Warrant Committee - September 9th, 2026

The Warrant Committee meeting of Milton, Massachusetts, held on September 9, 2026, focused primarily on two major procurement-related topics: the regulation and oversight of surveillance technology, specifically license plate reader cameras (Flock cameras), and the potential acquisition and development of the Laboreet property for school use. The committee discussed a citizen petition proposing that the town meeting have authority over the deployment and use of surveillance technology, emphasizing transparency and public consent. Police Chief John King provided operational details and defended the current use of Flock cameras, highlighting their role in crime solving and existing oversight mechanisms. The committee voted to recommend returning the citizen petition to the select board for further study rather than immediate approval. The meeting also addressed articles related to the purchase of the Laboreet property and funding for preliminary school design work. The committee recommended approval of the property acquisition and appropriating $1.22 million for schematic design and study of a potential early education center on the site, while acknowledging concerns about timing, costs, and alternative uses. The discussions underscored the need for further analysis and public engagement before final decisions at town meeting.