News

(17-Oct-24) At their hybrid meeting on October 10, the Boxborough Sustainability Committee (BSC) debriefed on Trash Talk, reviewed results for the household waste reduction survey, and discussed upcoming priorities. 

Members of the committee shared feedback from the educational “Trash Talk” event held at the end of September. The event was well attended with over 30 participants. 

(17-Oct-24) At the meeting of the Boxborough Housing Board (BHB) at Town Hall on October 9, topics included estate planning for owners of affordable units, preparation of an updated Housing Production Plan (HPP), the Boxborough Rental Assistance Program (BRAP), and resale of affordable homes. 

The BHB and the Boxborough Planning Office are working with several current homeowners to remove their affordable homes from trust ownership, which is not permitted. The BHB decided to seek legal guidance on estate planning for owners of affordable homes. 

The BHB also discussed whether an update to the town’s HPP, which has lapsed, should be pursued. While maintaining Boxborough’s affordable housing percentage above the mandated 10% is one objective of the plan, board members felt that addressing the diverse housing needs of Boxborough should be the plan’s primary objective. The BHB decided to identify the next steps in the HPP updating process and estimate its cost.

The preliminary application for FY2026 BRAP funding has been submitted to the Community Preservation Committee. The BHB discussed the need to fund this recurring program from sources other than community preservation funds, starting in FY2027. 

The resale of the affordable home at 56 Joyce Lane is scheduled to close on October 30, 2024. A deed rider for the new owner is under review by KP Law. The owner of another affordable unit has expressed interest in selling, and the BHB approved a Maximum Resale Price for this unit.

Finally, the BHB noted that roof replacements at Boxborough Meadows have not commenced because recent hurricanes have caused the roof shingles to be delayed. In view of the current paucity of meeting rooms in Town Hall, the BHB discussed their meeting format and meeting times going forward. BHB members supported the current in-person meeting format and did not favor a hybrid in-person/remote format. 

(17-Oct-24) The Boxborough Police Department is investigating vandalism to a “Rainbow Fish” symbol hanging below a street sign for The Episcopal Church / The Church of the Good Shepherd. The “Rainbow Fish” image appears to have been covered with white spray paint. The Church of the Good Shepherd is located on Newtown Road in Acton, but the damaged sign is located on Central Street in Boxborough. 

According to the police report from the Boxborough Police Department, the department was made aware of the incident on October 14 by the Acton Police Department, who received a report from an Acton resident who saw “a video posted [on] Reddit, a social media platform, of a party who appeared to be spray painting ‘The Rainbow Fish’ attached to a church sign.”

The police report continues, “At this time, it is unknown when this incident had occurred and what intentions were of the offender. No other witnesses have come forward and no video footage, other than the posted video, were available at the time of this report.”  The Boxborough Police Department states that the incident is currently under investigation.

Said Police Chief John Szewczyk, “The Boxborough Police Department takes all hate crimes extremely seriously and allocates all necessary resources to ensure all investigations are thorough and complete. We will continue to actively investigate this incident. All members of our community should feel safe, and incidents such as this will not be tolerated in our community.”

Said Sgt. Detective Nathan Bowolick, “We are actively investigating the incident, working in conjunction with the Massachusetts State Police Hate Crimes Unit. We have active leads as the investigation is ongoing.”

Town Administrator Michael Johns stated, “I'm very confident in the responding officers and command staff; and want to emphasize that like the law enforcement professionals involved, I and the Boxborough leadership have zero tolerance for hate crime, discrimination and bullying behavior.”

(16-Oct-24) At its meeting on October 8, Assistant Town Administrator (ATA) Rajon Hudson updated the Personnel Board about a number of the town’s human resource initiatives. Hudson is working with Guardian Information Technologies to develop townwide cybersecurity awareness training for both staff and volunteers. He expects the training will commence within the next two months.

The town has put together a negotiating team that includes the town administrator, assistant town administrator, chief of police, fire chief, DPW (Department of Public Works) director, and the Finance Committee chair to begin the negotiation process with the three collective bargaining units: police, fire and DPW. 

With respect to staffing, the town currently has two Administrative Assistant openings; one in the Treasurer/Collector’s office and the other in the Land Use and Permitting department.  The town is also interviewing for the Recreation Services Coordinator position approved at ATM in May 2024. Additionally, the fire department is interviewing firefighters/EMTs for two openings due to resignations. 

In other matters, the Personnel Board continues to work on updating the employee handbook, harmonizing job descriptions with the Classification and Compensation Schedule, and finalizing the Governance Structure document.  

The board is also in the process of recruiting new members to the Personnel Board. Residents interested in volunteering for the board should complete and submit the “resident interest form” found on the Town of Boxborough website.

The Personnel Board meets in person at Town Hall on the second Tuesday of the month.  Their next meeting is scheduled for November 12 at 5:30 pm.

(16-Oct-24) At their October 10 meeting, the Boxborough Fire Station Building Committee (FSBC) voted to drop further study of the 975 Massachusetts Avenue site primarily due to the cost of purchasing the land. Town Administrator Michael Johns reported to the committee that he had a second meeting with the owner of 975 Massachusetts Avenue, who stated that the price of the land would be $3.5 million. 

After discussion, the FSBC voted 6 to 1 to take the property off the table and not invest further time and resources into studying it. This leaves three remaining potential fire station sites: 502 Massachusetts Avenue (the current fire station location), 72 Stow Road, and 700 Massachusetts Avenue. 

The FSBC next heard an update on the 700 Massachusetts Avenue site. TA Johns reported that he has spoken to the owner several times via email and is gathering additional information about the site. The Committee pulled up a map and discussed challenges and opportunities of the site. Although there are a number of constraints, the committee agreed that it is worthy of further study by Context Architecture (Context), the town’s consultant. 

Context reported to the committee that they are currently studying 502 Massachusetts Avenue (the current fire station site) and have nothing to report at this time. The committee agreed that this property is also worthy of further study.

The FSBC then turned to the “matrix,” a tool designed by Owner's Project Manager (OPM) firm Vertex to be used for comparing and evaluating the three remaining potential fire station sites. The matrix defines a set of criteria for “initial review” of each site and a set of criteria for a “round two evaluation” of each site.

Committee members discussed the purpose of the matrix, how it will be utilized by the committee, and the relative weighing of various metrics. They will continue discussion of the matrix at a future meeting. 

The FSBC also discussed a recent Stow Road site visit and plans for the upcoming public forums. The forums will be held Wednesday, October 16 at 10 a.m. at the Sargent Memorial Library; Wednesday, October 16 at 7 p.m. at the Sargent Memorial Library; Tuesday, October 22 at 7 p.m. via Zoom; and Wednesday, October 23 at 7 p.m. at the Sargent Memorial Library.

The forums are intended to be an opportunity for the town to share information with the public, as well as hear questions and feedback from attendees. The FSBC expects to share information about fire station “programming” (i.e., what the fire department needs for the new station and why) and the site selection process.

(15-Oct-24) At their October 10 meeting, the School Committee heard a presentation from Superintendent Peter Light about the “Vision of a Graduate” project.

The “Vision of a Graduate” project is intended to address a “big picture” question about what the community and other stakeholders want the school district to do for students. In particular, the “Vision” will define the “knowledge, skills, and habits of mind” that students should have by the time they graduate high school.

Superintendent Light laid out the timeline for the project, which will include surveys and other public engagement in November, a “visioning workshop” in January, a draft “Vision” in February, more feedback through the spring, and adoption by the School Committee by the end of the 2024-25 school year. The district will then begin the process of implementing the “Vision,” by making adjustments to school curriculum and programs.

After the Superintendent’s presentation, the Committee was joined by State Representative Danillo Sena, State Representative Simon Cataldo, and State Senator Jamie Eldridge. 

Each legislator gave a short presentation on legislative updates and priorities, and School Committee Chair Adam Klein spoke about the district’s challenges and needs from the state. The legislators then responded to comments and questions from Committee members. 

(15-OCt-24) At its meeting on Tuesday, October 1, the Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously (5 - 0) to grant a special permit for a change of use in a nonconforming structure at 60 Codman Hill Road, changing the use of the property from “Professional Office Use” to “Assembly Group A-3 Use” for purposes of religious worship, which is an allowed and protected use within the zoning district. 

Travis Snell, the owner of 60 Codman Hill Road, outlined the history of his efforts to lease the space, noting that the building has been vacant since he purchased it in 2021. According to Snell, the changing market has limited the interest in office space on Interstate 495. 

Snell was connected to Reverend Bryan Tomes of Crossroads Community Church, who was interested in leasing the space. Rev. Tomes told the ZBA that the church “has a vision to broaden [their] circle” and has “outgrown [their] current space” in Fitchburg, which is why they are moving to Boxborough.

Snell stated that the building exterior will not change. Rev. Tomes is working with Cornerstone Architects to redesign and build out the interior space to serve the church’s needs. The second floor will be converted to the church sanctuary, while the first floor will serve as church offices for a staff of 12 to 18 people and will be used for storage of props for children’s events. Church services will take place on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings.

