The Town of Ashland gathered for its Annual Town Meeting on Wednesday, May 4, 2022, at the high school at 7 pm. 86 registered voters weighed in on eleven warrant articles, including the 2023 Fiscal Year Town Budget, which passed with a simple majority vote. Articles 9 and 11 had some discussion. Article 9: Amend Bylaw: Amend Demolition Delay Bylaw for Historically or Architecturally Significant Properties, sponsored by the Historical Commission, resulted in the approval of the proposed sub motion to refer the article back to the Historical Commission for further refinement and clarification. This submotion was voted on and passed after a count from tellers 40/34. Article 10 was dismissed given the subject matter was debated and voted on previously with Article 9. Finally, Article 11: Approve Sustainability Framework, sponsored by the Sustainability Committee, was ultimately passed by a simple majority after a submotion was made to refer the article back to the committee and failed. Town Meeting adjourned at 9:11 pm. 

Town Meeting Recap

Article 1: Hear Town Reports

No action needed

Article 2: Transfer from General Stabilization Fund. 

Passed unanimously (2/3 Vote)

Article 3: Fiscal Year 2023 Budget

Passed with a simple majority

Article 4: Capital Authorization

Passed with 2/3 majority

Article 5: Transfer to OPEB Trust

Passed unanimously

Article 6: Increase Economic Development Budget

Passed unanimously

Article 7: Annual Consent Article - General

Passed  unanimously (2/3 vote)

Article 8: Annual Consent Article: Community Preservation Act

Passed with a simple majority

Article 9: Amend Bylaw: Amend Demolition Delay Bylaw for Historically or Architecturally Significant Properties

Submotion for article to be referred back to the Historical commission for further refinement and clarification voted on and passed 40/34.    

Article 10: Update Chapter 125 Demolition Delay Bylaw for Historically or Architecturally Significant Buildings 

A motion was made to dismiss article 10.  The motion passed and article 10 was dismissed.

Article 11: Approve Sustainability Framework Passed with a simple majority

Town Meeting adjourned at 9:11 PM.