Jan-Jun 2024 News

(27-JUN-24) The Boxborough Police Department has informed Boxborough News that a link to the Nashoba Valley Regional Dispatch Police Logs is now on the police department’s page on the town website, here: https://www.boxborough-ma.gov/724/Nashoba-Valley-Regional-Dispatch-Police- 

The link provided on the town website goes to the Nashoba Valley Regional Dispatch “Press Logs” page, which displays a list of weekly logs. 

Each log contains police activity in all jurisdictions served by Nashoba Valley Regional Dispatch. Jurisdictions are listed alphabetically; scroll past Berlin and Bolton to see the Boxborough log.

(24-JUN-24) At the Steele Farm Committee meeting on June 20, Chair Christoper Hydak reported that the contract to restore the exterior of the Steele Farm ice house has been signed. This work is anticipated to begin in early July and finish during the summer. All of the cost is being funded by contributions, including a very generous contribution from an anonymous donor, those made to the Steele Farm Committee in memory of Sharon Burke, contributions to the Boxborough Historical Society in memory of Jeanne Steele Kangas, and general funds from the Historical Society.

(19-JUN-24) The Select Board is encouraging interested residents to apply for membership on the town’s new Fire Station Building Committee (FSBC).

According to a town press release available at https://bit.ly/3VLc8Z1, the purpose of the FSBC is to “oversee the site selection, budget, design, and construction of a new fire station, including approval of all invoices and change orders.”

At their June 10 meeting, the Select Board announced their intention to dissolve the current Building Committee and create a new Fire Station Building Committee.

The Select Board will appoint five to seven residents to “represent the community” and be voting members on this new committee.

According to Town Administrator Michael Johns, the Select Board is looking for “open-minded residents committed to attending in-person evening meetings.” 

Volunteers should be prepared to attend two meetings per month of approximately three hours each and spend “another two to four hours a month reading materials and preparing for meetings.”

The FSBC “will be meeting with project management, design, and construction professionals … as well as Town staff,” says Johns. Members will be “reviewing OPM applications, ranking them, and making a hiring recommendation to the Select Board, and will be providing oversight to the OPM.”

Anyone interested in serving on the FSBC may email the Select Board at selectboard@boxborough-ma.gov indicating their interest and are welcome to include a resume (or brief background info), but this is not required. Applications are due July 1.

The Select Board will choose whom to appoint by discussion and vote in open session at their July 8 meeting. 

(19-JUN-24) At its meeting on June 17, the Planning Board discussed its role in the MBTA Communities process.

The 2021 MBTA Communities Act requires that certain cities and towns designated as MBTA Communities “have a zoning ordinance or by-law that provides for at least one district of reasonable size in which multi-family housing is permitted as of right.” MBTA Communities are those that have an MBTA station within them and those that are adjacent to a community with an MBTA station. As an “Adjacent Small Town,” Boxborough faces a December 2025 deadline to adopt the required zoning.

Town Planner Alec Wade shared with the Board his plan to convene an MBTA Communities working group, consisting of two Planning Board members and three other residents, to focus on public engagement and report back to the full Board. 

The Planning Board pushed back on Wade’s vision for the working group, with members expressing a desire for the Planning Board to be more involved in driving the town’s MBTA Communities process. Wade and the Board agreed to schedule a meeting focused exclusively on MBTA Communities planning. This meeting is scheduled for July 8.

The Board reorganized for the upcoming year and held a working session on its rules and regulations. The Board elected Mark White as Chair and Rebecca Verner as Clerk. The Board also reappointed Janet Keating-Connelly as associate Planning Board member.

The Board also revisited a proposal by Mark Lombardo of Lombardo Loam and Gravel Co. Inc at 1160 Liberty Square Road for a fence as required by a condition of a 2018 Site Plan Approval Decision. At its last meeting, the Board approved a proposal for the fence and adjacent plantings. At this meeting, the property owner presented a revised proposal with an adjusted fence location and a change to the type of plantings. The Board approved the revised proposal as amended, subject to revised drawings reflecting the agreed-upon changes.   

(17-JUN-24) The late Jeanne Steele Kangas expressed her life-long love of Boxborough by leaving a $50,000 bequest to Boxborough “for the maintenance, restoration, repair and/or renovation of the 1794 Levi Wetherbee (Steele) farmhouse” and a second $50,000 bequest “to the Boxborough Historical Society for its unrestricted use.”

At a June 12 ceremony in Town Hall, Jeanne Kangas’ widow, Robin Lazarow, explained, “Jeanne made these meaningful bequests because she was passionate about history, was a lifelong resident of Boxborough, raised her family here, and was actively involved in many important town initiatives and issues over the decades.” 

Lazarow presented a $50,000 check to Christopher Hydak, Chair of the Steele Farm Committee, and a $50,000 check to Kate West, President of the Historical Society. 

Robin Lazarow pointed out that Jeanne “served as the first woman select person of the town, chair of the Steele Farm Committee, and President of the Historical Society …. She wanted to preserve the town’s history and honor her family history by making these bequests." 

Lazarow added, “I hope these funds will be put to good use and that Jeanne will be remembered for her integrity, generosity, and lifelong love of Boxborough. She left an extraordinary legacy of public service, community involvement, and civil discourse. May Jeanne’s memory be a blessing.”

In response to the gifts from Jeanne Kangas, Select Board Clerk Priya Sundaram read a “Town of Boxborough Select Board Proclamation” acknowledging “the $100,000 bequest from Jeanne Steele Kangas to the Town of Boxborough from the Kangas Family Trust by Trustee Robin Lazarow.”

The proclamation reads, “Jeanne spent 51 of her 83 years on this Earth in service to the Town on 10 Boards Committees and Official Positions, and continues to give back to her beloved Town of Boxborough, its history, and the Steele Farm, specifically through her two gifts of $50,000 each to The Historical Society and the Steele Farmhouse. The Select Board offers its heartfelt gratitude to a woman who throughout her life and beyond continues to positively impact our wonderful community.”

The proclamation is stamped with the town seal and signed by Town Administrator Michael Johns on behalf of the Select Board. Attending the ceremony were members of the Select Board, the Steele Farm Committee, the Historical Society, and other members of the community.

(17-JUN-24) On Friday, June 14, the Town of Boxborough held a recount of votes for the position of Planning Board in the May 21, 2024 election.

The results of the recount were the same as the results on election day. Incumbent Rebecca Verner won the Planning Board seat with 336 votes and challenger Nathaniel Stuntz received 333 votes.

After the election materials were retrieved from the vault and town counsel Devan Braun from KP Law gave an overview of the recount process, election workers hired by the Town Clerk set to work hand-counting all 679 ballots.

Election workers acting as “readers” were instructed to examine each ballot, determine “who the voter intended to vote for,” and then state the name of that candidate to their election worker partner acting as the “recorder.” The recorder marked down the votes, which were then tallied once the counting process was finished.  

Both Verner and Stuntz were present for the recount along with their attorney or representative as well as a team of  “observers” who were stationed by each of three tables where the election workers were counting.      

The Board of Registrars, led by Chair and Town Clerk Rebecca Harris, conducted votes on contested ballots and also held a hearing on rejected ballots. 

The entire process lasted approximately 90 minutes. 

Said Town Clerk Harris, “It was gratifying to get confirmation that the election process works, and I so appreciate everyone putting in the work to get this done."

(18-JUN-24) Applications for Boxborough Transfer Station Stickers for fiscal year 2025 are now available.

The fiscal year 2025 stickers are valid from July 1, 2024 until June 30, 2025. Stickers may be purchased online or in person at Town Hall.

Stickers cost $150 for 2 vehicles in a household.  There is no charge for senior citizens and those with Affordable Housing Trust Waivers. 

More information is available at : https://www.boxborough-ma.gov/266/Transfer-Station. 

(18-JUN-24) The Boxborough Housing Board (BHB) met at Town Hall on Thursday, June 13. It reviewed progress in the Homeowner Opportunity for Preservation Extension program (HOPE), a program designed to assist the owners of affordable homes with the preservation of their aging units. 

A Request for Proposals (RFP) is being prepared for the replacement of the affordable-home roofs at Boxborough Meadows. The roof replacements will comprise the main activity of a pilot HOPE program. 

Housing Board member Ron Vogel reported that he had adapted an RFP that was developed for work at Steele Farm. He has submitted the revised RFP to Assistant Town Administrator Rajon Hudson for further refinement and hopes to issue the RFP within several weeks. 

The BHB is also preparing a proposal to the Boxborough Affordable Housing Trust (BAHT) for funding to replace the roofs. The BHB intends to submit the proposal to the BAHT after a satisfactory approximation of the project’s cost is established by the responses to the RFP. A draft proposal was reviewed and edited at the meeting.

The BHB also discussed whether it should update the Town’s Housing Production Plan (HPP). The board decided against this effort at this time because Boxborough’s Affordability Ratio will likely remain above 10% through 2040 and because a housing-needs assessment for Boxborough has recently been provided by Metro West Collaborative Development.

The next meeting of the BHB will be a public, in-person meeting at Town Hall at 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 11.

(13-JUN-24) After waiting for over two years, Boxborough Police Chief John Szewczyk was in the right place at the right time this spring to bring the department its first hybrid police cruiser, a 2023 Ford Police Interceptor Utility pursuit vehicle.

The Chief explained that Ford (the only U.S. company producing hybrid police cruisers) has had production problems and was overwhelmed with orders. Szewczyk had almost given up the idea of adding a hybrid cruiser to the department’s fleet until he happened to learn that a nearby police department had received ten hybrids and only needed nine. 

Szewczyk acted quickly, and a new hybrid cruiser now belongs to Boxborough. He also learned that Ford has decided to produce only passenger hybrids and will not resume production of hybrid police vehicles until 2025. The Chief said, “We are very excited to begin transitioning our fleet to more sustainable, environmentally friendly vehicles. We sincerely thank the community for their support.” 

Officer Michael Turner, one of the officers assigned to the new vehicle, explained that it’s far more economical to be using the electric mode rather than gasoline, especially because cruisers must remain idling for long periods of time. He said that cruisers must be prepared to move at any moment, and the dispatch system, mobile camera, and mobile data terminal (for checking license plates and other information) “draw electricity from the lithium-ion battery, allowing the gasoline engine to shut off.” He added, “The gas engine runs only intermittently to charge the battery, so no plug-in is needed.”

The new cruiser is equipped with highly reinforced doors and a newly designed, very safe “cage” for transporting people.

Chief Szewczyk said, “Our department recognizes that transitioning to electric vehicles is just one aspect of making an impact on sustainability, and we will continue to look for other ways we can play our part to ensure we have a sustainable environment well into the future.”

(13-JUN-24) At its meeting on June 6, the ABRSD School Committee delivered its annual review to Superintendent Peter Light and approved the Superintendent’s contract and salary.

School Committee Chair Adam Klein read aloud the “annual summative review” for Superintendent Light, acknowledging the “gargantuan task” of this year’s budget process and the many challenges that arose over the course of the 2023-2024 school year, Light’s sixth year with the district. 

For his overall performance rating, a majority of the committee rated Superintendent Light as “proficient.” “Peter’s unwavering dedication, empathy, and forward-thinking approach have solidified his role as an invaluable asset to the district, setting a high standard for educational leadership and community calibration,” said Klein. 

Chair Klein described changes to the Superintendent’s contract and announced a 3.5% increase in the Superintendent’s salary, which the Committee then approved.

The School Committee also conducted its reorganization procedure. Chair Klein was re-elected as Chair of the committee. Rebeccah Wilson was re-elected as Vice Chair from Acton. Liz Fowlks was re-elected as Vice Chair from Boxborough.

The School Committee also heard presentations from the Special Education Parent Advisory Council and from the ABRSD Energy Manager Kate Crosby.

Energy Manager Crosby outlined two actions that the School Committee must take in order for ABRSD to support the Town of Acton’s application to the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources “Climate Leader Communities” program. The first is to adopt a “Zero Emission Vehicle First” policy, and the second is to adopt a “decarbonization roadmap.”

After Crosby’s presentation, the School Committee did a “first read” of a draft “Zero Emission Vehicle First” policy, the purpose of which is to “set standards and guidelines for the purchase, operation, and maintenance of [ABRSD] fleet vehicles that will advance the economic, energy, and climate sustainability of municipal operations by achieving long-term reductions in energy costs, energy consumption, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.” 

The Committee will vote on the “Zero Emission Vehicle First” policy at their June 24 meeting, which will primarily be a workshop, not a full business meeting.

(13-JUN-24) The Boxborough Community Preservation Committee had its first meeting of the 2024-2025 CPC cycle on June 6. Town Planner Alec Wade introduced Julia Collyer, a CPC intern who is a Boxborough resident and student at Clemson University. Collyer presented a draft version of  the 2025 Community Preservation Plan, including a description of the contents, background, and methodology.  The plan was well received by the committee, which felt that it would be a big improvement over what exists today.

Currently, the CPC has no formal award mechanism. Wade briefly reviewed the concept of having the Boxborough CPC issue award letters to committees and groups who receive CPC funds. The committee was in favor of this concept.

Chair Ron Vogel led the committee through review and approval of the FY 2026 CPC project documents including the timeline for FY 2026 CPA project applications, application procedures, the preliminary application form, and final application cover sheet. Preliminary applications are due September 26, and final applications are due October 31.

The next meeting of the CPC is Wednesday July 10 at 7:30 p.m. in the Grange Room of the Town Hall.

(13-JUN-24) On June 5, the Town of Boxborough published a Request for Proposals (RFP) for town-wide water resource planning services. 

According to the RFP description on the town website, the town is “soliciting proposals from licensed professionals for the development of a town-wide water resource plan… that will address long-term water and wastewater needs.”

On June 4, the night before the RFP was published, the Water Resources Committee (WRC) met to prepare for the RFP process, which will include answering questions, participating in a pre-submission conference on June 20, and reviewing bids after the July 19 deadline. 

The RFP asks potential consultants for both qualifications and pricing, and the WRC discussed how they will negotiate with potential contractors on both the scope of work and the pricing.

The WRC went on to discuss how some area towns, including Acton and Littleton, are evaluating whether to participate in the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) municipal water system, and whether Boxborough needs to consider potential participation in MWRA as well.

