TOPSFIELD — Some Town Meeting voters thought public regulation of private water wells was an assault on democracy. Just ask the chairman of the water commission, Philip Knowles.
"You're not debating us taking your rights and freedoms away," Knowles said. "That's already been done. The state did it. We're just trying to get on the same boat."
The Town Meeting article sought to restrict well users as much as the public water users during droughts. The demand was driven by state restrictions on the town's water withdrawal permit, Knowles said. Similar restrictions have been put on other communities, including Middleton and Danvers.
Charlie Wilkinson of Pemberton Road said he was hooked into the public water system but also had been using a well to irrigate a 4,000-square-foot garden. His calculations showed Topsfield residents were using a pittance of the water that fell in Topsfield and ultimately resupplies the Ipswich River.
"We don't have a water problem in Topsfield," he said. "We have a regulation problem."
Selectman Dick Carlson, a well user, said a single oak tree sucked up 50 gallons of water a day. His observation brought a rare bit of levity to the flowing debate.
"I cut down four oak trees a couple of years ago," he quipped. "I ought to be able to use 200 gallons a day."
The measure easily passed on a voice vote.
Town Meeting voters also:
r approved a $7,836 amendment to have a Topsfield police officer work at Masconomet's schools for eight hours a week.
r cleared the way for two new senior condominium projects, The English Commons at Topsfield on Route 1 at the Danvers border and The Meadows along the New Meadows Golf Course on Wildes Road.
r turned away a proposed leash law as unnecessary. The animal inspector said he had impounded just three dogs in the previous year: one that had been leashed, one from a malfunctioning electric fence and one that went after its owner.
r created a new business district along Route 1 near Ipswich Road, which is already a largely commercial center.
r approved a program so seniors can work off a portion of their taxes. That will be implemented by the next Council on Aging director.
r shot down an effort that would allow town officials to issue tickets for bylaw violations.
