Select Board authorizes Tuesday release of Article 55 town counsel opinion

SUDBURY — May 1, 2023 — Sudbury Select Board clears Article 55 opinion for noon release before Town Meeting debate. Meeting in a brief pre-Town Meeting working session May 1, the board voted unanimously to authorize town counsel to release a revised legal opinion on Article 55, a citizen's zoning petition, by noon the following day. Chair Charles Russo said the revisions were limited to removing references to a floor amendment no longer expected to be offered. Member Lisa Kouchakdjian pushed for earlier release so the Planning Board could review before its own meeting, but the board opted for a single "ready for prime time" final document. Members also let stand a $150,000 free-cash request under Article 14 despite a pending $125,000 House earmark, with Town Manager Wendy estimating July confirmation and Russo cautioning against using "one-time money" for ongoing expenditures.