Milton’s Board of Health navigated a transition in leadership and a significant land transfer proposal during its April 30 meeting. The board provided a cautious recommendation for Town Meeting Article 41, which seeks to transfer a 30-acre parcel of town-owned land at the Granite Links site from the Board of Health to the Select Board. The transfer is intended to facilitate the installation of privately-owned solar photovoltaic generation and storage facilities on the property, which formerly served as a municipal dump.

While the board members generally supported the concept of renewable energy, the proposal sparked a technical debate regarding the ecological impact of large-scale solar arrays. Member Mary Stenson expressed significant reservations about the lack of specific data regarding the project’s footprint. I would recommend sending it back for more study because there are too many factors to consider, Stenson said. To make an informed decision, we need some more information. I mean, I would anyway. Much of it is vague, like how many panels, what are the specifics of it in reference to the land? Stenson raised specific concerns regarding biodiversity, water runoff, and the potential for a heat island effect on the 30-acre site.

Health Director Caroline Canella noted that the Select Board was seeking a consensus before the upcoming Annual Town Meeting. New member Deborah Milbower, attending her first meeting, suggested that while she had environmental questions, they should not necessarily stall the stewardship transfer. My thinking is if we're going to vote on this, we should probably vote again before Town Meeting, Milbower noted, though she added, I think we should vote in favor to give the Select Board stewardship for solar panels. Ultimately, the board reached a compromise to offer a recommendation that hinges on receiving technical answers from Town Administrator Nick Milano.

Motion Made by L. Richards to recommend approval of Article 41 contingent upon the board's environmental and technical questions being answered satisfactorily by the Town Administrator. Motion Passed (3-0-0).

The meeting also marked a shift in board leadership following recent town elections. Laura Richards assumed the role of Chair, succeeding Roxanne Musto, who was absent from the proceedings. Under the board’s annual rotation policy, Mary Stenson was named Secretary and Deborah Milbower was designated as a Member. Richards noted the transition was her turn to be chair this year before formally moving the reorganization. Motion Made by L. Richards to appoint Laura Richards as Chair, Mary Stenson as Secretary, and Deborah Milbower as Member of the board. Motion Passed (3-0-0).

In routine annual business, the board reaffirmed the appointment of the Health Department’s professional and regional staff. Canella presented a list of agents including the Public Health Nurse, social workers, and the regional epidemiologist. Milbower took the opportunity to praise the department’s output, stating, I just want to lift up all these folks. From all my work I've done over the years, the health department, Caroline, and the entire staff work really, really hard and do an enormous amount of work. Motion Made by D. Milbower to reappoint the listed health department and regional staff as agents of the Board of Health. Motion Passed (3-0-0).

During the public comment portion of the meeting, resident Linda Hudson was recognized by the board but declined to offer a formal statement. Thank you so much Caroline for acknowledging me. No, no. I'm just here to observe the meeting tonight, Hudson said. The board concluded the session by scheduling their next meeting for June 1 at 7:00 p.m., which is expected to be held via Zoom.