2023 News

(22-DEC-23) At its December 18 meeting, the Select Board heard a presentation by Town Administrator Michael Johns on the town’s fiscal year 2025 budget. A quorum of the Finance Committee was also present and called their own meeting to order.

TA Johns recommended that the Board consider a level services budget, in which the services provided by the town are kept the same as the prior year and dollar amounts may fluctuate, as opposed to a level funded budget, which would keep the dollar amount of the budget the same as the prior year and may result in a decrease in services due to inflation.

TA Johns walked through the budget process, goals, and assumptions, answering questions from Select Board and Fin Com members along the way. Much of the discussion focused on the tentative assumption that Boxborough’s FY2025 school assessment will be 6.9% higher than last year’s assessment. TA Johns acknowledged that this assumption is a placeholder until the town gets more information from the school district and the town of Acton.

The TA’s projected budget included revenues of $28.4 million, level services operating expenses of $27 million, capital expenses of $2.4 million (roughly $1 million bonded and $1.4 million non-bonded), and Annual Town Meeting articles totaling $755,000.

The Select Board voted to set the operating budget priority at "level services" and also voted to close the 2024 Annual Town Meeting warrant, which currently has 46 articles. The Select Board and Fin Com will examine the budget more closely at the “Budget Saturday” meeting scheduled for January 6.

The Board also moved to appoint two new officers to the Boxborough Police Department. Diosmar Reynoso was appointed as a full-time officer, and Erica Abro was appointed as a part-time reserve officer. BPD Chief John Szewczyk reported that after these two new hires, the department is “down two full-time officers and up two part-time officers.”

The Select Board discussed but took no action on reconvening the Boxborough Leadership Forum and began a discussion about the Select Board and TA’s FY2025 goals, which will be continued at a future meeting.

(22-DEC-23) On Thurs., Jan. 4, at 5 p.m., Boxborough's Economic Development Committee will host a virtual public meeting (link below) with Tighe & Bond, the town’s contractor for the Town Center Revitalization Project. Tighe & Bond’s Sharon Rooney will describe the scope of work and a project timeline. 

The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session open to a stakeholder group of Boxborough’s board and committee representatives and the general public. The goal of the  project is to have a clear vision for Boxborough Town Center that includes conceptual plans and a set of specific action plans. 

Tighe & Bond will work with the stakeholder group chaired by Town Planner Alec Wade, who describes the project as “a rare opportunity in 2023 for a community to define and create its Town Center; I am privileged and honored by the opportunity to help lead this initiative." The project is funded by a Community Planning Grant secured by the EDC.  

The session will be recorded and available on demand for those who are interested in learning about the project but unable to attend.

Join the virtual meeting and learn more at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81753537008?pwd=MjcveS9yM2JjanpnenJDem5qenNFdz09

Meeting ID: 817 5353 7008  |  Passcode: 816567

(22-DEC-23) On December 6, Boxborough business owners and associates attended the second annual business breakfast sponsored by the Economic Development Committee. Town Planner Alec Wade, Police Chief John Szewczyk, and several members of the town hall staff also participated. 

Guests were treated to a breakfast buffet catered by C’est la Fete!, a Boxborough catering company owned by town resident Pascale Belin-White. The event offered small and medium size businesses in Boxborough the opportunity to network and to engage members of the EDC and town staff. The breakfast “was a success by all measures,” according to Rich Guzzardi, EDC chair. 

In his opening remarks, Guzzardi expressed gratitude to all of the attendees for taking time away from their businesses to join the event. He explained that the purpose of bringing everyone together was to listen to the concerns and ideas of Boxborough businesses and learn what the EDC can do to help foster a more vibrant and sustainable business community in Boxborough. 

Guzzardi outlined EDC priorities, including revitalizing the office parks in town, creating a vibrant, village-like center, and engaging small businesses.  

“How do we work as a town to create an environment to help address business challenges, create openness, and transparency?” Guzzardi asked the group. 

Business owners expressed the need for more networking opportunities to bring businesses and people together. The lack of a “nucleus” or village center and the difficulty in publicizing their businesses were two of the most frequent challenges cited by the owners.

At the end of the breakfast, Wade explained how businesses might take advantage of the EDC’s Boxborough Business Improvement Grant Program. Many of the business owners were unaware of the grant availability and expressed great interest. 

  For more information about the business grant program, visit https://tinyurl.com/business-grant. 

(15-DEC-23) At its virtual meeting on December 5, the Zoning Board of Appeals opened the continued hearing for a special permit and variance for the property at 140 Davidson Road. The applicants seek to build a single family home on the 10-acre property. 

A special permit granted in 1973 restricts the property to one single-family dwelling and does not reference accessory structures. The application seeks to amend the 1973 special permit in order to build a new single-family home on the property and seeks a variance to use the foundation of the existing home to build an accessory building for use as a hobbyist workshop and storage building for household lawn and garden tools. The applicant’s plan shows the accessory building in front of the proposed new home.

The building commissioner denied the building permit for the accessory structure because the bylaw does not permit accessory structures in front yards. The ZBA’s findings were that the applicant did not meet the burden of showing a substantial hardship, which is a requirement for granting a variance, and therefore did not grant the variance. However, in their discussion, ZBA members questioned whether the bylaw regarding front yards is applicable to this property because the proposed accessory building is not visible from the road. The applicant was encouraged to appeal the building commissioner’s denial and cite the ZBA’s discussion of the front yard definition.

The ZBA then turned to the special permit application, which would allow the applicant to build a new home on another part of the property. With the condition that no detached accessory dwelling unit shall be permitted on the property, the ZBA voted unanimously to amend the special permit and allow the construction of a new home.

The ZBA voted to keep their meeting schedule to the first and third Tuesdays, as needed. 

(15-DEC-23) At its meeting on December 5, the Finance Committee (FinCom) heard a presentation from Peter Light, Superintendent of Acton-Boxborough Regional School District (ABRSD) about a level-services budget for fiscal year 2025.  

Light explained that expenses are projected to exceed revenues by $9.5M, or a 10.64% increase over last year’s budget. The primary expense drivers are the Acton Health Insurance Trust (the Trust), special education, and personnel costs.  

The Trust is a self-insured fund, which provides health insurance to ABRSD employees as well as Acton municipal employees. Light reported that the Trust currently has a $2M shortfall due to a few large claims. The ABRSD portion of that shortfall is 74% or $1.5M for the current fiscal year. Additionally, the Trust notified the district of a 22.8% rate increase effective January 2024. In total, costs to the school district for the current fiscal year (FY2024) is projected at $3.2M. The projected increase in the cost of health insurance for FY2025 is $2.8M.  

Boxborough’s share of the ABRSD budget is based on a formula negotiated in the regional school agreement between Acton and Boxborough. Boxborough’s proportionate share of the school budget (the assessment) is based on a three-year rolling average of student enrollment.   Over the last few years, Boxborough’s enrollment has increased while Acton’s enrollment has decreased, which means that the Boxborough assessment will continue to rise over the next few years.  

Maria Neyland, FinCom Chair, expressed concern over the projected school budget indicating that it was “not sustainable.”  Neyland said that while the town needs to support the schools, the town also needs to provide services to all Boxborough residents. FinCom members suggested that a 5.5% increase in Boxborough’s ABRSD assessment would be challenging, but doable. At this time Neyland and Town Administrator Michael Johns do not believe that Boxborough will need an override for the upcoming budget year.

The school budget presented by Light is a preliminary budget. ABRSD will continue to work with all stakeholders to produce their final budget. 

The next FinCom meeting is scheduled for Tuesday December 19 at 7 p.m.

(15-DEC-23) On Thursday, December 7 the Community Preservation Committee conducted a public hearing to consider six applications for Community Preservation Act funds and decide which proposed CPA-funded projects should move forward as warrant articles at Town Meeting. 

The Housing Board proposed two projects to be funded by CPA funds, one for the Boxborough Rental Assistance Program (BRAP) which provides rental assistance to income-eligible households who are renting qualifying housing units in Boxborough and one for a Homeowner Opportunity for Preservation Extension program (HOPE) for homeowners whose deed-restricted homes need “preservation,” defined as protecting the housing structure from “future injury, harm, or destruction.” The CPC recommended the BRAP article but withheld a decision on the HOPE request due to questions surrounding eligibility and administrative plans. 

The Committee voted to approve articles to fund the Conservation Trust Fund ($10K), the Blanchard School Playground ($171K), a community garden fence at Flerra ($6K), and the restoration of headstones and stonework at Boxborough’s cemeteries ($9.5K).

The next meeting of the CPC is January 4, 2024.

(15-DEC-23) On December 11, the town held a public meeting regarding hazard mitigation planning. Consultant Jamie Caplan of Caplan Consulting, LLC solicited feedback from participants regarding natural hazards and mitigation ideas. The information provided by the community over the course of the public hearing will inform the consultant’s work to develop a hazard mitigation plan for Boxborough. 

Hazard mitigation is defined as sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate the long-term risk to life and property from hazard events. Boxborough’s hazard mitigation plan will include hazard information, risk assessment, community capabilities, mitigation strategies, and plan implementation and maintenance.

Hearing participants gave feedback on the types of natural hazards possible in Boxborough (e.g., floods, fires, storms), critical facilities during hazard events (e.g., fire department, town hall, the library), and the impact of hazard events (e.g., damage to personal property, communications challenges, difficulty accessing emergency services). 

The consultant intends to finish drafting Boxborough’s Hazard Mitigation Plan by April 2024. The plan will then go to the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for approvals and back to the town for adoption. Once Boxborough has adopted the plan, the town will become eligible for pre-disaster mitigation funding for risk mitigation projects. 

The consultant was hired by MEMA to help towns across the state develop Hazard Mitigation Plans. She is working with Town Planner Alec Wade and Boxborough’s newly formed Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee. Members of the public who wish to provide additional input are encouraged to contact Town Planner Wade. 

(15-DEC-23) At its December 7 meeting, the School Committee did a “first read” of the School Resource Officer (SRO) Program recommendation and the Student Use of Electronic Communication Devices Policy. 

The SRO subcommittee reported to the School Committee that they reached a consensus to continue the SRO program. The subcommittee was formed last year to examine the 2022 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) required by the state for all districts with an SRO program and make a recommendation on the future of the ABRSD SRO program. After considering public comment, conducting surveys, reviewing research, and meeting with stakeholders and experts, the subcommittee recommended that the SRO program continue and developed additional language to supplement the state MOU. The School Committee is expected to vote on the subcommittee’s recommendation on January 18. 

Deputy Superintendent Andrew Shen then discussed the student communication devices policy. He explained that the policy is designed to be “umbrella language” that allows each school to develop its own policies that are appropriate for the ages of its students. Committee members offered feedback and a revised version will be brought back to the Committee. 

The School Committee also voted unanimously to withdraw funds from the district’s Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Trust to pay Fiscal Year 2024 health insurance costs. Before the vote, Superintendent Peter Light reviewed with the Committee the status of the Acton Health Insurance Trust, which does not have sufficient funds to pay claims. The Health Insurance Trust recently requested a $2 million payment from the district and the Town of Acton and also implemented a 22.8% rate increase. The School Committee also announced its decision from a prior executive session to cover the rate increase for employees through June 30, 2024. 

The Committee also heard a presentation on Social Emotional Learning (SEL) from Heather Stouch, the Coordinator of Social-Emotional Learning and Mental Behavioral Health. Stouch reported that the SEL Competency Advisory Committee chose the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) as the district's SEL framework. She explained to the Committee how the schools are adopting the CASEL framework. 

The meeting agenda, with links to reports and other documents, is available at https://bit.ly/3RhEBSL. 

(15-DEC-23) The Select Board began its December 11 meeting by congratulating the town’s first class of Citizen’s Academy graduates. Citizens’ Academy, a program run by Assistant Town Administrator Rajon Hudson, was designed to expose residents to the various town departments, boards, committees, and commissions to allow a better understanding of how municipal government works. Participants have been attending weekly sessions since September. Each graduate received a certificate, a Boxborough pin, and encouragement to stay engaged with the town. The Board extended its congratulations to the graduates and its thanks to Hudson for organizing the program.

The Board heard from Town Clerk Rebecca Harris about the annual town election, which is scheduled for Tuesday May 21, 2024. The Board declined to opt out of Vote by Mail and authorized the Town Clerk and Police Chief to designate officers and constables to staff the 2024 elections. 

Nomination papers for elected town offices will be available from the Town Clerk’s office January 12, 2024 through March 29, 2024. The last day to file nomination papers in order to be on the ballot for the May 21 Town Election is April 2, 2024. Offices to be on the 2024 town ballot are: Select Board (2 seats), School Committee (1 seat), Planning Board (1 seat), Library Trustees (2 seats), Board of Health (1 seat), Town Moderator (1 seat), and Constable (1 seat). The last day to register to vote in the Town Election and at Town Meeting is May 3, 2024. 

The Board also approved fourteen annual license renewals, including alcohol license renewals, common victualer license renewals, a public entertainment on Sunday renewal, Class II vehicle dealer license renewals, and a Class I vehicle dealer license renewal. 

Town Administrator Michael Johns and Assistant Town Administrator Hudson gave an update on town recruitment efforts. The Fire Department is currently fully staffed, and there is a full time firefighter starting in January. The Police Department is down two officers; the town has extended an offer to a new full time police officer, but another officer recently resigned. The town has one applicant for the assistant town accountant position and expects to post the town accountant position soon.

Conservation Commission Chair Sam Anderson was invited to give a short presentation about vacancies on the Commission. There are two vacant seats to fill; no experience is necessary. The Commission meets twice per month. Any interested residents can reach out to Sam at sanderson@boxborough-ma.gov. 

The next Select Board meeting (and final meeting of 2023) will be Monday, December 18. Town Administrator Johns expects to present a proposed budget at that meeting.

(8-DEC-23) Do you wonder if Boxborough can flood, experience a tornado, or have an earthquake? What can prevent those natural hazards and climate change from wreaking havoc in our community?

Boxborough has formed a Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee to identify risks and projects to mitigate those risks. The Town is working with a consultant hired by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency to develop a Hazard Mitigation Plan that will be approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and adopted by the Town. This plan allows Boxborough to apply for pre- and post-disaster mitigation funds.

To learn about this project and share your ideas for making Boxborough more resilient to natural hazards and climate change, join the Select Board meeting on Monday, December 11 at 7:30 p.m in person or on Zoom. Please visit boxborough-ma.gov for more information.

(8-DEC-23) In a letter to the Boxborough Town Administrator and Select Board dated October 10, 2023, Massachusetts Inspector General Jefferey S. Shapiro recommended “that the town conduct a new audit of all department payroll from July 1, 2018 to the present and seek repayment from any department personnel who the town determines it overpaid.” Earlier in the letter, “department” is defined as the “the Boxborough Police Department.” 

The letter states that the Office of the Inspector General received a complaint in January 2021 “alleging that the town of Boxborough overpaid education incentives to members of the Boxborough Police Department.” The letter states that OIG learned that by October 2021, the town had identified overpayments in fiscal years 2021, 2020, and 2019 and that the town had established repayment plans for fiscal year 2021 overpayments only. The letter also states that “[t]he town’s initial response to the OIG’s inquiries on this matter was concerning.”

At the Select Board meeting on November 27, Town Administrator Michael Johns announced receipt of the Inspector General’s letter and stated that in July, the Select Board met in executive session and voted for the TA to conduct “an audit and collect any overpayments [related to] police education dating several years back” and that he has started that audit as directed. TA Johns said that when the audit is completed, the results will be published, and the town “will be in pursuit of collection of all outstanding payments.”

The Inspector General’s letter is available at https://bit.ly/3NakDIn. 

(8-DEC-23) At its December 4, 2023 meeting, the Planning Board authorized Town Planner Alec Wade to issue a “cease and desist” letter to the owner of 984 Massachusetts Ave / 38 Sara’s Way / 996 Massachusetts Ave with respect to disturbance of land and take additional actions regarding potential enforcement of the town’s stormwater bylaws at that address. The Board considered options for naming a stormwater bylaw enforcement agent and asked Town Planner Alec Wade to explore whether PLACES Associates could serve as an enforcement agent.

The Board discussed bylaw enforcement more generally and asked Town Planner Wade to provide periodic updates to the Board about enforcement actions. The Board expressed some concern about the informal nature of certain enforcement activities and indicated that more information about enforcement would be helpful to the Board.

The Board also took up potential endorsement of the 1414 Massachusetts Ave Definitive Subdivision Plan, which the Board approved with conditions in October 2023. The Board concluded that certain conditions to be completed by the applicant “prior to endorsement” have not yet been completed despite multiple requests to the applicant to provide certain information. The Board reiterated its requests to the applicant and will revisit the issue at the Board’s next meeting.

The Board also discussed potential warrant articles for the Spring 2024 Annual Town Meeting and discussed scheduling a “working session” regarding Planning Board rules and regulations.

(8-DEC-23) At its November 28 meeting, Boxborough’s Water Resource Committee continued to drill down on specific elements of a Request for Proposal to assist with a town-wide water resources plan.  

Chair Les Fox asked the question, can Boxborough continue to do what we’ve been doing and still have a sufficient water supply for residents and businesses? Member John Markiewicz said the RFP needs to address whether we currently have a problem with the quantity and quality of water, but if not, will there be an issue at some point in the future and what do we have to do to fix it?  

At the conclusion of the discussion, the committee agreed to send the RFP to Town Planner Alec Wade and Assistant Town Administrator Rajon Hudson to finalize the language and put the RFP out to bid.  

