Politics & Government

New Update: Leaf Blower By-Law Falls on Reconsideration

Reports on Town Meeting: Votes in on Home Rule petition, purchase of Phillips Beach and leaf blower use.

 

Town Meeting, Day 2

7:50 p.m.

Find out what's happening in Swampscottwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Town Meeting members voted against the seasonal restriction on residential leaf blower use in town.

The moderator called for a show of hands. The proposal was clearly defeated and did not need to go to a counted vote.  

Find out what's happening in Swampscottwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Dr. Lawrence Block advocated for the restriction, citing health risks associated with gas-powered blowers.

Tom Driscoll said the restriction was unenforceable and going to cause hassles for police and DPW.

 

Monday

9:45 p.m.

The article proposing restrictions on leaf blower use during the summer passed 124-121. Residents will not be allowed to use gas-powered leaf blowers from May 16 to Sept. 14. 

9:30 p.m.

The article proposing the purchase of Phillips Beach, for $140,000, was postponed with no action at this year's Town meeting.

Finance Committee Chairman Don Pinkerton said the sellers recently came up with additional demands, and the committee recommends not going forward with the proposed purchase of the 3.7 acres. 

9:15 p.m.

The home rule petition proposed by Selectman Barry Greenfield was defeated in a voice vote.

The article would have authorized selectmen to ask lawmakers to pass legislation giving Swampscott the option to offer alternative retirement and health insurance benefits for new town employees in collective bargaining with unions. 

Several of those who opposed said it would be too risky to approve this. We will have more in tomorrow's Patch.

The meeting opened with a moment of silence for members who have passed since last year and those who lost their lives as a result of the Boston Marathon attacks.

Selectmen were introduced and the new officers announced: Jill Sullivan is chairman and Barry Greenfield vice chairman.

The School Committee has yet to elect its officers.

Pat Jones of the Police Station Building Committee provided an update on the new police station, located on Humphrey Street.

The project is on budget and behind schedule but is expected to open soon with major completion expected the end of this month and punch list — small finish items — slated for completion in early June with the station's opening thereafter.


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