items, a third violation, but did not suspend its permit. The board also discussed artificial turf fields and heard a presentation on a proposed warrant article for a moratorium, but took no formal action on the matter.

• Approved $300 fine for Arlington Smoke Shop, no permit suspension (3-0)
• Approved March 8, 2023 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Standing Subcommittee: Budget

The Arlington School Committee’s Budget Subcommittee will meet remotely to receive updates on the current fiscal year 2023 budget, review the fiscal year 2024 budget timeline, and discuss enrollment figures, policy matters, and ESSER III funding. The meeting will also include a program fee review, long-range planning, and approval of prior meeting minutes.

• FY24 Budget review and calendar update
• Update on ESSER III federal relief funds
• Program fee review
• Enrollment Update
• Discussion of APS funding requirements and long-range planning scenarios

Redevelopment Board

The Arlington Redevelopment Board will meet to discuss and vote on its draft report to the 2023 Annual Town Meeting, which includes recommendations on seven zoning articles. The board will also provide comments on an affordable housing comprehensive permit application at 10 Sunnyside Ave and discuss outreach for economic development zoning amendments for a fall Special Town Meeting.

• Vote on draft report to 2023 Annual Town Meeting with recommendations on zoning articles 26-32
• Comment on affordable housing development at 10 Sunnyside Ave by Housing Corporation of Arlington
• Discuss outreach for economic development zoning amendments for fall Special Town Meeting
• Article 26: Industrial District stormwater design storm standards for height exceptions
• Article 32: Build Affordable Housing Everywhere - recommended No Action

The Arlington Redevelopment Board unanimously approved its Report to Town Meeting, incorporating comments on several warrant articles, including a clarification on solar bylaw projects and a note on usable open space applying only to dwellings. The board also reviewed a comprehensive permit application for 10 Sunnyside Avenue, offering comments to the Zoning Board of Appeals, and discussed outreach for fall Town Meeting zoning articles.

• Approved Report to Town Meeting as amended (unanimous)
• Reviewed 10 Sunnyside Avenue affordable housing application; comments to be sent to ZBA
• Discussed sidewalk seating by right for restaurants; no action taken
• Discussed outreach strategies for fall Town Meeting warrant articles; no formal decision
• Discussed potential Urban Renewal Plan; no action taken

Select Board Meeting

The Arlington Select Board will hold an organizational meeting to elect a chair and vice chair, hear a Community Preservation Act Committee presentation on FY24 funding, and review warrant articles for Town Meeting. Key items include property transfers for 23 Maple Street, 20 Academy Street, and 611 Massachusetts Avenue, a vote on the Municipal Opt-in Specialized Stretch Energy Code, and an executive session to negotiate a contract with the Town Manager applicant. The board will also consider consent agenda items like an ice cream fundraiser and a contractor license.

• Vote on Town Manager contract (executive session)
• Property transfer: 23 Maple Street
• Property transfer: 20 Academy Street (Central School Building)
• Property transfer: 611 Massachusetts Avenue (Jefferson Cutter House)
• Vote on Municipal Opt-in Specialized Stretch Energy Code

The Select Board elected its 2023 Chair and Vice Chair and approved the FY24 Community Preservation Act Committee budget. The Board also recommended favorable action on several warrant articles regarding property transfers and parking expenditures, while taking no action on a proposed new growth strategic plan.

• Elected Eric Helmuth as Chair (5-0)
• Elected John Hurd as Vice Chair (5-0)
• Approved FY24 Community Preservation Act Committee Budget (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including contractor license for Strongback Systems (5-0)
• Took no action on Article 14 regarding a Strategic Plan for New Growth (4-0)
• Recommended favorable action on Articles 21, 22, and 23 to transfer properties at 23 Maple St, 20 Academy St, and 611 Mass Ave to the Town (5-0)
• Recommended favorable action on Article 33 for Parking District Expenditures (5-0)
• Recommended favorable action on Articles 10, 15, 17, 24, and 25 (5-0)

School Committee Regular Meeting

The Arlington School Committee will discuss the district's 2023-2028 strategic plan and a resolution for universal school meals. The meeting includes a presentation from the Rainbow Task Force regarding LGBTQIA+ inclusivity and a first read of a collaborative agreement with LABBB.

• Possible vote to approve APS Five-Year Strategic Plan (2023-2028)
• First read of 'Resolution in Favor of Universal Meals for All'
• First read of LABBB Collaborative Agreement
• Warrant #23219 for $916,526.04
• Rainbow Task Force presentation on LGBTQIA+ student experiences and goals

The Arlington School Committee unanimously approved the APS Five-Year Strategic Plan as presented, following a presentation and discussion. The committee also unanimously approved a resolution supporting Universal Meals for All, accepted a $28,000 Afghan Refugee grant, and approved budget transfers and consent agenda items. The meeting included a presentation from the Rainbow Task Force and a tribute to outgoing member Bill Hayner.

• Approved APS Five-Year Strategic Plan (unanimous)
• Approved resolution supporting Universal Meals for All (unanimous)
• Accepted $28,000 Afghan Refugee grant (unanimous)
• Approved budget transfers (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including warrant #23219 for $916,526.04 (unanimous)

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a remote meeting to continue hearings on two special permit applications (189 Forest Street and 212 Pleasant Street) and open new hearings for three other properties (16-18 Plymouth Street, 106 Mt. Vernon, and 121 Park Ave). The agenda includes administrative items on remote participation procedures. The 189 Forest Street application has been withdrawn by the applicant, who intends to proceed by-right.

• Docket #3731: 189 Forest Street — special permit for large addition (withdrawn by applicant)
• Docket #3733: 212 Pleasant Street — continuance
• Docket #3736: 16-18 Plymouth Street — new hearing
• Docket #3735: 106 Mt. Vernon — new hearing
• Docket #3737: 121 Park Ave — new hearing

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals approved a special permit for a 1,000 sq ft addition at 121 Park Avenue, with conditions. Two applications (189 Forest St and 212 Pleasant St) were withdrawn without prejudice. A driveway request at 16-18 Plymouth St was withdrawn after board concerns, and an ADU hearing at 106 Mt Vernon St was continued.

• Approved special permit for 1,000 sq ft addition at 121 Park Ave (5-0)
• Withdrawn without prejudice: application #3731 at 189 Forest St (5-0)
• Withdrawn without prejudice: application #3733 at 212 Pleasant St (5-0)
• Withdrawn without prejudice: application #3736 at 16-18 Plymouth St (7-0)
• Continued hearing #3735 at 106 Mt Vernon St to April 11, 2023 (5-0)

Redevelopment Board

The Arlington Redevelopment Board will hold a continued public hearing on a special permit application to convert an existing office building at 99 Massachusetts Avenue into mixed-use by adding one residential unit in the attic. The board may also discuss and vote on recommendations for property transfers, a strategic plan for new growth, zoning amendments for the 2023 Annual Town Meeting, and an MBTA Communities planning update.

• Special Permit Docket #3728 for 99 Massachusetts Avenue: convert office to mixed-use with one residential unit in attic
• Recommendations on Warrant Articles 21, 22, 23 (property transfers) and Warrant Article 14 (Strategic Plan for New Growth)
• Deliberation and possible vote on proposed zoning amendments for 2023 Annual Town Meeting
• Staff update on MBTA Communities Planning Process and next steps

The Arlington Redevelopment Board approved the project at 99 Massachusetts Avenue (docket 3728) unanimously, with conditions including relocating bike parking if not approved in front and reviewing handicap parking requirements with the Building Inspector. The Board also approved property transfers to the Town (3-1), recommended favorable action on several zoning articles, and took no action on a withdrawn affordable housing article.

• Approved 99 Massachusetts Ave project (unanimous) with conditions on bike parking and handicap parking review
• Approved property transfers for 23 Maple St, 20 Academy St, 611 Massachusetts Ave to Town (3-1)
• Recommended favorable action on Article 26 (industrial district development standards) (unanimous)
• Recommended favorable action on Article 27 (solar bylaw in industrial districts) (unanimous)
• Recommended favorable action on Article 28 (Building Inspector enforcement) (unanimous)
• Recommended favorable action on Article 29 (downtown parking minimums) (unanimous)
• Recommended favorable action on Article 30 (usable open space) (unanimous)
• Recommended favorable action on Article 31 (animal daycare in industrial districts) (unanimous)

Standing Subcommittee: Accountablity/Curriculum

The Arlington School Committee’s Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment and Accountability Subcommittee will review the district’s new five-year strategic plan, developed with input from over 40 stakeholders. The plan outlines four priorities—equity, staff support, infrastructure, and partnerships—and twelve initiatives to guide decisions and resource allocation through 2028.

• Strategic Plan 2023-2028 with four priorities and twelve initiatives
• Job Description - Assistant Director of High School Counseling proposed
• Approval of previous meeting minutes scheduled
• Community feedback on Strategic Plan included

The Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment & Accountability Subcommittee reviewed the strategic plan and discussed community feedback themes, providing input on milestones like heterogeneous groupings, MTSS, and WIN at Gibbs. The subcommittee voted 3-0-0 to recommend approval of the Assistant Director of High School Counseling job description to the full School Committee. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Recommended approval of Assistant Director of High School Counseling job description (3-0-0)

Select Board Meeting

The Select Board will interview Town Manager candidate James R. Feeney and review several warrant articles. The board is also considering a proposal to install youth art banners in Arlington Center.

