News

(12-Jun-25) At its June 5 meeting, the ABRSD School Committee heard a presentation on the district’s “Vision of a Graduate” initiative, in which a steering committee of educators, administrators, students, and community members tackled the question, “What are the most important skills and experiences our students need to prepare them for success in learning and life?”

The result of this process, which began in Spring 2024, is a list of five “competencies”: Adaptability, Communication, Collaboration, Intellectual Curiosity, and Integrity.

The School Committee is expected to vote to adopt the Vision of a Graduate at its next meeting on June 12. The Steering Committee will then work to incorporate the Vision of a Graduate into teaching throughout the district and develop ways to measure student growth toward the five competencies.

The Committee then heard from Acton and Boxborough police officers about the School Resource Officer (SRO) program. Acton Detectives AJ Rotella and Ana Dapkas and Boxborough Officer Diosmar Reynoso spoke about their goals, training, how they interact with students and the community, and year-to-date statistics. 

School Committee members asked many questions about the SRO’s role in the schools and asked for more information and communication going forward. The Committee approved new Memorandums of Understanding for the SRO program with the Acton and Boxborough Police Departments in fall of 2024.

In other business, the Committee voted to approve the 2025-26 ABRHS Student Handbook, which now requires that students leave their cell phones in cubbies while in the classroom. The Committee did a “first read” of the Handbook at its last meeting on May 22, with some committee members expressing concerns about the new cell phone requirement. 

The Committee approved the Handbook with two abstaining and one “nay” vote. The Committee also heard a report from the Special Education Parent Advisory Council and recognized 23 retiring teachers and staff members for their contributions to the district. Individuals retiring from Blanchard Elementary are: Kristen Kilcommins, Connie Long, Sheila Owen, Laura Russell, Dawn Charlton, Linda Vierkant, and Kathy Bower.

(12-Jun-25) At its virtual meeting on Tuesday June 3, the Boxborough Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) held a public hearing to review the Special Permit application from Brett Gutheil of BHG109 LLC for the construction of an indoor, 8-unit contractor storage facility at 975 Massachusetts Ave. 

Gutheil developed and owns the adjacent property at 881 Mass Ave, which serves as building trade rental units. The proposed building will have the same aesthetics of the building at 881 Mass Ave, which is a corrugated steel exterior with a single garage bay for each unit.

During the hearing, the applicant’s engineer, Limhuot Tiv of Goldsmith, Prest & Ringwall, Inc., presented the application and answered questions from the board that focused on the slope of the property, the proximity of wetlands, and the access to the site from Mass Ave.

Board members briefly commented on the appearance of the proposed building. Although it will not be visible from the road, ZBA Chair Mark Barbadoro opined that steel facade buildings are an unattractive aesthetic for Mass Ave, which is Boxborough’s “main street.” 

The Boxborough Zoning Bylaw does not regulate the exterior materials and aesthetics in the Business (B) zoning district in which this building is proposed, so board members may only make suggestions on the building’s appearance.

The ZBA voted to continue the public hearing on July 15 at 7:35 p.m.

(12-Jun-25) On June 10, the Boxborough Leadership Forum (BLF) held its third meeting since its reinstatement earlier this year. A group of eight participants discussed takeaways from Annual Town Meeting in May, including what went well, what could be improved, and what to consider for upcoming Special Town Meetings this fall.

Town Moderator Dennis Reip led the discussion, which included input from participants Kristin Hilberg (Select Board Chair), Bob Stemple (Select Board), Maria Neyland (Finance Committee, Fire Station Building Committee), Becky Neville (Finance Committee), Rebecca Verner (Planning Board Chair), Cindy Markowitz (Planning Board), Liz Fowlks (School Committee) and Mary Brolin (Library Trustees Chair, Fire Station Building Committee Chair).  

The group discussed strategies for increasing Town Meeting attendance; alternative voting methods - like electronic “clickers” - and their downsides; increasing the amount of time for presentations on certain types of warrant articles; and childcare during Town Meeting.

The group also discussed the votes on Article 1 (Municipal Governmental Zoning Allowed Across All Zoning Districts) and Article 2 (72 Stow Road Firehouse Design & Bid Funding), with members expressing different takeaways about the vote margins and differing conclusions about what the town wants in terms of a new fire station.

A meeting between the Select Board, Planning Board, and Fire Station Building Committee has been scheduled for June 17 to continue this conversation and come to a consensus on a path forward for the fire station. 

After the retrospective discussion, Moderator Reip turned to planning for the two Special Town Meetings that the Select Board has scheduled for October 14-15 and December 15-16. At the October meeting, the town is expected to take up the MBTA Communities Act zoning and a potential municipal/governmental zoning bylaw amendment. The group discussed designating one issue for each night, that is, adjourning the first night after the first article is voted, instead of continuing to a late hour.

“The BLF's review of the May 2025 Town Meeting was productive and generated a number of ideas for the respective Boards and Committees to consider for the upcoming October Fall and December Special Town Meetings,” said Moderator Reip, when asked for comment after the meeting. 

The next meeting of the BLF will be September 30, to discuss the Special Town Meeting in October. The BLF was reinstated in March 2025 with the goal of bringing representatives of town boards together for information sharing and consensus building regarding big-picture issues that the town will face in the coming years.

(5-Jun-25) On Friday, May 30th, Assistant Town Administrator (ATA) Rajon Hudson and Community Services Coordinator (CSC) Wendy Trinks received a call from Select Board Chair Kristin Hilberg about a possible but unconfirmed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation at a Boxborough residence that morning. 

Trinks, who assists many Boxborough residents with Town social services, recognized the address provided by Hilberg and became concerned that a child or other family members at that residence may need assistance. 

With Hilberg’s input, Trinks and Hudson quickly created a flyer that included “know your rights” information; a list of resources available from the town and the United Church of Christ (UCC) Boxborough; contact information for Trinks and the UCC Boxborough, and a message from the town: “We care about you.” Trinks and Hudson left the flyer at the residence later that day. 

According to Hudson, the town does not currently have a policy or protocol to follow for this situation. When asked about Friday’s events, Hudson expressed that the town would be well-served to have a process to help people who need support in emergency situations like this, where an ICE operation may leave individuals in need of assistance.  

The Boxborough Well-Being Committee discussed Friday’s incident and the town’s response at their meeting on Monday, June 2. Committee members were joined by Reverend Fran Graveson from UCC Boxborough, Police Chief John Szewczyk, ATA Hudson, Select Board Chair Kristin Hilberg, and Select Board Clerk Bob Stemple. 

The committee agreed that the town should invoke a policy and process to support Boxborough residents affected by ICE operations and to define Trinks’ role, as she is the primary resource for residents who need social services.

Committee members also discussed creating a defined mobilization plan for incidents like Friday’s; building a communication network for residents to obtain necessary information in an emergency; and “know your rights” trainings. The Well-Being Committee plans to send a list of ideas regarding overall response and protocols for supporting Boxborough residents to the Select Board for its consideration. 

The Select Board plans to discuss the matter at their meeting on Monday, June 9 under New Business (Community Response to Recent ICE Activity and Support Resources). When reached for comment, Select Board Chair Kristin Hilberg said, “I believe that the Select Board will vote in favor of being a caring community…We’re going to abide by the law and follow all the protocols that we’ve been instructed to follow….and make sure family left behind…have access to resources.”

Boxborough News also reached out to Police Chief Szewczyk for a comment on Friday’s incident. Szewczyk noted that unlike previous times when ICE was conducting operations in Boxborough, Boxborough Police were not notified of any ICE activity on Friday, May 30. He learned of the incident after it occurred from Hilberg and Hudson. 

Szewczyk stated, “It is the strict policy of the Boxborough Police Department to not enforce federal immigration laws and to not aid federal agents in their immigration enforcement activities, ensuring we follow the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court decision in Lunn v. Commonwealth. 

Accordingly, we will continue to value and respect the rights of all individuals, regardless of their immigration status, in the most transparent and accountable manner.” No further information about Friday’s events is available. Boxborough News reached out to ICE Communications but did not receive a response. 

ICE operations were witnessed in Acton on Friday, May 30 and on Monday, June 2. Visit actonexchange.org to read their coverage. “Know Your Rights: ICE Enforcement” guidance from the Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General is available at https://www.mass.gov/doc/ago-ice-guidance-05292025/download.  

(30-May-25) At its meeting on Wednesday, May 27, the Boxborough Agricultural Commission (Ag Com) discussed the status of the community garden plots at Flerra Meadows and on Middle Road (at the intersection of Depot Road). The Ag Com oversees both gardens. Plots at both gardens are still available. Gardeners can request a 10 x 20-foot plot ($20) or a 20 x 20-foot plot ($30). 

To request a plot at the Flerra Garden, fill out the application on the Town website: https://www.boxborough-ma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/507/Flerra-Meadows-Community-Garden-Application-PDF. To request a plot at the Middle Road Garden, send an email to middleroadgarden@gmail.com.

The two gardens differ slightly from each other in a few ways. The Flerra Garden is one of the many uses at Flerra Meadow Conservation Land, which is under the Conservation Commission’s purview. 

The Conservation Commission has given the Ag Com the ability to run the garden, but since the garden is on conservation land, gardeners are required to use organic practices and must comply with rules and regulations regarding the use of herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides. 

To read the rules and regulations for the Flerra Garden, visit https://www.boxborough-ma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/506/Flerra-Meadows-Community-Garden-Rules-and-Regulations-updated--4-2024-PDF. The Middle Road Garden is on municipal land, and organic practices are not required. 

Another difference between the two sites is fencing. At Flerra, a seasonal perimeter fence, funded by Community Preservation Act funds, protects the entirety of the garden. At Middle Road, gardeners fence if they choose.

Lastly, at the end of each season, the Flerra Garden is tilled and seeded with a cover crop, which provides nutrients to the soil. At the Middle Road Garden, gardeners planning to return to the same plot make their own preparations for the next season. This allows them to plant perennials, such as asparagus, strawberries, chives, and oregano.

Both sites provide plenty of sun and a source of water. Gardeners must hand water their plants using their own containers; hoses and sprinklers are not permitted at either site. For further questions about renting a garden plot at either site, reach out to Agricultural Commission Chair Owen Neville (oneville@boxborough-ma.gov).

(30-May-25) Now that the election is over, town boards are welcoming newly elected members. On Wednesday, Sam Anderson took his two-year seat on the Select Board alongside re-elected incumbent Wes Fowlks. Anderson replaces Dave McKiernan, who announced in March that he intended to resign in May due to an upcoming move to Cape Cod. The other current Select Board members are Kristin Hilberg (Chair), Bob Stemple, and Priya Sundaram. 

“I'm honored to have been elected to Boxborough's Select Board at a time when our community has such top-of-mind issues to address such as building a new fire station and ensuring that our schools have the resources they need,” said Anderson. “As we set off on the process of bringing these questions to the voters, the challenge will be bringing people together and engaging all corners of the community.”  

He added, “Separately, I am sad to have left the Conservation Commission, and I feel that I walked away from work to be done. While the Select Board needs to keep its focus on building a new fire station and securing sustainable funding for our schools, I'd like to lift up climate resiliency and sustainable development as two issue areas where I'll continue to work, and hope to have an impact.” 

