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Annual Town Meeting 2022 Minutes & Recording

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TOWN OF WORTHINGTON ANNUAL TOWN MEETING May 7, 2022 9:30 AM

RH Conwell School – OUTSIDE

A quorum of 85 being present, Moderator Kevin O’Connor called the meeting to order at 9:33am. Bella Coon-Drawe of Old Post Road played the fiddle and the pledge of allegiance was recited. The following articles were then acted upon:

ARTICLE ONE:   It was voted unanimously to choose all other Town officers as are not required by law to be elected by ballot.

Almoners of the Whiting Street Fund

Bruce Barshefsky, Catherine Whitcomb, Diane Meehan Field Drivers and Fence Viewers

Bart Niswonger, Kevin Porter, Darlene Millman Surveyors of Wood and Timber

Keith Manley, Sam Powell, Clarence Witter

ARTICLE TWO: It was voted unanimously to accept the reports of the Town Clerk, Town Treasurer, Selectboard, Almoners of the Whiting Street Fund and other elected or appointed officers or committees of the Town.

ARTICLE THREE:     It was voted unanimously to Raise and Appropriate the sum of

$1,272,008.47 the total Worthington School District Budget for the period of July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023 as listed in the warrant:

Worthington School District AppropriationFY2022 AdoptedFY2023 AdoptedSelectboard ActionFinance Comm. Action
Elementary$953,573.69$985,133.47RecommendedRecommended
Secondary258,182.40286,875.00RecommendedRecommended
Total$1,211,756.09$1,272,008.47  

ARTICLE FOUR: It was voted unanimously pursuant to the provisions of Section 53E ½ of Chapter 44 M.G.L. to re-authorize the amount of $1,680.00 as the annual spending limit for the Conwell School Laptop Protection Plan revolving fund, such limit to be applicable for Fiscal Year 2023.

Selectboard Action: Recommended                            Finance Comm. Action: Recommended

ARTICLE FIVE: It was voted unanimously to Appropriate and Transfer the sum of

$150,000.00 from the General Stabilization Fund to fund repairs to the RH Conwell Building.

Selectboard Action: Recommended                            Finance Comm. Action: Recommended

ARTICLE SIX: It was voted unanimously to Raise and Appropriate the sum of $248,751.00

for Vocational Education as listed in the warrant:

Vocational EducationFY2022 AdoptedFY2023 AdoptedSelectboard ActionFinance Comm. Action
 $190,817.00$248,751.00RecommendedRecommended

ARTICLE SEVEN: It was voted unanimously to Raise and Appropriate the sum of

$76,628.00 to be paid to Gateway Regional School District for Capital and MSBA payback costs as listed in the warrant:

Gateway School District PaybackFY2022 AdoptedFY2023 AdoptedSelectboard ActionFinance Comm. Action
Bonded Projects55,884.00$55,340.00RecommendedRecommended
MSBA Payback21,288.0021,288.00RecommendedRecommended
Total$77,172.00$76,628.00  

ARTICLE EIGHT: It was voted unanimously to fix the salaries or compensation of all elected officers of the Town, as provided by MGL Chapter 41, Section 108 as amended, and to Raise and Appropriate the sum of $54,182.00 for these salaries and compensation to be as of July 1, 2022 as listed in the warrant:

 FY2022 AdoptedFY2023 AdoptedSelectboard ActionFinance Comm. Action
Selectboard, Chair$2,339.00$2,477.00RecommendedRecommended
Selectboard, Clerk2,055.002,177.00RecommendedRecommended
Selectboard, Member2,055.002,177.00RecommendedRecommended
Bd. of Health, Chair1,897.002,009.00RecommendedRecommended
Bd. of Health, Clerk1,897.002,009.00RecommendedRecommended
Bd. of Health, Mem.1,897.002,009.00RecommendedRecommended
Moderator100.00100.00RecommendedRecommended
Town Clerk10,754.0011,388.00RecommendedRecommended
Assessors, Chair6,433.006,812.00RecommendedRecommended
Assessors, Clerk13,801.0014,614.00RecommendedRecommended
Assessors, Member5,839.006,184.00RecommendedRecommended
Tree Warden2,102.002,226.00RecommendedRecommended
Total$51,169.00$54,182.00  

