TOWN OF BELLINGHAM OFFICE OF TOWN CLERK Bellingham Municipal Center 10 Mechanic Street Bellingham, MA 02019 Interim Town Clerk Amy Bartelloni Tel: 508.657.2830 Fax: 508.657.2832 May 29, 2025 To Whom It May Concern: | hereby certify that the text on the following pages, one through forty-five, is a true and accurate representation of the votes taken on all Articles presented at the May 28, 2025 Annual Town Meeting held at the Bellingham High School Auditorium beginning at 7:30 pm. The Meeting was attended by 199 voters of the town. | further attest that no Articles were amended or brought up for reconsideration. A true copy. A TRUE COPY ATTEST: MAY 29 2005 BELLINGHAM TOWN CLERK ATTEST Quy Bark Amy Bartelloni Interim Town te SAT WIot ae ou Clerk es REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS TOWN OF BELLINGHAM ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Wednesday, May 28, 2025 7:30 p.m. BELLINGHAM HIGH SCHOOL Town of Bellingham Annual Town Meeting May 28, 2025 Table of Contents Page Number Town Officials / Board and Committee Members 1 Town Meeting Glossary 2 Article Number and Description Article 1 - Operating Expenses and Salaries 3 Article 2 — Trash Enterprise 14 Article 3 — Water Enterprise 14 Article 4 — Sewer Enterprise 15 Article 5 — Stormwater Enterprise 15 Article 6 — Conveyances and Easements 16 Article 7 — Purchase of Surplus Equipment 16 Article 8 —- Town Property Auction 16 Article 9 — Highway Construction 17 Article 10 — Amend FY2025 Annual Operating Budget 17 Article 11 — Amend FY2025 Trash Enterprise Budget 17 Article 12 - Amend FY2025 Water Enterprise Budget 18 Article 13 — Amend FY2025 Sewer Enterprise Budget 18 Article 14 — Amend FY2025 Stormwater Enterprise Budget 18 Article 15 — Capital Outlay (Expenditures $50,000 & Over) 19 Article 16 — Non-Capital Outlay (Expenditures of Less Than $50,000) 20 Article 17 — Street Acceptance: Candlelight Lane, Northern Lights Way, Celestial Circle, and Lover's Lane Article 18 — Establish Stabilization Account 21 Article 19 — General By-Law Amendment — Tobacco Control 22 Article 20 — Amend Zoning By-Laws Chapter 240, Article VI 22 Article 21 ~ Amend General By-Laws Chapter 71-6 Revolving Funds 23 Article 22 — Acquisition of Union Cemetery 23 Article 23 — Hartford Avenue Land Swap (334 & 342 Hartford Avenue) 24 Article 24 ~ Purchase of Land 24 Article 25 — Amend Zoning By-Laws Chapter 240, Article XVI 25 Article 26 — Amend Zoning By-Laws Chapter 240, Article XII 25 Article 27 — Transfer to Pension Retirement Reserve Trust Fund 25 Article 28 ~ Transfer to Group Insurance Trust Fund 26 Article 29 — Unpaid Bills 26 21 FINANCE COMMITTEE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS COMMITTEE John Allam, Chairman Joseph E. Collamati, Jr., Vice Chairman Kevin Keppler Roland A. Lavallee, Chairman Joseph E. Collamati, Jr. Jennifer Kuzmeskas Jennifer Kuzmeskas Brian Boyd Michael Hennessy Tina M. Griffin, Clerk Tina M. Griffin, Clerk MODERATOR Michael Carr INTERIM TOWN CLERK Amy Bartelloni SELECT BOARD Sahan Sahin, Chairman Michael Hennessey, Vice Chairman Ann Odabashian Jennifer Altomonte Don Martinis Hilarie Allie, Administrative Assistant SCHOOL COMMITTEE Michael J. Reed, Jr., Chairman Erik Ormberg, Vice Chairman Jennifer L. Altomonte Courtney Cartier Bev Pierce CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Heidi Chuckran TOWN ADMINISTRATOR Denis C. Fraine TOWN MEETING GLOSSARY CHERRY SHEET ENTERPRISE FUND A financial statement from the State that itemizes State aid and assessments to the Town. A fund where expenditures are restricted for operating, capital, and debt costs of a particular service (such as water, sewer, trash, and stormwater). It allows a community to recover the total costs of a service through user fees or the user fees may be supplemented by taxation. The budget for an enterprise fund is not autonomous, it must be voted annually at Town Meeting. An enterprise fund balance can be carried over from year to year. FISCAL YEAR The Town operates on a fiscal year that begins on July 1 and ends on June 30. FREE CASH Funds certified by the state as appropriated in previous years but not expended. It can result from higher than anticipated revenue and/or lower than anticipated expenditures. OVERLAY RESERVE A Board of Assessors fund used to cover tax abatements and statutory exemptions. RESERVE FUND A Finance Committee fund used for extraordinary and unforeseen expenditures during the year. REVOLVING FUND A fund created to allow specific programs to use fees collected to defray the expenses of the program. A revolving fund does not have to be appropriated each year. COMMONWEALTH TOWN WARRANT OF MASSACHUSETTS OF BELLINGHAM FOR ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Norfolk, ss: To either of the Constables of the Town of Bellingham, in the County of Norfolk; GREETINGS: In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby directed to notify and warn the inhabitants of said Town, qualified to vote in elections and in Town affairs to meet at the: BELLINGHAM HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM At 60 Blackstone Street in said Bellingham, on Wednesday, the twenty-eighth day of May 2025, at 7:30 p.m., then and there to act on the following articles: ARTICLE 1. OPERATING STARTS ON NEXT PAGE EXPENSES AND SALARIES ARTICLE 1. FY2026 OPERATING BUDGET To see what sums the Town will vote to raise and appropriate by taxation, by transfer from available funds, and/or otherwise for the following purposes, to include determining the expenses and salaries of the various elected and appointed Town Officers for the period commencing July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, or act to do anything in relation thereto. 1. All travel expenses are paid at the rate of 70.0 cents per mile. No travel expenses shall be paid except upon receipt of vouchers showing dates, expenses incurred and the number of miles traveled. 2. All dollar amounts listed have been rounded to the nearest whole dollar. Account Description 114 TOWN MEETING MODERATOR Elected/Appointed Salaries Expenses Total 114 122 SELECTMEN Elected/Appointed Salaries Salaries Expenses Total 122 Department Board of Selectmen Head Requested] FY2026 Recommended] FY2026| Finance Committee % Change FinCom vs. FY2025 budget Recommended FY2026 Actual FY2023} Actual FY2024] Budget FY2025 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 0.00 % $0 $100 $100 0.00 % 0.00 % $100 $100 $12,900 $100,350 0.00 % 34.77 % $12,900 $100,350 $0 $0 $0 $0 $100 $100 $100 $100 $9,600 $58,362 $7,750 $72,000 $12,900 $74,460 $12,900 $100,350 $78,803 $44,364 $80,301 $55,400 $55,400 (31.01)% $55,400 $146,765 $124,114 $167,661 $168,650 $168,650 0.59 % $168,650 $209,169 $200,114 $234,728 $256,220 $256,220 9.16 % $256,220 $2,785 $211,954 $25.41] $225,525 $13,974 $248,702 $13,974 $270,194 $13,974 $270,194 0.00 %| 8.64 % $13,974 $270,194 $3,820 $3,820 $4,107 $4,107 $4,107 0.00 % $4,107 123 TOWN ADMINISTRATOR Salaries/Clerical Support Expenses Total 123 131 FINANCE COMMITTEE Salaries Expenses Total 131 $250 $1,280 $1,575 $1,575 $1,575 0.00 % $1,575 $4,070 $5,100 $5,682 $5,682 $5,682 0.00 % $5,682 Department Board of Selectmen Finance Committee Recommended] FY2026| % Change FinCom vs. FY2025 budget Recommended FY2026 Actual FY2023] Actual FY2024] Budget FY2025 Head Requested] FY2026 $0 $0 $0 $0 $50,000 $50,000 $50.000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 0.00 % 0.00 % $50,000 135 CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Salaries Expenses Total 135 $267,608 $71,403 $339,011 $248,271 $121,012 $369,283 $305,580 $175,791 $481,371 $323,756 $179,031 $502,787 $323,756 $179,031 $502,787 5.95 % 1.84 %| 4.45 % $323,756 $179,031 $502,787 137 ASSESSORS Elected/Appointed Salaries Salaries $3,600 $151,066 $3,300 $200,766 $3,600 $258,298 $3,600 $263,742 $3,600 $263,742 0.00 % 2.11 % $3,600 $263,742 Account Description 132 RESERVE FUND Expenses Total 132 $50,000 $46,206 $36,030 $76,200 $96,097 $96.097 26.11 % $96,097 $200,872 $240,096 $338,098 $363,439 $363,439 7.50 % $363,439 142 ASSESSORS REVALUATION Expenses Total 142 $24,366 $24,366 $24,533 $24,533 $45,000 $45,000 $45,000 $45,000 $45.000 $45,000 0.00 % 0.00 % $45,000 145 TREASURER/COLLECTOR Salaries Expenses Total 145 $270,677 $114,571 $385,248 $270,250 $106,534 $376,784 $297,306 $146,157 $443,463 $318,744 $135,522 $454,266 $318,744 $135,522 $454,266 7.21% (7.28)% 2.44 % $318,744 $135,522 $92.478 $91.718 $110,000 $112,500 $112,500 2.27 %I $112,500 $92,478 $91,718 $110,000 $112,500 $112,500 2.27 % $112,500 $121,729 $16,012 $137,741 $144,354 $18,639 $162,993 $169,789 $25,000 $194,789 $195,907 $25,000 $220,907 $195,907 $25,000 $220,907 15.38 % 0.00 % 13.41 % $195,907 $25,000 Expenses Total 137 151 TOWN $45,000 $454,266 COUNSEL Expenses Total 151 152 HUMAN RESOURCES Salaries Expenses Total 152 $220,907 Board of Account Description Actual FY2023} Actual FY2024] Budget FY2025 Department Head Requested] FY2026 154 MANAGEMENT Salaries INFORMATION SYSTEMS $198,949 $211,329 $215,432 $212,488 $212,488 (1.37)% $212,488 Expenses Selectmen Recommended] FY2026| % Change FinCom vs. FY2025 budget Finance Committee Recommended FY2026 $365,393 $495,244 $541,663 $575,592 $575,592 6.26 % $575,592 $564,342 $706,573 $757,095 $788,080 $788,080 4.09 % $788,080 156 TAX TITLE FORECLOSURE Expenses Total 156 $18.635 $18,635 $37.773 $37,773 $50,000 $50,000 $75,000 $75,000 $75,000 $75,000 50.00 % 50.00 % $75,000 $75,000 161 TOWN CLERK Elected/Appointed Salaries Salaries Expenses Total 161 $76,220 $44,173 $7,228 $127,621 $92,000 $50,958 $9,394 $152,352 $94,000 $94,600 $19,300 $207,900 $94,000 $92,148 $22,300 $208,448 $94,000 $92,148 $22,300 $208,448 0.00 % (2.59)% 15.54 % 0.26 % $94,000 $92,148 $22,300 $208,448 162 ELECTIONS Salaries Expenses Total 162 $66,296 $20,774 $87,070 $56,469 $19,232 $75,701 $90,600 $34.000 $124,600 $28,100 $25,000 $53,100 $28,100 $25,000 $53,100 (68.98)% (26.47)% (57.38)% $28,100 $25,000 $53,100 $6,250 $5,500 $7,000 $7,000 $7,000 0.00 % $7,000 $93,800 23.58 % $93,800 Total 154 171 CONSERVATION COMMISSION Elected/Appointed Salaries Salaries $70,300 $91,572 $75,900 $93,800 Expenses $6,147 $8,469 $12,078 $11,965 $11,965 (0.94)% $11,965 $82,697 $105,541 $94,978 $112,765 $112,765 18.73 % $112,765 Total 171 Account Description Department Board of Selectmen Recommended] FY2026| % Change FinCom vs. FY2025 budget Recommended FY2026 $5,000 $212,539 0.00 % 1.20 % $5,000 $212,539 Actual FY2023] Actual FY2024] Budget FY2025 Head Requested] FY2026 $5,000 $133,424 $5,163 $145,347 $5,000 $210,029 $5,000 $212,539 172 PLANNING BOARD Elected/Appointed Salaries Salaries Expenses Finance Committee $2,085 $1,436 $21,500 $21,550 $21,550 0.23 % $21,550 $140,509 $151,946 $236,529 $239,089 $239,089 1.08 % $239,089 $7,200 $6,900 $7,500 $7,500 $7,500 0.00 % $7,500 $322 $7,522 $113 $7,013 $500 $8,000 $500 $8,000 $500 $8,000 0.00 % 0.00 % $500 $8,000 $0 $0) $0 $20.000 $0 $20,000 $0 $20,000 $0 $20.000 0.00 % 0.00 %| $0 $20,000 $0 $20,000 $20,000 $20,000 $20,000 0.00 % $20,000 $87,817 $235,933 $323,750 $108,039 $273,079 $381,118 Does not include School Buildings $139,828 $122,279 $309.767 $310,312 $449,595 $432,591 $139,828 $309,767 $449,595 14.35 % (0.18)% 3.93 % $139,828 $309,767 $449,595 190 OTJ INJURY FOR DEDUCTIBLE (On