The committee also discussed exploring whether a potential MetroWest Water Supply Tunnel expansion could be a possible source for water in the future. A number of neighboring towns are also studying this. Applications, environmental studies, and the cost for Boxborough to participate could be in the neighborhood of $2 - $4 million.  

In other matters, Fox announced that Concord Public Works will be holding a water resources public forum scheduled for Tuesday, December 5 at 7 p.m. at the Harvey Wheeler Center in Concord. Additional information may be found on the Concord website.

The committee scheduled its next meeting for Tuesday January 2, 2024.  

(8-DEC-23) At its November 30, 2023 meeting, the Economic Development Committee discussed a new application to the Boxborough Business Grant Program. Town Planner Alec Wade reported that the owner of Oscar’s Burritos submitted an application for a $20,000 grant to fund inventory and operating costs in connection with an expansion of his business to include a café. 

The committee discussed the completeness of the application and the additional information they would like from the applicant. Wade will prepare a report and recommendation and EDC will hold a public hearing on the application on Wednesday, December 6 at 11 a.m.

The Boxborough Business Grant Program is 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.

The EDC also discussed the status of the Town Center Revitalization project. Town Planner Wade explained that the town is currently finalizing a contract with consultants Tighe & Bond and expects to hold a project kick-off and “public listening session” webinar in December. The consultants will work with a “stakeholder” group chaired by Wade, including representatives from 12 town boards and committees.

The Committee also discussed details for the “Boxborough Business Brunch” that the EDC will host for invited local businesses at Town Hall on December 6. In addition, Chairperson Rich Guzzardi informed the Committee that a requisition for an intern to assist the EDC with grant applications, programs, and a business database has been posted. 

(1-DEC-23) At its November 14 meeting, the Boxborough Zoning Board of Appeals conducted a public hearing to review the application submitted by Campanelli, owner of The Park at Beaver Brook (former Cisco campus). Campanelli development manager Jeff Wyman explained that all of the existing buildings are fully leased, and there is one building under construction for which they already have a tenant. The special permit application seeks to replace the existing freestanding signs throughout the property using new materials and colors. In addition, Campanelli is seeking approval for one new wall-mounted sign on the exterior of Building 500, which will house the new restaurant, Craft Food Halls. After discussion, the board voted unanimously to approve the sign special permit amendment.

The board then opened the public hearing to consider applications for a special permit and variance for the property at 140 Davidson Road. The applicants seek to build a single family home on the 10-acre property. A special permit granted in 1973 restricts the property to one single-family dwelling and does not include accessory structures. The application seeks to revise the 1973 special permit by building a single-family home in a different part of the property and using the foundation of the existing home to build an accessory building for use as a hobbyist workshop and storage building for household lawn and garden tools. However, the existing single-family structure sits within the 100-foot wetland buffer zone, so before the ZBA can act on the special permit, the Conservation Commission must decide whether or not it will grant an order of conditions allowing the original structure to remain in the buffer zone. The variance application is a separate matter and asks for relief from the zoning bylaw that specifies that accessory structures are not allowed in the front yard.

The ZBA voted to continue both special permit and variance hearings until December 5 at 7:35 p.m.

(1-DEC-23) At its November 20 meeting, the Boxborough Planning Board heard a presentation from Town Planner Alec Wade on the status of the town’s current Master Plan as well as a timeline for the development of the next Master Plan. The current Master Plan was developed in 2015 and runs through 2029.

Wade proposed annual reporting with respect to the current Master Plan. Annual reports would incorporate progress updates from town departments, boards, and committees. The Planning Board discussed the need for identifying accomplishments, gaps, and priorities among the many goals identified in the current Master Plan. 

Regarding the next Master Plan, Wade proposed starting the plan development process in 2026, with the bulk of the work taking place in 2028-2029.

The Planning Board also discussed the 1414 Massachusetts Ave. Definitive Subdivision Plan, which the Board approved with conditions in October 2023. The Planning Board discussed whether certain conditions to be completed by the applicant “prior to endorsement” have in fact been completed, with some disagreement among members. The Board requested additional information from the applicant and expects to vote on endorsement at its next meeting.

The Board also discussed a letter to the Town Planner from abutters to 984 Massachusetts Avenue regarding whether recent changes to that property would require a permit. Members also discussed bylaws enforcement more generally. The Board decided to consult with legal counsel about the Planning Board’s authority with respect to bylaw enforcement and will revisit this issue at its next meeting. 

(22-NOV-23) At a hybrid meeting on November 8, the Boxborough Sustainability Committee supported a Littleton Electric Light and Water Department grant application, learned how Stow passed a key climate change code, and continued steps to qualify the town for state and federal grants. 

Responding to a request from LELWD Energy and Sustainability Manager Connor Reardon, the BSC voted to sign a letter supporting LELWD’s application for a federal grant to combat climate change. 

Reardon noted that LELWD and 11 other U.S. communities recently received $300,000 Department of Energy grants to “accelerate … electrification and energy efficiency programs.”  

The BSC also received insight from the chair of Stow’s Green Advisory Committee, Arnie Epstein, about how his committee received Stow’s voter approval for the opt-in specialized energy code requiring that new homes be all-electric or wired for electric retrofit. Epstein emphasized that the code has “no impact on additions or renovations – only new construction.”

Epstein encouraged the BSC to move ahead with the code, saying that Boxborough neighbors Acton, Stow, Maynard, Concord, Chelmsford, and Carlisle have already passed the opt-in specialized energy code.

The BSC also discussed how to move forward with the remaining steps Boxborough must take to apply to the state for the Green Community designation, which would allow the town to apply for a first grant of about $130,000 and then other state and federal grants for energy-savings projects.

A recording of the November 8 BSC meeting is posted on the town website. The next BSC meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Thursday, December 14.

(22-NOV-23) In September, Boxborough Town Clerk Rebecca Harris attended the Massachusetts Town Clerks Association fall conference in Springfield, which focused on elections. Michelle Tassinari, the director and legal counsel of the Secretary of State's Elections Division, led almost the entire three-day training. “She's very entertaining, while also extremely knowledgeable, after many years in her role,” said Harris. “I think the hundreds of town clerks that attended came away a little bit overwhelmed and also better prepared to dive into the four elections we'll have to run in 2024.”

Through the fall, Harris has been working on a board/committee handbook and a business continuity plan, especially for elections. She recently posted a summary document online that includes all boards and committees that are active in Boxborough, their current membership, openings, a brief description, and link to their charter/bylaws. The document is available here: https://bit.ly/3MOy3cJ.

Harris also continues to organize files and destroy files that are not needed anymore according to the state's record retention schedule.

Harris received 18 public records requests in September and eight in October, including several requests for police internal affairs documents, emails between board members, emails between police officers, challenges received to books at our library and schools, and voter registration data.

In September, there were seven babies born to Boxborough residents, one death, one marriage license, and 23 new voter registrations. In October, there was one baby, one death, three marriage licenses, and 32 new voter registrations.  

(22-NOV-23) At its meeting on November 16, Chair Christoper Hydak of the Steele Farm Advisory Committee welcomed Andy Bauer as a new member of the committee before starting a review of the projects the committee has underway.

The largest project on the committee’s agenda is phase II of the work to preserve the envelope of the 1784 Levi Wetherbee farmhouse at Steele Farm. Six bids have been received to repair the roof and chimney and are being reviewed at town hall. The hope is that a contract will be let soon. 

Work is in process to create a request for proposals for bids for the restoration of the ice house which will be done using donations from private sources.

Chair Hydak reviewed productive meetings that have been held with the members of the Boxborough DPW and others regarding the 2024 mowing, trail, and maintenance plans. 

After review of the items on the capital plan, the committee voted unanimously to submit a $40,000 article for painting the exterior of the barn for the May 2024 town meeting. The committee also discussed work that is underway to create an updated charter for the committee.

The next meeting of the Committee will take place on Thursday, January 4, 2024 at the Boxborough Museum, 575 Middle Road starting at 7 p.m.

(22-NOV-23) The Boxborough Personnel Board met on Tuesday, November 14 to discuss a number of topics including preliminary discussions about a cost of living adjustment for fiscal year 2025, private detail rates for non-union firefighters and EMTs, a proposed “Open Door” policy, and a process for progressive discipline.  

The board also discussed a proposed draft defining aspirational values and goals for the town as an employer of choice. An employer of choice is a company that attracts candidates by offering strong leadership, competitive pay, engaged workers, meaningful work, and a positive company culture.

Board chair Lee Slade said the proposal is still in a draft form and may undergo additional revisions before being finalized and presented to the Select Board. The process of becoming an employer of choice involves a systematic evaluation of every aspect of “the employee life cycle” including recruiting, compensation, development, performance management, rewards and end of employment, and the “institutionalization of processes and metrics to make it sustainable for the long term.”  

The next meeting of the Personnel Board is scheduled for Tuesday, December 12, 5:30 p.m. at Town Hall.  

(22-NOV-23) At its November 15 meeting, the Economic Development Committee discussed the Town Center Revitalization project that is expected to begin as soon as next month. 

In early 2023, the state awarded Boxborough a $46,950 community planning grant to create a conceptual plan and alternatives to a town center-style development.

The town is now contracting with consultants at Tighe & Bond to create this conceptual economic development plan. Deliverables from the consultant include visuals and an action plan with tangible next steps for the town about how to move forward. The EDC expects to hear a presentation from the consultant on the scope of work, methodology, and timeline at the EDC’s next meeting on November 30. The contract states that the consultant’s work must be completed by May 2024.

Town Planner Alec Wade explained that the consultants will work with a “stakeholder” group chaired by Wade, including representatives from 12 town boards and committees. The stakeholder group will hold its kickoff meeting in December or January. The stakeholder group’s working sessions will be open to the public. 

“The proposal includes a community engagement aspect of the work, which the EDC sees as an essential part of the process,” said EDC Chair Rich Guzzardi. “We will be communicating with the public on when that engagement will occur.”

The EDC also discussed the “Boxborough Business Brunch” that the EDC will host at Town Hall on December 6. The EDC has invited owners of Boxborough businesses to enjoy a catered brunch, network with each other, and communicate with town officials. The committee discussed the structure, budget, and goals of the event.

Town Planner Wade reported to the EDC that there have been no further applicants to the Boxborough Business Grant Program but that he is currently communicating with at least one potential applicant. The EDC discussed how to better publicize the availability of these grant funds and instructed Wade to prepare a mailing to local businesses with information about the grant program.  

(22-NOV-23) Through October and November, the Office of Land Use and Permitting has undertaken long range planning and project management. In particular, the Town Planner has been focused on Green Community Designation, Hazard Mitigation Planning, the Economic Development Committee's Town Center study, and preparation for the Community Preservation Committee Public Hearing on December 7.

Town Planner Alec Wade encourages residents to attend the December 7 CPC Public Hearing to consider seven applications submitted for FY 25 funding. “Of particular note, the Office of Land Use and Permitting has co-authored an application with the Regional School District,” said Wade. “This application seeks to restore the Blanchard playground with safer and more accessible surfacing and equipment. We commend the work done by Principal Dana Labb to date and I am excited to assist him on this deeply important project.”

When asked about recent developments at The Park at Beaver Brook, Town Planner Wade noted that local inspectors have been engaging in near-final inspections of new restaurant Craft Food Halls. “We expect opening of the restaurant to be imminent,” said Wade. “An application for final licensure to operate from the Select Board is soon to come.”

Campanelli, the owner and developer of The Park at Beaver Brook, has submitted its next phase of MEPA review, but has not yet submitted anything to the Town for special permitting. In addition, the Zoning Board of Appeals has approved modified signage for the Park at Beaver Brook, for which conceptual designs can be provided. 

Town Planner Wade also reports that the search for an Associate Town Planner has been unsuccessful. It was announced this month that the Office of Land Use and Permitting will seek FY 25 funding to hire this position at full time wage with benefits. “I realize the fiscal impact of this potential hiring and encourage all residents to reach out early with questions and concerns, my door and email inbox are always open,” said Wade. “The future of this office and the needs of the community demand additional support; and once this position is filled, the Town will be able to take new strides towards an even greater quality of life.” 

(17-NOV-23) The annual Boxborough Tree Lighting ceremony will be held, rain or shine, on Saturday, December 2 at 4:30 p.m. at the corner of Middle and Hill Roads. 

Hosted by the Public Celebrations and Ceremonies Committee, the event will feature live music by the Blanchard BrassWind Ensemble and the Blanchard Chorus, as well as the introduction of a local honoree to flip the switch and light the large evergreen tree. The PCCC will provide hot chocolate and cookies outside the Boxborough Museum just down the hill. 

Once the songs have been sung and the tree has been lit, the big moment will arrive: a visit from Santa Claus, escorted by the Boxborough Fire Department. 

At its meeting on November 7, the Public Celebrations committee walked through the timeline for the evening and all the necessary arrangements. Interestingly, those arrangements do not include hanging lights on the tree. PCCC chair Jennette Kollmann explained that the lights stay up on the tree all year round. Before each year’s tree lighting, the Boxborough Department of Public Works checks the bulbs and makes any necessary repairs or replacements. 

Mark your calendar to gather with friends and neighbors on December 2 to welcome another holiday season!

(17-NOV-23) The Boxborough Police Department reminds residents and visitors that the town’s annual overnight and inclement weather street parking ban is in effect starting November 15 and ending March 31. During that time, on-street parking is prohibited from 1 a.m. until 6 a.m. and at all hours when inclement weather is forecast. Unattended vehicles can obstruct snow removal operations and may be towed. Additionally, no overnight or weekend parking is allowed at any town-owned facilities without permission. 

(17-NOV-23) Boxborough police are warning that its Criminal Detective Division has seen a recent uptick in fraud cases, and they urge residents to exercise extreme caution regarding online monetary transactions.

The police cited an example of online fraud experienced in early November by a local woman when she fell victim to a scam on the Facebook group “Acton Freed Up.”

The woman contacted a person who was using the group to offer some items in which she was interested. While the group promotes itself as “the Acton group where everything is FREE,” the seller informed her she’d have to pay a “deposit.” The seller provided her with a Venmo payment service account to which she’d have to send $250 to secure the items.

The woman reported to police that no sooner had she made the payment when the account was deleted. She could elicit no further communication from the seller and Venmo would not offer financial relief.

Boxborough Police Detective Robert Arakelian found a Facebook account under the same name as the “seller,” who appeared to be located in Kenya. Detective Arakelian advised the victim of his findings and explained to her the difficulty it would pose to track down and bring a violator outside the U.S. to justice. Based on that discussion, Arakelian and the victim mutually decided to discontinue the investigation.

Police Chief John Szewczyk reminds residents to be cautious when interacting with strangers via web sites, and with whom they share information. He notes that there are two parking spots at the Boxborough police station dedicated to online shopping exchanges where people may meet when exchanging payment for items advertised. The spots are monitored by video surveillance. 

(17-NOV-23) At its November 13 meeting, the Select Board voted to open the warrant for the May 2024 Annual Town Meeting and approved the calendar of dates and deadlines leading up to town meeting. The warrant will remain open until close of business on December 18. Annual Town Meeting is scheduled to begin on May 13, 2024. 

Francie Nolde, Chair of the Sustainability Committee, presented to the Select Board an initial preview of the Specialized Energy Code, which the Sustainability Committee would like the town to adopt at the Fall 2024 or Spring 2025 town meeting. The Specialized Code builds on the basic Massachusetts Building Energy Code and the Stretch Code, which Boxborough voted to adopt in 2020. The Specialized Code, intended to further address climate change, applies to new construction only. 

Nolde indicated that her presentation was only the beginning of an ongoing dialogue with the Select Board and the broader community and that the Sustainability Committee intends to get the support of the Select Board before bringing the Specialized Energy Code to town meeting. Nolde also updated the Board on the status of Boxborough’s application to be a “green community,” which is still in progress. 

Maria Neyland, Chair of the Finance Committee, provided the Select Board with the latest updates on the ABRSD budget deficit and, relatedly, the Acton Health Insurance Trust’s solvency issues. Neyland cautioned that the situation “continues to snowball very quickly” and will impact Boxborough. The Select Board asked Neyland to provide regular updates on ABRSD budget developments at Select Board meetings going forward. 

Select Board member Dave McKiernan announced that he is adding a second “office hours” time slot: the second Wednesday of the month from 7-8 p.m, beginning in December. He will continue to hold office hours on the first Wednesday of each month from 10-11 a.m. 

(10-NOV-23) On Tuesday, October 31, U.S. Congresswoman Lori Trahan visited Two Friends Chocolate in Boxborough to meet owner Lavanya Selvaraj and present the Town of Boxborough with a $125,000 check for Boxborough’s small business grant program.

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. 

(10-NOV-23) On November 8, the Town of Boxborough posted an invitation to a virtual “Community Meeting” on Monday, November 13 at 6 p.m. regarding the Park at Beaver Brook (formerly the CISCO campus), hosted by real estate developer Campanelli. 

According to the invitation, “[T]he meeting is being held to provide updates on responses to comments received during the Environmental Notification Form (ENF) process. Those responses will be formally presented in a Single Environmental Impact Report that will be soon filed with the MEPA office.” 

The invitation, including a link to join the meeting, is available at bit.ly/3QxbV7L. 

(10-NOV-23) At its meeting on November 2, the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) voted to accept the final applications for 2024 CPA funding for five projects: (1) Boxborough Rental Assistance Program (repeat project); (2) Conservation Trust Fund (repeat project); (3) Cemetery Restoration (repeat project); (4) Blanchard Playground Safety Improvements (new project); and (5) Fencing Improvement at Flerra Community Gardens (new project).

