Burlington's May Town Meeting is set for Monday, May 11, 2026, beginning at 7:00 PM in the Fogelberg Auditorium at Burlington High School. Like every May, this is the Annual Town Meeting — the main event where your elected representatives vote on the town's operating and capital budgets for the coming fiscal year, along with a variety of other business. The meeting will be broadcast on BCAT for those watching from home.

This article contains the Burlington Buzz Warrant Article Summary, drawing on public meetings, interviews with town officials, and the official documentation — the Warrant (the list of items up for a vote) and the Backup (supporting documentation and justifications) — which can be found in the Town Meeting section of the Town Clerk's website.

You can also view the full proposed FY27 town budget and 10-year capital plan, and draft school department budget.

Please reach out to your precinct representatives with questions and input. Not sure what precinct you're in? Click here for a map.

This Warrant Article Summary will be updated continuously to add summaries ahead of Town Meeting and to add votes and other pertinent details as Town Meeting progresses.

May 11, 2026, Town Meeting

General Articles

Article 1 - Reports of Town Officers & Committees

This article gives Town Meeting the opportunity to hear reports from town officers and committees. This time around we'll hear from the Government Review Committee and possibly more.

Financial Articles

Article 2 - Fund FY2026 Operating Budget ($TBD)

The main event. This is where Town Meeting works through the budget book department by department, with members given the opportunity to ask questions of department heads before voting. The school budget is also approved here, though without the same line-by-line scrutiny applied to the town's operational side.

This year's budget was a closely watched process throughout the spring, with the total approaching the $200 million mark. Detailed information on each departmental budget can be found at the dedicated Budget page of the Burlington Buzz Website. The Ways & Means Committee approved department budgets in multiple rounds through March, April, and May.

Article 3 - Fund FY2027 Capital Budget ($5,746,065)

These are capital articles — one-time expenditures funded largely from Free Cash this year ($5,526,065), with the remainder coming from the Sewer Enterprise Fund ($120,000) and a small raise-and-appropriate ($100,000). The Backup document should contain detailed justifications for each request. Here's a summary of each item:

Town Administrator / Select Board

• 3-01 – Public Building Accessibility & Security ($100,000) — Funds accessibility and security improvements to public buildings, to be spent under the direction of the Select Board. This is the only capital item funded through raise-and-appropriate rather than Free Cash.

Council on Aging

• 3-02 – Fitness Equipment ($30,000) — Replaces aging fitness equipment at the Senior Center.

Conservation

• 3-03 – Land Management & Acquisition Program ($20,000) — Set up a fund for the Conservation Commission's ongoing land management and acquisition efforts – these funds would pay for things like appraisals and prep work when a piece of land is donated to or acquired by the town.
• 3-04 – Hazard Mitigation Program ($25,000) — Supports hazard mitigation work on the town's conservation lands and waterways.

Fire Department

• 3-05 Fire – Command Vehicle ($94,000) — Replaces a command vehicle in the department's fleet – the 2015 vehicle has 68,000 miles and "significant rot."
• 3-06 Fire – Cardiac Monitor Equipment Replacement ($181,000) — Replaces cardiac monitors used by fire/EMS personnel, which are at or nearing the end of their current service contract.

