Sherborn Planning Board Pulls Two Warrant Articles From Upcoming Town Meeting

The Sherborn Planning Board removed articles 21 and 22 from the warrant for the upcoming Annual Town Meeting at the advisement of the town Sherborn Advisory Committee, at their meeting on Thursday.

Planning Board Chairman Tom Urmston, said, “Advisory was against proceeding with the two articles.”

“There was some confusion with how the language could be interpreted,” said Urmston.

Urmston stated that Advisory said they would be better off taking it on next year.

Article 21 deals with adding a $200 fine for violations of town driveway codes.

Urmston said, “It would be nice to have teeth,” to enforce the town driveway codes.

Community Maintenance and Development Director Ed Wagner said he agreed with that sentiment, adding that he would hate to see the article go to Town Meeting only to have it voted down. 

Currently the town can only enforce that town by-law with legal action, Wagner thought it would be easier to “enforce with a penalty.”

Eric Johnson, Planning Board member, said he agrees that he would not like to see the article voted down, “once it gets voted down…it’s really hard to get it motivated next year.”

Wagner said that other towns he has worked for have similar fines that begin with a warning and escalate in fee the longer they are ignored.

Planning Board member John Higley said this method is, “more cost effective,” than seeking legal action.

Wagner said even if a resident ignores the fine, the town could add it to their tax bill at the end of the year.

Board member Robin Perera suggested that this be their priority once town meeting is over.

Town Planner Gino Carlucci, said there is talk of a fall meeting and if that happens this article should be put on that warrant.

Article 22, dealing with the improvement of local cemeteries was dismissed for this spring’s Town Meeting as well.

Carlucci said they will work on the wording of both articles, “then come back with one comprehensive article.”