Town Meeting - May 20th, 2026

Night eight of Arlington's annual town meeting. Materials were available from https://www.arlingtonma.gov/town-governance/town-meeting.

Voting results: https://www.arlingtonma.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/77638.

Announcements

(Kristin Anderson, Precinct 11) Ms. Anderson says that Robin Bergman can't be here tonight. She was hit by a car in Davis Square and is recovering at Mass General Hospital.

(Guillermo Hamlin, Precinct 14) Mr. Hamlin says he'll be purchasing his first home in West Medford, and tonight will likely be his last town meeting. Leaving Arlington is emotional for him. He was born below the equator but came to the United States and became a citizen. Many of his major life events happened in Arlington: getting a degree, getting married, and having a child. Mr. Hamlin returns to an issue that's central to him: housing affordability. It's a question that determines whether young people can live here. He thinks we're rationalizing for laws that only allow people who were born here or have enough wealth to afford to live here.

(Valerie Geary and Jennifer Cutraro, Precinct 11) Ms. Geary works with an organization called Grassroots for Gun Violence Prevention. They have 600 members in Massachusetts. The organization's current focus is on a ballot question that seeks to repeal the state's gun safety laws. They're holding an event on May 27th at 7pm.

Article 3 - Reports of Committees

(Keith Schnebly, Tree Committee) Mr. Schnebly says the Tree Committee envisions a town where everyone can enjoy trees in their neighborhood. They've tried to get these values included in the comprehensive plan. They're had a tree planting plan since 2018. The town manages 11,000 trees and plantings are focused on heat island areas. The committee is trying to get more trees planted on private property. This is contributing to the future of our tree canopy.

Article 61 - Positions Reclassification

(Christine Deshler, Finance Committee Chair) Ms. Deshler says that reclassification is a change in job title and compensation to more accurately reflect the job that a town employee does. She lists some of the positions being reclassified. Vacant positions are always reviewed for reclassification. These changes come to town meeting for approval, and for an appropriation to cover salary changes.

(Amy Slutzky, Precinct 17) Ms. Slutzky asks why positions 3F, 3G, 3H, and 3I are being removed. She thinks these positions could be important resources for the town.

(Caryn Molloy, Director of Human Resources) Ms. Molloy says that 3F was a DEI assistant. That position was vacant for several years. 3G was a community outreach and engagement position. The position was funded with ARPA funds, which have gone away. 3H is a Domestic Violence and Community Resource Specialist. That work is being done by clinicians at the Arlington Youth Counseling Center. 3I was a grants administrator. That was also ARPA-funded, and not filled on a full-time basis.

(Amy Slutzky) Ms. Slutzky asks if 3I was the only position that applied for grants.

(Caryn Molloy) Ms. Molloy says that many departments apply for grants.

(Sam Polk, Precinct 12) Mr. Polk moves the question.

Motion to end debate passes, 129--58.

Article passes, 191--2--2.

Article 62 - Collective Bargaining

(Christine Deshler, Finance Committee Chair) Ms. Deshler says the town has reached collective bargaining agreements with the Ranking Officers, Patrol Officers, and Firefighters unions. Town meeting is being asked to appropriate money from the salary reserve fund for back pay. The article involves $1.8M from the general fund and $1.6M from the salary reserve fund.

(Paul Bayer, Precinct 13) Mr. Bayer held the article because it involved so much money, and because the negotiations took five years to finish. He wanted to bring attention to that.

(Jim Feeney, Town Manager) Mr. Feeney says it has been a long time. He's pleased to have all town employees under collective bargaining agreements for the first time in a long time.

(Steve Moore, Precinct 18) Mr. Moore says the agreement covers years that are fiscally closed. He asks what's being done to avoid this retroactive approach in the future.

(Jim Feeney) Mr. Feeney says this agreement lasts through FY2027, which is the fiscal year we're about to enter. We will have one year to bargain for the next contract.