Department of Public Works

• 3-07 DPW – Side-Arm Brush Mower Attachment ($68,000) — Replaces the single brush mower attachment in the DPW highway fleet; this is used for roadside vegetation management.
• 3-08 DPW – Drainage Repair/Stream Cleaning ($200,000) — This annual appropriation has been in place since 2001. It funds ongoing work to remove sediment from streams and drainage systems, reducing nuisance flooding throughout town.
• 3-09 DPW – PFAS Filtration Replacement ($650,000) — The largest single DPW capital item this year. Burlington's PFAS treatment system, which opened in 2023, uses filtration media that requires periodic replacement. This has been an ongoing infrastructure investment as the town works to maintain safe drinking water standards. The department recently replaced the three main filters and moved the three backup filters to the main position. This would allow for replacement of the other three filters.
• 3-10 DPW – Mill Pond Filter Sand Replacement ($35,000) — Routine replacement of filter sand at the Mill Pond water treatment facility. "The current sand was installed in 2007 and is coated with manganese oxide from years of treating and filtering water," according to the backup.
• 3-11 DPW – Water Meter Replacement Program ($250,000) — Continues the multi-year water meter replacement program that Town Meeting launched last year with a $1 million first-year investment. The newer meters improve accuracy, prevent revenue loss from low meter readings, and enable remote reading.
• 3-12 DPW – Vehicle Replacement Program ($556,000) — The DPW's annual vehicle replacement request, covering several aging pieces of fleet equipment – a loader, a Ford F150 pickup truck, and a Ford Explorer SUV. According to the backup, "Equipment is typically replaced when it is believed it may not pass the next RMV inspection, if there are safety concerns, or frequent and expensive breakdowns."
• 3-13 DPW – Facility Asset Inventory & Software ($65,000) — Funds software and an updated inventory of the town's facilities and infrastructure assets to support future capital planning.
• 3-14 DPW – Greenleaf Water Tank Rehabilitation Design ($75,000) — Pays for an engineering design study for the rehabilitation of the Greenleaf water storage tank. (Last year, Town Meeting approved $300,000 for a mixing system retrofit; this article funds the design portion of this routine maintenance; expect another article once the design is complete for completion of the actual project.)
• 3-15 DPW – Sewer Pump Station & Generator Replacement ($120,000) — Replaces aging equipment at a sewer pump station, funded from the Sewer Enterprise Fund rather than Free Cash. The generator keeps the sewage pumps running in the case of a power outage.

Historical Commission

• 3-16 Historical – West School Storage Shed ($100,000) — Funds a storage shed at West School for the Historical Commission, providing secure space for the town's historical collections and materials. This shed has already been partially funded by Town Meeting.

Recreation Department

• 3-17 Recreation – Simonds Park Renovation & Improvement Design ($200,000) — Funds the design phase for a larger renovation of Simonds Park. See Article 16 below, which would accept $100,000 from the Marshall Simonds Trust.
• 3-18 Recreation – Athletic Field Improvements ($200,000) — Annual funding for athletic facility upgrades including fencing, backstops, and infield work across the town's parks. Recent projects have included backstop replacements and infield renovations at parks around town. This will be the third year the department has requested these funds.
• 3-19 Recreation – Fencing, Walkway, and Tree Replacement Program ($50,000) — Covers ongoing replacement and repair needs for fences, walkways, and trees across parks, playgrounds, and municipal properties.
• 3-20 Recreation – Maintenance Equipment Replacement ($60,000) — Replaces aging maintenance equipment used by the Recreation Department to maintain parks and fields. this year's article aims to replace a Bobcat and a sidearm mower attachment.
• 3-21 Recreation – Renovate and Repurpose Ceramics Room ($50,000) — Funds the renovation of a ceramics room at the Recreation Department "to create a versatile, modern multipurpose programming space that better supports community needs." Ceramics attendance had been declining for years and the program doesn't run anymore.

Burlington Public Schools

The schools have a substantial capital ask this year, totaling approximately $2.6 million across ten items. The biggest-ticket items address aging mechanical systems at the high school and Marshall Simonds Middle School.

