News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Boxborough Police Investigate Report of Priest Lane Home Break-in

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

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

FinCom Votes Final Budget, Discusses Fire Station and Conant Elementary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Boxborough Dog License Renewals Due April 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(2-FEB-24) At its meeting on January 23, the Finance Committee (Fin Com) reviewed proposed budgets for fiscal year 2025 for all Land Use departments as well the Recreation Commission. 

Town Planner Alec Wade presented the Land Use and Permitting Department budget. There was a modest increase of $2K for consulting services. The salary line for the inspector’s office was increased to reflect “step 1” on the town’s Classification and Compensation Plan. Wade explained that this was done as a precaution in case the current part time building inspector could not continue in this capacity. Committee members indicated that they would not support this increase because they did not want to tax residents for something that may not happen. No vote was taken.  

Wade presented level funded and level service budgets for the Conservation Commission, the Planning Board, the Zoning Board of Appeals, and the Economic Development Committee. Expenses for meeting secretaries for the Planning Board and ZBA will be moved to the Town Planner’s budget.  

Wade reported that the budget for the Board of Health reflects modest increases for the cost of services provided by the Nashoba Associated Boards of Health for nursing, landfill monitoring, and environmental services. The expense line for the mosquito control budget is pending. 

Recreation Commission (Rec Com) Chair Megan Conner and member Hilary Greven presented the Rec Com budget. Salaries for programs such as Flerra Summer Playground were increased by 6%, which includes a 3% COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment). Expenses remained flat. 

Most of the discussion centered on whether Rec Com can be a self-sustaining department where revenues from programs pay for salaries and expenses. Currently, it’s difficult to track that information. Rec Com plans to purchase a software package in the current fiscal year called “MyRec.com” to manage and schedule programs, track incoming applications, as well as track revenues and expenses.  

In other matters, the Fin Com discussed the Dispatch budget which included $198K to cover future expenses for the Regional Dispatch program. Committee members said they do not want to tax residents for something that doesn’t happen until FY2028. They suggested that this expense be removed from the FY2025 budget. They also asked that costs associated with Annual Town Meeting and Fall Town Meeting be clearly delineated in the budget.  

The next Fin Com meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 30 at Town Hall. The Committee plans to discuss the police budget.  

(2-FEB-24) Boxborough’s 2024 Annual Town Meeting will start on Monday, May 13 at 7 p.m. at Blanchard Memorial School. It will proceed on Tuesday May 14, Wednesday May 15, and Thursday May 16 as needed.

The 2024 Town Election will take place on Tuesday, May 21. The last day to register to vote at Town Meeting and the Town Election is Friday, May 3.

Nomination papers for elected town offices are currently available from the Town Clerk’s office. The last day to obtain nomination papers is Friday, March 29. Offices to be on the 2024 town ballot are as follows:

• Select Board, three-year term: 2 seats

• School Committee, three-year term: 1 seat

• Planning Board, three-year term: 1 seat

• Library Trustees, three-year term: 2 seats

• Board of Health, three-year term: 1 seat

• Town Moderator, one-year term: 1 seat

• Constable, three-year term: 1 seat

Tuesday, April 2, is the last day to file nomination papers with the Board of Registrars/Town Clerk in order to be on the ballot for the 2024 Town Election. Papers are due in the Town Clerk’s office by 5 p.m. and a minimum of 25 signatures is required. Thursday, April 18 is the last day to withdraw (or object to) a name from nomination for town office. 

(2-FEB-24) On Saturday, March 16, Boxborough residents will have the opportunity to participate in a “Strengthening Police and Community Partnerships” program facilitated by conciliation specialists from the U.S. Department of Justice.

The one-day SPCP program is designed to collect feedback from the public about the Boxborough Police Department and serve as a safe environment for discussion about police-community relations. 

The program will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Blanchard Elementary School. Lunch will be served. All Boxborough residents are encouraged to attend.

"The main goal of the SPCP Program is to help three fundamental questions be answered by members of the community in a controlled, safe environment, where all viewpoints and perspectives are encouraged and respected,” said Police Chief John Szewczyk. “The questions are: (1) what is Boxborough PD doing right?; (2) what can Boxborough PD do better?; and (3) how can Boxborough PD achieve improvements in these areas?”

According to the U.S. Department of Justice Community Relations Service, the SPCP “is designed to improve public safety by strengthening trust and developing partnerships between law enforcement professionals and the diverse communities they serve.”

Since September, an SPCP Planning Group has met twice a month to prepare for the March 16 event. The Planning Group includes representatives from the town of Boxborough, the police department, Blanchard Elementary School, faith-based communities, and the community at large.  

