5 Things Approved at Town Meeting

Editor's Note: Milford Patch covered the 2012 Annual Town Meeting using the Cover it Live platform, and tried to include some of the debate as it unfolded. View if you want full coverage. Or, view the attached PDF of the 34-article warrant. If you prefer a quick recap of the highlights, read on:

1. The most significant debate of the three-plus hour meeting came on Article 18, which asked members to authorize $1 million for a feasibility study to examine and make recommendations on how to improve or Voters approved the measure 110 to 51.

2. A related article, which creates an appointed School Building Committee, was approved only after the membership was shifted to draw less heavily on School Committee appointees. The membership of 15 people will now include more representatives appointed by Milford Selectmen and the town moderator.

3. which will give police authority to determine if certain loud noises are excessive or overly intrusive for neighbors, was approved with no debate, by a vote of 123 to 26. The bylaw will take effect following review by the state Attorney General's Office, expected by the end of August.

4. The town's fiscal 2013 operating budget of $81 million was approved with only limited discussion. This represents about a 2 percent increase. One member questioned increasing expenses for personnel services; part of that increase is for unemployment insurance.

5. will now fall on Tuesdays, instead of Mondays. The article, addressed late in the night, will make it easier for town elections staff to prepare sites for elections, as the existing precincts are in locations that often have Sunday events.