• 3-22 Schools – System wide Curriculum ($280,840) — Funds middle school literacy curriculum materials – the first comprehensive literacy adoption at the middle school.
• 3-23 Schools – Marshall Simonds Plumbing ($605,000) — Addresses plumbing infrastructure at Marshall Simonds Middle School. "The new cooling tower will improve system reliability, energy efficiency, and support proper operation of the building’s HVAC systems," says the school department in the backup.
• 3-24 Schools – BHS Boiler Room Repairs ($685,960) — The largest school capital item this year, covering boiler room repairs "and the development of engineered drawings to address aging infrastructure, support code compliance, and ensure safe and reliable operation of building mechanical systems in the mechanical room" at Burlington High School.
• 3-25 Schools – System wide Security Camera Replacement and Upgrades ($64,824) — Updates aging security cameras across school buildings, primarily at Memorial Elementary and Marshall Simonds Middle School.
• 3-26 Schools – Pine Glen Building Envelope ($347,325) — Funding to construct a new entry vestibule at Pine Glen Elementary, an item that's been put off in prior years. "The vestibule will enhance building security by controlling visitor access, improving entry monitoring, and supporting the safety of students, staff, and visitors during school hours."
• 3-27 Schools – System wide Vehicle Replacement ($82,933) — Replaces a 2012 box truck that is used daily by the department for deliveries.
• 3-28 Schools – System wide Staff & Computer Science PC Replacement ($329,215) — This is even more comprehensive than it sounds: "This requested funding would allow the refresh of end-of-life staff laptops and desktop PCs across Burlington Public Schools. The replacement devices support essential district operations and instruction and are used by main office staff, central office staff, custodial and maintenance staff, cafeteria point-of-sale systems, Sprouts preschool, after-school programs, School Resource Officers (SRO), and two computer science labs and two laptop carts. The request also includes upgraded dual-monitor workstation setups for main office and central office staff, 4-year warranties on all new equipment, printers, and peripherals."
• 3-29 Schools – Pine Glen Marshall Simonds Field Upgrades ($64,350) — This article would fund a restroom facility and schematic design study at Marshall Simonds, where a new turf field will soon be built.
• 3-30 Schools – System wide Facilities Master Plan ($96,800) — From the backup: "This article seeks funding to update the District’s Facilities Master Plan. The project will include on-site evaluations of all school facilities, updates to existing building condition assessments, and revised cost estimates to reflect current conditions and future capital needs. The updated plan will provide a comprehensive, system-wide framework to guide long-term facilities maintenance and capital planning."
• 3-31 Schools – System wide Wireless Microphones ($59,818) — Replaces the wireless microphone system used in school auditoriums and performance spaces; current system is obsolete and replacement parts are often no longer available.

Article 4 - Authorize Revolving Fund Annual Spending Limits ($796,000 total)

This annual article establishes the spending caps on the town's revolving accounts — funds tied to specific programs or services that essentially pay for themselves through user fees and revenues. The money cycles through: fees come in, expenses go out, and once the balance reaches a certain threshold, the excess goes into the town's Free Cash. Town Meeting sets those thresholds here.

This year's nine revolving funds and their recommended limits are:

Article 5 - Acceptance of Chapter 90 Funds ($1,400,257.87)

This article authorizes Burlington to accept its annual Chapter 90 allocation from the Commonwealth — state money earmarked specifically for road and infrastructure improvements. The town has little discretion over whether to accept it; the vote is largely a formality, but it's a necessary one.

Article 6 - MWRA Sewer Inflow/Infiltration Debt Service ($107,975)

Burlington's sewer system, like most older systems, struggles with inflow (water that shouldn't be there, like sump pumps illegally connected to sewer lines) and infiltration (groundwater seeping in through cracks and aging pipes). All of Burlington's sewage travels to a metering point in Woburn and on to Deer Island for treatment — and the town is billed for every gallon that crosses that line, including stormwater that snuck in where it shouldn't. The MWRA offers a program to help towns remediate these problems: borrow money at 0% interest, get 75% forgiven as a grant, and pay back the remaining 25% over 10 years at 0%. This article makes the annual loan payment on the town's four outstanding I/I loans.

Article 7 - Sewer Enterprise Fund ($6,705,000)

The annual article to fund Burlington's sewer operations, including $6,505,000 for the MWRA sewer assessment and $200,000 for equipment and maintenance. The full amount is drawn from the Sewer Enterprise Fund's estimated revenue — meaning it doesn't come directly from property taxes.

Article 8 - Transfer from Water Stabilization Fund ($3,100,000)

This transfer from the Water Stabilization Fund covers operating expenses, debt service, and the MWRA entrance fee related to Burlington's connection to the MWRA water system. At $3.1 million, this is nearly double last year's transfer of approximately $1.6 million.

Article 9 - Roads, Parking Lots, and Sidewalk Paving ($3,750,000)

This standalone article funds the town's annual paving program — roads, parking lots, and sidewalks. Burlington uses a pavement management system to prioritize which roads are paved each year based on condition ratings. The $3.75 million request, which could be funded through borrowing, Free Cash, or other available funds, reflects the ongoing cost of maintaining the town's road network. Burlington also receives Chapter 90 funds (Article 5) for road work, making this a combined investment in the town's pavement infrastructure.