ZBA members asked questions regarding the adequacy of parking and expressed concerns on the impact to neighbors.  Comments from the public were favorable, noting that having an occupied building was preferable to having a vacant one for valuation purposes and also that the church would bring people into Boxborough who may patronize local businesses. 

To grant the special permit for a change of use in a nonconforming structure, the board needed to consider whether the change will not be substantially more detrimental than the original use. Acting Chair Shawn McCormack said that he was inclined to find that the use is not detrimental and to grant the permit with some standard conditions, including adherence to fire, building, and health codes. 

Under Section 3 of the Zoning Act (Chapter 40A), cities and towns are generally prohibited from regulating or restricting "the use of land or structures for religious purposes."

(9-OCT-24) Typically quiet on a weekend morning, the Grange Room inside Town Hall had over 30 visitors on Saturday, September 28 for “Trash Talk,” an interactive event focused on the household waste generated by Boxborough residents. 

The event was cosponsored by the Boxborough Sustainability Committee and the Office of Land Use and Permitting.

Tables with specific “trash” themes were set up throughout the room, where visitors could learn about the problem (increased waste tonnage) and possible solutions. 

The first table showed a map of Massachusetts with the volume of trash produced by each of the 351 cities and towns. In 2023, Boxborough generated 893 tons of solid waste (trash), an 8.7% increase over 2022, when Boxborough generated 821 tons of trash. This trash volume data counts trash only from the 39 percent of Boxborough residents who use the Transfer Station. The map illustrates that Boxborough’s trash disposal rate is almost double that of surrounding towns. (see https://tinyurl.com/BoxboroughTrashData)

Other tables in the room focused on solutions–how residents could reduce personal waste by repairing or repurposing broken items; how to dispose of items that are still functional, but no longer needed or wanted; how to compost food waste; and how to “recycle smart.” 

Sustainability Committee member Suresh Jasrasaria guided visitors through a “recycle smart” quiz, which aimed to dispel myths about what items are and are not recyclable and how residents can be smarter consumers and recyclers.

The Sustainability Committee is exploring ways to reduce the amount of household waste and waste-related greenhouse gas emissions that are generated by Boxborough. They are asking residents to share their thoughts on household waste reduction strategies by completing a short (approximately 5-10 minute) survey. Survey respondents will be entered into a drawing to win a backyard compost bin. 

The survey is available at https://forms.gle/RLWr3xdHgXsU6Sr78 

(9-OCT-24) The Boxborough Fire Station Building Committee (FSBC) has announced dates for a series of public outreach forums throughout October. 

The forums will be held Wednesday, October 16 at 10 a.m. at the Sargent Memorial Library; Wednesday, October 16 at 7 p.m. at the Sargent Memorial Library; Tuesday, October 22 at 7 p.m. via Zoom; and Wednesday, October 23 at 7 p.m. at the Sargent Memorial Library. 

According to a discussion at the most recent FSBC meeting on September 26, the forums are intended to be an opportunity for the town to share information with the public, as well as hear questions and feedback from the public. The FSBC expects to share information about fire station “programming” (i.e., what the fire department needs for the new station and why) and the site selection process.

The FSBC is tasked with, among other things, studying four sites and choosing one as the location of the town’s new fire station. The four sites currently under consideration are 502 Massachusetts Avenue (the current fire station location), 72 Stow Road, 700 Massachusetts Avenue, and 975 Massachusetts Avenue. 

For more information about the FSBC’s public forums, see the town’s announcement at https://www.boxborough-ma.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=387. 

(8-OCT-24) At its meeting on October 1, the Finance Committee (FinCom) discussed the certification of free cash, underspent budgets for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, the town’s pension liability, a Select Board warrant article regarding the town’s investment strategy, and a budget workshop with the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District (ABRSD).

The town received notice that the Department of Revenue (DOR) certified the town’s free cash (money that was not spent as of the end of the fiscal year plus any outstanding unspent cash) at $3.3M for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. The portion of the free cash attributed to budgets that were not fully spent was approximately $787K. 

Several FinCom members expressed concern that the certified free cash number was higher than in prior years and questioned the accuracy of what was sent to the DOR by the former Town Accountant. Committee members also questioned whether there were any unpaid bills pending. Town Administrator (TA) Michael Johns said that he and the Town Accountant will drill down on the numbers to see if they find any anomalies.  

TA Johns also addressed the town’s pension. Currently, the town budgets $1.5M annually to cover pensions for retirees. The outstanding pension liability is $13M, which covers future payments to retirees. Johns suggested that the town might want to consider setting aside an additional amount to invest and pay down the outstanding liability. No decisions were made.

FinCom also discussed a warrant article proposed by the Boxborough Select Board with respect to changing the town’s investment strategy by moving some or all of the trust funds into more aggressive funds.  

FinCom Chair Tony Newton reported that the Select Board and members of the ABRSD School Committee proposed a joint meeting with FinCom to understand the town’s financial constraints for the upcoming budget year. This meeting will be held as a joint ‘workshop’ as part of the next FinCom meeting. 

Newton said FinCom needs to consider possible budget constraints, including the impact of negotiating three collective bargaining agreements on the operating budget, capital spending, free cash, and the fire station building project. There might be other “unknowns” that may impact the budget as well. ABRSD has not projected what they plan to propose for the upcoming year.  

The next FinCom meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 15 at 7 pm at Town Hall. The meeting will be hybrid.  

(8-OCT-24)At its meeting on Monday, September 30, the Boxborough Planning Board reviewed a draft warrant article to amend the zoning bylaw for Accessory Dwelling Units and scheduled a public hearing regarding the same, discussed potential zoning bylaw changes along Route 111, voted on an earth removal permit at 100 Codman Hill Road, and provided comments on an application before the Zoning Board of Appeals.  

In preparation for the special town meeting on February 10, 2025, the Board reviewed draft language for a warrant article to amend the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) bylaw. A public hearing is scheduled for Monday, October 21 at 7:05 p.m. The ADU bylaw changes are needed to bring Boxborough’s zoning bylaw into compliance with the Affordable Homes Act, which was signed into law in August 2024.   

Planning Board member Rich Guzzardi has proposed modifications to zoning along Massachusetts Avenue. The proposal is to convert certain areas in the IC (industrial commercial) zone to B (Business) or B1 (Business 1) to reduce higher intensity uses along Mass Ave to encourage restaurants and retail shops. The Board discussed the various types of businesses that would be impacted and definitions of the types of businesses that may need updating. Board members agreed that additional information is needed to draft a warrant article.

The Board continued its review of an application from French Brothers Boxborough LLC regarding a permit for earth removal at a parcel located on 100 Codman Hill Road. The Board previously granted site plan approval for the construction of a trade shop building, but one of the conditions in the approval specified that the applicant apply for an earth removal permit. In a 4-0-1 vote, the Planning Board issued an approval, with waivers to Sections V(a) and V(b) of the earth removal bylaw. The Board did not waive section V(c), and the Town will hold a $5,000 bond throughout construction..

Town Planner Alec Wade requested the Board’s comments on a special permit application currently before the Zoning Board of Appeals for a change of use on a nonconforming structure at 60 Codman Hill Road, which is changing the use of the property from “Professional Office Use” to “Assembly Group A-3 Use” for purposes of religious worship, which is an allowed and protected use within the zoning district. Board members discussed their concerns and listed their recommendations for the Zoning Board of Appeals’ consideration.

(3-OCT-24) At its meeting on September 19, the Recreation Commission (RecCom) discussed the latest developments with respect to two town fields.  An application has been filed for Community Preservation Act funding for a softball field at the Erikson Landry Field on Summer Road. The 7.5 acres of land at 144 Summer Road was gifted to the town by Ruth Landry in 2022 for recreational use. 

At the May 2023 Annual Town Meeting, RecCom was given approval and funding to survey the land as a possible site for a new softball field and has been working with Town Planner Alec Wade to move the project forward. At Liberty Field on Liberty Square Road, Lombardo Loam and Gravel has installed a fence between their operation and the Liberty Field property, and the pavilion installation has begun. 

The pavilion will be 20 feet by 30 feet and will be located between the basketball court and the playground. There will be a concrete pad and six rectangular tables under the pavilion. The pavilion will be generally available for public use on a first-come, first-served basis, but the town also intends to accept reservations for private use. 

At its meeting, the Recreation Commission also discussed the drains on the soccer fields at Liberty Field. The soccer fields were originally intended for 9 x 9 (youth) games, but RecCom is planning to remove drains so that 11 x 11 (adult) games can be played there, as well.  The Recreation Commission also reports that the Blanchard Running Club for kindergarten through sixth grade students has forty students participating and more are expected. 

Two individuals have been hired to help run the program, and additional volunteers are “very welcome.” If interested, contact Recreation Commission member Megan Connor at megconnor@boxborough-ma.gov. The Running Club meets Wednesday mornings from 8 to 8:45 a.m. at Blanchard Memorial School. 

