WESTHAMPTON — Town officials say proposed changes to the rules governing solar electric generation are “long and complex,” therefore residents should take time to study them before Saturday’s annual Town Meeting.
Town Moderator Richard W. Tracy urges all residents to pick up copies of the annual report and supporting data this week at Town Hall to review the material so that Town Meeting, which begins at 9 a.m. at Town Hall, can move along at “a quicker pace.”
Voters will consider 30 articles on the warrant, including a proposed $6.2 million annual budget and four articles addressing changes to the zoning bylaws governing solar electric generation. The proposed rules include laying out standards for roof-mounted and ground-mounted solar energy systems.
Capital expenditures voters will be asked to approve include borrowing authorization for a new bucket loader for the highway department, a lighting project at Westhampton Elementary School and information technology infrastructure upgrades for the Town Hall and Annex.
Voters also will consider a citizen petition for the town to support sanctuary city legislation currently in the Statehouse. The bills, H.3269 and S.1305, would prohibit use of public funds and resources for immigration enforcement purposes. A similar petition was defeated at last year’s annual Town Meeting.
According to town officials, a sound system has been installed in Town Hall to make it easier for everyone to hear at the meeting and there will be food on sale Saturday, provided by the Council on Aging and the Women’s Fellowship. All proceeds from food sales will go to support the fight against ALS.
M.J. Tidwell can be reached at mjtidwell@gazettenet.com.