the job) $6,843 Expenses $6,843 Total 190 $10,986 $10,986 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 0.00 % 0.00 % $25,000 $25,000 $753,537 $753,537 $1,123,500 $1,123,500 $1,025,000 $1,025,000 $1,025,000 $1,025,000 (8.77)% (8.77)% $1,025,000 $4,162,172 $4,329,820 $4,523,110 $4,523,110 4.46 % $4,523,110 $4,162,172 $4,329,820 $4,523,110 $4,523,110 4.46 % $4,523,110 Total 172 173 ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS Salaries Expenses Total 173 183 DISABILITY COMMISSION Salaries Expenses Total 183 189 PUBLIC BUILDINGS MAINTENANCE Salaries Expenses Total 189 193 PROPERTY & LIABILITY INSURANCE $691,046 Expenses Total 193 $691,046 194 RETIREMENT ASSESSMENT Expenses $3,534,569 Total 194 $3,534,569 $1,025,000 Account Description Department Board of Selectmen Finance Committee Recommended FY2026 Actual FY2023} Actual FY2024] Budget FY2025 Head Requested] FY2026 Recommended] FY2026| % Change FinCom vs. FY2025 budget $546.728 $576,878 $617,400 $650,000 $650,000 5.28 % $650,000 $650,000 195 MEDICARE/EMPLOYER SHARE Expenses Total 195 $546,728 $576,878 $617,400 $650,000 $650,000 5.28 % 196 TOWN REPORTS Expenses Total 196 $1,000 $1,000 $1,041 $1,041 $1,115 $1,115 $750 $750 $750 $750 32.74)% (32.74)% $750 $750 197 PHYSICAL/OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH Expenses Total 197 $53,690 $53,690 $45,095 $45,095 42.808 $42,808 $30,000 $30,000 $30,000 $30,000 29.92)% $30,000 (29.92)% $30,000 $3,586,932 $331.414 $3,972,343 $316,855 $4,646,811 $310,948 $5,065,400 $291,245 $5,065,400 $291,245 9.01 % 6.34)% $5,065,400 $291,245 Total 210 $3,918,346 $4,289,198 $4,957,759 $5,356,645 $5,356,645 8.05 % $5,356,645 220 FIRE DEPARTMENT Salaries $3,106,278 $3,409,603 $4,315,353 $4,407,011 $4,407,011 2.12 % $4,407,011 $377,076 $492,067 $675,404 $705,218 $705,218 4.41% $705,218 Total 220 $3,483,354 $3,901,670 $4,990,757 $5,112,229 $5,112,229 2.43 % $5,112,229 251 TOWN INSPECTOR Salaries Expenses Total 251 $201,484 $2.671 $204,155 $239,909 $3,532 $243,441 $253,440 $4,159 $257,599 $263,699 $4,083 $267,782 $263,699 $4,083 $267,782 4.05 % (1.83)% 3.95 % $263,699 $4,083) $267,782 253 INSPECTOR OF PLUMBING AND GAS Salaries Expenses Total 253 $29,825 $97 $29,922 $31,446 $75. $31,521 $32,406 $400 $32,806 $33,494 $0 $33,494 $33,494 $0 $33,494 3.36 % 100.00)% 2.10 % $33,494 $0 $33,494 210 POLICE DEPARTMENT Salaries Expenses Expenses Board of Account Description Actual FY2023] Actual FY2024] Budget FY2025 Department Head Requested] FY2026 $27,541 $28,257 $29,105 $29,105 255 ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR Salaries Finance Committee Recommended FY2026 $29,105 0.00 % $29,105 $470 $500 $500 $500 $500 0.00 % $500 $28,757 $29,605 $29,605 $29,605 0.00 % $29,605 Note: Services are regionalized with the Town of Franklin and budget costs are shared. $194,750 $194,750 $169,702 $163,070 $156,756 $8,400 $8.400 $7.900 $7,152 $6,471 $203,150 $203,150 $177,602 $170,222 $163,227 14.76 % 6.33 % 14.38 % $194,750 $8,400 $203,150 Total 255 294 TREE WARDEN Elected/Appointed Salaries Salaries Expenses Total 294 300 SCHOOL DEPARTMENT School Salaries and Expenses Transportation Total 300 % Change FinCom vs. FY2025 budget $28,011 Expenses 292 ANIMAL CONTROL Salaries Expenses Total 292 Selectmen Recommended! FY2026| $5,958 $2,462 $20,000 $28,420 $6,500 $0 $70,000 $76,500 $10,000 $3,700 $35,000 $48,700 $10,000 $3,700 $35,915 $49,615 $10,000 $3,700 $35,915 $49,615 0.00 % 0.00 % 2.61 % 1.88 % $10,000 $3,700 $33,915 $49,615 $28,765,338 $3,152,555 $31,917,893 $33,491,791 $0 $33,491,791 $34,974,856 $0 $34,974,856 $36,576,804 $0 $36,576,804 $36,576,804 $0 $36,576,804 4.58 % $36,576,804 0.00 % 4.58 % $0 $36,576,804 302 BLACKSTONE VALLEY VOCATIONAL Expenses Total 302 $1,080,034 $1,186,947 $1.237,733 $1,331,542 $1,331,542 7.58 % $1,331,542 $1,080,034 $1,186,947 $1,237,733 $1,331,542 $1,331,542 7.58 % $1,331,542 $267,135 $808,378 $1,075,513 $362,757 $534,567 $897,324 $482,119 $825,528 $1,307,647 $510,008 $1.276,697 $1,786,705 $510,008 $1,176,697 $1,686,705 5.78 % 42.54 % 28.99 % $510,008 $1,176,697 422 HIGHWAY Salaries Expenses Total 422 $1,686,705 Board of Account Description 423 SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL Salaries Expenses Total 423 Actual FY2023} Actual FY2024] Budget FY2025 Department Head Requested] FY2026 Selectmen Recommended} FY2026| % Change FinCom vs. FY2025 budget Finance Committee Recommended FY2026 $67,457 $82,366 $55,000 $55,000 $55,000 0.00 % $55,000 $192,544 $369,767 $228,000 $228,000 $228.000 0.00 %! $452,133 $283,000 $283,000 $283,000 0.00 % $228,000 $260,001 $118,469 $103,171 $135,000 $135,000 $135,000 0.00 % $135,000 $118,469 $103,171 $135,000 $135,000 $135,000 0.00 % $135,000 $211,476 $211,476 $257,868 $257,868 $223.000 $223,000 $217,950 $217,950 $217,950 $217,950 (2.26)% (2.26)% $217,950 $217,950 $4,800 $4,800 $4,800 $4,800 $4,800 0.00 % $4,800 0.00 % $4,651) $283,000 424 STREET LIGHTING Expenses Total 424 426 GAS AND OIL Expenses Total 426 491 CEMETERY Elected/Appointed Salaries Expenses $2,262 $2,008 $4,651 $4,651 $6,808 $9,451 $9,451 $4,651 $7,062 $6,000 $6,600 $9,600 $9,600 $9,600 0.00 % $9,600 Salaries $124,287 $112,173 $144,096 $147,940 $147,940 2.67 % $147,940 Expenses $12.697 $26,925 $17,503 $13,298 $171,199 $170,838 (24.02)% $145,698 $170,838 $13,298 $142,984 (0.21)% $170,838 $199,147 $207,418 $263,844 $292,751 $292,751 10.96 % $292,751 Total 491 $9,451 0.00 % $9,451 510 BOARD OF HEALTH Elected/Appointed Salaries Total 510 541 COUNCIL ON AGING Salaries Expenses $13,298 $40,378 $36,501 $79.700 $42,100 $42,100 (47.18)% $42,100 $239,525 $243,919 $343,544 $334,851 $334,851 (2.53)% $334,851 543 VETERANS ASSISTANCE Salaries $42,105 $52,679 $59,787 $65,341 $65,341 9.29 % $65,341 Expenses $75,226 $71.881 $105,000 $105,000 $105,000 0.00 % $105,000 $117,331 $124,560 $164,787 $170,341 $170,341 3.37 % $170,341 Total 541 Total 543 Board of Department Head Requested] Selectmen Recommended} % Change FinCom Finance Committee Recommended Actual FY2023] Actual FY2024] Budget FY2025 FY2026 FY2026| vs. FY2025 budget FY2026 610 LIBRARY Elected/Appointed Salaries Salaries Expenses Total 610 $600 $445,550 $163,214 $609,364 $600 $462,988 $169,944 $633,532 $600 $479,468 $172,150 $652,218 $600 $502,115 $178,600 $681,315 $600 $502,115 $178.600 $681,315 0.00 % 4.72 % 3.75 % 4.46 % $600 $502,115 $178,600 $681,315 630 PARKS AND RECREATION Elected/Appointed Salaries Salaries $2,050 $93,922 $1,300 $84,305 $3,000 $129,435 $3,000 $131,664 $3,000 $131,664 0.00 % 1.72 % $3,000 $131,664 Account Description Expenses $67.980 $56,998 $122,055 $72,135 $72,135 (40.90)%| $72,135 Total 630 $163,952 $142,603 $254,490 $206,799 $206,799 (18.74)% $206,799 632 TOWN COMMON Salaries Expenses Total 632 $5,261 $15,066 $20,327 $8,661 $14,216 $22,877 $9,500 $25,800 $35,300 $9,500 $25,800 $35,300 $9,500 $25,800 $35,300 0.00 % 0.00 % 0.00 % $9,500 $25,800 $35,300 $6.739 $6,837 $7.000 $9,000 $9,000 28.57 % $9,000 $6,739 $6,837 $7,000 $9,000 $9,000 28.57 % $9,000 651 CULTURAL COUNCIL Salaries Expenses Total 651 $75,000 $0 $75,000 $7,500 $0 $7,500 $7,500 $0 $7,500 $7,500 $0 $7,500 $7,500 $0 $7,500 0.00 % 0.00 % 0.00 % $7,500 660 MEMORIAL DAY/VETERANS DAY Expenses Total 660 $14,739 $14,739 $17,336 $17,336 $18,000 $18,000 $18,000 $18,000 $18.000 $18,000 0.00 %| 0.00 % $18,000 $18,000 $2,734,487 $1,035,737 $3,770,224 $2,783,178 $926.760 $3,709,938 $2,874,481 $1,028,369 $3,902,850 $3,153,775 $1,077,447 $4,231,222 $3,153,775 $1,077,447 $4,231,222 9.72 % 4.77 % 8.41 % $3,153,775 $1,077,447] $4,231,222 650 HISTORICAL COMMISSION Expenses Total 650 750 DEBT SERVICE Expenses- Principal Expenses- Interest Total 750 $0 $7,500 Department Board of Selectmen Recommended) FY2026| % Change FinCom vs. FY2025 budget Recommended FY2026 Finance Committee Actual FY2023] Actual FY2024] Budget FY2025 Head Requested] FY2026 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 0.00 % 0.00 % $50,000 $50,000 990 WORKERS COMPENSATION Transfer Total 990 $0 $0 $15,000 $15,000 $0) $0 $0) $0 $0 $0 0.00 % 0.00 % $0 $0 991 UNEMPLOYMENT Transfer Total 991 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 0.00 % 0.00 % $0) $0 $7,500,000 $7,500,000 $7,950,000 $7,950,000 $7,780,000 $7,780,000 $8,380,000 $8,380,000 $8,380,000 $8,380,000 7.71 % 7.71% $8,380,000 $8,380,000 $0 $0 $15,000 $15,000 $0 $0 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 0.00 % 0.00 % $50,000 $50,000 Account Description 989 OPEB TRUST Transfer Total 989 TRUST 992 GROUP INSURANCE TRUST FUND Transfer Total 992 994 MUNICIPAL INSURANCE TRUST Transfer Total 994 Account Description 996 CAPITAL INVESTMENT TRUST Transfer Total 996 997 COMP ABSENCES FUND Transfer Total 997 Total General Fund Department Board of Selectmen Recommended] FY2026| % Change FinCom vs. FY2025 budget Recommended FY2026 Finance Committee Actual FY2023} Actual FY2024] Budget FY2025 Head Requested] FY2026 $100,000 $0 $50,000 $0 $0 (100.00)% $0 $100,000 $0 $50,000 $0 $0 (100.00)% $0 $150,000 $150,000 $100,000 $100,000 $75,000 $75,000 $75,000 $75,000 $75,000 $75,000 0.00 % 0.00 % $75,000 $75,000 $63,264,595 $67,180,023 $72,333,605 $76,214,600 $76,114,600 5.23 % $76,114,600 (By Board of Selectmen) RECOMMENDED by the Finance Committee. Funding as follows: Taxation & Other Available Sources Title 5 Betterments Article 15 ATM $ $ 74,691,733 152,161 5/22/24 - North Main St. Roadwork Trash Receipts $ $ 500,000 48,425 Water Receipts Sewer Receipts Stormwater Receipts Total $ $ $ $ 536,934 151,015 34,332 76,114,600 Motion made by D. Martinis and seconded to approve Article 1 as printed in the Report and Recommendations of the Finance Committee with the funding sources specified, with the exception of two Accounts held: 122 and 300. Motion passed by required majority vote. Vote: 146 Yes/31 No Motion to approve Account 122 as presented in the Report and Recommendations of the Finance Committee with the funding sources specified made by D. Martinis and seconded. Motion passed by required majority vote. Vote: 142 Yes/42 No Motion to approve Account 300 as presented in the Report and Recommendations of the Finance Committee with the funding sources specified made by D. Martinis and seconded. Motion passed by required majority vote. Vote: 113 Yes/71 No é ARTICLE 2. TRASH ENTERPRISE To see what sums the Town will vote to raise and appropriate for the Trash Enterprise for a period commencing July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026; or act or do anything in relation thereto. Account Description Elected/Appointed Salaries Actual FY2023] Actual FY2024| Budget FY2025 $74,625 $76,486 $1,782,977 $1,859,463 $78,536 $1,946,546 $2,025,082 $1,739,470 $1,814,095 Expenses Total 430 - Trash PIA Funding: AH (By Board of Selectmen) RECOMMENDED by the Finance Committee. Department Head Requestedj FY2026 Board of| Selectmen| Recommended FY2026 % Change FinCom vs. FY2025] budget Finance Committee Recommended FY2026 $102,176 $2,148,425 $102,176 $2,148,425 30.10 % 10.37 % $102,176 $2,148,425 $2,250,601 $2,250,601 11.14% $2,250,601 Funding as follows: 1,958,192 245,000 47,409 Trash Enterprise Receipts Retained Earmings Appropriated in the General Fund for indirect costs funded from Trash Receipts 2,250,601 Total Motion: I move the Town vote to appropriate the sum of $2,150,601 for the Trash Enterprise Fund for