Another fall program, JUMP’s “Adventure IRL (In Real Life)” naturalist and outdoor skills program, has been postponed due to low enrollment. It may take place in the Spring.  The next Recreation Commission meeting will be October 24th. 

(3-OCT-24) At its meeting on September 26, the Boxborough Fire Station Building Committee (FSBC) reviewed a draft “matrix” to be used for comparing and evaluating the four potential fire station sites. 

The four sites currently under consideration are 502 Massachusetts Avenue (the current fire station location), 72 Stow Road, 700 Massachusetts Avenue, and 975 Massachusetts Avenue. The FSBC is tasked with, among other things, studying the four sites and choosing one as the location of the town’s new fire station.

The matrix was drafted by Owner's Project Manager (OPM) firm Vertex with input by the town’s fire station “working group,” which includes Town Administrator Michael Johns, FSBC Chair Mary Brolin, Fire Chief John Kivlan, and others. At the meeting, Vertex presented the matrix to the FSBC and took questions and comments from members. 

The matrix defines a set of criteria for “initial review” of each site and a set of criteria for a “round two evaluation” of each site. Initial review criteria includes, but is not limited to, land acquisition cost, availability of utilities, topography, visual evaluation of site lines, test fit/lot size, proximity of neighbors, and long-range town planning.

The “round two evaluation” criteria includes, but is not limited to, well tests, a wetlands survey, total estimated cost, future expansion, response time, and abutter impact. Committee members suggested several revisions, including adding, changing, and defining the criteria. As a next step, Vertex will present a recommendation for the relative weighting of the criteria in the matrix.

The FSBC also reviewed a “Stow Road Assessment Packet” prepared for the prior Building Committee that shows two possible configurations of a fire station building, parking lots, and driveways on the 72 Stow Road property. Chair Brolin explained that the FSBC’s review of this past work was intended to answer the question, “is this [72 Stow Road] a viable property?” The Committee discussed and agreed that it is a viable option.

Town Administrator Mike Johns updated the FSBC about his recent meeting with the owner of 975 Massachusetts Avenue, one of the potential fire station sites. TA Johns reported that the owner may be open to the possibility of selling the property to the town, but Johns also noted the “difficult topography” of the land.

  The FSBC also discussed public engagement. A subgroup of FSBC members intends to develop a schedule of public forums throughout October regarding fire station “programming” (i.e., what the fire department needs for the new station and why) and the site selection process. The Committee also intends to schedule a “listening session” for abutters to the Stow Road site. 

(24-SEP-24) At its meeting on September 17, the Finance Committee (FinCom) covered a wide variety of topics including possible reserve fund transfers (RFT), the year-end budget for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY2024), investment strategies for the pension and Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) funds, and FinCom representation on a new Acton-Boxborough Regional School District (ABRSD) task force. 

FinCom Chair Antony Newton reported several unanticipated expenses that may hit the RFT budget, which currently stands at $168,000. The sprinkler system pump at the library needs to be replaced at a projected cost of $30,000, and the town recently learned that additional students were accepted at Minuteman Vocational Technical school, which increases the vocational education budget by $44,000.  Additionally, the town has had to back-fill a town hall position due to a medical leave of absence.  

The town has three choices: Provided there are sufficient funds in the RFT budget, FinCom could vote to use some or all of the funds. Alternatively, FinCom could request that the town fund some or all of those expenses through free cash by a vote at Special Town meeting (STM) in February 2025. Or, FinCom could request that the town “raise and appropriate” through taxation at STM.  No decisions have been made.  

FinCom also discussed the FY2024 year-end budget, which showed that the town spent 95% of the budget. Local receipts, which includes excise taxes on resident automobiles, building permits, meals and hotel taxes and personal property came in at 158% over projections.  

Newton reported that theMassachusetts Department of Revenue has not yet certified the town’s free cash, but given that the town was under budget for FY2024 by $1.3 million, the town looks like it’s in “pretty good shape” going forward.    

FinCom members also discussed investment strategies for OPEB, pensions, and other reserves. While Town Treasurer Naomi Quansah is responsible for all investment decisions, she is looking for consideration and acceptance from FinCom, the Select Board, and the Town Administrator to implement an investment plan with a number of changes recommended by Bartholomew & Company, Inc., the Town’s investment firm. For example, Bartholomew recommended changing the equity/bond investment mix in the OPEB account from a 70/30 split to an 80/20 split.

FinCom voted to support the 80/20 split with a vote of 4 to 1. One member voted against the proposal, as they wanted additional information as to how Bartholomew is being compensated.  

Currently, the town does not use funds from the OPEB investment account. FinCom members asked for a timeline as to when OPEB will be fully funded and when the town anticipates having to use those funds. 

In other matters, FinCom member John Greven agreed to act as the liaison to a new ABRSD special task force to look at possible structural changes to the elementary schools. FinCom member John Connor will act as the alternate liaison.  

FinCom’s next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 1 at 7 p.m. at Town Hall. 

(24-SEP-24) At its meeting on September 19, the Acton-Boxborough School Committee voted 8 to 1, with 2 members abstaining, to approve a lease with communications company TowerCo for a new cell tower at the Charter Road administration building.

The vote was scheduled for the Committee’s previous meeting on September 5, but was tabled due to concerns about the potential safety risks of a cell tower in close proximity to students and staff.  Before voting on the lease, the School Committee heard a presentation from Donald L Haes, Jr., a Certified Health Physicist, Certified Laser Safety Officer, and Radiation Safety Specialist, and held a discussion about the intended benefits and potential risks of a cell tower on school grounds.  

The cell tower project was initiated by the district to improve poor reception at the Charter Road campus. TowerCo will build and maintain the tower and will pay a monthly rent to the district.

The Committee then turned to the future of the School Resource Officer (SRO) Program, ultimately voting 6 to 5 to approve the new SRO Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

In December 2023, after a year of work by an SRO subcommittee, the School Committee voted to continue the SRO program and authorized Superintendent Peter Light to negotiate an MOU with the Acton Police Department using a set of specific program recommendations developed by the subcommittee. At the Committee’s September 5 meeting, Superintendent Light presented the MOU, as negotiated by the district, the Acton Police Department, and the Town of Acton. Superintendent Light noted that many, but not all, of the Committee’s recommendations had been incorporated.

Before voting, Committee members spoke both for and against the SRO program, with several members acknowledging that the entire process of developing a new MOU has been difficult.

The MOU applies only to the school buildings located in the Town of Acton. After the MOU with the Acton Police is finalized, the district is expected to begin discussions with the Boxborough Police Department. 

Deputy Superintendent Andrew Shen presented an Annual Staffing Report to the Committee, calling attention to the challenges in diversifying the district’s certified staff and noting that in the past two years, “we have regressed… our percentage of staff who identify as non-white has actually gone down in percentage.” He answered questions from the committee about how the district is trying to recruit and hire more diverse staff.

Superintendent Light also noted that the district’s Annual Report, which is typically sent to every Acton and Boxborough household, will be available in only digital form this year. Residents can expect to receive a postcard in the mail with a QR code to access the digital report.  

(24-SEP-24) At their September 10 meeting, the Boxborough Water Resources Committee (WRC) unanimously selected Weston and Sampson to begin a “Townwide Water Resource Planning” project and authorized Assistant Town Administrator Rajon Hudson to contract with Weston and Sampson for “Task 1” as described in the town’s Request for Proposals (RFP) for the project. 

Task 1 is the initial data-gathering phase, which is expected to be completed within two months of signing the contract. The fee for the Task 1 contract is not to exceed $11,500. Further project work (described in the RFP as “Task 2”) can be carried out by Weston and Sampson under future addenda to the Task 1 contract.

The WRC expects to have an initial project meeting with the Weston and Sampson team in early October.

According to the "Townwide Water Resources Planning Services” RFP, the town solicited “proposals from licensed professionals for the development of a town-wide water resource plan… that will address long-term water and wastewater needs.”

The WRC also discussed possible articles for the February Special Town Meeting and May Annual Town Meeting, including articles requesting funds to close Patch Hill monitoring wells and additional funds to continue the Townwide Water Resource Planning project. 

(24-SEP-24) At its meeting on September 12, the Steele Farm Committee made plans for the Steele Farm 30th Anniversary Celebration, which will be held on Saturday, October 19 from 2 to 4 p.m. 

The celebration will include tours of the barn and its various farm implements; information about the ice house and the equipment used in that process; a “look-in” at the interior of the farm house; and seasonal refreshments - including dog treats for the four-legged friends of Steele Farm.

The town purchased the Steele Farm property in the fall of 1994, making this year the 30th anniversary of town ownership and thus the preservation of the buildings and property.  

In other business, Chair Christopher Hydak reported that the committee was pleased with the restoration of the exterior of the ice house, which is now complete. 

The request for proposals for Phase III of the effort to preserve the envelope of the 1784 Levi Wetherbee farmhouse at Steele Farm has been finalized. This will go on the State bid register shortly. Phase III will include new windows, new siding, and exterior painting.  

