21.312 An Order to Submit a Measure to the Voters at the 2021 Regular City Election - CertifiedCity of Northampton
MASSACHUSETTS
_________
In City Council, August 19, 2021
Upon the recommendation of Mayor David J. Narkewicz and Councilor William H.
Dwight
21.312 AN ORDER TO SUBMIT A MEASURE TO THE VOTERS
AT THE 2021 REGULAR CITY ELECTION
WHEREAS, pursuant to M.G.L. c. 164, § 35, on June 4, 2020, and on May 6, 2021, the City
Council authorized, by two-thirds vote, the establishment of a municipal light plant; and
WHEREAS, Section 35 also requires that the City Council authorization be ratified by a majority
of the voters at an annual or special election.
NOW, THEREFORE, in accordance with Section 9-5 of the City Charter, the City Council
orders that the following question be submitted to the voters at the 2021 regular city election:
QUESTION ____. (A YES vote on this question is non-binding; a NO vote is binding)
Do you vote to ratify the two prior affirmative votes of the city council authorizing the city to
take all necessary and appropriate action to establish and maintain, in accordance with the
provisions of Chapter 164 of the General Laws and in accordance with the rules, regulations and
orders of the Department of Public Utilities and Department of Telecommunications and Cable, a
municipal light plant for all purposes allowable under the laws of the Commonwealth, including
without limitation the operation of a telecommunications system and any related services?
Summary: Question ____ would authorize but not require the city to establish a municipal light
plant, which is a city-owned company that can provide utilities services including
telecommunications systems. The municipal light plant, if approved, would be able to provide
internet to businesses and households in the city. A YES vote does not obligate the city to
establish a municipal light plant, but the city cannot form a municipal light plant without voter
ratification of the two prior city council votes in favor. A NO vote would prohibit the city from
forming a municipal light plant.
A “YES” vote would indicate your support for authorizing a municipal light plant. A “NO” vote
would indicate your opposition to authorizing a municipal light plant.
YES O
NO O