The essential question is “whether [Boxborough] is going to need a municipal water supply or whether we can keep doing what we’re doing indefinitely.” This fundamental question is within the scope of the RFP, and the WRC expects that it will be a central component of the water resources plan to be developed by the consultant that the town hires.

(7-JUN-24) At its meeting on June 3, the Planning Board heard and approved a proposal by Mark Lombardo of Lombardo Loam and Gravel Co. Inc at 1160 Liberty Square Road for a fence as required by a condition of a 2018 Site Plan Approval Decision.  

The 2018 Decision requires a fence “prior to use of material screener at the property” and instructs the applicant to “work with the Planning Board to finalize the details of the fence location and material and the screening plantings…”

The applicant proposed a seven-foot chain-link fence with a black wind screen to be built along the southeast and southwest property lines, with plantings along the fence.

After discussion of the purpose and optimal location of the fence, Planning Board members and the applicant agreed on a slightly revised location of the fence and the plantings, which Town Planner Alec Wade memorialized before the Board voted to approve Lombardo’s proposal as amended.

The Lombardo Loam and Gravel Co. property is adjacent to town-owned Liberty Fields, which has a variety of fields, courts, and a new playground. 

The Board then re-opened a public hearing on an application recently submitted by Stamski & McNary, Inc., on behalf of property owner French Brothers Boxborough, for site plan approval for a three-unit trade shop building at 100 Codman Hill Road.

The applicant presented an updated application intended to respond to the Board’s questions and requests made at their last meeting on May 20. The applicant also made a verbal request for an exemption from the Earth Removal bylaw. The applicant was asked to make a formal waiver request in writing and the hearing was continued to June 17.

The Planning Board then moved into executive session to discuss strategy with respect to litigation per MGL Ch. 30A §21(a)(3) (Appeal of Subdivision, Special Permit, and Site Plan Review decisions, 242/244 Adams Place). 

(7-JUN-24) On Monday, June 3, Town Clerk and Board of Registrars Chair Rebecca Harris called to order a meeting of the Boxborough Board of Registrars regarding the recount petition submitted by Nathaniel “Than” Stuntz for a recount of votes in the Planning Board race. 

All Registrars present voted in favor of setting the recount date at Friday, June 14, at 3 p.m. in the Grange Room at Town Hall, 29 Middle Road. 

Town Clerk Harris also gave an overview of the petition and explained the process for the recount. The recount will be conducted by election workers (likely seven) hired by the Town Clerk. The election workers will conduct a hand count of all 679 ballots. 

Board of Registrar members Nancy Brown and Heather Fleming, in addition to Chair Harris, were present for the meeting. 

On election day, Town Clerk Harris reported that Stuntz lost the election to incumbent Rebecca Verner by only three votes. According to the Town Clerk’s election results, available at bit.ly/4brBJLK, incumbent Verner received 336 votes and challenger Stuntz received 333 votes. Stuntz submitted his petition for a recount on May 30. 

(31-MAY-24) On May 30, Planning Board candidate Nathaniel “Than” Stuntz filed a petition with the Town Clerk for a recount of votes in the Planning Board race. On election day, Town Clerk Rebecca Harris reported that Stuntz lost the election to incumbent Rebecca Verner by only three votes. According to the Town Clerk’s election results, available at bit.ly/4brBJLK, incumbent Verner received 336 votes and challenger Stuntz received 333 votes. 

  Town Clerk Harris reported that Stuntz’s recount petition, which must be signed by at least ten voters and notarized, met the State’s requirements and that she had certified the signatures on the petition. 

  Harris has called a Board of Registrars meeting for Monday, June 3, at 4 p.m. at Town Hall, at which the recount date will be set. She expects that the recount will likely take place the week of June 10th or June 17th. 

   The recount will be conducted by election workers hired by the Town Clerk. The election workers will conduct a hand count of all 679 ballots. 

  This is different from how votes are counted on election day. Harris explains, “[o]n election day, 667 ballots were run through the machines so they were counted by optical scanner. An additional nine ballots were not able to be read by the scanner. These nine were hand counted because the machine rejected them due to people not filling in the ovals completely, over-voting (voting for more than one person for a race that only had one seat available), or stray marks on the ballot. Those nine were hand counted on election night. An additional three Uniformed or Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) ballots came in electronically and were hand counted after polls closed.” 

  When asked for comment, Stuntz replied, “In light of the remarkably narrow margin of just three votes by which the election results were decided, I am requesting a recount to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the electoral process. Such a close outcome not only highlights the possibility of human error or discrepancies in vote tallying but also underscores the vital importance of each individual vote. A recount serves as a necessary step to confirm that every vote was counted correctly and that the democratic will of the electorate is faithfully represented. It is a testament to the value of transparency and fairness in our electoral system, and a safeguard against potential oversight in a race where every single vote carries significant weight. I look forward to the outcome of the recount.” 

  When asked for comment, incumbent Rebecca Verner replied, “I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the diligent work and countless hours contributed by our election officials and volunteers. This election has been a perfect example of how every vote counts, and I hope that this example encourages more people to get out there and make their voices heard.”

  More information about election recounts can be found at https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/download/getting-on-the-ballot/Election-Recounts.pdf

(31-MAY-24) On May 29, the Building Committee held its first meeting since Annual Town Meeting approved Article 42, which asked voters to appropriate $500,000 from free cash to procure “professional design and owner’s project manager services related to the construction of a new fire station.”

  Building Committee Chair Kristin Hilberg, who is also Chair of the Select Board, informed the members of the Building Committee that the Select Board intends to dissolve the current Building Committee and create a new “Fire Station Building Committee” to oversee the fire station project going forward.

  Hilberg said that the Select Board will discuss the structure of the new Fire Station Building Committee at its next meeting on June 10 and then seek interested residents, especially those who may have relevant experience, to serve as members. Hilberg said she expects to have the Fire Station Building Committee in place by July 1. 

  Members of the current Building Committee and members of the public reacted to Hilberg’s announcement and shared opinions about how the new committee should be structured.

  In the meantime, Hilberg reported, Town Administrator Michael Johns is drafting a “Request for Qualifications” (RFQ) for an “owner’s project manager” (OPM) for the fire station project. 

  TA Johns explained that he is drafting the RFQ document with input from several Boxborough residents who have relevant professional experience and intends to get the RFQ out quickly in order to move the OPM hiring process forward. 

  Hilberg clarified that the current Building Committee will not have a role in reviewing the draft RFQ. Once the town receives responses to the RFQ, the new Fire Station Building Committee will be tasked with reviewing the responses, making a recommendation to the Select Board (who will hire the OPM), and overseeing the OPM.

  The Building Committee also discussed the importance of transparency and communication with the public as the fire station project moves forward. 

(31-MAY-24) On Thursday, May 16, the Town of Boxborough, in collaboration with Montachusett Regional Transit Authority (MART), launched “Boxborough Connects,” a new public transportation service. 

“Launch week has been incredibly exciting,” said Town Planner Alec Wade. “I get a new call or email every day, asking us to bring service to another neighborhood. We’re continuing to improve the route, and I’m hopeful we can reach people all over town.”

The service currently consists of two bus routes that run Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The cost is $1 per ride. Tickets can be purchased when boarding the bus (cash only) or at Boxborough Town Hall. A full bus schedule is available at https://tinyurl.com/y5px2xa2. 

One route currently starts at Beaver Brook Road, then stops at 290 Swanson Road, Adams Place, Boxborough Meadows, Summer Fields, Nashoba Rink, Gardner Field in West Acton, Ace Hardware in Acton, and the South Acton MBTA Station.

The second route currently starts at the Acton Plaza (Roche Bros.), then stops at the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District Admin Building (A-B United Way Resource Center), Villageworks in West Acton (Danny’s Place), Applewood, Sargent Memorial Library, Middlesex Bank, Boxborough Town Hall, “Boxborough Green” Plaza, Paddock Estates, and Beaver Brook Road. 

“The route will continue to grow and change in the coming weeks and months,” said Wade. “Our drivers, Stacey and Bob, are both very communicative, and we’ve empowered them to

share their experiences. We’ve already found stops that can be cut and ways to improve travel time. We’ll make changes to the route soon, which opens the door to connecting new neighborhoods; like Codman Hill Road or Liberty Square Road.”

“It’s nice to know you are a part of something new that will be a benefit to your town and fellow residents,” said driver Stacey Lynn Callahan. “Being a Boxborough resident for about three years now, I was pleasantly surprised to find out about so many hidden gems in this town! There are so many wonderful local businesses tucked away that residents can enjoy!” 

“I enjoy meeting the residents of town,” said driver Bob Stemple. “Being part of this new service allows me to give back to the community that has helped me and my family for the past 31 years.” 

In the first week, Wade estimated ridership at “around twenty trips in total…. We already have a few regulars, which is exciting to see.”

“Users are already using the route to reach the South Acton Train Station, which is a core goal of this service, reducing dependency on single occupancy vehicles,” continued Wade. 

“The stories of impact and the phone calls we’re getting show the great work we’ve done. As a planner, you go into a new community hoping to see the change you’re trying to make. A year and a half in, and I can already see the impact we’re having.”

(31-MAY-24) It’s almost June, and that means Fifer’s Day is just around the corner. Fifer’s Day 2024 will take place on Saturday, June 15, at Flerra Meadows on Stow Road. 

The festivities start at 9:30 a.m. with the Fifer’s Four Mile Road Race, followed by a parade kicking off at 11 a.m. from the Blanchard School to Flerra Meadows where the Golden Fife Award will be presented. 

Hamburgers, hot dogs, BBQ chicken, soft drinks, water, beer, and wine will be available for purchase starting at noon, and a volleyball tournament will start at 1 p.m. Throughout the afternoon, there will be live music by the Rocky Woods Express and Retropolitan, plenty of activities for kids, and more than 50 different booths and exhibits. 

The event is jointly sponsored by the Boxborough District Minutemen Company and the Town of Boxborough's Public Celebrations and Ceremonies Committee. 

The Fifer’s Day tradition goes back to 1967, when the newly-formed Boxborough District Minutemen Company celebrated the first “Fifer’s Festival” to commemorate local contributions to the American Revolution. 

While the town of Boxborough did not exist during the American Revolution, namesake fifer Luther Blanchard lived in the portion of Littleton that later became Boxborough. Fifer’s Day has grown considerably since the 1960s, but it remains true to its roots: a parade, a cookout, activities for the kids … a quintessential small-town party.

Boxborough News spoke with Minuteman Captain Bob Lucas about how the Minutemen prepare for Fifer’s Day. 

When do the Minutemen start planning? Lucas: Planning starts in earnest in February with a kickoff planning meeting. The Fifer’s Day leader (also Boxborough Minuteman Lieutenant) organizes the meetings and assigns/gets volunteer leads for each of the major functions. The lead for 2024 is Lt. Chad Childers.

How many volunteers are involved? Lucas: Most of our company is involved in some way, so at any time there are often 25-30 involved. Many more are engaged in planning activities leading up to Fifer's Day.

What’s the biggest planning task? 

Lucas: Major tasks are the kid activities, organizing booths, coordination with the town, and getting permits, beverage and food, finance, booking music, operations (rentals), promotion, designing the program, getting sponsorships, organizing the t-shirts, organizing the road race, and organizing the volleyball tournament. Each has its own complexities and timeline. Each of these has a lead or sub-team working on it.

What is the most fun part of planning? Lucas: Interacting with the local community, including other organizations, sponsors, advertisers, town committees, and many volunteers from outside the Minutemen Company. Fifer’s Day is a great way to meet and work with many different people and really enjoy being part of a small town.

Are you planning anything new this year? Lucas: Not really new, but lots of kids’ activities at the booths this year: face painting, balloon animals, a treasure hunt, and others in planning.

And finally, you know we have to ask it… what color are the t-shirts? Lucas: Sorry, that is a closely guarded secret until Fifer’s Day. You can make a guess based on past years’ colors. In my eight years in the company, I cannot recall repeating a color!

(31-MAY-24) A draft “Village Center Feasibility Assessment” is now available to the public at https://bit.ly/4bBQ34E and the Town Planner is looking for feedback from the community. 

Think the draft plan envisions too much construction? Not enough retail storefronts? Love the walking paths? The town common by the pond? 

Members of the public are encouraged to review the draft report and fill out a google form, which has both specific multiple-choice questions and opportunities to provide general feedback. 

The report is the culmination of a six-month project led by the Town Planner along with consultant Tighe & Bond. The project was funded by a Community Planning Grant awarded to the Economic Development Committee in 2022.  

Community input was initially collected at a public forum in February. Since then, a “stakeholder group” has met several times to provide feedback to the consultants as they developed a vision for a village center and how the town could pursue that vision.

The long-term goal of the project is to “create a new village center in Boxborough’s Business and Town Center zoning districts.” 

When reached for comment about the village center initiative, Town Planner Alec Wade wrote, “Over the last 6 months I've had the chance to learn about the community's vision for a village center. A space for walking and recreation, community gathering, and new small business opportunities. 

Our consultant artfully developed a plan and turned this vision into a concept. But we need community input. We're…continuing to collect input on the vision for many more weeks to come. This project has helped conceptualize a vision several years in the making, and I look forward to the continued engagement and legislative changes needed to bring this to fruition.”

Wade continued,  “I encourage the public to read the plan, watch the recordings, and to provide feedback on our project website. We'll keep people up to date through the website, and we hope you'll check back often for new information.” 

Visit https://bit.ly/Village-Center to learn more about the project and provide feedback.

(24-MAY-24) The ABRSD School Committee opened their meeting on May 16 by thanking the communities of Acton and Boxborough for passing the FY2025 school budget. Superintendent Peter Light recognized that “this override was a significant investment in the schools, and it comes with an expectation, that we recognize, of making sure that we’re spending our tax dollars really wisely in support of student achievement.”  

The committee heard an update on the junior high school by Principal Jim Marcotte and an update on the high school by principal Joanie Dean. 

Principal Marcotte focused on the success of the advisory program, in which students meet twice a week to discuss school-wide topics. Marcotte also praised the junior high’s work this year on culturally responsive learning and practices, family communication, relationships and trust, and student learning. 

Principal Dean also focused on the high school’s advisory program, as well as course leveling, a community-building flex block, and student and staff leadership.