The Committee had a productive meeting with a representative of the Boxborough Housing Board concerning its new Homeowner Preservation Extension project. After discussion and clarification, the Committee voted to approve this project in principle; the Housing Board will be submitting a final application for CPA funding in the near future.

The Committee discussed an updated projection of available CPA funds and determined that all six projects could be presented for funding at the May 2024 Annual Town Meeting. The CPC will hold its 2023 public hearing at their next meeting on Thursday December 7, 2023, in person at the Grange Room of the Boxborough Town Hall at 7:30 p.m.

(10-NOV-23) Appearing before the School Committee at its November 2 meeting, Acton-Boxborough Regional School District Superintendent Peter Light warned that early budget projections for FY2025 estimate a $7 million shortfall. The deficit is due to both depleted reserves after three consecutive years of budget shortfalls as well as extraordinary increases in fixed costs. 

“At this point, if there is no change to revenue or reserve usage that we have projected, it’s going to have a catastrophic effect on kids,” said Superintendent Light. He explained that early projections based on a “level services” budget model, which assumes that the district offers the same services and programs in FY2025 that it currently provides, indicate that expenses will exceed revenues by about $7 million. 

Superintendent Light walked the School Committee through the district’s revenues (state aid, reserves, and assessments), followed by the district’s expenses, including an “extraordinary” increase in costs associated with the Acton Health Insurance Trust. The superintendent’s “Early FY2025 Budget Projections” memo is available at bit.ly/47flE9x. 

After the superintendent’s presentation, the School Committee did a “first read” of its draft FY2025 Budget Guidelines, available at bit.ly/3MvVUO6. 

The one-page guidelines ask the superintendent to provide two budget models, “one that maintains level services and one which targets the Acton town assessment to 3.0%.” The guidelines state: “Cuts in areas that don’t directly affect students should be evaluated first. The committee recognizes that it is necessary to be open to cuts that do have a direct effect on students and the district strategic goals.” 

School Committee Chair Adam Klein explained that, “this is a really tough year. … We purposefully left the guidelines broad to say ‘do your best to protect our three strategic goals but beyond that, what does it look like to get to a balanced budget?’”

The School Committee also heard a presentation from two students of the ABRHS Resource Force, a student-led group that focuses on fighting climate change, who urged the Committee to make a series of policy commitments intended to decarbonize the school district. 

A recording of the meeting can be found at bit.ly/49ppTkU. 

(10-NOV-23) At its virtual meeting on November 1, the Boxborough Building Committee continued to look at possible locations to build a new fire station or a combined fire and police station. The BBC is charged with upgrading the town’s fire and police facilities to serve the town’s needs through 2050. 

A recent study conducted by Context Architecture confirmed the BBC’s 2015 conclusion that the fire and police stations are undersized for housing of equipment, lacking in working space, and not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Context reported that its study of the existing police station found the building structurally sound and that it could be expanded, thereby allowing the committee to prioritize the fire station.

During the past few months, the committee has focused on two sites: one at 70-72 Stow Road and the other at 700 Mass Ave. The site on Stow Road is owned by the Town and was purchased with the intention of building an affordable housing project. The Housing Board has been exploring their options for either developing the property for affordable housing or selling it to a developer and using the funds to support affordable housing programs in town. They are currently seeking an appraisal to clarify their options. The site at 700 Mass Ave, near the construction road to Enclave at Boxborough, is owned by Jim Fenton and the late John Lyons and could only accommodate a fire station. The BBC has not yet received the estimated cost of the land. 

Discussion regarding the cost and benefits of a combined facility as well as the location of any new facility was lively. Police Chief John Szewczyk and Fire Captain Shawn Gray expressed their preference for a combined public safety building, with Captain Gray suggesting that the town build a fire station on a site that would also accommodate the addition of a police station in the future. All board members agreed, however, that the proximity of the police station to the Blanchard School is beneficial.

Faced with limited choices, the committee agreed to enlist the help of Town Planner Alec Wade to review all properties previously under consideration in 2019, when the BBC explored close to a dozen sites along Mass Ave. Most were considered infeasible at the time either due to topography, wetlands, availability, or cost. However, during the meeting, member Bryan Lynch emphasized that the location of the facility (whether standalone fire station or combined facility) is a critical component of the committee’s charge, and he urged the committee to revisit these sites. Member Hugh Fortmiller echoed the emphasis on location, saying that taxpayers are concerned with both location and cost.   

The BBC also welcomed new member Bob Stemple. Bob is a former Boxborough Select Board member and current member of the Finance Committee. The committee’s next meeting is on November 15 at 5:30 p.m.

(3-NOV-23) At its Zoom meeting on October 24, the Boxborough Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee’s first item of business was to elect Jennifer Campbell and Mary Sullivan as chair and secretary of the committee, respectively.

Article 8 at the Town’s November 6 Special Town Meeting will be a non-binding motion declaring the town in support of a resolution to change the Massachusetts state flag and seal. This article was put on the warrant at initiation of the DEIC. Committee and Select Board member Wes Fowlks presented to the committee a draft of the DEIC presentation to Town Meeting supporting this article. The presentation was reviewed and approved by the committee with thanks to Fowlks for drafting it.

The date of the next meeting of the committee will be set after Town Meeting.  

(3-NOV-23) Boxborough voters are encouraged to attend the 2023 Boxborough Fall Town Meeting starting at 7 p.m. Monday, November 6, at the Blanchard Memorial School gymnasium. 

The FTM gives voters the opportunity to discuss and vote on the town’s payment of prior bills, revisions to the Personnel Plan and town hall staffing, additional capital expenditures, changes to zoning bylaws, and other items that are included as articles in the warrant. 

Voters are encouraged to review the warrant ahead of time to be informed about what will be discussed and decided at the FTM. There are 15 articles included in this fall’s warrant. The warrant can be found on the town website: https://www.boxborough-ma.gov.

Those attending fall town meeting are asked to bring non-perishable items for the food pantry. Especially needed are baking mixes, canned fruit, canned tuna, canned soup, cereal, dried fruit, mac and cheese, pasta, facial tissue, and toilet paper.

(3-NOV-23) At its October 24 meeting, the Water Resources Committee discussed a draft request for proposal seeking a consultant to assist with the creation of a town-wide water resources plan.

The water resources plan is intended to “(a) Ensure that Boxborough is prepared to meet future, long-term water supply and wastewater management needs for everyone in the town; (b) Identify the town’s needs for protecting and enhancing existing water supplies, aquifers, and other surface water and groundwater resources; and (c) Determine the best means for ensuring safe and reliable water supplies, using a planning horizon of 100 years, and considering cost, feasibility, and available alternatives.”

WRC Chair Les Fox reported that he has received only a few responses to his September request to town boards and committees for input on the RFP’s scope of work. The WRC discussed next steps for the RFP, including following up with certain boards and committees that had not yet provided input and working with the town administrator and town planner to move the formal RFP process forward. An article for $30,000 to hire a water resources consultant is on the fall town meeting warrant.

The WRC also discussed the filing of special legislation codifying Boxborough’s intermunicipal agreement with Littleton regarding the Boxborough-Littleton water line extension. Chair Fox gave an update on the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority’s MetroWest Water System Expansion study, which includes Littleton and Acton but not Boxborough. Members discussed the feasibility and challenges of water testing programs for private wells and considered a potential public outreach campaign. 

The WRC’s next meeting will be November 28.

(3-NOV-23) The Boxborough Housing Board met at Town Hall on Wednesday evening, October 25. Among other subjects, there was a discussion about the aging of affordable homes monitored by the BHB. Preservation measures, such as roof replacements, must be undertaken in a number of these units. The BHB is developing the HOPE Program to address this problem. The BHB sought Community-Preservation-Act funding for the program. The preliminary application was declined pending further information because of concerns about the name of the program, its cost, and the lack of specifics. The BHB renamed the HOPE program as the “Homeowner’s Opportunity for Preservation Extension,” for clarity. In addition, the BHB defined more focused objectives, namely, to replace only one or two of the roofs most in jeopardy of deterioration per year. This will sharpen the scope of the program to annual goals and significantly reduce the cost. Representatives of the BHB will attend the next meeting of the Conservation Preservation Committee to advocate for this important program.
  

The BHB continued to discuss whether to develop or monetize the property at 70-72 Stow Road. Discussions with Habitat for Humanity and Acton Housing Authority continue. The BHB hopes to hear about the affordable housing that can be provided at Stow Road by these organizations at a near-term future meeting. The BHB affirmed its desire to obtain a new appraisal for the value of the Stow Road property, and this effort will begin soon.
   

The next meeting of the BHB will be an in-person at town hall at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, November 15; all are welcome.

(27-OCT-23) While Boxborough officials had hoped to name a new town fire chief by the beginning of October, it now appears that may not happen for at least several more months. The position has been open since the retirement of Chief Paul Fillebrown in late June.

Town Administrator Michael Johns said he’s holding off recommending anyone for the job as he wants to attract a larger pool of applicants from which to choose. He also indicated he’d like to see interest in applying for the position from current Boxborough firefighters, something that hasn’t yet happened. Johns said, “We’re thinking that some additional time with an acting chief could possibly help sort that out.” Johns said he’s developing new recruitment plans, which he’ll “share when we get closer.” He now expects that a permanent chief won’t be named until “the new year at the earliest.”

The position was initially advertised in June and three candidates were identified. However, one applicant subsequently withdrew his candidacy. Rather than decide between the other two, Johns recommended to the Select Board that the job search be reopened with the goal of attracting a larger number of applicants.

In the meantime, Captain Shawn Gray will continue to serve as interim chief. Johns has said, “I’m confident that the captains, lieutenants, and the fine men and women that serve as Boxborough‘s EMTs and firefighters are tactically sound, and fully prepared to respond to all fire and medical emergencies.”

(27-OCT-23) At its meeting on October 17, the Steele Farm Advisory Committee’s first item of business was to elect Christopher Hydak as chair to replace Arden Veley who had relocated out of town. The committee then reviewed the busy slate of projects that it has underway.

The largest project on the committee’s agenda is Phase II of the work to preserve the envelope of the 1784 Levi Wetherbee farmhouse at Steele Farm. The committee reviewed the bids that had been received to repair the roof and chimney. Chair Hydak will bring the committee’s recommendations to the assistant town administrator.

It was reported that members of the committee had developed material that the assistant town administrator could use to create a request for proposal for bids for the restoration of the ice house. This restoration would be done using donations from private sources. Members of the committee will work with town hall on the final request for proposal.

The committee also had an in-depth discussion of maintenance issues and projects relating to the Steele Farm grounds. One goal for the future is to create an operating handbook for Steele Farm documenting these ongoing needs.

The next meeting of the committee will take place on Thursday November 16 at the Boxborough Museum, 575 Middle Road, starting at 7 p.m. 

(27-OCT-23) At its October 23 meeting, the Select Board held a public hearing on the FY2024 Tax Classification. The Board heard a pre-recorded presentation and recommendation from Town Assessor Kelly Szocik, and voted to set a single tax rate for all four property classes.

The purpose of the tax classification hearing is to determine the percentage of the Town’s property tax levy to be borne by each property class. The tax levy is the amount of property taxes to be raised in a fiscal year. This amount is determined through the town’s budget process.

Municipalities must decide whether to tax all classes of property at a single tax rate or to reduce the share of the tax levy paid by residential property owners and shift those taxes to commercial, industrial, and personal property taxpayers. The Town Assessor recommended a single tax rate for all property classes.

Based on the anticipated vote to maintain a single tax rate, the Town Assessor calculated and presented a tax rate of 15.23%. The Town Assessor’s presentation is available in the October 23 Select Board packet here: https://bit.ly/497THC6 . 

(27-OCT-23) At the October 19 meeting of the Boxborough Recreation Commission, Boxborough resident Katie Dallimore presented her Eagle Scout Project and asked to post a sign at Flerra Meadows. Dallimore has built and installed five bird boxes around the town of Boxborough to benefit the American Kestrel. The bird houses are at Flerra Meadows, Rolling Meadows, and Half Moon Meadow. She requested and received permission to post an informational sign to further promote education about the species and efforts to conserve its population in the recreational area at Flerra. 

American Kestrels nest only in pre-existing cavities, so these boxes will directly provide much-needed homes. While they are not currently endangered, the American Kestrel has declined by an estimated 53% from 1966 to 2019 and is projected to lose another 50% by 2075. Providing clean, quality boxes will ensure that residents in the Boxborough area will be able to observe the American Kestrel for many years to come. 

The Recreation Commission noted that they are in the process of planning Winterfest for January 27, 2024, with a rain date of January 28. 

In addition, the Recreation Commission will be donating pickleball paddles and balls to the Library of Things at Sargent Memorial Library. The new pickleball courts at Liberty Field can be reserved using the information provided on the Recreation Commission website: https://www.boxborough-ma.gov/359/Recreation-Commission.

(27-OCT-23) The main focus of the Boxborough Historical Commission meeting on October 19 was a review of the various historically related projects that are underway in the town. The first area discussed was ongoing maintenance and future capital work at the Boxborough Museum, and planned restoration work on the 1784 Levi Wetherbee Farmhouse at Steele Farm and the Steele Farm ice house. The commission was pleased that some progress is being made in all areas.

In addition to physical projects, the commission reviewed four efforts that are underway to recognize, by way of signage, two historic houses and two locations in the town. Finally the commission confirmed a planned winter presentation on one of Boxborough’s outstanding 19th century citizens.

The next meeting of the commission will take place on Thursday, December 14 at the Boxborough Museum, 575 Middle Road, starting at 7 p.m.

Town Mapping Storm Drainage

(27-OCT-23) In recent days, Boxborough residents may have noticed a grey pickup truck with flashing lights parked by the side of town roads as individuals wearing green safety vests work alongside with various pieces of handheld equipment.

Boxborough DPW Director Ed Kukkula says that the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection is requiring municipalities to map their underground storm drainage structures and systems. He says that the town has hired civil engineering and environmental consulting firm Comprehensive Environmental to carry out the work. Kukkula indicated that the project’s purpose is to gather information and is not anticipated to be a prelude to any construction work.

Select Board to Hold FY2024 Tax Classification Hearing

(20-OCT-23) On Monday October 23, the Boxborough Select Board will hold a public hearing at 7 p.m. in the Grange Meeting Room at Town Hall on the adoption of a Residential Factor, thereby determining the percentage of the tax burden borne by each class of real and personal property for FY2024.  After a presentation by the Town Assessor, the Select Board will vote on whether to establish different rates for different classes of property or tax all classes of property at the same rate. 

(20-OCT-23) At a hybrid meeting on October 12, the Boxborough Sustainability Committee examined details of the Specialized Building Code (SBC) to help Massachusetts reach its climate change goal of becoming a net-zero carbon-emissions economy by 2050. 

Former committee member and architect Larry Grossman said the purpose of all building codes is “to protect the health, safety, and well-being of inhabitants,” and that the SBC addresses new construction as a “steppingstone for further sustainable development.”

Neighboring towns Acton, Concord, Maynard, and Stow have adopted the code. At a hybrid meeting on October 24 at 7 p.m., the committee will hear from a Stow representative about how Boxborough might effectively present the code for approval at the annual town meeting in May 2024. A summary of the SBC can be found at https://bit.ly/48UzsaZ.

Grossman said the existing Stretch Code addresses sustainability in renovations and retrofitting. The SBC applies in four ways to only new buildings:

• Large new homes over 4,000 sq. ft. must be all-electric or net zero (having a carbon offset for fossil fuels). 

• Multifamily buildings over 12,000 sq. ft. must meet “passive house” standards to reduce energy use. 

• Mixed-fuel buildings – single and two-family homes, schools, offices, and labs – must be prewired to become all electric, lowering the cost of future electrification.

• New buildings using fossil fuels must install a solar system if enough sunlight is available on the property.

The committee discussed concerns, such as the possible need for a generator or fossil fuel backup should power for an all-electric home go out for several winter days; technical improvements in heat pumps may solve such problems.

The committee plans to talk with realtors, builders, and citizens to learn what questions people have and how they see the opportunity and possible concerns.  

According to committee chair Francie Nolde, Littleton Electric Light and Water Department Energy and Sustainability Manager Connor Reardon said he has “agreed to help fulfill criteria for the town’s electric data entry moving forward” to meet green community requirements for an application to the state. Reardon also informed Nolde that LELWD has received a federal “Clean Energy Grant.”

Nolde said the committee will be studying a proposal from Les Fox, chair of the Water Resources Committee, for “developing of a comprehensive plan for management and use of Boxborough’s water resources.”

The committee’s next monthly hybrid meeting will be at 7 p.m., November 9.  

(20-OCT-23) The Boxborough Personnel Board met on October 10 to discuss a number of topics including the performance review system, recruiting, the employee engagement survey, and the status of draft policies.

Assistant Town Administrator Rajon Hudson presented a relatively new performance review system. The review form was borrowed from another community and modified to align with the Personnel Plan. Personnel Board chair Lee Slade opined that the review process needs to be a positive experience where employees are given the opportunity to work with their department heads to establish training and measurable and achievable goals.

Hudson also presented the board with the town’s current recruiting process. He explained that the primary goal is to recruit employees who bring a “positive value to the town.” Slade said that the town needs a “clear strategy on how to compete for talent.” He indicated that part of the process should be selling and marketing prospective candidates on the value of working in Boxborough. He also encouraged the town to develop a consistent plan as to flexible schedules and work hours. 

Hudson updated the board on the employee engagement survey. He plans to run a test sometime in mid-November and, based on that testing, may modify the template to roll out to all employees in mid-January 2024.