The committee also discussed ongoing maintenance of the landscape, including continued mowing, tree removal, eradication of invasive species, refurbishment of the pollinator garden, and a re-start of the holiday tree farm. 

The next meeting of the committee will take place on Wednesday September 25 via Zoom starting at 7 p.m., principally to discuss the anniversary celebration.

(19-Sep-24) At its meeting on September 16, the Boxborough Planning Board conducted a public hearing for amending the Planning Board Rules & Regulations document, discussed potential warrant articles for zoning bylaw amendments, and reviewed an application from French Brothers Boxborough LLC regarding a permit for earth removal at a parcel located on 100 Codman Hill Road.

After months of discussion, the Planning Board voted unanimously to adopt an “Administrative Rules & Regulations” document that governs the procedures and operations of the Boxborough Planning Board. The document will serve as a tool for educating the general public as well as members of the Planning Board in describing the Board’s powers, duties, and operations. The document will be available on the Planning Board’s website, and hard copies are available for purchase in the Planning Department.

After a brief update from Town Planner Alec Wade on the status of the MBTA Communities Advisory Group and the comprehensive traffic study, the Board launched into a discussion of potential zoning bylaws to bring forward to special town meeting or Annual Town Meeting in 2025. 

In August 2024, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey signed The Affordable Homes Act into law and, as a result, Boxborough’s Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) bylaw needs to be updated to comply with the law. The Planning Board voted to bring an ADU bylaw to Special Town Meeting in February 2025.

The Board heard a proposal from Board member Rich Guzzardi to modify zoning along Massachusetts Ave, converting certain areas of IC (industrial commercial) zoning to B (Business) or B1 (Business 1) to reduce higher intensity uses along Mass Ave to encourage the types of uses desired by residents such as restaurants and retail shops. 

The Board voted 3-2 to request that Town Planner Wade begin to craft the bylaw language. By law, zoning bylaws require a noticed public hearing and a two-thirds vote by town meeting. As such, the Planning Board will schedule public hearings for all proposed zoning bylaws. 

The Board reviewed an application from French Brothers Boxborough LLC regarding a permit for earth removal at a parcel located on 100 Codman Hill Road. The Board previously granted site plan approval for the construction of a trade shop building, but one of the conditions in the approval specified that the applicant apply for an earth removal permit. The Board heard from Paul Kirchner of Stamski and McNary, engineer for the applicant, who requested a waiver of the operation and restoration standards of the earth removal bylaw since the earth is being removed to build a structure as opposed to removing the top soil for relocation to another site (i.e., mining). 

The Board agreed that the operation and restoration waiver was reasonable, but they added a performance bond of $5,000 to insure that the applicant completes the work after the earth has been removed. The Board also requested that the Town’s consulting engineer, Sue Carter of Places Associates, review and comment prior to the Board’s final vote.  

Toward the end of the four-hour meeting, Planner Wade asked the Board to comment on a special permit application currently before the Zoning Board of Appeals for a change of use on a nonconforming structure at 60 Codman Hill Road. 

The owners are seeking a change of use from “Professional Office Use” to “Assembly Group A-3 Use” for purposes of religious worship, which is an allowed and protected use within the zoning district. The Planning Board is being asked to evaluate the adequacy of the site to handle the proposed change of use and make recommendations to the ZBA for their upcoming hearing. 

The Special Permit before the ZBA pertains only to the structure, not the use (religious worship) of the property.  The Planning Board’s next meeting is on Monday, September 30 at 7 p.m. via Zoom.

(19-Sep-24) At its in-person meeting on September 12, the Boxborough Housing Board (BHB) discussed prohibitions against transferring an affordable home to a trust, revisions to the town’s Rental Assistance Program, the resale of an affordable home, and the election of new chairs. 

The Boxborough Planning and Land Use Department has been informed that the transfer of an affordable home to a trust is not permitted. Two owners of affordable homes are known to have performed such transfers. The Boxborough Tax Assessor, Kelly Szocik, has notified these owners of the problem and given them sixty days to rectify the problem. 

The BHB is investigating the legal basis for this prohibition and has begun to work with the affected households. The BHB voted to provide financial assistance for legal costs associated with this rectification.

The BHB agreed that the monthly assistance provided by the Boxborough Rental Assistance Program (BRAP), $250/month, is too low and should be dependent upon a household’s rent. For example, assistance could be a percentage of a household’s rent, up to a limit. Concrete alternatives will be reviewed at the October meeting.

The deed rider for 56 Joyce Lane, one of Boxborough’s affordable homes, will be upgraded when sold. Metro West Collaborative Development, a non-profit community development corporation that assists Boxborough with affordable housing issues drafted a hybrid deed rider that incorporates the features of the currently preferred Universal Deed Rider while retaining the resale-price calculation of the present Boxborough Meadows deed rider. 

The BHB reviewed the draft and recommended only one substantial change: to increase the resale fee from 0.5% to 2.5% and to add this fee to the maximum resale price. The replacement of the affordable-home roofs in Boxborough Meadows will begin in October Associate Town Planner. 

Rafi Nizam will lead the project. All Boxborough Meadows owners will receive an informational letter, and owners of affordable homes will receive more detailed instruction. BHB Chair Jessi Robinson announced that she is moving to a residence outside of Boxborough and is resigning from the BHB. 

Vice-Chair Al Murphy will serve as chair, and Diane Friedman will serve as the Vice Chair. Friedman, who was appointed to the MBTA Communities Act Advisory Group is withdrawing from that group due to professional commitments; Murphy will replace her. 

The board is seeking new members; interested Boxborough residents should contact the chair, Al Murphy (almur10@mac.com).  The next two public, in-person meetings of the BHB are scheduled for 7 p.m. October 10 and November 14 at Town Hall..

Personnel Board Hears Town Hall HR Updates, Seeks New Members 

(17-Sep-24) At its meeting on September 10, the Personnel Board heard from  Assistant Town Administrator Rajon Hudson on a number of topics including the development of a curriculum for staff to help them do their best work,which will result in a high-performing organization that serves the community. 

Hudson also discussed the migration of the new payroll software. He is working with the Town Administrator on protocols for implementation, which is scheduled for October.  

With respect to staffing, Hudson reported that interviews for the Director of Human Services position, approved at Annual Town Meeting in May 2024, have been completed. Kimberly Dee was appointed to the new position, which oversees the Council on Aging, Community Services, and recreation-related activities. Applications for the Recreation Services Coordinator position are still being accepted.  

In other matters, Personnel Board member Allan MacLean reported that he continues to work on streamlining the employee handbook, which will be available online with links to personnel related policies. 

The Personnel Board continues to work on a “governance” document, which explains the mission of the Personnel Board and how it works.  The document will ensure organizational continuity for future transitions in board membership.  

There are currently four members of the Personnel Board and one unfilled position. Two members of the board announced plans to leave within the next several months, which would leave the Personnel Board without a quorum. 

Residents interested in volunteering for the Personnel Board should complete and submit the “resident interest form” found on the Town of Boxborough website. The Personnel Board meets in person at Town Hall on the second Tuesday of the month.  Their next meeting is scheduled for October 8 at 5:30 pm.  

Boxborough Fire Captain Shawn Gray Honored by Department of Defense

(17-Sep-24)  On August 21, Boxborough Town Administrator Mike Johns announced that Captain Shawn Gray of the Boxborough Fire Department was recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense under its Patriot Award Program for his leadership and support of a member of the Fire department during that member’s military service as a Sergeant with the National Guard.  

In a certificate presented by the US Department of Defense, the Boxborough Fire Department, and specifically Captain Gray, were recognized as an exemplary employer. 

TA Johns noted that Shawn knows well the sacrifices that military members and their families make during service, as he has family members currently serving. TA Johns expressed that he was very proud of the example Shawn provided and the leadership he demonstrated.

Upon receiving the award, Captain Gray stated that he was surprised and felt extremely honored to receive it. Under the Patriot Award Program, an employee serving in the National Guard or Reserve, or the spouse of a Guard or Reserve member, may nominate individual supervisors and employers for support provided directly to the nominating service member and his or her family. 

The Patriot Award reflects the efforts made to support citizen warriors through a wide-range of measures including flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families, and granting leaves of absence if needed.

(18-Sep-24) At its virtual meeting on September 12, the Boxborough Sustainability Committee (BSC) met with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) to hear about state programs supporting waste reduction and continued planning for a community “Trash Talk” educational event at Town Hall on September 28. 

MassDEP municipal assistance coordinator Julia Greene introduced the state’s Solid Waste Master Plan and provided an overview of the Pay As You Throw (PAYT) program funding and Recycling Dividends Program incentives. 

Greene noted 39% of Boxborough households use the transfer station, and a total of 1530 pounds of trash per household was disposed of at the Boxborough transfer station in 2022. Data is not available for waste disposal managed by private haulers. Boxborough’s household trash tonnage is near the state average for non-PAYT municipalities, but Greene noted “there’s certainly room for improvement.” 

The BSC discussed the committee’s longstanding interest in implementing waste reduction and diversion measures such as PAYT, a swap shed, composting, and private hauler regulations. Former chair Francie Nolde said an area of success has been the addition of Black Earth Compost bins to the transfer station.

