[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6631363,"mediaKeyId","2679922-3272bbd6aa20a994ec4286195d10288d","parentId",2679922,"title","Council accepts two annual billboard community-host donations totaling $27,000 for town programs","audioSeconds",140,"startMs",5890000,"endMs",6030000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2679922-3272bbd6aa20a994ec4286195d10288d&start=5890&end=6030","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2679922-3272bbd6aa20a994ec4286195d10288d/thumbnail_5890000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6631363/Town-of-Braintree/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Council-accepts-two-annual-billboard-community-host-donations-totaling-27000-for-town-programs","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6631363-29186143a72fbf17b54e1e2aaa3fa80d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153564&Signature=jI98LJuNH7ZACmjF~4RrFIjlJP00tTqT~nua8Kxzw76CccWKNKpZENzP9WOnSx79EGExwpgD5Jq18GCWjV22J4NV1liiUT5OPFP5YewuKC~9uXExsSVKUO5Qch~N8jOwWyQliOAUUbNSjgNM0V1klUpOTfJZn-JdcKHfKKCPktZVFovTdE18UqYX1Tu1wkiypIjNaoPzNElMSJb5wOasFZPYbtZ5Zj-6A9nmVtMKhLkvPMiTt4ueSh4RAsS2-YCb0T~aVawSWq1s-EZH2YRk2J~QUvXvXUlaOCUGum~yzaF~HHoTYq~FkpMeGJG-yzwC7fk1Jw-tlL5mN5oUiRjXjg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Braintree, MA","date","2025-03-19T02:09:05.543Z","article","The Town Council unanimously accepted two community-host donations tied to digital billboards on Wood Road at its March 18 meeting: $7,000 from Interstate Outdoor to support Recreation Department programming, and $20,000 from Lamar Central Outdoor to be placed in the Town's beautification fund for town programs and events.

Mayor Joyce and staff outlined that community-host agreements associated with the installation and operation of two digital billboards provide for annual payments to the town. Staff reached out to the billboard operators to confirm and collect outstanding contributions. The council accepted both donations under the town's statutory acceptance authority (MGL c.44, §53A) by unanimous vote.

Councilors asked about terms and recurrence; staff said the agreements differ and that one agreement specifies an amount while the other is more open-ended. A councilor asked staff to provide the precise terms in follow-up; staff indicated both payments are annual per staff briefing but agreed to circulate the agreements and terms.

Both motions were moved and seconded and passed by unanimous voice vote. The $7,000 Interstate donation is designated for the Recreation Department to support program costs and access; the $20,000 Lamar donation is intended for the Beautification Fund and town programs/events.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Braintree Town Council 3/18/25 7:30pm","oneSentenceSummary","The council accepted an annual $7,000 donation from Interstate Outdoor for recreation programming and a $20,000 contribution from Lamar Central Outdoor to the town's beautification fund and events, both accepted unanimously under statutory authority.","taxTitle","Town of Braintree , Norfolk County, Massachusetts","taxId",57175,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6631366,"Council approves most fire-department supplemental transfers; one motion continued for more review",1085,4613000,5698000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2679922-3272bbd6aa20a994ec4286195d10288d&start=4613&end=5698","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2679922-3272bbd6aa20a994ec4286195d10288d/thumbnail_4613000.jpg","/articles/6631366/Town-of-Braintree/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Council-approves-most-fire-department-supplemental-transfers-one-motion-continued-for-more-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6631366-312969eff5437708ab94c8fe6af740e4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153564&Signature=jJaMyYdFrUA3qYErUVqd5Lb5RjIY7QX4flwp1J5aNvbsS~W2IbIrvuin13cx~r4M59TkVE4326GhSumyGYH8keWUSrNaZQynrNObu7R5be4u3-S4xW0Zk9lA0b144wCddb54qcAzdO5YKr9hCK~yrCD1FHFKX6zJUmDwaZUn6kjmmSNZAGKPeW5gt0td~cCGhPBGNEhKB0qluNM2vFTshxm0jstVIK7oiJEUsgg31llP~gaZTs5Y0INoy~jZb4eVROx3rbJcaCXmAPwMIljSKTEdFEvXUShlLiWrBNptHEqJPPGNykCFHq-9gCL5ybuYO~YVLOFnDMxaFdfH7fX~yg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Town Council on March 18 approved several supplemental transfers from certified free cash to the Fire Department to cover budget deficiencies identified during the fiscal year. Finance Director Mike Esman and Fire Chief Paul Viola described the transfers as necessary to address payroll, overtime and maintenance shortfalls that were not fully funded at budget adoption.

