The Milton Select Board signaled a toughening stance on environmental and neighborhood oversight this week, revealing that the Conservation Commission has leveled $1,200 in daily fines against Quarry Hills. The sanctions follow four specific complaints regarding unauthorized stormwater discharge into wetlands and failing erosion controls at the golf course construction site. Chair Benjamin Zoll detailed that the fines, set at $300 per day per violation, will continue until the issues are remediated. While the Town Administrator noted that crews were seen addressing washouts during a recent walkthrough, Chair Zoll emphasized that the board remains vigilant regarding odors and drainage issues near Lyman Road. We want to ensure the water table hasn't changed in those areas, Zoll said, noting that the project faces further financial penalties if clay covering and sand layers are not completed by mid-summer deadlines.

Frustrations over town infrastructure coordination boiled over during a lengthy discussion regarding the Brook Road water and sewer project. Board members expressed dismay that the gas company likely will dig up the road shortly after the town finishes its current work. Paul Caner, Town Engineer, explained that DTE regulations require the gas company to replace aging pipes if town trenches encroach at a 45-degree angle, but simultaneous work is really not practical due to different contractor schedules. One board member voiced the neighborhood’s exhaustion, noting, I always worry about reputation. It makes us look terrible to do something once and then dig it up again immediately. Member Meghan Haggerty stressed the need for better outreach, stating, Every time we have a step like this, we need to communicate... People don't know the reasons for different excavations.

The neighborhood’s patience has already worn thin due to property damage and a failed $7,000 hydro-seeding effort from the previous year. DPW staff member Branch reported that residents on Brook Road are currently dealing with large sinkholes in their lawns and sloppy finish work by the gas company. While some neighbors agreed to wait until fall for specific Sugar Maples and Red Sunset trees to be planted, Member John Driscoll argued for a faster response. If it was my front yard, I'd want it fixed immediately, Driscoll said. The benefit of our patience is worn off; it's time for us to act. The DPW noted that equipment challenges are contributing to delays across town, describing the current fleet of hand mowers as 10 to 15 years old with welded decks that take a beating from roadside debris.

On the financial front, the board moved to clear several pending accounts as the fiscal year draws to a close. Motion Made by J. Driscoll to pay A&D Landscaping the amount of $69,000.00 for Pine Tree Brook improvements. Motion Passed (5-0-0). The board also addressed a disappointing response from the Governor’s office regarding Milton’s school funding. Chair Zoll reported that the state’s proposed solution for enrollment growth ignores the town's retrospective growth over the last seven years. Their solution doesn't help us, Zoll remarked. However, there was a glimmer of hope in the Senate budget, which Zoll noted includes a provision that could lead to a significant increase for Milton compared to previous House versions.

In other town business, the board approved a shift in public access for the summer months. Motion Made by M. Haggerty to approve the summer meeting schedule and move the start time to 5:00 PM. Motion Passed (5-0-0). Haggerty noted the earlier start would reduce stress on town staff. Residents received one piece of welcome news regarding household chores: as of July 1st, labels no longer need to be stripped from cans for recycling, though rinsing is still required. The board also paused a scheduled vote on an agreement for Deputy Police Chief Richard Wells after Member Richard Wells noted he had not been consulted on the item's inclusion on the agenda. I'd like to hold it off for a week so I can ask questions, Wells said.

The meeting included several routine authorizations to keep town services moving through the season. Motion Made by J. Driscoll to approve the employment of two seasonal DPW workers. Motion Passed (5-0-0). The board also authorized the annual dog warrant and approved the Network Plus road race for June 10th to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Motion Made by M. Haggerty to sign a proclamation for retiring Tucker School Principal Diane Goslin. Motion Passed (5-0-0). Chair Zoll noted that Goslin is returning to the classroom, which he described as her first love.