A new wind turbine bylaw, a zoning change that would permit multi-family housing and special protection for historic byways top the 45-article warrant for the West Tisbury annual town meeting next week.

And voters will consider a $13 million operating budget that is custom tailored for debate over a proposed 3.6 per cent cost of living increase for town employees. The town personnel board backs the 3.6 per cent increase, but the finance committee and selectmen want it reduced to two per cent.

At a recent meeting, selectmen unanimously agreed to support the lower cost of living adjustment; the finance committee is expected to propose an amendment on the floor of town meeting.

The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at the West Tisbury school; longtime moderator Patrick Gregory will preside.

Al DeVito, chairman of the finance committee, said the two per cent cost of living adjustment seems fair considering what other Island towns are doing this year.

“We calculated the average [cost of living adjustments] around the Island and it came out to around 1.7 per cent, so we felt two per cent was reasonable . . . that doesn’t mean, of course, somebody won’t get up at town meeting and ask for a zero per cent increase,” he said.

Norm Perry, chairman of the town personnel board, said his board arrived at the 3.6 per cent adjustment by following the same formula they have used in previous years. But he said he recognizes that the lower adjustment may be appropriate considering the current economy, and said he would not oppose an amendment to lower the increase.

“If people want to debate 3.6 per cent or two per cent or zero per cent, that’s their right. That’s what town meeting is about,” Mr. Perry said.

Lowering the cost of living adjustment to two per cent would save the town approximately $28,000.

Another article expected to generate some discussion would amend zoning bylaws to allow multi-family housing through a special permit granted by the zoning board of appeals, provided it is used as affordable housing. With two dwelling units, under the law both would have to be affordable housing; with three, two would be to restricted to affordable housing. With four or more, at least 75 per cent would be restricted as affordable housing.

Voters will also consider a zoning change to allow wind energy systems by special permit in all districts of town. The change would allow wind energy conservation systems to exceed applicable height limits provided that for every one foot they exceed the limit, the minimum setback requirements also increase by one foot. The law would require all property owners living within 1,000 feet to be notified of public hearings of new wind energy systems.

The new regulations encourage the use of monopole wind turbines, which have less visual impact than lattice-type towers. Lattice towers would be allowed if the applicant provides documentation they are necessary for performance or other considerations. Wind systems would also have to conform with state noise regulations, and would need to be tested by a qualified engineer or testing agency.

The regulations would prohibit lighting from being located on a wind tower, unless required by the Federal Aviation Administration, and would also seek to prevent such systems from “detracting from any important public view sheds.”

David Douglas, chairman of the planning board, said the regulations were drafted to balance the need for renewable energy while protecting the rights of property owners. “A lot of work went into this . . . we did not take this lightly. And if we need to make changes [to the zoning] down the road, we will keep working to make this better,” he said.

Voters will also consider expanding the town Roads District of Planning Concern (DCPC) to include portions of seven roads that are considered ancient ways, historic roadways that is some cases date back to colonial times. The district of planning concern falls under the protection of the Martha’s Vineyard Commission and prohibits development and clear cutting 20 feet from the center line.

If approved, the boundaries of the district would be expanded to include portions of Stoney Hill Path and Chicama Path, which would join portions of Old Holmes Hole Road, Old Courthouse Road, Tiah’s Cove Road, Scrubby Neck Road and Watcha Path, Roger’s Path and Burying Ground Road, already protected under the special district.

The changes were recommended by the town byways committee, which recently produced a map and brochure that identifies the ancient ways in town. The committee also rewrote and clarified the existing regulations for ancient ways by working with the planning board and Martha’s Vineyard Commission. Voters will also consider these regulations at town meeting next week.

A pamphlet drafted by the byways committee, that will be available at town hall and the library in the coming weeks, explains the importance of preserving these historic byways: “Protection of an ancient way guarantees public access on foot, hoof or bicycle and limits or restricts use by motor vehicles. Town protection conserves the rural character of these trails and retains a link to the community’s cultural past.”

Voters will be asked to allow a conservation restriction on seven parcels now held by the Stoney Hill Farms homeowner trust in exchange for a parcel of land that will be used in the future for affordable housing. They will be asked to spend $66,000 for road repairs, $33,000 for the town’s share of the Dukes County Regional Housing Authority administrative costs and $30,000 for engineering studies and repairs of the First Congregational Church.

A request to spend $170,000 in the Community Preservation Act money to reduce the price of two affordable housing units at 250 State Road has not been recommended by the town finance committee.