Town meeting voters back pool override, plastic bag reduction bylaw

An energetic base of nearly 370 voters at Monday’s opening session of annual town meeting approved major renovations to the Bolivar Pool facility, endorsed a ban on thin-film, single-use plastic bags at retail establishments, and okayed a Special Tax Agreement (STA) for Spear Street Capital, the new owners of the former Reebok headquarters off Royall Street.

The town pool replacement project is headed for an override vote May 28. (Michelle Stark photo)

Town meeting voters, in dispatching 35 of the 46 articles on the warrant, also approved a series of zoning changes governing medical uses and endorsed a new capital plan that includes money to redesign the intersection at Washington and Randolph streets.

Although a two-thirds vote was needed to pass the $5.9 million borrowing authorization for the town pool project, only one negative vote was cast as participants young and old, including members of the CHS swim team, spoke in favor of the project, noting that the pool is part of the fabric of the Canton community. The project, which requires a debt-exclusion override, will now go to a town-wide ballot vote set for Tuesday, May 28. Passage would be achieved with a simple majority vote, and if approved, renovation work would begin around Labor Day weekend. Town Clerk Tracy Kenney said absentee ballots are now available and the deadline for casting those ballots is noon on Friday, May 24.

The pool article received widespread support from all major boards, including selectmen, Parks & Recreation, the Finance Committee, and Building Renovations Committee, which worked extensively with Parks & Recreation to draw up the plans.

Finance Director Jim Murgia said the 20-year bond comes at a good time with many other major capital projects due to come off the books in the next five years. Based on an average Canton home assessment of $490,000, the initial homeowner tax payment will rise $37 but drop to $30 on an average for the 20-year bond. Selectmen Chairman Mark Porter said the only other major project looming in the next few years is a planned renovation of the Gavin Middle School, which would first need approval by the Mass. School Building Authority over 40 percent reimbursement to the town before it comes before voters.

John McCourt, chairman of the Playground and Recreation Commission, said all of the proposed pool renovation plans were well vetted and Parks & Recreation looked at several sites for possible relocation. McCourt told voters on Monday night that the town does not own any other parcels with sufficient space and the cost to acquire private land would be prohibitive. McCourt said the best option is the current site on Bolivar Street, which has all the necessary water-sewer, electrical and plumbing connections.

Several residents rose to support the project, with many citing how important swimming lessons are for children and how the pool’s availability has assisted countless Canton families during a hot summer. Parks & Recreation Director Liz Francis said Canton’s town pool is a unique community asset and is one of the main reasons she decided to take a recreation position here.

Speaking at length, resident Sandy Hart detailed her life at the pool, starting as a 7-year-old swimmer, then to a lifeguard, lifeguard instructor, pool director and now as the longtime coach of the Canton Dolphins swim team, which now has over 100 young participants. Noting the friendships made, Hart said the Bolivar pool is “much more than a swimming pool. It’s been a haven for many Canton families.”

Plastic bag reduction approved

Another major article approved Monday night was the creation of a new plastic bag reduction bylaw, which passed enthusiastically. The bylaw encourages patrons to use reusable bags and calls for Canton retailers and restaurants to offer recycled paper bags or thicker (reusable) plastic bags at the point of sale. Within six months, retail and food service establishments must offer a recyclable paper bag, a compostable and marine degradable plastic bag, or a reusable checkout bag …

See this week’s Citizen for more town meeting highlights. Special May Subscription Promo: $25 for 1 year for new in-town subscribers.

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Posted by Canton Citizen on May 18 2019. Filed under News, Town Government. Both comments and pings are currently closed.