By David Fassler, Community Reporter
Hudson – The Board of Selectmen discussed nine articles at its Sept. 26 meeting that it is considering adding to the warrant for the Nov. 21 Special Town Meeting.
One article, regarding a nuisance and blight measure, was the subject of much of the night's discussion. Following the last Town Meeting, several citizens approached town leadership requesting guidance on a nuisance and anti-blight measure that could pass legal challenges. After three conversations with the state's attorney general's office, Hudson Town Counsel Aldo Cipriano presented his recommendation to the board for an anti-blight and nuisance ordinance.
Selectmen Chair James Vereault said, “We'se been at two town meetings and we hear the same complaints. This, in my mind, is much better than having citizens try to write it themselves; this is about as educated as we'se going to get. If the town's people want a bylaw, this is one where the town counsel has put his shoulder into it.”
Vereault added that he has concerns about the measure, and finds it “distasteful” that the board has to address the issue for a fourth time. He initially expressed his support for the measure appearing on the warrant; however, he urged the selectmen to sponsor, but not endorse, the measure.
Finance Committee Chair John Parent said that he interpreted that suggestion to convey that if the board sponsors a measure, it implies the board supports it as well. If it did not support the measure, then the board would be best served not recommending it.
After further discussion, the board voted to withdraw support for the measure, until town counsel could further research the issue and clarify concerns about what the board said was “vague wording” in the proposed ordinance.
Another article on the proposed warrant addresses the ongoing issue of the downtown parking infrastructure study.
“The voters are being asked to appropriate $52,000, and funds will be matched by the Hudson Business Association,” Vereault said. “I applaud that; I think it this is a very important initiative to see people who have a stake in this putting up the money.”
Other articles address: standard appropriations; supplemental payment for employee retirements; funding issues for the public schools; whether the town should accept a small residential property on Middle Road; approval of a measure that would prohibit the depositing of snow on a public right of way; and several measures relating to zoning.
In other business, the board approved the reappointment of Dianne Cush as treasurer/collector. Approval was also granted for a Live Entertainment, Transient Vendor and One-Day Wine and Malt Pouring license for the Hudson Park Commission, which will sponsor Pumpkin Fest at Morgan Bowl Saturday, Oct. 15.
The board also approved expenditures of $55,116 to P.J. Albert, Inc. of Fitchburg for additional reconstruction work on Cottage and Wilson streets.