Chief Szewczyk brought the SPCP program to Boxborough after he learned about it from another police department in Massachusetts. The program came highly recommended as a productive way for a police department to get feedback from the community.

After the March 16 event, the conciliation specialists from the DOJ will deliver a report and recommendations to Chief Szewczyk and the Town Administrator. If there is interest from the community, an SPCP Council may be formed to be involved in the implementation of any recommendations. 

(2-FEB-24) On January 29, the Planning Board and Select Board held a joint meeting to hear Town Planner Alec Wade present an annual update on the “Boxborough 2030” Master Plan.

Boxborough’s Master Plan serves as a “comprehensive road map” that “sets tangible goals for the community.” It is a 15-year plan that was adopted in 2016 after a significant community engagement effort. The plan outlines 125 action items for the town and community to undertake by the year 2030. Included in the Master Plan is a mechanism for annual updates and progress reports.

Wade reported to the Planning Board and Select Board that based on recent data collection and analysis, 18 percent of the 125 action items have been completed, 42 percent are in progress, and 31 percent are “delayed” or “no update.” Due to gaps in the data collection process, there was no data collected with respect to the remaining 9 percent of action items.

Wade identified room for improvement in the data collection process and suggested that more boards and committees might benefit from town staff support. He also flagged the Town’s reliance on volunteer-run boards and committees to carry out the vast majority of the action items in the Master Plan and suggested that the Town consider connecting boards with more technical support. He presented a series of recommendations on where to focus resources in order to efficiently accomplish incomplete action items.

Following his presentation, Planning Board and Select Board members discussed the need for prioritization in light of budget challenges, the role of Town staff, and availability of resources. Members of both boards expressed their appreciation for a comprehensive update, but also expressed concern about overburdening Town staff, particularly the Town Planner.

Following the joint meeting, the Planning Board continued with its own agenda. The Board discussed adjustments to its May 2024 Town Meeting warrant article to fund a traffic study. The Board also heard an update on the 984 Massachusetts Avenue enforcement action. The respondent has agreed to submit for a Site Plan Review and the Town Planner expects to receive their “existing conditions plan” by February 1. The Board discussed potential next steps but decided to wait for additional data from PLACES Associates before taking any further action.

(2-FEB-24) On Saturday, February 10, Boxborough will hold a forum at Town Hall to gather public input for the town’s Village Center Revitalization project. All Boxborough residents are invited to join for public engagement and discussion about what Boxborough’s “village center” should look like.

Registration will begin at 9:45 a.m. and late arrivals are encouraged to join until 11 a.m. The program will conclude at 1 p.m. The event will have multiple sessions, including meetings, workshops, and presentations. Zoom credentials will also be available for those who prefer virtual participation. 

The event will be run by the town’s recently-hired consultant Tighe & Bond, a landscape, architecture, engineering, and environmental firm, joined by Innes Associates. The town has hired T&B and Innes to review “existing zoning infrastructure, and environmental constraints” and research “best practices” in order to recommend changes to promote town center “revitalization.”  The consultants will give the town a final report in mid-May. 

The Village Center Revitalization project is funded by a Community Planning Grant secured by Boxborough’s Economic Development Committee. 

More information will be provided at https://bit.ly/Village-Center as details become available. 

(26-JAN-24) The Boxborough Housing Board (BHB) met at Town Hall on Thursday, January 18. After two presentations and discussion, the BHB passed a motion to inform the Boxborough Building Committee (BBC) that the BHB will accept payment for the property at 70-72 Stow Road in the amount of $1,200,000, according to the terms of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that was prepared in 2011. The funds will be used to provide more affordable housing for Boxborough residents and to preserve existing affordable housing.

The first of the two presentations was by North Central Massachusetts Habitat for Humanity (Habitat NCM), describing affordable housing that Habitat NCM could build on 70-72 Stow Road. Habitat NCM builds new affordable homes and performs critical home repairs. To date, it has built 42 homes and repaired 152 homes in north central Massachusetts, at a typical rate of two homes per year. They have also built duplexes. Habitat NCM requires that land be donated to them for building. It has evaluated the property at 70-72 Stow Road and concluded that the property can be divided into four lots suitable for home building.

In the second presentation, BHB member Al Murphy described the most recent appraisals of the Stow Road property and discussed factors involved in the monetization of the property. The most recent valuations are similar, at approximately $1,200,000. He listed examples of how funds resulting from a monetization could be used to make housing more affordable to Boxborough residents, such as a program to repair and preserve the town’s aging affordable housing stock or to expand the Boxborough Rental Assistance Program. 