Esman told the council the supplemental request would transfer approximately $1.144 million from certified free cash across multiple Fire Department programs to resolve known deficiencies. Chief Viola said the adopted budget did not fully fund contractually required pay raises for the International Association of Fire Fighters and provided only a small overtime allocation; the department also is operating with vacancies that have increased overtime pressure.

Ways and Means recommended approval of motions 2 through 8; the council voted unanimously to approve those motions during the meeting. Those motions included smaller, program-level transfers explicitly listed in the meeting record: fire administration $11,800; fire building maintenance $12,350; equipment maintenance $50,200; fire alarm repairs $1,250; hazardous materials $3,900; transfers into fire training comprised of $500 plus $1,600 from fire prevention (transfers to training). The council recorded unanimous votes approving those transfers.

Councilors and Ways & Means members said they had examined supplemental items in detail over multiple meetings and that one larger supplemental motion remained under review. By unanimous procedural vote the council continued motion 1 to April 1 to allow Town Counsel to provide an opinion and for the administration to supply additional detail on that particular transfer. Councilors said they expect the administration to incorporate lessons learned into planning for FY26 budgeting to avoid similar supplemental needs.

Chief Viola described administrative steps taken since last May to gain control of overtime and to improve collection of detail (special-duty) revenues, including implementing an invoicing and tracking system and requiring payer information prior to authorizing details. Finance Director Esman and councilors said the majority of the requested funding was appropriate to address outstanding liabilities for FY25.

","The council approved multiple supplemental transfers from certified free cash to address fiscal 2025 deficiencies in fire-department accounts; one larger motion was continued to April 1 for additional information.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6631371,"Council continues public hearing on accessory-dwelling-unit zoning changes, asks for additional review of proposal for small lots",900,3629000,4529000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2679922-3272bbd6aa20a994ec4286195d10288d&start=3629&end=4529","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2679922-3272bbd6aa20a994ec4286195d10288d/thumbnail_3629000.jpg","/articles/6631371/Town-of-Braintree/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Council-continues-public-hearing-on-accessory-dwelling-unit-zoning-changes-asks-for-additional-review-of-proposal-for-small-lots","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6631371-69730770abbe461474e77117547875f3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153564&Signature=KDnPTvtQt2Y2M5O9IRIwRvjk9rTpeNTiAuV1Qd5BRlDNChyZ7uS5H9kP03bOCDUFc3Giq37Zf0MYuFIT0LoJjhgnsDO8ozg4PRED9tV8K90ETtR9la3m7Y39aQIOYevOyYwXZDSwk-6ixj1QHkg-5gQ~SHTfZumLQm5fv1kYEEpYBMkmNsc69eM6750T8YNxnBkInNSuvHfstrL0VDweSiFshbFc07ieaXzr5eGHPJqA0~J601kVWgCuP7QSPefEhDiV5unSHyLfCsI5L353Bk05-uD2~NL9mVzR6eZbSTvb-0p~cEoyFpSujvlKDQb2~gtXTBYvHGJAH08opcP3Pg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Town Council on March 18 held and then continued a public hearing on zoning amendments intended to bring Braintree into compliance with the Massachusetts Affordable Homes Act (Acts of 2024), specifically changes related to accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Acting Planning Director Connor Murphy presented the planning board's recommended changes and dimensional provisions.