In other matters, at the board’s next meeting in November, Slade plans to provide a rough draft of how the town should define what it means to be an “employer of choice,” including prioritizing funding for training.

(20-OCT-23) At its meeting on Wednesday October 11, the Select Board continued preparations for the Fall Town Meeting, which will be held Monday November 6 at 7 p.m. at Blanchard Memorial School. The Board approved a Fall Town Meeting press release drafted by Town Moderator Dennis Reip and decided to continue the tradition of collecting items for the Acton Food Pantry at town meeting. The Board also divided up responsibilities for presenting warrant articles on the floor of town meeting. Instead of the chair speaking for the Select Board on every warrant article, the four Select Board members will take turns doing so. 

Following up on a discussion at the prior Select Board meeting on September 26, Chair Kristin Hilberg presented a set of rules governing public input at Select Board meetings. The public input period at the beginning of each Select Board meeting will be capped at 30 minutes. During public input, each speaker will be allowed to speak for three uninterrupted minutes. Each person will be allowed to speak only once. A timer will be utilized. If more people wish to speak after the 30 minutes allotted for public input is over, public input will be continued to the end of the meeting to allow the board to adhere to its agenda timeline. As the board takes up each of its agenda items, the chair will allow comments from the public at her discretion. 

(12-OCT-23) At its meeting on Thursday, October 5, the Community Preservation Committee reviewed financial worksheets to determine the latest balance in Community Preservation Act funds that will be available for awarding Fiscal Year 2025 appropriations. 

Chair Ron Vogel indicated that the committee had yet to be informed of the amount of state CPA matching funds and also needed some clarity from the town accountant to determine the actual amount of funding available for FY25. Excluding the state match and including the remaining CPA funds from last year and the 1% levy from FY24, the amount of funding reserved for appropriations in FY25 is $292,849. In the coming weeks, the CPC will confirm the state match and true up the financial worksheet to determine the exact amount available to award grants for CPA-qualifying applications.

The committee reviewed six preliminary applications to determine whether or not the project was eligible for funding. Eligible projects must fit into one of four categories: open space, recreation, community housing, or historic resources. There were two applications from the Housing Board, and one each from the Conservation Commission, Blanchard Elementary School, Agricultural Commission, and Cemetery Commission. The Committee determined that all but one was appropriate for CPA funds. One of the applications from the Housing Board was not deemed eligible as written. Chair Vogel will reach out to the applicant to explain how the project could be modified in order to qualify for CPA funds.

The deadline to submit final applications for consideration at Annual Town Meeting (May 2024) is November 2, 2023. The CPC will hear presentations from applicants at a public hearing on Thursday, December 7. The committee will vote its project recommendations on or before January 4, 2024. 

(12-OCT-23) At its meeting on Thursday, October 5, the Acton-Boxborough School Committee heard a presentation from Maryann Young, Coordinator of Multilingual Education. Young gave an overview of the multilingual education program at the elementary, middle, and high school levels and explained that the number of multilingual learners in the district has increased 62% in approximately one year, from 235 students in August 2022 to 388 students at present. She noted that the need for additional staff, translation/interpretation services, and professional learning for educators is increasing. Young’s report can be found at https://bit.ly/3F6EzqT

The committee also heard an update from the budget subcommittee and saw the fiscal year 2025 draft budget development schedule. Discussing the budget schedule, Superintendent Peter Light told the committee, “As we start to get an early picture of this budget, we have a really solid understanding that the revenue sources as they exist now are woefully inadequate to …  to sustain the quality and breadth of education that we’ve been providing for a long time at AB, and I just can’t say … strongly enough that we are certainly going to enter another challenging budget cycle, probably more so than the previous challenges we’ve had … .”

In his superintendent’s update at the beginning of the meeting, Superintendent Light called the committee’s attention to a new website that the high school has created to educate students, families, and the community about their “course leveling” work. The website can be accessed at: https://bit.ly/3F91u5a

(12-OCT-23) On Thursday, October 5, 2023 Boxborough police officer Zachary Stillman graduated from the Lowell Police Academy. 

Stillman began his training at the academy in May, 2023 and was one of 17 recruits to complete the academy. He will now begin an intensive 10-week field training program riding with experienced Boxborough police officers, before he will be allowed to work alone. 

Officer Stillman was the recipient of the Academy’s physical fitness award for his academy class.

Prior to joining the police department, Officer Stillman was a Boxborough dispatcher. He is a recent graduate of Fitchburg State University and is a member of the United States Air Force Reserves.  Police Chief John Szewczyk said that the Boxborough Police Department is extremely proud of Officer Stillman.

(12-OCT-23) Boxborough Police Chief John Szewczyk has proposed the establishment of a K-9 unit. The unit would serve the dual purpose of improving community outreach with residents and supporting search and rescue operations. Currently, the town relies on mutual aid from other towns for search and rescue. On average, response time for mutual aid is 20-30 minutes.  

Szewczyk indicates that the dog would be cross trained as both a comfort dog and tracking (scent, smell) dog. Szewczyk emphasized it is not a “bite” dog.  

The dog would be assigned to one officer, living at the officer’s home and working during the officer’s shift. Officers normally work eight-hour shifts – four days on and two days off. Initial costs would include $6,000 for outfitting a police vehicle and approximately $13,000 for training. An annual budget for the K-9 unit would be approximately $28,000 per year including the cost of grooming, feeding, and caring for the dog as well as compensation for the dedicated police officer. Some of those expenses could be offset by compensatory time for payroll expenses, free veterinary services, and donations/fundraising for operating expenses. Those strategies would reduce annual costs for the program.  

Szewczyk said, "A K-9 program would be a tremendous addition for the residents of Boxborough in terms of community outreach and operationally for tracking purposes. Serving this dual-purpose role, we ask for the community's support as the Boxborough Police Department is continually examining ways to best serve the residents of Boxborough."

If the fall town meeting approves the warrant article, Szewczyk plans to implement the K-9 unit starting in April 2024.  

(5-OCT-23) At its meeting on Tuesday, September 26, the Boxborough Select Board opened the Fall Town Meeting Warrant and voted to recommend all warrant articles, with the exception of the warrant’s two Planning Board articles, which the Select Board declined to consider because it does not comment on articles proposed by other elected boards.

An article to fund the recruitment, hiring, and retention of a full-time onsite finance director/town accountant generated the most discussion among the Board members and resulted in the Board’s only recommendation that was not unanimous.

A prior version of this article had called for funding only an assistant town accountant position. Town Administrator Michael Johns explained that “after further research and consideration,” he is suggesting that the town prioritize hiring a full-time finance director/town accountant, and then bring on an assistant town accountant in the future.

The Board voted 3-1 to recommend the article as written, funding only the finance director/town accountant position, after a motion adding language to also fund an assistant town accountant position failed. The Board then voted unanimously to add a new warrant article that would fund the hiring of both a full-time finance director/town accountant and an assistant town accountant. 

The Board indicated that the new warrant article funding both positions will be presented to Town Meeting first; if it does not pass, the article funding only the finance director/town accountant will be presented. Fall Town Meeting will be held Monday, November 6 at 7 p.m. at Blanchard Memorial School. 

At the beginning of the meeting, before taking up the warrant, Chair Hilberg announced a change with respect to public comment at Select Board meetings, stating that “‘Public Input’ will be the only time during the meeting for public input. Every comment will be limited to two minutes, and you will not be interrupted…. If you feel you need more than two minutes, we encourage you to send an email to the Select Board.” Board members then raised and discussed several alternative approaches. 

In response to a request for comment after the meeting, TA Johns responded on behalf of the Select Board with the following: “This past week, some Board members expressed that they would like to see more time per person for public input at the beginning of the meeting, possibly three minutes instead of two. While it is up to the discretion of the chair, who announced two minutes at the beginning of last meeting, Chair Hilberg does want to include input of the Board, ensure adequate public input time at the beginning of the meeting, as well as adequate dedicated time for the Board to be able to sufficiently discuss and vote on all of the business items at each regular meeting. Kristin will be bringing some options to the table for the next meeting.” The Select Board’s next meeting is scheduled for October 11.

(5-OCT-23) At its meeting on Monday, October 2, the Planning Board re-opened and then closed the public hearing regarding a Definitive Subdivision Plan application submitted by the owner of 1414 Mass Ave. The Board began its deliberation but did not make a decision on the application. The Board will continue deliberation at its next meeting on Wednesday, October 4.

During the 2.5-hour hearing, the applicant’s attorney described new information submitted to the Board by the applicant since the September 18 hearing, including evidence of a MassDOT permit application, a wildlife study, tree and sidewalk information, and information concerning the measurements of a dead-end road. 

Board members discussed the new materials and asked the applicant a number of follow-up questions. The Board also reviewed a document submitted by the applicant with four suggested conditions for approval of the application. 

The Board closed the public hearing around 9:50 p.m. and began deliberations. A straw poll indicated that most Board members were leaning towards an approval with conditions. Board members discussed potential conditions for approval, including those provided by the applicant. The Board voted to end the meeting just after 11 p.m. and will continue deliberations in two days, on Wednesday, October 4. 

(5-OCT-23) At its September 26 meeting, the Finance Committee deliberated and voted all warrant articles, not previously voted, for the Fall Town Meeting.

FinCom voted unanimously to recommend a regional dispatch, which would stabilize staffing and save the town a considerable amount of money. Police Chief John Szewczyk estimates savings in the dispatch operating budget of $3.8M over 12 years. Additionally, the state pays all capital expenses. 

FinCom also voted unanimously to recommend a full-time finance director/town accountant to ensure the provision of timely and accurate financial information. According to the draft warrant article, the position would be a benefitted contract position with an annual salary of $135,000 to $150,000. The cost for the second half of Fiscal Year 2024 is $105,000 less $50,000 remaining in the budget or an additional $55,000. 

Article 11 for a K-9 Unit was passed by a vote of 5-1. One FinCom member thought the article should be deferred to Annual Town Meeting. 

FinCom also voted unanimously to recommend the following articles: amend the classification and compensation schedule under the personnel plan; the addition of a local transit operator funded through MART; repayment of interest on a bond anticipation note for the land purchase on Sargent Road; and the transfer of $2,500 from the DPW to the police department to fund supplies.

All warrant articles would be funded through “free cash” and would not require any additional taxes. The Department of Revenue recently certified Boxborough’s “free cash” at $2,227,615. If all articles pass at town meeting, the total amount of free cash used would be approximately $189,000. 

FinCom previously voted to recommend the following articles: the payment of prior fiscal years bills; a zoning bylaw amendment; replacement of fire department tender 65; reimbursement of interest charged to employee upon retirement; hiring a consultant to initiate development of a town-wide water resource plan; and a non-binding resolution to support changing the state flag and seal.

FinCom previously voted against a comprehensive traffic study for Fall Town Meeting and recommended this article go to Annual Town Meeting.

(5-OCT-23) At its meeting on Thursday, September 28, the Boxborough Economic Development Committee held a public hearing to consider the first application to the Boxborough Business Improvements Grant Program and voted unanimously to award a $20,000 grant to Two Friends Chocolate, a small business located in Boxborough. 

At the public hearing, Two Friends Chocolate owner Lavanya Selvaraj gave a presentation in support of her application. She explained that she is seeking $20,000 in grant funding, matched by $23,000 of her own funding, to be used for inventory, advertising, and software costs to expand her business and establish a “hot chocolate stand, smores station, and outdoor dining area” at her retail location at 629 Massachusetts Avenue.

The Town Planner confirmed that the scope of Selvaraj’s proposal fits within the allowable uses for her retail space. In response to EDC member feedback, Selvaraj agreed to look into the possibility of using compostable drinkware and also indicated that she intends to increase her retail store hours. Two Friends Chocolate is currently open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

The Committee voted unanimously to accept the application and direct the Town Planner to move forward with issuing the $20,000 award to Two Friends Chocolate. The Committee thanked Selvaraj for her initiative and encouraged her to let the EDC know how it can support small local businesses like hers. 

“The availability of ARPA funds enabled the EDC to create this unique program providing post-pandemic support targeting small businesses in town that serve the community with goods and services,” said EDC Chair Rich Guzzardi.

After closing the public hearing, the EDC discussed other business, including planning for a “Boxborough Business Breakfast” in early December. The Committee also noted that the Town Center Grant Project is moving forward; a “request for qualifications” was issued and the town received one proposal. The EDC’s next meeting will be October 12. 

(28-SEP-23) [Editor’s Note: The following is a press release from the Town of Boxborough]

The Boxborough Assessor’s Office is nearing completion of its fiscal year 2024 property revaluation. The Massachusetts Department of Revenue has preliminarily approved the new assessments. Following the completion of the disclosure period, the town will seek final certification of assessments from the Department of Revenue. 

Every five years a certification review is conducted by the Bureau of Local Assessment staff to ensure the proposed assessments were derived utilizing a methodology based on generally accepted mass appraisal practices, are supported with current market evidence, and are uniformly and equitably applied to all properties. The data quality, cost and depreciation tables, and land pricing schedules are reviewed for all real property. Income producing properties are reviewed for income and expense analysis, development of economic rent schedules, and capitalization rates. Personal Property accounts are also reviewed for appropriate listing of business assets, along with cost and depreciation schedules. 

The fiscal year 2024 assessments should reflect 100 percent of fair market value as of January 1, 2023. These assessments are based on market activity (sale prices) that occurred during calendar 2022 for single family homes and residential condominiums. Calendar year 2021 and 2022 sales were used for commercial and industrial properties. 

This required revaluation resulted in an average increase in assessment of 11 percent for single family properties, 22 percent for residential condominiums, 15 percent for commercial properties, and 16 percent for industrial properties. 

As a result of the recertification process, the Assessor’s Office is required to hold a five-day period of public disclosure of proposed assessments. This period will run from Tuesday, September 26, 2023, through Thursday, October 4, 2023. Property owners can view their new assessment online at https://www.boxborough-ma.gov/195/Town-Assessor. The information is also available by visiting the Assessor’s Office during regular business hours, calling the office at (978) 264-1721 or (978) 264-1720, or to inquire by email at assessor@boxborough-ma.gov. 

PLEASE NOTE: This period of public disclosure does not replace the lawful abatement application process that is in place once tax bills are mailed at the end of December. Based on input, assessments may or may not change during this disclosure period. Taxpayers who choose to challenge their assessment may do so by filing an abatement application with the Assessor’s Office during the month of January with a deadline of 4 p.m., Thursday, February 1, 2024. 

(28-SEP-23) At their virtual meeting Sept. 20, the Boxborough Building Committee agreed that the town needs a new fire station, and they discussed whether the present police station should be renovated or be replaced as part of a combined safety facility. The BBC will consider building sites at 700 Mass. Ave. and 70-72 Stow Road. A possible site at 1300 Mass. Ave. is no longer under consideration, as it was sold at auction on August 16. The committee will next meet at 5:30 p.m., November 1.

BBC member Larry Grossman will ask the owners of 700 Mass. Ave., John Lyons and Jim Fenton, for the cost of the land, foundation ready, and including tech borings; the BBC asked for a response by the end of October. It was agreed that 700 Mass. Ave., near the construction road to Enclave at Boxborough, could accommodate only a fire station.

BBC member and Housing Board Chair Al Murphy agreed to develop a current appraisal of the Stow Road property by the end of October. The BBC’s Murphy, Kristin Hilberg, and Priya Sundaram will serve as a negotiating sub-committee.

A fire and police safety facility could be built at 70-72 Stow Road, but the Housing Board, which controls the land, is deciding whether to sell it to a company like Habitat for Humanity for affordable housing. They could also sell it to the highest bidder or convey it to the Select Board and use the funds for affordable housing. Conveyance to the town would require town meeting approval and restoration of funds to the Boxborough Affordable Housing Trust. Murphy said the HB has not set a deadline for the decision.

A study of the present police station showed that it could be renovated, and additions could be made only if the fire station were removed. The BBC noted that the option of a new combined facility would likely cost less than separate facilities.

Member Les Fox reported that Town Planner Alec Wade gave the BBC more time to respond to a survey about Campanelli’s development of The Park at Beaver Brook. The BBC approved Fox’s draft of a response which included consideration of a possible public safety site.

Attending the meeting were supporting staff: Police Chief John Szewczyk, Interim Fire Chief Shawn Gray, and fire Captain Jason Malinowski. EMT/firefighter Steve Wright also attended.

(28-SEP-23) Select Board member Dave McKiernan has announced that he will hold monthly office hours at Town Hall. His office hours will be held the first Wednesday of each month from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Morse-Hilberg room at Town Hall, starting Wednesday, October 4. During his office hours, the public is welcome to speak with McKiernan in person or by phone at (978) 264-1714. 

McKiernan decided to hold office hours “to follow through on a commitment made during the League of Women Voters candidate forum. Office hours may be increased based on resident interest.” McKiernan was elected to the Select Board in May 2023.

(28-SEP-23) During a four-hour meeting on September 18, the Finance Committee discussed and deliberated potential warrant articles for Boxborough’s November 6 fall town meeting.

The warrant article for the assistant accountant position generated the most discussion. All FinCom members said that hiring an assistant accountant won’t fix the problems to ensure timely, accurate, and accessible financial information. They would rather see a warrant article for a full-time accountant. Town Administrator Michael Johns projected an annual salary of $135K to $150K for the position.

Following the FinCom meeting, Johns indicated that he plans to recommend to the Select Board that the warrant article be changed to hire and recruit a full-time finance director/town accountant starting in January 2024. The additional cost to the town would be $55K for the second half of the FY2024.

The committee heard a presentation from the Town Administrator about Nashoba Valley Regional Dispatch and voted to recommend the article at Town Meeting.