• Interview of Town Manager candidate James R. Feeney
• Proposal to hang 22 student art banners on 11 light poles in Arlington Center for April and May 2023
• Review of Warrant Articles 24 (CDBG Application), 25 (Revolving Funds), and 33 (Parking District Expenditures)
• Final votes on Article 10 (Specialized Stretch Energy Code), Article 15 (Board of Youth Services), and Article 17 (Digital Legal Notices)
• Contractor/Drainlayer License request for Manolo Santiago Chavez Jaurez of Iron Hardscape and Masonry LLC

The Select Board voted 5-0 to appoint James R. Feeney as Arlington's next Town Manager, pending successful contract negotiations, and authorized the chair to negotiate. The Board also approved the consent agenda, appointed Donnarose Russian to the Board of Registrar of Voters, endorsed CDBG application and revolving funds warrant articles, and tabled a parking district expenditure article. The meeting included an interview with Feeney and several procedural votes.

• Appointed James R. Feeney as Town Manager pending contract negotiation (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including minutes, festival, license, election workers (5-0)
• Appointed Donnarose Russian to Board of Registrar of Voters (5-0)
• Endorsed CDBG application warrant article (6-0, includes Town Manager vote)
• Endorsed revolving funds warrant article (5-0)
• Tabled parking district expenditures article to 4/3 (5-0)
• Received correspondence opposing overnight parking pilot (5-0)
• Postponed Public Art Youth Banner presentation (5-0)

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a virtual hearing on Docket #3719, a Comprehensive Permit (40B) application for a proposed multi-family dwelling with a parking garage at 1021-1025 Massachusetts Avenue. The board will consider the applicant's revised plans and peer review responses, with remaining concerns including construction management, emergency access, and infrastructure capacity.

• Comprehensive Permit (40B) hearing for 1021-1025 Massachusetts Avenue
• Proposed multi-family dwelling with parking garage
• Peer review comments on stormwater, grading, and utility capacity
• Recommendation to confirm emergency access with Fire and Police Departments
• Request for documentation on water/sewer infrastructure capacity

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals continued the comprehensive permit hearing for the Residences at Mill Brook, a 40B development at 1021-1025 Massachusetts Avenue. The board reviewed the applicant's sustainability plan, plan revisions, and a list of potential permit conditions, and discussed the historic status of the building. No final decisions were made; the hearing was continued to April 17, 2023.

• Continued comprehensive permit hearing for Residences at Mill Brook to April 17, 2023
• Discussed potential permit conditions, including sustainability, landscaping, and construction management
• Reviewed revised waiver requests, including height, setback, and FAR
• Agreed to seek comment from Historic District Commission on 1021 Mass Ave demolition delay
• Noted applicant's commitment to reduce public way closure to no more than 12 months

Standing Subcommittee: Budget

The Budget Subcommittee is meeting to review updates on the FY23 and FY24 budgets. The body will discuss enrollment, program fees, and long-range funding requirements for Arlington Public Schools.

• FY24 Budget status and calendar update
• Program Fee Review
• Update on ESSER III
• Long-Range Planning funding scenarios
• Enrollment Update

Select Board Meeting

The Arlington Select Board will discuss and vote on FY2024 water/sewer rates, review warrant articles for Town Meeting, and consider updates to the Town Manager search process. The agenda includes votes on several warrant articles, including a moratorium on artificial turf and changes to town clerk and town manager appointments. The meeting also covers routine items like licenses and minutes.

• FY2024 Water/Sewer Rates discussion and approval
• Warrant Article 12: Three-year moratorium on artificial turf installation on town land
• Warrant Article 13: Appointed Town Clerk
• Warrant Article 16: Appointment of Town Manager or Temporary Town Manager
• Wine and Malt License and Common Victualler License for Thai Moon, 315 Broadway

The Select Board approved rate increases for water (3.66%) and sewer (3.54%) for Fiscal Year 2024. The Board also moved forward with the Town Manager search by scheduling an interview with the sole remaining candidate. Several warrant articles received favorable action, including a specialized stretch energy code.

• Approved FY2024 water rate increase of 3.66% and sewer rate increase of 3.54% (4-0)
• Voted to interview Jim Feeney for Town Manager on March 27, 2023 (unanimous)
• Approved Wine and Malt and Common Victualler licenses for Thai Moon at 315 Broadway (4-0)
• Moved favorable action for Article 10: Specialized Stretch Energy Code (4-0)
• Moved favorable action for Article 15: Board of Youth Services updates (4-0)
• Approved Article 17: Special Legislation to allow digital legal notices (3-0-1)
• Tabled Article 14: Strategic Plan for New Growth until April 3 (4-0)
• Approved updates to the Beautification Committee charter (4-0)

School Committee Regular Meeting

The Arlington School Committee will meet at METCO Headquarters in Boston to hear a METCO program report, receive public comment, and consider approval of the FY2024 Superintendent's Proposed Budget. The committee will also vote on new job descriptions and a five-year contract for Superintendent Elizabeth C. Homan, and enter executive session for negotiations.

• FY2024 Superintendent's Proposed Budget - possible vote for approval
• Contract with Superintendent Elizabeth C. Homan, July 1, 2023-June 30, 2028 - possible vote
• Job descriptions for Director of Research, Data and Accountability, Director of Communications and Family Engagement, Assistant to Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations, Assistant Director of Finance, Grant Administrator
• Warrant #23207, 3/7/2023, $490,589.42
• METCO program report and presentation

The Arlington School Committee unanimously approved a new five-year contract for Superintendent Elizabeth C. Homan, effective July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2028, with administrative changes to section 8.1. The committee also unanimously approved the Superintendent's Proposed Budget for the 2023-2024 school year, which includes adding full-time librarians at several schools. Five new job descriptions were approved, and the consent agenda including Warrant #23207 for $490,589.42 was passed.

• Approved Superintendent Homan's contract for July 1, 2023-June 30, 2028 (7-0)
• Approved Superintendent's Proposed Budget with librarian additions (7-0)
• Approved five job descriptions including Director of Research, Data and Accountability (7-0)
• Approved Warrant #23207 for $490,589.42 and March 2 meeting minutes (7-0)
• Entered executive session and returned to regular meeting (7-0)

Conservation Commission Meeting

The Arlington Conservation Commission will hold public hearings on two wetland permits: one to redevelop a two-family dwelling at 5 Mystic Lake Drive, and another to demolish two structures and build a 48-unit affordable housing building at 1021-1025 Massachusetts Avenue. The commission will also discuss enforcement orders for 6 Lawrence Lane and the Arlington Catholic Artificial Turf Field, plus other administrative items.

• Public hearing: Notice of Intent for 48-unit, 5-story affordable housing (Chapter 40B) with ground-level parking and retail at 1021-1025 Massachusetts Avenue
• Public hearing: Notice of Intent to redevelop two-family dwelling at 5 Mystic Lake Drive (Riverfront Area, Buffer Zone, Zone AE)
• Discussion: Enforcement Order at 6 Lawrence Lane
• Discussion: Enforcement Order for Arlington Catholic Artificial Turf Field
• Discussion: Symmes Conservation Restriction / Arlington 360

The Arlington Conservation Commission met on March 16, 2023, and discussed two Notice of Intent applications: one for a two-family dwelling at 5 Mystic Lake Drive and another for a 48-unit affordable housing building at 1021-1025 Massachusetts Avenue. No final decisions were recorded in the minutes; the items were listed for discussion and public hearing. The meeting also included administrative items and a draft update to the Arlington Wetlands Regulations.

• No final decisions recorded in the minutes
• Discussed Notice of Intent for 5 Mystic Lake Drive (two-family dwelling)
• Discussed Notice of Intent for 1021-1025 Massachusetts Avenue (48-unit affordable housing)
• Discussed draft Arlington Wetlands Regulations update

Standing Subcommittee: Budget

The Arlington School Committee Budget Subcommittee met remotely to discuss the FY24 budget calendar and status updates. The body reviewed job descriptions for three finance positions, including a Grants Administrator with a salary range of $80,000 to $95,000. Additional topics included an update on ESSER III funds, a program fee review, and long-range planning scenarios.

• Review of job descriptions for Assistant Director of Finance ($95,000-$110,000), Assistant to Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations, and Grants Administrator ($80,000-$95,000)
• Discussion of FY24 Budget calendar and status updates
• Update on ESSER III funding
• Program Fee Review
• Long Range Planning discussion regarding APS funding requirements

Standing Subcommittee: Sepac

The Arlington Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) is meeting to plan workshops for the coming year, receive reports from officers and school staff, and hold a meet-and-greet with Arlington School Committee candidates. The agenda also includes routine items like approving minutes and public participation. This is a regular planning and informational meeting, not a decision-making session on specific policies.