Note: This article requires a 2/3 majority vote if funded through borrowing.

Article 10 - Mill Pond Capacity & Resiliency Improvements ($2,000,000)

A significant infrastructure investment for Mill Pond, which serves as a key element of Burlington's water supply and stormwater management system. Last year, Town Meeting funded the design for replacement of the aging culvert gates at Mill Pond Dam. This $2 million article moves the project forward with capacity and resiliency improvements to maintain the town's primary source of drinking water.

Note: This article requires a 2/3 majority vote if funded through borrowing.

Article 11 - Lead Lined Water Main Replacement Program ($1,327,400)

A public health-driven infrastructure article. EPA regulations now require municipalities to identify and replace lead service lines, and Burlington's program addresses both the investigation and replacement work. Department of Public Works officials say no lead water pipes have ever been found in Burlington and they have no reason to believe any will be found through this process.

Note: This article requires a 2/3 majority vote if funded through borrowing.

Article 12 - Transfer from Receipts Reserved for Ambulance Service Fund – Offset FY27 Budget ($360,000)

Burlington operates its ambulance service at the advanced life support (ALS) paramedic level, and ambulance call revenues are set aside in a dedicated Receipts Reserved account. This annual transfer uses those revenues to offset the cost of running the service, reducing the burden on the operating budget. The $360,000 request is the same as last year.

Article 13 - Cable Access Enterprise Fund ($550,000)

A fee on each cable bill in Burlington flows into the Cable Access Enterprise Fund, and this article transfers those dollars to BCAT — Burlington's community access television station — to fund local programming. The $550,000 is self-funded by cable subscribers rather than by property taxes.

Articles 14 and 15 - Compensation and Collective Bargaining

Articles 14 and 15 deal with employee compensation and are funded through the Negotiated Settlements account, meaning they don't affect the operating budget directly.

• Article 14 – Fund Administrative & Professional Compensation Plan (TBD) — Adopts the A&P compensation plan for FY27 and funds it from the Negotiated Settlements account.
• Article 15 – Fund Burlington International Firefighters' Association Contract (TBD) — Ratifies the collective bargaining agreement between the Town and the firefighters' union..

Article 16 - Will of Marshall Simonds ($100,000)

In which the town gratefully accepts another gift from the Trustees under the Will of Marshall Simonds — this time $100,000 (more than in previous years) for improvements to Simonds Park.

Article 17 - Fourth of July Celebration ($80,000)

Burlington's Fourth of July celebration is back, and this year the Committee is requesting that the full $80,000 – enough to fund entertainment, a fireworks show, and more – come from the town.

Article 18 - School Community Facility Usage Support ($74,783)

Schools are used well beyond school hours by Burlington's community organizations — Scouts, PTOs, Youth Basketball, Pop Warner, Hockey and Soccer associations, and many more. When these groups use school facilities, custodial coverage is required. This article funds the custodial costs for those non-school events, ensuring that community groups can continue to use the buildings without the schools bearing the full cost. The amount ($74,783) is unchanged from last year.

Article 19 - Shawsheen Valley Building Feasibility Study ($165,737)

Perhaps the most debated article on this year's warrant heading into Town Meeting. This article asks Burlington to appropriate its share ($165,737 from Free Cash) of the cost of a building feasibility study for Shawsheen Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School. Shawsheen's member communities would use the study to pursue a construction grant from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) — which could eventually fund a major building project at the school. If that project moves forward, Burlington will be responsible for a portion that will amount to tens of millions of dollars, though the numbers will only come into focus through the feasibility process

Burlington's Finance Committee voted 6-6 on this article. The committee's concerns centered on the school's financial transparency — Shawsheen had been asked earlier in the budget process to better justify its numbers, with committee members pushing back on the lack of documentation. While they initially supported this article 12-1, this revised vote reflects mixed confidence in the school's ability to participate in the feasibility process while also shoring up its financial systems.