At the Planning Board’s next meeting on June 2, Chris Dowdy will take his seat alongside re-elected incumbent Mark White. Dowdy takes the place of former member Kathy Vorce, who did not run for reelection. The other current Planning Board members are Rebecca Verner, Rich Guzzardi, and Cindy Markowitz. 

“I want to take a moment to thank everyone for their support, and I will serve the Planning Board to the best of my abilities,” says Dowdy. “There are several important projects likely to come to the Planning Board soon, and this year's town meeting has highlighted a flaw in our current zoning bylaw. I look forward to taking in public input and helping incorporate that feedback into a bylaw amendment that reflects what the town wants. Thank you!” 

Says White, “First and foremost, I want to thank everyone who supported my candidacy—with your help, your vote, and your trust. To those who did not vote for me, I hope to earn your trust over the next three years. I truly believe that even when we disagree, we are not all that far apart. 

We share common values, just in varying degrees. Life, politics, and planning all require the ability to compromise without abandoning core principles. When full agreement isn’t possible, I hope we can at least meet in the middle. Over the next three years, I intend to bring empathy, fairness, and transparency to every decision we make. 

I will support thoughtful growth that fits Boxborough’s character and protects what we all value: our open space, natural resources, and rural charm. I’ll continue to advocate for housing and development that allow both young families and seniors to stay in Boxborough—and that help grow our tax base in a sustainable way. 

To achieve this, I plan to work closely with our fellow Town leaders, landowners, and businesses to find mutually beneficial solutions. After six years on the Planning Board, I know the work isn’t always easy, but it is meaningful. Thank you again for your support. And please attend our meetings when you can. An informed community is our best partner in planning.”

At the next Library Board of Trustees meeting, Mikki Macdonald will take her seat alongside re-elected incumbent Rob McNeece. They join other current Trustees Mary Brolin (Chair), Jessica Levesque, Nancy Settle-Murphy, and Teresina Tremblay. 

Said McNeece, “I want to thank everyone who voted for me. I look forward to bringing the new interior design of the library to life and to another three years of supporting our Director and staff as they keep our library current and focused on the future.” 

(30-May-25) At its meeting on May 28, the Boxborough Select Board debriefed on the defeat of Article 1 (to allow municipal governmental zoning across all zoning districts) and Article 2 (to borrow $2.6 million for the design and bidding of a firehouse at 72 Stow Road) at the Special Town Meeting within Annual Town Meeting earlier this month. 

The Board heard from Priya Sundaram, Select Board member and Fire Station Building Committee (FSBC) member, who relayed the FSBC’s request for the Select Board to call a joint meeting between the Select Board, Planning Board, and FSBC to determine a path forward on the fire station project, particularly with respect to the municipal zoning changes needed to build a fire station. 

Board members agreed that such a meeting would be a good next step and tentatively scheduled it for June 17 or 18. The Board also indicated that it was in favor of the FSBC reexamining four potential fire station sites – 72 Stow Road, 502 Mass Ave, 700 Mass Ave, and 1300 Mass Ave – and bringing back to the Select Board a ranking of these four sites, instead of a single recommended site. 

The Board briefly considered increasing the size of the FSBC but declined to do so. The Board also discussed the dates and locations of this year’s Special Town Meetings (STMs). Expected STM topics include a proposal for Boxborough’s compliance with the state’s MBTA Communities Act requirements, another attempt at a zoning bylaw change to address municipal government zoning, and another proposal regarding the fire station project. 

The Board decided, in consultation with Town Planner Alec Wade, that mid-October is the best time for an MBTA Communities vote, with a contingency plan for a second STM in December, if needed. The deadline for compliance with the MBTA Communities Act is December 30, 2025. 

The December STM may also be used for the other two topics – municipal zoning and the fire station – if those proposals are not ready in time for the October STM. The tentative dates for the two STMs are October 21 and December 8.  

Moderator Dennis Reip recommended that the Board consider changing the location of the STMs from the Blanchard Memorial School to the Boxborough Regency Hotel and Conference Center (Regency) in order to better accommodate the large number of residents expected to attend and vote on these issues. The Board agreed and instructed town staff to plan the meetings at the Regency, if possible.   

The Board also discussed the date and location of Boxborough’s 2026 Annual Town Meeting, tentatively deciding on the week of May 18 at the Regency. This meeting was the first Select Board meeting attended by newly elected member Sam Anderson, who ran unopposed for the two-year seat – the remainder of Dave McKiernan’s term.

In their reorganization vote, the majority of the Board voted for Kristin Hilberg to continue to serve as Chair and Bob Stemple was unanimously voted as Clerk. In accepting the role of Chair, Hilberg noted that she is not planning to run for re-election next year. 

(15-MAY-25) On Sunday, May 18, the Steele Farm Committee and the Boxborough Historical Society welcomes the public to visit Steele Farm from 2 to 4 p.m. Volunteers from the Steele Farm Committee and the Boxborough Historical Society will be on-hand to answer questions about Steele Farm. Steele Farm is a thirty-six-acre historic New England farmscape located at 484 Middle Road. 

There are three buildings on the property: The 1784 Levi Wetherbee farmhouse; the circa 1904 Richardson ice house, and the early 1940’s Steele barn. The barn and ice house will be open for self-tours, and visitors will be able to see inside the farmhouse, but won’t be able to go in.  

During its meeting on May 8, Steele Farm Committee Chair Christopher Hydak reported that Phase III of the effort to preserve the envelope of the 1784 Levi Wetherbee farmhouse has made significant progress–all of the new farmhouse windows and exterior clapboard have been installed. Both the farmhouse and the newly restored ice house will be painted when the weather allows.  

In mid-April, Acton-Boxborough Regional High School students participating in a day of service assisted Steele Farm Committee members with their seasonal clean up of the property.  

The next meeting of the Committee will take place in the Steele Farm Barn on Thursday, June 5 at 7 p.m.

(15-MAY-25) In the course of its meeting on April 22nd the Boxborough Housing Board (BHB) voted to continue funding the remediation of a contaminated well that serves one of the affordable housing units in Boxborough Meadows that is monitored by the Housing Board. 

The Affordable Housing Trust, which funds the BHB’s expenses, has allocated $30,000 as discretionary spending that the BHB can use with no further approvals from the AHT. BHB members voted unanimously to commit to future funding of the water treatment maintenance costs up to a total of $20,000. To date, $8,925 has been spent.

In 2022, funds from the Affordable Housing Trust were used to install a filtration system to remediate the contamination, and in May 2022, the Housing Board voted to allocate up to $20,000 to cover the cost of yearly maintenance for this specific well for a three-year period.

In a unanimous vote at their April 22, 2025 meeting, the Housing Board voted to “earmark” the remaining $11,000 of the $20,000 allocation for the maintenance of this well. The BHB plans to review the expenses in 2026 to ensure that expenses have not exceeded the budget.

(8-MAY-25) At its virtual meeting on Tuesday April 29, the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) held two public hearings to review the special permit applications from two homeowners. They also voted to allow minor modifications to a previously granted special permit for 95 Swanson Road. 

Property owner John Halverson, an eight-year Boxborough resident, appeared before the board seeking a special permit to demolish the existing garage and rebuild a new one at his home at 429 Liberty Square Road. Halverson’s plan shows a 26 x 26 structure, which will be used as a two-car garage. All structures on the property meet the required setbacks, but Halverson must seek a special permit because his lot is non-conforming, i.e., it does not meet the 60,000 square foot minimum required in the agricultural/residential (AR) district, as specified in the Boxborough Zoning Bylaw.

The Board discussed the application and noted that the structure would be allowed on the lot in its present location if the lot were conforming. They determined that there was no increase in the nonconforming nature of the structure and voted unanimously to grant the special permit.

In a continuation of a public hearing for a special permit for 70 Summer Road, Paul Kirchner of engineering firm Stamski and McNary, representing owner/applicant Robert Doughty, presented an updated plan to raze both of the existing nonconforming structures on the property and construct a new house and detached garage in a different location.

In the original plan, only one structure – a house with an attached garage – was planned. However, Eve Isenberg of Inkstone Architects explained that there was a design preference for having two structures so that the house would have windows on all sides. The new design minimizes the nonconforming nature of the structures by not exceeding the current nonconforming front setbacks. In addition, the garage will be placed outside of the 100 foot wetland buffer zone, and less of the house area will be inside the wetland buffer zone. A Notice of Intent has been filed with the Conservation Commission who will determine whether an Order of Conditions can be issued.  

The ZBA determined that the relocated structures are not substantially detrimental to the neighborhood and voted unanimously to approve the special permit.

In between hearings, the Board heard from Chris Crump, a representative from the engineering firm Kipcon. On behalf of Harvard Ridge Condominium trustees, Crump requested a minor modification to the approved special permit to reconstruct an apartment building at 95 Swanson Road that was destroyed by fire in February 2021.

The special permit was issued to reconstruct a building that was similar to the original building. However, according to Crump, the owners wish to reduce costs and update the style of the building by changing the originally proposed exterior finishes of brick veneer and stucco to a vinyl siding. 

ZBA members agreed unanimously that this is a minor modification and that the original special permit is unaffected.

(8-MAY-25) On Monday, May 12, Boxborough residents will gather for this year’s Annual Town Meeting (ATM). The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at Blanchard Memorial School, 493 Massachusetts Ave. The meeting will continue as needed on the subsequent nights of the same week: May 13, 14, and 15. Voter check-in for each session of the ATM begins at 6:30 p.m. 

What is a Town Meeting? According to Boxborough’s guide to Town Meeting, “Town Meeting is the foundation of Town Government, the purest form of direct democracy and fiscal responsibility. While the elected officials and appointed department heads supervise the day-to-day running of the town and schools, their authority extends only to managing employees and administering the expenditures that have already been voted by Town Meeting.” 

A copy of the 2025 ATM Warrant was mailed to the household of every registered voter in Boxborough in April, and is available on the Town’s website at https://www.boxborough-ma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5033/FY26-ATM-Warrant?bidId=. 

The meeting will begin with a Special Town Meeting session, with six articles, followed by the  ATM with 49 articles. 

The Town of Boxborough has posted a “2025 Boxborough Annual Town Meeting Preview,” featuring Town Administrator Michael Johns and Town Moderator Dennis Reip, to help residents prepare for ATM. 

The video gives an overview of what to expect at Town Meeting, and walks through this year’s warrant articles. Johns and Reip also explain what “Special Town Meeting” is and what “consent agenda” means. The video is available at https://cloud.castus.tv/vod/boxborough/video/68028eca119aac0008ba9453?page=HOME. 

Can’t attend ATM this year? Check www.BoxboroughNews.org for daily summaries of ATM proceedings.  

(1-MAY-25) At its meeting on April 28, the Select Board discussed a wide variety of topics including a vote to accept the Fire Station Building Committee’s recommendation for the location of the new fire station, the disposition of the current fire station at 502 Mass Ave, the approval of individual personnel contracts and collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), and a vote in support of a stabilization account for Acton-Boxborough Regional School District (ABRSD) health insurance.