ARTICLE  NINE:  It was  voted  unanimously  to Raise  and Appropriate  the sum of

$491,599.00 for the following Town charges as listed in the warrant:

GENERAL GOVERNMENT:

 FY2022 AdoptedFY2023 AdoptedSelectboard ActionFinance Comm. Action
Selectboard Expenses$3,500.00$3,500.00RecommendedRecommended
Assessors’ Expenses1,750.001,750.00RecommendedRecommended
Classified Advertising2,000.002,500.00RecommendedRecommended
Tax Map Maintenance1,800.001,800.00RecommendedRecommended
Assessors’ Software Support8,500.008,800.00RecommendedRecommended
Assessors’ Revaluation19,950.004,300.00RecommendedRecommended
Online Tax Maps2,400.002,400.00RecommendedRecommended
Town Clerk’s Expenses700.001,600.00RecommendedRecommended
Election Expenses585.003,144.00RecommendedRecommended
Registrars’ Expense50.0050.00RecommendedRecommended
Tree Warden’s Expenses20,000.0020,000.00RecommendedRecommended
Tax Collector18,562.0020,043.00RecommendedRecommended
Asst Tax Cltr/Asst Treasurer8,449.009,127.00RecommendedRecommended
Tax Collector’s Expenses4,100.004,100.00RecommendedRecommended
Tax Collector’s Software5,349.005,349.00RecommendedRecommended
Accounting Services30,600.0031,200.00RecommendedRecommended
Accounting Software4,051.004,254.00RecommendedRecommended
Treasurer18,562.0020,043.00RecommendedRecommended
Treasurer’s Expenses4,500.004,500.00RecommendedRecommended
Treasurer’s Software1,445.001,518.00RecommendedRecommended
Town Payroll Service3,500.004,000.00RecommendedRecommended
Executive Assistant56,534.0061,048.00RecommendedRecommended
Assistant Secretary3,970.004,204.00RecommendedRecommended
Recording Secretary8,000.008,000.00RecommendedRecommended
Bd. of Appeals Expense600.00600.00RecommendedRecommended
Conservation Comm. Exp.600.00600.00RecommendedRecommended
Historic Commission Exp250.00250.00RecommendedRecommended
Town Off. Maint. & Sup.3,200.003,500.00RecommendedRecommended
Town Hall Maintenance4,500.004,500.00RecommendedRecommended
Town Hall Custodian4,680.003,420.00RecommendedRecommended
Town Telephone Exp.16,500.0020,000.00RecommendedRecommended
Town Building Heating24,000.0026,000.00RecommendedRecommended
War Memorial & Town Bldgs0.00300.00RecommendedRecommended
Conwell Bldg. Expenses127,248.00134,596.00RecommendedRecommended
IT/Comptr. Replenishmt plan4,000.004,000.00RecommendedRecommended
Comptr. Maint. & Supplies1,500.002,000.00RecommendedRecommended
Computer Maint. Labor3,200.003,200.00RecommendedRecommended
Town Web Site1,000.001,000.00RecommendedRecommended
Planning Board Expenses300.00300.00RecommendedRecommended
P.V.P.C.201.00213.00RecommendedRecommended
Parks & Rec Comm. Exp.1,800.003,800.00RecommendedRecommended
Founder’s Day0.000.00RecommendedRecommended
Finance Comm. Expense140.00140.00RecommendedRecommended
Town Reports1,250.001,250.00RecommendedRecommended
Law Account Expense15,000.0015,000.00RecommendedRecommended
Tax Taking-Collector1,200.001,200.00RecommendedRecommended
Tax Title Foreclosure Treas.2,500.002,500.00RecommendedRecommended
Tax Title Foreclosure Maint.2,000.002,000.00RecommendedRecommended
Audit Expenses12,500.0012,500.00RecommendedRecommended
Council on Aging10,000.0012,000.00RecommendedRecommended
COA Building Lease9,500.009,500.00RecommendedRecommended
Total$476,526.00$491,599.00  

ARTICLE TEN:     It was voted unanimously to Appropriate and Transfer the sum of

$2,758.00 from the General Stabilization Fund to purchase a New Grill ($200.00), Two Benches ($1,285.00) and an ADA-compliant Table ($1,273.00) for the Town Park.