the period commencing July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026,$1,905,601 to be raised from the Trash Receipts and $245,000 to be raised from Trash Retained earnings to be expended in the following manner: Salaries $102,176 Expenses $2,048,425 of which $47,409 to be appropriated in the General Fund indirect costs funded from Trash Receipts Total $2,150,601 Motion made by D. Martinis and seconded. Motion passed by required majority vote. Vote: 146 Yes/41 No ARTICLE 3. WATER ENTERPRISE To see what sums the Town will vote to raise and appropriate for the Water Enterprise for a period commencing July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026; or act or do anything in relation thereto. Account Description Elected/Appointed Salaries Expenses Total 450 - Water Actual FY2023] Actual FY2024] Budget FY2025 Department Head Requested] FY2026 $1,055,183 $2,331,899 $3,387,082 $1,147,426 $2.029.942 $3,177,368 $1,304,730 $2,772,810 $4,077,540 $1,333,649 $2,596,436 $3,930,085 (By Board of Selectmen) RECOMMENDED by the Finance Committee. Funding: $ $ $ 3,427,230 523,201 3,950,431 Board of| Selectmen| Recommended FY2026 % Change FinCom vs. FY2025| budget Finance Committee Recommended FY2026 $1,353,995 $2,596,436 $3,950,431 3.78 % (6.36)% (3.12)% $1,353,995 $2,596,436 $3,950,431 Funding as follows: Water Enterprise Receipts Appropriated in the General Fund for indirect costs funded from Water Receipts Total Motion: I move the Town vote to appropriate the sum of $3,950,431 for the Water Enterprise for a period commencing July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026; said sum to be raised from Water Enterprise Receipts and to be expended in the following manner: Salaries $1,353,995 Expenses $2,596,436 of which $523,201 to be appropriated in the General Fund for indirect costs and funded from Water Receipts Total $3,950,431 Motion made by J. Altomonte and seconded. Motion passed by required majority vote. Vote: 146 Yes/39 No ARTICLE 4. SEWER ENTERPRISE To see what sums the Town will vote to raise and appropriate for the Sewer Enterprise for a period commencing July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026; or act or do anything in relation thereto. Account Description Elected/Appointed Salaries Expenses Total 460 - Sewer Actual FY2023] Actual FY2024] Budget FY2025 Department Head Requested] FY2026 $331,763 $1,130,652 $1,462,415 $274,792 $1,220,504 $1,495,296 $485,340 $1,439,536 $1,924,876 $446,592 $1,338,540 $1,785,132 (By Board of Selectmen) RECOMMENDED by the Finance Committee. Funding: $ $ $ 1,637,745 147,692 1,785,437 Board of} Selectmen} Recommended FY2026 % Change FinCom vs. FY2025| budget Finance Committee Recommended FY2026 $446,897 $1,338,540 $1,785,437 (7.92)% (7.02)% (7.24)% $446,897 $1,338,540 $1,785,437 Funding as follows: Sewer Enterprise Receipts Appropriated in the General Fund for indirect costs funded from Sewer Receipts Total Motion: I move the Town vote to appropriate the sum of $1,785,437 for the Sewer Enterprise for the period commencing July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026; said sum to be raised from Sewer Enterprise Receipts and to be expended in the following manner: Salaries $446,897 Expenses $1,338,540 of which $147,692 to be appropriated in the General Fund for indirect costs and funded from Sewer Receipts Total $1,785,437 Motion made by J. Altomonte and seconded. Motion passed by required majority vote. Vote: 147Yes/37No ARTICLE 5. STORMWATER ENTERPRISE To see what sums the Town will vote to raise and appropriate for the Stormwater Enterprise for a period commencing July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026; or act or do anything in relation thereto. Account Description Elected/Appointed Salaries Expenses Total 490 - Stormwater $ % Change FinCom vs. FY2025] budget Finance Committee Recommended FY2026 Actual FY2023] Actual FY2024| Budget FY2025 $453,170 $459,104 $540,384 $554,724 $554,724 2.65 % $554,724 $222,825 $675,995 $151,389 $610,493 $597.480 $1,137,864 $363,155 $917,879 $363,155 $917,879 (39.22)% (19.33)% $363,155 $917,879 (By Board of Selectmen) RECOMMENDED by the Finance Committee. Funding: Board of| Selectmen] Recommended FY2026 Department Head Requested] FY2026 Funding as follows: 884,473 33,406 Stormwater Enterprise Receipts Appropriated in the General Fund for indirect costs funded from Stormwater Receipts 917,879 Total Motion: I move the Town vote to appropriate the sum of $917,879 for the Stromwater Enterprise Fund for the period commencing July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026; said sum to be raised from the Stromwater Enterprise Receipts and expended in the following manner: Salaries $544,724 Expenses $363,155 of which $33,406 to be appropriated in the Generald Fund for indirect costs and funded from Stormwater receipts Total $917,879 Motion made by D. Martinis and seconded. Motion passed by required majority vote. Vote: 152 Yes/34 No ARTICLE 6. CONVEYANCES AND EASEMENTS To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Select Board to accept by gift and/or purchase conveyances or easements for sewers, water lines, utilities, access, retaining walls and streets, and to raise and appropriate by taxation, by transfer from available funds, by borrowing or otherwise, a sum of money to carry out said purposes; or act or do anything in relation thereto. (By: Select Board) RECOMMENDED by the Finance Committee 4/0 Motion: I move the Town vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to accept by gift and/or purchase any conveyances or easements for sewers, water lines, retaining walls and streets. Motion made by D. Martinis and seconded. Motion passed by required majority vote. Vote: 150 Yes/35 No ARTICLE 7. PURCHASE OF SURPLUS EQUIPMENT To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate by taxation, by transfer from available funds, by borrowing or otherwise, a sum of money and to authorize the DPW Director, in conjunction with other Town Departments, to purchase surplus government equipment for the Town; or act or do anything in relation thereto. (By: Select Board) RECOMMENDED by the Finance Committee 4/0 Motion: I move the Town vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $1.00 by taxation, and authorize the DPW Director, in conjunction with other Town Departments, to purchase surplus government equipment for the Town. Motion made by D. Martinis and seconded. Motion passed by required majority vote. Vote: 153 Yes/37 No ARTICLE 8. TOWN PROPERTY AUCTION To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Select Board to sell at public auction any of the property which the Town may have acquired or may hereafter acquire through proceedings based upon non-payment of taxes or under proceedings for the sale of lands of low value, to impose upon the property so sold such restrictions, reservations or conditions as shall be deemed expedient, and to execute quitclaim deeds and other instruments thereto; or act or do anything in relation thereto. (By: Select Board) RECOMMENDED by the Finance Committee 4/0 Motion: I move the Town vote to approve Article 8 as set forth Recommendations of the Finance Committee under said Article 8. in the Report Motion made by D. Martinis and seconded. Motion passed by required majority vote. Vote: 151 Yes/36 No and ARTICLE 9. HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Select Board to accept and enter into contracts for the expenditure of funds allotted or to be allotted by the State under authorization of Chapter 90 of the General Laws, (as pertaining to Highway Funds) for the construction, reconstruction, and improvement of Town roads, said funds to be borrowed in anticipation of State Revenue; and expended under the direction of the DPW Director; or act or do anything in relation thereto. (By: DPW Director) RECOMMENDED by the Finance Committee 4/0 Motion: I move the Town vote to approve Article 9 as set Recommendations of the Finance Committee under said Article 9. forth in the Report Motion made by J. Altomonte and seconded. Motion passed by required majority vote. Vote: 163 Yes/28 No and ARTICLE 10. AMEND FY2025 ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET To see if the Town will vote to amend Article 1 of the 2024 Annual Town Meeting by reducing, adding to, deleting, amending or transferring funds from various sources for items within said Article 1; or act or do anything in relation thereto. (By: Select Board) The Finance Committee took No Action on this Article. The Finance Committee was informed this Article would be passed over at Town Meeting Motion: I move the Town vote to amend the FY2025 operating budget approved by the 2024 Annual Town Meeting by adding the sum of $250,000 to Article 1 item 423 Snow and Ice Budget; said sum to be transferred from Free Cash. Motion made by J. Altomonte and seconded. Motion passed by required majority vote. Vote: 138 Yes/50 No ARTICLE 11. AMEND FY2025 TRASH ENTERPRISE BUDGET To see if the Town will vote to amend Article 2 of the 2024 Annual Town Meeting by reducing, adding to, deleting, or otherwise amending appropriations or by transferring funds from various sources for items within said Article 2; or act or do anything in relation thereto. (By: Select Board) The Finance Committee took No Action on this Article. The Finance Committee was informed this Article would be passed over at Town Meeting Motion was made to pass over Article 11 and seconded. Motion was passed by majority voice vote and Article 11 was passed over. ARTICLE 12. AMEND FY2025 WATER ENTERPRISE BUDGET To see if the Town will vote to amend Article 3 of the 2024 Annual Town Meeting by reducing, adding to, deleting, or otherwise amending appropriations or by transferring funds from various sources for items within said Article 3; or act or do anything in relation thereto. (By: Select Board) The Finance Committee took No Action on this Article. The Finance Committee was informed this Article would be passed over at Town Meeting Motion was made to pass over Article 12 and seconded. Motion was passed by majority voice vote and Article 12 was passed over. ARTICLE 13. AMEND FY2025 SEWER ENTERPRISE BUDGET To see if the Town will vote to amend Article 4 of the 2024 Annual Town Meeting by reducing, adding to, deleting, or otherwise amending appropriations or by transferring funds from various sources for items within said Article 4; or act or do anything in relation thereto. (By: Select Board) The Finance Committee took No Action on this Article. The Finance Committee was informed this Article would be passed over at Town Meeting Motion was made to pass over Article 13 and seconded. Motion was passed by majority voice vote and Article 13 was passed over. ARTICLE 14. AMEND FY2025 STORMWATER ENTERPRISE BUDGET To see if the Town will vote to amend Article 5 of the 2024 Annual Town Meeting by reducing, adding to, deleting, or otherwise amending appropriations or by transferring funds from various sources for items within said Article 5; or act or do anything in relation thereto. (By: Select Board) The Finance Committee took No Action on this Article. The Finance Committee was informed this Article would be passed over at Town Meeting Motion was made to pass over Article 14 