Milton’s proposed sign bylaw overhaul will wait until next year as the Planning Board opted to push the article to the Spring Town Meeting. During the September 22 meeting, Chair Meredith Hall suggested the delay to allow the town’s new legal counsel, KP Law, and incoming Town Planner Liz Manning sufficient time to examine the complex regulations. I think it would make sense to give them time to review our sign bylaw, Hall explained, noting that Manning, who begins her role on October 9, brings valuable experience that could improve the final article. Hall added that the extra time would ensure the board maintains its goal to allow as much public input as possible and get feedback from the residents.

Board members expressed consensus that rushing the bylaw for the fall was unnecessary. Member Jim Davis supported the postponement, stating, I'd rather give it a little more time and get it right. Member Margaret Oldfield agreed, noting that while the board had already put in significant work, the transition to new legal counsel added a layer of complexity. It's nice to have two different attorneys looking at it, but twice the feedback we have to process, Oldfield said. Member Sean Fahy noted that the board’s own internal review had already identified potential issues with the draft. I think there's some complexity to it, Fahy observed. As we went through it ourselves, we could see how there's potential for contradiction from one area to another area and we need a cohesiveness to the entire article. Motion Made by J. Davis to move the sign bylaw to the Spring Town meeting. Motion Passed (4-0-0).

The board also advanced an amendment to Chapter 275-20 regarding traffic impact mitigation. The proposal seeks to streamline how developers provide funding and design-phase work for traffic control. Assistant Administrator Nick informed the board that KP Law suggested removing a detailed list of ten specific changes from the warrant article itself to keep the zoning code uncluttered. The hope would be that you all would accept it if you agree with it and it would go to print with those pieces struck from the article itself, Nick said, suggesting the details be explained on the town meeting floor or via the Warrant Committee’s report. Fahy requested that the changes be clearly highlighted in the committee’s comments so people can read the ten changes that KP Law recommended making. Motion Made by J. Davis to approve KP Law's edits to the traffic impact mitigation bylaw. Motion Passed (4-0-0). Motion Made by J. Davis to close the public meeting for both the traffic mitigation and the sign bylaws. Motion Passed (4-0-0).

Personnel changes took center stage as Nick announced his departure from Milton town hall. The only update from me is that this will be my last week in Milton. I'm moving on to a new position in Swampscott as town administrator, he told the board. Members congratulated him on the new role before Hall officially welcomed incoming planner Liz Manning to the team. In other administrative news, Hall reported that the Attorney General’s office recently approved the town's Site Plan Approval article, though they included a cautionary note regarding the limited scope of review for certain "by-right" projects. A decision on the state’s review of the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) article is still pending following an extension request.

The board addressed a brief public comment period, though no residents spoke in person or via the digital platform. There is no one on Zoom right now, Nick confirmed. Chair Hall noted that Member Cheryl Tougias was absent from the proceedings as she was currently out of the country. The Planning Board is scheduled to meet next on October 9 and October 23.