(Elizabeth Dray, Precinct 10) Ms. Dray sees that part of the agreement involved the right to wear body-worn cameras. She asks how much compensation was given in exchange for that.

(Jim Feeney) Mr. Feeney says there wasn't a specific amount for that.

Article passes, 191--5--4.

Article 63 - Amendments to FY26 Budgets

(Greg Christiana, Town Moderator) The Article was on the consent agenda with a recommendation of no action. Mr. Christiana notes the Article was held by Andrew Fischer, and if Mr. Fischer would like to speak to it.

(Andrew Fischer, Precinct 6) Mr. Fischer passes.

Recommended vote of no action passes by voice vote.

Article 69 - Transportation Infrastructure Fund

(Christine Deshler, Finance Committee Chair) Ms. Deshler says the state charges a per-ride tax on transportation companies like Uber and Lyft, and the money is given back to towns where these trips originate. This article requests this $36k be used to support the BlueBikes program in Arlington.

No one wishes to speak.

Article passes, 196--2--2.

Article 76 - Water Bodies Fund

(Christine Deshler, Finance Committee Chair) Ms. Deshler says the water bodies fund was established in 2008, and covers all of the water bodies in town. The money is used for testing and treatment and for water quality projects. This year's appropriation is $76k.

(Ed Trembly, Precinct 19) Mr. Trembly asks if this money will be used to do something about the weeds in the reservoir.

(Christine Deshler) Ms. Deshler says yes. That's an ongoing project that has to be addressed every year.

(Gary Goldsmith, Precinct 11) Mr. Goldsmith says there are lots of water chestnut seeds in the reservoir, and these are carried into the Mystic River. The Mystic River Watershed Association organizes water chestnut removal events. He asks if there are plans to address water chestnuts.

(David White, Conservation Commission) Mr. White says that water chestnuts are harvested by machine, or by volunteers in canoes.

(Beth Melofchik, Precinct 9) Ms. Melofchik asks why the ninja seeds aren't collected off-season. They could be scooped out of the water before they bloom.

(David White) Mr. White says there are volunteer events to remove them. Sometimes they come together and sometimes they don't.

(Adam Lane, Precinct 3) Mr. Lane moves the question.

Motion to end debate passes by voice vote.

Article passes, 200--1--0.

Article 77 - Community Preservation Fund

(Sue Doctrow, Community Preservation Act Committee) Ms. Doctrow says this is the 10th year of the Community Preservation Act in Arlington, and we've awarded a total of $23M over that time. Funds have to be spent on community housing, open space and recreation, and historic preservation. The law requires at least 10% of funds be allocated to each of these three categories. The committee received over $8M in funding requests, which well-exceeded the funding available.

The projects recommended for this year are:

• $300k for fire safety improvements at Cusack Terrace
• $20k for the Housing Corporation of Arlington's homelessness prevention program.
• $500k for the Housing Corporation of Arlington's development at Emma's court.
• $750k for renovation and rehabilitation of the Crosby tennis and basketball courts
• $300k for a renovation of Veterans Memorial Park
• $140k for a Cooke's Hollow preservation project
• $900k for phase III of the town hall building envelope restoration
• $47.5k for digitization of Arlington Historical Society documents

This totals $3.05M, including administrative costs.

(Gordon Jamieson, Precinct 12) Mr. Jamieson asks if the item for town hall is a feasibility study or a full planning study.

(Sue Doctrow) Ms. Doctrow says it's a full design study.

(Gordon Jamieson) Mr. Jamieson says the town's athletic fields are heavily used but have never been top-dressed. He thinks that would be a good project for a future year.

(Michael Ruderman, Precinct 9) Mr. Ruderman asks what the $93k administrative expense is for.

(Jim Feeney, Town Manager) Mr. Feeney says that money is used to offset salaries of town employees for the work they do to support the committee and administer the act.

(Michael Ruderman) Mr. Ruderman asks why the committee is keeping $400k in reserve, when they got $8M in requests.

(Doe Doctrow) Ms. Doctrow says the committee wanted to leave a reserve for future years. Some groups made multiple requests and the committee asked them to prioritize.

