CBRC approves revised warrant motions on propane tanks and zoning advisory counsel

The Charter and Bylaw Review Committee voted on March 31 to approve revised warrant motions that would amend local bylaws on chemical storage and create a special zoning advisory counsel.

Committee member Bob Awkward moved to rescind the original Motion E and approve the revised Motion E, which would amend Bylaw Article 81 (Chemical Storage Tanks and Systems) to include underground propane tanks in selected sections. The change, the committee was told, was requested by the town’s Director of Public Health and reviewed by the Fire Chief and by Special Counsel. The committee approved the revised Motion E by roll-call vote, 6-0-0.

The committee also considered a revised Motion F that would add a new section 9 to Bylaw Article 22 (Town Counsel) to establish a special zoning advisory counsel — legal counsel with zoning expertise to assist the Planning Board, the Finance Committee and other standing committees that handle zoning issues. According to the materials, the responsibilities and timing of appointment for the advisory counsel are outlined in the proposed text; Special Counsel DeRensis reviewed and approved the revisions. Committee member Bob Awkward moved to rescind the prior Motion F and approve the revised motion; the committee approved it by roll-call vote, 5-0-1.

Chair Paul Griesmer told the committee that the Finance Committee had given favorable action on most CBRC motions after a March 25 hearing but requested revised wording for Motions E and F, prompting the updates the CBRC approved on March 31. The committee did not take further action on a small invoice from Special Counsel; the invoice will be bundled with future bills. The committee said it will schedule additional meetings to prepare its report to Town Meeting and to prepare for a possible Beacon Hill hearing related to the Special Act.