The Moderator, Adam Shuster, called the November 29, 2023 Special Town Meeting to order promptly at 7:00 PM. 84 voters were present.

ARTICLE 1: Free Cash Transfer

SPONSOR: Town Manager/Finance Director

That the Town vote to transfer from Free Cash the sum of $25,000 to the General Stabilization Fund; the sum of $515,594.40 to the OPEB Trust Fund; the sum of $200,000 to the SPED Stabilization Fund, the sum of $71,364.00 to account 01544-52450, and the sum of $931,689.60 to the Capital Account.

Article 1 Passed Unanimously

ARTICLE 2: Property Tax Exemptions

Sponsor: Board of Assessors/Select Board/Town Manager

To see if the Town will vote to adjust (the exemption amount and eligibility factors) for the property tax exemption for senior citizens under MGL Chapter 59, Section 5 Clause 41C½, to be effective for exemptions granted for any fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023, or pass any vote or take any action relative thereto.

Article 2 Passed Unanimously

ARTICLE 3: Senior Tax Work Off Program

Sponsor: Town Manager/Senior Center Director

To see if the Town will affirm its acceptance of G.L. c. 59 sec. 5(K) to allow for the Select Board to establish a senior tax work off program and further that the Town adjust the exemption and; (1) allow an approved representative, for persons physically unable, to provide such services to the town; and (2) allowing the maximum reduction of the real property tax bill to be based on 125 volunteer service hours in a given tax year, rather than $1,500.

Article 3 Passed Unanimously

ARTICLE 4: Accept Donation of Land – 0 Fountain Street Sponsor: Town Manager

To see if the Town will vote to accept as a gift, take, or otherwise acquire a parcel of land identified on the Assessor’s Map 010 and Lot 0045 including +/-10,890 square feet, more or less with an address of 0 Fountain Street Rear, and to authorize the Select Board to take any other action or execute any documents necessary to effectuate the conveyance of same to the Town, or take any other action related thereto.

Article 4 required a 2/3 vote. Article 4 Passed Unanimously

ARTICLE 5: Accept Easement, 107 High Street

Sponsor: Select Board/DPW

To see if the Town will vote to accept as a gift, purchase or otherwise acquire, an Easement, as show on a plan entitled “Easement Exhibit Plan 107 High Street Ashland, MA prepared by GCG Associates, Inc and dated 9/8/23, and indicated as “15 Foot Access Easement” a copy of which is on file in the office of the Town Clerk and further that the Town shall appropriate funds sufficient to acquire same, or take any action related thereto.

Article 5 required a 2/3 vote. The Moderator declared a 2/3 majority

ARTICLE 6: Authorize a Home Rule Petition to Increase the Liquor License

Sponsor: Select Board

To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Select Board to file a Home Rule Petition to increase the number of alcohol licenses for on-premises consumption for the Town of Ashland by 16 additional licenses for alcohol, and further upon submittal the Select Board is hereby authorized to approve amendments to said petition which are within the scope of this article, or take any other action relative thereto.

Article 6 Passed by majority

ARTICLE 7: CPA Funding to Construct Dog Park Sponsor: Community Preservation Committee

To see if the Town will vote to appropriate up to $215,000 to enable the creation of the Ashland Dog Park on town property along Memorial Drive that will include parking, storage facilities, fencing and off leash exercise space for dogs and that to meet this appropriation, the sum of up to $215,000 be transferred from the Open Space Account from the Community Preservation Fund balance, and with unexpended funds as of June 30, 2027 being returned to their funding source; or pass any vote or take any other action thereon..

Article 7 Passed by majority

ARTICLE 8: Extend CPA funds for the Riverwalk Project

Sponsor: Community Preservation Committee

To see if the Town will vote to extend the time by which funds need to be spent on the Riverwalk Trail Enhancement Project, which was authorized under Article 11 at the 2017 Annual Town Meeting to complete the design and construction of the Sudbury River Trail Riverwalk, until December 31, 2026, at which time any unexpended funds will be returned to their funding sources, or take any action relative thereto.

Article 8 Passed Unanimously

There was no further business and a motion was made and passed to dissolve Town Meeting. Town Meeting adjourned at 7:49 PM.