Local Government
What Does Town Meeting Do Again?
Plus, learn about the candidates for this important job
Local Government
Local Government
Should Voters Be Able to Recall Elected Officials in Burlington?
Town Meeting next week will hear a proposed article to introduce a mechanism to recall elected officials in Burlington if their behavior meets certain criteria. Currently there is not a mechanism in the town's bylaws to recall an elected official whose actions represent the town poorly or put
Local Government
Town Meeting to Vote on Transparency, Accessibility
Before Town Meeting in September will be two questions that will look familiar to frequent participants and observers. The first is a home rule petition to provide accessibility to Town Meeting Members via hybrid meetings. Originally brought in September of 2023, the article failed, with Town Meeting members expressing concern
Local Government
Question of Recreational Marijuana in Burlington Postponed
Burlington residents wondering whether or not the town will lift its ban on the sale of recreational marijuana in Burlington will have to wait until at least January. While the articles that propose lifting the ban and establishing a zoning district where a dispensary could be located are still listed
Local Government
Committee Shares Pros and Cons to Appointed Town Clerk
On the Town Meeting Warrant this September will be an article asking to place a question on the ballot that many towns in Massachusetts have passed. Sarah Cawley, who sat on the subcommittee to investigate the pros and cons of having an appointed Town Clerk in the town of Burlington,
Local Government
Burlington Police Department Relocation Plans Underway
Planning continues for the demolition of Burlington's current police station and construction of a new one, a project which was approved nearly unanimously by Town Meeting in May. As a part of this project, the Police Department will need to relocate while a new building is being constructed.
Local Government
Burlington Recreation Department Eyes Equipment Upgrade
A request for new Recreation Department equipment will likely go before next year's annual Town Meeting after the department has experienced problems with one of the current mowers this summer. The 10-year-old, 16-foot mower  is nearing the end of its useful life after 5,000 hours of use.
Local Government
Town Clerk's Office Prepares for State Primary Election
The Massachusetts State Primary is coming up on September 3; early and mail-in voting have already been happening. Much goes into ensuring ballots are counted accurately, and this week will see Burlington's Election Office following state law to be sure all requirements are met in advance of the
Local Government
How Will the New Accessory Dwelling Law Affect Burlington?
Last week, Governor Healey signed into law the 2024 Housing Bond Bill, which includes language allowing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in any single-family zone in Massachusetts. This bill, which goes into effect in February 2025, would allow a single ADU of no more than 900 square feet or 50% of
Local Government
Burlington Infrastructure and Construction Updates: August 2024
At this week's Select Board meeting, Member Sarah Cawley gave a number of infrastructure and construction updates on behalf of the Department of Public Works: * Keep an eye out for heavy water main flushing later this month. This process is usually completed in the spring, but the Department
Local Government
Municipal Aggregation is Coming to Your Electricity Bill
The fluctuating price of electricity has affected most everyone in Burlington and beyond recently, and the town has implemented a solution that will make residents' bills more predictable for the next two years. Burlington's Town Administration has signed a two-year contract with Constellation NewEnergy to supply the
Local Government
Sneak Peek: Fox Hill, Retail Cannabis Come to Town Meeting
September's Town Meeting is coming up soon, and the Warrantâthe list of articles Burlington's legislative body will be voting onâis under construction. As such, the Select Board voted to approve the index of Warrant Articles at their meeting last night. Some highlights: * The Police