The Select Board voted 4-1 to accept the Fire Station Building Committee’s recommendation to select the 72 Stow Road property as the site of a new fire station, with Board member Wes Fowlks dissenting, saying he disagreed with the recommendation.  

Town Administrator Michael Johns asked the Select Board to consider what they would like to do with the existing fire station at 502 Mass Ave once a new fire station is built at 72 Stow Road. 

Several Board members wanted to see the building leveled and demolished so as not to confuse residents. When reached for comment, Fire Station Building Committee and Select Board member Priya Sundaram explained that it would be more cost effective to demolish the building and include that cost (demolition) as part of the entire project's budget, rather than hiring a new contractor solely for the demolition. The Board also discussed the possibility of repurposing the building for some other use and the challenges associated with doing so, including the wetlands and high water-table. The Select Board decided to continue this discussion at a future meeting.  

The Select Board also voted contracts for the Assessor, Building Inspector, and Land Use Director, as well as CBAs for Police, Fire, and the Department of Public Works (DPW). The Board did not provide the negotiated details, like compensation and benefits, because they said the contracts had to be signed by all parties before any information could be disclosed to the public.  

When contacted by Boxborough News after the meeting, Johns said that individual contracts for the Assessor, Land Use Director and Building Inspector were in line with what the Personnel Board recommended for non-contract employees. Johns did point out that the Land Use Director salary was well below the market comparables, so an adjustment has been made in the new contract to bring it up a little closer to the market, to ensure retention in this critical position.

He also said that negotiated contracts for all Collective Bargaining Units included a 2.75% COLA (cost-of-living adjustment) increase in year one and a 3% increase in years two and three. Total costs were $45,000 for DPW, $80,000 for Fire, and $65,000 for Police. The cost of the CBAs will be voted as individual warrant articles at this year’s Annual Town Meeting.

The Select Board also heard from Adam Klein, ABRSD School Committee Chair, who explained the need to establish a Health Insurance Stabilization fund to cover the district’s share of health care costs for employees who need to join the ABRSD health insurance plan outside of annual open enrollment and district budgeting cycle.  

Klein explained that the account will initially be funded through refunds from the Acton Health Insurance Trust as it completes paying run-out claims.  It is unclear how long the initial funding will last, but the account can be funded through the regular budgeting process. The Select Board voted unanimously to support this action.

Select Board members also discussed their progress in achieving strategic short-term and long-term goals, including budget forecasting, financial stability, succession planning, professional development, customer service and a number of other goals.

(1-MAY-25) At its meeting on April 24, the Boxborough Fire Station Building Committee (FSBC) discussed its preparation for this year’s Annual Town Meeting (ATM), where it will be asking the town for $2.6 million towards building a new fire station at 72 Stow Road.  

Article 2 of the Special Town Meeting within ATM, “New Firehouse Design Funding,” requests $2,622,445 for the “design and bidding” phase of the fire station project, and requests the funds specifically for “a new firehouse at 72 Stow Road.” 

The FSBC chose the 72 Stow Road site in March, by unanimous vote, after a months-long site selection process that eventually came down to a comparison of two viable options: 72 Stow Road and 502 Mass Ave (the site of the current fire station).  

At the time of the site selection vote, FSBC members acknowledged that there is opposition to the Stow Road site from abutters and other members of the public, but expressed they could not vote for the Mass Ave site because it is estimated to cost roughly $6 million more and is expected to be a less functional facility due to site constraints. 

The FSBC also acknowledged at the time of their site selection vote that current zoning does not allow a fire station to be built at 72 Stow Road. Several months prior, the town’s Building Commissioner and Town Counsel opined that no municipal construction is currently allowed anywhere in Boxborough without a change to the zoning bylaw. While there may be a path to building a fire station at 502 Mass Ave without a bylaw amendment, through a special permit since it is the site of the current fire station, the Town’s understanding is that a zoning bylaw amendment is required in order to build a fire station at 72 Stow Road.

Accordingly, the Boxborough Select Board has put forward Article 1 of the Special Town Meeting within ATM, “Municipal Governmental Zoning Allowed Across All Zoning Districts.” This article would amend the zoning bylaw to allow construction of municipal buildings in all zoning districts, and thus allow a fire station to be built at 72 Stow Road.

With yard signs for and against Article 1 and Article 2 popping up all over town, both warrant articles are expected to generate much debate at Town Meeting.

At their April 24 meeting, FSBC members considered the possibility that Article 1 might not pass and asked themselves what they would do in that scenario, since Article 2 specifies that the requested funds are for 72 Stow Road.

FSBC members had different opinions on whether, in a potential scenario where Article 1 fails, the FSBC should abandon the 72 Stow Road site and pivot to the 502 Mass Ave site with an amendment to Article 2 on Town Meeting floor.  

FSBC Chair Mary Brolin stated that she would consult the Town Moderator, Dennis Reip, about whether such an amendment on Town Meeting floor would be permissible. The FSBC will continue this discussion at its next meeting on May 8.

  The FSBC also discussed its public outreach efforts in advance of ATM, including public forums on Monday, May 5, at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. (hybrid format at Town Hall and on Zoom)  and a series of videos about the fire station project that are available here: https://www.boxborough-ma.gov/727/Fire-Station-Building-Committee. 

(1-MAY-25)  On Tuesday, May 20, Boxborough voters will go to the polls to fill eleven town positions. Boxborough News reached out to all fourteen candidates and asked them to answer the question “Why are you running?” The responses that we received from the candidates are at this link. 

The candidate’s responses are printed as received; they have not been edited by Boxborough News.

Offices on this year’s town ballot are Select Board (a two-year seat and a three-year seat), School Committee (one seat), Planning Board (two seats), Library Trustees (two seats), Board of Health (one seat), Town Clerk (one seat), Town Moderator (one seat), and Constable (one seat).

For more information about the candidates running in the contested races - for the three-year Select Board seat, the two Planning Board seats, and the two Library Trustees seats – watch a BXB-TV recording of the Boxborough Candidate Forum hosted by the Acton Area League of Women Voters on May 1 at https://cloud.castus.tv/vod/boxborough/?page=HOME. 

(1-MAY-25) The Town of Boxborough has posted two videos on its website to help residents prepare for Annual Town Meeting (ATM), which will begin Monday, May 12, at 7 p.m. at the Blanchard Memorial School gymnasium.

The first video is the “2025 Boxborough Annual Town Meeting Preview,” featuring Town Administrator Michael Johns and Town Moderator Dennis Reip. The video gives an overview of what to expect at town meeting, and walks through this year’s warrant articles. Johns and Reip also explain what “special town meeting” is and what “consent agenda” means. The video is available at https://cloud.castus.tv/vod/boxborough/video/68028eca119aac0008ba9453?page=HOME.

The second video is the Finance Committee’s “Pre-ATM Budget Presentation, featuring Finance Committee Chair Tony Newton and Select Board member Bob Stemple. Newton and Stemple discuss the budget process, the Town’s operating budget, and sources of revenue. Newton also explains the tax levy limit, the use of bonding and free cash, and the potential for an override next year. The video is available at https://cloud.castus.tv/vod/boxborough/video/680967d63935f70008199f45?page=HOME.  

(24-APR-25) At its meeting on April 17, the Acton-Boxborough School Committee heard a presentation from Joe Costello of District Management Group (DMG), the consultant hired by the district for its “strategic planning and district reorganization” project.

The purpose of the project, which was initiated in response to ongoing budget challenges, is to consider how the schools in the district can potentially be reorganized and/or consolidated to better serve the community.  

In his presentation, Costello spoke about DMG’s experience, the timeline for the project, the importance of public engagement, and the two final deliverables: a written strategic plan and two to three reorganizational options.  

Turning to new business, the Committee voted, with seven members abstaining, to abandon the district’s 2024 updates to Title IX-related policies and reinstate the 2020 versions of the policies. 

Deputy Superintendent Andrew Shen explained that the district is reverting to the 2020 language on the advice of legal counsel in order to comply with a recent federal court decision that vacated the expanded Title IX protections implemented by the Biden administration and the resulting decision by the Department of Education to enforce the 2020 Title IX regulations. The district had implemented the expanded Title IX protections in 2024. 

The Committee also did a “second read” of the district’s Student Discipline Policy. After a first read in a prior meeting, some Committee members expressed concern about the withholding of recess as a form of discipline. The policy was then revised to acknowledge the value of recess and the circumstances under which a students’ recess time might be limited. Committee members continued to express concerns with the revised policy; the policy will be discussed further at a future meeting.

The Committee also heard a presentation from RJ Grey Junior High Principal Jim Marcotte, who shared updates on student learning, chronic absenteeism, and “interrupting hate and bias,” and recognized the two School Committee members who are retiring from their positions: Ginny Kremer and Rebeccah Wilson, both of Acton. 

(24-APR-25) Saturday, April 19, started out as most mornings do for Joel Richman, a long time Boxborough resident. It was just after 8 a.m. when Richman headed outside with his two dogs for their morning walk in the woods behind his house. 

After about five minutes, Richman told Boxborough News, the dogs emerged from the woods and started barking and running toward his driveway; Richman ran after them to the front of his house. When he reached the front of his house, Richman said, he saw that at least six plain clothes officers “had surrounded his house” and “one was banging on his front door.” At least six unmarked vehicles lined the street in front of his home, Richman recalled. 

The officers identified themselves as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, Richman said, and immediately asked Richman to identify himself. According to Richman, the officers informed him that they were looking for someone who was using his address, but they did not give any specifics. Richman said that the officers showed him a photo of a man and asked if he recognized him, indicating that they were following up on a lead about a person in the country illegally. They also asked Richman if he had been receiving any mail for someone who didn’t live at his address, to which he replied “no.”

Richman told Boxborough News that the first 30 seconds after he came back to his house were “terrifying…It happened so fast…these guys were not there five minutes ago. Within minutes, they had the house surrounded.”

Once the officers realized that Richman was not the person they were looking for and the situation deescalated, Richman said it took a while for him to calm down. “I was pretty adrenalized.” Richman admitted that he was shocked to see agents at his home and was “unprepared for the moment.”

Not long after the incident occurred, Richman said he received a call from Boxborough Select Board Chair Kristin Hilberg and Boxborough Police Chief John Szewczyk. 

When asked to comment, Chief Szewczyk provided the following statement to Boxborough News: “US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) contacted Nashoba Valley Regional Dispatch District (NVRDD) who in turn contacted the Boxborough Police Department to make us aware that they were in Boxborough and would be conducting an investigation. Boxborough Police was not on scene and did not provide assistance to ICE.” Boxborough Police has received no further communication from ICE regarding the case.

It is not known whether or not ICE had an arrest warrant. Richman said that he did not ask the agents if they had a warrant, and Chief Szewczyk did not have that information, either.  

Boxborough News reached out to ICE for further information and will update this story if and when more information is available.

When asked about Boxborough Police policy “not to voluntarily comply with ICE detainer requests absent a judicial warrant,” Chief Szewczyk indicated that the policy is rooted in state law. 

In 2017, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court held in Commonwealth v. Lunn that Massachusetts law does not provide law enforcement the authority to hold individuals based solely on a federal civil immigration detainer. An ICE detainer is not a judicial warrant; it is an administrative request from a federal agency. Accordingly, holding an individual beyond their lawful release time solely based on an ICE detainer is considered an unlawful arrest under Massachusetts law.