• Planning workshops for the coming year
• Meet and greet with Arlington School Committee candidates
• Officers/committee reports
• APS staff reports
• Public participation and open discussion

Redevelopment Board

The Arlington Redevelopment Board will hold public hearings on three warrant articles for the 2023 Annual Town Meeting. The articles propose zoning bylaw amendments to allow 100% affordable housing developments by right in all zones, remove minimum parking requirements for non-residential uses in the B5 District, and remove usable open space requirements for one- and two-family uses. The board will also hold an open forum for public comments.

• Article 32: Allow 100% affordable housing developments by right in all zones with reduced requirements
• Article 29: Remove minimum parking requirements for non-residential uses in the B5 District
• Article 30: Remove usable open space requirements for one- and two-family uses
• Public hearings at 7:30 PM, open forum at 8:30 PM, new business at 8:45 PM

The Arlington Redevelopment Board held public hearings on three zoning bylaw amendments for the 2023 Town Meeting warrant but took no votes. The board discussed Article 32 (affordable housing), Article 29 (downtown parking minimums), and Article 30 (usable open space), with members expressing support for some and concerns about others. All decisions were deferred to a March 27 meeting.

• Continued hearing on Article 32 (affordable housing) without action
• Continued hearing on Article 29 (downtown parking minimums) without action
• Continued hearing on Article 30 (usable open space) without action
• Voted unanimously to adjourn

Select Board Meeting

The Arlington Select Board is meeting to vote on opening the Special Town Meeting warrant for May 3, 2023, and to review six warrant articles covering topics like a stenographic record of Town Meeting, a three-year moratorium on artificial turf, an appointed Town Clerk, and special legislation for a Town Manager. The board will also hear a resolution urging National Grid to repair significant environmental impact gas leaks by June 30, 2023, and discuss the Town Manager search process. Consent agenda items include extending Black History Month banners, reappointing Tree Committee members, and accepting funds from various entities.

• Resolution requesting National Grid repair SEI gas leaks by June 30, 2023
• Vote on Special Town Meeting warrant for May 3, 2023
• Review of Article 12: Three-year moratorium on artificial turf on town land
• Acceptance of funds totaling over $300,000 from various entities for HHS programs
• Request to amend Traffic Rules: No Stopping on Brooks Avenue near Hardy School

The Select Board approved a resolution requesting National Grid repair significant environmental impact gas leaks by June 30, 2023, with a 4-0 vote (one recusal). The Board also set the Special Town Meeting for May 3, 2023, opened the warrant on March 30, and took positions on several warrant articles, including recommending no action on an artificial turf moratorium and favorable action on making the Town Clerk an appointed position.

• Approved resolution requesting National Grid repair SEI gas leaks by June 30, 2023 (4-0, DeCourcey recused)
• Set Special Town Meeting for Wednesday, May 3, 2023 (5-0)
• Opened Special Town Meeting warrant on Thursday, March 30, 2023, 8:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. (5-0)
• Approved amendment to Traffic Rules and Orders: No Stopping at Anytime on Brooks Avenue North from Lake to Chandler Street (5-0)
• Recommended no action on Article 12, three-year moratorium on artificial turf installation (5-0)
• Recommended favorable action on Article 13, converting Town Clerk to appointed position (5-0)
• Recommended favorable action on Article 16, flexible three-phase Town Manager appointment process (4-0, Helmuth recused)
• Approved consent agenda including banner extension, tree committee reappointments, and fund acceptance (5-0)

Standing Subcommittee: Accountablity/Curriculum

The Arlington School Committee's Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment and Accountability Subcommittee will meet remotely to discuss and potentially approve job descriptions for two new district director positions: Director of Research, Data and Accountability and Director of Communications and Family Engagement. The meeting is scheduled for March 10, 2023, and includes only these agenda items plus adjournment.

• Review of Director of Research, Data and Accountability job description (salary $100,000-$130,000)
• Review of Director of Communications and Family Engagement job description (salary $100,000-$130,000)
• Remote participation via Zoom

The Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment & Accountability Subcommittee reviewed and voted unanimously to recommend approval of job descriptions for the Director of Communications and Family Engagement and the Director of Research, Data and Accountability, with minor revisions. Both recommendations will go to the full Arlington School Committee for final approval.

• Recommended approval of Director of Communications and Family Engagement job description (3-0)
• Recommended approval of Director of Research, Data and Accountability job description (3-0)

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals will vote on approving decisions for two properties (75 Dothan Street and 20 Hobbs Court) and will vote to continue the hearing for a comprehensive permit application at 1021-1025 Massachusetts Avenue to March 23, 2023. No new testimony will be presented for the Massachusetts Avenue item. The meeting is held remotely via Zoom.

• Vote on approval of decision for 75 Dothan Street
• Vote on approval of decision for 20 Hobbs Court
• Vote to continue hearing for Docket #3719 (1021-1025 Massachusetts Avenue) to March 23, 2023
• Comprehensive permit (40B) application for a multi-family dwelling with parking garage at 1021-1025 Massachusetts Avenue

The board discussed upcoming meeting formats, pending applications, and the status of ongoing legal appeals. No votes were taken on zoning permits or ordinances during the session.

• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

Board Of Health

The Arlington Board of Health is meeting virtually to conduct a hearing on a tobacco violation at Arlington Smoke Shop, discuss Town Meeting warrant articles, and receive updates on environmental health, restaurants, and COVID-19. The agenda also includes acceptance of minutes from the January 18, 2023 meeting. Public comment is invited via Zoom or by email before the meeting.

• Hearing: Tobacco Violation - Arlington Smoke Shop
• Discussion: Town Meeting Warrant Articles
• Updates: Environmental Health
• Updates: Restaurants
• Updates: COVID-19 / Public Health Nurse

The Board approved the January 18, 2023 meeting minutes and tabled a tobacco violation hearing for the Arlington Smoke Shop. Members agreed to move the April 12 meeting to April 5 to research upcoming Town Meeting warrant articles.

• Approved January 18, 2023 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Tabled tobacco violation hearing for Arlington Smoke Shop until April (3-0)
• Rescheduled April 12 meeting to April 5 (unanimous)

Redevelopment Board

The Arlington Redevelopment Board will hold a continued public hearing on a special permit application to convert an existing office building at 99 Massachusetts Avenue into mixed-use by adding one residential unit in the attic. The board may vote on the permit. The board will also hold public hearings on several zoning bylaw amendments proposed for the 2023 Annual Town Meeting, including articles related to animal daycare, stormwater standards, solar energy, and building inspector enforcement.

• Continued public hearing and possible vote on Special Permit Docket #3728 for 99 Massachusetts Avenue (office-to-residential conversion)
• Public hearing on Warrant Article 31: zoning amendment to allow animal daycare in industrial districts
• Public hearing on Warrant Article 26: zoning amendment for stormwater retention standards in industrial districts
• Public hearing on Warrant Article 27: zoning amendment to include solar energy systems in industrial districts
• Vote to refer warrant articles to the board for further study

The Arlington Redevelopment Board continued the public hearing for the project at 99 Massachusetts Ave to March 27, with a unanimous vote to deliberate and vote then. The board also voted unanimously to continue hearings on several zoning bylaw amendments to March 13, and withdrew eight draft articles from the Town Meeting warrant. No final decisions were made on the project or the amendments.

• Continued 99 Mass Ave hearing to March 27 for deliberation and vote (unanimous)
• Continued warrant article hearings to March 13 (unanimous)
• Withdrew 8 draft zoning articles from Town Meeting warrant (unanimous)

Select Board Meeting

The Arlington Select Board is holding a hybrid meeting on March 6, 2023, to review several warrant articles for Town Meeting, including amendments on self-service gas station pumps, parking disclosure, digital legal notices, and an affordable housing overlay. The board will also hear updates on the town manager search and a possible expansion of the overnight permitted parking pilot, and consider appointments to the Zoning Board of Appeals and Transportation Advisory Committee.

• Warrant Article 6: Bylaw amendment to allow self-service operation of gas station dispensing pumps
• Warrant Article 7: Bylaw amendment requiring parking disclosure
• Warrant Article 67: Resolution for an Affordable Housing Overlay
• Appointment of Adam LeBlanc to Zoning Board of Appeals (term to 3/31/2026)
• Appointment of James Stubbe to Transportation Advisory Committee (term to 12/31/2024)

The Select Board voted 5-0 to support warrant articles allowing self-service gas stations with an attendant, requiring parking disclosures in leases, and affirming an affordable housing overlay. It tabled a proposal for digital-only legal notices and recommended no action on an in-state tuition resolution. The board also approved appointments to the Zoning Board of Appeals and Transportation Advisory Committee.