and seconded. Motion was passed by majority voice vote and Article 14 was passed over. ARTICLE 15. CAPITAL OUTLAY -— (Expenditures $50,000 & Over) To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money and to determine how such appropriation shall be raised, whether by transfer of available funds, by taxation, by borrowing or otherwise, and if by borrowing to authorize the issuance and sale of general obligation bonds or notes of the Town therefor for the purpose of financing the purchase and equipping, construction, reconstruction and/or engineering costs associated with various capital outlay items or improvements proposed by Town Departments, Boards or Committees, and, as may be appropriate, to authorize the Select Board to enter into lease/purchase agreements of up to or exceeding three years; or act or do anything in relation thereto. (By: Select Board) RECOMMENDED by the Finance Committee as listed below: RECOMMENDED by the Capital Improvements Committee as listed below: Department Description Amount Funding Source Fire Police Replace Ambulance | Replace Police Vehicles (Qty 3) $503,000 | Borrowing $203,000 | Free Cash Police Dispatch Console Radio $200,000 | Replacement Green Acres Flood Study Funds Retained Earnings $137,105 | Retained Earnings $500,000 | Borrowing $152,000 | DPW Stormwater DPW Stormwater DPW Stormwater DPW Water DPW — Water DPW —Water School School Wrentham Road Culvert | Replacement Study (Phase I of ID) Wrentham Road Culvert | Replacement Study (Phase II of ID Lakeshore Drive Water Main Replacement Design Phase I of II for Replacement of Existing Wells at Site #11 Well #3 Replacement Services (Phase I of IT) World Language Textbooks Math Textbooks (Algebra I, II, and Available $77,000 | Retained Earnings $1,191,000 | Borrowing $257,500 | $91,535 | $55,602 | Retained Earnings Free Cash Free Cash Finance Capital Committee | Improvements Committee 5/0 3/0 5/0 3/0 5/0 3/0 5/0 3/0 5/0 3/0 5/0 3/0 5/0 3/0 5/0 3/0 5/0 3/0 5/0 5/0 3/0 3/0 Department School School TOTAL: Description Geometry) BMS Gym Upgrades Student Information Software Capital Projects Over $50K Amount Funding Source $75,000 | $76,712 | $3,519,454 Free Cash Free Cash Finance Capital Committee | Improvements Committee 5/0 5/0 3/0 3/0 Motion: I move the Town vote to appropriate the total sum of $3,319454 for the various projects described in the Report and Recommendations of the Finance Committee, with the exception of the $200,000 for the Dispatch Console Radio Replacement, including all incidental and related expenses, for the purposes, in the amounts and from the funding sources specified, and further, to authorize the Treasurer, with the approval of the Select Board, to borrow the sum of $2,194,000 for the purchase and equipping of an ambulance, construction for the Wrentham Rd culvert replacement and the replacement of existing wells at site $11 pursuant to G.L. c.44, § §7 or 8 or any other enabling authority and issue bonds or notes of the Town therefor. Motion made by J. Altomonte and seconded. Motion passed by required 2/3 vote. Vote: 147 Yes/39 No ARTICLE 16. NON-CAPITAL OUTLAY - (Expenditures of Less Than $50,000) To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money and to determine how such appropriation shall be raised, whether by transfer of available funds, by taxation, by borrowing or otherwise, and if by borrowing to authorize the issuance and sale of general obligation bonds or notes of the Town therefor for the purpose of financing the purchase and equipping of various non-capital outlay items or improvements proposed by Town Departments, Boards or Committees, and, as may be appropriate, to authorize the Select Board to enter into lease/purchase agreements of up to or exceeding three years; or act or do anything in relation thereto. (By: Select Board) RECOMMENDED by the Finance Committee 4/0 Funding as listed below: Department DPW — Water School School School TOTAL: Description Amount Chestnut Street Rehab Engineering $43,000 | Math Textbooks — Grades 6 — 8 Duo-Mobile Authentication Stall Brook Elementary School Playground Capital Projects Under $50K $25,656 | $24,750 | $45,000 | $138,406 Funding Source Retained Earnings Free Cash Free Cash Free Cash Motion: I move the Town vote to appropriate the sum of $138,406 for various projects and items described in the Report and Recommendations of the Finance Committee, including all incidental and related expenses, for the purposes and in the amounts specified and from the funding sources listed. Motion was made by J. Altomonte and seconded. Motion passed by required majority vote. Vote: 150 Yes/34 No ARTICLE 17. STREET ACCEPTANCE: CANDLELIGHT LANE, NORTHERN LIGHTS WAY, CELESTIAL CIRCLE, AND LOVERS LANE To see if the Town will vote to accept as public ways the roadways known as Candlelight Lane, Northern Lights Way, Celestial Circle, and Lovers Lane, associated easements, and Open Space Parcels A, B, and C as heretofore laid out by the Selectboard and shown on a plan entitled “Street Acceptance Plan Candlelight Lane and Northern Lights Way Bellingham, Massachusetts” Scale: 40 Feet to an Inch Date: August 26, 2022 prepared by Guerriere & Halnon, Inc., Engineering & Land Surveying for Owner: South Center Realty, LLC, and on the plan of land entitled “Street Acceptance Plan Celestial Circle and Lovers Lane Bellingham, Mass.” Scale: 1"' = 40' Date: September 29, 2023 prepared by Guerriere & Halnon, Inc., Engineering & Land Surveying for Owner: South Center Realty, LLC, copies of which are on file at the Office of the Town Clerk, and, further to authorize the Selectboard to acquire, by purchase, gift, and/or eminent domain, the fee to and/or appurtenant easements therein for all purposes for which public ways are used in the Town of Bellingham, and such drainage, access, sewer, utility, and/or other easements incidental or related thereto; or act or do anything related thereto. (By: South Center Realty, LLC 120 Quarry Drive Milford, MA 01757) The Finance Committee took No Action on this Article. The Finance Committee was informed this Article would be passed over at Town Meeting Motion was made to pass over Article 17 and seconded. Motion was passed by majority voice vote and Article 17 was passed over. ARTICLE 18. ESTABLISH STABILIZATION ACCOUNT To see if the Town will vote to approve the creation of a stabilization account for Blackstone Valley Vocational Regional School District as previously voted by the member community of Hopedale on May 21, 2024, and as encouraged the [former] Milford Finance Committee Chair. This action is supported by the Regional District's Treasurer and its independent auditing firm, and favorable action will enable the Regional District additional flexibility in addressing future capital improvements. (By: Blackstone Valley Vocational Regional School District) RECOMMENDED by the Finance Committee 5/0 Motion: I move the Town vote to approve the creation of a stabilization account for Blackstone Valley Vocational Regional School District. Motion made by Dr. Michael Fitzpatrick and seconded. Motion passed by required majority vote. Vote: 145 Yes/32 No. ARTICLE 19. GENERAL BYLAW AMENDMENT —- TOBACCO CONTROL To see if the Town will vote to amend its General Bylaws by adding a new Chapter 202 entitled “Tobacco Control”, all as set forth in the similarly titled documents on file with the Town Clerk, or act or do anything related thereto. (By: Board of Health) The Finance Committee took No Action on this Article RECOMMENDED by the Board of Health 3/0 Motion: I move the Town vote to amend its General Bylawn by adding a new Chapter 202 entitled “Tobacco Control” as set forth in the Town Meeting handout. Motion was made by Richard C. Gilberti and seconded. Motion failed required majority vote. Vote: 70 Yes/110 No. ARTICLE 20. AMEND ZONING BYLAWS CHAPTER 240, ARTICLE VI To see if the Town will vote to amend the Town’s Zoning Bylaws, Chapter 240 Article VI Definitions, Section 240-32 Term Defined, Livestock Raising, with deletions in strikethrough and additions underlined as follows: The raising or harboring of 10-0+mere poultry, er-of morethan—twe cattle, horses, sheep, hogs, goats, minks, rabbits, or other domesticated animals for food and other agricultural purposes similarfarm-animals_sixmeonths-old_or elder; or act or do anything in relation thereto. (By: Select Board) The Finance Committee took No Action on this Article RECOMMENDED by the Planning Board 5/0 Motion: I move that the Town vote to amend the Town’s Zoning Bylaws, Chapter 240 Article VI Definitions, Section 240-32 Term Defined, Livestock Raising, as set forth in the Report and Recommendations of the Finance Committee under Article 20. Motion made by Dylan Labonte and seconded. Motion passed by required 2/3 vote. Vote: 117 Yes/51 No ARTICLE 21. AMEND GENERAL BYLAWS CHAPTER 71-6 REVOLVING FUNDS To see if the Town will vote, pursuant to Chapter 44, Section 53E, of the General Laws, to amend the Town’s General Bylaws, Chapter 71-6, Revolving Funds, by inserting at the end of the chart set forth therein a new row, shown below, to establish a new revolving fund for the Senior Center Kitchen with an annual expenditure limit of $75,000, with all monies in the fund to remain in such fund, available for expenditures by the Senior Center Director for the stated purpose of, and in a manner consistent with, the revised Bylaw and, further, that such expenditure limit shall apply from fiscal year to fiscal year unless amended by vote of Town Meeting prior to July 1 in any year; or act or do anything in relation thereto. Fund Revenue Source Senior Center | Kitchen Kitchen Sales Receipts Authority to | Use of Funds Spend Senior Center | Expenses in support of Director salaries and expenses for the Senior Center kitchen operations Spending Limit | $75,000 Fiscal Years FY2025 and subsequent years (By: Select Board) RECOMMENDED by the Finance Committee 4/0 Motion: I move the Town vote to approve Article 21 as set Recommendations of the Finance Committee under said Article 21. forth in the Report Motion made by A. Odabashian and seconded. Motion passed by required majority vote. Vote: 141 Yes/20 No and ARTICLE 22. ACQUISITION OF UNION CEMETERY To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Select Board to acquire, for cemetery purposes and by gift, the parcel of land known as the Union Cemetery, located at 84 Mechanic Street and described in a deed recorded with the Norfolk Registry of Deeds in Book 27308, Page 360, from Union Cemetery Co. of Bellingham Inc. or the current owner thereof, and any and all personal property, funds and accounts of said Union Cemetery Co. of Bellingham Inc. associated therewith, and, further, to authorize the Select Board to enter into all agreements on such terms and conditions as the Select Board deems appropriate, execute all instruments and take any and all actions as may be necessary or expedient to effectuate said acquisition; or act or do anything in relation thereto. (By: Select Board) RECOMMENDED by the Finance Committee 5/0 Motion: I move to approve Article 22 as it appears in the Report and Recommendations of the Finance Committee under said Article 22. Motion was made by A. Odabashian and seconded. Motin passed by required