If police or ICE are at your home, you have rights under the U.S. Constitution, regardless of your immigration status. For “know your rights” information, you can visit the American Civil Liberties Union page: https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/immigrants-rights#police-or-ice-are-at-my-home

(24-APR-25) At its meeting on April 10, Steele Farm Committee Chair Christopher Hydak reported on the  progress that has been made on Phase III of the effort to preserve the envelope of the 1784 Levi Wetherbee farmhouse at Steele Farm. The new windows have arrived, and the contractor has removed the old windows and clapboards. The work is expected to be completed in May. Also in the works is having volunteers apply a second coat of paint to the newly restored ice house. 

The Committee also discussed farm maintenance projects, including burning of brush piles, projects for Acton-Boxborough High School students during their day of service, tree and invasive species removal, and updating walking trails. 

The Steele Farm Committee will be inviting the public to visit the Steele Farm property during the week of May 12 through May 18. Members of the Committee and the Boxborough Historical Society will open the barn and ice house for displays of farm equipment on Sunday, May 18 between 2 and 4 p.m. 

The next meeting of the Committee will take place in the Steele Farm Barn on Thursday, May 8 at 7 p.m.

(24-APR-25) At its April 15 meeting, the Water Resources Committee (WRC) reviewed progress on the water resources report being written by Weston & Sampson (W&R), the consulting firm hired by the town for “water resources planning services.” A comprehensive water resources report is due in July, but it is likely that the report will be delayed. W&R has received most, but not all, of Boxborough’s information and comments but has not yet incorporated them into the draft report. WRC members discussed methods for obtaining incremental feedback.

The WRC continues to evaluate whether a fire pond could be created on a tract of land near Massachusetts Avenue and Summer Road. Although the property offers sufficient space, possible complications need to be explored. The tract’s wetland status may affect the establishment of a fire pond. In addition, the entire tract is part of a Zone II Wellhead Protection Area, which protects the recharge area of a well by prohibiting certain improvements. WRC members will continue to gather information and continue the conversation at their next meeting.

WRC Chair Les Fox reported that the Littleton waterline project remains on schedule. A waterline extension from Littleton into Boxborough is being carried out by the Littleton Electric Light and Water Department (LELWD) to bring clean, treated drinking water to properties located in Boxborough on Beaver Brook Road, Swanson Road, and Codman Hill Road, as far south as 330 Codman Hill Road. The waterline is scheduled to be completed in November 2026. Fox outlined plans to meet with Fire Chief Kilvan and Police Chief Szewczyk to decide on hydrant placements along the water line.   

The next WRC meeting will be on May 20, 2025 at 7:30 pm, via Zoom.

(17-APR-25) In the course of reviewing their presentation for 2025 Annual Town Meeting (ATM), the Finance Committee (FinCom) discussed future options for structuring the anticipated debt service for the proposed Fire Station, which is expected to be an article at next year’s (2026) ATM. 

Debt service is the total amount of money required to repay both the principal and interest of a loan or debt obligation over a specific period of time. The Fire Station Bond is expected to be paid over 30 years. Debt service is similar to a mortgage or a student loan.  

Historically, the town used a level principal payment, where the principal is paid down sooner. When the principal goes down, interest on the debt also goes down. The advantage to structuring the debt this way is that the town saves money over time.

The other way to structure the debt is through a fixed payment approach. With this approach, the interest is paid first and whatever is left over, goes to pay the principal. If the debt is structured using a fixed payment approach, the cash flow is better for the town, and at least initially, less expensive for taxpayers.

The decision as to how to structure the debt will be made by the Town Treasurer/Collector in consultation with the Town Administrator and our bonding agency prior to the 2026 ATM, where the Town will be asked to authorize funding for the proposed Fire Station.  

(17-APR-25) On Monday, April 14, the Boxborough Planning Board met for the exclusive purpose of finalizing a report on Article 1 for Special Town Meeting, which begins on Monday, May 12. 

Article 1 is a proposed zoning bylaw amendment that would include “Municipal Governmental” uses across all zoning districts in Boxborough. The Select Board brought the proposed zoning article forward to address what they believe is a “scrivener’s error” or “oversight” in the zoning bylaw. The discovery of the “error” was the Fire Station Building Committee’s realization that the zoning bylaw, as currently interpreted, would not allow the building of a fire station anywhere in town.  

Although the Select Board initiated the article, the Planning Board has the ministerial duty to conduct a public hearing and issue a report and recommendation. During the meeting on April 14, Planning Board members reviewed a draft report documenting the public hearing proceedings and the recommendations of both the majority and minority positions. A copy of the report will be available at Special Town Meeting.

On March 17, the Planning Board opened the public hearing on the proposed zoning bylaw amendment. Select Board Chair Kristin Hilberg gave a history of the bylaw and emphasized, “without passing this (proposed zoning bylaw amendment) article, we literally have no zoning mechanism to build any municipal facility anywhere in Boxborough.”

The public hearing continued on March 31 and closed that evening. The Planning Board voted to recommend the article by a split vote of 3-2, and members collaborated on their respective written opinions for inclusion in the STM Warrant and final report.

For additional information, see previously published articles: 

https://www.boxboroughnews.org/news#h.5xpfrrj1zrbh

https://www.boxboroughnews.org/news#h.sudqs2cy9peb

(10-APR-25) At their monthly meeting on March 25, the Boxborough Housing Board (BHB) focused on the town’s MBTA Communities Act compliance and the Homeowner Opportunity for Preservation & Equity (HOPE) program. 

Regarding town compliance with the MBTA Communities Act, the BHB discussed the work of the town’s 3A Advisory Committee, which is tasked with providing zoning alternatives for Boxborough’s MBTA Communities district. 

BHB members expressed concerns about the possibility of “paper compliance” that would allow the town to meet the zoning expectations set forth by the MBTA Communities Act without any expectation of actually building multi-family housing in the newly zoned areas. 

The BHB agreed to recommend that the town pursue more than “paper compliance” with the MBTA Communities Act. The BHB plans to write a memo to urge the 3A Advisory Committee to recommend only those districts where multi-family housing could actually be built.

The BHB also discussed past and future HOPE projects. First, the Board revisited a conversation about damages that occurred during the Boxborough Meadows roof replacements. Town Planner Alec Wade has secured a commitment from the contractor to fix damages now that the weather is improving. Second, the Board discussed their previous decision to add clear income eligibility guidelines for future HOPE projects; two members agreed to draft language that reflects the 80% median income amendment. Also in service of carrying out future HOPE Projects, BHB filled out an “expression of interest (EOI)” form to be considered for state grant funding in the amount of $200,000 to fund the next proposed HOPE project, replacing aging water-heaters across the 20 affordable housing units under the purview of the Housing Trust.

The last order of business was to discuss estate planning for Chapter 40b affordable housing unit homeowners. BHB Chair Al Murphy spoke with Stefanie Petersen of the Metro West Collaborative Development consulting firm about what the current law is and how the BHB could make sure homeowners on deed-restricted properties have a viable option for ensuring their homes stay out of probate court and continue to fulfill the town’s required subsidized housing inventory. The BHB will continue this discussion at the next meeting. 

Finally, Boxborough Community Services Coordinator Wendy Trinks provided an update on the Boxborough Rental Assistance Program (BRAP); there are currently 17 active participants. Trinks has received positive feedback about the program’s impact. Up for vote at Annual Town Meeting (ATM) is a change to BRAP’s financial assistance disbursement, to increase the flat rate of $250/month to a need-based scale of up to $500 per month in rental assistance. 

(10-APR-25) At its meeting on Monday, April 7, the Boxborough Planning Board conducted a public hearing to consider a zoning bylaw amendment for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) that would update the town’s existing bylaw language and bring it into compliance with a new state law, the Affordable Homes Act, which was signed into law in August 2024. 

Voters at Annual Town Meeting (ATM) in May will decide whether or not to approve the proposed amendments with a majority vote. 

This will be the third time in as many years that an ADU bylaw has come before Boxborough voters at ATM. In 2023, voters passed revisions that increased the number of accessory apartments that can be constructed and permitted each year from five to ten, and they also approved an increase in the maximum size of an ADU from 600 to 1300 square feet. Other changes included eliminating restrictions on the number of rooms allowed, who is allowed to live in the unit, and parking requirements.

After a subsequent review by the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, the Town was notified that the limitation of ten permits per year for accessory apartments was not allowed. At ATM 2024, voters approved amendments that removed the ten unit limit and “cleaned up” conflicting language in the bylaw that would have prevented ADUs in accessory structures (as opposed to only within the principal dwelling). 

The Massachusetts Affordable Homes Act of 2024 requires that towns allow accessory dwelling units in all districts that allow single family homes. The purpose of the legislation is to address the housing shortage in Massachusetts by relaxing the many restrictions that cities and towns have placed on accessory units.

Boxborough’s ADU bylaw, as approved by Town Meeting in 2024, is now considered by the State to be “overly restrictive” and does not meet the requirements of the Affordable Homes Act. Article 52 on the May 2025 Annual Town Meeting Warrant is an amendment to change sections of the Zoning Bylaw for ADUs and bring it into compliance with current state law.  

In addition to stating that the ADU “shall be allowed by right within a single-family dwelling or in an accessory structure,” the proposed bylaw stipulates that a building permit and occupancy restriction can be granted subject to regulations including dimensional requirements, parking requirements, and accessory structure setbacks.

During the April 7 meeting, Planning Board members spent considerable time discussing setback requirements of accessory structures. Under the Affordable Homes Act, any accessory structure (e.g., garage, shed, barn, etc.) can be occupied as an ADU as long as it meets septic and Board of Health requirements. And, the law stipulates that if a municipality has a less restrictive setback for accessory structures (than for the principal dwelling), then the lesser setback requirement must be allowed. 

Boxborough does have a lower minimum setback requirement for accessory structures–10 feet on side and rear lot lines versus 30 feet on side and 40 feet on rear lot lines for principal dwellings. Several board members expressed concern that an accessory structure could be built and/or occupied only 10 feet from a side or rear property line. The board agreed that in order to comply with the Affordable Homes Act, they would move forward with the bylaw amendment as written and address the accessory building setback requirements as a separate bylaw amendment in the future.

(27-MAR-25) At its March 18 meeting, the Boxborough Water Resources Committee (WRC) discussed with Boxborough Fire Chief John Kivlan the availability of water throughout town for the purpose of fighting fires. 

The Boxborough Fire Department uses water from the fire cisterns and fire ponds to fight fires. Chief Kivlan explained that there are currently 28 cisterns and 19 fire ponds in Boxborough. The status of all of them is not known. The Chief is developing a map of the fire ponds and cisterns, so that the access to them and coverage that they provide can be determined. In addition, any repairs or upgrades required for the cisterns will be identified. The person or entity responsible for the maintenance of a fire pond or cisterns varies within Boxborough. Chief Kivlan is also investigating how similar towns (towns that lack town water) manage cisterns and fire ponds.

The WRC also discussed a draft interim report from Weston & Sampson, a consultant working with the Town of Boxborough to conduct a preliminary assessment of Boxborough’s water resources, future water needs, and wastewater demands.