• Approved consent agenda including Farmers' Market approval and merger with Arlington EATS (5-0)
• Appointed Adam LeBlanc to Zoning Board of Appeals, term to 3/31/2026 (5-0)
• Appointed James Stubbe to Transportation Advisory Committee, term to 12/31/2024 (5-0)
• Supported Article 6: self-service gas station bylaw amendment (5-0)
• Supported Article 7: parking disclosure requirement bylaw (5-0)
• Tabled Article 17: digital legal notices special legislation (4-0, Helmuth recused)
• Supported Article 67: affordable housing overlay resolution (4-0-1, Diggins abstained)
• Recommended no action on Article 68: in-state tuition resolution (5-0)

Conservation Commission Meeting

The Arlington Conservation Commission will hold a virtual meeting to discuss administrative matters, correspondence, and several environmental issues, including artificial turf fields, enforcement at Arlington Catholic, and updates on various projects. The agenda includes public hearings on requests for determination of applicability for culvert repair at 22 Mill Street and parking area paving at 106-108 Varnum Street, as well as a continuation for aquatic invasive treatment in Spy Pond. The meeting is conducted remotely due to COVID-19 precautions.

• Discussion of Artificial Turf Forum Expenditure
• Enforcement: Arlington Catholic Artificial Turf Field
• Hearing: Request for Determination of Applicability for culvert repair at 22 Mill Street
• Hearing: Request for Determination of Applicability for parking area paving at 106-108 Varnum Street
• Hearing: Notice of Intent for aquatic invasive treatment in Spy Pond

The Arlington Conservation Commission met on March 2, 2023, and discussed administrative items, correspondence, and several enforcement and project updates. The meeting included public hearings on a Request for Determination of Applicability for culvert repairs at 22 Mill Street, a continuation for paving at 106-108 Varnum Street, and a continuation for aquatic invasive treatment at Spy Pond. No final decisions were recorded in the minutes; the Varnum and Spy Pond hearings were expected to continue to the March 16 meeting.

• Held hearing on 22 Mill Street culvert repair RDA
• Continued 106-108 Varnum Street RDA hearing to March 16
• Continued Spy Pond aquatic invasive treatment NOI hearing to March 16

School Committee Regular Meeting

The Arlington School Committee will hold a public hearing on the FY24 budget, hear presentations on athletics, preschool, and math, and vote on surveying and appraising a portion of the Ottoson Middle School campus property at 0 Lot Appleton Street. The meeting also includes public comment, consent agenda approval, and an executive session on negotiations.

• Public hearing on FY24 budget
• Vote on survey and appraisal of property at 0 Lot Appleton Street
• Consent agenda: Warrant #23194, $778,462.69
• Athletic Department presentation on fee-free participation
• K-12 Mathematics Report

The School Committee voted 6-1 to approve and direct the survey and appraisal of a portion of the parcel known as '0 Lot Appleton Street,' believed to be owned by Arlington Public Schools as part of the Ottoson Middle School campus. This is a next step in the possible sale of the lot, but the Facilities Subcommittee did not recommend selling; only the appraisal process was discussed. The item will only go to Town Meeting if the School Committee approves it later.

• Approved survey and appraisal of 0 Lot Appleton Street (6-1)
• Approved Consent Agenda including Warrant #23194 for $778,462.69 and February 9, 2023 minutes (7-0)
• Moved into Executive Session for non-union negotiations with the Superintendent (7-0)

Standing Subcommittee: Accountablity/Curriculum

The Arlington School Committee's Standing Subcommittee for Accountability/Curriculum was scheduled to meet on March 2, 2023, but the agenda indicates the meeting was cancelled. The document lists standard procedural items such as Strategic Planning, Old Business, and New Business, but no specific decisions, contracts, or ordinances are detailed. The agenda was submitted by Chair Jane Morgan.

• Meeting status: Cancelled
• Scheduled time: 1:00 PM, March 2, 2023
• Location: Arlington High School, 869 Massachusetts Avenue

Standing Subcommittee: Budget

The Arlington School Committee Standing Subcommittee for the Budget met to review the FY23 and FY24 budgets, fund balances, enrollment updates, policies, ESSER III updates, program fees, and long-range planning scenarios. The meeting also included the approval of draft minutes from previous subcommittee meetings held on February 10, 2023, and February 14, 2023.

• Approval of Budget Subcommittee minutes from February 10, 2023
• Approval of Budget Subcommittee minutes from February 14, 2023
• Discussion of FY23 and FY24 school budgets and funding requirements
• Review of program fees and ESSER III updates
• Long-range planning discussion on various scenarios and APS funding requirements

The Budget Subcommittee met and reviewed the FY24 budget book in detail, making suggestions for edits. No substantive decisions were made; the meeting was largely informational, covering budget updates, enrollment projections, and ESSER III plans. The minutes from prior meetings were approved unanimously.

• Approved minutes of 2/10/23 and 2/14/23 (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals will hold hearings on four dockets, including a continuance for a large addition at 189 Forest Street and new requests at 212 Pleasant Street and 20 Hobbs Court. The board will decide whether to grant special permits for these projects, with public comment and staff recommendations considered.

• Docket #3731: 189 Forest Street – special permit for a 1,897 SF addition (180% increase) and new park-under garage; continued from Jan 24
• Docket #3733: 212 Pleasant Street – new hearing
• Docket #3732: 75 Dothan St – continuance
• Docket #3734: 20 Hobbs Court – new hearing

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals approved a special permit for an auto body shop at 20 Hobbs Court (5-0), continued the hearing for a home expansion at 212 Pleasant Street to March 28, and approved a mudroom addition at 75 Dothan Street (5-0). The board also granted a continuance for 189 Forest Street.

• Approved special permit for auto body shop at 20 Hobbs Court (5-0)
• Continued hearing for 212 Pleasant Street expansion to 3/28/2023 (4-0)
• Approved mudroom addition at 75 Dothan Street (5-0)
• Granted continuance for 189 Forest Street to 3/28/2023 (4-0)

Redevelopment Board

The Arlington Redevelopment Board will hold a continued public hearing on Docket #3650, a proposal by 190 & 192-200 Massachusetts Ave, LLC to build a mixed-use building with retail and 30 residential units (5 affordable) at 190 & 192-200 Massachusetts Avenue. The board may vote on the Environmental Design Review special permit. The agenda also includes updates on the Open Space and Recreation Plan, a review of an EDR application, and scheduling for the 2023 Annual Town Meeting.

• Continued public hearing and possible vote on Docket #3650 for 190-200 Mass. Ave. (30 residential units, 5 affordable, retail)
• Open Space and Recreation Plan update (adopted July 25, 2022)
• Review of revised EDR special permit application
• Schedule for 2023 Annual Town Meeting zoning amendments
• Approve meeting minutes from January 23 and February 6, 2023

The Arlington Redevelopment Board approved Docket #3650 for 190-200 Massachusetts Avenue, a mixed-use development, with a 3-1 vote. The approval includes a reduction in required parking spaces, a payment to the Arlington Tree Fund in lieu of two trees, and defers several design details to administrative review by DPCD staff. The Board also received updates on the Open Space and Recreation Plan and scheduled hearings for zoning amendments.

• Approved Docket #3650 for 190-200 Massachusetts Avenue (3-1)
• Approved parking reduction for the project, with conditions for TDM plans
• Approved payment to Arlington Tree Fund in lieu of two trees on Lake Street
• Approved five compact parking spaces and proposed setbacks
• Deferred design details (materials, solar panels, bike racks, lighting) to administrative review
• Approved minutes from January 3 and February 6, 2023 meetings
• Scheduled hearings for zoning amendments on March 6 and 13, 2023

Select Board Meeting

The Select Board will discuss the town manager search after three of four finalists withdrew, leaving no candidates to advance. They will also review the FY2023 second-quarter financial report and vote on several licenses and permits, including new restaurant licenses and a Mass Ave/Appleton Street intersection redesign.

• Town manager search: 4 finalists selected, 3 withdrew, leaving no candidates; board to consider reopening search
• FY2023 Q2 financial report: General Fund spending and revenue at ~50% of budget, with some variances noted
• Vote on Mass Ave/Appleton Street intersection redesign presented by Stantech Consulting
• License approvals: Thai Sticky Rice (wine/malt and common victualler), Boston Pizza and Gyro (common victualler), Boston Auto Exchange (Class II)
• Special one-day beer & wine licenses for private event (3/11) and Beats for Eats fundraiser (3/25) at Robbins Memorial Town Hall

The Board voted 5-0 to submit a letter to the Department of Open Government regarding the town manager search after three of four recommended candidates withdrew, leaving only one public candidate. They also approved several licenses, a letter of support for the Mass Ave/Appleton Street redesign, and took positions on multiple warrant articles.

• Approved letter to Department of Open Government on town manager search (5-0)
• Approved police detail and early voting for April 1 election (5-0)
• Approved one-day beer & wine licenses for March 11 and March 25 events (5-0)
• Approved Boston Women's Market at Whittemore Park (5-0)
• Approved wine and malt license transfer for Thai Sticky Rice (5-0)
• Tabled common victualler license for Boston Pizza and Gyro
• Approved Class II license for Boston Auto Exchange (5-0)
• Approved letter of support for Mass Ave/Appleton Street redesign (4-0, DeCourcey recused)

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals is meeting remotely to consider Docket #3719, a comprehensive permit application for a proposed multi-family dwelling with a parking garage at 1021-1025 Massachusetts Avenue. The meeting is the board's review of the application, which includes conceptual site plans. No other substantive items are on the agenda.

