Town Meeting approved Article 24, updating the town’s general bylaws regarding stormwater management to ensure compliance with federal EPA and MS4 mandates. Town Planner Karen Joseph explained that the changes are largely mandatory to avoid significant federal fines. We don't want the town to be fined... it's really just adding a bunch of stuff that the EPA required us to have, Joseph told the meeting.

The article faced pushback from several residents concerned about the financial impact on homeowners. Maryanne Lewis questioned the potential costs for residents, asking for an estimate for satisfying the new permits. The cost was estimated at approximately $10,000 for some extensive solutions. Other residents, including Mary Ellen Schlegel and Kyle O'Connor, questioned the 25% impervious surface threshold and whether gravel driveways would be categorized as impervious surfaces under the new rules.

Despite these concerns, officials maintained that the town must align its local regulations with federal requirements to maintain eligibility for infrastructure grants and avoid penalties. The measure passed with a counted vote of 87 in favor and 29 against, securing the necessary majority to update the town's stormwater regulations.

Motion: I move to amend the General Bylaws regarding stormwater as printed in the warrant.

Vote: Passed (87 Yes, 29 No)