Dean also presented proposed changes to the high school handbook, including reducing the “testing after vacations” restriction, reducing the number of allowed unexcused absences, updating the cell phones and electronics policy, and updating the academic integrity policy. Principal Dean’s memo on the proposed changes can be found at https://bit.ly/4axAk5g. The School Committee will vote on these changes at their next meeting, June 6.

The committee also heard a presentation by Dr. Deborah Bookis, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning, on District Goal #2, to “increase the number of students on a pathway to literacy and mathematics proficiency through implementation of a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) to expand access and opportunity for students.” Dr. Bookis discussed different types of data and data analysis that the district uses to evaluate and support students. Superintendent Light and the Committee also thanked Dr. Bookis for her service to the district.

The next and final School Committee meeting of this school year will be on Thursday, June 6, at 7 p.m.

(24-MAY-24) At its meeting on May 20, the Planning Board held a public hearing on an application recently submitted by Stamski & McNary, Inc., on behalf of property owner French Brothers Boxborough, for site plan approval for a three-unit trade shop building at 100 Codman Hill Road.

A similar application for 100 Codman Hill Road had been previously submitted to the Planning Board in August 2022; however, the applicant withdrew that application from the Planning Board in December 2023 while they worked through feedback from the Conservation Commission, which also has jurisdiction due to the property’s proximity to Elizabeth Brook and “bordering vegetated wetland.”

The applicant’s revised application to the Planning Board consists of a three-unit building that does not yet have tenants but is intended for use by contractors to store equipment. After the applicant’s presentation, Board members asked questions about the landscaping of the site, traffic to and from the site, the potential uses of the building, and the appearance of the building. The hearing was continued to June 3.

The Board also voted to approve a “transportation demand management plan” submitted by Campanelli, developer of the Park at Beaver Brook, regarding 400 Beaver Brook Road. The approval of a transportation demand management plan, which includes “measures to reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips to the site,” is necessary to satisfy a condition of occupancy outlined in the Board’s 400 Beaver Brook Site Plan Review decision. 

Town Planner Alec Wade updated the Board on Campanelli’s progress in satisfying the many conditions necessary to close out their permit for 400 Beaver Brook Road and Wade’s system for tracking completion of the conditions.

After hearing updates from the Town Planner about the upcoming MBTA Communities information session on May 30, the Board continued its ongoing conversation about goal setting, which led to big-picture discussion about housing, development, zoning, and open space in Boxborough. Potential Planning Board goals relate to zoning bylaw updates, MBTA Communities compliance, zoning enforcement, rezoning of industrial districts, development of a village center, and assessment of current subsidized housing inventory.

(17-MAY-24) The 242nd Boxborough Annual Town Meeting was called to order by Town Moderator Dennis Reip at 7 p.m. on Monday May 13 at the Blanchard Memorial School gymnasium with almost 400 voters in attendance.

After opening remarks by the moderator, a special town meeting was called to order to hear motions on four articles that address current year business. All of these were approved, including funding for a comprehensive traffic study of the town and expanded funding for road maintenance.

After the special town meeting was dissolved, the annual town meeting reconvened with brief reports from the Select Board (by chair Kristin Hilberg), the Acton Boxborough Regional School Committee (by chair Adam Klein), and the Planning Board (by member Cindy Markowitz).

Voters then approved salaries for the town clerk and constable and changes to the Personnel Administration Plan and the Plan’s Classification and Compensation Schedule, which included a 3% wage adjustment for non-union and non-contract employees.  

After hearing the Finance Committee report (by chair Maria Neyland), the meeting voted a town operating budget of $27,936,663, a 7.6% increase from fiscal year 2024. The main issue of discussion was the Acton-Boxborough Regional School budget, which was up 14.5% and represented almost all of the year-to-year budget increase.

The meeting then proceeded through 37 articles, approving 36 and taking no action on one at the request of the Select Board. 

Items included funding to move the Associate Town Planner position to full-time; add a part-time Recreation Services Coordinator; replace the roof, well water booster pump, and HVAC circulation pump at the Sargent Memorial Library; paint the exterior of town hall; replace a marked cruiser and mobile data terminals for the Police Department; purchase a new ambulance and personal protection equipment for the Fire Department; and acquire computer software and hardware for town hall departments.

The meeting also approved the use of Community Preservation Act funds for five projects and an easement to bring a water line to the west end of town. The final article Monday evening was approval of Community Preservation Act funds for renovation and equipping of the Blanchard School Playground. 

Three articles remain for deliberation on Tuesday May 14 at 7 p.m.

(17-MAY-24) The second and last night of the 2024 Boxborough Annual Town Meeting was called to order by Town Moderator Dennis Reip at 7 p.m. on Tuesday May 14 at the Blanchard Memorial School gymnasium with roughly 225 voters in attendance.

The first item on the agenda was Article 42, consideration of funds for professional design and owners project management services for a proposed new fire station. After over an hour of debate, and an unsuccessful amendment to reduce the cost and eliminate the project management component, the meeting approved $500,000 for both professional design and project management services by a majority vote.

Voters then quickly approved by two-thirds votes two amendments to the zoning bylaw, including one to clarify the language relating to accessory dwelling units on single family house lots.

The meeting ended at 8:50 p.m.

(17-MAY-24) On Thursday, May 30, the Office of Land Use and Permitting will host a public education session about the MBTA Communities Act and what it means for Boxborough. The event will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. at Town Hall and virtually via Zoom.

The event will feature speaker Lily Linke, an MBTA Communities Engagement Manager with the Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association. 

The 2021 MBTA Communities Act requires that certain cities and towns designated as MBTA Communities “have a zoning ordinance or by-law that provides for at least one district of reasonable size in which multi-family housing is permitted as of right.” MBTA Communities are those that have an MBTA station within them and those that are adjacent to a community with an MBTA station. The law is intended to address Massachusetts’ housing shortage.

As an “Adjacent Small Town,” Boxborough faces a December 2025 deadline to adopt the required zoning. 

For more information, visit https://bit.ly/BoxboroughMBTA. 

(17-MAY-24) For the months of May and June, the Boxborough Police Department will increase traffic enforcement as part of “Operation Safe Streets.”

According to the BPD, “officers will be specifically tasked with enforcing all traffic related laws in targeted areas and neighborhoods around town. These enforcement actions will include, but are not limited to, speeding, stop sign and red light violations, school bus stop sign violations, crosswalk violations, aggressive and distracted driving, driving under the influence, and safe bicycle operation.”

“We have had a successful start to Operation Safe Streets as we increased enforcement and education in the area of Blanchard School and during Acton-Boxborough Prom weekend,” said Police Chief John Szewczyk. “It is imperative that the rules of the road are followed as we want to ensure everyone, from children to seniors, are safe as the warmer weather approaches.”

“Special Enforcement dates” will include Memorial Day Weekend, Acton-Boxborough Prom, Acton-Boxborough High School Graduation, and the opening of Flerra Summer Playground.

“Special Enforcement areas” will include the school zone at Blanchard Memorial School, Liberty Field Park, Flerra Field, Steele Farm, Stow Road, Burroughs Road, Hill Road, Beaverbrook Road, Swanson Road, and Codman Hill Road. 

Any residents interested in submitting a request for targeted enforcement in their neighborhood can contact Traffic Safety Supervisor Sgt. Phil Gath at pgath@boxborough-ma.gov.

(17-MAY-24) The Town of Boxborough has transitioned both emergency calls and non-emergency calls to Nashoba Valley Regional Dispatch District (NVRDD). The town has published a guide for residents seeking non-emergency services. 

To contact the police or fire department for non-emergency matters (e.g., property damage, noise complaints, fraud or identity theft, fire alarm testing), residents can call 978-264-1750 and speak to a NVRDD dispatcher. 

For specific inquiries to the Police Department (e.g., regarding a license to carry), residents can call 978-264-1750 and use the dial-by-name extension for assistance. 

For specific questions to the Fire Department, residents can call 978-264-1770 and use the dial-by-name extension for assistance. 

For police detail requests and fire burn permits, residents can visit the NVRDD website at www.nvrddma.gov. For records requests, residents can use the town website, http://www.boxborough-ma.gov/. 

The town reminds residents to dial 911 immediately for any emergency. 

The town’s full guide to non-emergency services can be found at https://bit.ly/4bB0yo6. 

(17-MAY-24) At its meeting on May 9, Chair Christopher Hydak reported that Phase II of the farmhouse preservation project, the repair of the roof and chimney, had been successfully completed. Now the work can begin to develop the request for proposals for Phase III of the effort, to preserve the envelope of the 1784 Levi Wetherbee farmhouse at Steele Farm. Phase III includes new windows, new siding, and exterior painting.

The closing deadline for the rebid of the contract for restoration of the ice house concluded this past week. Replies will be opened and evaluated shortly.

Hydak reported that the Acton-Boxborough Regional High School Community Service Day was quite successful, with spreading of gravel on one of the major paths, partial cleanup inside the barn, and significant removal of invasive species. As part of other maintenance efforts, 60 holiday trees have been planted and a significant amount of brush has been burned. The plan is that the committee will schedule work days for adult volunteers over the summer. He also noted that the DPW and a volunteer have started mowing the grass. 

The inventory and organization of the contents of the barn is almost complete. Owners have been identified for almost all items and have been contacted to verify ownership of property. Decisions to determine what should stay at the barn and what should be removed are far advanced.

The town purchased the Steele Farm property in the fall of 1994, making this year the 30th anniversary of town ownership and thus the preservation of the buildings and property. The committee is still planning to have a 30th anniversary celebration in early October; details will be arranged over the next few months.  

In closing, Hydak announced that two members would be leaving the committee in June. New members would be heartily welcomed. To express interest, residents should email him directly at chydak@boxborough-ma.gov.

The next meeting of the committee will take place on Thursday June 20 at the Steele Farm Barn, 484 Middle Road, starting at 7 p.m.

(17-MAY-24) At its meeting on May 8, the Personnel Board heard updates on town staffing and proposed personnel guidelines/policies.

Assistant Town Administrator (ATA) Rajon Hudson reported that the town has hired a new Finance Director with a start date of July 1, and two part time transit drivers who will receive training during the week of May 13.

Additionally, the town hired two members of the former Boxborough dispatch team as police officers. Both officers will attend the Lowell Police Academy starting on Monday May 13. The academy is a 6-month program which trains and certifies officers in the fundamentals of police work. At the completion of the academy, new officers complete a 12-week field training program with experienced Boxborough police officers. The field training allows new officers to handle service calls under the direct guidance and supervision of an experienced officer.  

Hudson also reported that the town received 16 applications for the Fire Chief position, which are being screened by Community Paradigm, an independent consulting firm hired by the town. According to Town Administrator (TA) Michael Johns, the interview team comprised of the TA, ATA, a member of FinCom, a department head, and a former Select Board member will start the interview process during the week of May 13. The candidates are then sent to an assessment center which does skills-based testing on judgment, budgeting and human resource functions. Final interviews will be conducted by the Select Board in June. Johns is hoping to have the new Fire Chief on board sometime in July.

Personnel Board member Allan MacLean reviewed newly developed resource materials explaining the Family Medical Leave Act and Domestic Violence statute and employee leaves pursuant to those laws.

MacLean also presented "Open Door" guidelines which affirm and expand on the Town's commitment to open communication by and between the town administrator, department heads, and all employees. The guidelines encourage management to engage with staff members regarding their questions and concerns.

The next meeting of the Personnel Board is scheduled for Tuesday June 11 at 5:30 p.m. at Town Hall.

(10-MAY-24) On Monday, April 29, Town Hall staff and representatives from the Select Board, Finance Committee, and School Committee met with Town Moderator Dennis Reip to discuss the Annual Town Meeting, which begins on Monday, May 13 at 7 p.m. at Blanchard Memorial School. 

Kirby Dolak from Littleton Community Television and Mary Brolin, who will be serving as assistant town moderator, also participated. 

Moderator Reip opened the meeting by thanking the Select Board and Finance Committee for working together to put many items on the consent agenda. The consent agenda consists of articles that have been voted unanimously by both the Select Board and Finance Committee and are considered noncontroversial.

Reip reviewed the procedural motions with the group, which include setting the schedule beyond Monday night to continue to Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, if necessary, and taking Article 42 out of order as the first item of business on Tuesday night. 

Article 42 requests $500,000 for professional design services for a new fire station. Reip said that “in the past, articles of great interest have been taken out of order and scheduled for a specific night and time”, so that interested voters can plan to attend Town Meeting to vote on that article.

During the first night (Monday) of Town Meeting, the town operating budget will be voted on. The operating budget includes the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District assessment, which increased by 14.46% from FY24, and is anticipated to draw a large number of voters.

Reip and Brolin, who will act as Assistant Town Moderator for the evening, discussed the logistics of managing an “overflow” crowd. In the event that the Blanchard gym reaches capacity, the school library will be set up with seating and video screens. Brolin will moderate in the library, while Reip moderates in the gym.

Parents of school-aged children may sign up for free childcare at Blanchard during the first night of Town Meeting. The deadline to sign up for this service is May 10. More information can be found at https://bit.ly/4b9x5SG.

(10-MAY-24) On May 2, the League of Women Voters hosted a Candidate Forum at Boxborough Town Hall for the two candidates vying for a single Planning Board seat: Rebecca Verner and Nathaniel “Than” Stuntz. This is the only contested race in this year’s election.

A 33-minute recording of the Candidate Forum is available on the town website at https://bit.ly/3Ur9hCE.  

In her opening remarks to the roughly 15 in-person attendees, League of Women Voters – Acton Area member and Boxborough resident Susan Bak stated that the purpose of the event was “to give voters an opportunity to learn about candidates and cast an informed vote. Our goal is to be fair, inclusive, respectful, and informative.”  

Verner and Stuntz gave opening remarks, answered a series of questions from the moderator, participated in a round of “rapid-fire” yes-or-no questions, and gave a closing statement.

The candidates were asked about their experience and prior contributions to the town, potential changes to zoning by-laws, zoning for housing and office parks, plans for a village center, and the MBTA Communities Act. The candidates had the same responses to all three “rapid-fire” questions. 

The forum was moderated by League of Women Voters member and Wayland resident Sue Flicop. 

When asked for a comment about the event, Verner stated that she was thankful “for the opportunity to highlight my extensive experience in planning and zoning matters and to distinguish myself from my opponent. 