majority. Vote: 147 Yes/11 No ARTICLE 23. HARTFORD AVE LAND SWAP (334 & 342 HARTFORD AVE) To see if the Town will vote to transfer from the School Committee for school purposes to the Select Board for the purpose of conveyance, the care, custody and control of a portion or portions of the Town-owned property located at 342 Hartford Avenue, shown on Assessors Map 13, as Parcel 10C and described in an instrument recorded with the Norfolk Registry of Deeds in Book 4751, Page 458, and to authorize the Select Board to convey said portions in exchange for acquiring the fee to and/or access, roadway, driveway or other easements on portions of the land located at 334 Hartford Avenue and shown as Assessors Map 13, Parcel 9, which parcels to be acquired and conveyed are which approximately shown on a plan entitled “334-342 Hartford Ave Parcel Plan Bellingham MA, prepared for the Town of Bellingham”, prepared by Land Planning, Inc., dated April 15, 2020, on file with the Town Clerk’s Office, and, further, to authorize the Select Board to acquire said land and/or easements by purchase, gift, and/or eminent domain on such terms as the Select Board deems appropriate, to enter into all agreements, execute all instruments and take any and all actions as may be necessary or expedient to effectuate said land exchange; or act or do anything related thereto. (By: Select Board) The Finance Committee took No Action on this Article. The Finance Committee was informed this Article would be passed over at Town Meeting Motion was made to pass over Article 23 and seconded. Motion was passed by majority voice vote and Article 23 was passed over. ARTICLE 24. PURCHASE OF LAND To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from available funds, and/or borrow a sum of money for the purpose of acquiring a parcel of land located at 28 Wrentham Street, containing 1.07 acres, more or less, approximately shown on a plan entitled “Land in South Bellingham Mass.”, recorded with the Norfolk Registry of Deeds in Plan Book D2202, Page 385 as Plan 505 of 1938, and described in a deed recorded in Book 23646, Page 533, and authorize the Select Board to acquire said land by gift, purchase, and/or eminent domain, for general municipal purposes, on such terms and conditions as the Select Board deems appropriate, and enter into all agreements, execute all instruments and take any and all actions as may be necessary or convenient to effectuate said acquisition; or act or do anything in relation thereto. (By: Select Board) RECOMMENDED by the Finance Committee 4/0 Funding as listed below: Description Amount Funding Source Purchase of Land $216,000 Free Cash Motion: I move the Town vote to approve Article 24 as set forth in the Report and Recommendations of the Finance Committee under said Article 24, and, as funding therefor, to transfer the sum of $216,000 from Free Cash. Motion made by A. Odabashian and seconded. Motion passed by required 2/3 vote. Vote: 133 Yes/24 No ARTICLE 25. AMEND ZONING BYLAW CHAPTER 240 ARTICLE XVI To see if the Town will vote to amend its Zoning Map and Zoning Bylaws, Article XVI, entitled “Special Flood Hazard Area Requirements”, by deleting the text and titles of Sections 240-110 and 240-111, and inserting in place thereof new Sections 240-110 through 240-111, all as set forth in the similarly titled documents on file with the Town Clerk, or act or do anything related thereto. (By: Planning Board) The Finance Committee took No Action on this Article RECOMMENDED by the Planning Board 4/0 Motion: I move the Town vote to amend its Zoning Map and Zoning Bylaws, article XVI, entitled “Special Flood Hazard Area Requirements”, by deleting the text and titles of Sections 240-110 and 240-111, and inserting in place thereof new Sections 240-110 and 240-111, all as set forth in the similarly titled documents on file with the Town Clerk. Motion was made by Robert Lussier and seconded. Motion passed by required 2/3 vote. Vote: 138 Yes/16 No ARTICLE 26. AMEND ZONING BYLAW CHAPTER 240 ARTICLE XII To see if the Town will vote to amend its Zoning Bylaws, Article XII, Accessory Uses, by deleting the text and title of Section 240-74, and inserting in its place a new Section 240-74 entitled “Accessory Dwelling Units”, all set forth in the similarly titled documents on file with the Town Clerk, or act or do anything related thereto. (By: Planning Board) The Finance Committee took No Action on this Article RECOMMENDED by the Planning Board 4/0 Motion: I move the Town vote to amend its Zoning Bylaws, Article XII, accessary Uses, by deleting the text and title of Section 240-74, and inserting in its place a new Section 240-74 entitled “Accessary Dwelling Units”, all set forth in the similarly titled documents on file with the Town Clerk, or act or do anything related hereto. Motion made by Robert Lussier and seconded. Motion passed by required majority vote. Vote: 116 Yes/23 No ARTICLE 27. TRANSFER TO PENSION RETIREMENT RESERVE TRUST FUND To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money by taxation, by transfer from available funds, or otherwise for the purpose of funding the Pension Retirement Reserve Trust Fund; or act or do anything in relation thereto. (By: Select Board) RECOMMENDED by the Finance Committee 5/0 Funding as listed below: Description Amount Funding Source Pension Retirement $350,000 Free Cash Reserve Trust Fund Motion: I move the Town vote to transfer the sum of $350,000 from Free Cash for the purpose of funding the Pension Retirement Reserve Trust Fund. Motion was made by A. Odabashian and seconded. Motion passed by required majority vote. Vote: 109 Yes/22 No ARTICLE 28. TRANSFER TO GROUP INSURANCE TRUST FUND To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money by taxation, by transfer from available funds, or otherwise for the purpose of funding the Group Health Insurance Trust Fund; or act or do anything in relation thereto. (By: Select Board) RECOMMENDED by the Finance Committee 5/0 Funding as listed below: Description Amount Funding Source Group Insurance Trust $800,000 Free Cash Fund Motion: I move the Town vote to transfer the sum of $800,000 from Free Cash for the purpose of funding the Group Health Insurance Trust Fund. Motion made by A. Odabashian and seconded. Motion passed by required majority vote. Vote: 103 Yes/23 No ARTICLE 29. UNPAID BILLS To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money by taxation, by transfer from available funds, or otherwise for the payment of certain unpaid bills; or act or do anything in relation thereto. (By: Select Board) RECOMMENDED by the Finance Committee 5/0 Funding as listed below: Description Amount Funding Source Sewer Waste Water $11,878.76 Sewer Retained Earnings Treatment Motion: I move the Town vote to transfer from sewer retained earnings the sum of $11,878.76 for the payment of certain unpaid bills. Motion made by A. Odabashian and seconded. Motion passed by required majority vote. Vote: 112 Yes/16 No THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING THE MAY 2025 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING ARTICLE 19 SECTION 202-1 —- PURPOSE In order to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public, including but not limited to its younger population, by restricting the sale of and public exposure to tobacco and ecigarette products known to be related to various and serious health conditions such as cancer, this by-law shall limit and restrict the sale of and public exposure to tobacco and ecigarette products within the Town of Bellingham. SECTION 202-2 — DEFINITIONS a. Tobacco - Any product containing, made, or derived from tobacco that is intended for human consumption, whether smoked, chewed, absorbed, dissolved, inhaled, snorted, sniffed, or ingested by any other means, including, but not limited to: cigarettes, cigars, little cigars, chewing tobacco, pipe tobacco or snuff. “Tobacco” does not include any product that has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration either as a tobacco use cessation product or for other medical purposes and which is being marketed and sold or prescribed solely for the approved purpose. b. E-Cigarette — Any electronic nicotine delivery product composed of a mouthpiece, heating element, battery, and/or electronic circuits that provides a vapor of liquid nicotine to the user or relies on vaporization of solid nicotine or any liquid, with or without nicotine. This term shall include such devices whether they are manufactured as e-cigarettes, e-cigars, e-pipes, hookah pens, or under any other product name. c. Smoking - Lighting of, or having in one's possession any lighted cigarette, cigar, pipe or other tobacco product or non-tobacco product designed to be combusted and inhaled. The activation of or inhalation of vapor from an e-cigarette shall be considered smoking under this by-law. d. Tobacco Vending Machine tobacco or e-cigarette products operator, - A mechanical or electrical device which dispenses by self-service, with or without assistance by a clerk or e. Self-Service Display — Any display from which customers may select a tobacco or ecigarette products without assistance from an employee or store personnel. £. Minor - A person under twenty-one years of age. g. Employee - An individual who performs services for an employer. h. Employer - An individual, partnership, association, corporation, trust or other organized group of individuals that utilizes the services of one (1) or more employees. i. Workplace - An indoor area, structure or facility or a portion thereof, at which one or more employees perform a service for compensation for the employer, other enclosed spaces rented to or otherwise used by the public, where the employer has the right or authority to exercise control over the space. 