When It Rains It Pours

Welcome back!

It’s a Presidential election year, a Town election is fast approaching, and the Select Board is working on a firearm business bylaw with direct ties to highly-charged state and national political conversations. In other words: spending a year living on the International Space Station never sounded so good.

Unfortunately for those who want to live off-planet for 2024, the ISS isn’t a short-term rental property. So here’s your local news:

1. Firearms Business Bylaw Inches Towards Town Meeting Warrant

2. Five File to Run as Deadline Nears

3. Water Rates to Increase

4. Upcoming Events

5. Sudbury Weekly News Digest

6. Check It Out!

Let’s get into it!

Firearms Business Bylaw Inches Towards Town Meeting Warrant

By Kevin LaHaise

On Tuesday the Sudbury Select Board continued discussions around a firearm business bylaw that has been under development since the middle of 2023, but has undergone rapid development in the last two months. The bylaw itself would limit firearms businesses to two establishments operating in Sudbury at any given time, and they would be limited to Industrial Districts, of which Sudbury has several. Due to various provisions of the bylaw, the only parcels that would qualify are in ID-4, which includes the parcels south of Boston Post Road around Buddy Dog and moving east over to the Wayland border.

The bylaw, as drafted, would require potential firearms businesses to secure a special permit. There are several other operational regulations included in the draft bylaw, which you can review here. (Page 110)

The Select Board remains split on the bylaw. Three members have voiced support for the approach, including Charlie Russo, Jennifer Roberts and Dan Carty. Chair Janie Dretler and Vice-Chair Lisa Kouchakdjian have stated that they do not support the bylaw, and have voiced a preference not to allow gun shops in Sudbury at all. While positions on the bylaw are nuanced and varied, the bylaw itself was largely finished on Tuesday. They discussed what hours of operation to allow for firearms businesses, setbacks from other sensitive uses like daycares and rail trails, and tweaks to other regulations in the draft bylaw.

The setbacks are the most notable hanging chad, as they want Town staff to confirm how far they can make the setbacks while still keeping enough viable parcels for firearms businesses. In prior discussions it became clear that the Select Board would have to reduce the 500 foot setback from sensitive uses in order to produce enough viable parcels for firearms businesses. Dropping it to 250 seemed to produce enough parcels to satisfy the majority, but there was some desire on Tuesday to see if they can inch that up without losing too many parcels before they mark it "final." The Board discussed how other towns with comparable bylaws have 500-foot setbacks from sensitive uses, and in a few they are 1,000 feet, however the majority felt that the nature of Sudbury's built environment and zoning didn't allow for larger setbacks. Ultimately, it sounded like they were going to end up sticking with a 250-foot setback from sensitive uses. (1:21:45)

Another new wrinkle was proximity to on-premises and off-premises alcohol consumption establishments. (1:16:00) That’s legal-speak for bars, restaurants and retail stores that sell or serve alcoholic beverages. The suggested addition in the packet would mean that guns shops could not be located within 250 feet of liquor stores and restaurants that sell/serve alcohol. But there’s a restaurant that serves alcohol in the middle of ID-4, and one across the street, so if they apply the 250-foot setback to on-premise alcohol consumption the majority would lose some of the parcels that they want to make available for firearms businesses. The majority voiced a desire to keep off-premises establishments (retail stores that sell alcohol) as a sensitive use in the bylaw, so the setback would apply if a liquor store were to open in the area. Restaurants and bars that serve alcohol, however, are not expected to be included as a sensitive use, meaning the firearms businesses could open closer than 250 feet to a bar or restaurant that serves alcohol.

Most research on alcohol use and guns paints a gloomy picture, but the majority would need to allow firearms businesses to open close to restaurants that serve alcohol to keep the bylaw moving forward. Much of the bylaw has been influenced by input Member Russo received from the Gifford’s Center. But it was the Gifford’s Center representative that recommended setbacks from alcohol establishments. (Page 63) On Tuesday Russo noted that Sudbury has limited options compared to other towns due to the layout of its commercial and industrial zones.

Johns Hopkins has a recent and comprehensive report on alcohol, violence and guns here. Their research concludes with policy recommendations to strengthen laws that separate alcohol and firearms. While their research focuses on firearms inside the establishments that serve alcohol, the broad strokes are still relevant:

While the details within the bylaw often generate a variety of questions and points of view from board members, disagreement on the general approach remains the primary difference between the majority and minority of the Select Board. All members have clearly stated that they do not want a gun shop in Sudbury. But disagreements on positions have become almost a tertiary matter as disagreements on process have cropped up in recent weeks.

