Maynard Finance Committee Recommends PFAS Fund, Defers Zoning Vote

MAYNARD -- September 15, 2025, Maynard Finance Committee recommends PFAS settlement fund and liquor license upgrade articles, defers action on zoning overhaul. The seven-member committee, chaired by Jillian Prendergast, voted unanimously to recommend Article 7, which creates a new PFAS Settlement Fund within the Water Enterprise Capital Fund to receive litigation settlement payments tied to water contamination, and Article 3, which would allow wine and malt licensees to apply to the Select Board to upgrade to all-alcohol status under a new state law, a change that would raise annual fees from $1,650 to $2,200. The committee also voted 6-1 to recommend Article 9, removing a separate parking requirement from the Downtown Overlay District to align it with the town's standard zoning table. Action on Articles 8 and 10, sweeping amendments to the Powder Mill Overlay District affecting affordable housing percentages, parking, and mixed-use development, was deferred to the September 22 meeting after members raised concerns about inconsistent requirements and insufficient review time, with Planning Board representatives expected to attend. A school committee member identified as Natasha told the committee that Articles 5 and 6, covering solar panel leases at town facilities, may require prior School Committee authorization under state law, a procedural step she said was skipped in a similar failed solar project circa 2020, prompting Prendergast to flag the issue to Town Administrator Greg Johnson.