3. Food Service Establishment - An establishment having one or more seats at which food is served to the public. k. Health Care Institution - An individual, partnership, association, corporation or trust or any person or group of persons that provides health care services and employs health care providers licensed, or subject to licensing, by the Massachusetts Department of Health under M.G.L. c, 112. Health care institution includes hospitals, clinics, health centers, pharmacies, drug stores and doctors’ and dentists’ offices, 1. Entity - any single individual, group of individuals, corporation, partnership, institution, employer, association, firm or any other legal entity whether public or private. m. Educational Institution - any public or private college, normal school, professional school, scientific or technical institution, university or other institution furnishing a program of higher education. n. Retail Establishment - any store that sells goods or articles of personal services to the public. }. Blunt Wrap - Any tobacco product manufactured or packaged as a wrap or as a hollow tube made wholly or in part from tobacco that is designed or intended to be filled by the consumer with loose tobacco or other fillers. Pp. Characterizing flavor - A distinguishable taste or aroma, other than the taste or aroma of tobacco, imparted or detectable either prior to or during consumption of a tobacco or e-cigarette products or component part thereof, including, but not limited to, tastes or aromas relating to any fruit, chocolate, vanilla, honey, candy, cocoa, dessert, alcoholic beverage, herb or spice; provided, however, that no tobacco product shall be determined to have a characterizing flavor solely because of the use of additives or flavorings that do not contribute to the distinguishable taste or aroma of the product or the provision of ingredient information. q. Component part - Any element of a tobacco or e-cigarette products, including, but not limited to, the tobacco, filter and paper, but not including any constituent. xr. Constituent - Any ingredient, substance, chemical or compound, other than tobacco, water or reconstituted tobacco sheet, that is added by the manufacturer to a tobacco or ecigarette products during the processing, manufacturing or packaging of the tobacco or e- cigarette products. Such term shall include a smoke constituent. s. Distinguishable - Perceivable by either the sense of smell or taste. t. Smoke Constituent - Any chemical or chemical compound in mainstream or secondhand tobacco smoke that either transfers from any component of the tobacco or ecigarette product to the smoke or that is formed by the combustion or heating of tobacco, additives or other component of the tobacco or e-cigarette product. u. Flavored tobacco or e-cigarette product - Any tobacco product or e-cigarette component part thereof that contains a constituent that has or produces a characterizing flavor. A public statement, claim or indicia made or disseminated by the manufacturer of a tobacco or e-cigarette products, or by any person authorized or permitted by the manufacturer to make or disseminate public statements concerning such tobacco or ecigarette products, that such tobacco or e-cigarette products has or produces a characterizing flavor shall constitute presumptive evidence that the tobacco or e-cigarette products is a fiavored tobacco or e-cigarette products. v. Retail tobacco store - An establishment that is not required to possess a retail food permit whose primary purpose is to sell or offer for sale but not for resale, tobacco and/or e- cigarette products and tobacco paraphernalia, in which the sale of other products is merely incidental, and in which the entry of persons under the minimum legal sales age is prohibited at all times, and maintains a valid permit for the retail sale of tobacco products as required to be issued by the Bellingham Board of Health. w. Cigar - Any roll of tobacco that is wrapped in leaf tobacco or in any substance containing tobacco with or without a tip or mouthpiece not otherwise defined as a cigarette under Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 64C, Section 1, Paragraph 1. SECTION 202-3 - REGULATED CONDUCT a. Public Places (1) To the extent that the following are not covered by applicable State laws or regulations, no person shall smoke in any rooms or interior areas in which the public is permitted. This includes, but is not limited to, any food service establishment, health care institution, classroom, lecture hall, museum, motion picture theater, school, day care facility, reception area, waiting room, restroom or lavatory, retail store, bank (including ATMs), hair salons or barber shops and meetings of government agencies open to the public. (2) Licensed Inns, Hotels, Motels and Lodging Houses in the Town of Bellingham must provide smoke-free common areas. Licensed Inns, Hotels and Motels in the Town of Bellingham must designate 100% of individual dwelling units or rooms as non-smoking. (3) The use of tobacco or e-cigarette products by minors or school personnel is prohibited in or upon any public sidewalk or other public property located within four hundred (400) feet of Bellingham School grounds. (4). Such signage shall be erected to notify the public of the smoking prohibition and the areas affected thereby. b. Workplaces (1) Smoking in workplaces is prohibited. (2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), smoking may be permitted in private residences; except during such time when the residence is utilized as part of a business as a group childcare center, school age child care center, school age day or overnight camp, or a facility licensed by the department of early education and care or as a health care related office or facility. (3) Every establishment in which smoking is permitted pursuant to this by-law shall designate all positions where the employee’s presence in an area in which smoking is permitted to be "smoking positions." The establishment shall notify every applicant for employment in a smoking position, in writing, that the position may cause continuous exposure to secondhand smoke, which may be hazardous to the employee’s health. (4) any No establishment in which smoking is permitted pursuant to this by-law may require employee to accept a designated smoking position as a condition of continued employment by the employer. (5) No establishment in which smoking is permitted pursuant to this by-law may discharge, refuse to hire, or otherwise discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment by reason of such person's unwillingness to be subjected to secondhand smoke exposure unless the employee has been hired for a designated smoking position and has been so notified in writing at the time of hiring. (6) It is the intent of this by-law that a designated smoking position shall not be considered suitable work for purposes of M.G.L. c. 151A, and that an employee who is required to work in a smoking position shall have good cause attributable to the employer for leaving work. (7) E-cigarette Usage — Locations Prohibited (1) In addition to the smoking prohibitions set forth in this bylaw, the use of e-cigarettes is further prohibited wherever smoking is prohibited under M.G.L. Chapter 270, Section 22 (the “Smoke-Free Workplace Law”), and in all locations listed in Section 202-3 of this by-law. The Health Agent and/or their designee(s) shall enforce this section in accordance with Section 202-6. SECTION 202-4 - POSTING REQUIREMENTS Every person having control of a premise where smoking is prohibited by this by-law, shall conspicuously display on the premises, including the primary entrance doorways, signs reading "Smoking Prohibited By Law." Posting of the international symbol for "No Smoking" shall be deemed as compliance. SECTION 202-5 - SALE AND DISTRIBUTION OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS a. Permit—No Entity otherwise permitted to sell tobacco products shall sell such products within the Town of Bellingham without a valid tobacco sales permit issued by the Health Agent. Permits ‘must be posted in a manner conspicuous to the public. Tobacco sales permits shall be renewed annually by January 1", at a fee set forth in the Department’s Schedule of Fees and Charges. Effective February 4", 2025 or upon the approval of the Attorney General if later, the Health Agent shall not issue any new tobacco sales permits to first-time permit applicants with new businesses not currently licensed. Holders of tobacco sales permits on the effective date of this section may continue to use such permits. All such holders must apply for renewal of their permits according to the procedures of the Department. Those who fail to apply for renewal in a timely manner will receive written notification from the Department and then those permits may be revoked or fines imposed after such procedure as set forth in the procedures of the Department. Any such action may be appealed to the Select Board within thirty (30) days. However, applicants who acquire a business that is the holder of a tobacco sales permit on the effective date of this section may apply, within sixty (60) days of such acquisition, for a tobacco sales permit such as that held by the previous owner of the business, only if the buyer intends to sell tobacco products and will be operating a substantially similar business, and subject to rules aud requirements of the Health Department. b. Prohibition of Tobacco Vending Machines — The sale of tobacco or e-cigarette products by means of vending machines is prohibited. c. Restrictions on the Distribution of Tobacco or e-cigarette Products - No person, firm, corporation, establishment or agency shall distribute tobacco or e-cigarette products free of charge or in connection with a commercial or promotional endeavor within the Town of Bellingham. Such endeavors include, but are not limited to, product “giveaways", or distribution of a tobacco or e-cigarette product as an incentive, prize, award or bonus in a game, contest or tournament involving skill or chance. d. Prohibition of Sales - No person, firm, corporation, establishment, or agency shall sell tobacco or e-cigarette products to anyone born on or after 1/1/2004. e. Self-Service Displays — All self-service displays as defined by 202-2 (e) are prohibited. All commercial humidors including but not limited to walk-in humidors must be locked. £. Prohibition of the Sale of Tobacco Products and e-cigarettes by Health Care Institutions - No health care institution located in the Town of Bellingham shall sell or cause to be sold tobacco or e-cigarette products. Additionally, no retail establishment that operates or has a health care institution within it, such as a pharmacy or drug store, shall sell or cause to be sold tobacco or e-cigarette products. g. Prohibition of the Sale of Tobacco and e-cigarette Products by Educational Institutions No educational institution located in the Town of Bellingham shall sell or cause to be sold tobacco or e-cigarette products. This includes all educational institutions as well as any retail establishments that operate on the property of an educational institution. h. Required Signage 1. The owner or other person in charge of an entity authorized to sell tobacco or ecigarette products at retail shall conspicuously post signage provided by the Town of Bellingham that discloses current referral information about smoking cessation. The owner or other person in charge of an entity authorized to sell tobacco or ecigarette products at retail shall conspicuously post a sign stating that “The sale of tobacco or e-cigarette products to someone born on or after 1/1/2004 is prohibited.” The notice shall be no smaller than 8.5 inches by 11 inches and shall be posted conspicuously in the retail establishment in such a manner so that they may be readily seen by a person standing at or approaching the cash register. The notice shall directly face the purchaser and shall not be obstructed from view or placed at a height of less than four (4) feet or greater than eight (8) feet from the floor. i. Tobacco Sales 1 No Tobacco Product Sales Permit holder shall allow any employee to sell tobacco or ecigarette products until such employee has received a copy of this by-law and federal and state laws regarding the sale of tobacco and e-cigarette and signs a statement, a copy of which will be placed on file in the office of the employer, that they have read the regulation and applicable state and federal laws. Identification: Each person selling or distributing tobacco products, as defined herein, shali verify the age of the purchaser by means of a valid government-issued photographic identification containing the bearer's date of birth that the purchaser was born prior to 1/1/2004. Ail retail sales of tobacco or e-cigarette products within the Town of Bellingham must be face-to-face between the seller and the buyer and occur at the permitted location. Original Cigar Package Price - All single cigars shall be sold for no less than two dollars and fifty cents ($2.50). No person shall sell or distribute or cause to be sold or distributed any original factory-wrapped package of two or more cigars, unless such package is priced for retail sale at $5.00 or more. This section shall not apply to a person or entity engaged in the business of selling or distributing cigars for commercial purposes to.another person or entity engaged in the business of selling or distributing cigars for commercial purposes boundaries of Bellingham. with the intent to sell or distribute outside the 5. No entity shall sell or distribute or cause to be sold or distributed any flavored tobacco or e-cigarette products, except in retail tobacco stores. 