General Articles (continued)

Article 20 - Authorize and Establish Water and Sewer Enterprise Fund

A structural change in how Burlington manages its water and sewer finances. Currently, the town operates a Sewer Enterprise Fund but handles water finances differently. This article would consolidate both into a single Water and Sewer Enterprise Fund under Chapter 44, Section 53F½ of Massachusetts General Law — and dissolve the existing Sewer Enterprise Fund, transferring any retained earnings to the new combined fund, effective FY2027. This removes an intermediate step and enhances transparency for the town and its resdients.

General Bylaw Articles

Article 21 - Amend Bylaw to Prohibit Cryptocurrency Automated Teller Machines

Burlington would join a growing number of municipalities taking action against cryptocurrency ATMs — the kiosks you see in convenience stores and gas stations that let users convert cash into Bitcoin and similar digital currencies. The Burlington Police Department brought this article forward, citing the machines' role in financial fraud and money laundering schemes, particularly targeting elderly and vulnerable residents. Because transactions are instant and irreversible, victims of crypto ATM scams have essentially no recourse.

If passed, no cryptocurrency ATM could be installed or operated within Burlington's boundaries, and any existing machines would need to be removed within 60 days. Violations would be subject to a $300-per-day, per-device fine. Buzz coverage

Article 22 - Amend and Rename Control of Dogs Bylaw

A substantial overhaul of Burlington's animal control bylaws, requested by the Animal Control Officer and Town Clerk. The updates modernize language, tighten enforcement, and expand coverage beyond just dogs to animals more broadly in some provisions. Key changes include:

• Dogs must be on a leash or in a Town-designated off-leash area (removing the old "obedient to command" exception)
• A new provision covering all animals — not just dogs — from disturbing the peace or endangering neighbors, property, or other animals
• Clearer procedures for reporting and responding to biting or dangerous animals, including an expedited process giving the Animal Control Officer authority to issue immediate orders that can be appealed to the Select Board
• Licensing grace period tightened from 60 days to 30 days; the late licensing fine increases from $10 to $20
• Expanded kennel licensing requirements with clearer inspection standards and a new fee schedule
• Updated "pooper scooper" provisions now covering all animals and requiring people to carry waste removal supplies when in public

The bylaw section covering dangerous dogs — previously called "vicious dogs" — is also updated with more current terminology aligned with state law. Buzz Coverage

Zoning Bylaw Articles

Article 23 - Animal Related Uses

Connected to the dog bylaw updates in spirit, this zoning article modernizes how Burlington's zoning bylaws classify and regulate animal-related businesses. The existing catch-all category of "Animal Services" is being replaced with cleaner, more specific definitions for Animal Hospitals, Animal Grooming Facilities, Kennels (licensed commercial and personal), and Pet Shops — and the zoning use table is updated to clarify where each is allowed by right, by special permit, or not at all. The changes give both businesses and the town clearer rules to work with. Buzz Coverage

Note: This article requires a 2/3 majority vote.

Article 24 - Amend Wireless Communications Overlay Districts Map

This zoning article, requested by the owner of 8 Kimball Court, would add that parcel to Burlington's Wireless Communications Overlay District — the map that identifies where wireless communication facilities like cell towers and antennas may be sited. The article also updates the zoning bylaw language to clarify that any parcel added to the overlay district by Town Meeting vote is in the district regardless of whether it appears in the town's Comprehensive Plan for Wireless Communication Facilities. In practice, this means 8 Kimball Court could be used to host wireless infrastructure, subject to the town's permitting process.

Note: This article requires a 2/3 majority vote.

Stay tuned to Burlington Buzz for updates to this Warrant Article Summary and for vote updates as Town Meeting goes on.

