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Finance Committee, Select Board recommend Article 16 to allow utility pole relocation on Elm Street
Summary
The Finance Committee and Select Board voted unanimously to recommend Article 16, which would allow the town to take sidewalk space occupied by utility poles for the Elm Street project; the estimated cost is $10,000, with possible funding from Chapter 90 or a Complete Streets grant.
Julie Chalfant, chair of the Town of Deerfield Finance Committee, opened the joint Finance Committee and Select Board discussion on Article 16 of the Town Meeting warrant on May 4, 2026.
Town staff member Christopher Dunne said Article 16 would authorize the town to take sidewalk space currently occupied by utility poles along Elm Street if necessary for the sidewalk project, and he estimated the cost of that work at about $10,000. Dunne identified Chapter 90 funds or the Complete Streets grant as potential funding sources for the expense.
Finance Committee member Margaret Nartowicz moved to recommend Article 16 “as described,” and John Paresky seconded the motion. The Finance Committee vote was 5-0-0 in favor, and the Select Board moved, seconded and passed the same recommendation unanimously.
Committee members asked about other possible uses for Chapter 90 funds during the discussion. Dunne also relayed town‑attorney recommendations about how to present the omnibus budget article given differences between the committee’s recommendation and the Select Board’s request, but no formal change to the omnibus presentation was recorded during the meeting.
The recommendation will appear on the warrant materials for Town Meeting; voters will see Article 16 on that agenda and the town will seek the identified funding sources if the article is approved at Town Meeting.