The WRC’s discussion focused on the section of the report, in large part completed, that summarizes and maps current conditions in Boxborough. The section includes information such as soil types, aquifers, and impervious areas (such as roads and roofs). More GIS data and a breakdown of the various types of impervious surfaces are needed. 

WRC Chair Les Fox reported that the Littleton waterline project is on schedule. This project will provide water to Boxborough residents living west of Interstate 495. The details of how water fees will be paid will be worked out with condominiums and homeowners in the area. Road closures related to the project will occur later in the year.

The next meeting of the WRC will be April 15 at 7:30 pm. 

(27-MAR-25) At their meeting on March 24, the Boxborough Select Board reviewed the warrant for Annual Town Meeting (ATM), including the Special Town Meeting (STM) within the Annual Town Meeting, which will begin on Monday, May 12 at Blanchard Memorial School.

Before voting unanimously to approve the warrant and authorize its mailing to every household, the Board reviewed each article in the warrant, making edits to some of their recommendations and voting a handful of remaining articles. 

The articles generating the most discussion among Board members were STM Article 1, Municipal Governmental Zoning Allowed Across All Zoning Districts, which they recommended unanimously; STM Article 2, 72 Stow Road Firehouse Design and Bid Funding, which they recommended 4-0-1; and STM Article 6, Taylor Farm Road Parcel Acceptance, which they recommended 4-1-0.

The Select Board also heard a presentation from Personnel Board Chair Allan MacLean on ATM Article 4. Article 4 includes seven amendments to the town’s Personnel Plan and provides a 2.7% “across-the-board wage adjustment” for FY26 for non-union and non-contract employees. After discussion and questions from Board members, the Board recommended the article 4-0-1.

In other business, the Board accepted the resignation of Megan Connor from the Boxborough Recreation Commission, which she has served on for the past eleven years. The Board also heard a report from Town Administrator Michael Johns that he has begun discussions with Acton Water District Manager Matthew Mostoller about potentially bringing in water from Acton for fire suppression and other purposes. 

(20-MAR-25) At its meeting on March 18, the Finance Committee (FinCom) discussed the overall financial health of the town – including financial pressures on the budget, the town’s levy limit, and a potential Proposition 2½ override that the town will likely face in Spring 2026 for the FY2027 budget.

By way of background, Proposition 2½, approved by Massachusetts voters in 1980, limits the amount of revenue a city or town may raise from local property taxes each year to fund municipal operations. This amount is known as the annual levy limit. 

An “override” increases the amount of property tax revenue a community may raise and becomes part of the base for calculating future years' levy limits. The result is a permanent increase in taxing authority. 

Given the lack of projected growth (new construction) in Boxborough and the pressures on the budget, including projected increases in the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District assessment, town health and pension benefits, and the potential for fire station funding, the town’s budget will likely require an override next year.  

FinCom Chair Antony Newton said that an override is a “cyclical event.”  It gives the town additional capacity to meet expenses through taxation. The last time Boxborough faced an override was 20 years ago. 

FinCom meetings are scheduled every Tuesday during the budget season at 7 p.m. at Town Hall. The final vote on the town budget is scheduled for Tuesday, March 25.  The meetings are hybrid.  

(20-MAr-25) At its meeting on March 13 at the Boxborough Museum, the Boxborough Historical Commission unanimously voted in favor of recommending three articles relating to the museum building that have been placed on the warrant for the May 2025 Boxborough Annual Town Meeting. 

The articles are designed to correct issues in the building by replacing the aging roof, which has leaked, replacing the two leaking back doors, and caulking and painting the exterior windows. The goal is to maintain the integrity of the envelope of the town building.  

Chair Alan Rohwer noted that, while the first floor of the building is used as the Museum, the basement is used as the locked hub for Boxborough’s public safety communication network and is also used as a storage area by the Town Clerk, Town Planner, Recreation Commission, and Public Celebrations and Ceremonies Committee. 

The Commission then briefly reviewed other items of historical interest, including progress on the renovation of the Steele Farm icehouse and farmhouse and the plans in surrounding communities to commemorate this year’s 250th anniversary of April 19, 1775.

The next meeting of the Commission will take place on Thursday May 8 at 7 p.m. at the Boxborough Museum.  

(13-MAR-25) Over the last several months, the Personnel Board has been working with Assistant Town Administrator, Rajon Hudson on proposed changes to the Personnel Plan (the Plan), which will be voted at Annual Town Meeting (ATM) in May.

The major changes in the Plan include: front loading sick leave, so that employees receive sick days at the beginning of the fiscal year rather than accrual based on hours worked; converting unused personal day(s) to sick day(s) during the following fiscal year; a stipend of $2,400 for any employee who opts-out of the town’s medical insurance plan; and clarification of the timing for “step” increases.  The Personnel Board voted unanimously on all proposed changes to the Plan.  

The Board also voted to add the title of Assistant Treasurer/Collector to the Compensation and Classification schedule and title changes for the Town Planner to the Director of Land Use and Permitting and the Town Accountant to Finance Director/Town Accountant.  

As previously reported by Boxborough News, the cost of the 2.7% wage adjustment is $37,300.  All eligible employees will also receive a 2.5% “step” increase.  

The Personnel Board meets in person on the second Tuesday of month at 5:30 p.m. at Town Hall.

(13-MAR-25) At its meeting on March 10, the Boxborough Select Board reviewed and voted on a number of warrant articles for Annual Town Meeting, scheduled to begin on May 12.

The Board voted articles regarding the Constable’s salary, the town’s “tailings” (abandoned funds) policy, additional hours for the Treasurer-Collector, and a “swap shed” at the Transfer Station, among others. The Board delayed votes on a handful of remaining articles, including the article to fund the next phase of the fire station project and an article with amendments to the town’s Personnel Plan. The Board expects to vote the remaining articles, as well as finalize their written recommendations, at their next meeting on March 24.

The Board also heard a number of updates from Town Administrator Michael Johns, including that the town has submitted a proposal to UMass Medical to potentially bring a regional emergency services facility to Boxborough. Johns explained that the town’s proposal does not recommend one specific piece of land for the facility, and that the town does not own any of the land potentially under consideration, but he believes that “this would be a great opportunity for the town and we think [Boxborough] would be a great location for this facility.”

Johns also noted that a barricade has been erected at Flerra Meadows to prevent vehicles from driving on the majority of the property. Johns explained that due to the recent cycle of freezing and thawing, it is in the best interest of the property to prevent vehicle access at this time. However, the property is not closed to individuals; there is a small area off Stow Road that allows for some parking, and individuals are welcome to walk the remainder of the driveway to access the property. 

(12-Mar-25) At its meeting on February 20, Steele Farm Committee Chair Christopher Hydak reported that Steele Farm will be Boxborough’s “Hidden Treasure” this year. 

Each May, the Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area (“Freedom’s Way”) sponsors a “Hidden Treasures” month. Freedom’s Way is a consortium of cities and towns that were involved in the events of April 1775, including Boxborough. During Hidden Treasures month, an organization in each participating town chooses a “treasure” to showcase to the public. In Boxborough, the Boxborough Historical Society (BHS) identifies the town’s Hidden Treasure each year. 

The Steele Farm Committee will be inviting the public to visit the Steele Farm property during the week of May 12 through May 18. Members of the committee and the BHS will open the barn and ice house for displays of farm equipment on Sunday, May 18 between 2 and 4 p.m. 

In other Steele Farm Committee business, Phase III of the effort to preserve the envelope of the 1784 Levi Wetherbee farmhouse at Steele Farm will restart in March. The contractor has ordered windows and other needed items, and the work is expected to be completed in two or three months. During this time, volunteers will apply a second coat of paint to the newly restored ice house. 

The next meeting of the Committee will take place in the Steele Farm Barn on Thursday April 10 at 7 p.m.

(12-Mar-25) At their meeting on March 6, the Recreation Commission (Rec Com) discussed preparations for Flerra Summer Playground, a half day program run by the Rec Com that offers a “summer fun experience for elementary school students.” This year, the program will run Monday through Friday for five weeks, from Monday, June 30 through Friday, August 1.

The program directors have all been hired. Counselor and CIT applications are now available at the Rec Com’s “MyRec” website, https://bit.ly/4if7z1I, and the town will be setting up interviews for counselors soon. Camper registration is expected to begin on April 1. 

Rec Com members also discussed the possibility of offering various activities in the afternoons after the Flerra Summer Playground program, which ends at noon each day. Questions arose regarding which programs might take place, the feasibility of transportation to those programs, and the number of potential participants. The Rec Com expects to discuss further at their next meeting. 

The RunBXB 5K race, sponsored by the Rec Com, is set for April 27 at the Craft Food Halls, located at 500 Beaver Brook Rd. Check-in will begin at 11:30 AM, and the race will start at noon. The registration fee is $25 per runner, which includes a race number and a T-shirt. Yankee Timing will provide chips for accurate recording of race times. 

The race route has yet to be determined, and the registration website is not yet active. Once the registration is active, participants can also raise funds for breast cancer research through a separate link on the registration website. The Rec Com is sponsoring the race; however, the fundraising efforts are independent. 

The signage for the newly acquired Erickson/Landry Field was also discussed. A temporary sign will be installed until the field's usage is determined. Due to the wetlands and ledge, the land is unsuitable for many sports activities. The Rec Com will work with Town Planner Alec Wade to determine whether construction of walking paths or volleyball courts might be possible.

The Recreation Commission’s next meeting is scheduled for April 3 at 7:15 p.m., in a hybrid format.

(6-MAR-25) At its meeting on March 3, the Boxborough Well-Being Committee hosted Jacquelin Apsler, Executive Director of Domestic Violence Services Network (DVSN), for a one-hour conversation around domestic violence.

Apsler shared with the Committee that domestic violence victims often believe they are totally alone, unseen, unheard, and would never be believed. Many internalize the belief that the abuse is their fault, and, if they just did something different or better or more thoughtful, their abusive partner would not need to control, demean or hurt them.  

DVSN worked with 38 domestic violence victims from Boxborough in Fiscal Year 2024 and have 21 domestic violence cases so far in Fiscal Year 2025. Aspler said, “that’s just the tip of the iceberg,” as victims don’t always report domestic violence as it occurs.  

Wendy Trinks, Boxborough Community Services Coordinator, said that the victims she’s worked with “appreciate having someone who listens and validates their feelings.”  

Well-Being Committee Chair Mary Pavlik asked what the committee could do to support DVSN. Apsler said that DVSN trains all volunteer advocates and is always looking to add to their volunteer base. She asked that the committee spread the word about upcoming trainings and promote DVSN events, like the annual vigil.  

DVSN was established in 1998 in collaboration with the Concord and Acton police departments. Boxborough joined DVSN in 2007 and is one of 12 member communities, plus Hanscom Air Force Base, that works to end domestic violence.  

In other matters, the Well-Being Committee discussed a warrant article that would increase the Community Services Coordinator position from 25 to 35 hours per week. With the elimination of a department assistant position at $13,268, the net increase to the budget is $6,992. The committee voted unanimously to support the article.  

The Well-Being Committee meets in person on the first Monday of the month at 10 a.m. in the Morse-Hilberg room at Town Hall.  