Article 5 - Acceptance of Chapter 90 Funds ($1,399,206.67)

This article authorizes the acceptance of Chapter 90 funds from the state for road and infrastructure projects. PASSED

Article 6 - MWRA Sewer Inflow/Infiltration Debt Service ($107,975)

This is to pay back loans from MWRA to help limit our inflow and infiltration problems with the sewer system. Ideally the only water in the sewer pipes would be sewage. Unfortunately sewer systems end up with inflow (water put there illegally - think sump pumps piped into a home's sewer line) and infiltration (water that gets in the system when ground water leaks in through cracks or old porous cement pipes). All of our sewage goes into a larger pipe in Woburn, and from there to Deer Island in the Harbor. There is a meter at the Woburn line and we get charged for every gallon of water/sewage that crosses into Woburn. So we pay to treat storm water. The state requires we try to remediate I/I problems to limit stress on the system and to prevent waste. The MWRA offers a program where we borrow money at 0% interest, then they grant us 75% of the amount borrowed and we pay back the 25% over 10 years at 0%. This annual article pays that loan payment. PASSED

Article 7 - Sewer Enterprise Fund ($6,585,000)

Annual article to pay for the town's sewer usage. PASSED

Article 8 - Transfer from Water Stabilization Fund ($1,586,954)

This article authorizes transferring funds from the Water Stabilization Fund to offset increases in the operating budget, a process designed to balance the revenue and expenses from the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority (MWRA) water connection project. PASSED

Article 9 - Sewer Vactor ($790,000)

This article requests the use of free cash to fund the purchase of a sewer vactor, a large machine used for sewer maintenance. PASSED

Article 10 - Town Hall and Annex HVAC Upgrades ($5,300,000)

This article authorizes a bond to fund HVAC and generator upgrades for both Town Hall and the Annex, addressing the age of existing equipment and ensuring the buildings are adequately heated and cooled. PASSED

Article 11 - Water Meter Replacement Program ($1,000,000)

This article funds year one of a multi-year plan to replace outdated water meters, using $1 million from free cash to start the process and evaluate the project's scope. This is a follow-up to an article from last year which requested funds to design the program. PASSED

Article 12 - Water Main Upgrade/Replacement ($1,500,000)

These funds would go toward replacing aging water mains, with a focus on high-priority areas identified in the town's infrastructure plans, funded through free cash. PASSED

Article 13 - Inflow/Infiltration - MWRA Phase 16 ($1,432,000)

This article authorizes borrowing to fund a 75% grant and 25% loan for Phase 16 of the MWRA Sewer I&I project, to reduce excess stormwater infiltration into the sewer system. PASSED

Article 14 - Transfer from Receipts Reserved Account for Ambulance Services-Purchase Ambulance ($615,000)

This article will allow the town to use receipts reserved to purchase a new ambulance and place the current ambulance in rotation as Ambulance 2, as well as 2 stretchers, 2 stair chairs, 1 chest compression device and 3 automatic external defibrillators to replace older ones. PASSED

Article 15 - Transfer from Receipts Reserved for Ambulance Service Fund-Offset FY26 Budget ($360,000)

This transfer from the Receipts Reserved Account for Ambulance Services will offset the public safety budget using revenue from ambulance calls. PASSED

Article 16 - Cable Access Enterprise Fund ($550,000)

There’s a fee on each cable bill that then goes to fund community programming, so this article transfers those fees to BCAT because they provide our community programming. PASSED

Articles 17-22 relate to negotiated contracts and compensation plans. Some were settled as of warrant completion; while the town is hopeful the rest will be settled prior to Town Meeting, often one or more article is postponed until September as negotiations continue. These articles are the result of union negotiations and therefore funded from the Negotiated Settlements account; they do not affect the operating budget.

Article 17 - Fund Administrative & Professional Compensation Plan ($208,714)

Highlights: 1-year contract with no changes to language and a 3.5% wage adjustment. PASSED

Article 18 - Fund Burlington Municipal Employees’ Association Contract ($250,278)

Highlights: 3-year contract with a 3.5% wage adjustment, formalizing position grades, allowing for electronic sharing of materials rather than print. PASSED

Article 19 - Fund Department of Public Works Contract ($143,833)

Highlights: 3-year contract with a 3.5% wage adjustment, formalizing position grades, adjusting summer hours of operation, updated language for division names, allowing external and internal job postings to happen simultaneously. PASSED

Article 20 - Fund Burlington International Firefighters’ Association Contract (TBD)

Not yet settled. WITHDRAWN

Article 21 - Fund Burlington Police Patrolmen’s Association Contract (TBD)

Not yet settled. WITHDRAWN

Article 22 - Fund Burlington Police Command Officers’ Contract (TBD)