Associate Town Planner Rafi Nizam, who recently joined the Planning Department in Boxborough, joined the virtual meeting and introduced himself to the committee. Nizam will be liaising with the Planning Board, Conservation Committee, and Housing Board, and may assist the BSC with some of their work.

The BSC members contributed ideas for the upcoming Trash Talk community event. Trash Talk will be an educational and interactive event for town residents to engage in discussion of waste reduction priorities and solutions. A survey during the event will gather feedback and ideas from the community. Those who complete the survey might win a raffle prize. The event will be held September 28, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Town Hall. 

The committee thanked BSC founder and former chair Francie Nolde who is leaving the committee after over 20 years of service to the town. The Sustainability Committee will hold its next hybrid meeting on October 10 at 7 p.m.

FSBC To Consider 975 Massachusetts Avenue as Possible Fire Station Site

(18-Sep-24) At its meeting on September 12, the Boxborough Fire Station Building Committee (FSBC) voted 5 to 1 to include 975 Massachusetts Avenue on its list of possible sites for the town’s new fire station.  

The other three sites under consideration are 502 Massachusetts Avenue (the current fire station location), 72 Stow Road, and 700 Massachusetts Avenue. 

Another site, 1320 Massachusetts Avenue, was previously under consideration but was recently taken off the list because, according to FSBC Chair Mary Brolin, the owner of the property is “not willing to sell under conditions that Boxborough is willing to approve.”

The property at 975 Massachusetts Avenue was previously considered and rejected by the FSBC’s predecessor Building Committee due to concerns about ledge and potential water and septic challenges.

As the Committee discussed pros and cons of adding 975 Massachusetts Avenue to their list of possible sites, they also talked about the overall approach to the site analysis process. The town’s architecture firm, Context Architecture (Context), is expected to begin site analysis work shortly after ongoing contract negotiations are complete. 

Members expressed a preference for a “step by step” approach, in which sites will be evaluated to see whether they meet certain preliminary criteria. If a site does not meet the preliminary criteria, the FSBC will decide if it can come off the list for further study. This approach is intended to avoid spending time and money to conduct a full site study for a site that might not meet certain basic criteria. 

Chair Brolin and other FSBC members also emphasized that it will be important for the FSBC to be able to show the town that it did “due diligence” on the sites it ultimately rejects.

The FSBC authorized Town Administrator Mike Johns, supported by Steve Kirby from Owners Project Manager (OPM) firm Vertex, to negotiate the contract with Context, keeping in mind the suggestions from the committee about balancing efficiency and due diligence.

TA Johns and Kirby both indicated that it is currently not clear whether Context will be able to meet the deadlines necessary for the FSBC to present to Special Town Meeting in February 2025, or if the FSBC will need to wait for Annual Town Meeting in May 2025. The FSBC discussed, amended, and approved their financial procedures and discussed the need for “listening sessions” with the public and engagement with abutters. 

Chair Brolin also announced the FSBC’s procedures for public input, including her new guidelines that all public input will be taken at the end of FSBC meetings and will be limited to three minutes per person. She added that all are welcome to submit written comments to the committee before or after a meeting.   

(11-SEP-24) At their meeting on Monday, September 9, the Boxborough Select Board authorized the Boxborough Conservation Commission to accept land donations to the town by two Boxborough property owners. The first donation is a 0.52-acre parcel at 654 Rear Hill Road, offered by Margaret Delano. The second donation is a 0.92-acre parcel at 342 Hill Road and a 0.57 acre parcel at 342 Rear Hill Road, offered by the Estate of John R. Erikson. Both land donations are adjacent to existing conservation land. 

The Town Administrator presented the calendar for the 2025 Annual Town Meeting (ATM), expected to commence on Monday, May 12, 2025. Per the calendar, the 2025 ATM warrant will open for articles on November 12 and close on December 9, with final warrant article language due February 13. The Select Board approved the calendar unanimously. The town is also planning to hold a Special Town Meeting on February 10, 2025.

The Select Board voted to accept a Federal Emergency Management Agency “Assistant to Firefighters Grant” of $61,245 awarded to the town to cover the cost of a “power stretcher and associated lift module,” and voted to accept the town’s updated Hazard Mitigation Plan, which will qualify Boxborough for pre-disaster and post-disaster emergency management funding.

Land Stewards Coordinator Dave Barnett gave a presentation to the Board about the Land Stewards’ trail maintenance work for the town’s roughly thirty miles of trails, including clearing trails after storms, building bridges and boardwalks, and battling invasive species. The Land Stewards are looking for more volunteers. Interested residents can contact Barnett at davebarnett27@gmail.com.

The Select Board expects to take up the issue of partisan and nonpartisan signage on municipal land at their next meeting. In August, a resident asked the Board to consider a “practice or policy” disallowing partisan lawn signs on town property. Town Administrator Michael Johns shared town counsel’s advice that the town should not prohibit only partisan signs; instead, the town should either allow all signs or disallow all signs. The Select Board indicated that they would welcome public comment on this topic at their next meeting on September 23. 

(11-SEP-24) At their meeting on September 5, the School Committee conducted a “first read” of the School Resource Officer (SRO) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). A “first read” allows the Committee to discuss and ask questions before they are expected to vote.

In December 2023, after a year of work by an SRO subcommittee, the School Committee voted to continue the SRO program and authorized Superintendent Peter Light to negotiate an MOU with the Acton Police Department. The School Committee also voted a set of recommendations, developed by the subcommittee, to be incorporated into the MOU.

At the meeting, Superintendent Light presented the MOU, as negotiated by the district, the Acton Police Department, and the Town of Acton. Superintendent Light noted that many, but not all, of the Committee’s recommendations had been incorporated. Notably, while the Committee had recommended that officers visit schools only when requested, the MOU states that each building principal will work with the SRO to set a schedule of regular visits.

Committee members asked questions about SRO data collection, reporting to the School Committee, and MOU enforcement. The Committee is expected to vote on the MOU at its next meeting on September 19. 

The MOU applies only to the school buildings located in the Town of Acton. After the MOU with the Acton Police is finalized, the district is expected to begin discussions with the Boxborough Police Department. 

The Committee then voted 6-2 to table a scheduled vote on the TowerCo lease for a new cell tower at the Charter Road administration building. The cell tower project was initiated by the district to improve poor reception at the Charter Road campus. TowerCo would build and be responsible for all costs of the tower and would pay a monthly rent to the district.

The vote was tabled after public comment concerning potential safety risks of a cell tower in close proximity to students and staff, as well as discussion by committee members that reflected potential disagreement about the alleged safety risks. 

The majority of the Committee voted to allow additional time to collect and review safety-related information. The Committee is expected to vote on the lease at its next meeting on September 19.

The Committee also heard an Entry Plan for new Assistant Superintendent Gabrielle Abrams, reviewed a redesigned School Committee website expected to launch in October, and unanimously voted this year’s District and Superintendent Goals.

(5-SEP-24) At their meeting at Town Hall on August 15, the Boxborough Housing Board (BHB) discussed roof replacements at Boxborough Meadows, the recent availability of an affordable home, and the town’s Rental Assistance Program.

The Homeowner Opportunity for Preservation Extension program (HOPE), a program designed to assist the owners of affordable homes with the preservation of their aging units, will undertake its first project in mid-September: the replacement of roofs of affordable units in Boxborough Meadows. 

The Boxborough Affordable Housing Trust met earlier on August 15 and voted to fund the project.

The Board also discussed the recent availability of an affordable home in Boxborough Meadows. The home is now available to qualified buyers for $253,000. Information is available at Homes for Sale – Metro West Collaborative Development (metrowestcd.org). 

The BHB established the resale price in accordance with the home’s Affordable Housing Restriction (Deed Rider) with help from Town Counsel KP Law. While the home is offered to qualified buyers at a low price, the appreciation of its value is limited by the terms of the Deed Rider. 

Because provisions of Deed Riders are sometimes confusing, the BHB will be offering  an educational seminar about Deed Riders. BHB Vice Chair Al Murphy and Select Board Chair Kristin Hilberg will present details at the next BHB meeting.

Boxborough Community Services Coordinator Wendy Trinks proposed changes to the Boxborough Rental Assistance Program (BRAP). She recommended that BRAP applications be considered strictly on a rolling basis, that she be granted discretion in applying the gross income limit for qualification, and that the upper limit on rents be eliminated. The BHB approved her recommendations and recognized that the BRAP monthly rental-assistance payment of $250 has not kept pace with inflation. At the next BHB meeting, Trinks and BHB member Ron Vogel will develop recommendations for changing the payment amount.

Town Planner Alec Wade reported on Boxborough’s response to the MBTA Communities Act, which requires communities served by the MBTA to establish zoning districts in which high-density multi-family housing is permitted as of right. Wade is setting up a five-member advisory committee to plan the zoning locations and asked for a BHB volunteer. Wade also introduced new Associate Town Planner Rafi Nizam to the Board. Nizam comes to the town from Boston and has extensive experience in fair housing policy.