FinCom also voted to recommend the purchase of a tender/tanker for the fire department at a cost of $532K. The purchase will not affect the tax rate until it is bonded two years from now. 

The committee also heard a presentation from Town Planner Alec Wade with respect to a town-wide traffic study at an initial cost of $20K for data collection and a projected cost of $80K for the entire study. FinCom voted against the article but said it would reconsider funding the article at the Annual Town Meeting (ATM).

FinCom voted to recommend the warrant article to pay bills from prior fiscal years at a cost of approximately $66K. Some of those bills included transportation and tuition for vocational education. Committee chair Maria Neyland said that we need to support this article, pay our bills, and fix the problem to ensure this doesn’t happen again.

FinCom took up the matter of what was available to spend under “free cash.” Prior to ATM, the town had $2.7M in free cash and voted $1.5M to fund warrant articles for FY2024, leaving a balance of $1.2M, plus approximately $651K in increased revenues and budgets that were not entirely expended.

Other discussions included a warrant article to refinance a Bond Anticipation Note voted at the ATM. Following the meeting and further research, Johns believes that reappropriation is not required as it was done at ATM, and he plans to pull the article off the warrant.

(28-SEP-23) The Boxborough Personnel Board met twice during the week of September 18 to discuss rating/re-rating three positions and reclassifying the police lieutenant position from exempt to non-exempt.

Using the rating system developed by GovHR, a compensation consultant hired by the town in 2020, the board rated two new positions. The rating system includes factors such as education, training, experience, independent judgment and decision making, policy making, planning, supervision, and working conditions. The board rated and classified a new position, local transit operator, which has been funded through a grant from the Montachusett Regional Transit Authority. The position was classified as a non-exempt position, entitled to overtime, under the Fair Labor Standards Act. They also rated and classified a new position for assistant accountant, proposed by the town administrator for future use. The assistant accountant position was classified as exempt (not entitled to overtime) under the FLSA professional exemption. 

At the request of Police Chief John Szewczyk, the board considered and voted to reclassify the police lieutenant position from exempt to non-exempt – eligible for overtime under the FLSA. Szewczyk indicated that the position does more police-type work and less administrative and management work than previously expected. The Personnel Board also re-rated the position to determine if the change in the type of work performed by the position had any effect on the salary grade. The board found no change in the salary grade.

The board also finalized the warrant article to add the new positions and re-classify the police lieutenant position on the classification and compensation schedule for fall town meeting.

(28-SEP-23) During the month of September, Town Planner Alec Wade processed the first Economic Development Committee Business Grant application, began several long-term planning initiatives, and continued to support the work of the Planning Board. Following are status updates on several significant development projects:

• The Park at Beaver Brook: The final board and committee surveys, a process launched to gather input on desired use of the park, are being collected. Analysis will be conducted between now and October 15, and results will be released once an application is received.

• 242-244 Adams Place: At its September 18 meeting, the board closed its public hearing on this application. Having deliberated on September 21, a draft decision will be prepared for the board's meeting on October 2.

• 1414 Mass Ave: The ongoing subdivision application is expected to conclude in the first week of October. The board expects to close its hearing on October 2.

In October, the town planner expects to work more with the EDC on implementing its grant program and launching its Downtown Boxborough conceptual study. 

The town planner also plans to work on the development of Boxborough's very own bus service. Town Planner Alec Wade said, “Having been approached by the Montachusett Regional Transit Authority, a dedicated Boxborough bus route is expected to launch between October and November, with a conceptual route currently being designed.” Between October and November, the town planner will host an education session for the public on the MBTA multi-family zoning communities requirements.

The town planner’s office is moving from its current location in town hall to the opposite wing of the building. “The new space will allow residents, land owners, and businesses to meet with me on more sensitive matters, and I'm working to create a welcome setting,” Wade said. “The goal is to create a space accessible to all. Parents, in particular, can be a challenging group to reach. Asking a parent to meet at town hall or attend a public meeting can be tough, if not impossible, when child care can't be arranged. By offering activities and toys, I hope to create a welcoming environment and to better reach this important, and younger, demographic. Kids’ opinions count too, and by welcoming children into town hall, I hope to better plan for a community that the youth of today will want to return to later in life.”

Cemetery Commission Continues “Green Burial” Discussion

(21-SEP-23) The Boxborough Cemetery Commission met on September 14 to discuss green burials, vegetation improvement, and the digitization of cemetery documents.

The Commission continued its discussions around constraints associated with green burials at the South Cemetery. According to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, a “green” burial is “a method of final disposition of a body with fewer environmental impacts than traditional burial. Generally, a green burial means that the body is not embalmed, no metal or hard wood are used to make the casket, no grave liner or vault are used, and a low profile grave marker is used or no marker at all.” 

While there are no laws in Massachusetts against green burials, there are a number of restrictions recommended by the Massachusetts DEP, including setbacks from private wells. South Cemetery is also constrained by wetlands. The Commission discussed that the town may have to hire a professional engineering group to conduct geological studies. The Commission plans to reach out to the Board of Health to determine next steps.    

In other matters, the Commission discussed the replacement of two trees that need to be taken down, the repair of the shed, and the work of the co-superintendent to convert written documents to an electronic digital system to track information as to who is buried where, the date of burial, and whether the burial was traditional or by cremation.  

The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 12, 2023 at Town Hall.

(21-SEP-23) [Editor’s Note: The following is written by Town Administrator Michael Johns. 

In the heart of this vibrant town, we stand at a crossroads—a crossroads that will shape the future of the community’s safety and well-being. The decision to move from our local public safety dispatch system to join forces with five neighboring towns in a regional dispatch communication center is one of paramount importance. As residents, this is your opportunity to contribute to a safer, more efficient, and resilient future. When you cast your vote at town meeting, remember that you’re voting for the safety and security of the town and its residents.

The Power of Regional Collaboration: Collaboration is the cornerstone of progress. By joining a regional dispatch communication center, we tap into a vast network of resources, expertise, support and technology. This collaboration ensures that when emergencies strike, our town benefits from the collective knowledge and support of a structure built on solid human capital, with a deep bench, strong financials, and a track record of impressive achievements and success.

Enhanced Efficiency and Resources: One of the primary advantages of regionalization is the ability to pool resources. In a regional dispatch center, our town will have access to state-of-the-art technology, highly trained personnel, and a redundant system that ensures communication remains uninterrupted even during the most challenging situations.

Cost-Efficiency: Regionalization brings cost savings. Instead of bearing the full financial burden of maintaining a local dispatch center, we share the operating and capital costs with the other five member communities. This means that tax dollars can be allocated more effectively to other critical areas of infrastructure and public service.

Improved Response Times: Every second counts in an emergency. Since May 1 until present, we have received critical support from State 911 and Nashoba Valley Regional Dispatch District (NVRDD), because we had insufficient 911 certified local dispatchers. During this period NVRDD has triaged our 911 calls, then transferred the calls to our local center, to then be dispatched to Police, Fire and EMS.  Although it is likely the delays during this time have gone unnoticed by residents, by joining a regional dispatch center, we can significantly reduce response times, with 911 calls going direct from dispatch to emergency responders. Trained professionals will always be at the ready to answer calls, assess situations, and dispatch the appropriate resources promptly.

Ensuring Resilience: In today’s world, unforeseen challenges, such as natural disasters or large-scale emergencies, are ever-present. A regional dispatch center offers a layer of resilience that a standalone system cannot match. By sharing resources and knowledge, we ensure that our town can weather any storm, no matter how daunting.

Community Safety as Our Priority: Our town’s commitment to safety is unwavering. By voting to support this transition, we send a powerful message to our community—that we prioritize their well-being above all else. We invest in a system that will stand the test of time and adapt to the evolving needs of our Town.

The Call to Action: As residents, it is your collective responsibility to make informed decisions that shape the future of the town. When you cast your vote, remember that you are voting for the safety and security of families, friends, and neighbors. By supporting the move to a regional dispatch communication center, you ensure that Boxborough remains a safe haven in times of crisis.

As your town administrator, I encourage you to embrace the benefits of collaboration, efficiency, and resilience that regionalization offers. Together, we can build a safer, more secure tomorrow for Boxborough. On November 6th, please come to Town Meeting to support a safer and brighter future that regional dispatch will ensure you.  Please feel free to call, email or visit me to discuss any questions you may have.

(21-SEP-23) The Boxborough Personnel Board met on Tuesday, September 12 to discuss two new positions and a request to review and reclassify the Police Lieutenant position under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). 

Town Administrator Michael Johns proposed the addition to staff of a regional transportation driver. The position is a full-time benefited position funded by a grant through Montachusett Regional Transit Authority. Personnel Board Chair Lee Slade asked Assistant Town Administrator Rajon Hudson to develop a job description and complete a salary survey.

TA Johns also proposed a second addition to staff for the accounting department. Currently, the town contracts with a part-time town accountant based in Florida. Johns said that while the current structure of the accounting department is not ideal, he believes his proposed solution of an assistant town accountant would benefit the town in addressing the needs of department heads and the Finance Committee. Slade asked Hudson for a final job description for the new position.

Once those job descriptions are received, the Personnel Board will evaluate both positions, rate them, and make a recommendation at fall town meeting to add those positions to the classification and compensation schedule. 

Police Chief John Szewczyk asked the Personnel Board to review and reclassify the police lieutenant position as non-exempt. Under FLSA, a non-exempt position is entitled to overtime pay. Chief Szewczyk believes a non-exempt classification is warranted given the responsibilities of the position; specifically, internal staff investigations and the occasional work as a patrol officer. Slade asked for a new job description that captures the weighted time associated with administrative work versus police work.

Personnel Board member Allan MacLean completed a review of all personnel policies and will recommend adoption of certain new policies, including regarding domestic violence leave, progressive performance process, and open-door policies.

The Personnel Board continues to rate new positions and confirm ratings of all other positions using the rating system developed by GovHR, a consulting firm hired by the town in 2020. Any changes to position salary grades will be incorporated into the Classification and Compensation schedule for a vote at annual town meeting in May 2024. 

(21-SEP-23) On Monday, September 18, the newly formed Boxborough Capital Committee held its first meeting. According to its charter, the Capital Committee “exists to establish, track and recommend the Town’s long-term capital needs for items over $10,000 and a useful life of more than 5 years.” 

The Capital Committee comprises the town administrator, two members of the Select Board (or its designees), and two members of the Finance Committee (or its designees). The Committee voted unanimously to name Priya Sundaram (Select Board) as Vice Chair and Gary Kushner (Finance Committee) as clerk. Per the charter, town administrator Michael Johns serves as the chair. The other two committee members are Antony Newton (Finance Committee) and David McKiernan (Select Board). 

The Capital Committee will maintain the Town’s capital plan, a 20-year rolling schedule of capital expenses designed to help the town plan for and manage significant expected expenses. The Committee discussed the definition of “capital” and the types of expenses that are intended to be captured in the capital plan, for example, vehicles, furnaces, and certain software purchases. 

The Committee intends to collect information about capital needs from relevant parties, including department heads and committee chairs, by early December. The Committee will review and update the Town’s capital plan accordingly, and make recommendations to the Select Board and Finance Committee at the annual “Capital Saturday” meeting. 

The Capital Committee’s next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 17, 2024. Capital Saturday is scheduled for February 3, 2024. 

(15-SEP-23) Statement From Town of Boxborough Police Department, For Immediate Release 

On Saturday, September 9, 2023 the Boxborough Police Department received a call about a possible animal abuse incident that occurred at the Swanson Road Apartment Complex in Boxborough. Police Officers alongside the Boxborough Regional Animal Control Officer and Law Enforcement Officers from the MSPCA launched a criminal investigation into the facts and circumstances surrounding the alleged incident. It was soon determined that a 10-week- old puppy had been assaulted with a broom. 

After a 3-day investigation, officers and investigators gathered enough information to apply for a felony arrest warrant for Mr. Brian Morin, 24, of Boxborough. The arrest warrant included evidence of Morin using a kitchen broom to strike his 10-week-old Chihuahua “Turbo” in the skull. After the assault the dog was transported to a 24-Hour Emergency Veterinarian Clinic for treatment. Emergency veterinarian staff reported the dog had significant head trauma, including a fractured skull and torn eye socket. “Turbo” is now in the custody of Broken Tails Rescue and is being treated from his injuries. 

Officers from the Boxborough Police Department took Morin into custody without incident on September 14, 2023. He was transported to Ayer District Court where he is facing one felony count of Cruelty to Animals.

“The Boxborough Police Department takes reports of animal cruelty very seriously. The investigators did a terrific job ensuring a complete and thorough investigation was conducted. We are extremely happy “Turbo” is on the road to recovery,” stated Boxborough Chief of Police John Szewczyk.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty.

Planning Board Considers Traffic Study and Development at the Park at Beaver Brook

   (15-SEPT-23) In a four-hour public Zoom meeting September 6, Boxborough’s Planning Board decided to examine the scope and cost of a traffic study for the western part of town. The board also worked on the draft of its concerns about Campanelli construction plans at the Park at Beaver Brook.

  Town Planner Alec Wade told Boxborough News about details of the meeting. Because the board is concerned about the impact of traffic from three large, proposed developments near the junction of Routes 111 and 495, the board will decide at its September 18 meeting whether to present a traffic study article for voter consideration at the special town meeting which begins November 6. The board expressed strong interest in considering a town-wide study and directed Wade to investigate both options.

  The board spent much of its meeting working on details of the draft of comments on the Campanelli proposal to construct five buildings on what was once Cisco property. The draft became a letter the board will send to Campanelli and the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act Office. The letter encourages MEPA to initiate a full review of Campanelli’s development plan. Wade said the letter will be posted on the town website within the next two weeks.

  The planning board will next meet on September 18 and October 2. The board has planned 18 public meetings during the 2024 fiscal year; regular meetings are usually held at 7 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of each month.  

Boxborough’s Affordable Housing Ratio Remains above 10% 

   (15-SEPT-23) The Boxborough Housing Board met at Town Hall on Wednesday evening, September 6. After some delay, the data from the 2020 US Census has been incorporated into the Subsidized Housing Inventory maintained by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (formerly the Department of Housing and Community Development). The ratio of affordable housing units to all housing units is now 11.35 percent, down from that using the 2010 Census data, 12.9 percent. As the ratio remains above 10 percent, the town continues to have more latitude in negotiating with Chapter 40B developers. The decrease reflects the 281 additional housing units counted in the 2020 census. If housing units are added at the same rate in the future with no increase in affordable units, the affordability ratio will drop to 10.1 percent with the 2030 Census, which is clearly concerning. The BHB will develop a housing production plan to address this issue.

  The BHB continued to discuss the town-owned property at Stow Road - whether to build affordable housing on the land or to monetize the property and use the proceeds for affordable housing. The board decided to invite representatives of Habitat for Humanity and the Acton Housing Authority to describe the affordable housing that their organizations could provide. Assistant Town Administrator Rajon Hudson has clarified the procurement process for securing an appraisal for the Stow Road property. A scope of services should be prepared to define the land-use assumptions in the appraisal. The board voted to secure an appraisal that seeks the highest value for the land under the present agricultural/residential zoning.

  The BHB will seek Community Preservation Act  funding for the Boxborough Rental Assistance Program and the Homeowner Opportunity for Preservation & Equity Program. Increased funding for BRAP will be requested because of increased demand. The HOPE Program is under development to help owners of affordable units preserve the quality of their units, consistent with the constraints of CPA funding.

  The next meeting of the BHB will be at town hall at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 25; all are welcome.

(28-AUG-23) At its meeting on August 28, the Select Board granted Craft Food Hall’s application for an All Alcoholic Beverages License. Craft Food Halls is expected to open in December at 500 Beaver Brook Road in The Park at Beaver Brook (the old Cisco campus). According to the applicant’s statements at the Select Board’s public hearing, Craft Food Halls will serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner to both office park employees and the general public. The food will be prepared using the “sous vide” method (low-temperature, long-time cooking), and alcoholic beverage offerings will include a “beer wall” with 30 taps. The 7,000 square foot restaurant will feature work areas, games, and outdoor space with fire pits. 

  The Board also voted to close the warrant for the Special Fall Town Meeting scheduled for November 6. Town Administrator Michael Johns presented 12 warrant articles, including articles regarding a long-range water resource plan, a zoning bylaw amendment, a Western Boxborough traffic study, the state flag change initiative, an assistant accountant position, a local bus driver, and regional dispatch. After some discussion, a thirteenth article was added regarding a possible police dog for the Boxborough Police Department. 

  The Board discussed, but did not take action, on a request from the Boxborough Economic Development Committee to amend its charge and lower the number of voting members in order to address its recent difficulty getting a quorum for meetings. Chair Rich Guzzardi explained that the EDC has been forced to cancel its last two meetings for lack of a quorum and, as a consequence, has been unable to move forward on the new Boxborough Business Grant program. Select Board Chair Kristin Hilberg took comments from the public and indicated that the Board will consider a revised charge at its next meeting. The Board brainstormed ways to recruit volunteers for town boards and committees. 

  Chair Hilberg also took comments from the public regarding repayment of police education incentive overpayments, which she indicated that the Select Board would discuss in Executive Session.

(31-AUG-23) The Boxborough Finance Committee used a hybrid format to meet on August 16. The committee discussed the new financial dashboard and Reserve Fund Transfer tracking. 

  Member Tony Newton presented a financial dashboard designed to track the town’s revenues and expenses on a quarterly basis. The objective is to provide timely, accurate, and accessible financial information that can be used to identify problem areas, help in managing unexpected changes, and provide information for future budgets. To promote transparency, Newton proposed that once the dashboard is complete, updates will be posted on the town’s website. 