• Comprehensive permit application for 1021-1025 Massachusetts Avenue
• Proposed multi-family dwelling with parking garage
• Conceptual site plans (CP-1 and CP-2) submitted by MAJ Investment, LLC
• Meeting held via Zoom due to COVID-19 remote participation order

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals continued the public hearing for the Residences at Mill Brook comprehensive permit (1021-1025 Massachusetts Avenue) to March 9, 2023, by unanimous roll-call vote. The meeting focused on the applicant's construction management plan, revised front plaza design, and updated civil plans, with no final decision made on the permit. The board also discussed scheduling and the need to coordinate with the Conservation Commission's separate wetlands review.

• Continued public hearing for Residences at Mill Brook to March 9, 2023 (6-0)
• Adjourned meeting (6-0)
• Discussed construction management plan, including truck routes and pedestrian detours
• Reviewed revised front plaza design with increased setbacks and new street trees
• Noted applicant will update waiver list, removing setback waiver and adding I&I contribution waiver
• Scheduled next ZBA meeting for Feb 28 with four hearings on docket

Conservation Commission Meeting

The Arlington Conservation Commission is meeting virtually to discuss administrative items, including minutes and correspondence, and to hold public hearings on two Notices of Intent: one for aquatic invasive species management in Spy Pond and another for demolishing and rebuilding an addition at 39 Sunnyside Avenue within the Alewife Brook riverfront area. The commission will also discuss the Water Bodies Working Group annual report and updates to Arlington's wetlands regulations.

• Public hearing on Notice of Intent for chemical and mechanical treatment of invasive plants in Spy Pond (continuation)
• Public hearing on Notice of Intent to demolish and rebuild an addition at 39 Sunnyside Avenue, within Riverfront Area and Bordering Land Subject to Flooding associated with Alewife Brook
• Discussion of Water Bodies Working Group annual report, including FY24 budget projections
• Discussion of Arlington Wetlands Regulations Update
• Discussion of Mystic Bridge Special Conditions and Tree Committee Liaison

The Commission approved a Notice of Intent for a new addition at 39 Sunnyside Avenue, within the Riverfront Area of Alewife Brook, with four special conditions including post-construction spot grades and permeable paver testing. The Spy Pond aquatic invasive treatment hearing was continued to 3/2/2023 pending resolution of DEP and NHESP concerns. The Commission also approved the Water Bodies Working Group budget and reviewed draft wetlands regulations.

• Approved 39 Sunnyside Ave addition with conditions (6-0)
• Continued Spy Pond aquatic invasive treatment hearing to 3/2/2023 (6-0)
• Approved Water Bodies Working Group budget (6-0)
• Approved minutes of 1/19/2023 as edited (6-0)
• Approved minutes of 2/2/2023 as edited (6-0)

Select Board Meeting

This is a special Select Board meeting held remotely to present and discuss the Overnight Permitted Parking Pilot. The agenda includes only this presentation and discussion, along with an executive order on remote participation. No votes or decisions are scheduled.

• Presentation and discussion on the Overnight Permitted Parking Pilot
• Remote participation via Zoom with registration required
• Executive Order on Remote Participation attached

The Select Board held a special meeting for a presentation and public discussion regarding a proposed overnight permitted parking pilot. No formal votes were taken on the pilot program during this session.

• Adjourned meeting at 9:00 p.m. (3-0)

Standing Subcommittee: Budget

The Arlington School Committee's Budget Subcommittee is meeting to discuss the current FY23 budget and begin planning for the FY24 budget. The agenda includes updates on the budget calendar, fund balances, enrollment, and ESSER III funds, as well as a review of program fees and long-range planning scenarios. This is a working session with no votes scheduled, and public participation is via Zoom.

• Update of FY23 Budget
• FY24 Budget discussion with calendar and status update
• Fund Balances Discussion
• Enrollment Update
• Update on ESSER III

The subcommittee discussed a draft presentation for Long Range Planning and reviewed cost analysis for implementing the Strategic Plan. No formal votes were taken on budget items or policies during the meeting.

• Adjourned meeting (3-0-0)

Standing Subcommittee: Sepac

The Arlington Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) will meet on February 14, 2023, via Zoom. The agenda includes planning workshops for the coming year, receiving reports from officers and committees, and a listening session with Assistant Superintendent Alison Elmer. Public participation and new business are also scheduled.

• Planning workshops for the coming year
• Parent/Caregiver Listening Session with Alison Elmer, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services
• Officers/Committee Reports
• Public participation / New business / Open discussion

Select Board Meeting

This is a special Select Board meeting held solely for a public presentation of the Community Equity Audit, conducted by Opportunity Consulting. The audit examined barriers to equity in civic participation, town workforce, and housing, and includes findings and recommendations. The board is not voting on any items; it is receiving the presentation and the attached reports.

• Presentation of Community Equity Audit findings and recommendations
• Audit covers civic participation, town workforce, and housing inequality
• Report includes 10 findings, e.g., racial salary disparities and housing segregation
• Recommendations and suggested plan of action included in final report

The Select Board held a special meeting solely for a public presentation of the Community Equity Audit conducted by Opportunity Consulting. The consultants presented findings and recommendations, and members of the public spoke or asked questions. No formal decisions were made; the board only adjourned.

• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals is meeting virtually on February 13, 2023, at 4:00 PM. The agenda includes administrative items only, such as remote participation details and training for future hybrid meetings. No substantive zoning decisions or public hearings are listed.

• Meeting held virtually via Zoom due to Governor's COVID-19 order
• Training for future hybrid meetings

Standing Subcommittee: Facilities

The Arlington School Committee's Facilities Subcommittee will meet remotely to discuss a proposed motion to authorize an appraisal of property near Ottoson Middle School, approve the minutes from the December 12, 2022 meeting, and receive updates on facilities issues previously raised. The meeting is open to the public via Zoom.

• Discussion of proposed motion to request School Committee authorization for an appraisal of property near Ottoson Middle School
• Approval of December 12, 2022 meeting minutes
• Update on facilities issues from last meeting, including HVAC problems at Parmenter, Arlington High School, Dallin, and Ottoson
• Playground updates, including Brackett playground status and potential use of Robbins Farm playground

Standing Subcommittee: Budget

The Arlington School Committee's Budget Standing Subcommittee is meeting to discuss the FY23 budget update, FY24 budget planning, fund balances, enrollment, and long-range planning scenarios. The agenda also includes updates on ESSER III funds, program fees, and policy discussions. This is a working session focused on budget preparation and financial planning for the school district.

• Update of FY23 Budget
• FY24 Budget and Budget Calendar Update
• Fund Balances Discussion
• Update on ESSER III
• Program Fee Review

The Arlington School Committee's Budget Subcommittee met on February 10, 2023, and discussed the FY23 and FY24 budgets, enrollment updates, and the ESSER III grant. No formal decisions were made; the subcommittee planned to schedule a detailed budget review meeting before the next School Committee meeting and to set up a meeting with Finance Committee members. The meeting was adjourned with a motion passed 3-0-0.

• Scheduled a budget meeting before next SC meeting to review proposed FY24 budget in detail
• Set up a meeting with Finance Committee members (PB, JL) and invite Dean Carmon for budget review
• Determined to use the same enrollment graphic as in the budget book for the Long Range Plan
• Discussed potential budget transfers for increased homeless transportation costs (no action taken)

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals is holding a remote meeting to review Docket #3719, a comprehensive permit application for the redevelopment of 1021-1025 Massachusetts Avenue. The agenda includes discussion of the project's design, traffic impact, and streetscape considerations, with public comments and materials submitted. The meeting is conducted virtually due to the COVID-19 emergency.

• Comprehensive permit application for 1021-1025 Massachusetts Avenue (Docket #3719)
• Traffic impact assessment predicts less than 30 peak-hour trips, no material delays
• Proposed design changes include garage doors, roof screens, and green screen panels
• Tree Committee letter urges larger setbacks and preservation of mature trees
• Meeting held via Zoom due to COVID-19 remote participation order

The Board continued the comprehensive permit hearing for the Residences at Millbrook. The applicant presented updated landscaping, site, and constructability plans, including a proposed building width reduction to 135 feet. The Board voted to request $4,000 from the applicant to fund written transcripts of the proceedings.

• Approved request for $4,000 from applicant for hearing transcripts (6-0)
• Continued comprehensive permit hearing for 1021-1025 Massachusetts Avenue to February 23, 2023

School Committee Regular Meeting

The Arlington School Committee is set to vote on the final contract for Mona Ford Walker as Deputy Superintendent for Teaching and Learning, effective July 1, 2023. The committee will also review the Superintendent's proposed FY24 budget and take a second reading of the SY23-24 school calendar. Additional agenda items include presentations on social-emotional learning, digital learning, and elementary literacy curriculum.