The motion to inform the BBC initiates the process described by the 2011 MOU, which specifies that: “In the event that some portion or share of 72 Stow Road is not used for affordable housing, the Town shall reimburse the Board for said portion or share. Representatives of the Board, Trust, and Town shall negotiate a fair payment to the Board for said portion or share. The Board shall convey this payment to the Trust.”

In addition, the Homeowner Opportunity for Preservation Extension program was discussed. The HOPE program addresses the preservation of Boxborough’s affordable units. Because of administrative concerns, the Community Preservation Committee has declined to approve funding for HOPE. The BHB will continue to develop the program and address these concerns. 

The next meeting of the BHB will be a public, in-person meeting at Town Hall at 7 p.m. on Thursday, February 15. 

(26-JAN-24) At its meeting on January 22, the Select Board heard a presentation from the town’s finance team (town accountant, town assessor, and treasurer/collector) on the FY2024 Q2 Financial Report.

Town Assessor Kelly Szocik acknowledged that the FY2024 property revaluation process has led to an increase in property valuations and higher tax bills for many residents. Due to calendar year 2022 sales numbers, residential homes have seen an increase in the base price per square foot. Szocik also explained that Boxborough land values have not been updated since 2019 and that the increased valuations taxpayers are seeing can result from “catching up on data gaps.” 

In response to a question from the Select Board, Szocik confirmed that all properties in town have been brought up to an appropriate assessment value. More information about the FY2024 property revaluation can be found on the Town Assessor’s page of the Town website: https://www.boxborough-ma.gov/195/Town-Assessor.

Szocik will be at the Boxborough Community Center at 30 Middle Road for a coffee hour on Wednesday, January 31, at 10:30 a.m. to answer questions from residents. She also encouraged members of the public to contact her office with any questions.

The Select Board also approved a Common Victualler’s license for Craft Food Halls, a restaurant that is expected to open this year at 500 Beaver Brook Road. The license is contingent on receipt of certificates from the Building Commissioner and the Board of Health.

In a new “community spotlight” series, the Board heard from Recreation Commission Chair Megan Connor, who presented on the Rec Com’s projects and programs. Connor shared that the Rec Com is planning a second annual “RunBXB” 5K road race for April 7, 2024 and that Liberty Field is expected to fully reopen in June 2024. She also noted that the Rec Commission and Town Planner Alec Wade are evaluating the possibility of a softball/cricket field and a walking path at the Town’s new Erikson Landry Field.

Finally, the Select Board reopened the 2024 Town Meeting warrant to add potential articles for DPW equipment, a “green burials” study, a Hager Well chlorine system, Town Hall administrative staff, a truck for the Building Commissioner, painting and other maintenance for Town Hall, and software for the Treasurer-Collector.

Chair Kristin Hilberg previewed that the town will need to make “hard choices” at this year’s Town Meeting about what to fund, and suggested that the Select Board should weigh in on every warrant article to help inform and guide Town Meeting voters.

(26-JAN-24) At its January 16 meeting, the Finance Committee (FinCom) heard from Library Director Peishan Bartley and Library Trustee Mary Brolin about the library’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2025.  

The budget presented by Bartley included new software for booking rooms at the library, a website upgrade for content management, and 150 hours of pay for substitute assistant librarians to cover vacation time for part time employees. A final budget is pending the addition of a COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) for employees and a salary increase for the director position.

Bartley also presented a possible warrant article for the renovation/reconfiguration of the library. Bartley explained that while the library is the one of the newest buildings in town, there are some areas that are underutilized and other areas where the space could be made more user friendly. The reconfiguration would include more areas for quiet studies and video calls, and spaces for small groups. While the architect’s plans call for $650,000 in renovations, Bartley said that some of those costs could be scaled back. 

Brolin indicated that she planned to request a $100,000 grant from the Boxborough Library foundation to offset the costs.  

Some FinCom members expressed concern over the construction costs. Other members felt that given the projected increase in the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District budget and the need for a new fire station, this was not the year to make this request.  

Additional warrant articles included a supplemental article at $50,000 to replace the roof on the library building, over and above the $175,000 that was approved at last year’s town meeting; a $25,000 article to replace a booster water pump and $15,000 for an HVAC pump.

FinCom’s next meeting is scheduled for January 23 at 7 p.m. at Town Hall and will be accessible via Zoom. Town Planner Alec Wade and the Recreation Commission are scheduled to present budgets.  

(26-JAN-24) Boxborough’s Capital Committee met on January 17 to review the town’s capital plan for fiscal year 2025.  