  Among other things, the dashboard would track departmental expenses, as compared to the budget, as well as debt, reserves, and staffing levels. Newton indicated that while some of this information is currently provided upon request, it is sometimes not in a usable format, complete, or available in a reasonable time.

  The town’s finance team, which includes the town accountant, assessor and treasurer/collector would be responsible for providing data for the financial dashboard on a quarterly basis. Information would be reviewed by FinCom and could provide a basis for dialogue about town financial issues.

  To implement this tool and make the financial management process more efficient and transparent, FinCom voted 7-0 to request that the Select Board and town administrator evaluate the recruitment and hiring of a full time Town Accountant/Finance Director physically based in Boxborough. The town currently contracts with a part-time accountant based remotely. 

  FinCom will continue to track Reserve Fund Transfers for the town. An RFT may be requested for extraordinary and unforeseen expenses but only after budgets have been completely expended. The next FinCom meeting is scheduled for September 5. 

(31-AUG-23) On August 21, over 35 citizens attended the public, virtual meeting of the Boxborough Planning Board’s consideration of a site plan for a trade shop on Codman Hill Road and definitive subdivision proposals at 1414 Mass. Ave. and 242-244 Adams Place. 

  During the four-hour meeting, the board decided to continue the Codman Hill Road hearing to October 2, and the 1414 Mass. Ave. and Adams Place hearings to September 18. The subdivision proposals, if approved, would allow the developers to avoid zoning restrictions the town passed in the fall of 2022. 

  Paul Kirchner of Stamski and McNary, Inc. represented the 100 Codman Hill Road property owner, French Brothers Boxborough, LLC. Kirchner explained that the application for a three-unit trade shop was revised to deal with waste, dumpster location, drainage issues, parking, turtle nesting, and landscaping.  

  Engineer Susan Carter, the town’s consulting engineer, asked for more details regarding the landscaping, tree replacement, and protection of the turtle nesting area. Board members expressed concern about storage within the aquifer protection district, sodium use, fence height, and possible oil tank storage.

  Representing owners of 1414 Mass. Ave., Sandra Brock of Nitsch Engineering summarized the questions that will be addressed regarding buildable lots, right of way, tree protection, botanical habitat areas, presence of Blanding’s turtles, historical sites, pedestrian and bicycle use on Mass. Ave., speed limits, a school bus stop, wildlife, protection of stone walls, impervious surfaces, high traffic areas, stormwater, long-term pollution control, well location, holding tanks, setbacks, and limiting right-hand turns onto Route 111. Members of the Board expressed particular concern about conflicting traffic studies. 

  Applicants for the Adams Place definitive subdivision addressed the board’s request for a traffic study. Traffic engineer Maximo Polanco said that based on factors he considered in the subdivision application and other potential development on Route 111, he projected a possible 30 to 40 percent increase in Mass. Ave. traffic by 2030.

(24-AUG-23) During the month of August, the Office of Land Use and Permitting was busy preparing for a Zoning Board of Appeals public hearing to decide on a special permit on the Leverett House (Harvard Ridge Condominiums) on Swanson Road that was destroyed by a fire in February 2021. On August 15, the board voted to Grant with Conditions, a special permit to reconstruct the 24-unit multi-family housing building. 

“This was an especially exciting decision, as it leveraged the expedited permitting process to ensure Boxborough residents could return to their homes as early as possible,” said Town Planner Alec Wade. “In particular, I want to extend my gratitude to the Building Commissioner Ed and Interim Fire Chief Shawn who have worked with the applicant for months to ensure the building proposed will meet modern code and be as safe as possible.” 

The Office of Land Use and Permitting also continued to support the work of the Planning Board. Below are status updates on several significant development projects currently in front of the Planning Board:

• The Park at Beaver Brook: This month, the Office of Land Use and Permitting launched a public engagement exercise for Boxborough boards and committees of Boxborough. The goal is to collect input on the park and assist the Planning Board in understanding the desires of the public. An exercise is being devised now to gather general feedback from the public as well.

• 1414 Mass Ave: The Planning Board continues to weigh its statutory responsibilities on the subdivision application. The deadline for decision has been extended to September 22, the week of the board's September 18 meeting. The public can read more details of the project on the Planning Board's current projects web page bit.ly/47E4gMI.

• 242-244 Adams Place: The Planning Board continues to weigh its statutory responsibilities on the subdivision application. The deadline for decision has been extended to September 22, the week of the board's September 18 meeting. The public can read more details of the project on the Planning Board's current projects web page bit.ly/47E4gMI. Most notably, the applicant has submitted its first revision and answered many board questions in writing.

In September, the town planner expects to spend time on community engagement projects related to the Park at Beaver Brook. “Residents should keep an eye out in September for an opportunity to contribute to the Park at Beaver Brook engagement,” said Wade. “While the method is not yet certain, we will engage the people in this process.” In addition, Wade will begin preparing for a joint meeting of the Select Board and Planning Board regarding the current status of the Master Plan and next steps to assist in ongoing implementation.

Finally, the town is in the process of background checks for an associate town planner candidate. The town planner expects that they will extend an offer in the coming weeks and “are eager to introduce the town to its first-ever associate town planner.” 

(24-AUG-23) Craft Food Halls, a local restaurant chain specializing in modern and social food service, has applied for a liquor license through the Boxborough Select Board. The hearing on the liquor license is scheduled to take place at the August 28 Select Board meeting. 

Craft Food Halls plans to open a 7,000 square foot restaurant on the ground floor of 500 Beaver Brook Road in The Park at Beaver Brook (the old Cisco campus). They expect to offer indoor and outdoor dining, game areas, and patio fire pits. Craft Food Halls currently operates restaurants in Boston, Lexington, Marlborough, Waltham, and Wellesley.

According to Town Planner Alec Wade, the restaurant expects to open its doors in December.

(24-AUG-23) The Boxborough Housing Board met at Town Hall on Wednesday evening, May 16. The board first discussed the disposition of the property at 70 – 72 Stow Road, which is currently under BHB stewardship. This 13.48-acre property was purchased by the town in 2010 and is located across the road from Tisbury Meadows. The BHB must use the property to develop affordable housing. 

The board discussed two primary courses of action. The first option is to continue the investigation into affordable housing at Stow Road. Site constraints limit the development size to about 30 bedrooms, or, for example, 15 two-bedroom units. According to a local developer, a substantial investment from the town would be required if all units are affordable. If only a fraction of the units are affordable, the required investment would diminish or even vanish. The BHB will continue to clarify the costs and options for a housing development. Board vice chair Channing Wagg volunteered to speak with the Acton Housing Authority and Habitat for Humanity.

The second option is to transfer control of the property to the Select Board, provided that the BHB is properly compensated. This would enable the land to be used for several other purposes, such as a fire station or a mixed-use commercial/residential area. It was pointed out that reasonable compensation would enable considerably more affordable-housing units to be preserved and created than by building a limited number of affordable units on the property. No serious negotiations regarding the amount have yet occurred; the BHB voted to secure a current appraisal from a registered appraiser. The BHB then intends to negotiate with the appropriate officials to establish a value for the compensation.

Additionally, the BHB is developing the Homeowner Opportunity for Preservation and Enhancement (HOPE) Program. The HOPE program will assist owners with necessary maintenance and will fund environmentally friendly upgrades. It is intended to preserve the value of affordable units and help the planet. Similar efforts by other communities were reviewed, and program details were discussed. Funding for the HOPE program has not been obtained. It was decided to seek funding for the HOPE program from the Community Preservation Act.

The next BHB meeting is on Wednesday, September 6 at 7 p.m. at town hall; all are welcome. 

(24-AUG-23) Boxborough’s Office of Land Use and Permitting is inviting the public to an evening of “great fun … learning and engagement” in town hall at 7 p.m.  Wednesday, August 30. Town Planner Alec Wade writes, “Join us as we learn how what we eat, wear, drive, and throw away can help our environment.”

In leading this third public forum of the summer, guest speaker Marjorie Kamp will introduce a project called CREW: “Carbon Reduction for Earth Wellbeing.” CREW helps people understand what they can do over time to help achieve net-zero carbon emissions. Kamp will give participants a look at a larger course now available in September.

Earlier Boxborough public forums were “Help Design Your Library” and “Paving the Way to Better Roads in Boxborough.” 

(24-AUG-23) On August 21, over 35 citizens attended the public, virtual meeting of the Boxborough Planning Board’s consideration of a site plan for a trade shop on Codman Hill Road and definitive subdivision proposals at 1414 Mass. Ave. and 242-244 Adams Place. 

During the four-hour meeting, the board decided to continue the Codman Hill Road hearing to October 2, and the 1414 Mass. Ave. and Adams Place hearings to September 18. The subdivision proposals, if approved, would allow the developers to avoid zoning restrictions the town passed in the fall of 2022. 

Paul Kirchner of Stamski and McNary, Inc. represented the 100 Codman Hill Road property owner, French Brothers Boxborough, LLC. Kirchner explained that the application for a three-unit trade shop was revised to deal with waste, dumpster location, drainage issues, parking, turtle nesting, and landscaping.  

Engineer Susan Carter, the town’s consulting engineer, asked for more details regarding the landscaping, tree replacement, and protection of the turtle nesting area. Board members expressed concern about storage within the aquifer protection district, sodium use, fence height, and possible oil tank storage.

Representing owners of 1414 Mass. Ave., Sandra Brock of Nitsch Engineering summarized the questions that will be addressed regarding buildable lots, right of way, tree protection, botanical habitat areas, presence of Blanding’s turtles, historical sites, pedestrian and bicycle use on Mass. Ave., speed limits, a school bus stop, wildlife, protection of stone walls, impervious surfaces, high traffic areas, stormwater, long-term pollution control, well location, holding tanks, setbacks, and limiting right-hand turns onto Route 111. Members of the Board expressed particular concern about conflicting traffic studies. 

Applicants for the Adams Place definitive subdivision addressed the board’s request for a traffic study. Traffic engineer Maximo Polanco said that based on factors he considered in the subdivision application and other potential development on Route 111, he projected a possible 30 to 40 percent increase in Mass. Ave. traffic by 2030.

A complete recording of the meeting is available on the town’s website: https://tinyurl.com/BoxPlBdAug21

(24-AUG-23) The Boxborough Finance Committee used a hybrid format to meet on August 16. The committee discussed the new financial dashboard and Reserve Fund Transfer tracking. 

Member Tony Newton presented a financial dashboard designed to track the town’s revenues and expenses on a quarterly basis. The objective is to provide timely, accurate, and accessible financial information that can be used to identify problem areas, help in managing unexpected changes, and provide information for future budgets. To promote transparency, Newton proposed that once the dashboard is complete, updates will be posted on the town’s website. 

Among other things, the dashboard would track departmental expenses, as compared to the budget, as well as debt, reserves, and staffing levels. Newton indicated that while some of this information is currently provided upon request, it is sometimes not in a usable format, complete, or available in a reasonable time.

The town’s finance team, which includes the town accountant, assessor and treasurer/collector would be responsible for providing data for the financial dashboard on a quarterly basis. Information would be reviewed by FinCom and could provide a basis for dialogue about town financial issues.

To implement this tool and make the financial management process more efficient and transparent, FinCom voted 7-0 to request that the Select Board and town administrator evaluate the recruitment and hiring of a full time Town Accountant/Finance Director physically based in Boxborough. The town currently contracts with a part-time accountant based remotely. 

FinCom will continue to track Reserve Fund Transfers for the town. An RFT may be requested for extraordinary and unforeseen expenses but only after budgets have been completely expended. 

The next FinCom meeting is scheduled for September 5. 

(17-AUG-23) Boxborough will gather to celebrate the 55th Annual Fifer’s Day at Flerra Meadows on Saturday, September 2. Fifer’s Day was originally scheduled for June 17 but was postponed due to predicted rain and thunderstorms and rescheduled to September. This time, there is also a planned rain date: September 3.

The festivities will include a road race, the presentation of the Golden Fife Award, a volleyball tournament, and an old-fashioned fair with food, music, and booths. The Fifer’s Day parade will not take place this year. Here’s what to expect:

Road Race: The Fifer’s Four Mile Road Race begins at 9:30 a.m. at the entrance to Flerra Meadows on Stow Road. The wheel-measured course will cover a four mile flat run through Boxborough. Trophies will be awarded to female and male runners in each of seven age divisions. A free Fifer’s Day T-shirt will be given to the first 100 entrants. The individual registration fee is $15 by August 31 and $20 on the day of the race. Maximum payment per family is $50. Register at http://fifersday.org .

Volleyball Tournament: The tournament will start at 12:30 p.m. This year, there will be three co-ed brackets: Open, Players, and Backyard. The Open bracket is intended for teams of "serious" volleyball players who play or compete on a regular basis. The entry fee is $75 per team; a $200 cash prize and trophies will be given to the first place team. The Players bracket is for teams with some volleyball experience, who may be or have been competing in volleyball league play. The entry fee is $65, and trophies will be given to the first place team. The Backyard bracket is intended for teams of neighbors and friends who do not regularly play or compete in volleyball. The entry fee is $60 per team. Register at http://fifersday.org . 

Fair: Eat, drink, chat with neighbors, and visit the booths. Starting at noon, hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, sausage, soft drinks, beer, wine, and Pony Shack cider will be available for purchase. Enjoy live music by The Rocky Woods Express (12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.), Pan Loco steel drums (2:30 p.m – 3:30 p.m.), and Final Mile (3:30 p.m.-- 5:30 p.m.). Peruse booths and exhibits by both commercial and non-profit organizations. Kids’ activities will include bouncy castles and a dunk tank.  

For more information, go to http://fifersday.org. 

(17-AUG-23) On Saturday, August 5, Boxborough police confronted a man identified as having stolen flowering plants from Summer Road, Flagg Hill Road, and Mass. Ave. homes. Chief John Szewczyk reported that after learning the man was wanted for more serious crimes in two other states, officers arrested him and later that day sent him to out-of-state authorities.

That morning, an early victim of the thefts, Fran Spayne, President of Summerfield Condo Association, had given the police a motion-activated camera video of a man carrying a stolen plant from the Summer Road condos at 6 a.m. Spayne recognized him, and police identified him as a resident of Liberty Square Road where they confronted him and discovered stolen plants on his back porch.

A month earlier, on July 4, Spayne reported that her Mother’s Day gift of a large planter was taken from her porch. During the next three weeks, she learned that plants had been stolen from five or six neighboring homes, but the victims were reluctant to report the thefts. She said, “I was extremely uncomfortable knowing someone was roaming around here at night, and that led me to install the camera.”

In late July, Boxborough News told Lt. Steven Patriarca about Spayne’s concerns about thefts that victims had not reported to the police. Patriarca also found that no plant-theft reports had reached Boxborough’s four bordering towns.

Searching for specific information, Patriarca, Sgt. Philip Gath, and Officers Amanda Flower and Maxwell Bressi visited local victims to learn more. When the thief was identified, Dispatcher Fiona Barry uncovered his out-of-state warrants.

Patriarca said he thanked Spayne profusely for her initiative. He also wanted citizens to know, “If you see suspicious activity, say something. You are not bothering us. We really want to know how to protect you and our community.”

Susan Lemere, the department’s co-response clinician, reported that after Bressi talked with one victim who was particularly frightened by the repeated loss of large plants, Bressi gave her a flowering plant, a gift from him and the Boxborough Police. 

(17-AUG-23) 

Dear Readers: 

I am writing to inform you of an incident that happened last Wednesday.

At a little before 2 p.m. last Wednesday, August 9, two people came into the library to conduct a "First Amendment audit." These "audits" are conducted by members of the general public with the intention to “test” the government’s response to someone filming in public spaces, and to see if government employees will intervene and thus violate the individual’s First Amendment rights. The encounter is usually then uploaded to social media channels to solicit response and to be monetized. 

At the "visit" that we received, the "auditors" were greeted by the Youth Services Librarian, Heather. She politely asked them to abide by the library's photography policy, and not include children in their recording. The request became a point of contention. Eventually, the situation was resolved and the "auditors" went on to finish filming and left.

The following day, they uploaded their recordings with a very misleading tagline. Since then, we have received harassing phone calls and emails. You might also have seen disparaging comments on our social media channels. 

None of this, I'm happy to report, are from members of our own community who know us best. And none of it would stop us from continuing to provide library services to you.

We are firm believers in the fundamental rights that are protected by the Constitution. We are also firm believers of kindness, compassion, common decency, and respecting each other's boundaries and privacy. The library should be a safe and welcoming place for everyone and anyone. It is our goal to make it so. 

If you have any questions about this, my door is always open. Thank you for reading. 

Peishan T. Bartley

Library Director

Sargent Memorial Library

427 Mass Ave, Boxborough, MA, 01719

978-263-4680

Correction - Liberty Field Reopening Schedule

(17-AUG-23) The Recreation Commission reports that the “soft” reopening of Liberty Field this fall will include the playground, the adult fitness area, and basketball, tennis, and pickleball courts. These new areas will all open to the public on the same date, likely in September. The rest of Liberty Field will remain fenced off until construction is complete next year. 

Boxborough News previously reported that two areas of Liberty Field, the playground and the adult fitness area, were expected to open by September 1. This is no longer accurate. Instead, the playground and fitness area will open at the same time as the basketball, tennis, and pickleball courts, at a later date. 

(10-AUG-23) On a recent Saturday morning, the Boxborough Transfer Station buzzed with activity. With trunks and hatchbacks open, cars stopped between the long containers as residents hopped out of their vehicles to deposit their trash and recyclables before proceeding to the north side of the property, where large, open containers for wood and scrap metal and an informal swap area attracted a group of residents disposing of items and browsing what others left behind.

