VOTING INFORMATION

Ordinance change related to Marijuana Establishments: technical changes related to license renewals and new license applications

• Change of terms from Marijuana to Cannabis to be compliant with state law:

• License applications can be submitted electronically rather than in person.

• Changes to public hearing requirements: required for new licenses only.

• Newspaper notices and abutter mailings no longer required.

• New documentation requirements for renewal applications.

• Alignment of local license dates with state license dates.

• License application deny or deferral for code violation or compliance issues.

WHY A YES VOTE MATTERS… All the changes above will be implemented.

A NO VOTE MEANS: It will leave the ordinance as is (creates non-compliance on terminology).

Amendment to Town Charter related to Budget Committee

• Amendment does not change the responsibility of the Select Board

• It inserts language to facilitate more comprehensive financial input process when requested.

A YES vote implements changes

A NO vote leaves Charter language as is

Capital Approval Project for a Town Pavilion

• Will the Town approve a capital project at Hammond Park (anecdotally, a place for farmer’s market, ice rink, music pavilion, communal gathering, et. Al.);

• Appropriate the sum of $2.7Million;

  • $1.2Million from Town’s ‘unassigned funds’

  • $1.5Million in borrowing

• Authorize the Select Board to apply for federal financial assistance;

• Authorize the Select Board to accept grants to offset appropriations;

• Authorize issuing obligation securities of the town.

A YES vote approves capital project and appropriation of funds

A NO vote denies capital project

Amendment to the Town Charter related to Qualification, Compensation and Appointment Process of Town Manager

• Eliminate barriers to creating pathways for qualified existing Town employees to advance within the organization including to position of Town Manager;

• Grant Select Board flexibility in seeking / hiring role of Town Manager

• Allow more comprehensive succession planning for possible future internal candidates.

YES vote implements changes

NO vote leaves Charter language as is

Ordinance change related to Zoning - Mixed Use Zone and Commercial Industrial Zone, Standards; Compliance with State Laws on Housing and Parking Regulations

• New definitions of Civic Space in new Mixed Use Zone

  • Civic space are outdoor open spaces designed to support social and recreational activities;

  • Four types have been specified: common, park, square, plaza;

  • The ordinance articulates standards for size, dwelling unit thresholds, landscape, hardscape, lighting, seating, etc. for each type.

• New wetland mitigation standards in new Mixed Use Zone

  • Establish wetland conservation program in alignment with Comprehensive Plan goals

  • Establish ‘payment in lieu’ option to allow for limited alteration of wetlands with payment into fund to enhance / preserve wetlands in other areas of Eliot or environmental projects benefiting wetlands.

• Changes to minimum lot size and street frontage standards in Commercial /Industrial Zone

  • Minimum lot size reduced from 3 acres to 1 acre for lots served by both water & sewer; minimum street frontage reduced from 300 ft to 150 for certain streets.

• Modify parking requirements in all zones to comply with new state legislation LD427

  • Developer’s compliance can be met with offsite parking within .25 miles with strict access standards.

• Miscellaneous definition updates:

  • ADU - Update Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) definition to clarify that ADU can be associated with multi – unit residential structure (not just single family) ;

  • Affordable unit – clarification to costs which apply to affordability calculation.

YES vote implements changes

NO vote leaves ordinance as is (creates non-compliance on LD427 and no standards for civic spaces or wetland mitigation).