The FY2025 capital plan is projected at somewhere between $3.9M and $4.5M. Some of the larger items include: $1.5M for the purchase of land for a public safety building, $650K for the interior redesign/reconfiguration of the library, $475K for an ambulance, $300K for culvert and road repairs, $200K for a chlorine system at Hager Well (this cost is shared with the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District based on usage), $171K for the Blanchard Elementary School playground, $115K for a wing lawn mower, and $100K for painting the exterior of Town Hall. 

The plan also calls for the replacement of three vehicles including a police vehicle, the assessor’s vehicle, and the animal control vehicle. The cost of the animal control vehicle is shared with the other two towns (Stow and Littleton) serviced by the animal control officer.   

The Select Board and FinCom will meet on Saturday, February 3 at 8:30 a.m. at Town Hall to discuss the proposed capital plan and funding sources for each item. Funding sources include the Community Preservation Act, bonding, taxation, and free cash.     

The Capital Committee, created last year, consists of two members of the Finance Committee, two members of the Select Board, and the Town Administrator. The committee reviews capital needs over $10,000 with a useful life of more than 5 years. Gary Kushner, a member of both the CapCom and the Finance Committee, developed the first capital plan 17 years ago as a way to track the town’s capital needs and spread them out over a period of time. The Capital Committee continues this process.

(19-JAN-24) At its meeting on January 10, the Boxborough Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee established five goals for 2024: (1) Lend a diverse lens to town activities; (2) Develop a process for addressing anti-bias complaints; (3) Support employees with DEI needs; (4) Conduct feasibility study to determine ways to provide DEI services to the town, including exploring partnerships with other towns; and (5) Amplify and acknowledge underrepresented voices.

The DEIC has openings for new members. Boxborough residents interested in serving on this (or any other) committee are encouraged to fill out the “Resident Interest Form” on the town website: https://bit.ly/3tXE4O3.

The DEIC was formed by the Boxborough Select Board in October 2020. The DEIC Charge states, “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) have been brought to the forefront of public awareness and Boxborough has made a commitment to create and foster a welcoming, inclusive and equitable town for all residents and guests regardless of their age, gender, orientation, race, ethnicity, mental health, physical ability, religion or socio-economic status. In this commitment, the Select Board is forming the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee to help research and propose changes to the respective Boards and Committees who oversee the respective areas where changes are proposed.” 

(19-JAN-24) At its meeting January 4, the School Committee reviewed a draft academic calendar for the 2024-2025 school year. As drafted, the school year would start on August 28 (grades K-7, 9) and August 29 (grades 8, 10-12), and the last day of school would be June 18. School Committee members discussed concerns about the number of school holidays on the calendar and whether or not to revisit the current approach to holidays. The Committee will vote on the calendar at its next meeting. The draft calendar can be found here: https://bit.ly/3O2eONm. 

The Committee voted unanimously to approve the High School “course leveling” plan to be implemented by the administration as the budget permits. The course leveling plan will “reduce course levels” to give students “more equitable access to advanced-level coursework” and “a broader range of learning and social environments.” ABRSD Superintendent Peter Light noted that the proposed course leveling plan may need to be paused or delayed because of the impact of potential budget cuts. 

The Committee also voted unanimously to approve the policy on Student Use of Electronic Communication Devices, which is intended to provide district-level guidance for the schools as they each develop policies and procedures on electronic communication devices.

Superintendent Light also gave an update on how the district has been working through the budget challenges, including engagement with teachers and parents. He also mentioned that the district decided to delay the kindergarten information session and enrollment process (that typically begins mid-January) because of budget uncertainty. The kindergarten information session is expected to be held in late February instead. School Committee Chair Adam Klein announced that the Committee will hold a “budget Saturday” workshop on February 10. 

(19-JAN-24) On Saturday, February 10, Boxborough will hold a forum at Town Hall to gather public input for the town’s Village Center Revitalization project. All Boxborough residents are invited to join for some or all of a full day of public engagement and discussion about what Boxborough’s “village center” should look like. The event will have multiple sessions, including meetings, workshops, and presentations, and there will be opportunities for virtual and in-person participation. 

The event will be run by the town’s recently-hired consultant Tighe & Bond, a landscape, architecture, engineering, and environmental firm, joined by Innes Associates. The town has hired T&B and Innes to review “existing zoning infrastructure, and environmental constraints” and research “best practices” in order to recommend changes to promote town center “revitalization.”  The consultants will give the town a final report in mid-May. 

The Village Center Revitalization project is funded by a Community Planning Grant secured by Boxborough’s Economic Development Committee. 

More information will be provided at https://bit.ly/Village-Center as details become available. 