Boxborough News reached out to Ed Kukkula, Department of Public Works Director, to learn about how the Transfer Station operates. Only Boxborough residents may visit the Transfer Station, and a sticker is required. Stickers can be purchased for a full year, six-month, three-month, or one-time use. Senior citizens (65+) and residents with an affordable housing trust waiver receive their stickers for free. The Transfer Station is open on Wednesdays (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.) and Saturdays (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

Sticker holders can dispose of trash, also known as solid waste, and household recycling (paper, cardboard, glass, metal, and plastic) in a single-stream container; no sorting is required. Other items that residents can dispose of include mercury (e.g., thermostats, batteries, fluorescent light bulbs), propane tanks, electronics, CRTs, textiles and clothes, mattresses, metal, clean wood, white goods (i.e., appliances), and food waste (compost).

Where does our trash go? Boxborough has a contract with Wheelabrator in North Andover, which is a waste-to-energy plant. That means that the trash is not transported to an out-of-state landfill, which is a less expensive option and one used by many municipalities and private contractors. Instead, the Andover plant uses the energy it produces from the trash to run the plant, and the unused energy is sent to the grid.

The recycling is taken to the Waste Management Material Recycling Facility in Billerica. When the recycling is brought to Waste Management, it is pushed into existing piles where it is then put on a conveyor belt to be sorted out by material type. Boxborough and most communities switched from sorting to single-stream recycling in 2009, and our recycling process has remained the same since. The only major change to recycling is mattresses: they are no longer allowed in the trash and must be recycled, and they are accepted at the Transfer Station.

The composting bin was added two years ago. The town is working with Black Earth Compost Company to help keep food waste out of the trash and turn it into valuable nutrient compost that is reused by many farmers and homeowners all over Massachusetts. An extensive list of food items that can be composted in the bins at the Transfer Station can be found on the town’s website: https://www.boxborough-ma.gov/documentcenter/view/1651

When asked if he would like to implement any changes at the Transfer Station, Director Kukkula responded that he would like to hire a part time Transfer Station attendant who only works for the town two days a week. This would allow one of the employees who currently works there to work for the DPW full time instead of just three days per week. “Other than that, I believe the Transfer Station operates very smoothly and provides a great service to the residents. Larry and Greg do a great job!”

To request a sticker, view the layout of the transfer station, learn about what is accepted at the transfer station and how to recycle or dispose of items not accepted, residents can visit www.boxborough-ma.gov/266/Transfer-Station.

(10-AUG-23) Boxborough rolled out the Boxborough Emergency Assistance Program (BEAP) on January 2, 2023. Through July 2023, 34 grants have been written for residents.

The program provides eligible households impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its lingering economic impact with a financial assistance payment of up to $1,000 to help pay common household expenses such as rent, mortgages, utilities, other household fees, and medical and prescription expenses. Made possible by American Rescue Plan Act funds, the program’s goal is to provide a household with one-time financial help in a calendar year. The funds expire on December 31, 2024.

Expenses have ranged from mortgage/rent (the largest category at 55 percent), utilities (30 percent), childcare and summer camp expenses (8 percent), medical/dental and transportation. The ages of the applicants have ranged from 16 to 84 years old.

“What is very satisfying working with this program is the success and gratitude the residents have shown,” said Boxborough’s Community Services Coordinator Wendy Trinks. “We have helped residents avoid homelessness and many electricity shut offs. The grants have also provided tuition for summer camp that children otherwise would not have been able to attend.”

The program has also allowed Trinks to assist residents beyond a one-time grant. Through their participation in BEAP, Trinks has connected residents to other resources as well, such as food pantries, Veteran Services Support, Boxborough Rental Assistance Program, mortgage assistance, clothing, and other grant programs.

The program has also helped Trinks learn about other organizations and resources available to Boxborough residents.

“I encounter people every day in need, and community services is a great asset at town hall,” said social services police officer for Boxborough, Det. Rob Arakelian. “They are able to provide direct funding to the residents and then connect them to other resources.” 

BEAP funds also support Boxborough’s participation in the Domestic Violence Services Network. “The Boxborough Emergency Assistance Program has been extremely helpful in ensuring valuable community outreach programs such as DVSN are properly funded and functioning. It is absolutely vital these types of programs are readily available to the public,” said Boxborough  Police Chief John Szewczyk.

For more information about the Boxborough Emergency Assistance Program, contact Wendy Trinks at (978) 264-1735 or wtrinks@boxborough-ma.gov .

(10-AUG-23) The Water Resources Committee met virtually on June 27 and August 1. Les Fox, no longer on the Select Board, was appointed by the Board as member-at-large on June 12. On June 26 the Select Board also appointed John Markiewicz as member-at-large. On June 27, the committee welcomed John as a new WRC member and elected Les as WRC Chair and Bryon Clemence as Clerk.

The WRC has been closely following and supporting the Boxborough water line extension project. In May, Littleton town meeting authorized borrowing for LELWD’s project to extend their water service into Boxborough with a new water main. The Boxborough Select Board recently executed an Intermunicipal Agreement with Littleton for the extension of the Littleton Water Department service into western Boxborough, enabling the project to proceed with design and permitting. Construction is estimated to take place from June 2024 through June 2026. The line will extend from LELWD’s new state-of-the-art water treatment facility on Whitcomb Ave in Littleton, through The Park (Campanelli) on Beaver Brook Road, then on to Swanson Road and Codman Hill Road.

In January, the WRC sponsored a webinar to provide a project update to condominium residents and businesses in the new service area. There were 100 attendees, and expert panelists from DEP, LELWD and MADOT to address questions. In July, the WRC sponsored a webinar for LELWD to provide additional project information and updates and estimates of betterment fees. Slides and the recordings of the January and July webinars have been posted on the WRC webpage. Another forum will take place in early 2024 to provide updated cost information on betterments and connection fees. LELWD has devoted a section of their web page for news and information on the water line extension.

In addition, a working group of the WRC has continued to develop a scope of work for an RFP to hire a consultant to advise us on how best to address some key strategic goals of our charter: Ensure that Boxborough is prepared to meet future, long-term water supply needs for everyone in the town; identify the town’s needs for protecting and enhancing existing water supplies, aquifers, and other surface water and groundwater resources; and determine the best means for ensuring safe and reliable water supplies, using a planning horizon of 100 years, and considering cost, feasibility, and available alternatives.

The WRC will discuss the draft scope of work at its next meeting on September 12, and then circulate it to other boards and committees for comment. All are welcome to join for the discussion and provide input.

(10-AUG-23) On Monday, August 7, the Select Board voted to approve an Order of Taking to acquire permanent easements on Joyce Lane, Loring Avenue, and Macleod Way, and abutting land. The Order of Taking was prepared based on a plan previously accepted by the Select Board and approved at Town Meeting. The town will not take complete ownership of the roads, but will instead take a permanent easement that will allow the town to maintain and plow the roads.

Going forward, parking will no longer be allowed on Joyce Lane, Loring Avenue, or MacLeod Way for public safety reasons. The roadways and cul-de-sacs are narrow, and street parking could impede emergency response efforts. Residents have been informed that parking on these three roads is no longer allowed and that parking tickets will be issued. The town administrator will serve as the municipal hearing officer for an in-town appeal process.

Select Board Chair Kristin Hilberg suggested that a “warnings” system and a “grace period” for parking fines may be appropriate, given the history of street parking on these roads. Other Select Board members agreed, and the Town Administrator Michael Johns indicated that he would discuss this possibility with the Boxborough police chief.

The board also discussed the Boxborough Field Use Permit Policy. Currently, the Select Board holds the authority to waive or reduce field use fees. The Select Board is now considering delegating that authority to the town administrator so that fee waiver requests could be addressed more promptly. Administrator Johns indicated that he would be willing to accept that delegation of authority, as long as the policy is clear about when it is appropriate to waive or reduce a field use fee. Johns agreed to propose policy revisions at a future Select Board meeting.

The Select Board will hold its next meeting on August 28.

(3-AUG-23) The Town of Boxborough has contracted with Patriot Properties to complete the revaluation of real estate for the purpose of local property taxation. Massachusetts requires that each community undergo a certification of property values every five years to arrive at an assessment that reflects the property’s full and fair cash value. That process is currently taking place in Boxborough for Fiscal Year 2024.

The first step is to bring all properties in line with market conditions established by actual sales during calendar year 2022. This is done following guidelines set by the Department of Revenue to meet certification requirements established by law.

Not all properties will be inspected for revaluation during the current fiscal year. Only those properties that require a building permit, those that have sold, and those that have not been inspected within the last 10 years will be completed during FY 2024.

If there was a recent addition or renovation to the home, the town assessor or contracted inspector may do a drive-by to confirm there were no additional changes. If there were no recent additions or renovations to the home, the inspector may stop by the home to take outside measurements and ask the homeowner a few questions confirming, for example, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, how the structure is heated, whether there is a working fireplace, whether the structure has a finished basement, and other related factors.

Once that is done, the assessor reviews and analyzes sales data, updates land and building schedules, and tests valuation produced by the office’s Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal system to ensure that the revaluation is both fair and equitable.

The town is required to post a public disclosure notice either on the town website, a local publication, or both for a minimum of five business days prior to certification of real estate and personal property valuations by the Department of Revenue.

Property owners do not receive an individual notice of change in the valuation of their property but are encouraged to contact the assessor’s office at assessor@boxborough-ma.gov to request a parcel/property card during the public disclosure period (5 days). If a property owner finds any discrepancies with the data on their parcel/property record card, they must bring this matter to the assessor’s attention prior to the close of the public disclosure period. Otherwise, the taxpayer must wait until after the actual tax bills are received and follow the statute for real estate abatement. The abatement application can be found on the town’s website under the assessor’s page.

(27-JUL-23) At its meeting on July 24, the Select Board held two grievance hearings to address contract disputes between the Boxborough police chief and the Local 200 Massachusetts Coalition of Police. The first grievance concerned the issue of “hang overs,” which are when an officer on duty covers the beginning of the next shift at the request of another officer who is running late. In the past, this has been an undocumented, informal practice. Police Chief John Szewczyk feels that the practice is a liability for the department. After hearing from the police chief and union representatives, the Select Board decided that the grievance was invalid, as the contract is silent on the issue, and it is, instead, a matter of “policy and procedure” that must be worked out between the chief and officers.

The second grievance concerned the pay structure for holiday overtime pay. Chief Szewczyk argued that certain past pay practices with respect to holiday overtime hours are inconsistent with the contract. The chief noted that he would be willing to give the union its desired pay structure in future contract negotiations, but that the current contract does not support this pay structure. After parsing the contract language, the Select Board voted to table the issue until its next meeting in order to further review the contract and consider different interpretations of the relevant language.

On Chief Szewczyk’s recommendation and ensuing discussion among board members, the Select Board voted to endorse the “Strengthening Police and Community Partnerships” program facilitated by the Department of Justice to improve police-community relations. The police chief expressed his strong support for the program and will move forward in his efforts to bring it to Boxborough in the next several months. 

The Board heard from the Public Celebrations and Ceremonies Committee regarding plans for the rescheduled Fifer’s Day on September 2. Committee Chair Jennette Kollman reported that it is unlikely that the rescheduled celebration will include a parade because the participants, namely, the Blanchard Band and local Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops, will not yet have met since the new school year will begin only days before. Kollman indicated that the PCCC is still exploring possibilities and will conduct a ceremony for the Golden Fife award recipient and the parade marshal honors. PCCC did request and was granted a parade permit to prepare for the possibility of a parade.

Fall Town Meeting was set for November 6, 2023, and the warrant was opened. Town Administrator Michael Johns reported that the position of Boxborough Fire Chief is being readvertised in an attempt to attract a larger pool of applicants, and Capt. Shawn Gray is the interim fire chief. The town is currently interviewing four applicants for the associate town planner position.

(12-JUL-23) The position of Boxborough fire chief, vacant since Chief Paul Fillebrown’s June 29 retirement, remains unfilled as the town administrator and Select Board plan a second round of recruitment efforts.

The position was initially advertised some weeks ago and three candidates were identified. However, one individual has since withdrawn his candidacy. Rather than decide between the other two, Town Administrator Michael Johns says he’s recommended to the Select Board that the job search be reopened with the goal of attracting a larger number of applicants.

“From the outset, I’ve been concerned, as has the Select Board, that our candidate pool was quite small,” Johns said. “The intention is to reevaluate our recruitment strategy and come back with a larger pool of qualified candidates.”

Johns said he is considering retaining a consultant specializing in fire chief recruitment “to help cast a wider net.”

Town officials now expect that October will be the soonest a new chief could be on board. In the meantime, Captain Shawn Gray will serve as interim chief. Johns said, “I’m confident that the captains, lieutenants, and the fine men and women that serve as Boxborough‘s EMTs and firefighters are tactically sound, and fully prepared to respond to all fire and medical emergencies.” Johns added, “We’ll rely heavily on Captain Gray, Captain Malinowski, Lieutenant Williams, and Lieutenant Nichols, who are all excellent leaders in the field, tactically sound, and fully capable of commanding the scene of a fire or medical emergency.”

(12-JUL-23) On Wednesday, July 26, the Boxborough Office of Land Use and Permitting will host a “Complete Streets Public Forum” at 7 p.m. at Boxborough Town Hall, 29 Middle Road.

Participants of all ages are welcome and encouraged to join Town Planner Alec Wade for guided exercises and discussion about how residents get to work, where residents like to walk, whether residents feel safe walking or driving on Boxborough streets, and how important biking is in Boxborough. Snacks and refreshments will be provided, and participants will hear a presentation on the Complete Streets Program.

This is the second event of the new Boxborough Summer Forum Series. The first public forum was held in June on the topic of the Sargent Memorial Library redesign. A third public forum, in partnership with the Sustainability Committee, scheduled for August 30, will focus on the Carbon Reduction for Earth Wellbeing program.

“The Summer Forum Series represents a rare and exciting opportunity for residents to frequently engage in the development of their community,” says Wade. “From library layouts to the roads and bridges you drive every day, your voice matters in creating the ideal quality of life in Boxborough.”

(12-JUL-23) Littleton Electric Light and Water Departments will host an online forum July 26 at 6:30 p.m. regarding the Boxborough water extension project. Visit https://www.lelwd.com/forums/ to register for the forum and receive webinar details.

In June, the Boxborough Select Board voted to approve the Water Line Extension Intermunicipal Agreement with the Town of Littleton and delegated the work of finalizing the agreement to Boxborough Town Administrator Michael Johns. The Water Line Extension project is expected to bring water to property owners in the western part of Boxborough, an area in which water testing has found per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) levels exceeding state drinking water standards.

A July 6 letter for “property owners and residents on the route of a planned water line to serve the western side of Boxborough on Beaver Brook Road, Swanson Road, and Codman Hill Road as far south as 330 Codman Hill Road” signed by Johns and LELWD Superintendent Corey Godfrey states, “Working with the MassDEP, MassDOT, the Boxborough Board of Selectmen, the Boxborough Water Resources Committee, the impacted homeowners’ associations and other partners, the Littleton Electric Light and Water Department has put forward a plan to provide clean reliable water to this area of Boxborough. LELWD plans to run 4.5 miles of water main from the new Whitcomb Avenue water treatment plant in Littleton to serve the impacted properties in Boxborough.”

A copy of the letter, which includes information about project costs and betterment fees, can be found at https://www.lelwd.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Boxborough-letter-July-6-2023.pdf.

(20-JUL-23) On June 29, the Conservation Restriction on 95-105 Sargent Road was recorded at the Registry of Deeds, protecting the 21.35-acre property in perpetuity and making it the newest addition to Boxborough’s collection of conservation land.

Trails have been mapped out, and plans for cutting trails are in the works. The Boxborough Department of Public Works recently created a parking lot on the property and installed signage. The town is planning a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the fall.

In January 2022, Boxborough was notified of the opportunity to purchase the land at 95-105 Sargent Road pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 61, Classification of Forest Lands and Forest Products, as the land had originally been placed in forestry management in exchange for reduced taxes. At the May 2022 Town Meeting, voters authorized the Boxborough Select Board to purchase the land with the hope that the cost to the town might be reduced by the receipt of grants and/or donations. Several months later, Boxborough was awarded $400,000 from the Massachusetts Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity grant program to support the land purchase.

Sudbury Valley Trustees assisted the town with the acquisition and holds the Conservation Restriction. The Boxborough Conservation Commission and Boxborough Agricultural Commission hold the fee on the property, which will be protected and managed for sustainable forestry. The Boxborough Conservation Trust contributed funding for the purchase and worked closely with the town throughout the process.

(27-JUL-23)  Printed with permission from the Acton Funeral Home

Donald C. Morse, 90, a lifelong Boxborough resident, passed away on Wednesday, July 19, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Ruth (Read) Morse, their five children, Phyllis, Howard, Thomas, Albion, and Paula, nine grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. He was the son of the late Albion Morse and Stella (Cobleigh) Morse. Donald was predeceased by four brothers, Albion, John, Roger, and Warren along with his sister Phyllis.

Donald was born in the family home where he was raised. Family and farming were his life, as he owned his first cow at the age of four. He milked dairy cows until the mid-’70s and then began raising black angus cows. He loved his vegetable and flower gardens where he could be found daily. Donald’s farm has been in the family since 1635 when the land was purchased from the Nipmuc Tribe for several bushels of maize. He was passionate about preservation of family history and had more stories to tell than Charles Dickens.