Selectboard Action: Recommended                            Finance Comm. Action: Recommended

ARTICLE ELEVEN: It was voted unanimously to Raise and Appropriate the sum of

$22,900.00 for the Worthington Library as listed in the warrant:

 FY2022 AdoptedFY2023 AdoptedSelectboard ActionFinance Comm. Action
Worthington Library$21,879.00$22,900.00RecommendedRecommended

ARTICLE TWELVE: It was voted unanimously to Raise and Appropriate the sum of

$20,295.00 for the following Town Cemetery charges as listed in the warrant:

 FY2022 AdoptedFY2023 AdoptedSelectboard ActionFinance Comm. Action
Maintenance of Cemeteries$15,450.00$16,395.00RecommendedRecommended
Cem. Commission Expense500.00500.00RecommendedRecommended
Grave Openings3,400.003,400.00RecommendedRecommended
Total:$19,350.00$20,295.00  

ARTICLE THIRTEEN: It was voted unanimously to Raise and Appropriate the sum of

$177,832.84 for the following Town charges as listed in the warrant:

PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY:

 FY2022 AdoptedFY2023 AdoptedSelectboard ActionFinance Comm. Action
Emergency Mgmt. Salary$1,011.00$1,071.00RecommendedRecommended
Emergency Mgmt. Expenses600.00600.00RecommendedRecommended
CivicReady1,178.001,213.00RecommendedRecommended
Animal Control Officer Salary1,660.001,758.00RecommendedRecommended
Animal Control Officer. Exp.300.00300.00RecommendedRecommended
Hilltown Comm. Ambulance30,469.1431,169.84RecommendedRecommended
Town Constable100.00100.00RecommendedRecommended
Animal Inspector693.00734.00RecommendedRecommended
Building Commissioner19,213.0020,748.00RecommendedRecommended
Building Inspector Alternate0.000.00RecommendedRecommended
Building Inspector’s Expenses1,578.002,000.00RecommendedRecommended
Plumbing Inspector1,504.001,593.00RecommendedRecommended
Plumbing Inspector’s Expense400.00400.00RecommendedRecommended
Wiring Inspector3,399.003,600.00RecommendedRecommended
Wiring Inspector’s Expense120.00120.00RecommendedRecommended
Assist. Wiring Insp. Expense300.00300.00RecommendedRecommended
Gas Inspector1,182.001,252.00RecommendedRecommended
Board of Health Expenses200.00200.00RecommendedRecommended
Board of Health Agent3,900.003,900.00RecommendedRecommended
Ctrl. Hamp. Veterans’ Service5,775.005,904.00RecommendedRecommended
Veteran’s Aid15,000.0015,000.00RecommendedRecommended
Disposal Works55,000.0065,000.00RecommendedRecommended
Disposal Attendant11,642.0012,577.00RecommendedRecommended
Hilltown Resource Mgt. Coop.6,362.007,093.00RecommendedRecommended
Streetlights1,000.001,200.00RecommendedRecommended
Total:$162,586.14$177,832.84  

ARTICLE FOURTEEN: The motion failed by a secret ballot vote of 109 against and 23 in favor to Raise and Appropriate $108,825.00 for the following Town charges as listed in the warrant:

FIRE DEPARTMENT – FULL-TIME CHIEF/EMT:

 FY2022 AdoptedFY2023 ProposedSelectboard ActionFinance Comm. Action
Fire Dept. Operating Exps.$22,800.00$25,000.00RecommendedRecommended
Fire Department Fuel2,500.002,500.00RecommendedRecommended
Clerical5,049.000.00RecommendedRecommended
Fire Chief Salary5,608.0065,000.00RecommendedDefer to Town Mtg
Fire Dept. Grant Writer1,234.001,325.00RecommendedRecommended
Code Inspection Comp.1,500.000.00RecommendedRecommended
Fire Dept. Call Comp.13,000.0015,000.00RecommendedRecommended
     
Total$51,691.00$108,825.00  

Article 15 was passed over as it was based on the failed Article 14.

