Voters stick with Specialized Code as Town Meeting wraps

By Mike Berger

With 190 people in attendance, Canton voters opted to stick with the Specialized Energy Code adopted just two days prior, rejecting a motion to reconsider Article 33 during the second and final session of Annual Town Meeting on Wednesday evening, May 13.

Voters concluded the session by unanimously approving a $133.7 million town operating budget for FY27, which includes a 5.05 percent increase in school spending, a 5.47 percent increase in municipal spending, and a 7.8 percent increase in fixed costs over the current year’s budget. Also approved were enterprise budgets of approximately $19.6 million for water, sewer and ice rink operations.

The one remaining loose end regarding the FY27 budget is a projected shortfall of nearly $400,000 on the school side that will need to be addressed. There still is a possibility that some additional state aid could be approved by the state legislature and governor in the coming weeks.

As for the attempted reconsideration of the Specialized Code, the motion was made by resident Steve Connolly, who cited the lateness of the hour on Monday when the article was first approved; the desire to have more residents give their input on an important town issue; and the need for clearer identification of some of the energy experts who spoke at Monday’s session.

Town Moderator Richard Staiti, after consultation with town counsel, allowed the motion to proceed, but it failed to garner the necessary two-thirds majority and the proposal was defeated.

The initial vote to approve adoption of the code was cast at the conclusion of the May 11 session by a 110-79 margin and will take effect for new construction after January 1, 2027.

Considered an “overlay” appendix to the base building energy code, the Specialized Code is designed to help achieve Massachusetts greenhouse gas emissions limits by increasing energy efficiency in newly constructed buildings.

“Canton voters made their voices heard twice this week — on Monday and again on Wednesday — and we are grateful for their continued engagement and confidence in this process,” said Jen Wexler, vice chair of the town’s Sustainability & Climate Action Plan Committee, the lead proponent of Article 33. “We also respect that this was a hard-fought debate and some in our community, including members of our business community, have concerns about what this code means for Canton’s future. We know there was some confusion and concern circulating during this process, and we are committed to making sure every Canton resident and business owner has accurate information as we move toward implementation.”

Wexler stressed that the newly adopted code will not apply to existing homes or businesses in Canton, nor does it ban gas or require all-electric buildings. If a new building is not all-electric, she said the code includes a requirement to install a small number of solar panels; however, there are exemptions for shaded roofs and there is no requirement to remove trees.

Wexler said the path forward is “clear and immediate.” With the adoption of the Specialized Code, she said the final step before Canton can formally apply for Massachusetts Climate Leader Community status and become eligible for up to $1.15 million in state grants is to adopt a policy that prioritizes electric vehicles and hybrids for light-duty vehicle purchases and leases when those vehicles are ready to be replaced and if there are vehicles available for purchase. “We will also be reaching out directly to Canton’s business community to ensure they have the resources, information, and support they need as we move forward together. Canton’s Climate Action Plan is committed to planned sustainable growth,” said Wexler. “Canton has always found a way to grow responsibly while taking care of its neighbors. This tradition continues as we adopt the Specialized Code, joining 58 other communities and 33 percent of the state’s population throughout Massachusetts.”

In other news from Wednesday’s session of ATM:

* George Comeau, chair of the town’s Bylaw Modernization Committee, which led the charge to make the town moderator an elected position effective next spring, said the newly elected moderator will continue to be responsible for appointing members of the Finance Committee, Building Renovations Committee, and Capital Outlay Committee as well as any new committee approved by town meeting voters in the future.

* Voters approved the transfer of …

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