Milton’s aging infrastructure took center stage Tuesday night as Department of Public Works Director Marina Fernandez warned that the town’s streets are deteriorating faster than they can be repaired. With 97 miles of roadway currently averaging a surface rating of just 61.88, Fernandez estimated it would take $22.5 million to bring all town roads up to a high standard. Member John Driscoll voiced sharp concern over the five-year forecast, which suggests current funding levels of roughly $2.4 million annually will see road conditions continue to slide. The town's got to wake up and start thinking about putting money in the roads, Driscoll said, adding that current conditions mean the kids are going to fall out of the bus seats going to school. Fernandez, who is set to depart her role in May, noted that rising costs for police details and ADA compliance mean only 45 percent of the paving budget actually reaches the asphalt.

To address neighborhood safety beyond simple resurfacing, the Select Board authorized a new partnership with Tool Design to develop a comprehensive Traffic Calming Master Plan. Erica Aguidaboni and Katrina Meyer of Tool Design outlined a 10-month data-driven study intended to move the town away from reactive, street-by-street complaints. While the board supported the proactive approach, Member Richard Wells expressed caution based on his tenure with the Traffic Commission. Traffic is going to follow the point of least resistance, Wells noted. You're really giving out band-aids... they're not the end-all be-all. Motion Made by R. Wells to authorize the proposal for a traffic calming master plan and policy with Tool Design. Motion Passed 5-0. Resident John Corey supported the move, though he highlighted how safety improvements on Randolph Avenue have pushed unintended traffic onto Canton Avenue. This traffic not only threatens our neighborhoods but also disrupts the flow of traffic on our local roads, Corey told the board.

Long-term fiscal stability also remained a priority as the board moved to extend the Budget Coordination Committee’s mandate through June 30, 2030. Chair Benjamin Zoll praised the committee’s success in increasing transparency between the town's various governing bodies. Member Meghan Haggerty emphasized the need for "five different bosses" in town government—including the School and Warrant Committees—to remain aligned. We all have to be on the hook together and accountable to the public, Haggerty said. Motion Made by R. Wells to extend the Budget Coordination Committee through June 30, 2030. Motion Passed 4-0. The board also moved forward on the annual Town Meeting preparations. Motion Made by R. Wells to authorize the Town Meeting Warrant. Motion Passed 4-0.

Social issues and community values sparked significant debate during a presentation from John Hart, Chair of the Equity and Justice for All Advisory Committee. Hart presented a streamlined list of priorities, including a town-wide DEI dashboard and a public safety liaison committee. The discussion turned to Milton’s progress on affordable housing, which currently sits at 7.4 percent. Chair Zoll offered a blunt assessment of the town’s history, stating, This town has been dragged kicking and screaming across the finish line for affordable housing... because we have failed for 40 years to come up with a comprehensive plan. The board agreed to review a formal draft DEI statement at their next meeting. Diversity was also a theme for Member Wells, who pointed to the local police force as a success story, noting they are a reflection of what this community is.

In other business, the board took a hard stance against local gambling expansion, issuing a formal objection to a request from Milton Food Mart on Brook Road for a Keno monitor. Chair Zoll called gambling a scourge on people, while Vice Chair Winston Daley argued against profiting off folks's vices when players can already access results via smartphones. Motion Made by B. Zoll to send a letter to the State Lottery Commission objecting to the request for a Keno monitor at 133 Brook Road. Motion Passed 5-0. The board also deferred a decision on the former East Milton Fire Station after an appraisal valued the property at $900,000 for sale or $62,000 in annual rent. Vice Chair Daley admitted he was really disappointed in the valuation, suggesting the upcoming Request for Proposals (RFP) would better determine the site's true market value.

Community milestones rounded out the evening, starting with the bittersweet news that the 2026 Milton Music Fest will be the event’s final year. Organizer Linda Lee Sheridan noted the festival would double as a 250th national birthday celebration on June 20-21. This is now our 14th year of having Milton Music Fest as Milton's biggest community event, Sheridan said. The board also authorized a new memorial sign at Brayburn Road and Hillcrest to honor retired Colonels Ed and Mary Coyle. Kathleen Demano described the couple as amazing neighbors who served with distinction in the Marine Corps and Air Force. Motion Made by R. Wells to authorize a sign to be erected in honor of the Coyle family. Motion Passed 5-0. Finally, Chair Zoll issued a stern warning regarding the theft and vandalism of campaign signs ahead of the April 28th election, calling for residents to take the temperature down following a coordinated effort to target a specific candidate.