ARTICLE FIFTEEN: To see if the Town will vote to Raise and Appropriate the sum of

$396,241.00 for Group Insurance or take any other action in relation thereto:


 		FY2022 AdoptedFY2023 ProposedSelectboard ActionFinance Comm. Action
Group Insurance$285,357.00$396,241.00RecommendedRecommended

ARTICLE SIXTEEN: It was voted unanimously to Raise and Appropriate 57,228.00 for the following Town charges as listed in the warrant:

FIRE DEPARTMENT STATUS QUO FIRE CHIEF:

 FY2022 AdoptedFY2023 AdoptedSelectboard ActionFinance Comm. Action
Fire Dept. Operating Exps.$22,800.00$25,000.00RecommendedRecommended
Fire Department Fuel2,500.002,500.00RecommendedRecommended
Clerical5,049.005,638.00RecommendedRecommended
Fire Chief Salary5,608.006,265.00  
Fire Dept. Grant Writer1,234.001,325.00RecommendedRecommended
Code Inspection Comp.1,500.001,500.00RecommendedRecommended
Fire Dept. Call Comp.13,000.0015,000.00RecommendedRecommended
     
Total$51,691.00$57,228.00  

ARTICLE SEVENTEEN:                                      It was voted unanimously to Raise and Appropriate the sum of

$375,818.00 for Group Insurance.

 FY2022 AdoptedFY2023 AdoptedSelectboard ActionFinance Comm. Action
Group Insurance$285,357.00$375,818.00RecommendedRecommended

ARTICLE EIGHTEEN:  It was voted unanimously to Appropriate and Transfer the sum of

$9,000.00 from the General Stabilization Fund to purchase New Emergency Radios for the Fire Department.

Selectboard Action: Recommended                            Finance Comm. Action: Recommended

ARTICLE NINETEEN:                                      It was voted unanimously to Raise and Appropriate the sum of

$331,090.00 for the following Town Insurance charges as listed in the warrant:

 FY2022 AdoptedFY2023 AdoptedSelectboard ActionFinance Comm. Action
Hampshire Cty Retirement$295,613.00$240,140.00RecommendedRecommended
Unemployment Comp.3,000.003,500.00RecommendedRecommended
Workers Compensation10,518.0011,000.00RecommendedRecommended
Insurance and Bonds50,000.0052,450.00RecommendedRecommended
Medicare23,000.0024,000.00RecommendedRecommended
Total:$382,131.00$331,090.00  

ARTICLE TWENTY: It was voted unanimously to Raise and Appropriate the sum of

$32,742.00 for Principal and Interest on the Fire Truck Debt.

 FY2022 AdoptedFY2023 AdoptedSelectboard ActionFinance Comm. Action
Fire Pumper Truck$33,489.00$32,742.00RecommendedRecommended

ARTICLE TWENTY-ONE: It was voted by a majority to Raise and Appropriate $170,713.00

for the following Town charges as listed in the warrant:

POLICE DEPARTMENT:

 FY2022 AdoptedFY2023 AdoptedSelectboard ActionFinance Comm. Action
Police Dept. Expenses$18,745.00$19,815.00RecommendedRecommended
Police Chief Salary72,800.0078,655.00RecommendedRecommended
Police Dept. Wages23,940.0059,359.00RecommendedRecommended
Addt’l Police Dept. Wages32,112.000.00  
Police Clerical Wages10,446.0011,276.00RecommendedRecommended
IMC Software Maint.950.00858.00RecommendedRecommended
CJIS Yearly Maintenance*NEW*750.00RecommendedRecommended
Regional Lockup1,098.000.00  
Total160,091.00$170,713.00  

ARTICLE TWENTY-TWO: It was passed by secret ballot vote with 92 in favor and 32 against to Appropriate and Transfer the sum of $47,243.00 from the General Stabilization Fund to purchase a New Police Cruiser F150 with Cab and Slide-out.

