Police Tasers, Solar Panels Approved at Special Town Meeting

A $3.2 million energy assessment and new tasers for police officers were just two of the articles approved by voters at the Easton Special Town Meeting earlier this week.

With little debate among the voters, the meeting was relatively quick, wrapping up after about 40 minutes.

As part of article 10, Ameresco will complete an investment grade audit and develop an energy conservation project for the town. According to the article, an energy savings performance contract allows for the installation of energy conservation measures of building systems and components with the guaranteed energy savings paying for the cost of the project. The town has selected Ameresco as the vendor and has identified $3,184,157 worth of energy conservation measures which can be supported through the energy savings achieved.

The proceeding article approved for the spending of the roughly $3.2 million needed for the agreement.

Article 12, which asked voters to authorize the selectmen to enter an agreement with Ameresco to site solar panels on the roof of the Oliver Ames High School and the middle school as part of a power purchase/net metering agreement for a term up to 20 years, was also approved by voters.

Also approved was Article 8 which allows for $102,400 in funding to equip each member of the Easton Police Department with tasers, provide e-Perminiting software to the clerk, fire, and police departments and the board of health. The items were voted on at the Annual Town Meeting but funding was not provided until additional funds became available 

Below is how the town voted on the remaining articles:

• Article 1 - To transfer $250,000 from free cash to the stabilization fund - Approved.
• Article 2 - To appropriate $68,863 to supplement the budgets of the Police Department, the schools, and Information Technology. - Passed
• Article 3 - To transfer $10,304.85 received as a grant from the State’s Trail Management Grant Program into the Conservation Trust Fund. - Passed
• Article 4 - To transfer $10,000 received as a grant from the State’s Survey and Planning Grant Program into the Community Preservation Fund. - Passed
• Article 5 - To use $10,000 for the purchase of a new copy machine for use at the Easton Town Offices. - Passed
• Article 6 - To authorize the School Committee to enter into up to a five year contract for school bus transportation services. - Passed
• Article 7 - To authorize the School Committee to enter into up to a five year contract for athletic training services. - Passed
• Article 9 - To raise and appropriate or appropriate and transfer from available funds the sum of $14,000 to conduct an actuarial valuation of the Town’s unfunded post-employment benefits liability, including data collection services. - Passed
• Article 13 - To purchase a parcel of land with Community Preservation funds or by borrowing a sum of money pursuant to the Community Preservation Act. The land would restricted for conservation and recreational purposes. - Dismissed
• Article 14 - To appropriate $95,125 to fund a comprehensive plan for Oakes Ames Memorial Hall which would prioritize needs related to structural, mechanical, and architectural rehabilitation and restoration, universal access, and cyclical maintenance. The resulting plan would outline the physical needs and rehabilitation/restoration priorities for the building and would allow the Oakes Ames Memorial Hall Association to demonstrate preparedness when fundraising and seeking grant opportunities. The Memorial Hall Association has received a $30,000 grant from the Massachusetts Historical Commission to cover the remainder of the cost. - Passed
• Article 15 - To authorize the Selectmen to sell the building and parcel located at 114 Main Street in North Easton Village. The Town will receive a payment of $151,000 for the building and land and a new pedestrian walkway from the Mechanic Street municipal parking lot to Main Street valued at $183,161.- Passed
• Article 16 - To accept the donation of a certain parcel of land located at 338 Main Street. The donation is for general municipal purposes subject to the requirements that the Easton Garden Club shall be permitted to place a suitable sign stating “Welcome to Easton” on the Property. - Passed