(6-MAR-25) At their meeting on February 27, Boxborough’s MBTA Communities “3A” Advisory Group declined to vote a recommendation to the Boxborough Planning Board about where Boxborough’s MBTA Communities district should be located. 

Instead, the Advisory Group decided to present all eight potential locations to the Planning Board as a “draft recommendation” and ask the Planning Board whether they should continue their investigation. 

Boxborough Town Planner Alec Wade flagged that continued investigation by the Advisory Group may mean that the town will not be ready to bring MBTA Communities zoning to Annual Town Meeting in May and may instead have to wait until a Special Town Meeting in the fall.  

During the meeting, the majority of the Advisory Group expressed that they did not have enough information to choose between the eight locations and vote a recommendation. Members had questions about the “suitability” and “buildability” metrics presented by Town Planner Wade and asked for more information about the conditions on the ground at each location.

Advisory Group members also grappled with the fundamental question of whether the town should place its MBTA Communities district over existing housing or place the district in a location where it would be possible to develop new housing units. Members disagreed on which approach to take, and public opinion has also been mixed.

The MBTA Communities Act requires communities with access to MBTA amenities (and neighboring communities like Boxborough) to change zoning regulations to allow a certain amount of multifamily housing by-right. This program does not guarantee that housing will be produced, but creates the opportunity for future housing growth. Boxborough is required to adopt the required zoning change no later than December 2025.

The Advisory Group’s charge is to provide location recommendations to the Planning Board that meet the multi-family zoning requirements. To accomplish its task, the Advisory Group, led by Town Planner Wade, has held seven meetings over the past five months, conducted an in-person mapping workshop, designed and circulated an online survey, and worked with Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) consultant John Cruz, eventually coming up with eight possible MBTA Communities districts located throughout town.

(27-Feb-25) At a three-hour meeting on February 24, the Select Board walked through all articles on the draft Annual Town Meeting warrant, which includes a Special Town Meeting within the Annual Town Meeting. After seven new warrant articles were added, the Board voted unanimously to close the warrant. 

The Board then reviewed and discussed one article at a time, and either voted their recommendation on the article or “held” the article for a vote at their next meeting on March 10. 

The Select Board decided to “hold” articles concerning the Taylor Farm Road parcel acceptance, the Constable’s salary, the town’s “tailings” (abandoned funds) policy, additional hours for the Treasurer-Collector, the town’s “employer of choice” goal, and a Department of Public Works pickup truck, among others.

The Select Board also discussed the date and agenda for the first meeting of the recently reinstated Boxborough Leadership Forum (BLF). The BLF will hold its first meeting on March 5 at 7 p.m. at Town Hall and via Zoom. Participation by the Select Board, Finance Committee, School Committee, Library Trustees, and Planning Board is expected, but members of other town boards and committees are also welcome to join. The goal of the BLF is to facilitate communication between town boards.

Select Board Chair Kristin Hilberg explained that the BLF agenda is expected to include a budget update from members of the Finance Committee, a school budget update from members of the School Committee, and a discussion of Annual Town Meeting Warrant articles. She invited other boards and committees to submit agenda items.

(20-Feb-25) At its meeting on February 13, the Boxborough Sustainability Committee (BSC) engaged with Tufts University students to review the Climate Action Plan survey and discussed plans for a swap shed. 

Students from the Tufts University Department of Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning (UEP) presented a draft survey for the Climate Action Plan to the committee. The Climate Action Plan is a guiding framework that would delineate specific, measurable climate action goals for the town to track toward. 

As an initial step, the UEP students designed a survey to gather feedback from Boxborough residents, with a focus on areas of interest the BSC had already identified: education and engagement, transportation and mobility, energy efficiency, and management of water resources. 

Several members of the committee emphasized the importance of understanding specific actions town residents would be willing to take in support of combating climate change. The Climate Action Plan would then be developed based on the town’s feedback. The survey is estimated to take approximately 10 minutes to complete and will be open for a 4-week period.  Link to the Boxborough Climate Action Plan survey 

In other news, the committee voted to submit a warrant article to implement a swap shed at the Boxborough transfer station. A swap shed is a small building intended to facilitate the exchange of gently used items among town residents. Fran Spayne, a member of the public leading the effort behind the swap shed, noted that while there has been long-standing interest in implementing a swap shed for the town, an important tipping point was achieving alignment with the Department of Public Works. 

One of the Department of Public Works’ many responsibilities is managing the transfer station. Spayne and committee chair Kate Davies shared insights from touring swap sheds in the neighboring communities of Carlisle and Littleton. 

The committee discussed costs and logistics for building the swap shed and acknowledged the need to develop a detailed management plan, including traffic flow coordination for residents visiting the swap shed. 

Because the swap shed would not be sizable enough to store furniture or larger items, there is an additional plan to establish a biannual drop-off event at a convenient location in town. The Sustainability Committee will partner with Household Goods, a Massachusetts nonprofit organization that accepts donations and provides used furniture to local families in need, to ensure that items in good condition will get a second life.

Chair Kate Davies summarized the committee’s sentiment, “It’s going to be a couple of busy months at the Sustainability Committee, but I am really excited to start making some changes at the transfer station.” The next Sustainability Committee meeting is scheduled for March 13, 2025, at 7 pm. 

(20-Feb-25) At its meeting on February 18, the Boxborough Water Resources Committee (WRC) reviewed progress on the Littleton Waterline project. This project is being conducted by the Littleton Electric Light and Water Departments (LELWD) to bring clean, treated drinking water to properties located in Boxborough on Beaver Brook Road, Swanson Road, and Codman Hill Road. An update on the project has been posted at www.lelwd.com/boxborough-water-main. 

The committee discussed the I-495 Mass Ave bridge repairs as they relate to the possibility of the waterline crossing I-495 and supplying water for firefighting purposes to the east side of the bridge. This is not part of the current plan due to budgetary limitations, but the bridge design includes a “bay" that could accommodate such a line in the future. 

Turning their attention to the financial impact of the waterline to property owners along the route, the committee discussed betterment fees. Those fees will be assessed to individual homeowners, but an implementation plan has not yet been determined. 

The housing complexes that will be serviced by the waterline typically have only one water meter for each multifamily building. It is anticipated that LELWD will conduct meetings with owners in the various complexes to devise an equitable method of apportioning the fee for the building among the owners within the building.

The committee also discussed progress on the townwide water resource plan that is being developed by Weston & Sampson, the consulting firm hired by the Town to complete the plan. A report, including maps and a preliminary assessment of water sources, will be presented at the March WRC meeting.

The WRC’s next meeting will be on March 18 at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. At this meeting, Chief Kivlan will provide an update on the town’s firefighting resources and capabilities.

(18-Feb-25) At its meeting on Thursday, February 13, the Boxborough Economic Development Committee (EDC) voted unanimously in favor of sending a “letter of support” for a potential “standalone emergency facility” in Boxborough. Town Planner Alec Wade explained to the Committee that, in the wake of the Nashoba Valley Medical Center shutdown, UMASS Memorial Health Alliance is looking to construct a new “standalone emergency facility” in the region.

Boxborough, along with many other nearby communities, are “throwing their hat in the ring” to be the location of the new emergency facility. The facility, Wade said, would not be a full hospital, but would provide emergency services with “low-level imaging services” as well.

According to Wade, he and Town Administrator Michael Johns, as well as Fire Chief John Kivlan, have been looking into whether it would be feasible to bring such a facility to Boxborough.

Wade noted that Boxborough has the advantage of being located roughly halfway between UMASS Memorial Health’s Leominster campus and Emerson Hospital, and also has access from I-495, making it a potentially ideal location for an emergency facility. 

Wade clarified that the town is not proposing specific sites for the facility but is instead hoping to engage UMASS Memorial Health and connect them to Boxborough property owners who might be interested in putting a potential site forward.

EDC members discussed advantages of such a facility in Boxborough and agreed to authorize EDC Chair Abby Reip to submit a letter of support for a standalone emergency facility in Boxborough, on behalf of the Committee.

The EDC also heard a presentation from representatives of Campanelli-Trigate LLC, who has submitted an application to the Boxborough Planning Board to amend the existing, but now lapsed, open space commercial development special permit for the Park at Beaver Brook. 

The EDC plans to discuss and compile feedback for the Planning Board about Campanelli’s development proposals at their next meeting on March 20.

(11-Feb-25) At its meeting on February 10, the Boxborough Select Board voted to approve a comprehensive review of town fees and licenses in order to consider whether fee adjustments may be appropriate. 

The Board agreed with Town Administrator Mike Johns’ proposal to compare the town’s current fee structures with those of surrounding communities and also compare them against costs associated with the relevant town services. 

The review would include fees associated with field use and recreation, the transfer station, and various permits and licenses. TA Johns expects to have an intern help with the project over the summer and bring a report back to the Board in early fall.

The Board also voted to reconvene the “Boxborough Leadership Forum” (BLF), a group that previously existed and was discontinued. The Board’s motion contemplated participation by the Select Board, Finance Committee, School Committee, Library Trustees, and Planning Board.

Select Board Chair Kristin Hilberg emphasized that anyone who would like to join BLF meetings – from these or other town boards and committees, as well as from town departments – is welcome to join. The Board’s motion also noted that BLF proceedings will be conducted in accordance with Massachusetts Open Meeting Law. 

Chair Hilberg explained that the goal of the BLF is to facilitate communication between town boards. The next step will be for the Select Board to set a date for the BLF’s first meeting. The Board also considered but declined to take action on a potential “Safe Communities” warrant article that has been recommended by some Boxborough residents.

At its meeting on January 27, the Select Board heard from Police Chief John Szewczyk about the Boxborough police department’s current policy “not to voluntarily comply with ICE detainer requests absent a judicial warrant” and the Board indicated that they would consider a potential Annual Town Meeting (ATM) warrant article memorializing this policy.

Town Administrator Johns reported to the Board that, according to town counsel, the policy of the Boxborough police department is aligned with Massachusetts state law. The Board discussed the current “fluidity” of federal immigration enforcement policies and the potential unintended consequences of pursuing a warrant article on this topic. 

The Board decided not to pursue a warrant article and instead wait and see what happens at the federal level in the coming months. The Board also reopened the ATM warrant until February 24 and presented the Executive Summary of the Town Administrator’s Annual Performance Review. 

The Board rated Town Administrator Johns as “outstanding” in nine out of ten categories and “highly effective” in the tenth category. Board members praised Johns for his continued hard work and professionalism. 

(11-Feb-25) At a four-and-a-half-hour budget workshop on Saturday, February 8, the Acton-Boxborough School Committee voted unanimously to set the FY26 Preliminary Budget at $116,791,164 with a preliminary assessment to Boxborough of $16,824,370. This represents a 5.41% increase to Boxborough’s assessment from last year. 

The Preliminary Budget and assessment numbers voted on Saturday are higher than the numbers presented at the School Committee’s prior meeting on January 30, when Superintendent Peter Light recommended a $116,135,080 preliminary budget.

This is due in part to the School Committee’s decision on Saturday to increase the budget based on the expectation that the district is likely to receive additional per-pupil funding from the state. 