The next three public, in-person, Town Hall meetings of the BHB are scheduled for 7 p.m. September 12, October 10, and November 14.

Water Resources Committee Interviews Weston and Sampson for Townwide Water Study

(5-SEP-24) On August 20, the Water Resources Committee (WRC) held a virtual meeting to interview Weston and Sampson to discuss their proposal that had been submitted in response to the WRC's RFP for "Townwide Water Resources Planning Services." 

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

Assistant Town Administrator Rajon Hudson was present for the interview along with members of the WRC and four principals from Weston and Sampson.

Chair Fox opened the interview, noting that the budget available was sufficient to fund the majority of the work proposed by Weston and Sampson, but not all of it. The committee then engaged in a discussion of the Weston and Sampson proposal and the WRC's objectives for the project.  During the discussion the WRC explained that a budget of $50,000 was available.

The Weston and Sampson team agreed to submit a proposed contract for the "Task 1" portion of the work and that could be extended to carry out additional work in subsequent tasks.  

After the Weston and Sampson team exited the interview portion of the meeting, the WRC continued with a brief business meeting and set September 10 for the next meeting to review and discuss the contract proposal from Weston and Sampson.

(3-SEP-24) At its August 29 meeting, the Fire Station Building Committee (FSBC) was joined by representatives from both Context Architecture (Context), the town’s architecture firm, and Vertex, the town’s owner’s project manager.  

After a wide-ranging discussion about fire station sites, size, cost, and timing, the FSBC voted unanimously to recommend to the Select Board that the town continue with Context as the project architect going forward. 

Jeff Shaw of Context began the meeting with a presentation on work already completed by his firm and a proposal for future work. Deliverables for future work would include (1) site analysis and a site selection matrix, (2) concept designs, which would include actual site plans and building plans, and (3) a cost estimate. FSBC members asked questions about programmatic requirements and square footage of the future fire station.

Steve Kirby of Vertex presented a preliminary project timeline, which led to a broader discussion about whether and what the FSBC might be ready to present to the town at the February 10, 2025 Special Town Meeting, as well as the formation of a smaller working group to meet weekly. There were no votes concerning the project timeline or the composition of a working group.

Throughout the meeting, FSBC members discussed pros and cons of the four potential fire station sites currently under consideration: 502 Mass Ave (the current fire station), 72 Stow Road, 700 Mass Ave, and 1320 Mass Ave. 

Town Administrator Michael Johns updated the group on the status of the 1320 Mass Ave property, which the town does not currently own. Johns reported that negotiations have been unsuccessful and he believes that the committee should “take it off the list.”

There was also some discussion of another potential site, 975 Mass Ave, that the prior Building Committee had considered but voted not to pursue. Members disagreed on whether it should be added back onto the list for further consideration.

The FSBC also discussed public engagement, including events at the current fire station, but did not make any decisions about specific public engagement plans. 

(3-SEP-24) On August 22, the Acton-Boxborough Regional School Committee held its first meeting of the 2024-2025 school year. The evening began with a presentation from communications company TowerCo about a proposal for a 100-foot cell tower at the Charter Road administration building. 

The School Committee expects to vote at a future meeting on the proposed 10-year lease, in which TowerCo would be responsible for all costs of the tower and would pay a monthly rent to the district. 

After several incidents where district leadership could not coordinate in emergencies, the district looked for a way to improve service in and around the main campus. The cell tower project was initiated by the district to improve reception and TowerCo responded to the district’s Request for Proposal. Verizon is expected to be the anchor tenant for the tower. 

The School Committee also voted to approve the charge and composition of an Elementary Budget Task Force. The task force will work with consulting firm New Solutions K12 to recommend to the School Committee budget strategies with respect to the elementary schools.

The task force will include nine “essential stakeholders;” nine “interested stakeholders” who will apply for a seat; and nine “potential stakeholders” who will be randomly selected and invited to serve. 

The task force was created in response to concerns about the elementary school budgets expressed during the 2024-2025 budget process, including costs associated with the open enrollment policy. 

The School Committee declined to approve the timeline of task force meetings as presented and asked the district to make adjustments to make sure the meetings would work for certain essential stakeholders. The task force is expected to meet five times between October and December and present final recommendations to the School Committee on December 19.

Superintendent Light also presented this year’s three district-wide goals, which will be voted at the Committee’s next meeting on September 5. The goals concern social-emotional learning; improving access, opportunity, and outcomes; and engaging stakeholders in strategic visioning. Superintendent Light’s presentation on the district goals can be found at bit.ly/47aE7Fq. 

(20-AUG-24) At its meeting on August 15, the Boxborough Economic Development Committee (EDC) considered the future of the Business Grant Program, a program funded by Boxborough’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) appropriation that provides up to $20,000 in matching funds as a forgivable loan to small Boxborough businesses that meet the requirements of the program.

The committee decided to continue the program for a third and final round and is expected to issue a revised Notice of Funding Available (NOFA) on August 29. The EDC intends to accept applications on a rolling basis through October 31 and expects to have $20,000 to $40,000 available for this final round of the program.  

Since the program began in 2023, the EDC has awarded grants to Two Friends Chocolate, 629 Massachusetts Avenue, for a hot chocolate shop; to Oscar’s Burritos, 34 Massachusetts Avenue, for café-style coffee in the morning hours; to AlphaCars, 649 Massachusetts Avenue, for the hiring of a social media specialist to generate increased business; and to Swymfit, 90 Swanson Road, for gym improvements and staff training.

At their next meeting on August 29, the EDC expects to hold a public hearing on the final application from the prior round, submitted by PinkDog Spa at 650 Massachusetts Avenue.

The committee also decided to sponsor a third annual “Boxborough Business Breakfast” for invited local businesses at Town Hall on October 10. The event will allow Boxborough businesses to network with each other and engage with the EDC and town officials. Invitations are expected to go out to business owners in late August.

The committee discussed next steps on the Village Center revitalization project and decided to reach out to relevant landowners this fall.  The Town Center Revitalization Project was funded by a $46,950 community planning grant from the state. The town contracted with Tighe & Bond to conduct public outreach and create a conceptual plan for a town center-style development.

EDC Chair Rich Guzzardi noted that all Village Center project materials are available online at https://boxborough-ma.gov/698/Village-Center-Revitalization-Project.  The EDC also conducted their reorganization, voting Abby Reip as Chair and Dawn Willis as Clerk.

(20-AUG-24) At its meeting on August 19, the Select Board voted to accept the resignation of Joan Blaustein from the Fire Station Building Committee (FSBC) and voted to appoint Alan Ford to fill the vacancy.  Blaustein resigned from the FSBC due to her potential conflict of interest as an abutter to one of several possible fire station sites.

Town Administrator (TA) Michael Johns reported town counsel’s advice that it is “not in the best interest of the town” for an abutter to be involved in fire station site selection, which is one task of the FSBC. Select Board Chair Kristin Hilberg apologized to Blaustein for not being aware of this conflict-of-interest issue when the Board initially chose her to serve on the FSBC.

After some back-and-forth between the Board, the TA, and members of the public about the contours of the conflict-of-interest rules, the Select Board asked Blaustein, who was present at the meeting, whether she wanted to withdraw her resignation. She declined to do so.

The Board then moved on to choose Blaustein’s replacement from a slate of three candidates: Mark Barbadoro, Alan Ford, and John Markiewicz. After hearing statements from all three candidates and comments from members of the public, Board members expressed disagreement with each other and ultimately voted 3-1-1 for Ford. Hilberg, Priya Sundaram, and Dave McKiernan voted in favor of Ford. Wes Fowlks voted against, and Bob Stemple abstained.

The Board also considered a proposed land donation to the town at 50 Taylor Farm Road. After a presentation by property developer Glen Kaufmann, extensive public comment, and Board member discussion, the Board voted unanimously in favor of putting the land donation on the next town meeting warrant.

Between 2016 and 2021, Kaufmann built 11 houses on Taylor Farm Road. The one remaining parcel was designated as an “open space” lot that was to be gifted to the town as an offset to the applicant being granted a waiver for both an additional eleventh buildable lot and for exceeding a 500-foot limitation on a dead end road. In 2022, Kaufmann offered the parcel to the town. The Conservation Commission voted to accept the land, but the Select Board voted against it.

Kaufmann now has an application before the Planning Board to modify the previously approved subdivision plan to allow another home to be built on the land that the Select Board rejected in 2022. At their meeting on August 5, the Planning Board suggested that the applicant ask the current Select Board whether it might revisit the prior Select Board’s decision and accept the land donation.

At Monday’s meeting, the current Select Board indicated that they saw value in accepting the land and preserving it as open space. After clarifying that they could not unilaterally accept the donation and could only decide to put it on the town meeting warrant for voters to accept, the Board voted to put the land donation on the next town meeting warrant.

(15-AUG-24)   At its meeting on August 14, the Fire Station Building Committee (FSBC) heard a presentation by FSBC Chair Mary Brolin on the history of the fire station building project.