The event was very thoughtfully orchestrated, other than the unfortunate removal of my candidacy materials during the forum. The League of Women Voters forum and the recording on BXB[TV] gives voters an opportunity to hear how I have used my skillset as a landscape architect specializing in site planning and as a long-term Planning Board member to help the community grow in a thoughtful and balanced manner. I look forward to continuing to serve the community.” 

Stuntz stated, “I extend my thanks to the League of Women Voters for hosting the Candidates Night. Their commitment to fostering informed civic engagement is commendable, and I am grateful for the opportunity to present my vision for Boxbourgh. I look forward to working with the town to support sustainable and responsible growth in town as a member of the Planning Board.”

“The purpose of a candidate forum is to stimulate important conversations about issues that impact our day to day lives and energize voters to come to the polls,” said Bak. “Informed voters make better decisions.” The election will be held Tuesday, May 21.

(10-MAY-24) On Monday May 6, Acton Town Meeting approved, by a majority vote, the $79.07 million Acton-Boxborough Regional School assessment to the Town of Acton for the FY2025 school budget. 

The motion passed with 1844 votes in favor and 704 votes against, according to the voting results projected on the screen at the conclusion of the vote. 

“The School committee is pleased and optimistic following the successful passage of the school budget in Acton,” said School Committee Chair Adam Klein. “It reaffirms our shared commitment to providing quality education in our community.”

On Monday May 13, Boxborough Town Meeting will consider the $15.96 million school assessment to the Town of Boxborough. The school budget assessment is included in Article 5, the Town Operating Budget.

If Boxborough does not approve the assessment or votes to amend the assessment, the School Committee will need to present a new budget to both towns. 

In that case, both towns would need to hold a special town meeting to vote on the revised budget.

Read more reporting about Acton Town Meeting by the Acton Exchange, Acton’s new independent news source, at www.actonexchange.org.  

Building Committee Recommends Article 42 Fire Station Study

(10-MAY-24)  At an in-person, public meeting in a bay of the Boxborough Fire Station on May 8, the Boxborough Building Committee (BBC) voted unanimously on language for the BBC recommendation of Article 42 at Annual Town Meeting (ATM). On May 1, the BBC had unanimously voted to recommend the article.

As presented by the Select Board, Article 42 asks voters to appropriate $500,000 from free cash to procure “professional design and owner’s project manager services related to the construction of a new fire station.”

In preparation for a vote at ATM, the Select Board will present details and answer voters’ questions about Article 42 at 7 p.m., Tuesday, May 14, beginning the second night of Town Meeting.

At the end of the Committee’s fire station meeting, some members took a tour of the facility.

The BBC will next meet at 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 29, at a virtual meeting open to the public.

(3-MAY-24) At their meeting on April 24, the Building Committee heard updates from Town Administrator Mike Johns about the work currently being performed with respect to the four potential sites for a future fire station: the current fire station at 502 Massachusetts Avenue, 72 Stow Road, 700 Massachusetts Avenue, and 1320 Massachusetts Avenue.

Johns reported that Context Architecture (Context) is currently working on an overlay of various sized buildings on the site of the current fire station. Building Committee members Larry Grossman and Mark White volunteered to work with Context on this project and bring the final product back to the Building Committee. Johns said that Context continues to study the Stow Road site as well.

At the time of the meeting, Johns had not yet reached out to Lincoln Properties regarding the status of 1320 Mass Ave., but indicated that he intended to do so later that week.

Building Committee member Grossman reported on the status of 700 Mass Ave. Grossman said that he had spoken with Keith Lyons, who told Grossman that “he had a meeting with the family members that own the site and they will hold the site for one year without selling it.”

The Building Committee also discussed the Select Board’s decision to not accept their recommended revision to Article 42 in the Annual Town Meeting Warrant, “Professional Services for New Fire Station.” Several Committee members asked questions about the language of the Select Board’s motion on Article 42 and offered suggestions regarding the Select Board’s presentation on Article 42.

Committee Chair Kristin Hilberg, who is also the Chair of the Select Board, agreed to share the Select Board’s draft Article 42 presentation, if ready, with the Building Committee at the Committee’s next meeting. At that time, the Building Committee may make a recommendation on Article 42.

The Committee also discussed the state of the current fire station. Member Les Fox shared that the town has posted a video walkthrough of the current fire station on the town website. It is available on the www.boxborough-ma.gov homepage and at https://tinyurl.com/BoxboroughFireStation. 

(3-MAY-24) On April 30, Acton voters approved a proposed levy limit override by a margin of 37 votes.  Now that the override has been approved, the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District FY2025 budget of $114.38M can move forward for consideration at Acton Town Meeting on May 6 and at Boxborough Town Meeting on May 13. 

The levy limit override ballot question stated, “Shall the Town of Acton be allowed to assess an additional $6.6 Million in real estate and personal property taxes for the purposes of funding the operating budget of the Public Schools and the Municipal Government for the fiscal year beginning July first 2024?”

According to the Final Annual Town Election Results published on the Town of Acton website, 3,191 voters (49.94%) said yes; 3,154 voters (49.36%) said no. The question was left blank by 45 voters. A total of 6,390 ballots were cast, which is 40.65% of registered Acton voters. 

Read more reporting on the Acton override vote by the Acton Exchange, Acton’s new independent news source, at www.actonexchange.org

(3-MAY-24) Boxborough’s Annual Town Meeting (ATM) will take place at the Blanchard Memorial School, 493 Massachusetts Ave. The 2024 ATM begins on Monday, May 13, with subsequent nights on May 14, 15, and 16 if necessary. Voter check-in is 6:00 p.m. for Monday night only. Check-in on subsequent nights begins at 6:30 p.m.; the meeting starts at 7 p.m. on all nights.

A copy of the ATM Warrant was mailed to the household of every registered voter in Boxborough on April 25, and is available on the Town’s website. There are 49 articles on the Warrant, which includes a Special Town Meeting of four articles at the start within the ATM. Thirty-nine consent agenda Articles may be voted on with no debate. 

In order to vote at Town Meeting and the Town Election, you must be registered to vote in Boxborough by Friday, May 3 (https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ovr/) 

Boxborough’s Annual Town Election will take place Tuesday, May 21 at Town Hall, 29 Middle Rd. Polls open at 7 a.m. and close promptly at 8 p.m.  

There is one contested race in this election for a three-year seat on the Planning Board. 

Applications for Vote By Mail (VBM) ballots must be received by the Town Clerk before 5 p.m. on May 14th. To be valid, completed VBM ballots must be returned to the Town Clerk’s office by the close of polls (8 p.m.) on Election Day. Absentee voting in person at the Town Clerk’s office can take place through Monday, May 20 at noon.

(3-MAY-24) At its meeting on April 29, the Planning Board reviewed a revised proposal for a townwide traffic study. Presented by Corinne Tobias of engineering firm Green International Affiliates, Inc, the project’s scope has been adjusted to bring the total cost under the $60,000 that the Planning Board is seeking at Town Meeting to fund the project. The Board voted unanimously to recommend the execution of a contract with Green International Affiliates, Inc. to conduct the traffic study, subject to funding availability.  

According to the Town Meeting warrant, the traffic study will “establish a baseline existing condition, review projected new traffic impacts, and recommend improvements to ensure safer streets in Boxborough. The baseline analysis will include crash data and traffic counts conducted along Massachusetts Avenue and an analysis of at least 12 key intersections.”

The Planning Board also discussed Boxborough’s Tree Protection and Preservation Bylaw and whether it may or may not allow use of “representative samples to establish the species, size, and number of trees in a given area.” 

The question came to the Board’s attention because it was posed to Town Planner Alec Wade earlier this month by an arborist affiliated with a project at 1414 Massachusetts Avenue. While the Board did not have details about the project at 1414 Massachusetts Avenue, Board members discussed the scope and requirements of the tree bylaw, including whether the tree “survey” required by the bylaw could be accomplished by a representative sample and whether the “survey” is required for the entire property or only for the “disturbance of land” area. 

The Board also discussed plans for Annual Town Meeting presentations and held a goal-setting session to consider fifteen potential Planning Board goals and potential next steps. 

(3-MAY-24) At their in-person meeting at Town Hall April 18, the Boxborough Housing Board (BHB) discussed possible revisions to the eligibility criteria for the Boxborough Rental Assistance Program (BRAP). 

BHB members observed that in some cases BRAP’s rent-burden requirement resulted in disqualifications that seem inappropriate. The Board voted to consider such an application and asked the Community Services Coordinator to draft a revision to the criteria for discussion at the next BHB meeting.

Members Korinne Stephens and Ron Vogel provided an update on the Homeownership Opportunity for Preservation and Equity (HOPE) program. This new program will help owners of affordable homes with the maintenance and preservation of their units. Although the board discussed estimates of the scope and cost of the program, the most effective and cost-efficient way to interact with contractors remains unclear. The BHB decided to seek legal guidance before proceeding further. 

The BHB will hold its next public meeting in person at Town Hall at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 9.

(3-MAY-24) At its meeting on April 23, the Finance Committee (FinCom) discussed and revoted the funding source for Article 42 in the Annual Town Meeting Warrant, “Professional Services for a New Fire Station.”

Chair Maria Neyland reported unanticipated revenues from “local receipts” for fiscal year 2024 projected at $200K. Local receipts include revenues from motor vehicle excise taxes, meals from food establishments, and hotel room taxes. 

The town also projected unspent budgets of $425K from the Department of Public Works (snow and ice), dispatch, and the “reserve fund,” which covers extraordinary and unforeseen expenses.

Revenues from local receipts and unspent budgets will flow back into free cash for fiscal year 2025. Free cash is a term that refers to money that is left over at the end of the fiscal year.

Under the circumstances, FinCom members agreed there was sufficient free cash to fund the entire amount of Article 42, which does not increase the tax burden on residents. The vote was unanimous.  

FinCom originally voted $350K in taxation (yearly impact of $178 for an average single-family home) and $150K in free cash to fund Article 42.  

(26-APR-24) At its meeting on April 17, the Boxborough Building Committee (BBC) rewrote Warrant Article 42, “Professional Services for New Fire Station,” and voted unanimously to send the revised language to the Select Board for consideration.

The proposed revisions, drafted by BBC member Larry Grossman, include decreasing the total funds requested from $500k to $250k; funding only a preliminary “conceptual” design instead of a “schematic” design or “construction” design; identifying four properties for which conceptual designs and budgets will be developed; and removing funding for an Owner’s Project Manager.

The revisions are intended to simplify the warrant article in response to feedback from the public and make clear that (1) four potential fire station sites are being studied, and (2) the requested $250k will be used to develop conceptual designs and associated budgets for those four sites.  

The Committee also walked through a list of fifteen properties that the town had previously considered as potential fire station sites. For each, Committee member Les Fox recounted the studies completed with respect to the site, the pros and cons of the site, and – if applicable – the reasons the site was not pursued further. The Committee then voted unanimously to not engage in further consideration of eleven properties, leaving four properties for further study: the site of the current fire station, at 502 Mass Ave., and 72 Stow Road; and if they are available for sale, 700 Mass Ave., and 1320 Mass Ave. 

The Committee agreed on two immediate next steps as it continues to analyze the four remaining potential properties. First, town consultant Context Architecture will provide an overlay of various size facilities on the site of the existing fire station and denote any limitations of that site. Second, the town will have a traffic safety engineer analyze emergency vehicle egress from 700 Mass Ave., which has been an ongoing concern with that particular site.

The Select Board is expected to take up the Building Committee’s proposed Article 42 revisions at its meeting on Monday, April 22. The Building Committee will meet again on Wednesday, April 24. 

(26-APR-24) A draft Hazard Mitigation Plan for the Town of Boxborough is available for public comment through April 30. The draft plan can be found on the town’s website at https://bit.ly/3w0jIVr. 

“Implementation of this plan will significantly enhance our resilience to hazards such as flooding, snowstorms, high winds, and extreme temperatures,” says Town Planner Alec Wade.

Once the town adopts the final plan and it is approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the town will be eligible to pursue “pre- and post-disaster hazard mitigation grant opportunities.”

Hard copies of the draft plan are available for in-person review at the Town Planner’s Office, 29 Middle Road, and at Sargent Memorial Library. Feedback can be provided by completing a Google Form at https://bit.ly/3w0jIVr or at the hard copy viewing locations.

The Hazard Mitigation Plan “identifies and prioritizes strategies to mitigate the impacts of natural hazards and climate change on our community.” It was developed by Boxborough’s 17-member Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee in collaboration with Jamie Caplan Consulting, LLC, with funding support from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency. 

“Public engagement lies at the core of our Hazard Mitigation Plan,” says Wade. “It is imperative that this plan reflects the diverse perspectives and priorities of our community members as we move to mitigate risks posed by natural hazards and climate change.”

For more information, contact Town Planner Alec Wade at 978-264-1723 or awade@boxborough-ma.gov. 

(19-APR-24) On Thursday, April 11, the Economic Development Committee held public hearings on two Boxborough Business Grant applications.

The first public hearing was a continuation of a March 28 hearing on an application submitted by Steve Victorson on behalf of Swymfit, a health and fitness club at 90 Swanson Road, Boxborough. 

After concluding the hearing, the EDC voted to approve a $12,577 grant to Swymfit to replace gym equipment and flooring, provide staff training, and improve its website. The approval is contingent on the successful completion of a contract.

The second public hearing was on a new application submitted by Tyler Marchegiani on behalf of Blossom Bees Honey Co., at 99 Whitcomb Road, Boxborough.

The applicant seeks $20,000 to expand retail presence, establish pop-up shops, expand e-commerce, implement marketing strategies and community education programs, increase honey production and processing, and launch new product lines. 

After the applicant presented an overview of his business and his plans for the funds, the committee requested additional financial information, a business plan, and more detail about how the funds will be used. The committee voted to continue the hearing to May 9.

The grant program is run by the Boxborough Economic Development Committee and is funded by Boxborough’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) appropriation. The program provides up to $20,000 in matching funds as a forgivable loan to small Boxborough businesses that meet the requirements of the program. 

Since the program began in 2023, the EDC has awarded grants to Two Friends Chocolate (629 Massachusetts Avenue) for a hot chocolate shop; to Oscar’s Burritos (34 Massachusetts Avenue) for café-style coffee in the morning hours; and to AlphaCars (649 Massachusetts Avenue) for the hiring of a social media specialist to generate increased business.