6. No entity shall sell or distribute or cause to be sold or distributed blunt wraps. SECTION 202-6 - VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES a. Any person who violates any provision of this by-law, or who smokes in any area in which a "Smoking Prohibited By Law" sign, or its equivalent, is conspicuously displayed, shall be punished by a fine of $100 for each offense. For a first violation of this section, and for any subsequent violation, the violator may be afforded the option of enrolling in a smoking cessation/education program approved by the Health Agent or their designee(s). Proof of completion of such approved program shall be in lieu of the fines set forth in this Section. b. Any person having control of any premises or place in which smoking is prohibited who allows a person to smoke or otherwise violate this bylaw, shall be punished by a fine of $100 for a first offense, $250 for a second offense, and $500 for a third or subsequent offense. c. Employees who violate any provision of Section 202-3(b) shall be punished by a fine of $100 per day for each day of such violation. d. Any entity violating any other section of this by-law shall receive a fine of $500.00 for each offense. e. Violations of this by-law may be dealt with in a noncriminal manner as provided in Part 1 Chapter 1 Article III Section 1-8 of the Town by-laws. £, Each calendar day an entity operates in violation of any provision of this by-law shall be deemed a separate violation. g. No provision, clause or sentence of this section of this by-law shall be interpreted as prohibiting the Bellingham Health Department or a Town department or Board from suspending, or revoking any license or permit issued by and within the jurisdiction of such departments or Board for repeated violations of this by-law. SECTION 202-7 - SEVERABILITY Each provision of this by-law shall be construed as separate to the extent that if any section, sentence, clause or phrase is held to be invalid for any reason, the remainder of the by-law shall continue in full force and effect. ARTICLE 26 AGM MEN GLe TO! §240-74 Accessory Dwelling Units A Protected Use Accessory Dwelling Unit shall be allowed in the Residential, Suburban, and Agricultural Zoning Districts if consistent with the following. A. Definitions 1) Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). A self-contained housing unit consisting of one or more rooms with separate kitchen and bathroom facilities on the same Lot as a Principal Dwelling, subject to otherwise applicable dimensional and parking requirements, that (i) maintains a separate entrance, either directly from the outside or through an entry hall or corridor shared with the Principal Dwelling sufficient to meet the requirements of the state building code for egress; (ii) is not larger in Gross Floor Area than % the Gross Floor Area of the Principal Dwelling or 900 square feet, whichever is smaller; and (iii) is subject to such restrictions as noted in §240-74.B, Development Requirements. 2) Gross Floor Area. The sum of the areas of all floors of the building, including basements, cellars, mezzanine and intermediate floored tiers and penthouses of headroom height, measured from the exterior faces of exterior walls or from the centerline of walls separating buildings, but excluding: (i) covered walkways, open roofed-over areas, porches and similar spaces; and (ii) pipe trenches, exterior terraces or steps, chimneys, roof overhangs and similar features. Principal Dwelling. A structure, regardless of whether it conforms to Zoning, including use requirements and dimensional requirements, such as setbacks, bulk, and height, that contains exactly one Dwelling Unit and is located on the same Lot as a Protected Use ADU. Protected Use ADU. An attached or detached Accessory Dwelling Unit that is located, or is proposed to be located, on a Lot in an applicable Zoning District and no other Accessory Dwelling Unit is located on said Lot and which is protected from Prohibited Regulations and Unreasonable Regulations pursuant to M.G.L. c. 40A, s. 3, para. 11 and 760 CMR 71.00. 5) Short-term Rental. Short-term rental, as defined in M.G.L. c. 64G, s. 1. B. Development Requirements 1) A total of one (1) Protected Use ADU is allowed by right per lot in the Residential, Suburban, or Agricultural Zoning Districts in addition to a Principal Dwelling located on the same lot. A Protected Use ADU cannot consist of a Temporary Structure or Trailer, as defined in Article VI: Definitions, including but not limited to, recreational trailers or tents. The Protected Use ADU shall meet the setback and building height requirements for “other uses” as set forth in Article Vil Intensity of Use Regulations. The applicant must acquire Board of Health approval that the proposed Protected Use ADU will have adequate sewerage disposal in compliance with local regulations and 310 CMR 15.00. 5) One off-street parking space shall be required per ADU in addition to the required parking spaces for the principal structure. Short-term rentals, as defined in M.G.L. c. 40A, s.3, para. 11 and 760 CMR 71.00, are prohibited for a Protected Use ADU and/or Principal Dwelling Structure. A business use shall not be permitted in a Protected Use ADU in any zoning district. An ADU is not permitted in areas of common ownership, such as, but not limited to, Condominiums, Townhouses, or Multifamily Dwellings. For properties with a Principal Dwelling and ADU, both structures’ addresses shall be clearly marked and adequately illuminated. The proposed lighting shall not create glare or spillover that would cause harm to the good and welfare of the general public or cause detriment to an abutting property. 10) An ADU shall provide adequate access for emergency response as deemed adequate by the Bellingham Public Safety Officials and be in compliance with all applicable state and local fire codes. 11) Prior to the issuance of a building permit, where the Lot or Principal Dwelling is nonconforming, G.L. c. 40A, 86 and Section 240-30 of this Bylaw shall apply and a finding by the Zoning Board of Appeals, acting on a majority vote, that the Protected Use ADU will not be substantially more detrimental than the existing nonconformity to the neighborhood shall be required but shall not be subject to a special permit. ARTICLE 25 Town of Bellingham, MA § 240-110 § 240-111 ARTICLE XVI Special Flood Hazard Area Requirements § 240-110 Purpose. A. The purpose of the Special Flood Hazard Area is to: 1) Ensure public safety through reducing the threats to life and personal injury. 2) Eliminate new hazards to emergency response officials. 3) Prevent the occurrence of public emergencies resulting from water quality, contamination, and pollution due to flooding. 4) Avoid the loss of utility services which if damaged by flooding would disrupt or shut down the utility network and impact regions of the community beyond the site of flooding. 5) Eliminate costs associated with the response and cleanup of flooding conditions. 6) Reduce damage to public and private property resulting from flooding waters. §240-111 Development Regulations §240-111-1 Definitions Development: any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to building or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation or drilling operations or storage of equipment or materials. Floodway: the channel of the river, creek or other watercourse and the adjacent land areas that must be reserved in order to discharge the base flood without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than a designated height. Functionally Dependent Use: a use which cannot perform its intended purpose unless it is located or carried out in close proximity to water. The term includes only docking facilities, port facilities that are necessary for the loading and unloading of cargo or passengers, and ship building and ship repair facilities, but does not include long-term storage or related manufacturing facilities. Highest Adjacent Grade: the highest natural elevation of the ground surface prior to construction next to the proposed walls of a structure. Historic Structure: any structure that is: 1) Listed individually in the National Register of Historic Places (a listing maintained by the Department of Interior) or preliminary determined by the Secretary of the — Interior as meeting the requirements for individual listing on the National Register 2) Certified or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of the Interior as contributing to the historical significance of a registered historic district or a district preliminarily determined by the secretary to qualify as a registered historic district 3) Individually listed on a state inventory of historic places in states with historic preservation programs which have been approved by the Secretary of the Interior 4) Individually listed on a local inventory of historic places in communities with historic preservation programs that have been certified by an approved state program as determined by the Secretary of the Interior or directly by the Secretary of the Interior in States without approved programs. New Construction: Structures for which the start of construction commenced on or after the effective date of the first floodplain management code, regulation, ordinance, or standard adopted by the authority having jurisdiction, including any subsequent improvements to such structures. New construction includes work determined to be substantial improvement. (Referenced Standard ASCE 24-14) Recreational Vehicle: vehicle which is built on a single chassis, 400 square feet or less when measured at the largest horizontal projection, designed to be self-propelled or permanently towable by a light duty truck, and designed primarily not for use as a permanent dwelling but as a temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal use. Special Flood Hazard Area: the land area subject to flood hazards and shown on a Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood hazard map as Zone A, AE, A1-30, A99, AR, AO, or AH. Start of Construction: the date of issuance for new construction and substantial improvements to existing structures, provided