In their motion to approve the increased budget, the School Committee stated that the assessments to Acton and Boxborough will be reduced if and when the district does receive the expected additional funding.

Typically, explained School Committee Chair Adam Klein, additional revenue received from the state each year goes directly to the “Excess & Deficiency” fund and not to the operating budget, “so we can’t actually take advantage of it.”

By increasing the budget in anticipation of receiving these funds, the district can use the revenue coming from the state to potentially avoid some of the proposed staffing cuts.

Since there is no guarantee that the district will get the expected funding from the state, the town assessments must be increased to support the increased budget. However, the School Committee expects to be able to decrease the assessments to the towns once the district receives revenue information from the state. 

The School Committee also held a discussion about longer-term “reorganization” to address the ongoing budget challenges. Superintendent Light introduced the discussion by explaining that continued “efficiency” cuts year after year are becoming increasingly detrimental to students and educators and that the district might be better served by exploring potential long-term “reorganization.” 

The Committee discussed timing, public engagement, and potential format for exploring “reorganization.” The Committee plans to hold a workshop on April 3 to further discuss these ideas. 

(5-FEB-25) On Tuesday, January 28, the Boxborough Housing Board (BHB) assembled for their first monthly meeting of the year. BHB members were joined by two town employees who came to speak about ongoing projects being supported by BHB. 

Associate Town Planner Rafi Nizam provided an overview of the pilot Homeowner Opportunity for Preservation and Equity (HOPE) Program and HOPE’s first project, replacing the roofs at the Boxborough Meadows. Boxborough Meadows is a 48-unit Chapter-40B ownership development, which is located off Mass Ave and contains 12 affordable units. BHB previously voted to use funds from their Affordable Housing Trust to replace the Boxborough Meadows roofs. BHB members discussed a timeline for paying the contractor hired to do the roof replacements and the need for an external construction expert to oversee the day-to-day management of future HOPE projects. 

The Board also discussed the MBTA Communities Act and the 70-72 Stow Road parcel, which is currently under the control of the BHB and being considered as a site for a new fire station.

The MBTA Communities Act requires communities with access to MBTA amenities to change zoning regulations to allow multifamily housing by-right. Boxborough’s requirement equates to 118 units of housing at a minimum density of 15 units per acre – resulting in the need to identify approximately 8 acres to be zoned for multifamily housing. 

The Board agreed that the 70-72 Stow Road parcel, if not selected as the fire station building site, could be considered for the MBTA Communities multifamily zoning.

Town Community Services Coordinator Wendy Trinks also consulted the Board with some policy questions regarding Boxborough’s Rental Assistance Program (BRAP). BHB members and Trinks discussed whether BRAP’s policies addressed how to proceed in the event that a participant may need to delay their annual eligibility recertification due to unforeseen circumstances as it relates to their program enrollment.

As a final order of business, BHB members discussed the persistent need for more members and evaluated the pros and cons of adopting hybrid virtual-in-person meetings going forward. Residents interested in getting involved should visit the BHB page on the town website, available at https://www.boxborough-ma.gov/338/Housing-Board. 

(5-FEB-25) At their meeting on January 30, the Acton-Boxborough School Committee heard a presentation from Superintendent Peter Light on the FY26 Preliminary Budget.

The FY26 Preliminary Budget is currently $116.1 million. This represents a 3% increase from the FY25 budget, based on the School Committee’s budget guidelines requesting “an overall budget increase of no greater than 3%.”

This Preliminary Budget would mean a $16.8 million assessment to Boxborough, an increase of 5.25% from last year.

Superintendent Light explained that a “maintenance of services” from FY25 to FY26 would require a total budget of $118.1 million, leaving a gap of roughly $2 million. He emphasized that the district is “running out of options” to balance the budget and walked through the strategies and priorities that guided the development of the Preliminary Budget. The Preliminary Budget includes a net reduction of 18.64 full time employees.

Superintendent Light noted that revenue numbers are expected to change. The School Committee agreed that if revenues increase from current estimates, the assessments to the towns should remain unchanged and the additional revenues should be used to increase the budget.

During their discussion, School Committee members acknowledged the burdens that the budget cuts place on educators and expressed frustration with state funding models. Some members encouraged the public to contact their state representatives and advocate for more education funding from the state.

On Saturday, February 8, the School Committee will hold a budget workshop beginning at 8:30 a.m. to review the Preliminary Budget in greater detail. The district is expected to present a “Recommended Budget” on March 13, and the School Committee is scheduled to conduct a final budget vote on March 20.

The School Committee also voted to approve the 2025-2026 school calendar presented at their January 16 meeting. The first days of school (depending on grade level) will be August 27 and 28. The last day of school is scheduled for June 18 (pending snow days). The calendar is available at https://bit.ly/42GJFHI. 

During discussion before the vote, School Committee members expressed differing perspectives about the district’s recognition of holidays. This year, there are 32 days off for holidays, vacation days, and staff professional development days. Some members advocated for recognizing all holidays, while others expressed concern about the hardship that school holidays can create for families. The Committee did not change the number of recognized holidays but noted that they may revisit the issue next year. 

(28-Jan-25) At their meeting on Thursday, the Boxborough Economic Development Committee (EDC) discussed the January 21 Village Center Focus Group, a by-invitation-only session for residents, businesses, and property owners in the “village center” district. The focus group session was conducted by Sharon Rooney of Tighe & Bond, the consulting firm hired to conduct the Village Center Feasibility Assessment in Spring of 2024.

EDC members present at the focus group reported that participant feedback included the importance of sidewalks and walkability on Massachusetts Avenue and Stow Road; support for potential connections between the “four corners” area (Mass Ave, Stow Road, and Middle Road intersection) and the Middlesex Bank Plaza; concern about a perceived lack of town support for small businesses; and some opposition to “commercialization” of the village center area.

Participants also expressed concern about the “finality” of the language in Tighe & Bond’s Village Center report. Overall, said EDC member Rich Guzzardi, “a preponderance of the group was interested and wanted to continue the conversation,” and there was consensus around the need for walkability and gathering spaces, as well as support for small businesses.

The EDC decided to ask Tighe & Bond to revise their Village Center report in response to the feedback about the “finality” of the language and include a summary of the focus group.The EDC’s next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 13 at 7:30 p.m. 

 (28-Jan-25) At a three-hour meeting on January 23, the Boxborough Fire Station Building Committee (FSBC) decided to postpone their selection of a site for the new fire station. Instead, they voted to request a revision to the FSBC Charter that would allow them to consider a “public safety building” (that is, a combined facility for the police and fire departments) at 502 Mass Ave.

FSBC Chair Mary Brolin opened the meeting by explaining that although they had originally planned to choose a site that night, the committee felt it did not have enough information to complete that task at this time. 

She also read aloud a letter to the FSBC from Building Inspector Ed Cataldo expressing his opinion that Boxborough’s zoning bylaws do not specifically allow a firehouse to be built anywhere in town and that a zoning bylaw amendment would be required to correct this apparent error.

Brolin stated that this issue, as well as others identified in recent letters to the committee from Boxborough residents, was undergoing further investigation by the Town Administrator and Town Planner, as well as town counsel. 

The Committee then turned to the possibility of constructing a “public safety building” at 502 Mass Ave and voted to request that the Boxborough Select Board revise the FSBC charter to allow the committee to pursue the possibility of a public safety building at that location. The current FSBC charter currently only allows the FSBC to pursue a “fire station.”

FSBC members noted that constructing a combined public safety building closer to or partially on the police station property may be a better use of space given the wetlands constraints at 502 Mass Ave. Committee members also discussed how pursuing a public safety building instead of a standalone fire station would increase the cost of the project.   

Moving on, Context Architecture (“Context”) presented a revised site plan for the 72 Stow Road site and three new site plans for the 502 Mass Ave site. All three plans for 502 Mass Ave were designed with an eye toward a “future connection” with the police station.

Context also presented the results of traffic analyses and response time analyses for 72 Stow Road and 502 Mass Ave. They also reported back on the 502 Mass Ave wetlands delineation hearing at the Boxborough Conservation Committee meeting on January 22, noting that the hearing was continued to Wednesday, February 5. 

While the Conservation Commission is likely to approve the proposed wetlands delineation, they are not expected to comment further on the feasibility of building a fire station at that site. The FSBC also decided that they will not be in a position to seek funding at the March Special Town Meeting. 

They are expected to pull their article from the Special Town Meeting warrant. They did not decide when they would seek further funding.  The next FSBC meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 13.

(22-Jan-25) At its meeting on January 16, the Acton-Boxborough Regional School Committee did a “first read” (an initial review without voting) of the proposed 2025-2026 school calendar. The draft calendar is available to view at https://bit.ly/4al1YUB.

According to the draft calendar, the first days of school for students would be August 27, 2025 (kindergarten through 7th grade, and 9th grade) and August 28 (8th grade and 10th through 12th grade). The last day of school would be June 18, 2026. There are 32 days off for holidays, vacation days, and full-day staff professional development days.

Superintendent Peter Light noted that “this is the first time where…. every observance that we have chosen to recognize falls on a weekday, so… it definitely does stress the system….”

School Committee members expressed differing perspectives about the number of school holidays on the calendar. Some committee members felt strongly that it is important to recognize all holidays. Other committee members felt strongly that the number of holidays currently on the calendar creates hardship for families. 

Committee Chair Adam Klein recognized that “we can hold both of those truths at the same time… we need to represent and celebrate all of the diversity in our community but we also have to represent and understand the changing demographics in our community… we are more and more a community of people who have greater needs ….”

The Committee discussed past community surveys on this issue and a potential community engagement process. Superintendent Light recommended forming a subcommittee to tackle the issue. The Committee is expected to vote on the calendar at its next meeting, scheduled for Thursday, January 30.

The Committee also heard a presentation from MaryAnn Young, the Coordinator of Multilingual Education, about the district’s Multilingual Education Program. According to the presentation, multilingual student enrollment has nearly doubled since 2015.

There are currently 430 students in the multilingual program, with 80% of these students at the elementary level. The district recently conducted a program review by an independent consultant which concluded in November. 

The consultant’s recommendations included hiring and scheduling suggestions, as well as recommendations concerning curriculum materials and professional learning. 

The Committee unanimously voted in favor of updates to “Policy ADG,” the district’s Sustainability Policy. The policy can be found https://bit.ly/3PL8g6g. 

The School Committee will be holding a “Budget Saturday” on February 8, beginning at 8:15 a.m. in the Administration Building. Says Chair Klein, “We will be presenting our detailed budget and discussing major budget drivers for FY26. I also expect to have a discussion of the future budget trajectory for the district as we are unable to keep cutting budgets and services. The public is welcome to attend!”

(22-Jan-25) At its hybrid meeting on January 16, the Boxborough Recreation Commission finalized the details of Winterfest, voted to extend Flerra Summer Playground by one week, discussed possible uses for the Landry parcel, and set a date for the third annual RunBXB road race.

The commission worked through several details for Winterfest, which is scheduled for Saturday, January 25 from 1 to 4 p.m.at Steele Farm. Issues surrounding food service, vendor payments, and the exact location of the bonfire were discussed at length. Due to circumstances beyond their control, the Rec Com found themselves without the food truck that they had originally secured.