(19-APR-24) At its meeting on April 11, Steele Farm Committee Chair Christoper Hydak reported that the Phase II effort to preserve the envelope of the 1784 Levi Wetherbee farmhouse at Steele Farm has started. Scaffolding has been erected around the building, and repairs on the roof and chimney are underway. In addition, bids for the restoration of the ice house are being revised and will go out for rebid soon. 

In addition to the farmhouse and icehouse, the Committee has made considerable progress on its initiative to inventory and organize the contents of  the barn. A video catalog has been made of the barn’s contents, and presumptive owners are being contacted. Discussions will be held to determine what should stay at the barn and what should be removed.  

The Committee’s proposal to have students work on grounds maintenance during the Acton-Boxborough Regional High School Community Service Day has been approved, and plans have been finalized to have student workers concentrate on removing invasive species and planting trees.

The town purchased the Steele Farm property in the fall of 1994, making this year the 30th anniversary of town ownership. The committee is planning a 30th anniversary celebration for early October; details will be arranged over the next few months.  

The next meeting of the committee will take place on Thursday May 9, 2024 at the Boxborough Museum, 575 Middle Road, starting at 7 p.m.

Boxborough Police Investigate Report of Priest Lane Home Break-in

(5-APR-24) On Sunday, March 31, Boxborough Police received a call from a Priest Lane resident who reported that they had arrived home from vacation and found that their second floor had been broken into. Officers were dispatched to the home to speak with the homeowners. As part of their investigation, they spoke with several neighbors, who said that they did not see anything suspicious. Police also canvassed the area of Lyons Lane.

When reached for comment, Police Chief John Szewczyk stated, ”It is an open investigation that may be related to house breaks in other towns as well so I am unable to provide specific details at this time...We do occasionally have homes that are broken into and we investigate them thoroughly and with other agencies, if warranted.”

FinCom Votes Final Budget, Discusses Fire Station and Conant Elementary

(5-APR-24) At its meeting on March 26, the Finance Committee (FinCom) voted the final town budget, discussed the warrant article on professional services for the new fire station and revised their recommendation in light of new language in the article, and discussed a recent School Committee decision related to Conant Elementary.

FinCom voted the final budget of $27,996,663, an increase of 7.87% over last year, which reflects a 14.46% increase in the Acton Boxborough Regional School District (ABRSD) budget and a .23% increase in non-ABRSD budgets. The nominal increase in the non-ABRSD budget is attributed to the reduction in long term debt and regionalization of dispatch.

FinCom now estimates the 2024 fiscal year-end excess levy capacity at $863,451.  

Town Administration Mike Johns updated FinCom on the current status of building a new fire station and explained the recent changes to the warrant article. Johns noted the Boxborough Building Committee recommended that the Stow Road property be considered for the new fire station, but that some residents want to place the new fire station at the location of the current fire station on Massachusetts Avenue. “It’s probably appropriate that we don’t talk about building this fire station just on Stow Road, even though it very well may end up there,” said Johns. “I think we want to go through the necessary steps to make sure we’ve done our due diligence to get there.” Johns explained that the professionals hired by the town will be able to help evaluate location, needs, and costs of a fire station. 

FinCom member and School Committee liaison Gary Kushner reported that the School Committee discussed submitting an application to the Massachusetts School Building Authority to apply for grant money to renovate Conant Elementary School. Previously, the School Committee indicated they planned to look at structural changes to reduce costs for the district, including the possible closure of Conant. Because of the upcoming override vote in the Town of Acton, the School Committee decided to pass over the application for grant money at the present time. However, they did not rule out going forward with renovations rather than consider closure of the school.

The next FinCom meeting is scheduled for Tuesday April 9 at 7 PM at Town Hall.  The meeting is hybrid.  

(29-MAR-24) On Tuesday, March 19, the Zoning Board of Appeals discussed taking proactive action to set a standard on “friendly” 40B proposals. 

Massachusetts General Law (MGL) Chapter 40B is used to facilitate the construction of affordable housing. Chapter 40B states that every community across the Commonwealth should maintain a subsidized housing inventory (SHI) greater than 10%. 

Boxborough’s SHI is currently at 11.35%. In towns with an SHI less than 10%, developers can make “40B proposals” for housing where at least 25% of the units in the development are deed restricted or otherwise affordable, and, by doing so, they are allowed to waive the majority of the town’s zoning requirements. Since Boxborough’s SHI is currently above 10%, the ZBA could consider a “friendly” 40B proposal, one in which the developer would still be required to meet Boxborough’s zoning requirements. 

Town Planner Alec Wade shared his concern “that  someday, the 10% threshold may very well grow…we've seen through the MBTA Communities Act, that there is a fair amount of need for housing…so as towns come into compliance to that, I expect we'll see the 10% threshold may rise.” 

Wade asked the Board to “facilitate a forward thinking dialogue on this matter.” Specifically, he would like the ZBA to work with the Select Board, Planning Board, and Housing Board to set standards (e.g., percent of affordable units in a development proposal) for what would be expected out of a “friendly” 40B. 

After a lengthy discussion, Board members voted unanimously in favor of a discussion of friendly 40Bs with the Housing Board, Planning Board, and Select Board. ZBA members expressed concerns about the board making decisions on its own without proper input from elected boards, notably the Select Board and Planning Board.

Prior to the discussion on 40Bs, the ZBA held a public hearing to consider the special permit application filed by the owners of 63 Kendall Road. The owners wish to demolish their existing deck so that they may construct a larger deck with a covered and screened-in portion. At issue is the nonconformity of the existing deck, as it does not meet the side yard setback requirement of 30 feet. In an effort not to increase the existing nonconformity of the deck, several board members made suggestions for altering the design of the deck to avoid further encroachment upon the side setback, including relocating the stairs so that they were not too close to the septic tank. After closing the public hearing, the board unanimously approved the application with conditions, one of which requires the owner to obtain an updated survey of the property delineating the property boundaries, location of the proposed deck and the septic tank.

(29-MAR-24) Over the past several months, the Personnel Board has been working on revisions to the Personnel Plan and the Classification and Compensation schedule for Annual Town Meeting. 

The proposed changes to the Personnel Plan, which covers non-union employees, include the addition of a Recreation Services Coordinator position; “retitling” the Council on Aging and Community Services Director position, which is currently vacant, to Human Services Director; adding a Call Firefighter and Call EMT to the per diem schedule; changing the salary grade for the per diem Deputy Fire Chief; and renaming a library position.

The Personnel Board worked with the Chief of Police and Interim Fire Chief on clarifying language for “Private Details” so that hourly rates for per diem firefighters and EMTs, reserve police officers, formerly known as “special” police officers, and the police lieutenant, were consistent with career firefighters and police officers. Private details are paid by the private entity requesting the detail. There is no cost to the town.  

The revised language also provides that reserve police officers will be paid in four-hour increments after the first eight hours of work on a private detail. This is a change from the current language which provides that reserve officers are paid on an “hour-to-hour” basis after the first eight hours worked.  

The proposed changes also provide a minimum of four hours of pay for per diem firefighters for public education which encourages per diems to obtain additional training throughout their careers. The cost to the town is nominal and included in the budget. 

Additionally, the Personnel Board proposed changes to the vacation accrual process so that vacation time begins to accrue on the anniversary of an employee’s date of hire.  

The Board also voted for a three percent COLA (Cost of Living Increase) for non-contract and non-union employees effective July 1, 2024, at a total increase in salaries of $34,052. The Personnel Plan also provides a 2.5 percent step increase over and above the COLA.

The next meeting of the Personnel Board is scheduled for Tuesday, May 7, at 5:30 p.m. at Town Hall.

(29-MAR-24) In their hybrid meeting March 7, the Boxborough Sustainability Committee (BSC) discussed plastics disposal, transfer station signage, “pay-as-you-throw” trash, and a final draft of the town’s “Sustainability Policy.”

Acton-Boxborough students Sunidhi and Surabhi Sinha described their ongoing investigation of how Boxborough might improve collection of both hard and thin plastics. They also presented a plan for transfer station signage which would explain what items may be recycled and what items belong in trash. 

The BSC encouraged the Sinha sisters to look closely at the plastic disposal cost and possible cost savings. The committee agreed that it would be helpful to mount informative signs on transfer station compactors.

The BSC decided to continue an investigation of the cost and possible savings for the town if transfer station users paid for bags for disposal of trash, thereby encouraging people to avoid putting recyclable material in the trash composters. Reducing trash tonnage will reduce hauling costs. 

The committee will also look at how such a system might work, given that currently only those under age 65 pay a fee for use of the transfer station.

Representatives from the BSC will be discussing the addition of a “swap shed” and other ways of improving use and supervision at the transfer station with DPW Director Ed Kukkula.

BSC Co-Chair Kate Davies presented a draft of the town’s “Sustainability Policy” in response to the Select Board’s request that the language be less prescriptive. The committee voted to approve the new draft which will go to the Select Board for approval.

In response to Town Planner Alec Wade’s call for concepts for the 2024 Summer Forum Series, BSC members and visitors suggested a number of topics: water resources, consumerism, biodiversity, daily pollution from hundreds of planes, ways to improve recycling, electrification of homes, and protection of turtles and vernal pools.

Co-Chair Francie Nolde thanked committee member Palmer Moore for the quality of his work on the BSC annual report.  

Before adjourning, the committee also discussed the possible addition of a student representative to the BSC, the Enclave’s request for revised zoning to allow the condo association to install ground-mounted solar panels, and a daytime Q&A session with Littleton Electric Light Dept. in early April.

The committee’s next hybrid meeting will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 11.

(29-MAR-24) At its meeting on March 25, the Select Board walked through the warrant for the May 2024 Annual Town Meeting. After making changes to several warrant article summaries and recommendations, the Board voted to approve the warrant as amended and authorize the mailing of the warrant.

Two articles generated the most discussion: Article 5, the town operating budget, and Article 25, professional services for a new fire station.

With respect to Article 5, the town operating budget, the Select Board discussed whether and how to “prepare” the public for a possible Proposition 2 ½ override next year.

Proposition 2 ½ refers to Massachusetts law establishing a “levy limit,” which restricts how much a town can increase taxes from year to year. A Proposition 2 ½ override is a way for the town to raise taxes above the levy limit. The override requires a town vote.

A Proposition 2 ½ override is not required for this year’s budget, but Select Board members agreed that an override may be needed next year. The Board decided to draft a “letter to the town” for inclusion in this year’s warrant to explain “where we are and how we got here” with respect to this year’s budget and prepare the public for the possibility of needing an override vote next year.

Article 25 seeks $500,000 for professional services for a new fire station. The Board agreed to revise the summary of this article to clarify how the funds would be used. Chair Kristin Hilberg acknowledged that there has been significant “pushback” on the Building Committee’s vote to locate the new fire station on Stow Road and stated that the funds sought in the warrant article would be used to hire professionals to help the town determine both the location and the design for a new fire station.

Town Administrator Michael Johns explained that the transfer of 70-72 Stow Road to the town is moving forward regardless of whether the property might be used for a fire station. 

On March 21, TA Johns called together representatives from the Housing Board, Affordable Housing Trust, and Select Board to advise him on the property transfer and agree on a price, per the terms of a 2011 Memorandum of Understanding between those three boards. The representatives “all agreed that it was in the best interest of affordable housing in town to transfer that property for $1.2 million … subsequent to the Housing Board deciding that it is in a better position to support affordable housing with the money rather than the land.” 

The Stow Road property transfer is expected to be an article on the fall town meeting warrant. Accordingly, the Select Board removed a “land acquisition” placeholder on the Annual Town Meeting warrant. 

(22-MAR-24) At its meeting on March 14, the Boxborough Housing Board (BHB) voted unanimously to recommend a warrant article for May Town Meeting which allocates $44,000 of Community Preservation Act funds for the Boxborough Rental Assistance Program (BRAP). 

BRAP provides rental assistance to income-eligible households who are renting qualifying housing units in Boxborough. A subsidy of $250 per month is provided by BRAP and is paid directly to the participating household’s landlord. Households may renew their participation for a total of three years, subject to annual income eligibility verification. 

This will be the ninth year of the BRAP. It began with a six-household pilot program in 2016 and was expanded to twelve households in 2017. The proposal this year is to increase funding by $6,000 and expand BRAP to fourteen households. 

The Board spent a considerable amount of time discussing the potential transfer of the 70-72 Stow Road property from the BHB to the Town of Boxborough. BHB member Al Murphy updated the board on his progress of putting together the history of the property so that residents understand why the majority of the board favors the transfer. 

“We think that everybody in town should know about what has happened and what the situation is, and we're going to do our best to put together an information packet that outlines what the Stow Road Concept Development Committee really did 12 years ago…” Murphy said. 

In January 2024, the BHB passed a motion to accept payment for the property in the amount of $1.2M, provided that the payment is approved according to the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), dated January 24, 2011. The funds from the transfer would support affordable housing programs in Boxborough, like the BRAP, which focuses on existing rental properties rather than the construction of new housing. 

Boxborough Select Board Chair Kristin Hilberg and Town Administrator (TA) Mike Johns attended the meeting and explained next steps for transferring the property. Two members from the Select Board, Housing Board, and Affordable Housing Trust will advise and assist the Town Administrator on the process. 

BHB members elected Al Murphy and Ron Vogel to serve as their liaisons to the TA’s advisory group. The Board discussed details of the Homeowner Opportunity for Preservation and Enhancement (HOPE) program. Monies from the Affordable Housing Trust can be used for maintenance on homes under BHB jurisdiction. 

The Board would like to pilot a program that would enable the replacement of twelve roofs on homes in Boxborough Meadows. These roofs are approaching their end of life and need to be replaced before their failure causes damage to the properties. The Board will seek legal counsel regarding the requirements for “Request for Proposals” and the payment of prevailing wage for the work. 

As previously reported, BHB Chair Channing Wagg’s term expires on June 30, 2024. He is not seeking reappointment, so the Board discussed a succession plan. Board members agreed that a vice-chair position should be filled. In a unanimous vote, member Jessi Robinson was elected as vice chair of the Board. 

The Housing Board is seeking new members. Those interested in serving can email Al Murphy (amurphy@boxborough-ma.gov). The next meeting is April 18 at 7 p.m. at Boxborough Town Hall.

(22-MAR-24) At its meeting on March 12, the Finance Committee (FinCom) deliberated and voted recommendations for the remainder of the warrant articles to be presented at the annual town meeting. 