Selectboard Action: Recommended                            Finance Comm. Action: Recommended

ARTICLE TWENTY-THREE: It was voted by a majority to Raise and Appropriate the sum of

$593,145.00 for the following Town Highway charges as listed in the warrant:

 FY2022 AdoptedFY2023 AdoptedSelectboard ActionFinance Comm. Action
General Highway Maint.$50,000.00$50,000.00RecommendedRecommended
Road Sweeping6,500.006,500.00RecommendedRecommended
Town Mowing12,000.0012,000.00RecommendedRecommended
Winter Highway Maint.110,000.00110,000.00RecommendedRecommended
Wtr. HWY Overtime Wages11,853.0011,850.00RecommendedRecommended
Highway Dept. Wages153,155.00165,370.00RecommendedRecommended
Highway Wages Clerical5,223.005,638.00RecommendedRecommended
Highway Superintendent75,046.0081,037.00RecommendedRecommended
Hwy.Supt. Add’l Wtr. Comp.2,479.002,500.00RecommendedRecommended
Garage Maintenance14,000.0014,000.00RecommendedRecommended
Machinery Maintenance30,000.0040,000.00RecommendedRecommended
Highway/Police Fuel30,000.0030,000.00RecommendedRecommended
Superintendent’s Expense1,500.001,500.00RecommendedRecommended
FRCOG Group Purchasing2,750.002,750.00RecommendedRecommended
Secondary Rd. Improvemts.60,000.0060,000.00RecommendedRecommended
Total:$564,506.00$593,145.00  

ARTICLE TWENTY-FOUR: It was passed with 76 in favor and 15 against to Appropriate and Transfer the sum of $120,0000.00 from the General Stabilization Fund to purchase a new 4-Wheel Drive CAT 420XE Backhoe.

Selectboard Action: Recommended                            Finance Comm. Action: Recommended

Article 25 was passed over as it was explained that the Highway Superintendent had a different plan.

ARTICLE TWENTY-FIVE: To see if the Town will vote to Appropriate and Transfer the sum of $360,000.00 from the General Stabilization Fund to purchase a New 10 Wheel Plow and Wing, Dump Truck to replace the 2009 International Dump Truck, or take any action relative thereto.

Selectboard Action: Recommended                            Finance Comm. Action: Recommended

ARTICLE TWENTY-SIX: It was voted unanimously to Raise and Appropriate the sum of

$10,000.00 to establish a Reserve Fund to provide for extraordinary or unforeseen expenditures, as provided by M.G.L. Chapter 40, Section 6, as amended.

Selectboard Action: Recommended                            Finance Comm. Action: Recommended

ARTICLE TWENTY-SEVEN: It was voted unanimously to Appropriate as available funds the total sum of $233,060.00 from Chapter 90 funds or any other amounts from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for highway construction and/or maintenance.

Selectboard Action: Recommended                            Finance Comm. Action: Recommended

ARTICLE TWENTY-EIGHT: It was voted unanimously to Appropriate and Transfer the sum of $445,419.00 from Free Cash to the General Stabilization Fund.

Selectboard Action: Recommended                            Finance Comm. Action: Recommended

ARTICLE TWENTY-NINE: It was voted unanimously to authorize the Selectboard to enter into contracts with the Massachusetts Highway Department for construction and/or maintenance of public highways for the Fiscal Year 2023, and further to authorize the Selectboard on behalf of the Town to accept any money from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for highway construction and/or maintenance.