• Vote on Deputy Superintendent contract for Mona Ford Walker (July 1, 2023–June 30, 2026) with starting salary of $179,000
• Review of Superintendent's Proposed Budget for FY24
• Second Read of SY23-24 Calendar
• Possible vote for approval of AHS Nordic Ski Team
• Consent agenda includes Warrant #23165 ($741,638.58) and Warrant #23174 ($655,493.45)

The Arlington School Committee unanimously approved the appointment of Mona Ford Walker as Deputy Superintendent for Teaching and Learning, effective July 1, 2023. The committee also approved a preliminary SY23-24 school calendar, the AHS Nordic Ski Team, and the consent agenda items. Presentations were given on social emotional learning, digital learning, literacy curriculum, and the FY24 budget.

• Approved contract for Deputy Superintendent for Teaching and Learning (unanimous)
• Approved appointment of Mona Ford Walker as Deputy Superintendent effective July 1, 2023 (unanimous)
• Approved preliminary SY23-24 school calendar (unanimous)
• Approved AHS Nordic Ski Team (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including warrants and minutes (6-0-1, Exton abstained)

School Committee Special Meeting

The Arlington School Committee held a special meeting on February 9, 2023, at Arlington High School. The meeting included a committee dinner with the Deputy Superintendent for Teaching and Learning and concluded with adjournment.

School Committee Executive Session

The Arlington School Committee is meeting in executive session to discuss strategy for negotiations with union and nonunion personnel, including collective bargaining and litigation. The only listed discussion item is the contract for the Deputy Superintendent for Teaching and Learning. This is a closed session, so no public votes or decisions are expected.

• Executive session for strategy on union and nonunion contract negotiations
• Discussion of Deputy Superintendent for Teaching and Learning contract

Redevelopment Board

The Arlington Redevelopment Board will discuss the hearing schedule and outreach plan for 16 zoning amendments on the 2023 Annual Town Meeting warrant, including 12 filed by the Board and 4 citizen petitions. They will also receive an update on administrative approvals and research on floor area ratio (FAR) calculations in business districts. The meeting includes votes on prior meeting minutes and an open forum for public comment.

• 16 zoning amendments for 2023 Town Meeting, including 12 ARB-proposed and 4 citizen petitions
• Proposed hearing schedule: 3/6 industrial, 3/13 citizen petitions, 3/20 business districts, 3/27 Arlington Heights Business
• Discussion of outreach options: public sessions, Arlington Heights meeting, Chamber of Commerce engagement
• Staff update on FAR: whether based on lot size or gross floor area in business districts
• Vote to approve minutes from 11/7, 11/21, 12/5, 12/19/2022 meetings

The Board discussed postponing most 2023 Town Meeting zoning amendments to a fall Special Town Meeting, reserving spring for financial and administrative work. No formal vote was recorded on this postponement. The Board unanimously approved minutes from four prior meetings. Other items were discussed but not decided.

• Approved minutes from 11/7/22, 11/21/22, 12/5/22, and 12/19/22 (unanimous)
• Discussed moving zoning amendments (except A, B, P) to fall Special Town Meeting — no vote recorded
• Discussed administrative review process for DPCD approvals — no formal action
• Discussed zoning bylaw clarification on parcel size vs. gross floor area — no formal action

Select Board Meeting

The Arlington Select Board will hear the FY2024 Town Manager's Budget presentation and vote on the sale of a $190,000 interest-free sewer bond to the MWRA. The board will also discuss and potentially vote on an overnight parking pilot, a cost-of-living adjustment for retirees, and a community equity audit report. Public hearings on CDBG performance and FY2024 funding requests are scheduled.

• Approval of $190,000 sewer bond sale to MWRA for inflow/infiltration project
• FY2024 budget presentation: $206.25 million total, 4.3% increase
• Public hearing: CDBG performance update for FY2022-2023
• Public hearing: CDBG requests for FY2024 funding
• Discussion and potential vote on overnight parking pilot

The Select Board approved the sale of a $190,000 sewer bond to the MWRA, received the FY2024 Town Manager's budget presentation, and approved a 5% COLA increase for retirees. The board also approved the consent agenda, including appointments and a contractor license, and received the CDBG mid-year report and FY2024 funding requests. No vote was taken on the overnight parking pilot, which remains under discussion.

• Approved $190,000 sewer bond sale to MWRA (5-0)
• Received FY2024 Town Manager's budget presentation (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including appointments and contractor license (5-0)
• Received CDBG mid-year report and FY2024 funding requests (5-0)
• Approved 5% COLA increase for retirees (5-0)
• Received Community Equity Audit report (5-0)
• Appointed Ashley Maher as Select Board Administrator (5-0)
• Referred traffic concerns on Grey Street to TAC (5-0)

Conservation Commission Meeting

The Arlington Conservation Commission is meeting virtually to discuss administrative items, working group updates, and several wetland-related hearings. The commission will consider Notices of Intent for the Mystic Street Bridge reconstruction and Spy Pond aquatic invasive treatment, plus a Request for Determination of Applicability for paving at 106-108 Varnum Street. It will also receive correspondence regarding a proposed prohibition on artificial turf fields in wetland areas.

• Notice of Intent: Mystic Street Bridge reconstruction at 0 Lot Mystic Street (continuation)
• Notice of Intent: Spy Pond aquatic invasive treatment (continuation to Feb 16)
• Request for Determination of Applicability: paving at 106-108 Varnum Street (continuation to Mar 2)
• Discussion: 1021-1025 Massachusetts Ave. 40B update
• Correspondence: Park and Recreation Commission and Green Toxicology responses on artificial turf prohibition

The Commission approved the reconstruction of the Mystic Street Bridge with specific environmental conditions. It also approved the Water Bodies Working Group Assessment and Recommendation Report with edits. Public hearings for Spy Pond and Varnum Street were continued.

• Approved Mystic Street Bridge reconstruction and Order of Conditions (7-0)
• Approved Water Bodies Working Group Assessment and Recommendation Report with edits (7-0)
• Continued Spy Pond Aquatic Invasive Treatment hearing to 2/16/2023 (7-0)
• Continued 106-108 Varnum Street hearing to 3/2/2023 (7-0)
• Tabled January 19, 2023 meeting minutes until 2/16/2023

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals will continue a public hearing on a Chapter 40B comprehensive permit for a mixed-use development at 1021-1025 Massachusetts Avenue. The board will review revised plans and traffic-impact responses submitted by the applicant and peer reviewers.

• Docket #3719: 1021-1025 Massachusetts Avenue — Chapter 40B comprehensive permit hearing continued
• Traffic-impact memo from Vanasse & Associates responds to peer-review comments on sidewalk reconstruction, driveway width, and parking layout
• Architectural attachments include basement through roof plans, elevations, and landscape renderings for the site
• Meeting held remotely via Zoom due to COVID-19 emergency order suspending in-person open meetings
• Applicant claims project will create new affordable homeownership opportunities in Arlington

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals continued the comprehensive permit hearing for the proposed 50-unit Millbrook residential development at 1021-1027 Massachusetts Avenue to February 9, 2023. The board heard traffic and architectural presentations, received public comment, and discussed design concerns including building setbacks and massing. No final decision was made; the hearing was continued by unanimous vote.

• Continued Millbrook 40B hearing to Feb 9, 2023 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

School Committee Regular Meeting

The Arlington School Committee will hold a regular meeting with public comment, followed by votes on the FY24 budget allocation of $88,947,334, the AHS Program of Study, and the superintendent's goals. They will also discuss the draft strategic plan and the SY2023-2024 calendar, and receive updates on administrative hiring, grants, and enrollment.

• Possible vote to accept FY24 budget allocation of $88,947,334
• Possible vote on AHS Program of Study
• First read of SY2023-2024 school calendar
• Approval of Model Congress field trip (Feb 23-26, 2023)
• Second read and possible vote on superintendent's goals

The Arlington School Committee approved a field trip scheduled for April 13-20, 2024, with a 4-2-1 roll call vote. The trip, organized by volunteers and full with 72 students, was discussed regarding equity and use of the Scholarship Fund for financial assistance. The committee also approved meeting dates for the next three school years, consent agenda items including warrants totaling $1,163,548.99, and a Memorandum of Agreement with AEA Unit C.

• Approved field trip for April 13-20, 2024 (4-2-1)
• Approved School Committee meeting dates for SY2023-2024, SY2024-2025, SY2025-2026 (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda including warrants #23145 ($828,584.34) and #23157 ($334,964.65) and minutes from Dec 1 and Dec 15, 2022 (7-0)
• Approved Memorandum of Agreement with AEA Unit C, July 1, 2022-June 30, 2025 (7-0)

Standing Subcommittee: Budget

The Arlington School Committee Budget Subcommittee met to review the status of the FY23 budget and the calendar for the FY24 budget. The agenda included discussions on fund balances, enrollment updates, program fee reviews, and long-range planning scenarios. The committee also reviewed an update on ESSER III federal grant expenditures and discussed related policies.