The FinCom voted in favor of $500,000 for “professional services” for the potential new fire station and in favor of a waterline extension easement. FinCom voted against $171,000 for the Blanchard playground and against a Human Services Director position at town hall.

The FinCom’s vote to recommend the fire station professional services was unanimous. Town Administrator Mike Johns explained that the funding for professional services for the fire station provides oversight of all phases of the project including the schematic design, design development, construction documents, and construction administration. 

This includes a comprehensive project budget, life cycle cost analysis, coordination with MassDOT, local, state and federal regulatory application approvals, environmental impact and permitting, sustainability design, and demolition oversight.  

FinCom also voted in favor of a warrant article to allow the Select Board to enter into an intermunicipal agreement (IMA) with the Town of Littleton for an easement so that Littleton can access and maintain the portions of the planned water line located in Boxborough. Johns explained that in the event that a road has to be torn up, the cost of all repairs will be borne by the Town of Littleton.    

FinCom voted against recommending $171,000 in Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding for the Blanchard Playground project in a 0-6 vote. While FinCom members supported rebuilding the playground to make it safer for school children, members also said that since the town voted to regionalize Blanchard, the district is responsible for all costs associated with the school. 

FinCom members also expressed concern that the applicant has not reduced the dollar amount of their CPA funding request despite a recent $40,000 reduction in estimated cost (due to ABRSD indicating they could demolish the current playground themselves), and $44,000 in additional funding ($34,000 from ABRSD and $10,000 from fundraising). The total cost of the playground project is $310,000. 

FinCom also re-voted a warrant article that creates a Human Services Director position overseeing the Council on Aging, Community Services, Veteran Services, and the Recreation departments. They voted against recommending it in a 3-4 vote. At their last meeting, they voted to recommend it 5-3. 

The majority of FinCom members present felt that there was sufficient administrative management to provide oversight of these departments and did not warrant a change in reporting structure.  

The next FinCom meeting is scheduled for Tuesday March 19 at 7 p.m. at Town Hall. The meeting is hybrid.  

(22-MAR-24) Friday, March 29, is the last day to obtain nomination papers for the 2024 town election. Nomination papers are available from the Town Clerk’s office until 5 p.m. on March 29.

Offices on the 2024 town ballot are Select Board (two seats), School Committee (one seat), Planning Board (one seat), Library Trustees (two seats), Board of Health (one seat), Town Moderator (one seat), and Constable (one seat).

Nomination papers must be filed with Boxborough Town Clerk by 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 2, in order for the nominee to be on the ballot. A minimum of 25 signatures is required.

A “Candidate’s Check List” with information about getting on the ballot and campaign finance law requirements is available at https://bit.ly/3TfHKDA. 

For more information on town government and running for office, contact Town Clerk Rebecca Harris at 978-264-1727 or rharris@boxborough-ma.gov. The town election will be held on Tuesday, May 21.

(22-MAR-24) At its meeting on March 18, the Planning Board met with Corrine Tobias of Green International Affiliates to discuss a proposal for a comprehensive town-wide traffic study. 

The Board asked Tobias about the scope and methods for the traffic study proposal and discussed goals and deliverables. The Planning Board will ask voters at Annual Town Meeting for $60,000 to fund this study, which will focus on the Route 111 corridor.  

The Board also voted to set an executive session to discuss potential litigation with respect to 984 Massachusetts Avenue. Town Planner Alec Wade and Planning Board Clerk (and Acting Chair with respect to this matter) Rebecca Verner reported that they met with Town Counsel and were “advised that there probably is not much that we can do except for the next step of some form of litigation.” 

Wade stated that the property owner has failed to meet several deadlines and is no longer responsive to his inquiries. The Board voted to recommend litigation and schedule an executive session on March 21 to discuss pending and imminent litigation. 

On December 7, 2023, the town issued a cease and desist letter to the owner of 984 Massachusetts Ave regarding disturbance of land and suspected violation of the Town’s Stormwater Bylaw. Since then, the property owner failed to meet certain deadlines for submissions to the town, incurring fines, and continued to cut down trees despite the town’s cease and desist letter regarding the disturbance of land. 

In other business, the Board continued a working session on their Administrative Rules and Regulations and discussed Board goals.

(15-MAR-24) At its meeting on March 7, the Affordable Housing Trust (Trust) unanimously voted to accept the Boxborough Housing Board’s (BHB) $1.2M valuation of the 70-72 Stow Road property in preparation for the potential transfer of the property from the BHB to the Boxborough Select Board (BSB). The property was acquired with Trust funds by the BHB in 2010 with the intent of building affording housing. Any transfer would require a two-thirds vote at Town Meeting.

In a letter dated Feb 25, 2024, the BHB informed the Trust that they had passed a motion to accept payment in the amount of $1.2M, provided that the payment is approved according to the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), dated January 24, 2011. The MOU is between the Trust, the BHB, and the BSB, and requires that proceeds from sale or transfer of the property must be conveyed and deposited to the Trust to be used to provide more affordable housing for Boxborough residents and to preserve existing affordable housing. 

In January 2024, a majority of the Boxborough Building Committee voted to recommend the use of the Stow Road property for a new fire station. Building Committee Chair Kristin Hilberg suggested the formation of a working group consisting of two members from each of the boards specified in the MOU (Select Board, Housing Board, and Affordable Housing Trust) to facilitate the land transfer process and advise the Town Administrator. The Trust designated Les Fox and Becky Neville as their representatives to the working group. 

The Trust did not set a date for their next meeting.

(15-MAR-24) At its meeting on March 5, the Finance Committee (FinCom) voted on a few additional budgets and several warrant articles.  

Among the warrant articles voted and recommended by FinCom were: changes to the Personnel Plan; a 3% COLA (cost of living adjustment) for non-union, non-contract employees; acceptance of Chapter 90 reimbursement; funding for Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB); assessor cyclical revaluations; MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems) permitting; the appropriation of cable funds for cable services and equipment; department revolving fund expenses; police and fire injury fund to offset the difference in insurance payments to cover unfilled shifts; a police department vehicle and mobile data terminals; an animal control officer vehicle; and a change in the Town Hall reporting structure.

The discussion on the change in Town Hall reporting structure generated the most debate.Town Administrator Michael Johns advocated for a new reporting structure where either the Council on Aging (CoA) Coordinator or the Community Services Coordinator would be promoted to a director position to provide management and oversight of the CoA, Community Services, Recreation, and Veteran Services departments. Johns said combining those services under one umbrella will ensure better coordination between departments when resident issues are recognized. FinCom voted 5-3 in favor of the new structure at Town Hall, with the minority expressing concern about the need and the timing for adding this position.

A vote in favor of Chapter 90 reimbursement allows the town to accept funding from the Commonwealth for highway improvements during the fiscal year.

OPEB provides funding to offset anticipated future costs of post-retirement health and life insurance benefits to current and future Town employees.

Funding for the assessor cyclical revaluation ensures that the town completes revaluations of all property every 5 years.

For a draft of the FY2025 warrant, visit https://bit.ly/3Tx8fWt. The next FinCom meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 12, at 7 p.m. at Town Hall. The meeting is hybrid.

(15-MAR-24) On March 7, the School Committee held a public hearing on the FY2025 school budget, as required by Massachusetts General Law. Superintendent Peter Light presented a budget overview and the Committee took comments from the public. The “A Budget,” which requires a Proposition 2 1/2 override vote in Acton, is a $114.38M budget, with a Boxborough assessment of $15.96M. The “B Budget,” to be used only if the override fails, is a $108M budget, with a Boxborough assessment of $14.89M.

Gary Kushner of the Boxborough Finance Committee asked the Committee to provide budget models and projections for the coming years, as Boxborough may be facing an override next year.

At the next School Committee meeting on March 21, the Superintendent will make his final budget recommendation and the School Committee will vote on the final FY2025 budget.

After closing the public hearing and returning to its business meeting, the Committee voted to withdraw from the Acton Health Insurance Trust and join the Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association (MIIA), effective July 1, 2024, for the purpose of providing employee health insurance. The district expects to save “approximately $1.5M per year over continuing to pay the [Health Insurance Trust] premium rates.” 

Katie Neville, Executive Director of the Acton-Boxborough United Way, presented to the School Committee an update on the A-B Resource Center, a collaboration between the school district and the Acton-Boxborough United Way. Visitors can find information about local resources in multiple languages and “shop” at the AB Exchange for clothing and other essentials donated by the community. Neville reported that since the Resource Center opened in September 2023, the number of visitors has increased each month. School Committee members expressed support and appreciation for the Resource Center.

The Committee also heard a presentation on culturally responsive teaching practices from Jennifer Faber, Director for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, as well as a presentation from Dr. Deborah Bookis, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning, about the district’s state-mandated Student Opportunity Act (SOA) Plan. The district’s 2024 SOA Plan focuses on chronic absenteeism. The School Committee will vote on the 2024 SOA Plan before it is submitted to the state by April 1. 

(15-MAR-24) At its virtual meeting March 7, Boxborough’s Economic Development Committee (EDC) discussed the status of Boxborough Business Grant contracts, topics and questions raised at the EDC-sponsored business breakfast, and the steps the EDC will take to create a database of Boxborough businesses.

In February, the EDC approved grant applications for Oscar’s Burritos, Alpha Cars, and Rest Assured Remediations. A contract with Oscar’s Burritos Mexican Grill is already moving ahead. Town Planner Alec Wade updated the committee on the status of the other contracts and reported that four other businesses have begun the grant application process. In early March, the committee received a grant application from Swymfit; a public hearing will be held on March 28. 

Wade said that after the December 2023 business breakfast, local businesses identified three needs: communication and virtual space; education and business growth; and improved interaction with town government.

EDC member Dawn Willis showed the EDC two examples of websites promoting town businesses: “Destination Bolton,” and “Maynard Business Alliance.” The EDC will explore ideas on establishing a virtual presence. 

To promote business education, Chair Rich Guzzardi suggested that the EDC encourage owners and managers of Boxborough businesses to host networking gatherings at their place of business and invite guest speakers with specialized knowledge of topics such as accounting and tax preparation, human resources, social media, etc.

Economic Development Intern JP LoGiudice is gathering information about all local firms to create a Boxborough business database. The information will be used to help the EDC and other Town departments communicate more efficiently with local businesses. To help LoGiudice develop the database, the EDC voted to spend $100 to request data from the Corporations Division of the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office.

Wade updated the committee on the Village Center Revitalization Project. After the February 10 public engagement session with consulting firm Tighe & Bond, a stakeholder group of members from several town boards and committees will meet during the week of March 25 to review the consultants’ scenarios and give feedback. This is the first of three stakeholder meetings to further develop the ideas for the Boxborough Village Center Project. All stakeholder meetings will be open to the public. For more information, visit boxborough-ma.gov/404/Economic-Development-Committee

The EDC’s next meeting is on March 28 at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom.

(8-MAR-24) At its meeting on Monday, March 4, the Planning Board discussed a wide variety of topics across a four-hour meeting.

The Board decided to schedule an executive session with town counsel as soon as possible regarding the town’s enforcement action at 984 Massachusetts Avenue. On December 7, 2023, the town issued a cease and desist letter to the property owner regarding disturbance of land and suspected violation of the Town’s Stormwater Bylaw. Since then, the property owner has failed to meet certain deadlines for submissions to the town, incurring fines. In recent weeks, the property owner has continued to cut down trees in alleged violation of the town’s cease and desist letter. Board members also expressed concern about potential additional violations beyond the Stormwater Bylaw.

Town Planner Alec Wade reported to the Board about the town’s enforcement activities more broadly. He indicated that the Building Commissioner / Zoning Enforcement officer has recently increased his enforcement efforts in order to improve zoning compliance. Wade also announced that he is working on an online complaint system to improve communications with respect to zoning enforcement going forward.

Town Planner Wade also provided an update on the MBTA Communities Act.The Act requires that Boxborough zone for 118 units of housing at a rate of 15 units per acre or greater. The Act does not require that the town build the housing. In January 2023, Boxborough created an “action plan” that put the town in temporary compliance with the Act through December 2025. Town Planner Wade is planning an education session and public engagement events regarding the MBTA Communities Act through the spring and summer. Several Board members expressed that MBTA Communities Act compliance should be a priority for the Planning Board in the coming year. 

The Board also heard from the Enclave Homeowners Association, which has approached the town regarding a potential small-scale solar project. Currently, zoning bylaws do not allow this type of solar project in the Town Center district, where the Enclave is located. The Board discussed a potential avenue by which the Enclave HOA could pursue the project despite the current prohibition, which would require a Town Meeting vote. The Board suggested that the HOA do further research and planning with the help of Town Planner Wade.

In other business, the Board voted unanimously to recommend an article on the 2024 Town Meeting warrant that increases the hours for the currently unfilled Associate Town Planner position; engaged in a working session to continue revising the Planning Board’s Administrative Rules and Regulations; and discussed Board goals and priorities for the coming year.

Boxborough Dog License Renewals Due April 1

(8-MAR-24) The deadline to renew dog licenses is April 1. Residents can come in person to the Town Clerk’s Office, apply online via the Online Payment Portal at https://bit.ly/3P5Ahpj, or download and mail in a Dog License Application PDF available at https://bit.ly/3Tn7ajW. 

After April 1, a $25 per dog late fee will be imposed. After May 1, the late fee rises to $50 per dog. Anyone who has not re-licensed their dog(s) by June 1 will be subject to a $100 late fee per dog and may have their names turned over to Ayer District Court by the Animal Control Officer.

(8-MAR-24) On Tuesday Feb. 27, the Finance Committee (FinCom) discussed and voted on a number of department budgets, including police, fire, public works, buildings and grounds, land use and permitting, facilities, and several other budgets for boards, committees, and commissions.   

Excluding pending warrant articles, the operating budget currently stands at $27.9 million, a 9.6 percent increase over last year. The budget includes a 14.46 percent increase in the Acton- Boxborough Regional School District (ABRSD) assessment and a 3.74 percent increase in all other town-related budgets.  

The relatively modest increase in the non-ABRSD budget is attributable to reductions in vocational education (-43.65 percent) due to fewer students enrolled in technical schools, debt service (-22.9 percent), and dispatch (-85 percent).  

