Weston Planning Board votes to hire outside counsel on water tank MOU

WESTON — August 26, 2024 — Weston Planning Board votes unanimously to seek outside counsel on water tank memorandum of understanding. The board held a special August 26 meeting to debate a proposed MOU with the Select Board that would define the Planning Board's advisory role on the town's water tank replacement project, which requires exceeding the 37-foot residential height limit and acquiring Article 97 conservation land. Member Timothy Shawn Lanier, an attorney, warned the current draft gives the Select Board broad discretion and argued the board "should not have to beg for $2,500" to obtain independent legal review. The 4-0 vote directs Lanier and staff planner Ema to scope an engagement with outside municipal counsel — candidates include attorney John Whitten and firms serving Wellesley and Easton — with a reviewed memo targeted for the board's second September meeting ahead of public hearings on the Select Board's proposed height bylaw amendment expected in October.