By Brendan Connolly
MANCHESTER — The local Conservation Commission is seeking to update what they and others officials say is obsolete or unclear language in Manchester's General Wetlands bylaw.
The commission has petitioned to delete and replace, with new text, the existing bylaw, which is designed to protect wetlands, water resources, flood prone areas and adjoining areas.
The town's general wetlands bylaw regulations were enacted April 4, 1988 and was modified in November 2004. The new text for the revision would be based on a model presented by the ConCom.
The proposed changes aren't aimed at a specific site or issue, but would cover all of Manchester, Town Administrator Wayne Melville noted.
This is only one of the proposed 24 articles set to be voted on at Town Meeting on April 5.
Another would provide a parking solution for Essex residents attending school events and visiting sports teams at the new Manchester Essex Regional High School, still under construction. The area in surrounding the uncompleted school is resident parking.
The new parking lot for the school is not finished yet, but will hopefully be done by April, Melville said.
"But we aren't sure," he added.
The measure would allow vehicles without resident stickers to park in any legal space from within one hour before and one hour after all scheduled events at both schools.
"It's the right thing to do for Essex residents and other sports teams coming to the school," Melville said.
Another petition, from the selectmen, would firm up Manchester as a member of the expanding Essex North Shore Regional Vo-Tech School District. The proposal would combine the Essex North Shore Agricultural High School, located in Danvers, and the North Shore Technical High School, located in Middleton, into one large regional district in a $131 million new school covering several Cape Ann and North Shore communities.
The Board of Selectmen have recommended approval, Melville said, for a number of reasons.
"If a student wants to attend the new school, and if we don't join the district," he said, "then Manchester will be responsible for the tuition and transportation."
Approval the article would authorize the town to cover the town's proportional share of the $133 million school building cost — which is being covered largely through $100 million provided by the state. The town's share of the new school's constuction costs would also be eligible for a school construction grant from the Massachusetts School Building Authority.
The warrant also includes a proposal to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with other municipalities in Essex County and the Essex County Sheriff's Department. The partnership would last for up to 10 years.
Town Meeting voters will also be asked to approve local regulations tied to two statewide safety debates — one that would effectively ban text-messaging while driving, another that would require bicyclists age 16 or under to wear helmets.
Town Meeting will be held in the Manchester Essex Regional High School on April 5 at 7 p.m.
Brandan Connolly can be reached at 978-283-7000 x3447, or gt_reporter@gloucestertimes.com.
Annual Town Meeting
Monday, April 5, 7 p.m.
Manchester Essex Regional High School
Article 1 — To place on file the reports of the town's boards and committees appearing in the Annual Report.
Article 2 — The 12-month fiscal year salary for elected officials.
Article 3 — To raise money for Manchester's fiscal 2011 share of the North Shore Regional Vocational School District.
Article 4 — To approve the town's municipal operating budget, pegged at just over $12 million, effective July 1.
Article 5 — A $1.3 million debt-exclusion from Proposition 21รขÑ2, considered for covering the costs of capital needs projects.
Article 6 — To raise money, for the operating and maintence budget of the Manchester Essex Regional School District.
Article 7 — Act on the report by the Community Preservation Committee addressing administrative expenses for the fiscal 2011.
Article 8 — Enter into intergovernmental agreement with other Essex County municipalities and Essex County Sheriff's Department, for a period of up to 10 years.
Article 9 —Become a member of the Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School District. This would further authorize the town to raise, borrow or transfer, from available funds, its proportional share of $133 million, based on Manchester's projected enrollment.
Article 10 — Raise a $1,500 grant for Action Inc.
Article 11 — Raise a $1,500 grant for Healing Abuse Working for Change (HAWC).
Article 12 — Amend its acceptance of sections 3-7 of the Community Preservation Act, increasing the surcharge from .5 percent to 1.5 percent.
Article 13 —Amend Article 14, Sec. 1A of the General bylaw. The vote would ease restrictions on parking for non-residents to attend school and sporting events.
Article 14 — A petition from the Planning Board to amend the Zoning Bylaw by deleting Sec. 4.2 and replacing with new text concerning District D. "Old" District D has the right to renovate a single residence into two dwelling units. Small parts of District D would be require to obtain a special permit for construction of higher, larger, or outdoor stairs and porches and patios.
Article 15 — A petition from the Planning Board to amend the Zoning Bylaw by deleting Sec. 4.9.5.1(p) and 4.9.5.2(d). Would now require a special permit by the Planning Board for the uses of land in the rendering impervious of more than 15 percent. Old text states Planning Board could give special permit, the new text states it has to give the special permit.
Article 16 — A petition by the Planning Board, to delete Sec. 6.16 of Zoning Bylaw as currently written and replace with new Sec. 6.16. Would limit the removal of ledges, change of elevation and the depth of excavation in setback area. It would not regulate interior area, within the setback.
Article 17 — To see if the town would vote to amend Article 17, the General Wetlands Bylaw, deleting the current text and replacing it with new text.
Article 18 — To vote a motion of appreciation and thanks to Dr. Jack Mara.
Article 19 — To raise and appropriate, transfer from funds or borrow a sum of money for repairs and capital improvements. Would supplement the school budget.
Article 20 — To amend General Bylaw, Article 10. The amendment would require anyone under the age of 16, or passengers accompanying them, to wear a safety helmet when on a bicycle. Violators would be subject to a fine of $25.
Article 21 — To see if the town would prohibit the sending, typing, or viewing of text messages while driving. Violators would be subject to a $100 fine.
Article 22 — To see if the town will pass a resolution, rescinding a vote from last Town Meeting concerning the easements of both Manchester and the Essex County Club.
Article 23 — To see if the town would vote to raise and appropriate or transfer available funds to the Stabilization Fund.
Article 24 — To see how much money the town will vote to appropriate or transfer from free cash for the purpose of lowering the town's tax rate.
Compiled by Brendan Connolly.