On Tuesday the majority relented to the minority's request to host a public forum. That idea was previously supported by Town Manager Andy Sheehan, and he indicated staff could put together an event in mid-January, but the idea was quickly shot down by the majority who voiced a preference to focus on finishing the bylaw itself before considering a forum. (2:53:55) With majority support materializing this week for a public forum, it sounded like they would pursue some type of event prior to Annual Town Meeting, though the content and format is undecided. Whether the event ends up being an informational session or a chance for the public to weigh in, it will almost certainly happen after the bylaw is added to the warrant, assuming the Select Board votes to do that next week. Town Manager Sheehan cautioned that any further changes to the bylaw should be completed before the warrant goes to print, otherwise it could get messy with a series of amendments on the floor of Annual Town Meeting.

Other process concerns that were raised pointed to the need for more input from around the community. That included a comment from Chair Dretler that the Board of Health has not been asked to weigh in yet. Town Manager Sheehan confirmed that Sudbury Police Chief Scott Nix will be reviewing the bylaw as the countdown to the warrant article deadline approaches.

Pending some final buttoning up from Town staff, the majority did voice a desire to put the bylaw on the warrant for Annual Town Meeting at an additional meeting that is scheduled for next Wednesday, January 31.

Five File to Run as Deadline Nears

By The League of Women Voters of Sudbury

Five more potential candidates have filed an intention to run in the March 25 Annual Town Election: Daniel Carty for Select Board; Danielle Stackpole, Silvia Nerssessian, and Jean Nam for Sudbury Schools Committee; and Maura Carty for Lincoln-Sudbury Regional School District Committee.

With five days until the Wednesday, Jan. 31, deadline to file an intention to run for office (“pull papers”), here’s where things stand:

Select Board
There are two open seats on the Select Board. Janie Dretler and Daniel Carty, who are seeking re-election, have filed an intention to run. Carty has not yet returned his nomination papers. Dretler’s nomination papers have been certified by the Town Clerk, and she became an official candidate last week.

Sudbury Schools Committee (SPS)
There are two open seats on the Sudbury Schools Committee. Four people - Karyn Jones, Danielle Stackpole, Silvia Nerssessian, and Jean Nam - have filed an intention to run. Jones currently serves on the Commission on Disability. Nam serves as a Goodnow Library Trustee and as the chair and founder of PlaySudbury. Nerssessian is seeking re-election. Stackpole, Nerssessian, and Nam have not yet returned nomination papers. Jones has returned nomination papers, but they have not yet been certified by the Town Clerk. Incumbent Sarah Troiano has not filed an intention to run for re-election.

Lincoln-Sudbury Regional School District Committee (L-S)
There are two open seats on the Lincoln-Sudbury Regional School District Committee. Catherine Bitter, of Lincoln, and Maura Carty, of Sudbury, have filed an intention to run. Bitter is currently appointed to fill a committee vacancy after Heather Cowap Salemme’s resignation. Maura Carty is a member of the Finance Committee. Both Bitter and Carty have not yet returned nomination papers. Incumbent Mary Warzynski has not filed an intention to run for re-election.

Moderator
There is one open seat for Moderator. Catharine Blake, who is seeking re-election, has filed an intention to run. Blake has not yet returned nomination papers.

Board of Assessors
There is one open seat for Board of Assessors. Joshua Fox, who is seeking re-election, has filed an intention to run. Fox has not yet returned nomination papers.

Goodnow Library Trustee
There are two open seats for Goodnow Library Trustee. Megan Kelley, who serves on the Goodnow Library Foundation board, and Eriko Frank have filed an intention to run. Both Kelley and Frank have not yet returned nomination papers. Incumbents Lily Gordon and Natalie Schlegel have not filed an intention to run for re-election.

Board of Health
There is one open seat on the Board of Health. Linda Huet-Clayton, who is seeking re-election, has filed an intention to run. Huet-Clayton has not yet returned nomination papers.

Park and Recreation Commission (3-years)
There are two open seats for 3-year terms on the Park and Recreation Commission. Laurie Eliason and Robert Beagan, who are seeking re-election, have filed an intention to run. Beagan has not yet returned nomination papers. Eliason’s nomination papers have been certified by the Town Clerk, and she became an official candidate last week.

Park and Recreation Commission (1-year)
There is one open seat for a 1-year term on the Park and Recreation Commission. William Atkeson has filed an intention to run. Atkeson is currently appointed to the Park and Recreation Commission to fill a commission vacancy after Jennifer Stone’s resignation. Atkeson has not yet returned nomination papers.

Planning Board
There are two open seats on the Planning Board. John Sugrue and Stephen Garvin, who are seeking re-election, have filed an intention to run. Both Sugrue and Garvin have not yet returned nomination papers.

Commissioner of Housing Authority
There is one open seat on the Sudbury Housing Authority. Sherrill Cline, who is seeking re-election, has filed an intention to run. Cline’s nomination papers have been certified by the Town Clerk, and she became an official candidate this week.

There are 17 open positions on the March 25 Annual Town Election ballot. You can find a complete list here. You can find information about how to run for office here and on the www.lwvsudbury.org website. You can learn how to register to vote or update your voter registration here or at www.lwvsudbury.org.