To ensure that there would be hot food available for purchase, a last-minute request was made to the Nashoba Board of Health to allow a local boy scout troop to sell burgers and hot dogs.

Pivoting to summer programming, commission members discussed the Flerra Summer Playground schedule. Summer Playground is a half day program run by the Rec Com that offers a “summer fun experience for elementary school students.” It is an extremely popular program amongst Boxborough families; in recent years, children from other towns have also enrolled. 

Historically, Summer Playground runs Monday through Friday for four weeks in July. Since the program revenue exceeds its operating cost and the 2025 calendar “allows,” Rec Com members voted unanimously to run a five week program this year. The program will run from Monday, June 30 through Friday, August 1.

Commission members discussed possible uses for Landry Field, located at 144 Summer Road. The 7.5 acre parcel was gifted to the town in 2022 by Ruth Landry  “with a restriction that it be used for recreational purposes, and that it never be developed or put into conservation use.” Landry knew that there was a need for a softball field in Boxborough and was hopeful that her donation could be used for that purpose. 

When asked to comment, Rec Com member Megan Connor stated, “unfortunately, there is so much wetlands on the property and a small stream running though, a softball field would be impossible to develop there.” A community garden and a pathway with exercise stations were two of the ideas that Rec Com discussed as potential uses for the property.

After a brief discussion of possible dates for the third annual RunBXB road race, Rec Com members decided to hold the event on April 27. The course will start and end at Craft Food Halls on Beaver Brook Road. This year, Rec Com plans to use the event to fundraise for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Details for the event and fundraiser are forthcoming. The next meeting of the Rec Com is scheduled for February 6 at 7:15 in a hybrid format.

(16-JAN-25) At its meeting on January 9, Steele Farm Committee Chair Christopher Hydak reported that Phase III of the effort to preserve the envelope of the 1784 Levi Wetherbee farmhouse at Steele Farm has started. The contractor has ordered the windows, and a work plan is in place. Exterior work is expected to begin in the spring, or as weather allows. Spring is also when the newly restored ice house will receive its second coat of paint.   

Committee members discussed ongoing maintenance of the landscape, including continued mowing, tree removal, eradication of invasive species, and maintenance of the holiday tree farm. A volunteer “work party” will be scheduled in the coming months.

The committee also heard a report from the Agricultural Commission that a multi-year contract with a local farmer for haying of the property is moving forward. Committee members expressed support for the contract, which would take into account protection of bobolink nesting season.  

The next meeting of the committee will take place in the Boxborough Museum at 575 Middle Road on Thursday February 6 at 7 p.m.

(16-JAN-25) At its meeting on Tuesday, January 14, the Personnel Board discussed potential changes to the Personnel Plan (the Plan).

The proposed changes to the Plan provide non-union and contract employees a maximum stipend of $2,400 when they opt out of the town’s medical insurance plan. Employees may opt back into the plan, either during open enrollment or if they experience a qualifying event or hardship. The proposed changes also allow employees to convert unused personal days into sick days to be used the following year. Employees currently receive 3 personal days each year.

The Board previously voted a 2.7% wage adjustment for non-contract and non-union employees effective July 1, 2025 for a total increase in salaries of $37,300. In addition to the wage adjustment, the Plan also provides a 2.5% step increase for all eligible employees. All changes to the Personnel Plan must be approved at Annual Town Meeting (ATM), which is scheduled for May 2025.

In other matters, Assistant Town Administrator Rajon Hudson updated the Board about a training program entitled “Leadership Matters” sponsored by the Public Sector Consortium. The program includes formal classroom work, mentored practice in the workplace, the completion of an innovations project, and a forum of shared best practices. Program topics include systems thinking, negotiation, and aligning systems for high performance outcomes.

Town Administrator Mike Johns reported that the cost of the program is $25,000; $10,000 for the classroom session and $15,000 for the innovation project. As a former graduate of the program, Johns has secured a $5,000 scholarship and has applied for an additional $5,000 grant through the Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association (MIIA), which would leave a balance of $15,000 to be funded through a warrant article at ATM.

The Personnel Board meets in person at Town Hall on the second Tuesday of the month. Their next meeting is scheduled for February 11 at 5:30 p.m.

(14-Jan-25) New to town? Have a new neighbor just getting settled in? The Town of Boxborough has published a “New Residents Quick Reference Guide” with links to a number of resources that may be useful to new residents – or even longtime residents who could use a refresher. 

The guide includes links to information about voter registration, building permits, transfer station stickers, and other certificates and licenses. A list of “social support services” as well as child care and pet care services are also included. Local recreation, celebrations, civic groups, and news sources are also covered, and Boxborough restaurants are listed at the end. The guide is available at https://bit.ly/40xVzlH.

Select Board member Dave McKiernan created the guide. The idea for a quick reference document, he explains, “came about as a result of discussions with residents” during his monthly office hours at Town Hall. “Boxborough strives to be known as a ‘welcoming community’ and having a quick reference guide that welcomes new residents can be a good first step,” says McKiernan. 

“We believe that this information would be helpful to many residents, but especially to those who recently moved to Boxborough from out of town.” McKiernan notes that this is a “first version” and that the document will be updated periodically. 

He hopes that the guide will evolve into a professional brochure about Boxborough that would be available at Town Hall and from local real estate brokers. "It’s a great new tool for the Town,” said Town Administrator Mike Johns, crediting McKiernan for “both the idea and work.” McKiernan holds office hours in the Morse-Hilberg room at Town Hall on the first and third Wednesdays of the month from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. 

(14-Jan-25) On the wintry evening of January 9, the Boxborough Sustainability Committee (BSC) met to discuss progress on waste reduction efforts and the Climate Action Plan.  In anticipation of receiving a municipal technical assistance grant from MassDEP, BSC chair Kate Davies shared that a working group composed of representatives from the BSC, the Select Board, the Finance Committee, and an at-large member has been organized to guide waste reduction efforts associated with the award. 

If awarded, the working group would begin collaborating with Julia Greene, the MassDEP Municipal Assistance Coordinator assigned to Boxborough, on a waste reduction or recycling project. A few members of the public participated in a productive discussion around implementing a swap shed at the Boxborough transfer station. 

A swap shed would allow residents to drop off and take gently used items at no charge, promoting sustainability by giving items a second life. Currently, limited space at the transfer station requires employees to clear the area of large items every day. Fran Spayne, a member of the public and a volunteer leading the effort to establish the swap shed, shared that Household Goods would be open to a partnership to support pickup for potential unclaimed items at the swap shed. 

Household Goods is a Massachusetts nonprofit organization that accepts donations and provides used furniture for local families in need. In other business, the committee discussed progress on the Climate Action Plan. The Climate Action Plan is a strategic framework that outlines actions to mitigate and adapt to climate change and can function as the Sustainability Committee’s voice in guiding local policies. 

Many towns in Massachusetts have already adopted a municipal Climate Action Plan, including neighboring Acton, Stow, and Harvard. As an initial step towards developing a Climate Action Plan for Boxborough, a group of masters degree students from the Department of Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning at Tufts University will research example plans, review existing data on Boxborough, and conduct some public outreach to develop a suite of preliminary ideas.

Planner Wade shared examples from other towns of different areas of focus, and the committee identified six areas of interest for Boxborough: waste, education, transportation, energy and built environments, resilience, and natural resources. The BSC also voted to begin work on the Specialized Stretch code. The Specialized Stretch code is a building energy code designed to help Massachusetts achieve its greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals by 2050.

Committee member Jay Krishnasamy shared challenges with maintaining the Energize Boxborough website. Energize Boxborough is part of a series of websites hosted by MassEnergize, intended to support communities in encouraging climate actions at the local and household level. The committee explored ideas to better utilize and promote traffic to the website. 

Krishnasamy will meet with a MassEnergize representative to discuss ways to make improvements. The Energize Boxborough website is available at https://community.massenergize.org/BoxboroughMA.  

The next Sustainability Committee meeting is scheduled for February 13, 2025, at 7 p.m. 

(7-JAN-25)  At its meeting on December 19, the A-B School Committee heard the findings from the Elementary Budget Task Force (“Task Force”) presented by Tori Campbell, School Committee member and Task Force Chairperson, and Nate Levenson of consulting firm New Solutions K12.

The Task Force was created to involve the community in an exploration of potential cost-saving measures in the wake of last year’s challenging FY2025 budget process. The charge of the Task Force was to “review, endorse, and validate” the data gathered by the consultant, and then recommend options for cost-saving strategies.

In his presentation on the Task Force’s findings, Levenson was clear that none of the findings are “recommendations” for the district to implement; instead, they are meant to be potential “opportunities” for cost savings to consider only if necessary.  

These “opportunities” include (1) adjust staffing of non-classroom roles from a one-per-school approach to an equity formula that more closely matches student needs; (2) expand group sizes for interventionists, counselors, and coaches; (3) examine the need for classroom assistants; and (4) consider staffing specials teachers more closely to class size guidelines. The consultant also found that the elementary open enrollment system is cost beneficial, not costly, to the district.

The Committee discussed the Task Force’s findings and heard public comment but did not, and are not expected to, conduct any vote on the findings. The district is expected to consider and potentially incorporate the findings into their preliminary budget, which they are scheduled to present to the School Committee on January 30.

The district has identified a $2.5 million budget deficit for FY2026. The School Committee’s FY2026 budget guidelines direct the district to increase the budget no more than 3%.  The School Committee also heard a presentation on the district’s Capital Improvement Program for FY2025 and beyond, presented by Brendan Hearn, the district’s Capital Infrastructure Project Manager, and Facilities Coordinator Marc Hamel.

(7-JAN-25) The Boxborough Finance Committee (FinCom) and Select Board kicked off the Town’s annual budget process at its joint meeting on Saturday January 4.  Town Administrator Michael Johns opened the meeting by outlining the budget goals, namely to “deliver high quality public services, attract and retain high quality staff…and maintain a desirable place to live and do business.”

Preliminary projections showed a 6% increase in the Fiscal Year 2026 operating budget. This does not include the Acton Boxborough Regional School District assessment or collective bargaining agreements for Police, Fire and DPW.  However, there were some discrepancies between the “adjusted budget” for Fiscal Year 2025 and what was voted at the May 2024 Annual Town Meeting (ATM). 

An “adjusted budget” includes some payroll items from warrant articles that were voted at ATM but were not included in the operating budget (which is voted separately). Those discrepancies need to be resolved before the town has a clear picture of what the budget will look like for Fiscal Year 2026.  The budget process was somewhat hampered with the rollout of ClearGov, a new software program designed to make it easy to report and view town financial data. 

According to FinCom Chair Antony Newton, the “data is uploaded by the town accountant and then made available in ClearGov for reporting.”  At the meeting, FinCom members noted that they were not given access to ClearGov until the day before the meeting and did not receive any training on how to produce the needed reports. The town plans to provide training for both the Finance team and FinCom during the next few weeks.  

Saturday’s meeting was the first step in the budget review process. Budgets will shift and change over the next few months until finalized by FinCom and voted by both the Select Board and FinCom before a final vote at ATM in May 2025. FinCom has hybrid meetings scheduled for the next several Tuesdays starting at 7 p.m.