Regionalization reduced the dispatch budget temporarily; the State pays 100 percent of the first three years of operation, 50 percent of the fourth year, and 25 percent of the fifth year. Maria Neyland, FinCom Chair, reminded everyone that the reduction is temporary. Starting in fiscal year 2028, the town will have to budget the entire assessment for regional dispatch.   

The excess levy capacity, which is the difference between the maximum allowable levy of $28.1 million and the proposed tax levy of $27.9 million, now stands at $207,000. Next year, the town will be faced with either an override or reductions in the town’s operating budget.  

The tax rate is currently projected at $16.04 per $1,000 of assessed house value.  

The next FinCom meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5, in the Morse-Hilberg room in Town Hall (29 Middle Road). The meeting is hybrid (in person and Zoom). 

(8-MAR-24) On Feb. 29, the Capital Committee reviewed and voted for $2 million in proposed capital articles to be considered at the May 2024 Annual Town Meeting.

Some of the larger capital items include $475,000 for an ambulance, $424,000 for road maintenance and work on the Guggins Brook culvert running under Liberty Square Road, $180,000 for the replacement of the chlorination system at Hager well, $171,000 for the playground at Blanchard Elementary, $120,000 to replace the fuel tanks at the DPW, $70,000 to paint Town Hall, and $50,000 additional funding for the library roof.

Town Administrator Michael Johns indicated that by appropriating funds for the ambulance in FY2025, the town will “lock in a price” at current rates. The cost will be offset by 50 percent of ambulance receipts set aside in a revolving fund. Those funds currently stand at $326,000. It is expected that additional revenues will fund the entire cost of the ambulance before payment is due.

The installation of a chlorination system at Hager well will be funded in part by the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District ($108,000), and the balance of $72,000 will be bonded. 

The “Blanchard Playground Project” application requests $171,000 to support the renovation and replacement of playground equipment at Blanchard elementary school. Proposed funding will come from the Community Preservation Act, which imposes a 1 percent surtax on property taxes and receives revenue from the State.  

The Capital Committee, which was established in FY2023, consists of two members of the Finance Committee, two members of the Select Board, and the Town Administrator. The committee reviews capital needs over $10,000 and with a useful life of more than five years.  

(1-MAR-24) At its meeting on February 26, the Select Board prepared for Town Meeting by hearing a budget update, reviewing the draft Town Meeting warrant, and voting to hold Town Meeting at the Blanchard Memorial School.

Town Administrator Michael Johns shared an update on the town’s FY2025 budget, which has been adjusted in light of the School Committee’s February 15 vote to set the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District FY2025 Preliminary Budget at $114.38 million. Based on this Preliminary Budget, Boxborough’s assessment would be $15,960,274. This expected assessment led the Town Administrator, Select Board Chair Kristin Hilberg, and Finance Committee Chair Maria Neyland to meet and make reductions to Boxborough’s budget. TA Johns explained that they did not make cuts to operational department budgets or committee budgets.

Expecting higher than usual attendance at Town Meeting this year to consider warrant articles related to the school budget and proposed fire station, the Select Board discussed moving Town Meeting to the Boxborough Regency Hotel. Ultimately, on the recommendation from the Town Administrator, the Board voted to keep Town Meeting at the Blanchard Memorial School. Town Meeting will begin on Monday, May 13 at 7 p.m.

The Select Board reviewed the draft Town Meeting Warrant and divided up responsibilities for writing the Select Board recommendations. The draft warrant currently contains 47 articles, three of which will be considered in a Special Town Meeting to occur within the Annual Town Meeting. 

The Select Board also voted to approve a charter for the Steele Farm Committee (formerly known as the Steele Farm Advisory Committee), which did not previously have a charter because it was originally formed only to advise the Select Board. Steele Farm Committee Chair Christopher Hydak presented the charter to the Select Board.  

The Board heard a presentation on, but did not vote on, revisions to the town’s Sustainability Policy proposed by the Boxborough Sustainability Committee. Sustainability Committee co-chairs Francie Nolde and Kate Davies presented the proposed policy revisions, which include five “guiding principles” and four “goals and actions.”

The Board also voted to name Chair Kristin Hilberg and Clerk Priya Sundaram to the fire station land purchase working group. 

(1-MAR-24) At its meeting on Feb. 20, the Finance Committee (Fin Com) voted on the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District (ABRSD) budget, reviewed proposed changes in warrant articles and funding sources, and voted an exception to the free cash policy.

Fin Com Chair Maria Neyland reported that the School Committee voted a budget of $114.4M for fiscal year 2025. That budget would increase the Boxborough assessment by 14.46 percent for a total assessment of $15.9 million.  

Before voting on the ABRSD budget, Neyland reported that an error in a formula used to project Boxborough’s levy limit would necessitate reducing some warrant articles and moving funding sources for other articles; otherwise, the town would have to approve an override. Among some of the proposed changes to be considered are: reductions in Other Post-Employment Benefits ($100,000), professional services for a new fire station ($150,000), and deferment of warrant articles for green burials and cistern inspections.  

After the Fin Com meeting, the town learned that the estimate for proposed professional services for the fire station was, in fact, $500,000; the town would have to keep the warrant article at that amount and look for other items to change.  

Several warrant articles were moved to free cash which would not impact the tax rate or levy limit.

After more discussion and debate, Fin Com took two votes on the ABRSD budget. The first vote was to increase the assessment by 13 percent. That vote failed with three members voting in favor and five members opposed. The second vote was to approve a 14.46 percent increase in the assessment. That vote passed with five members in favor and three members opposed.

The total amount to be raised through taxation now stands at $28 million, leaving the town with $120,000 less than the levy limit. Next year, the town will be faced with either an override or further reductions in the Boxborough operating budget.  

Fin Com also voted on a one-time exception to the “Free Cash” policy, which requires that the town set aside a minimum of 5 percent of the total operating budget. The exception to the policy would bring that number down to 4.8 percent. The exception was approved unanimously.

The next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 27, at Town Hall. The meeting is hybrid.  

(1-MAR-24) At its meeting on Feb. 22, the Economic Development Committee voted to issue a revised Notice of Funding Available (NOFA) for the second round of the Boxborough Business Grant Program.The rolling application period opened on February 26. 

The grant program is run by the Town Planner and the EDC; it is funded by Boxborough’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) appropriation. The program provides forgivable loans to small Boxborough businesses that meet the requirements of the program. The first application period ran from August 2023 to January 2024. The town received four applications and expects to issue $80,000 in funding. 

In September, the EDC awarded its first $20,000 grant to Two Friends Chocolate at 629 Massachusetts Avenue. Three additional $20,000 grant awards are approved, contingent on successful contract completion: to Oscar’s Burritos (34 Massachusetts Avenue) for café-style coffee in the morning hours; to AlphaCars (649 Massachusetts Avenue) for the hiring of a social media specialist to assist in online advertising; and to Rest Assured Remediations (152 Liberty Square Road) for expansion of workforce, advertising, and capital equipment.

There is $40,000 of grant funding remaining for the second round of the program. Instead of offering grants “up to $20,000,” as in round one, round two will offer grants “in the range of $5,000 to $15,000, but will not restrict applications to a specific dollar amount.” Committee members agreed that their objective in the second round is to issue “as many grants as possible.”

The Committee also held several votes regarding the grant awards from round one. They voted to execute a completed contract between the town and Oscar’s Burritos, voted to form a working group regarding contract terms with Rest Assured Remediation, and voted to close the public hearing on the AlphaCars application and approve a $20,000 grant to AlphaCars contingent on contract completion.

(1-MAR-24) At its meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 21, the Boxborough Building Committee (BBC) discussed the next steps for building a fire station on the property at 70-72 Stow Road. The Board will not bring a property purchase to the upcoming Annual Town Meeting in May and will instead form a working group to move the project forward.

The property is currently under the control of the Housing Board and was acquired with Boxborough Affordable Housing Trust funds in 2010 with the intent of building affordable housing. 

More recently the Building Committee conducted a site feasibility study for public safety facilities. On Jan. 31, the BBC voted to recommend the Select Board move forward on use of the Stow Road site for a new fire station. 

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Housing Board, Affordable Housing Trust, and the Select Board was executed in 2011. Should the land not be used for affordable housing, the MOU states that the Housing Board must be fairly compensated, with such funds returned to the Trust. The MOU says that the amount of fair compensation is to be by mutual agreement of the Housing Board, the Trustees, and the Select Board. 

Besides agreeing on compensation, two other steps are required for other use of the land. First, the Housing Board must vote and notify the Select Board that they have no need of the land. Subsequently, a two-thirds vote at a town meeting is required for the land to be used for non-affordable housing purposes. 

“We still have a lot of work to pull it all together,” said Kristin Hilberg, Chair of both BBC and the Select Board. The Building Committee recommended the formation of a working group with two members each from the Housing Board, Affordable Housing Trust, and Select Board. The group will establish an agreed upon price and the terms and conditions of the property transfer and then bring the package to town meeting in the fall of 2024 or in May 2025.

The Building Committee is also considering the possibility of “divorcing” the land acquisition from the plan to build the fire station; that is, to ask for approval at a town meeting to buy the property first and then decide what to do with it.

(23-FEB-24) At its meeting on Feb. 13, the Boxborough Finance Committee met with Boxborough Planning Board Chair Mark White to discuss the Planning Board’s warrant article for a town-wide traffic study. White said the Board wants the study to establish a baseline for any projects that may be presented during the next 10 years. 

The Board obtained three quotes from consultants, with the lowest at $55,000. The warrant article asks for that figure and an additional $5,000 to pay for changes that may occur before they hire the consultant. 

FinCom spent 90 minutes discussing the Acton Boxborough Regional School District budget. At the time of this discussion, ABRSD had proposed a budget of $115 million, which would require an override in Acton. Boxborough’s share of the assessment would increase by 15.59 percent or $2.17 million more than last year. 

That increase, coupled with the town budget and warrant articles, would significantly reduce Boxborough’s levy capacity which is the difference between the maximum allowable levy of $28 million and the proposed tax levy of $27 million. 

Technically the town can spend up to the maximum allowable levy for the current fiscal year, but doing so leaves significantly less capacity for the next year, which may necessitate an override in Boxborough. 

FinCom Chair Maria Neyland reported that at the ABRSD Budget Saturday meeting on February 10, the School Committee said they will consider cutting another $1 million from their budget. That would mean a reduction of $170,000 for Boxborough. At least one member of FinCom wanted to see a $500,000 reduction in the assessment. FinCom decided to hold off on their vote until after the School Committee voted the budget on Thursday, Feb. 15.  

In other matters, FinCom voted unanimously to recommend the following department budgets: Executive offices, the Town Accountant, the Assessor, the Treasurer/Collector, the Town Clerk, and the Technology budget.  In preparation for Annual Town Meeting in May, FinCom plans to recommend or not recommend warrant articles and the remaining department budgets at their next hybrid meeting at Town Hall on Tuesday, Feb. 20.

(23-FEB-24) This week, Town Planner Alec Wade put out a “call for concepts” for Boxborough’s second “Summer Forum Series.” The Summer Forum Series is designed to foster resident engagement with town issues. 

Last year, the town held three Summer Forums on the topics of a Sargent Memorial Library redesign, the Complete Streets program, and the Carbon Reduction for Earth Wellbeing program. 

The call for proposals for the 2024 series will go out in two waves. The first wave will go out to the land use boards and committees as well as department heads. The second wave will go out to all other boards and committees.  Any resident interested in an educational or engagement topic is encouraged to approach a board or committee to sponsor the event. 

“While we encourage topics that relate to land use,” says Wade, “it is not a requirement. The goal of the Summer Forum series is to spur engagement between Boxborough and its government, giving the people regular opportunities to participate in their community.” The call for concepts will be open until mid-March. 

(23-FEB-24) At its meeting on February 13, the Personnel Board rated and classified two new positions proposed by the Town Administrator - a Human Services Director and a Recreation Coordinator - using the rating system developed by GovHR, a compensation consultant hired by the town in 2020. 

Positions are rated based on factors like education, training, experience, independent judgment and decision making, policy making, planning, supervision, and working conditions.  According to Assistant Town Administrator Rajon Hudson, the decision to create a Human Services Director was necessitated by the growing needs of human services. 

The position will manage several functions including the Council on Aging, Community Services, Recreation Department, and Veteran Services. The plan is to promote an existing coordinator, who will continue to handle their underlying function. There is no addition to staff for fiscal year 2025. 

The Recreation Coordinator will serve as the point person for recreation programming and development and handle the day-to-day functions currently performed by the Recreation Commission volunteers.  

Both positions will be added to the Compensation and Classification schedule to be voted at Annual Town Meeting. The Board voted for a 3% COLA (cost of living) increase for non-union and non-contract employees. In addition to the COLA, the Personnel Plan provides a 2.5% “step” increase for all eligible employees.  

The Board also voted for proposed changes to the vacation policy found in the Personnel Plan. Allan MacLean, Personnel Board member, said that the proposed changes “provide clarity” as to how vacation time is calculated for regular reduced-hour and regular part-time employees. The timing of accrual has been changed to the anniversary date of hire.  The next meeting of the Personnel Board is scheduled for Tuesday, March 5 at 5:30 p.m. at Town Hall.

(23-FEB-24) At its meeting on Thursday, February 15, the Boxborough Housing Board (BHB) discussed issues surrounding master-deed restrictions on affordable housing units, the 70-72 Stow Road property, and the future leadership and membership of the BHB.

In response to a complaint, the board discussed the temporary waiver they had granted to an owner of one of the affordable housing units monitored by the BHB. The waiver allowed the owner to rent out part of the condo, which is not in accordance with the master-deed restrictions. The board voted not to extend the waiver beyond its six-month period and will issue a letter to the owner that the rental agreement must be terminated in May 2024.

BHB member Al Murphy reported that the Boxborough Building Committee voted for the 70-72 Stow Road property as their preferred site for a fire station. The property is currently owned by the BHB for the purpose of building affordable housing. 

At its previous meeting, the BHB voted to accept payment for the property in the amount of $1.2 million, which was based on recent property appraisals. The BHB will sell the property to the Town under the terms of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that was prepared in 2011. 

Sale proceeds will be added to the Boxborough Affordable Housing Trust and will be used to purchase, manage, and maintain affordable housing units in Boxborough. Board members discussed the next steps for ensuring that the trust was fairly compensated for the land as well as the need for inclusionary zoning in Boxborough, which would help increase affordable housing.