Donald married Ruth on July 29, 1963, passing just short of their 60th anniversary. He attended local schools in Boxborough and Acton, then graduated from UMass-Stockbridge School of Agriculture. Donald served in the army during the Korean War and was a presidential honor guard for Dwight Eisenhower. He was known by all and deeply involved in the local community serving as a member of the Boxborough’s Grange, Cemetery Commissioner, member of the Assessor’s department, Animal Control officer, Animal Inspector, Veteran Agent, and Master of Concord Masons.

In lieu of flowers please send a donation to UMass Amherst – Stockbridge School of Agriculture.

(27-JUL-23) Last week, the Town repaved Stow Road, Tamarack Lane, and Meadow Lane. It was a smooth operation, and Flerra Playground was able to continue throughout without a hitch. Residents enjoyed watching the trucks and the paving machines and waving to the crewmembers. 

(27-JUL-23) Welcome to the inaugural “From the Desk of the Boxborough Town Planner” column - a collaboration between Boxborough News and Town Planner Alec Wade of the Boxborough Office of Land Use and Permitting. Each month, Wade will provide an update on the town’s land-related projects and initiatives.

During the month of July, the Office of Land Use and Permitting was primarily focused on preparing for the Complete Streets Forum on July 26th, the second of a three-part summer forum series to promote community engagement on town issues. The forum will feature translators for Brazilian Portuguese, Chinese, and Hindi. “I am excited to provide this pivotal service and I expect to do so at many forums in the future,” says Wade. “We are committed to providing accessible engagement to everyone in the community.” Residents should keep an eye out for an online survey that will be made available after the Complete Streets forum.

The summer forum series is a new initiative championed by Wade as a way to take a more data-driven approach to town projects. The forums are an opportunity to gather community input on a town project, interpret the data, and present the results to the relevant town department(s).  

In August, the Town Planner expects to begin preparing a presentation to the Select Board and Planning Board regarding updates on the progress of the Boxborough2030 Master Plan and then expects to “pair grant and town funding towards related projects that require additional technical or professional assistance.”

The Office of Land Use and Permitting will also continue to support the work of the Planning Board. There are several significant development projects currently in front of the Planning Board:

• The Park at Beaver Brook: At the end of June, Campanelli presented a conceptual path forward for permitting the remainder of the park. After meeting with the Board in July, the Office of Land Use and Permitting intends to conduct public engagement to gather community feedback on the Park. The feedback will be shared with the Planning Board once an application is submitted.

• 1414 Mass Ave: An application for a Definitive Subdivision is currently open with the Planning Board. The Planning Board is tasked with determining if the proposed subdivision road meets town standards. If approved, a zoning freeze will take effect on the property, which means that it does not have to adhere to the zoning bylaw changes voted at the Fall 2022 Special Town Meeting and will instead be subject to the previous bylaw.

• 242-244 Adams Place: An application for Definitive Subdivision is currently open with the Planning Board. The Planning Board is tasked with determining if the proposed subdivision road meets town standards. If approved, a zoning freeze will take effect on the property, which means that it does not have to adhere to the zoning bylaw changes voted at the Fall 2022 Special Town Meeting and will instead be subject to the previous bylaw.

• A special permit application has been submitted to the Zoning Board of Appeals to reconstruct the condominiums at 95,101, and 107 Swanson Road. The special permit is a necessary next step in relocating several households back into their homes. The Town Planner enabled the Expedited Permitting Procedure for this application and anticipates that the Zoning Board of Appeals will issue a decision the evening of August 15.

(20-JUL-23) At a luncheon event held at Town Hall on July 11, five members of the Boxborough Police Department were recognized and honored for their service to the town:

Chief of Police John Szewczyk was appointed on April 10, 2023, after serving as interim police chief since November 2022.

Szewczyk is a graduate of Trinity College and holds an MBA in Management and International Business from the University of Connecticut. He is also a graduate of the Southern Police Institute’s Command Officers Development Course.

Szewczyk is recognized as a progressive law enforcement leader and a strong advocate of community policing, diversity programs, restorative justice, and improving the interactions between law enforcement and communities that have been historically disenfranchised. Chief  Szewczyk is extremely proud to lead the dedicated members of the Boxborough Police Department.

Lt. Steven Patriarca has been a police officer for more than 20 years. He has been with the Boxborough Police Department since 2019. He has a Master’s Degree from Lasell University in Criminal Justice/Emergency and Crisis Management. Patriarca had held the position of detective for the last two years, developed a drone program, and played a large role during the pandemic as the Emergency Operations Center Coordinator.

Sgt. Philip Gath has been with Boxborough Police Department for 13 years. He holds a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Massachusetts Lowell. He has served as the local school resource officer for the past seven years. Gath has completed numerous training programs and is a recipient of the FBI's LEEDA Trilogy leadership training award.

Det. Robert Arakelian has been with Boxborough for more than seven years. He is a graduate of Syracuse University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Policy. In addition to his patrol duties, Det. Arakelian has served as liaison to social services agencies: working with residents suffering from mental health, substance abuse, and domestic violence related issues. Detective Arakelian has attended a multitude of specialized training classes that have prepared him for his new role as detective.

Officer Safaraz Mushtaque was sworn in as a Boxborough Police Officer on June 13, 2023, after working with the Worcester State University Police Department, and on Cape Cod with both the Falmouth and Truro police departments. He is currently working towards completing a degree at the University of Massachusetts Boston. Officer Mushtaque says he is proud to become a member of the Boxborough Police Department and is looking forward to engaging with the community.

Honored at the event, which was hosted by Town Administrator Michael Johns (far right), were (from left): Lieut. Steven Patriarca, Sgt. Philip Gath, Det. Robert Arakelian, Officer Safaraz Mushtaque, and Chief John Szewczyk.

(12-JUL-23) After almost 11 years, Rev. Cindy Worthington-Berry will be leaving the United Church of Christ Boxborough on September 24 to begin a new ministry as senior pastor at First Congregational Church of Natick, UCC. 

Rev. Cindy’s message to her congregation expressed her gratitude for her time here, writing “I make this decision knowing UCC Boxborough is in a place of strength. We have accomplished so much together, including authentic worship, renovated buildings, and interfaith partnerships. We’ve embraced a ministry of Open Doors, and become a key resource in our community. I am confident a new pastor will help UCC Boxborough continue to strengthen its mission and its ministry, for parishioners and the world alike.” 

The church and community celebrated Rev. Cindy’s tenth anniversary in Boxborough last fall, with recognition of her community contributions coming from Sen. Jamie Eldridge, Rep. Dan Sena, and other community leaders. In 2021, Rev. Cindy was the first recipient of the Acton-Boxborough United Way’s Mike Tobia Award, which recognizes “an outstanding community leader dedicated to serving residents' needs with compassion and dignity, while fostering a sense of belonging for all.”

Next steps for the church involve setting up an interim leader for a year or more who will help oversee a search process for a settled pastor. Cindy will leave behind an inspiring legacy of commitment to the community at large as well to her congregation. Farewell opportunities are expected to be held in August and early September.

Her email signature quotation reminds us all, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. - Margaret Mead.”

(27-JUL-23) At its July 20 meeting, the Boxborough Well-Being Committee elected new chair Mary Pavlik to replace outgoing chair Liz Markiewicz and recognized that 10 years have passed since the committee was established by the Select Board in 2013. In the past decade, the Well-Being Committee has collected data on Boxborough community needs, advocated for and supported the Town’s community services coordinator, and collaborated with local entities to connect Boxborough residents with a variety of resources and services.

The Committee also heard updates from Community Services Coordinator Wendy Trinks. Trinks reported on collaboration with Susan Lemere, the new Co-Response Clinician working with the Boxborough Police Department. Trinks also discussed the ongoing success of the Boxborough Emergency Assistance Program. Launched in January, BEAP provides eligible households impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its lingering economic impacts with a financial assistance payment of up to $1,000 to help pay common household expenses such as rent, mortgages, utilities, other household fees, and medical and prescription expenses

Trinks noted that Rev. Cindy Worthington-Berry, who will be leaving the United Church of Christ Boxborough in September, has been a critical partner and supporter of the Community Services department and said that she looks forward to building a relationship with Worthington-Berry’s successor.

The Well-Being Committee’s mission is to look at ways to improve the health and welfare of Town residents. The Committee identifies factors that impact residents’ well-being and determines ways and resources to support improvements. The Well-Being Committee has obtained more than $30,000 worth of grants to support wellness initiatives, including the launch of the Boxborough Bee newsletter.

(27-JUL-23) The Agricultural Commission met on July 18 and re-elected Owen Neville, Kathie Becker, and Bryon Clemence, respectively, as chair, vice-chair, and clerk for 2023-2024.

The commission reviewed the impact of the current wet weather on agricultural production, including the possible pollution effects of runoff from streams.

Much of the meeting related to the continuing effort of the Commission, along with the Conservation Commission and other groups, is being devoted to the Sargent Road property purchased by the Town, including possible names for the property.

Members of the two commissions walked the Sargent Road property in late June and laid out the proposed main walking trails. These are being communicated to the Sudbury Valley Trustees, which is the holder of the conservation restriction on the land.

The chair of the Agricultural Commission and others in town participated in a conference call with the staff of the Sudbury Valley Trustees to discuss possible education, training, and management programs for control of invasive species on the Sargent Road property and elsewhere in town. This will be an ongoing project. 

(20-JUL-23) At the July 13 Housing Board meeting, Mark Brooks of Omni Properties talked about the development of the town-owned property at 70–72 Stow Road. In this wide-ranging discussion, Brooks said that any development of the property is made far more difficult by the absence of a municipal water supply in Boxborough. He expressed concern about contamination, such as PFAs found in many Boxborough wells and urged the town to pursue external sources for water. He also strongly recommended that the Stow Road site be evaluated for the presence of protected species.

Brooks said that rental and ownership housing could be built on the site, and that building a municipal building is a viable possibility. The limited number of dwellings that are possible is problematic to many developers, including him. Rental housing can currently be realized more quickly and financed more readily. The inclusion of sustainable elements in new construction requires subsidies to be economically feasible. He recommended that the town secure the services of a consultant to navigate the complex and ever-changing thicket of regulations in this area.

The Housing Board decided to eliminate the formal application period for the Boxborough Rental Assistance Program and instead rely solely upon “rolling” continuously submitted applications.

Many owners of affordable homes have experienced water damage due to the recent heavy rains. The board agreed to seek immediate funding for its Homeowner Opportunity for Preservation and Equity program to help with these problems. The HOPE program aims to preserve the value of Boxborough’s affordable homes by helping owners with needed repairs.

The board reviewed the status of the Boxborough Emergency Assistance Program (BEAP). This program provides Boxborough residents with one-time help for a financial crisis. The program is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. It has thus far expended $41,770. More than one-half of the grants provide housing assistance; the distribution is shown in the pie chart. A significant amount of funding remains in the BEAP program. For further information, contact Community Services Coordinator Wendy Trinks at wtrinks@boxborough-ma.gov.

The Housing Board discussed a possible program to install heat pumps in Boxborough Meadows. Apparently, there is some interest in the Massachusetts legislature to fund such a program. In addition to being more friendly to our environment, heat pumps would provide long-term savings to the owners of affordable units in Boxborough Meadows.

(20-JUL-23) At its meeting July 12, The Boxborough Sustainability Committee drafted a “wish list” for the developers of the Park at Beaver Brook, discussed the carbon-reduction public forum planned for August 30, and agreed to study whether nuclear power is a safe energy source.

Chair Francie Nolde opened the meeting by welcoming new BSC member Andrew Tavolacci. She then introduced a draft of recommendations for Campanelli, the developers planning six new buildings on what was the Cisco campus. The committee added detail to the wish list,  asking the company to commit to addressing climate issues with technology specified in the new Massachusetts Specialized Building Code.

The BSC recommended action to protect Beaver Brook, the Boxborough Esker, meadowland, and trees. It also asked the builders to plan for all-electric, passive-construction buildings, using solar energy, heat pumps, or geo-thermal systems. The BSC also suggested conservation efforts in transportation and the treatment of water and waste.

Because the Planning Board is about to ask all town committees and boards to submit ideas about amenities Campanelli might provide the public, the BSC will send their recommendations to the Planning Board next week.

Nolde and guest Marjorie Kamp encouraged BSC members to drive through the Campanelli property west of I-495, as much of it is ecologically sensitive, open conservation land. Nolde said, “Cisco was a great manager of the land, and we hope Campanelli will be the same.”

The committee will discuss the Massachusetts Specialized Building Code at its next meeting on September 6, at 7 p.m.; it will be the BSC’s first hybrid meeting in Town Hall, with Zoom available. The new building code will come before town meeting in May 2024.

The committee agreed to encourage the public to ask, “How can you reduce your carbon usage?” during the Sustainability Committee’s public forum at Town Hall on Wednesday, August 30, at 7 p.m. Kamp will guide participants in learning “how what we eat, wear, drive, and throw away can help our environment.” The in-person event is the third in the Boxborough Summer Forum Series organized by Town Planner Alec Wade and the Office of Land Use and Permitting.

The BSC decided to postpone an offer from nuclear-power advocates to speak to the committee about use of nuclear energy. Before their next meeting, committee members will compare the advocates’ video message with a report by the Union of Concerned Scientists which says nuclear power plants remain dangerous.

Nolde reported that the energizeboxborough.org website had received two requests for energy-saving action. One asked if the town could provide shuttlebus service to trains for office employees at 90 Central Street. The BSC sent the request to Town Administrator Michael Johns, suggesting that companies in the office building might fund the cost.

Another citizen requested Black Earth compost pickup at homes in Boxborough. Black Earth would require 50 to 100 households to agree to pay for the service; the BSC will search for a volunteer to ask homeowners if they would be interested in the service.

The committee discussed members’ responsibilities for Fifer’s Day (Sept. 2) when the BSC will raffle off a new electric leaf blower.

BSC members agreed to voice support for sustainability principles when the Planning Board discusses development plans for Adams Place on July 31 and for 1414 Mass Ave on August 21. 

Community Preservation Committee holds Organizational Meeting

(12-JUL-23) The Boxborough Community Preservation Committee held its 2023-2024 organizational meeting on Thursday July 6.

The first key item on the agenda was discussion and approval of the timeline for projects that will be seeking FY 2025 Community Preservation Act funding at the May 2024 Annual Town Meeting. The approved timeline has preliminary applications due October 5, 2023, final applications due November 2, and the public hearing on projects to take place on December 7, 2023. 

The second key item was discussion and approval of the application procedures for applying for funding and the preliminary and final application forms for such projects.  These procedures and application forms will be available on the town website shortly.

The next meeting of the committee and the informational meeting for potential applicants will take place on Thursday September 7 at Boxborough Town Hall at 7:30 p.m.

(20-JUL-23) At its July 11 meeting, the Personnel Board and the Assistant Town Administrator Rajon Hudson reviewed the Board’s eight-item work plan for 2023-2024 designed to support the town’s effort to continue to improve its effectiveness as an employer.

One key component of the work plan is an employee engagement survey to be distributed to all town employees in the fall. The purpose of this anonymous survey is to identify current strengths and weaknesses of the town’s employment life cycle. This benchmark staff engagement survey will help inform future activities.

A second major effort is a salary study of comparable towns to confirm that Boxborough’s salaries are competitive and consistent with the town’s stated salary targets. This study will be conducted internally by the Assistant Town Administrator with support from the Personnel Board. The board agreed that a compensation study will not be required in the near future, as the current classification and compensation system is working well.

It was reported at the meeting that the project to update job descriptions and convert them all to a standard format is proceeding apace. Fire Department job descriptions are almost complete. The first drafts of the Sargent Memorial Library job descriptions have been submitted to the Personnel Board by Library Director Peishan Bartley; Bartley attended the meeting to describe the structure and duties of the library staff.

It was also reported that the board’s preliminary review of the town’s personnel policies was positive, as many important items are already in place. The Personnel Board will be working to complete several needed and previously drafted policies in 2023. All new policies are subject to approval by the Select Board.

(12-JUL-23) At their Zoom meeting July 10, the Planning Board saw revised plans for construction of French Brothers Boxborough’s three-unit trade shop at 100 Codman Hill Road, located in an aquifer protection district. The board also decided to seek opinions about what the town might like to see as amenities on Campanelli property, the former Cisco campus. 

After explaining their latest plans for the Codman Hill Road project, representatives said they are seeking approval from the Conservation Commission on July 19 to discuss details such as the setback from a nearby stream and the site of a turtle nesting area. The PB asked for the commission’s response and for details regarding fencing, a holding tank, heating systems, drainage, and vehicle repair and dumpster locations. 

Town Planner Alec Wade will draft conditions which might accompany possible board approval of the trade-shop project at a meeting August 21. Owner Michael French and Paul Kirchner of Stamski and McNary also agreed to respond to comments from the town’s engineering consultant Sue Carter.

Board member Cindy Markowitz expressed concern about the most recent plans for development of the Campanelli land, hoping the developers might consider further amenities for the town. The board asked Wade to seek suggestions about possible amenities from town boards and committees. Wade  said the board’s next meeting with Campanelli representatives will likely take place in September or shortly thereafter.

Wade reported that 14 people attended the first Town Forum, a discussion of how a new layout of Sargent Memorial Library might best serve the town. He said library Director Peishan Bartley is asking everyone to respond to a survey, available here: https://boxlib.org/about/library-redesign-project. The next forum, about town streets, sidewalks, and signage, will take place July 26.

On July 31, the board will meet to discuss the proposed plan for 242-244 Adams Place. On August 21, the board will continue its meeting about 100 Codman Hill Road and will consider the 1414 Mass Ave definitive plan.