Murphy told the council the town filed an application Jan. 31 seeking amendments pursuant to the Affordable Homes Act and that the planning board reviewed and recommended several dimensional revisions. Among the planning board's recommendations were increased accessory-structure setbacks (from 5 feet to 8 feet in several residential zones), a proposed maximum accessory-structure height of about 18 feet (removing 1.5-story references), and a provision permitting a 1:1 rear-yard setback-to-building-height ratio up to a maximum of 28 feet and 2.5 stories.

During public deliberations, Councilor Bridal offered an amendment to carve out an alternative standard for smaller lots — defined in the amendment as lots of 8,000 square feet or less — that would allow reduced side and rear setbacks for those lots. Councilors raised procedural and policy questions: several said they supported the intent to expand ADU access and generational wealth opportunities but wanted more time to vet public-safety and legal implications of changing setbacks. Councilor Hume asked that the proposed carve-out be routed for review by the planning board and town legal counsel. Acting Planning Director Murphy said legal review and consultation with building inspection and public-safety staff would be appropriate; he also suggested an alternative measurement approach that uses lot width.

After discussion, the council voted unanimously to continue the public hearing to April 1 at 7:30 p.m. to allow additional review by the planning board and town counsel and to give councilors time to examine the newly filed amendment. No final vote on ordinance text occurred at the March 18 meeting.

","The council opened a public hearing on proposed zoning amendments to implement the Massachusetts Affordable Homes Act (Acts of 2024) for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), discussed a council amendment to loosen setbacks for lots 8,000 sq ft or smaller, and voted to continue the hearing to April 1 for further review and legal input.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6631374,"New economic development manager Ryan Egan outlines early priorities to Braintree Town Council",270,2675000,2945000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2679922-3272bbd6aa20a994ec4286195d10288d&start=2675&end=2945","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2679922-3272bbd6aa20a994ec4286195d10288d/thumbnail_2675000.jpg","/articles/6631374/Town-of-Braintree/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/New-economic-development-manager-Ryan-Egan-outlines-early-priorities-to-Braintree-Town-Council","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6631374-014aff7a481ea1b184de5a004e98385f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153564&Signature=afbaAAQWabhM5fwUuqh3LnDBH72eRCubW5-dIYeHSxrqchTY6ghWNWbX61Vu7wop-WDvyHBDiGDO0tjFg49oZQb0S2~tHltWFW7MsAwqCjHRjKOpF24cL5PTqLzsLhHC3bQS8oKtwNFzICA62UJirTphHSHB6AGShPS5mJoI3hgsQJjWlr~KjGZGbyM0ZteyYs47Z9pVfaoAO34c6ofmoFLbC89lORjpTEumc8ppMUjgioC1vErLLDVBJbreGh2MK2kgrGIXR76ETUe5eG5WlCwiq4L8CZa91Tg3p9I-CcjCb96rHZpPreo8imdHriQqzM0LJBgBpUP1Ovk1eVUFRw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Ryan Egan, the Town of Braintree's new economic development manager, introduced himself to the Town Council on March 18 and outlined immediate and medium-term priorities including a business feedback survey and listening tour, an available commercial properties map within the town's GIS, a Wood Road working group and hotel working group, and pursuit of grants such as the Community One Stop and cultural council grants.

Egan said he began work on Feb. 20 and has attended planning, conservation, and Community Preservation Committee meetings; he also reported meetings with the Braintree Chamber of Commerce and site visits with local businesses and property owners. \"We're starting to put together an available properties map for commercial properties throughout the town within our GIS system,\" Egan said. He also described plans for a website redesign to include an economic development portal with resources for businesses.

Councilors asked about priorities and realistic near-term accomplishments; Egan said the immediate focus is building the town's internal infrastructure — permitting guides, available-property listings and data tools — so the town can better assist developers and prospective tenants. Several councilors emphasized the need for proactive outreach to parcel owners and prospective developers and encouraged Egan to work with neighborhood groups and existing business associations. Councilor Maglio asked Egan to attend East Braintree community meetings to pursue targeted local economic efforts; Egan said he would follow up.

