In Carver, residents approved a $46 million operating budget, $3.9 million dollars in capital projects, but key articles still remain after the session did not conclude in one night.
Marred at times by failed amendments and technical issues, the first night of Annual Town Meeting ran just past 11 p.m. At least a second night is needed to complete the warrant.
Voters were presented with three options for Capital Projects – residents approved nearly $4 million dollars in spending. This includes $850,000 for the library roof, $550,000 dollars for the Town Hall roof, and $273,000 dollars in town and school technology upgrades.
Community Preservation projects that were approved include $300,000 dollars to replace tennis courts at the Marcus Atwood house with six pickleball courts, $20,000 to reconstruct the spire at Union Society Building, and $82,000 dollars to establish an “Avenue of Honor,” with flags honoring veterans and active-duty residents.
More than an hour of discussion focused on Article 6 – the Cranberry Village Transfer of funds. After the 2022 Town Meeting voted to transfer control of the wells to the Village Association, this vote was to close out the enterprise fund, with remaining funds (about $250,000 dollars) going back to Carver.
Votes on an amendment were taken twice – after the electronic voting system displayed percentages, rather than votes. The original motion eventually was approved, 241 to 38.
Articles that were not approved include Article 14 – the sale of low value tax title properties to abutters — failed to reach a two-thirds vote, with 91 “yes” votes, and 82 “no” votes.
Article 13 – a finance committee bylaw amendment, was indefinitely postponed.
Article 18 – a wetlands bylaw amendment, was amended to include language that was stricken from the original motion. That was approved, with 124 “yes” votes, and 46 “no” votes.
All other articles were approved as motioned.
Articles that still remain are the ones expected to draw the most discussion. This includes Article 27 – dealing with solar zoning, Article 29, which updates zoning tables to include battery storage, and eight citizen petition articles.
Carver Annual Town Meeting is set to resume at 6 p.m. on Thursday at the Middle/High School. A quorum of 150 residents is needed to continue the meeting.
