Among the articles slated to appear on the warrant for Annual Town Meeting is one asking for the creation of a new Economic Development Committee to foster commercial development in town. The article, requested by the Economic Development Analysis Team (EDAT), would have the new committee pursue Harvard’s designation as a new, or part of an existing, Economic Target Area (ETA), a designation that would make businesses that locate or expand in town eligible for municipal and state tax incentives. EDAT proposes that the new committee would be responsible for the creation and maintenance of a development plan for the Commercial District; would define, plan, and coordinate town-approved infrastructure improvement projects for the Commercial District; and would serve as the town liaison for commercial landowners and developers to facilitate commercial project planning and coordination. The committee would also advise the Board of Selectmen on policies to attract and retain businesses.

Also placed on the warrant this week were an article to amend the bylaws to accommodate the Stretch Energy Code, which regulates the design and construction of buildings for the effective use of energy; an article allowing for the removal and storage of junked vehicles; and an article on whether to impose a local room occupancy excise tax at the rate of 6 percent. With respect to the local occupancy excise tax, the selectmen requested an opinion from Town Counsel Mark Lanza on whether it was appropriate to pursue taxation of rooms located in the Harvard portion of Devens.

Further articles include one amending Chapter 17 of the town’s bylaws, calling for creation of a funding mechanism for the Capital Plan by transferring certified free cash to the stabilization fund at the end of each fiscal year, except under certain conditions. The selectmen questioned whether such a measure is required and agreed to meet with the Finance Committee at the April 3 “tri-board” meeting to discuss the proposal further.

And finally this week, the selectmen approved an article for lighting upgrades at Town Hall, Hildreth House, and the old library.

The Annual Town Meeting Warrant is scheduled to go to the printer next week.