• Review of FY23 budget status and FY24 budget calendar
• Discussion of fund balances and monthly financial reports
• Update on ESSER III federal grant expenditures
• Program fee review and long-range planning scenarios
• Enrollment update and policy discussions

The Arlington School Committee Budget Subcommittee met to review FY23 and FY24 budget items, including turnover savings, staffing changes, and grant management. No formal votes were taken on budget items; the only actions were approving the previous meeting's minutes and adjourning.

• Approved minutes of 1/17/23 meeting (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a virtual meeting to discuss potential zoning amendments for the 2023 Annual Town Meeting, including changes to business district setbacks and open space requirements. The board will also provide updates on a hybrid meeting dry run and the zoning assistant position. The only public hearing scheduled is for Docket #3731 at 189 Forest Street.

• Hearing for Docket #3731 at 189 Forest Street
• Discussion of zoning amendments for the 2023 Annual Town Meeting
• Review of proposed changes to Business District open space and rear yard setbacks
• Update on the Zoning Assistant position
• Update on Hybrid Meeting Dry Run Session

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously to continue the hearing for a proposed large addition at 189 Forest Street to February 28, 2023, after extensive public comment raised concerns about drainage, tree preservation, neighborhood character, and the need for more review time. The board requested additional information from the applicant, including a tree plan, drainage calculations, and a shadow study, before making a decision. No final decision was made on the application.

• Continued hearing for 189 Forest St addition to 2/28/2023 (6-0)
• Requested additional information: tree plan, drainage plan, shadow study, and slope analysis

Redevelopment Board

The Arlington Redevelopment Board will hold a public hearing on a proposal to reopen Special Permit Docket #3650 for a four-story mixed-use building at 190 & 192-200 Massachusetts Avenue. The project includes 30 residential units (5 affordable) and 4,772 square feet of commercial space. The board may vote on the special permit. The agenda also includes a continuance request for another hearing, discussion of zoning warrant articles, and an organizational meeting.

• Public hearing on Docket #3650: mixed-use building, 30 residential units (5 affordable), 4,772 sq ft commercial, 23 parking spaces, at 190 & 192-200 Massachusetts Avenue
• Continued public hearing on Docket #3728 (99 Massachusetts Avenue) requested to March 6, 2023
• Discussion and vote on zoning warrant articles for 2023 Annual Town Meeting
• Annual election of chair and vice chair
• Open Forum for public comments (3-minute limit)

The Arlington Redevelopment Board re-elected Rachel Zsembery as chair and Kin Lau as vice chair unanimously. The board continued the public hearing for the mixed-use project at 190-192-200 Massachusetts Avenue to February 27, 2023, after extensive discussion and requests for design changes. The board also voted unanimously to submit zoning warrant articles for the 2023 Annual Town Meeting, with some items struck or amended.

• Re-elected Rachel Zsembery as Chair (unanimous)
• Re-elected Kin Lau as Vice Chair (unanimous)
• Continued Docket #3650 (190-192-200 Mass Ave) to Feb 27 (unanimous)
• Continued Docket #3728 (99 Mass Ave) to Mar 6 (unanimous)
• Approved zoning warrant articles for spring Town Meeting as amended (unanimous)
• Struck Industrial district uses article from Town Meeting (unanimous)

Select Board Meeting

The Arlington Select Board is meeting to consider reappointments to four town boards and commissions, and to review updated guidance on remote participation under the Open Meeting Law. The agenda includes a consent agenda with reappointments for the Arts and Culture Commission, Redevelopment Board, Open Space Committee, and Park and Recreation Commission, all with terms expiring January 31, 2026. The attached legal memo outlines options for remote, hybrid, or in-person meetings depending on pending state legislation.

• Reappoint Stephen Poltorzycki to Arlington Commission on Arts and Culture, term to 01/31/2026
• Reappoint Eugene Benson to Redevelopment Board, term to 01/31/2026
• Reappoint Elisabeth Carr-Jones to Open Space Committee, term to 01/31/2026
• Reappoint Shirley Canniff to Park and Recreation Commission, term to 01/31/2026
• Review of Open Meeting Law remote participation requirements and options

The Select Board unanimously approved the reappointment of four individuals to town boards and commissions. The meeting was conducted remotely under the Commonwealth's COVID-19 remote participation provisions.

• Reappointed Stephen Poltorzycki to Arlington Commission on Arts and Culture (5-0)
• Reappointed Eugene Benson to Redevelopment Board (5-0)
• Reappointed Elisabeth Carr-Jones to Open Space Committee (5-0)
• Reappointed Shirley Canniff to Park and Recreation Commission (5-0)

Select Board Meeting

The Arlington Select Board will discuss and potentially vote on several items, including an overnight parking pilot, Select Board warrant articles for the upcoming Town Meeting, and in-person participation at meetings. They will also consider approving a special beer and wine license for a private event, a proclamation honoring Dan Shine, and the Arlington Education Foundation 5K race. The agenda includes updates on the town manager search, long-range plan, and fossil fuel infrastructure.

• Discussion & potential vote on overnight parking pilot
• Discussion & potential vote on Select Board warrant articles
• Approval of special one-day beer & wine license for private event on 01/28/2023 at Robbins Memorial Town Hall
• Arlington Education Foundation 5K race on May 21, 2023, with route on Minuteman Bikeway
• Proclamation honoring Dan Shine for coaching career

The Select Board voted 5-0 to place a special legislation article on the Town Meeting warrant regarding the appointment of a Town Manager or Temporary Town Manager. The Board also approved several other items including a proclamation honoring Dan Shine, the Arlington Education Foundation 5K race, a one-day beer and wine license, two appointments, and TAC crosswalk recommendations. Discussions on fossil fuel infrastructure, the long-range plan, town manager search, overnight parking pilot, and in-person participation were held with no votes taken on most items.

• Approved proclamation honoring Dan Shine (5-0)
• Approved Arlington Education Foundation 5K race on May 21, 2023 (5-0)
• Approved one-day beer & wine license for 01/28/2023 at Robbins Memorial Town Hall (5-0)
• Approved Kevin Bryant to Human Rights Commission (5-0)
• Approved Jean Flanagan as Poet Laureate (5-0)
• Accepted TAC recommendations for crosswalk at Summer Street and Victoria Road (5-0)
• Added Special Legislation/Appointment of Town Manager or Temporary Town Manager to warrant (5-0)
• Approved in-person public participation at Select Board meetings (5-0)

Conservation Commission Meeting

The Arlington Conservation Commission is meeting virtually to discuss administrative items, including minutes and correspondence, and to hold public hearings on continued Notices of Intent for projects at 14-16 Edith Street and the Mystic Street Bridge. They will also discuss an enforcement matter regarding crumb rubber migration from Arlington Catholic High School's synthetic turf field toward Mill Brook, and consider updates to wetland regulations and the 2023 meeting schedule.

• Notice of Intent: 14-16 Edith Street (continuation) for rebuilding a 2-family dwelling in flood-prone areas
• Notice of Intent: Mystic Bridge (continuation) for reconstructing Mystic Street Bridge in riverfront and wetland areas
• Request for Determination of Applicability: 106-108 Varnum Street (continuation) for paving a parking area in flood zone
• Enforcement discussion: Arlington Catholic High School synthetic turf field crumb rubber migration toward Mill Brook
• Discussion: 1021-1025 Massachusetts Ave. 40B project update

The Commission closed the public hearing and unanimously approved the Notice of Intent to rebuild a 2-family dwelling at 14-16 Edith Street, subject to special conditions including dewatering, tree protection, and approval for tree substitutions. The Commission also continued hearings for the Mystic Bridge reconstruction and the 106-108 Varnum Street parking area, and discussed enforcement of artificial turf erosion at Arlington Catholic High School athletic field.

• Approved 14-16 Edith Street rebuild under Wetlands Protection Act with special conditions (7-0)
• Continued Mystic Bridge hearing to 2/2/2023 (6-0)
• Continued 106-108 Varnum Street hearing to 2/2/2023 (6-0)
• Approved 1/5/2023 meeting minutes as edited (6-0)
• Approved warrant article for $50,000 to fund Water Bodies Working Group (6-0)
• Requested Arlington Catholic High School to present cleanup and maintenance plan for athletic field by 2/16/2023

Board Of Health

The Arlington Board of Health will meet virtually to discuss updates to the Town's Rules and Regulations for Body Art Establishments and Practitioners, including a request for a temporary guest artist license and fee reductions. They will also review the proposed 2023 meeting schedule and receive updates on environmental health, restaurants, and COVID-19. The meeting includes acceptance of minutes from November 16, 2022, and public comment.

• Discussion of Body Art regulations, including a request for a temporary guest artist license and lower fees
• Proposed 2023 meeting schedule (8 dates, starting January 18, 2023)
• Updates on environmental health, restaurants, and COVID-19
• Acceptance of November 16, 2022 meeting minutes

The Arlington Board of Health discussed updating its 2001 Body Art Establishment Regulations, which have not been revised in over 20 years. The board agreed to have staff research modern industry standards and neighboring communities' rules, with a public hearing expected in the coming months. The board also approved the November 16, 2022 meeting minutes and discussed updates on environmental health, restaurants, and COVID-19.

