The Select Board decided Tuesday to move forward with its original version of Special Town Meeting Article 7, declining to incorporate late-stage amendments from public health advocates in the interest of procedural consistency. While members expressed sympathy for the health-related concerns involving liquor regulations, they emphasized the need for a buttoned up process as the town prepares for its upcoming legislative session. The board reached a consensus to stick with the original Select Board language over the Warrant Committee’s proposed amendments for the article, which deals with public health and liquor licensing.

Vice Chair Winston Daley explained that despite having conversations with advocates over the last 24 hours to find a middle ground, he felt it would be bad process to change it overnight. He noted that the concerns raised were not entirely new to the discussion but argued against making significant shifts so close to Town Meeting. I think the changes and the amendments are not something that are not understood or completely left out of what we've discussed previously, Daley said. He noted a big respect for our process and a desire to avoid making decisions on the fly.

Member Meghan Haggerty echoed these sentiments, suggesting the situation serve as a case study for future coordination between the board, proponents, and the Warrant Committee. While she noted she had no substantive issues with the proposed health amendments, she raised concerns about the impact of late additions on the floor of Town Meeting. I just really think it's challenging for our public discourse in Town Meeting when items that could have been surfaced prior to are done at Town Meeting, Haggerty said. As a Select Board member, I would really like to advocate for sound process so that we're able to run Town Meeting efficiently.

Chair Benjamin Zoll acknowledged that while the board is maintaining its stance, the final decision belongs to the town’s legislative body. Our job as executive is to suggest what we think is the right course to take and then enforce the course that the town decides to take, Zoll said. He took responsibility for not bringing the health coalition in earlier for guidance but reminded the board that they retain the authority to deny permits if issues arise. We're not coming down with tablets from Mount Sinai here, Zoll remarked, noting that the town can return in a year or two to adjust the rules if they prove too restrictive or too lax.

In addition to warrant discussions, the board received brief updates on several major town initiatives. Town Administrator Nick Milano confirmed that he is finalizing the debt model for fire station projects, a significant component of Milton’s long-term capital planning. Milano told the board he will send out some background on those by email as the town continues to evaluate the proposed $16 million Atherton Street station renovation. Regarding the MBTA Communities Act, Milano noted he has communicated with state officials, saying, I just messaged them just to let them know that this will be on our agenda on the 18th.

The board also addressed seasonal local events by clearing the way for upcoming performances. Motion Made by W. Daley to approve the one-day liquor licenses for the Milton Art Center located at 334 Edge Hill Road for November 29th, 2025, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and December 5th, 2025, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Motion Passed (3-0-0). These licenses will cover The Homecoming comedy event and a holiday musical performance.

Finally, the board moved to finalize its records from the early fall. Motion Made by W. Daley to approve the meeting minutes dated September 9th, 2025, September 24th, 2025, and October 3rd, 2025. Motion Passed (3-0-0).