Session 7: Limited gas-powered leaf-blower ban OK'd

In session 7, the meeting approved a bylaw allowing use of gas-powered leaf blowers on private property from Oct. 15 to May 15, a period when leaves are more likely to be on the ground. Members also heard a range of discussion about the school budget before passing all town budgets.

For reporting and commentary, see Dan Dunn's blog | TruePersons.com questions budgets, Dunn |  Wes Beal's view before leaf-blower vote | Official votes

Session 6: Meeting backs Minuteman budget, discusses leaf blowers

In session No. 6, held Wednesday, May 9, the meeting approved a bylaw article to control when trash is brought back from the curb and supported Minuteman's operating budget after lengthy debate.

Members shot down reconsideration of proposed financial restructuring. Discussion about an article that would ban gas-powered leaf blowers was spirited but had not yet concluded. 

For reporting and commentary, see Dan Dunn's blog >> Wes Beal: Town Meeting attendace >> Official votes >>

Session 5: $200k one-time energy-conservation fund supported

At session No. 5 on Monday, May 7, the meeting approved the town's capital budget at its regular meeting. In the Special Town Meteing, a one-time, $200,000 fund for energy conservation drew support, but a measure making that fund permanent was rejected.

Discussion began on the new recycling and trash contract and was to continue in session No. 6, set for 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 9.

For reporting and commentary, see Dan Dunn's blog >>  Wes Beal explains his vote on fund >> Official votes >>

Session 4: Lower tax interest rate for seniors, parking study OK'd

Town Meeting on Wednesday, May 2, dealt with 16 more articles, but postponed some bigger issues, including budgets. The meeting voted to lower the interest rate on taxes deferred by some seniors and to approve a parking study. A variety of options were discussed about the perennially intractable issue. Session No. 5 is set for 8 p.m. Monday, May 7, as is a Special Town Meeeting. 

For reporting and commentary, see Dan Dunn's blog >> "Vanishing water"? See Wes Beal's blog >> Official votes >>

Session 3: 18 articles pick up pace

Town Meeting quickened its pace Monday, April 30, moving through 18 articles, rejecting accessory apartments and keeping the meeting start time at 8 p.m.. Selectmen Chairman Kevin Greeley lashed out at comments from member Chris Loreti about board "favors."

For reporting and commentary, see Dan Dunn's blog >> For opinion, see Wes Beal's blog >> Official votes >>

Session 2: Cremains at Cooke's Hollow rejected

In session two of the 2012 Town Meeting on Wednesday, April 25, members voted down, 75-95, after lengthy debate, a proposal that would have permitted burial of cremated remains in Cooke's Hollow, a small open-space area behind the public-safety building on Mystic Street. No vote was taken on Article 8, which would establish accessory apartments in town.

For reporting and commentary, see Dan Dunn's blog >> For opinion, see Wes Beal's blog >> Official votes >>

Session 1: Mixed-use zone turned down

In session one for 2012 on Monday, April 23, Town Meeting voted in favor of a measure that helps promote the inclusion of public art, clarified rules about banners for historic areas and voted down on voice vote a main motion aimed at creating a mixed-use zone, where the first floor is for commercial or light industry and upper floors are residential.

>For reporting and commentary, see Dan Dunn's blog >> Official votes >> Discussion of proposed zoning bylaws on accessory apartments and burial of cremated remains were postponed.

Electronic voting, parking meters, Mass. Ave., dogs and Citizens United -- these are among the issues to be raised during the 2012 Town Meeting in Arlington. A Special Town Meeting is set for Monday, May 7.

The public is welcome to attend Town Meeting, but is restricted to balcony seating. Only Town Meeting members are allowed on the floor while Town Meeting is in session.

Town Meeting meets every Monday and Wednesday at Town Hall until all warrant articles are voted upon. Each session begins at 8 p.m. and, in most cases, ends at 11 p.m.

Follow Town Meeting Online and on TV
You can find Town Meeting information including next-day voting results of warrant articles, resolutions, and actions while Town Meeting is in session as well as a listing of Town Meeting members, reports to Town Meeting, and more online at arlingtonma.gov/townmeeting.

 Watch Town Meeting on TV. Arlington Community Media (ACMI) plans to air Town Meeting live every Monday and Wednesday evening on the Government channel until the session ends and replays throughout the week. Please visit ACMI's Web site for channels and replay details at arlingtonstudio.com.

The update to the April 30 meeting corrected the reference to a 7:30 p.m. start time.