the actual start of construction, repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, placement or other improvements is within 180 days after the date of issuance. The actual start of construction means the first placement of permanent construction of a building (including a manufactured home) on a site, such as pouring of a slab or footings, installation of pilings or construction of columns. Permanent construction does not include land preparation (such as clearing, excavation, grading, or filling), the installation of streets or walkways, excavation for a basement, footings, piers or foundations, the erection of temporary forms or the installation of accessory buildings such as garages or sheds not occupied as dwelling units or not part of the main building. For a substantial improvement, the actual “start of construction” means the first alteration of any wall, ceiling, floor or other structural part of a building, whether or not that alteration affects the external dimensions of the building. Structure: for floodplain management purposes, a walled and roofed building, including a gas or liquid storage tank, that is principally above ground, as well as a manufactured home. Substantial Repair of a Foundation: When work to repair or replace a foundation results in the repair or replacement of a portion of the foundation with a perimeter along the base of the foundation that equals or exceeds 50% of the perimeter of the base of the foundation that equals or exceeds 50% of the perimeter of the base of the foundation measured in linear feet, or repair or replacement of 50% of the piles, columns or piers of a pile, column or pier supported foundation, the building official shall determine it to be substantial repair of a foundation. Applications determined by the building official to constitute substantial repair of a foundation shall require all existing portions of the entire building or structure to meet the requirements of 780 CMR. Variance: a grant of relief by a community from the terms of a flood plain management regulation. Violation: the failure of a structure or other development to be fully compliant with the community’s flood palin management regulations. A structure or other development without the elevation certificate, other certifications, or other evidence of compliance required in §60.3 is presumed to be in violation until such time as that documentation is provided. § 240-111-2 Designation of Community Floodplain Administrator A. The Town of Bellingham hereby designates the position of Building Commissioner/ Zoning Enforcement Officer to be the official floodplain administrator for the Town. § 240-111-3 District establishment. A. The Floodplain District herein also called "Special Flood Hazard Area" (SFHA) is hereby established as an overlay district to all other districts. All development in the SFHA District, including structural and nonstructural activities, whether permitted by right or by special permit, must be in compliance with M.G.L. ch. 131, § 40, and with the following: (1) Section of the Massachusetts State Building Code which addresses special flood hazard area and coastal high hazard areas, 780 CMR. (2) Wetlands Protection Regulations, Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), 310 CMR 10.00. (3) Inland Wetland Restriction, DEP, currently 310 CMR 13.00. (4) Minimum Requirements for the Subsurface Disposal of Sanitary Sewage, DEP, 310 CMR 15, Title 5. B. The district also includes all special flood hazard areas within the Town of Bellingham designated as Zone A and AE on the Norfolk County Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the administration of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The map panels of the Norfolk County FIRM that are wholly or partially with the Town of Bellingham are panel numbers 25021C0138F, 25021C0139F, 25021C0299F, 25021C0301F, 2502CO302F, 25021C0303F, 25021C0304F, 25021C0311F, 25021C0312F, 25021C0313F and 25021C0314F, dated July 8, 2025. The exact boundaries of the district may be defined by the one-hundred-year base flood elevations shown on the FIRM and further defined by the Norfolk County Insurance Study (FIS) report dated July 8, 2025. The FIRM and the FIS report are incorporated herein by reference and are on file with the Town Clerk and Building Inspector. § 240-111-4 Development regulations. The following requirements apply in Special Flood Hazard Area Districts: A. In A Zones, in the absence of FEMA BFE data and floodway data, the building department will obtain, review and reasonably utilize base flood elevation and floodway data available from Federal, State, or other source as criteria for requiring new construction, substantial improvements, or other development in Zone A and as the basis for elevating residential structures to or above base flood level, and for prohibiting encroachments in floodways. In the floodway designated on the Flood Insurance Rate Map, the following provisions shall apply: (1) In Zones A1-30 and AE, along watercourses that have a regulatory floodway designated on the Town’s/City’s FIRM or Flood Boundary & Floodway Maps (choose map which delineates floodways for your community) encroachments are prohibited, including fill, new construction, substantial improvements, and other development within the adopted regulatory floodway unless it has been demonstrated through hydrologic and hydraulic analyses performed in accordance with standard engineering practice that the proposed encroachment would not result in any increase in flood levels within the community during the occurrence of the base flood discharge. (2) Any encroachment meeting the above standard shall comply with the floodplain (special flood hazard area) standards of the State Building Code as well as the performance standards in 310 CMR (Wetlands Protection Regulations). (3) Base flood elevation data is required for subdivision proposals or other developments greater than 50 lots or five acres, whichever is the lesser, within the unnumbered A Zones, (4) All subdivision proposals must be designed to assure that: (a) Such proposals minimize flood damage; (b) All public utilities and facilities are located and constructed to minimize or eliminate flood damage; and (c) Adequate drainage is provided to reduce exposure to flood hazards (5) Notification of watercourse alteration. In a riverine situation, the Building Inspector or Board of Selectmen shall require the applicant to notify the following of any alteration or relocation of a watercourse: (a) Adjacent communities. (b) NFIP State Coordinator. Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (c) NFIP Program Specialist. Federal Emergency Management Agency, Region I (6) In Zones A and AE, along watercourses that have not had a regulatory floodway designated, the best available federal, state, local, or other floodway data shall be used to prohibit encroachments in floodways which would result in any increase in flood levels within the community during the occurrence of the base flood discharge. C. Recreational Vehicles: In A, Al-30, AH, AO, and AE Zones, all recreational vehicles to be placed on a site must be elevated and anchored in accordance with the zone’s regulations for foundation and elevation requirements or be on the site for less than 180 consecutive days or be fully licensed and highway ready. § 240-111-5 Required Permits for Proposed Development in the Special Flood Hazard Area A. The Town of Bellingham requires a permit for all proposed construction or other developments in the floodplain overlay district, including new construction or changes to existing buildings, placement of manufactured homes, placement of agricultural facilities, fences, sheds, storage facilities or drilling, mining, paving and any other development that might increase flooding or adversely impact flood risks to other properties. B. An applicant shall submit a narrative, development plans, and supporting material to document compliance with §240-113, to the Floodplain Administrator to receive a permit. The development plan shall include; 1) A stamp from a Massachusetts Licensed Surveyor or Professional Engineer 2) Existing and proposed contours in no greater than two (2) foot intervals 3) A base flood elevation or approximate location of the Zone A boundary, if applicable 4) Existing and proposed site features which may affect the Special Flood Hazard Area 5) Proposed fill volumes and compensatory flood storage volumes labelled in stagestorage increments at a maximum of one-foot intervals C. The town’s permit review process includes the requirement that the proponent obtain all local, state, and federal permits that will be necessary in order to carry out the proposed development in the floodplain overlay district. The proponent must acquire all necessary permits, and must demonstrate that all necessary permits have been acquired. § 240-111-6 Requirement to Submit New Technical Data A. Ifthe Town acquires data that changes the base flood elevation in the FEMA mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas, the Town will, within 6 months, notify FEMA of these changes by submitting the technical or scientific data that supports the change(s). Notification shall be submitted to: 1) NFIP State Coordinator Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation 2) NFIP Program Specialist Federal Emergency Management Agency, Region I § 240-111-7 Variances A. Variances to Building Code Floodplain Standards 1) The Town will request from the State Building Code Appeals Board a written and/or audible copy of the portion of the hearing related to the variance, and will maintain this record in the community’s files. 2) The Town shall also issue a letter to the property owner regarding potential impacts to the annual premiums for the flood insurance policy covering that property, in writing over the signature of a community official that (i) the issuance of a variance to construct a structure below the base flood level will result in increased premium rates for flood insurance up to amounts as high as $25 for $100 of insurance coverage and (ii) such construction below the base flood level increases risks to life and property. 3) Such notification shall be maintained with the record of all variance actions for the referenced development in the floodplain overlay district. B, Variances to Local Zoning Bylaws related to Community Compliance with the NFIP 1) A variance from these flood plain bylaws must meet the requirements set out by State law, and may only be granted if: a) Good and sufficient cause and exceptional non-financial hardship exists b) The variance will not result in additional threats to public c) extraordinary public expense, or fraud or victimization of the public The variance is the minimum action necessary to afford relief safety, § 240-111-8 Abrogation and Greater Restriction Section A. The floodplain management regulations found in this Floodplain Overlay District section shall take precedence over any less restrictive conflicting local laws, ordinances, or codes. § 240-111-9 Disclaimer of Liability A. The degree of flood protection required by this bylaw [ordinance] is considered reasonable but does not imply total flood protection.