Egan listed six broad objectives: recruit diverse businesses to expand the commercial tax base; retain and support existing businesses; create a business-friendly town-hall infrastructure; market Braintree regionally; position Braintree as a regional leader; and identify non-town funding sources to advance development goals.

Egan's prior municipal experience includes service in Randolph, Framingham and Marlborough and experience as a chief of staff. Councilors welcomed him and repeatedly praised his early outreach and stated plans to convene working groups and coordinate with the mayor's office.

","Ryan Egan, newly hired economic development manager, introduced himself to the Town Council and described short- and medium-term goals including an available-properties map, business listening tour, Wood Road working group, and grant pursuits.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6631379,"Braintree Council accepts $9,769 donation from Festival of Trees to support holiday event",397,1967000,2364000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2679922-3272bbd6aa20a994ec4286195d10288d&start=1967&end=2364","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2679922-3272bbd6aa20a994ec4286195d10288d/thumbnail_1967000.jpg","/articles/6631379/Town-of-Braintree/Norfolk-County/Massachusetts/Braintree-Council-accepts-9769-donation-from-Festival-of-Trees-to-support-holiday-event","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6631379-3a68d52568595d7bd1581dc3f71b78b1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153564&Signature=jrDM2UayzfPyWf3xwHLZZ9pHlLbUmVOTJADhwc6inKZNJYyNBV00mtCn4IoP10zaM29W2VugzIWU5cvfJbaoK3R8enMDsYxrDRwVsAtZURrUtMiA2OVkQi1~W5DzdSQLV6F9WRptDIqCdSZG8wpZApCOYcgxOd8Fi9sgSQ17VNlOApLLuQERrWXkoQ8hQOHZs426Ykc0U~nKte0TuV1Tk1sNoesjHZSEBXXjS02GowinZNZyipUBEvI4UiHgwKMaOXxDKRz1S6EXHO6leaxBu7CJKPaH6wnkv3UozTta923xKGOqwA6RBjEVhp-Q5eik0kVNKXl4mHKIzmOrdLj67Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Town Council on March 18 unanimously authorized the Town of Braintree to accept a $9,769 donation from the Festival of Trees to help offset costs for the town's holiday lighting and related community programming.

The donation, presented by organizer Elizabeth \"Biz\" Inglis, was described at the meeting as the product of sponsorships and community fundraising. \"Without them and the town of Braintree and their residents, I couldn't have done this without them,\" Inglis said, describing local business sponsors and turnout at the inaugural event.

Mayor Thomas Joyce and councilors praised the event's turnout and organization. A staff member identified as Meredith told the council the donation total was $9,769, and noted the Festival organizers hope to expand to about 90 trees next year. Councilors said the contribution will help sustain and grow the event and that the Recreation Department is the expected recipient of the funds. Councilor Bridal made the motion to accept the gift under Section 53A of Chapter 44 of the Massachusetts General Laws; the motion was seconded and approved unanimously.

Council President Ryan presided over the acceptance. The council discussed that the donation will be used to offset program costs so residents who cannot otherwise afford participation can be supported. No additional conditions or restrictions were reported at the council meeting.

The council also recognized the volunteer leadership and thanked business sponsors named at the meeting, including Clean Harbors, Norfolk Sheriff Department, Beld and Braintree Rug, and noted organizers are pursuing multi-year commitments from sponsors.

The town will record the gift in its accounts and allocate the funds to the Recreation Department as noted in the motion.

","The Town Council unanimously authorized acceptance of a $9,769 donation from the Festival of Trees to help fund the Christmas tree-lighting event and related programming.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council accepts two annual billboard community-host donations totaling $27,000 for town programs

Council approves most fire-department supplemental transfers; one motion continued for more review

Council continues public hearing on accessory-dwelling-unit zoning changes, asks for additional review of proposal for small lots

New economic development manager Ryan Egan outlines early priorities to Braintree Town Council

Braintree Council accepts $9,769 donation from Festival of Trees to support holiday event