Brolin led the committee and interested members of the public through 24 slides that included a high-level ten-year timeline; a chart describing the eleven sites considered over the course of the project; needs assessments; cost estimates; and feasibility studies.

Brolin ended the presentation by outlining four next steps for the FSBC: (1) review existing feasibility and assessment materials; (2) meet with Context Architecture to get input on 72 Stow Road and 502 Massachusetts Avenue; (3) work with the Owner’s Project Manager to prioritize sites and assess need for future feasibility studies; and (4) conduct assessments as needed and select the best site. The FSBC’s goal is to select a site before the end of the year and propose a budget at a future town meeting. 

After her presentation, Brolin allowed committee discussion and questions, as well as input from the public.

The committee moved on to discuss communication policies, financial procedures, and their schedule going forward. They decided to change their meeting schedule to the second and fourth Thursdays of the month. Their next meeting is scheduled for August 29.

Chair Brolin also introduced new member Larry Grossman, appointed by the Select Board two days earlier, and announced that current member Joan Blaustein is resigning from the committee due to a conflict of interest concerning site selection. The Select Board is expected to appoint a new member to fill the vacancy. 

(15-AUG-24) At their meeting on August 6, the Water Resources Committee discussed the status of the town’s Request for Proposals (RFP) for the development of a town-wide water resource plan.

The Committee decided to invite Weston & Sampson, the only firm that responded to the RFP, for an interview to discuss their proposed scope of work and clarify the deliverables.

Committee members shared ideas of how the town might trim the scope of Weston & Sampson’s proposal to decrease costs. 

The Committee agreed to ask for the interview to take place during the week of August 19. The interview will be a virtual meeting. Chair Les Fox will ask Assistant Town Administrator Rajon Hudson to finalize meeting arrangements with Weston & Sampson. The date and agenda will be found on the town website: www.boxborough-ma.gov. After the interview, the committee will work with Hudson to negotiate a final scope of work and price.

On June 5, the Town of Boxborough published an RFP for town-wide water resource planning services. According to the RFP description on the town website, the town solicited “proposals from licensed professionals for the development of a town-wide water resource plan… that will address long-term water and wastewater needs.”

(1-AUG-24) At its meeting on Tuesday, July 23, the Zoning Board of Appeals held a public hearing to consider the application received from Julian (Jim) D’Agostine to amend a Special Permit that was originally granted in 2015. In a unanimous decision, the ZBA voted to grant the Special Permit for the reduced frontage lot at 79 Meadow Lane.

The original Special Permit was granted to build a single family home on a reduced frontage lot at 79 Meadow Lane; it has been extended three times. Given the length of time between the last extension and the most recent request for an amendment to the decision, Planner Alec Wade felt that a Special Permit hearing was warranted and the extension could only be granted by public hearing.

D’Agostine and his attorney explained the changes from the previous application. The shape of the house has changed, and it will now be 45 feet from the nearest abutter, a five foot increase from the previous plan. The 17 acre parcel has frontage on Meadow Lane and 94 Chester Road. D’Agostine’s plan is to use five acres for the home, accessed via the reduced frontage lot on Meadow Lane, and to donate the remaining 12 acres to the Town of Boxborough as conservation land.

Two abutters attended the hearing, and both had questions regarding wetlands and possible flooding. Neither had any issue with D’Agostine’s plans to build on the property. The septic design will need to be renewed, and the applicant will need an order of conditions from the Conservation Commission to build a driveway through the wetlands. 

The ZBA’s other business included the election of new officers. Mark Barbadoro was elected as chair, and Shawn McCormack was elected as clerk. The Board scheduled its next meeting for August 20 at 7:30 p.m.

(1-AUG-24) At a 7 p.m. hybrid meeting on August 14, Fire Station Building Committee (FSBC) Chair Mary Brolin will present to the FSBC a review of the decade-long history of the fire station building project. The goal, Brolin said, is to “learn about past work done” and “come to a shared understanding” in order to “inform our work going forward.” 

Members of the public who are interested in learning about the history of the fire station project are invited to attend in person or on Zoom. Find the Zoom link for the FSBC agenda on the town website: boxborough-ma.gov.

Brolin’s presentation will include “the sites studied in the past, including which sites have been dropped and which are still viable. We will also review the recommendations from HKT Architects and Context Architecture from their respective space needs analyses. We will also share any conceptual design input that Context Architecture has provided to date.” 

As she walks through these materials, Brolin plans to invite discussion from past building committee members who are part of, and supporting, the FSBC. 

When asked about public comment, Brolin stated, “Our plan is to share the presentation with the committee, allowing input from committee members and advisors based on their past experience. Then we will have committee questions and discussion. Then I will open it up for public input from people in the room and those joining by Zoom.”

Brolin’s presentation will be available on the FSBC webpage, and a recording of the August 14 meeting will be available on BXB-TV. 

The FSBC is tasked with overseeing the design and construction of a new fire station in Boxborough. Its members were appointed by the Select Board on July 15, and the committee held its first meeting on July 17.

(24-JUL-24) The Fire Station Building Committee (FSBC), tasked with overseeing the design and construction of a new fire station in Boxborough, held its second meeting on Tuesday, July 23. With all members present for the first time, the Committee elected Mary Brolin as Chair, Mac Reid as Vice Chair, and Sara Lavado as Clerk.

The focus of the meeting was the selection of three out of seven candidates to interview for the role of Owner’s Project Manager (OPM). The OPM will help the town navigate the entire fire station building process, from site selection through construction.

FSBC member Sara Lavado recused herself from this portion of the meeting; she explained that she has a potential conflict of interest concerning one of the OPM candidates. She will not participate in discussion, interviews, or votes regarding the OPM selection process.

The remaining six FSBC members shared their top three choices based on their review of each candidate’s response to the town’s Request for Qualifications. After discussion, the Committee voted to interview Vertex, Turner & Townsend, and CHA Consulting. 

Interviews will take place at the FSBC’s next meeting on Wednesday, July 31, with interview slots starting at 7 p.m., 8 p.m., and 9 p.m. The interviews will not be available live on Zoom in order to prevent candidates from watching the preceding interviews. However, they will be recorded for later viewing on BXB-TV.

FSBC Chair Mary Brolin asked Town Administrator Mike Johns if the FSBC could hear a presentation on the history of the fire station building project, which extends back over the last decade. Committee members agreed that they need to get up to speed quickly on what work has already been done, why certain decisions were made along the way, and what past pitfalls they should be aware of.

TA Johns agreed to arrange for a presentation at the FSBC’s August 14 meeting. Committee members expressed the importance of making this information accessible to the public. Chair Brolin invited the public to attend the FSBC’s August 14 meeting, which will be both in person and on Zoom, so that “we can learn together.”

The FSBC briefly discussed the high-level goals of the committee and the potential timeline for bringing a funding request or other information to a town meeting. The Committee expects to revisit these items after the OPM is hired.

Fire Department Captain Jason Malinowski also reminded the committee that the town has a designer under contract and that, soon after the hiring of an OPM, the FSBC will need to decide whether to continue with the current designer or start a procurement process for a new designer. 

After the July 31 OPM interviews, the FSBC expects to meet on the second Wednesday and fourth Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. 

(24-JUL-24) At its meeting on Monday, July 15, the Planning Board continued the public hearing for an application from French Bros. Boxborough LLC to construct a 3-unit trade shop building at 100 Codman Hill Road, replacing the property’s current use as a landscape storage yard.

During the hearing, Paul Kirchner of Stamski and McNary, engineer for the applicant, pointed out the revisions that were made to the plans in response to comments from the town’s engineer, Sue Carter (Places Associates), and concerns expressed by the Board during the previous hearings. Those concerns included lighting, landscaping, earth removal, and potential tenants.

Town Planner Alec Wade opined that the applicant was responsive to the concerns of both Carter and the Planning Board and that he was expecting the Board to issue a final decision during the meeting. Prior to the hearing, Wade had prepared a standard set of conditions for the Board to make their findings. Engineer Kirchner and owner Mike French answered the Board’s questions and clarified several items. Carter indicated that all of her comments had been fully addressed and that she was “all set” with the plans. In a unanimous vote, the Board approved the site plan application with 24 conditions. French thanked the Board for their “thoughtful direction and discussion over the last year…” and said “I do appreciate the guidance…”

In other business, Mike Wright of Astro Crane, located at 200 Codman Hill Road, met with the Board to get their initial feedback on a conceptual development of property at 340 Codman Hill Road. Wright has not filed an application; he is considering purchasing the property for outdoor storage of HVAC equipment and wanted to hear the Board’s concerns or “red flags” regarding the use, which may help him decide whether or not to pursue the property. Several members of the Board asked Wright questions about his business plans and the amount of land that would be covered by (impervious) pavement. 

In his Planner’s report, Wade indicated that a verbal offer had been extended to a candidate for Associate Planner.  He will share full information, including the start date, after an offer letter has been signed. “I feel that we have selected a fantastic candidate for the town,” said Wade. He thanked members of the Board for their assistance with the hiring process and candidate selection.