Not yet settled. WITHDRAWN

Article 23 - Will of Marshall Simonds ($73,762.09)

In which the town gratefully accepts a sum from the will of Marshall Simonds to maintain Simonds Park. PASSED

Article 24 - Fourth of July Parade ($20,000)

This annual article requests $20,000 in town funding to hold the Fourth of July parade. The other half of this $40,000 is paid for via sponsorships from the business community. This year, though the parade is canceled, talks are in process for planning an event on the Town Common for the day of the Fourth. It's uncertain at this point if this article will still be presented or if it will be pulled. WITHDRAWN

Article 25 - School Community Facility Usage Support ($74,783)

This article, passed last year at just over $50k, will fund custodial coverage when community groups, such as the Scouts and other "non-profit civic organizations" use school facilities outside normal hours. PASSED

Article 26 - Middle School Field Renovation Phase 2 ($1,710,000)

This is the second part of an article that was amended last year and approved. Phase one to create a new turf field where the grass field currently sits, is currently in the design and approval phases. The second phase of the project will includes resurfacing the track and replacing the existing turf field. PASSED

Article 27 - Middle School Field Bathrooms ($1,650,000)

This article, which is jointly being presented by the School Department and the Recreation Department, would provide for bathrooms for community use at the Marshall Simonds fields. There has been discussion of withdrawing this article; updates are forthcoming. WITHDRAWN

General Articles

Article 28 - Accepting an Easement for the Fire Hydrant at 180 Cambridge Street

To accept an easement of approximately 48 square feet so the town can access and maintain a fire hydrant placed on this private property in 2003. PASSED

General Bylaw Articles

Article 29 - Renaming a Revolving Fund

This update will change the name of a revolving fund from "B-line mini bus" to "Local Transportation." The B-line local bus is no longer operational. There are also some other changes to the rest of the particulars of the revolving fund, like the spending authority (changed from DPW to Council on Aging). PASSED

Article 30 - Amend and Rename Stormwater and Erosion and Sedimentation Control Bylaw

This article would separate the stormwater bylaw into a bylaw and a set of regulations. The bylaw would give the Conservation Commission the authority to administer the regulations, which contain the details and specifics and are more easily adjusted when needed. Currently, everything is rolled in the bylaw, and even minor changes require a Town Meeting vote. Splitting out the regulations would allow changes to happen by public hearing, giving the Conservation more flexibility. FAILED 43-44

Adjourned for night 2. The remainder of the articles will be debated on Monday, May 19.

Article 31 - Amend Article V – Authorities, Commissions, and Committees

This would add two resident non-voting Associate Commissioners to the Conservation Commission. PASSED

Article 32 - Home Rule Petition to Amend Chapter 686 of the Acts of 1970, as Amended-An Act to Add a New Paragraph, Section 12(h)- Town Meeting Accessibility

This home rule is the companion to the local bylaw that was passed in September 2024 allowing up to 15 Town Meeting Members to attend Town Meeting remotely while the remainder meet in the high school auditorium. This will give access options to those who are traveling for work or who need to be home to care for others, due to illness, or for other reasons. While Burlington's bylaw passed, a home rule petition is needed to supersede state law and grant Burlington permission to enact the bylaw. - PASSED after much deliberation and debate, three failed amendments, and one amendment that passed. Final version:

Article 33 - Create AD Hoc Implementation Committee for the Electronic Voting System Implementation Committee (EVSIC)

An electronic voting subcommittee was formed back in September 2024 to look into an option for electronic voting at Town Meeting, but it was given only until January to investigate options and come back with a recommendation. This new subcommittee would have 24 months, which the General Bylaw Review Committee believes is a more reasonable timeframe. PASSED

Zoning Bylaw Articles

Article 34 - Amend Article VIII, Section 8.1, 100-Year Floodplain District

This updates some dates and addresses in the town's floodplain bylaw so homeowners can continue to get flood insurance. PASSED

Article 35 - Zoning Use Table Advancement

This proposes to align the use table to ensure consistency and promote ease of enforcement for zoning bylaws. WITHDRAWN

Stay tuned to the Buzz for updates to this Warrant Article Summary and for vote updates as Town Meeting goes on.