Channing Wagg, BHB Chair, announced that his term on the board will end in June 2024 and that he will not seek reappointment. New members are needed. Boxborough residents interested in learning more about the Boxborough Housing Board should visit boxborough-ma.gov/338/Housing-Board or reach out to Al Murphy at amurphy@boxborough-ma.gov.

(16-FEB-24) At their meeting Feb. 8, Boxborough’s Sustainability Committee changed its leadership structure. The BSC also encouraged two Boxborough sisters to continue their efforts to improve the town’s recycling program. 

The committee unanimously approved Chair Francie Nolde’s proposal that she and member Kate Davies become co-chairs of the BSC. In 2009 Nolde became chair of the Town’s new Energy Committee and continued as chair when the group became the Sustainability Committee.

BSC members agreed with Nolde’s request that Davies will eventually become committee chair. Davies teaches in Tufts University’s Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning Department.

Acton-Boxborough Regional High School junior Surabhi Sinha and her freshman sister Sunidhi gave the committee a report on their efforts to combat climate change by exploring ways the Town can add drop stations for plastics that cannot be recycled. 

The Sinha sisters spent last summer looking closely at how recycling and trash are handled by the town and disposal companies. They believe an education program can show people how to dispose of different types of plastics at new drop sites in town. 

The Boxborough sisters plan to ask the BSC for funds for signs and educational materials. They will present their proposal to town officials later this year.

Nolde reported that Town Planner Alec Wade says the Town has now met all the qualifications to apply to the state next June to become a Green Community. The BSC will work with Wade to decide how best to use the initial Green Community grant of about $130,000 to combat climate change.

The BSC will hold a special public meeting on Feb. 27 to learn from Littleton Electric Light and Water Department about the “distribution rate” LELWD charges homeowners who use solar panels.

The BSC will hold its regular monthly meeting on March 14. The agenda will include a reexamination of “pay-as-you-throw” trash disposal systems.

(16-FEB-24) At its meeting on February 8, the Economic Development Committee held public hearings to consider three recent applications to the Boxborough Business Grant Program.

In the first public hearing, the Committee reviewed an application submitted by the owner of Oscar’s Burritos at 34 Massachusetts Avenue. The applicant seeks $20,000 of grant funding for renovations and staffing necessary to offer café-style coffee and pastries in his existing restaurant, starting at 7 a.m. The applicant plans to eventually offer additional breakfast items as well. The Committee voted to accept the application, authorize Town Planner Alec Wade to issue an award letter to the applicant, and move forward with the contracting phase.

In the second public hearing, the Committee reviewed an application submitted by the owner of AlphaCars at 649 Massachusetts Ave. The applicant seeks $20,000 of grant funding for the hiring of a social media specialist to assist in online advertising. The public hearing was continued to February 22 to allow the Town Planner to research a technical question on the timing of the application. Committee members also asked the applicant to provide more information about how the planned use of funds will bring people to Boxborough.

The third public hearing concerned an application from Rest Assured Remediations, a small business run from a home on Liberty Square Road. The applicant seeks $20,000 in grant funding for expansion of workforce and advertising, as well as the purchase of capital equipment. The applicant explained that the funds would be used to help him “get back on his feet” after Covid-19. After asking the applicant a number of questions about his business, the Committee voted to accept the application conditional on successful completion of contract terms, which may include a “milestone” system in which smaller incremental awards would be issued upon completion of specific business development milestones.

The grant program is run by the Boxborough Economic Development Committee and funded by Boxborough’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) appropriation. The program provides up to $20,000 in matching funds as a grant to small businesses that meet the requirements of the program. In September, the EDC awarded its first $20,000 grant to Two Friends Chocolate at 629 Massachusetts Avenue.

(16-FEB-24) At its meeting on February 8, Steele Farm Advisory Committee Chair Christoper Hydak welcomed Fred Waugh as a new member. Hydak reported that the repair of the roof and chimney as the first part of the Phase II effort to preserve the envelope of the 1784 Levi Wetherbee farmhouse at Steele Farm will start as soon as weather permits. He also announced that the request for proposal for the restoration of the ice house is expected to be on the State central bid register on February 9.

As a result of a vote at a Boxborough Town Meeting, activities at Steele Farm are subject to a conservation restriction between the Town and The Trustees of Reservations. Hydak reported that he had submitted the disc golf proposal to the Trustees for their review and opinion. He discussed the email that had been received from the Trustees on January 30 stating that disc golf could not be allowed on the property under terms of the restriction. The applicants have been notified.

The Committee reviewed the final draft of an updated charter for the group. After minor changes, the charter was approved for submission to the Select Board for its review.

The Committee also discussed farm maintenance being done by the Boxborough DPW. A proposal will be submitted to the Acton-Boxborough Regional High School Community Service Day for students to work on the property. The Committee is starting to inventory all of the items in the barn with the goal of reorganizing the barn and its contents and removing the items that no longer need to be stored there.

The next meeting of the Committee will take place on Thursday, March 7 at the Boxborough Museum, 575 Middle Road at 7 p.m.

(16-FEB-24) At its meeting on February 12, the Select Board heard an update from Town Administrator Michael Johns about the town’s use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

After the ARPA legislation was passed in 2021, the town received $1.7 million in federal funds intended to be used for expenses related to COVID-19 recovery. The funds must be appropriated by the end of calendar year 2024 and must be spent by the end of calendar year 2026.

The town currently has $1.1 million in remaining ARPA funds. TA Johns recommended to the Select Board that some unspent ARPA funds be reallocated from lower-priority projects to three high-priority infrastructure needs: replacing DPW fuel storage tanks ($120,000), replacing the Liberty Square Road culvert at Guggins Brook that has flooded the road multiple times already this year ($500,000), and site analysis and conceptual designs for a new fire station ($51,500).

TA Johns explained that even though the funds were originally committed to different projects, these three infrastructure issues require immediate attention and ARPA funds are designed to be used for critical infrastructure needs. 

The Select Board voted to reallocate $35,000 of the $142,500 currently in the “Fire ARPA” category (intended for fire cistern repair and maintenance) for a fire station site analysis to be completed in advance of Annual Town Meeting. 

In other business, the Select Board voted to open the May 2024 Annual Town Meeting warrant and add articles concerning cistern inspections, salary reserves, and a water line extension easement; voted to approve a 3% Cost of Living Allowance for non-union and non-contract employees; voted to accept a $5,986 Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant awarded to the Boxborough Fire Department; and voted to approve a BXB-TV video data retention policy.

The Select Board discussed, but did not vote on, ways for the town to express its appreciation for volunteers and staff. The Board also discussed, but did not vote on, the Select Board’s and Town Administrator’s strategic goals. 

(16-FEB-24) The Boxborough Recreation Commission is excited to announce the second annual RunBXB, a 3.2-mile fun and challenging course for all ages starting and ending at Steele Farm, on Sunday, April 7. Registration will open at 10:30 and the race will begin at 11 a.m. 

Registration will be $25, which will help to pay for timing and bibs from race-timing company Yankee Timing. T-shirts will be available for purchase, and vendors will sell food and drink for runners and their fans. The Recreation Commission is working with the Boxborough Economic Development Committee to bring in a few new local vendors. 

On January 30, the Recreation Commission voted to approve use of the “MyRec” recreation software. Residents will be able to use the MyRec system to register for Recreation Commission programs and events, including Flerra Summer Playground. The software will also allow for enhanced recordkeeping and funds tracking. The town is hoping to implement the MyRec system as soon as possible. 

The Recreation Commission is also in the process of working with Marcus Lewis Tennis Center in Acton to offer pickleball and tennis lessons for adults and children at Liberty Field this spring. Some of the proceeds from the cost of the lessons will go back to the town. Stay tuned for details. 

The Recreation Commission expects that the nets on the Liberty Field tennis and pickleball courts will go up in late March, depending on the weather, and they are working on systems for reserving tennis and pickleball courts. 

(16-FEB-24) At its meeting on Monday, February 12, the Planning Board held a public hearing to revise the zoning bylaw with respect to detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs), commercial dumps, and hazardous waste facilities. 

At the May 2023 Annual Town Meeting, voters approved an article amending the zoning bylaw on detached ADUs, but the bylaw capped the number of allowable permits to 10 per calendar year. The Attorney General struck down the 10 permit limit, so the bylaw must be updated to reflect that change. The Planning Board will bring the zoning bylaw amendments to Annual Town Meeting in May. A two-thirds vote is required for zoning bylaw changes.

The Board then turned to its warrant article for a comprehensive traffic study. After reviewing three proposals from local engineering firms with costs ranging from $55,000 to $95,000, the Board determined that $60,000 was the appropriate amount to seek for this study. The Board’s discussion included the scope of the study as well as which roads and intersections should be included. Voters will decide whether to fund the traffic study at Annual Town Meeting in May.

The last order of business was the enforcement order issued to the new property owners of 984 Massachusetts Avenue. On December 7, 2023, the property owner was issued a cease and desist letter for suspected violation of the Town’s Stormwater Bylaw. The owner had agreed to submit an existing conditions plan (an analysis of the site) no later than February 1, 2024, but failed to meet the deadline for submission. As a result, the town issued an enforcement order to the property owner; the property owner must submit a Storm Water Management Plan by February 19. 

Town Planner Alex Wade reported to the Board that on February 12, he and Sue Carter of Places Associates, the Town’s engineering consultant, attempted to visit the site to observe what they could from the public and common right-of-ways, but they met with resistance from an “aggrieved” neighbor who called the police. Eventually, Wade, but not Carter, was escorted onto the property by the property owner and the Boxborough Police detective to make his observations.

(9-FEB-24) At its meeting on January 30, the Finance Committee (Fin Com) continued to discuss budgets for the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District (ABRSD) and the Police and Dispatch Departments.  

Fin Com Chair Maria Neyland reported that the Acton Leadership Group has proposed a $6.6M override for Acton. No override is planned for Boxborough. 

If the override passes, the ABRSD budget increases by $7.5M for a total budget of $115M. If Boxborough votes to support this budget, Boxborough’s share of the increase would be $2.2M for a total assessment of $16.1M, which would bring the ABRSD budget to 58% of Boxborough’s total budget.  

If the Acton override fails, the ABRSD budget increases by $1.8M for a total budget of $108M. Boxborough’s share of the increase would be $944K for a total assessment of $14.8M or 56% of Boxborough’s total budget.   

Neyland said that ongoing increases in the ABRSD budget are not sustainable and puts Boxborough in a difficult financial position. Currently, Boxborough has a strong financial position with an AAA bond rating, healthy reserves for debt and OPEB (Other Post Employment Benefits), and an excess tax levy of $2.3M.

Neyland explained that over the years, Boxborough has budgeted conservatively by looking for ways to reduce costs. Recently, the town voted to regionalize dispatch which will result in a savings of $2M over five years ($400K in FY2025). 

Several Fin Com members said that they needed to see a plan from ABRSD with some real structural changes to better control operational expenses before they could commit to supporting any proposed increases in the assessment. Adam Klein, ABRSD School Committee Chair, said that the School Committee will be discussing possible structural changes at their Budget Saturday meeting on February 10. 

Fin Com also discussed the Police and Dispatch budgets. Salaries represent 91% of the Police budget including a 2.8% COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment), Steps, and “Quinn” bill education incentives. Under the “Quinn” bill, eligible officers are entitled to a higher rate of pay based on their level of education. The salary line increased by 7.36%.  

Police Chief John Szewczyk also presented the Dispatch budget, which is down 85% from last year due to the regionalization of dispatch.  

Fin Com has put a hold on voting department budgets until they have a better idea as to how the ABRSD budget will affect Boxborough’s financial position with respect to the levy limit. Fin Com may have to ask for cuts to departmental budgets to accommodate additional expenses in the ABRSD budget.  

Fin Com meets every Tuesday at 7 p.m. during the budget season. The meetings are hybrid.  

(9-FEB-24) At its February 1 meeting, the School Committee heard a second presentation by Superintendent Peter Light on the FY2025 budget, which included details on Facilities & Capital, Transportation, EdTech, and Proposed Fees. The proposed fees include a tuition increase for all-day kindergarten, increased athletic fees, increased parking fees at the high school, and instituting a global student activities fee. 

The district is facing a $9.5M funding deficit, driven primarily by personnel, special education, and health insurance costs. The Town of Acton is preparing for a “Proposition 2½” override vote (to increase taxes beyond the state levy limit).

At the School Committee’s last meeting on January 18, Superintendent Light presented two preliminary budgets: the “A” budget, to use if the override passes, and the “B” budget, to use if the override does not pass. The Committee is moving forward with the “A” budget and is urging residents of Acton to pass the override. 

The “A” budget (if override passes) is a $2 million reduction from a level-services budget. Overall, the “A” budget would require $7.5 million in additional funding for schools. Boxborough’s total assessment would be $16 million, a 15.59 percent increase from last year. 

During the public comment period, Boxborough Finance Committee member Gary Kushner expressed concern that the School Committee is not giving adequate consideration to Boxborough’s perspective. He told the School Committee, “we’ve supported the schools historically…but the problem we have is that we have a high population of citizens with fixed incomes. We are concerned the population within Boxborough cannot support a total increase of 15.59 percent.” 

Later in the meeting, School Committee Chair Adam Klein commented, “I think we need to equally be responsive to a town that doesn’t have to go to an override but still gets to vote our budget and we need to consider, what if we get a very strong feedback from the Boxborough community, the Fin Com and the Select Board, that says ‘15.59 percent is untenable for our community.’ I say that as a resident of Boxborough speaking for my constituents, that’s a serious thing. …[N]ot only do we need to consider where our additional savings are to save some of those student-facing things, but what are the additional cuts we may need to make - to actually get an agreement from both communities on a budget - that don’t affect student-facing services…. [W]e have to be responsive to our communities because we need them in the end to vote the budget.”

Klein also announced that School Committee members will hold office hours at Sargent Memorial Library in Boxborough from 2:30-3:30 pm on February 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 22, and 26. 

The School Committee will hold a budget workshop on February 10 and expects to vote on the budget at its March 21 meeting. The Town of Acton’s override vote will take place in April, and the resulting budget will go to Acton and Boxborough Town Meetings for approval. For more information about the budget, visit https://bit.ly/47ICKfR.