• Approved November 16, 2022 meeting minutes (2-0, Dr. Rice abstained as new member)
• Agreed to review and update Body Art Establishment Regulations, with staff research and future hearing
• Changed March 1, 2023 meeting to March 8, 2023
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Standing Subcommittee: Budget

The Arlington School Committee's Budget Subcommittee is meeting to discuss the FY23 budget update, FY24 budget planning, fund balances, enrollment, policies, ESSER III, program fees, and long-range planning. The agenda includes detailed salary scenarios for AEA-A and AEA-D staff, with comparisons to other districts. This is a working session with no final votes expected.

• FY24 budget calendar and status update
• AEA-A salary scenarios with COLA options (2.75% to 2%) and comparison to peer districts
• AEA-D salary scenarios, including option to eliminate teaching assistant and building substitute salary levels
• Fund balances discussion
• Update on ESSER III federal funds

The subcommittee reviewed a draft salary comparison chart for the AEA versus TM12 communities. No substantive decisions were made regarding the FY23 budget, FY24 budget, or other agenda items.

• Approved minutes of 01/06/23 (3-0-0)

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals met virtually on January 12, 2023, to approve minutes from December 2022 and a decision for 201 Old Spring Street. The primary agenda item was Docket #3719 for 1021-1025 Massachusetts Avenue, a Comprehensive Permit (40B) application. The agenda includes a peer review letter from Tetra Tech raising concerns about constructability, emergency access, and stormwater management for the proposed development.

• Approval of meeting minutes from December 19 and 20, 2022
• Approval of decision for 201 Old Spring Street
• Docket #3719: 1021-1025 Massachusetts Avenue Comprehensive Permit (40B)
• Tetra Tech peer review letter dated January 6, 2023, citing constructability and emergency access issues
• Review of Construction and Traffic Management Plan for 1021-1025 Massachusetts Avenue

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals continued the comprehensive permit (40B) hearing for the Residences at Mill Brook at 1021-1025 Massachusetts Avenue. The board heard presentations on wetlands and stormwater, with the applicant agreeing to revise plans and submit updated documents. No vote on the project was taken; the hearing was continued to January 26, 2023.

• Approved minutes of December 19, 2022 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of December 20, 2022 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved written decision for 201 Old Spring Street (unanimous)
• Continued comprehensive permit hearing for Residences at Mill Brook to January 26, 2023 (unanimous)

School Committee Regular Meeting

The Arlington School Committee is meeting to discuss and vote on several items, including approval of a Costa Rica field trip for Ottoson Middle School students, the superintendent's goals, and school committee budget priorities. They will also hear updates on the Tiered Focus Monitoring Report, the Strategic Plan, and ESSER III funds. The meeting includes a public comment period and an executive session to discuss collective bargaining, with a possible vote on a Memorandum of Agreement with AEA Unit C.

• Field trip approval for Costa Rica, April 13-20, 2024, for 7th and 8th graders, cost $3,299 per student
• School Committee Budget Priorities discussion
• Superintendent's Goals SY2022-2023 first read
• Possible vote on Memorandum of Agreement with AEA Unit C (July 1, 2022-June 30, 2025)
• Consent agenda includes warrants totaling $1,163,548.99

The Arlington School Committee approved a field trip scheduled for April 13-20, 2024, by a 4-2-1 roll call vote, with one abstention. The trip, organized by volunteers and not a school trip, was discussed regarding equity and scholarship fund use. Other actions included approving meeting dates for three future school years, consent agenda items, and a memorandum of agreement with AEA Unit C.

• Approved field trip for April 13-20, 2024 (4-2-1)
• Approved School Committee meeting dates for SY2023-2024, SY2024-2025, SY2025-2026 (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda including warrants #23145 ($828,584.34) and #23157 ($334,964.65) and meeting minutes (7-0)
• Approved Memorandum of Agreement with AEA Unit C, July 1, 2022-June 30, 2025 (7-0)

Standing Subcommittee: Sepac

The Arlington School Committee's SEPAC subcommittee is meeting to approve minutes, hear officer and staff reports, and plan workshops for the coming year. The agenda is largely procedural, with no specific decisions or proposals listed.

• Planning workshops for the coming year
• Officers/Committee reports
• APS Staff reports
• Public participation and new business

Select Board Meeting

The Arlington Select Board will discuss and possibly vote on a resolution urging National Grid to repair 14 significant environmental impact gas leaks by June 30, 2023. The board will also vote on a 40B housing proposal at 10 Sunnyside Avenue, two dangerous dog hearings, and several appointments. Consent agenda items include a 5K race permit and a one-day beer and wine license. Updates will be given on the town manager search, overnight parking pilot, and Route 77 service reduction.

• Vote on resolution requesting National Grid repair 14 SEI gas leaks by June 30, 2023
• Vote on 10 Sunnyside Avenue 40B housing proposal
• Two dangerous dog hearing requests
• Special one-day beer and wine license for private event at Robbins Library on 01/14/23
• Reappointment to Transportation Advisory Committee (Shoji Takahashi, term to 1/31/2025)

The Board voted 5-0 to approve a letter of full support for the 10 Sunnyside Avenue 40B affordable housing project, with an amendment to mention the Fair Housing Action Plan. It also referred two dangerous dog hearing requests to the Arlington Police Department, approved appointments to the Board of Health and Council on Aging, and tabled the Arlington Education Foundation 5K race request. The Board approved the Town Manager Screening Committee and discussed gas leaks, MBTA Route 77 service, and an overnight parking pilot.

• Approved letter of support for 10 Sunnyside Ave 40B project (5-0)
• Referred dangerous dog hearing to Police Department (5-0)
• Referred second dangerous dog hearing to Police Department (5-0)
• Tabled Arlington Education Foundation 5K race to Jan 23 (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda items 8, 10, 11 (5-0)
• Appointed Peter Rice to Board of Health (5-0)
• Appointed Sherry Graham to Council on Aging (5-0)
• Approved Town Manager Screening Committee (5-0)

Standing Subcommittee: Budget

The Arlington School Committee's Budget Subcommittee is meeting to discuss the FY23 budget status and the FY24 budget, including a budget calendar update, fund balances, enrollment, and policy discussions. They will review a teacher salary comparison showing Arlington's average teacher salary ranked 9th among 13 comparable districts, and a FY24 budget request report with $1.2 million in non-negotiable requests and $1.8 million in morally imperative requests. The meeting is open to the public and will be held in person and via Zoom.

• FY24 anticipated budget of $89,322,268, with $5,824,399 in additional dollars over FY23
• Teacher salary analysis: Arlington's FY21 average teacher salary $83,465.93, ranked 9th of 13 districts
• FY24 budget requests: $1,219,700 non-negotiables, $1,845,886 morally imperative, $1,038,886 needs more info
• Discussion of FY24 budget calendar, including public hearing on March 2, 2023
• Update on ESSER III funds (estimated $950,000 remaining)

The Arlington School Committee's Budget Subcommittee discussed the FY24 budget and agreed to recommend aligning teacher salaries with TM12, which will be presented to the full committee on 1/12/23. They also noted that the FY23 budget is projected to end with a balance, and that capital requests were approved except for OMS. No formal votes were taken on these items.

• Approved minutes of 12/20/22 (3-0)
• Agreed to recommend teacher salary alignment with TM12 to full committee
• Noted capital requests approved except for OMS

Conservation Commission Meeting

The Arlington Conservation Commission will discuss and consider evidence for and against prohibiting artificial turf in wetland jurisdictional areas, and will hold a public hearing on a Notice of Intent for work at 40-42 Forest Street. The meeting also includes updates on CPA applications, a request for a Certificate of Compliance at 1167R Massachusetts Avenue, and continuations of several hearings.

• Discussion of artificial turf prohibition in wetland jurisdictional areas
• Public hearing on Notice of Intent for 40-42 Forest Street (partial demolition, Riverfront Area, Buffer Zone, Land Subject to Flooding)
• Request for Certificate of Compliance at 1167R Massachusetts Avenue
• Continuation of hearings for 14-16 Edith Street, Mystic Bridge, and 106-108 Varnum Street
• CPA application updates

The Arlington Conservation Commission approved a Notice of Intent for work at 40-42 Forest Street, including partial demolition and construction on piers, with conditions such as a three-year monitoring period for plantings and invasive species removal. The Commission also issued a Certificate of Compliance for 1167R Massachusetts Avenue and continued hearings for several other projects. No decision was made on artificial turf; the chair withdrew a proposal for a prohibition, citing a town manager's moratorium.

• Approved Notice of Intent for 40-42 Forest Street (6-0)
• Issued Certificate of Compliance for 1167R Massachusetts Avenue (6-0)
• Continued public hearing for 14-16 Edith Street (6-0)
• Continued public hearing for Mystic Bridge (6-0)
• Continued public hearing for 106-108 Varnum Street (6-0)
• Approved minutes of 12/1/2022 and 12/15/2022 meetings (6-0 each)