The period for potential candidates to file an intention to run is from Thursday, Jan. 4 to Wednesday, Jan. 31. Nomination papers (“signatures”) must be returned by Feb. 2. Any Sudbury registered voter may run for office and do not need permission from a board or committee to run.

According to the Lincoln-Sudbury Regional District Clerk, as of 2:53 p.m. Jan. 26, and the Town Clerk’s office, as of 12:01 p.m. Jan. 26, the following people have filed an intention to run:

Select Board
(2 seats, 3 years)
Janie Dretler (official candidate)
Daniel E. Carty

Sudbury School Committee
(2 seats, 3 years)
Karyn Jones
Danielle Stackpole
Silvia M. Nerssessian
Jean O. Nam

Lincoln-Sudbury Regional School District Committee
(2 seats, 3 years)
Catherine Bitter (Lincoln resident)
Maura Carty (Sudbury resident)

Moderator
(1 seat, 3 years)
Catharine V. Blake

Board of Assessors
(1 seat, 3 years)
Joshua Fox

Goodnow Library Trustee
(2 seats, 3 years)
Megan Kelley
Eriko Frank

Board of Health
(1 seat, 3 years)
Linda Huet-Clayton

Park and Recreation Commission
(2 seats, 3 years)
Laurie Eliason (official candidate)
Robert C. Beagan

Park and Recreation Commission
(1 seat, 1 year to fill a vacancy)
William Atkeson

Planning Board
(2 seats, 3 years)
John Sugrue
Stephen Garvin

Commissioner of Housing Authority 
(1 seat, 5 years)
Sherrill P. Cline

Water Rates to Increase

By Kevin LaHaise

At the January 23 meeting of the Sudbury Water District Commissioner’s , the commissioners voted to approve a 4.3 percent rate increase. That will begin on the fourth quarter of the billing cycle, meaning it will take effect in June.

The rate increase is consistent with, if not a little lower than, rate increases announced in other municipalities across Massachusetts over the last year. The Sudbury Water District took in approximately $600,000 less in their second quarter revenue as a result of the heavy precipitation in 2023 according to their November 28 meeting minutes:

The Sudbury Water District has multiple infrastructure improvement projects underway or coming up soon. (Page 11) Those include PFAS treatment facilities, including a notable location at their East Street property. PFAS is often referred to as “forever chemicals,” and many towns in Massachusetts are dealing with the issue. The Sudbury Water District’s water quality reports indicate the presence of PFAS in Sudbury’s drinking water. The highest test results have been below the maximum contaminant level allowed, though they come close, and the District has been moving aggressively to stay ahead of the issue. (Page 13)

Check It Out!

Here’s what we’re reading this week:

New study finds benefits to METCO. But the program faces an uncertain future
Massachusetts Rep. Christopher Worrell, an alum of Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School, is featured prominently in the story.

Healey, Driscoll discuss FY25 local aid, Municipal Empowerment Act at MMA conference
Several members of the Sudbury Select Board attended the conference this year and might have caught this news live. Some of the provisions of the act could be welcome news for Sudbury. Town Manager Andy Sheehan reported that he weighed in on some of the items addressed by the proposed act during the administration’s listening tour last year.

Controversial tercentenary markers removed from Concord Center, Lexington Road
Sudbury isn’t the only town having conversations about tercentenary markers. “Tercentenary” is, coincidentally, what I scream when I stub my toe.

MCI-Concord will shut down in June
But how will I know which turn to take in that godforsaken roundabout without this landmark?

Board of Registrars Seeking a New Member
A great volunteer opportunity in Sudbury! Perfect for anyone who likes volunteering and opportunities!

Parting Thoughts

It’s rainy and cold outside. And as we mentioned at the top, it’s a presidential election year in a country that is, by every objective and subjective measure, polarized as can be. It’s too easy these days to get down about the state of the world around you.

And yet, bits of optimism pop up all around us, if we care to pay attention. This week we learned that Jon Stewart is returning to The Daily Show. Whether that show is your cup of tea or not, his old closing segment “Here it is, your moment of zen” was well-loved by the show’s fans.

If you’re looking for a moment of zen this week, our story on Unified Sports at L-S is a good place to start. Or you could take a look at the latest Conservation Commission meeting. (That handy link takes you to the timestamp, courtesy of a new feature on SudburyTV!) They had to review and approve their annual report. Annual reports are typically a chore for committees and boards and staff. But Chair Henkels took the opportunity to appreciate and celebrate the work and accomplishments of the Conservation Department and Conservation Commission.

Henkels’ enthusiasm and genuine appreciation for the work of local government might just hang with you as a reminder that people are putting goodness into the world all around us, even when things might look bleak. In the case of the Conservation Commission (ConCom), they held 116 hearings in 2023… Talk about going all-in on volunteer work! And the Conservation Department staff completed a massive list of noteworthy projects which will help to, as ConCom’s site says: “preserve, protect, and improve the Town’s valuable water, land, plant, and animal resources for the benefit of present and future generations.”

Onward!