(Michael Ruderman) Mr. Ruderman doesn't see why the committee needs to have a reserve.

(Beth Melofchik, Precinct 9) Ms. Melofchik is dismayed that we have to vote on these items as a block. She's dismayed that the Veterans Park project will remove two trees. She's disappointed that the Daughters of the American Revolution monument will be moved. She says that trees help us with climate breakdown and asks if someone can speak to this.

(Jim Feeney) Mr. Feeney says the Veterans Park project will involve substantial tree replacement, and the monument is being moved to a more prominent place.

(Beth Melofchik) Ms. Melofchik says that replanting will not compensate for mature tree removal.

(Paul Schlichtman, Precinct 9) Mr. Schlichtman moves the question.

Motion to end debate passes by voice vote.

Article passes, 178--16--5.

Article 79 - Private Way Repairs Revolving Funds

(Christine Deshler, Finance Committee Chair) Ms. Deshler says this article asks for a $1.569M appropriation into the private ways revolving fund, which will be used to improve private ways.

(Jim Feeney, Town Manager) Mr. Feeney says this money will be used to repair the private way network in Kelwyn Manor, which is one of the largest private way networks in town. We can't spend public money on private ways, except as the legislature explicitly allows: for snow removal, and fronting the cost for betterments.

(Note: the money used for repairs will be repaid by abutters to the private ways).

Article passes, 190--5--5.

Article 80 - 51A Grove Street Building Repairs

(Christine Deshler, Finance Committee Chair) Ms. Deshler says the town building at 51A Grove Street suffered a fire. This article asks for a $100k appropriation to cover the insurance deductible.

Article passes, 202--0--1.

Article 84 - Cemetery Funds

(Christine Deshler, Finance Committee Chair) Ms. Deshler says that town meeting appropriates money each year in order to maintain town cemeteries. The total amount is $770k.

Article passes, 198--1--0.

Article 87 - Use of Free Cash

(Christine Deshler, Finance Committee Chair) Ms. Deshler says this article involves budget surplus. At the end of each year, the Department of Revenue certifies the amount and the extra money can be spent in following fiscal years. The town has a long-standing policy of applying 50% of free cash to the operating budget.

(Beth Benedikt, Precinct 21) Ms. Benedikt says $11M is a lot of money. She asks what that will be spent on.

(Christine Deshler) Ms. Deshler says it will be used for the operating budget, which town meeting voted on earlier.

(Steve Revilak, Precinct 1) Mr. Revilak understand that half of free cash is put towards the next year's operating budget. He asks what happens to the other half.

(Jim Feeney) Mr. Feeney says it goes to the undesignated fund balance.

(Christopher Moore, Precinct 14) Mr. Moore asks how putting money into the general fund reduces the tax rate.

(Al Tosti) Mr. Tosti says it's treated like income and reduces the tax levy.

(Andrew Fischer, Precinct 6) Mr. Fischer asks if the tax rate will go up 2.5% next year.

(Jim Feeney) Mr. Feeney says the tax rate will not be set until December. He expects it to go up by 2.5% plus the amount that voters approved in the override.

Article passes, 198--3--1.

It's around 9:30 and we take a ten-minute break.

Resolutions

(Greg Christiana, Town Moderator) Mr. Moderator says the remaining article are resolutions, which are not binding. He'll use the same procedure as in past town meetings. Each petitioner will have to move their main motion. There will be up to two speakers for each resolution: one for, and one in opposition. Mr. Christiana had asked people who wanted to speak in opposition to contact him, and only a few people had expressed an interest in speaking against. Most resolutions will only have one speaker.

