Town officials have decided that it won’t be possible to hold a Special Town Meeting this fall to take up matters that were postponed from the stripped-down meeting in June. Instead, there will be three State of the Town meetings (SOTTs) held on consecutive nights in November via Zoom.
Given the ongoing pandemic and need for social distancing, “there’s nothing pressing enough to bring people together in person,” Selectman Jennifer Glass said. Chilly fall weather will prelude another outdoor gathering such as the June 13 town meeting that was held under a tent on the Hartwell school parking lot.
The State of the Town meetings with their agendas are listed below.
- November 17 — An overview of town finances, the response to Covid-19, an update on the school building project, and a preview of the March 2021 Annual Town Meeting.
- November 18 — A follow-up discussion to a series of roundtables on diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism that will kick off later this month (see below).
- November 19 — South Lincoln planning, an issue that has been stalled since a controversial rezoning proposal met with resistance from residents and dissension on the Planning Board.
Regarding diversity and inclusion, “we appreciate that not all community members experience life in Lincoln in the same way. We need to listen carefully to those who have been alienated in some manner and be willing to be truly reflective about changes that may be required to make all residents feel welcome and valued,” the Board of Selectmen wrote in a newsletter soon to be mailed to Lincoln residents.
The three roundtables will feature panelists who will guide discussion by participating Lincolnites. Click here for details and registration links (registration closes 48 hours before each event). To submit questions in advance, email selectmen@lincolntown.org before the deadlines listed.
September 22: “Policing in Lincoln and the State”
The discussion will seek to understand local and state policing policies and training, understand how the town budget supports public safety and other social services, and discuss status of current legislation. Panelists will be Kevin Kennedy, Lincoln Chief of Police; Marian Ryan, Middlesex District Attorney; and Tim Higgins, Town Administrator. Advance question deadline: September 15.
October 7: “What is the Role of Town Government?”
Members of town boards, committees and departments will lead a discussion of the jurisdictions and roles of town government officials and Town Meeting who could authorize funding or other significant actions. Advance question deadline: September 30.
October 21: “What is the Role of Community Groups?
Panelists will include members of community organizations, cultural institutions and nonprofits to help everyone learn how town organizations are addressing diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism. Advance question deadline: October 14.
Warrant articles that were postponed from the 2020 Annual Town Meeting may resurface at the ATM in March 2021. They included citizens’ petitions to ask voters if they would:
- Hear reports from town boards on the status of the community center project
- Change the name of the Board of Selectmen to the Select Board
- Support the proposal of the eighth-grade Warrant Article Group to support the Parkland School students’ organization, March for Our Lives, to end school shootings and shootings all over the country
- Adopt a resolution in support of various federal, state and local actions to combat climate change
- Adopt a new section in the town’s General Bylaws called the Polystyrene Reduction By-Law
- Require Lincoln retail establishments to charge a fee for non-reusable check-out bags
- Prohibit food establishments in Lincoln from using and distributing disposable plastic straws, stirrers, and splash sticks