ARTICLE THIRTY: It was voted unanimously to authorize the Selectboard to apply for Massachusetts State or Federal grant programs and to further Authorize the Selectboard to expend monies received through such programs following a public hearing.

ARTICLES FOR FY 2022

ARTICLE THIRTY-ONE: It was voted unanimously to Appropriate and Transfer the sum of

$5,000.00 from the FY22 Conwell Building Appropriation, the sum of 17,343.00 from the FY22 Vocational Education Appropriation and 1,732.00 from the FY22 County Retirement Appropriation to the FY22 Worthington School Appropriation to cover the cost of additional students attending the Hampshire Regional School District.

Selectboard Action: Recommended                            Finance Comm. Action: Recommended

ARTICLE THIRTY-TWO: It was voted by a clear 2/3 majority to Appropriate and Transfer the sum of $28,647.47 from the General Stabilization Fund to fund deficit spending in the following appropriations:

Winter Highway Maintenance Account $18,952.19 Winter Highway Overtime Wages $5,543.35

Highway Super Additional Winter Compensation $4,151.93

Selectboard Action: Recommended                            Finance Comm. Action: Recommended

ARTICLE THIRTY-THREE: It was voted 85-7 to amend the zoning bylaw by adding Section

  • Accessory Dwelling Units:

SECTION 8.7 ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS (ADU)

  1. Purpose

The provision of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) is intended to:

  1. provide housing options for residents who cannot afford, or who do not desire, a free-standing single unit house with land;
    1. provide older owners with a means of obtaining rental income, companionship, security, and services, thereby enabling them to stay more comfortably in their homes and neighborhoods they may otherwise be forced to leave;
    1. encourage a more economic and energy-efficient use of the Town’s housing supply and create a greater range of housing accommodations while maintaining the appearance and rural character of the Town;
    1. protect the stability, property values, and the single-family residential character of the town by ensuring accessory dwelling units are installed only in owner- occupied properties with proper permitting and inspections; and,
    1. provide housing units for persons with disabilities.
    1. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) Conditions

The Planning Board shall issue Site Plan Approval, per Section 2.6 of this bylaw, for only one singular dwelling unit accessory to the use of a single-family principal dwelling, provided that each of the following conditions is met:

  1. The ADU will be a complete, separate housekeeping unit containing kitchen, sleeping and sanitary facilities.
    1. Only one ADU is created within a single-family dwelling or house lot as defined under Section 5 hereof.
    1. In the case of an attached ADU, plans must be provided showing all Adopted interior and exterior changes to the single-family dwelling. In the case of a detached ADU, plans must be provided showing the Adopted site changes, as well as the interior and exterior of the Adopted structure.
    1. There will be two separate egresses. One must open directly to the outside. One may be shared with the principal single-family principal dwelling through an entry hall or corridor.
    1. The gross floor area of the ADU (including any additions) shall not be greater in floor area than 900 square feet.
    1. Once an ADU has been added to a single-family residence, the ADU shall never be enlarged beyond 900 square feet in floor area, as allowed by this bylaw.
    1. Any new separate outside entrance serving an attached ADU shall be placed in such a manner that it does not interfere with the single-family character of the town. For example, the entry to the ADU can be located on the side or in the rear of the building. Detached ADUs shall be designed and sited in such a way that they do not interfere with the rural and single-family residential character of the town, and are clearly subordinate to the principal dwelling.
    1. A minimum of three off-street parking spaces must be available for use by the owner occupant(s) and tenants to avoid on-street parking.
    1. The procedure for the submission and approval of a Building Permit for an ADU shall be the same as prescribed elsewhere in this Bylaw except the

application shall include a notarized letter from the owner(s) stating that the owner(s) will occupy one of the dwelling units on the premises.