(18-JUL-24) After two years of construction, Liberty Field at 1100 Liberty Square Road is now complete and open for all to enjoy. 

Visitors can now use the paved walking path, a one-third mile distance that surrounds the soccer fields. The soccer fields are also open, but the grass is newly established so organized sports and league play will not be permitted until the fall. A shed has also been built for field equipment, nets, and other recreational storage. 

Other portions of Liberty Field, including the playground, tennis courts, and pickleball courts, opened in Fall 2023. 

During the holiday weekend, motorized vehicles were driven on the newly planted soccer fields, but no damage was sustained. As a result, Boxborough Police have increased their patrol of the area.

“We are excited to have residents enjoy this new space,” says Recreation Commission member Megan Connor. “The town and its residents have put a lot of money, time and effort into making it a wonderful recreation place for all to enjoy, so we ask residents to please take care of it.”

The Recreation Commission is exploring additional lessons and programming at Liberty Field, including adult fitness classes with a local physical therapy business. The Commission is also in the planning stages of adding a pavilion to the grounds. 

Visit the Town of Boxborough “My Rec” website for more information and programs: https://boxboroughma.myrec.com/info/default.aspx. 

(18-JUL-24) At its meeting on July 15, the Select Board appointed all seven members of the new Fire Station Building Committee (FSBC). The five at-large members are Joan Blaustein, Mary Brolin, Sara Lavado, Eric Michnovez, and Mac Reid. The Select Board representative will be Priya Sundaram, and the Finance Committee representative will be Maria Neyland. The Board also appointed Fire Chief John Kivlan and Town Administrator Michael Johns as ex officio members.

The Board chose the five at-large members from a group of 18 applicants. TA Michael Johns explained that there were originally 24 interested residents, but that six withdrew their names from consideration. The remaining 18 applicants were evaluated using a matrix of six competencies: technical experience, community understanding, proven leadership, communication skills, interpersonal skills, and public engagement skills. Select Board Chair Kristin Hilberg said the Board was “honored” by the number of people who volunteered to be considered for the FSBC.

According to the FSBC charter approved by the Select Board at their last meeting, the FSBC is expected to “report to the Select Board and shall oversee the performance of the OPM [Owner’s Project Manager]. Based on input from the OPM, the FSBC shall recommend to the Select Board and the Town, the best path for the delivery of a new Fire Station.”

The Board also discussed potential next steps regarding recent vandalism at Liberty Field and other town-owned land. Recreation Commission Chair Matt Spurling reported to the Board that a motorized vehicle drove on the new grass at Liberty Field and that there have also been similar and more damaging incidents at Fifer’s Field, another town-owned property. 

Spurling suggested that the Board consider security cameras at these properties to “protect our investment.” After hearing from Police Chief John Szewczyk and Conservation Commission Chair Sam Anderson, the Board decided to start with signage and look into the costs involved in setting up security cameras.

Chief Szewczyk also reported to the Board the results of Operation Safe Streets, a Boxborough Police Department initiative to increase traffic enforcement in May and June 2024. The top three offenses across the two-month period were speeding (146 vehicle stops), failure to stop at stop signs (51 vehicle stops), and texting while driving (43 vehicle stops).

(17-JUL-24) At the Boxborough Community Preservation Committee (CPC) meeting of July 10, Town Planner Alec Wade reported that the semi-final draft of the 2025 Community Preservation Plan would be distributed to the committee members in the near future. The goal is to present a final draft to the committee at its September meeting.

Historically, the Boxborough CPC has had no formal award mechanism. At its June meeting, the committee voted to move towards best practices and issue formal award letters to committees/groups who receive CPC funds. The bulk of the July 10 meeting was devoted to reviewing draft CPA FY 2025 award letters for the five projects that were funded at the May 2024 town meeting and approving final language. 

The next meeting of the CPC is Thursday, September 5 at 7:30 p.m. in the Grange Room of the Town Hall.

(17-JUL-24) Chair Lee Slade opened the July 10 Personnel Board meeting by discussing the planned “Employer of Choice” presentation to the Select Board. This is now scheduled to take place in August.

Assistant Town Administrator Rajon Hudson updated the board on the current status of the townwide training for department heads. Proposals have been received from two consultants and are being reviewed. Hudson also reported that rapid progress is being made on hiring town staff. It is possible that all vacancies could be hired this month.

Personnel Board member Allan MacLean reviewed progress that was being made on the update of policies and of the employee handbook. The current leaning is to include the employee-related policies as appendices to the employee handbook and include the handbook and these policies in an easy-to-access section on the town website. The goal is to have this material ready to review at the Board’s August meeting.

Ellen Hickey, Personnel Board member, summarized the status of the project to harmonize the town’s job descriptions. She and Chair Slade have reviewed the matrix of positions. A suggested next step was to invite one or more department heads to attend the Board’s meeting in August to discuss open issues.

The next meeting of the Personnel Board is scheduled for Tuesday, August 13 at 5:30 p.m. at Town Hall.

(17-JUL-24) At its meeting on Tuesday, July 9, the Boxborough Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) conducted a public hearing to consider the application for an appeal of the building commissioner’s enforcement order issued to New England Tree Masters, a business operating at 984 Mass Ave and 38 Sara’s Way. As an abutter to the applicant, ZBA Chair Mark White recused himself, and Clerk Mark Barbadoro was appointed as acting chair for the hearing.

On March 25, 2024, New England Tree Masters was issued an enforcement order by Boxborough Building Commissioner Ed Cataldo. The order specified that New England Tree Masters must file a special permit due to the “increased…size of the cleared area, truck traffic,” and the “storage of materials beyond the previous business” at the property. The order also required that the applicant file for a site plan review due to changes made to the topography, parking, traffic flow, and natural features when the property transferred ownership.

The appeal, which requested that the ZBA withdraw the enforcement order requirements, was filed by Attorney Paul Robertson on behalf of New England Tree Masters on April 29, 2024.

After the official notice of public hearing was read into the record, Acting Chair Barbadoro requested the input of Town Counsel Jonathan Eichman regarding a question of jurisdiction due to the timeliness of the appeal. Attorney Eichman indicated that Mass General Law Chapter 40A, Section 15 requires that appeals must be filed within 30 days from the date of the order, and the applicant’s appeal was filed after the 30-day deadline.  

The remainder of the hearing focused on whether or not the board would allow the appeal to be heard, given that it was filed later than the 30-day requirement. After almost two hours, in a split vote (3 – 2), the Board voted to deny the appeal on the grounds that it was not filed within the 30 day window. Attorney Robertson expressed disappointment at the result and indicated that the next step would be to resolve the case with legal action. Acting Chair Barbadoro reminded Mr. Robertson that his client still has the option to resolve the case by filing an application for a special permit rather than go to court.

(17-JUL-24) At their hybrid meeting July 11, the Boxborough Sustainability Committee (BSC) discussed when to ask the town to approve the Specialized Building Code. They also discussed Littleton Electric Light Department’s (LELD) energy-saving efforts and preparation for “Trash Talk,” a gathering of residents to engage in activities which heighten awareness about waste management.

By September, the BSC expects the state to approve the town’s application to become a Green Community, at which time Boxborough will use an initial state grant of about $130,000 to begin installing LED light bulbs in town buildings. 

After the town becomes a Green Community, the BSC will work with town officials to help select which other clean energy project grants to seek through the program. 

The BSC also plans to work to inform residents about the benefits of the Specialized Opt-in Building Code which focuses on energy efficiency in new construction and large additions.

BSC members Palmer Moore and Barbara Saltzman presented an overview of LELD’s effort to convert to more clean energy sources. They also looked at the distribution charges to homeowners using solar energy. Moore said the charges are used to expand and maintain the electric grid; he added that LELD is "doing well for a small utility with limited resources.”

Salzman explained that LELD charges higher electric rates during peak hours. She said homeowners would be wise to run appliances such as clothes and dish washers during off-peak hours, and to consider installing an in-home battery for storing solar or off-peak electricity for use during peak hours. Weekday peak hours are 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time.

BSC Chair Kate Davies and member Suresh Jasrasaria agreed to continue work on planning “Trash Talk,” a “fun and interactive” event in September to promote ideas about how to exchange usable items and how to reduce and dispose of waste. The program will examine use of the Transfer Station, the role of private vendors, and waste management for condo and apartment dwellers.  

Davies ended the meeting by presenting Francie Nolde with the Town’s “Exceptional Service Award” for her “dedication, passion and hard work” in leading Boxborough’s sustainability initiatives for over 20 years in programs to “place solar panels on homes,” establish “the town’s first Sustainability Policy,” help pass a solar bylaw, and “support the Town’s application to become a Green Community.” 

The citation notes that as Nolde steps down as Sustainability Chair, “Her contributions to the sustainability and well-being of Boxborough will ensure that the Town can continue to meet the needs of current generations without compromising the needs of future generations.”

The BSC’s next hybrid meeting will be on Sept. 12, at 7 p.m.