Article 89 - Hybrid Town Meeting

(Alex Bagnall, Petitioner) Mr. Bagnall was part of the Hybrid Town Meeting Study Committee. Town meeting formed this committee in 2023, and the committee provided a report last year. He asks if further exploration is something that town meeting wants. Lexington has a hybrid town meeting. Most people participate from town hall, but some participate remotely. We accommodate participation from the town hall annex, which is sort of like remote participation. Mr. Bagnall says that town meeting has changed over the years. Arlington's earliest town meetings were restricted to church-going freemen who owned a sufficient amount of land, and attendance was mandatory. It took until the 1920s until women could vote. The next year, Arlington adopted a representative town meeting and 35 women were elected to serve. He thinks we should actively seek ways to reduce barriers to participation and asks if further exploration is something we want.

Resolution adopted, 146--34--7.

Article 90 - Comprehensive Plan Endorsement

(Steve Revilak, Precinct 1) Mr. Revilak moves his motion that town meeting endorse the Comprehensive Plan. He introduces Director of Planning and Community Development to make the presentation.

(Claire Ricker, Planning Director) Ms. Ricker says that a comprehensive plan is a document to guide local government decisions. State law governs what's covered by a comprehensive plan, and this plan addresses the required topic areas. The plan was developed in an 18-month process. The AmpUp Advisory Committee worked with Stantec as consultants to the project. The ARB adopted the plan on May 4th and the Select Board endorsed it on May 7th. Article 90 asks for town meeting's endorsement.

There was a lot of outreach and public engagement, which was led by the AmpUp committee. A draft plan was published in March. There were areas with strong consensus, like economic development and open space. There were a lot of diverse opinions on housing and land use, often involving the balance between development and open space. This reflects real challenges that communities face.

The implementation of the plan will evolve over time. All of the topic areas are interconnected and none of them exist in a vacuum. The vision statement builds on the one from the 2015 master plan. The land use section note that the Minuteman Bikeway is a defining asset for the town. The plan recommends having a strategic economic development plan, and for additional placemaking in the business districts. The housing chapter recommends allowing a broader range of housing types and connecting housing to climate goals. The transportation chapter recommends vision zero and reconsidering the overnight parking policy in light of housing and economic development goals. There's an item to update the arts and culture plan. There are recommendations to reduce heat island effects, improve water quality, and make progress towards net-zero goals. The implementation section identifies departments, boards, and groups to work on the goals. Ms. Ricker says the comprehensive plan is an expression of the community's goals.

(Carl Wagner, Precinct 15, Point of order) Mr. Wagner asks if there's no way town meeting members can oppose a resolution from the floor.

(Greg Christiana, Town Moderator) Mr. Christiana says that's correct.

(Carl Wagner) Mr. Wagner says he wanted to hear that for the record, and for ACMi.

Resolution passes, 145--25--17.

Article 91 - Medicare For All

(Greg Dennis, Petitioner) Mr. Dennis says this is a resolution to endorse single-payer healthcare and house bill H.1405. Single-payer would save Arlington millions of dollars. Our health care system is known for high costs and poor outcomes. 98% of Massachusetts residents have health insurance but many have trouble affording it. The town's insurance costs are up 12% which is nearly one-fifth of the override we just passed. Insurance costs are creating a nightmare for local governments. The high costs come from the multi-payer system. Single payer would save people money, which would either be returned to the economy or used to fill gaps. Having single-payer would save the town $16M in FY 2027 alone.

Resolution passes, 160--13--14.

Article 92 - Transitioning to Clean Heat in Massachusetts

(Pat Hanlon, Petitioner) Mr. Hanlon is the co-chair of Sustainable Arlington and he worked on this petition in conjunction with town staff. There are several elements. First, planning for the decarbonization of buildings, and the conversion from natural gas to electricity. Second, it encourages utility companies and the Department of Public Utilities to discuss how decarbonization will happen and let municipalities be part of the solution. Third, it helps us decide how to allocate the costs of electrification.

Gas companies prefer to replace aging pipes with new ones, which will last 40--50 years. We need the ability to repair gas lines and to explore alternatives to replacement. The legislature requires this, but cooperation from the utility companies hasn't been there. The resolution advocates for neighborhood scale electrification, so sections of the natural gas distribution network can be retired.