  1. The owner(s) of the property on which the ADU is created must continue to occupy at least one of the property’s dwelling units as their primary residence, except for bona fide temporary absences. The Building Inspector shall revoke the Certificate of Occupancy for any ADU for which the Building Inspector determines that the owner(s) does not so occupy.
    1. The Inspector of Buildings shall not issue a Certificate of Occupancy for an ADU until the owner(s) of the property presents a time-stamped copy of a Declaration of Covenants for the subject property that has been filed at the County Registry of Deeds. The Declaration shall state that the right to occupy an ADU ceases if the property is not the primary residence of one or more of its owners, or upon transfer of title unless the new owner takes the action described in paragraph 12 below.
    1. In those instances where there is a transfer of ownership of a dwelling with an ADU, if a structure that has received approval for an ADU is sold, and if the new owner wishes to continue to exercise the use, the new owner must, within 30 days of the sale, submit a notarized letter to the Building Inspector stating that the owner will occupy one of the dwelling units on the property and shall conform to all of the criteria and conditions for ADUs.
  • Accessory Dwelling Units in Existence Before the Adoption of an Accessory Dwelling Unit Bylaw
  1. The Planning Board may authorize, under a Site Plan Review and in conjunction with the Building Commissioner, an accessory unit (ADU) in an owner-occupied, single-family dwelling or accessory structure. The Board will review, with the Building Commissioner and Board of Health Agent, each existing use on a case-by-case basis to determine if the dwelling conforms to the State Building Code and Health Code.
    1. The applicant must follow the same procedures described in this Accessory Dwelling Unit Bylaw.
  • Conflict with Other Laws

The provisions of this bylaw shall be considered supplemental of the existing zoning bylaws. To the extent that a conflict exists between this bylaw and others, the more restrictive bylaw, or provisions therein, shall apply.

And make the following necessary amendments to existing sections in the Zoning Bylaw:

AMEND SECTION 4.5 C. TO READ AS FOLLOWS:

C. The Planning Board shall be the Site Plan Review Authority for the following uses where no special permit is required:

1.  Accessory Dwelling Units

1.2. Religious and Educational Uses

2.3. Federal, State of Massachusetts, and Town of Worthington uses;

3.4. Public Service Corporations exempt from the Special Permit process;

4.5. Child Care Facilities;

5.6. Hazardous Waste, Refuse Treatment and Disposal Facilities;

6.7. Scientific Research Facilities.

AMEND SECTION 5 A. IN PART BY ADDING THE WORDS “PRINCIPAL” AND THE WORDS

“AND ONE ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT”, AS SEEN BELOW:

A. A dwelling, principal building, or principal structure hereinafter erected shall be located on a lot having not less than a minimum area of two (2) acres and a minimum frontage of 400 feet measured contiguously along a single street, either public or private, which the lot abuts. If private, said private street must either have been in existence or have been laid out on a plan duly recorded in the Hampshire County Registry of Deeds at the time of the enactment of the Zoning Bylaw. Frontage on more than one street or opposite sides of the same street cannot be added to meet the minimum frontage requirement. No more than one principal dwelling, principal building, or principal structure, and one accessory dwelling unit, shall be built upon any such lot. A lot or parcel of land having an area or frontage of lesser amounts than required above, may be considered as coming within the area and frontage requirements of this Section provided such lot or parcel of land was listed in the tax records, or shown on a plan or described in a deed duly recorded and registered at the time of adoption of the Bylaw, and did not at the…

AMEND SECTION 10 BY ADDING THE FOLLOWING DEFINITIION:

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)

A self-contained housing unit, whether attached to the principal dwelling or detached from the principal dwelling, which shall be inclusive of sleeping, cooking and sanitary facilities on the same lot as the principal dwelling and which:

  1. conforms to all applicable zoning, building, health, septic, electrical, plumbing, and wetlands protections standards and codes of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Town of Worthington; and which,
  2. includes two separate egresses, both meeting the requirements of the

Commonwealth’s building code for safe egress; and,

  • is not larger than 900 square feet in floor area.

AND BY DELETING THE FOLLOWING DEFINITION:

A family dwelling unit is a dwelling or part of a building occupied or intended to be occupied by one family for residential purposes.

The meeting dissolved at 12:37 pm Respectfully submitted,

Katrin Kaminsky Town Clerk