(Beth Melofchik, Opponent) Ms. Melofchik says there are things missing from Mr. Hanlon's resolution, and that utilities don't operate in the public interest. Solar arrays can be blocked. Combined sewer overflows discharge into the Alewife brook. Article 92 needs more plans, like tree protection and solar panel protection. Right now, homeowners have to choose between EVs and electric stoves. She thinks a townwide referendum would better represent the town's wishes.

(Carl Wagner, Precinct 15, Point of order) Mr. Wagner asks if other town meeting members can speak in opposition.

(Greg Christiana, Town Moderator) Mr. Christiana says that town meeting members who wished to speak in opposition to the resolutions needed to arrange that in advance. He notes that this has been the practice for several years.

(Carl Wagner) Mr. Wagner says he wanted to get that for the record, and for ACMi.

(Note: we went through this this a few minutes ago.)

Resolution passes, 136--29--17.

Article 93 - Designating Arlington a 4th Amendment Workplace Community

(Linda Hanson, Petitioner) Ms. Hanson says Town Meeting has a history of supporting Arlington's most vulnerable residents, and we need to support our neighbors. The fourth amendment offers valuable protections, and federal agents need judicial warrants to inspect private areas. There are things business owners can do to protect their rights and their workers. Passing this resolution would designate Arlington as a fourth amendment community. Knowing your rights and having a plan is crucial. Her group has spoken with 70 business owners so far. We need to know where we stand and protect our constitutional rights.

Resolution passes, 170--6--7.

Article 94 - Automatic License Plate Recognition Safeguards and Driver Privacy

(Sam Polk, Petitioner) Mr. Polk says this resolution calls for a transparent process before automatic license plate readers (ALPRs) are put into service. These devices capture and store plate numbers and vehicle characteristics, and they do this to all vehicles that pass by. ALPRs can be used in beneficial ways, such as for automatic tolling. Automatic tolling has data protections and limits the use of data collected. Without limits, collected data could be used for any purpose. Cambridge, Watertown, and Natick have all paused or canceled ALPR projects over concerns about data protection, access, and sharing. Arlington did a Flock pilot in 2016 and the system didn't perform as advertised. The use of these systems should involve a transparent public process with rules for data protection. The school bus camera law has good data governance standards. The public should participate in the policy framing process. Mr. Polk says this resolution was developed in conjunction with Police Chief Flaherty, who supports it.

(Michael Ruderman, Opponent) Mr. Ruderman had asked to speak against Article 94 but withdraws his objections.

Resolution passed, 170--4--8.

Article 95 - Concerning ICE Facility

(Guillermo Hamlin, Petitioner) Mr. Hamlin says the purpose of this resolution is to join Burlington's town meeting in condemning the ICE facility there. The building is zoned for office use and it's not suitable as a detention facility. He wants town meeting to lend their voice to our legislators, the governor, and to the Department of Homeland Security. He thinks we should stand for our civil liberties.

Resolution passes, 161--5--10.

Article 96 - Prohibit First Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides and Bromethalin

(Suzanne Chiarito, Petitioner) Ms. Chiarito moves here motion and introduces Laura Kiesel to make the presentation.

(Laura Kiesel) Ms. Kiesel says the resolution requests that the town manager prohibit the use of first- and second-generation anti-coagulant rodenticides on town land and buildings. The town manager has already added first-generation rodenticides to the prohibited list. The resolution also asks for a prohibition on Bromethalin, which is a neuro-toxin and a PFAS. It bio-accumulates in birds of prey from eating poisoned rodents and the neurological damage is irreversible. It's causing a rise in pet injuries and deaths. There are over 2000 cases/year of children being exposed to bromethalin and practically no cases of disease transmission from rats. You're much more likely to be poisoned by rodenticides. Sanitation and exclusion are the most effective ways to deter rodents.

Resolution passes, 167--2--8.

This is the last of the articles and there are no motions to reconsider. With that, the 2026 annual town meeting is dissolved at 22:45.