(19-JAN-24) At its meeting on January 9, the Boxborough Finance Committee discussed a number of topics, including a Proposition 2 ½ override, the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District (ABRSD) budget, and several warrant articles.

FinCom discussed whether an override for Boxborough was necessary given the town’s strong financial position and excess levy capacity. There was strong agreement among FinCom members that Boxborough did not need an override at this time.

Several FinCom members expressed concern about the ABRSD budget. Maria Neyland, FinCom Chair, said an $8M increase was simply not sustainable. Member Becky Neville said the ABRSD annual year-end audit shows that district administration and instructional leadership costs have increased by 29% between the 2018 and 2023 school years.

At their last meeting, the Acton Leadership Group (ALG) discussed a $10M override, but did not finalize that number nor did they decide how the funds would be allocated between the school budget and the Acton town budget. The ALG plans to meet again on January 29.

If the override in Acton fails, Boxborough would be assessed a 6.7% increase over the fiscal year 2024 budget of $14M for an additional $960K. If the override passes, Boxborough could be assessed somewhere between 6.7% and 16.8% over last year’s budget. Once Acton has finalized its plans for the override, FinCom will calculate the Boxborough tax rate for the school budget versus the tax rate for everything else.  

FinCom also discussed several warrant articles, including the re-design of the interior of the library at a cost of $650K, an ambulance at a cost of $475K (less funds set aside from ambulance receipts), $300K for Other Post Employment Benefits, $80K for a traffic study, and $80K for a hybrid police cruiser. No votes were taken on any of these items.

FinCom meets every Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Town Hall. All FinCom meetings are hybrid.

(19-JAN-24) At its meetings on December 12 and January 9, the Personnel Board discussed proposed revisions to the Personnel Plan (the “Plan”), a cost-of-living adjustment for non-union employees for FY2025, and ratings for several Library positions.

Proposed revisions to the “Plan” for non-union reserve officers and the police lieutenant working private details explain how a private detail is paid by differentiating work performed Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. compared to work performed at other times. Current language provides payment in four-hour increments. The proposed language provides a minimum of four-hour increments for work performed more than eight hours. The change aligns the compensation for per diem officers with that of full time officers.

The board also considered changes to the sick leave portion of the “Plan.” Sick leave is currently accrued monthly and calculated based on hours worked. Rather than requiring employees to earn sick time benefits throughout the year, the board discussed front loading sick time based on hours worked at the beginning of each year or the anniversary date of an employee’s hiring. This change in procedure would make it easier to administer the sick leave benefit; the change is still under consideration and has not been finalized. 

Vacation time is also accrued and prorated based on hours worked. The board does not plan to change the accrual process but may clarify the language as to how vacation time is calculated for regular reduced-hour and regular part-time employees. The clarification is still being considered.

All proposed revisions to the “Plan” will be presented for voter approval at Annual Town Meeting in May 2024.

(12-JAN-24) At its meeting on January 4, Chair Christoper Hydak of the Steele Farm Advisory Committee reported positive progress on the committee’s capital projects. A contract has been awarded for the repair of the farmhouse roof and chimney as the first part of the Phase II effort to preserve the envelope of the 1784 Levi Wetherbee farmhouse at Steele Farm. Work is expected to start soon but will be staged not to conflict with Winterfest on January 27. A request for proposal for the restoration of the ice house has been issued and bids are expected shortly.

(12-JAN-24) On Thursday, January 4 the Community Preservation Committee continued its December 7 public hearing to consider applications for Community Preservation Act funds and decide which CPA-funded projects should move forward as warrant articles at the 2024 Town Meeting. 

After discussion, the committee decided not to recommend the Housing Board’s “Homeowner Opportunity for Preservation Extension” program (HOPE) for homeowners whose deed-restricted homes need repairs. While the committee supported the concept, it felt that details of how the program would work needed more definition, especially the type and amount of staff support needed from town hall. The public hearing was then closed.

In addition to the usual administrative warrant article, the committee will be bringing five warrant articles to the May 2024 town meeting: the Housing Board’s Rental Assistance Program ($44k), Conservation Trust Fund ($10K), Blanchard School Playground ($171K), community garden fence at Flerra ($6K), and the restoration of headstones and stonework at Boxborough’s cemeteries ($9.5K).

There was a brief discussion of the impact on the CPA financial worksheet when the FY2024 tax surcharge amount is finalized. The clerk was authorized to change the numbers in the administrative warrant article as needed.

The next meeting of the CPC is February 1, 2024.

(12-JAN-24) Local restaurant chain Craft Food Halls has pushed the opening date for its Boxborough location at 500 Beaver Brook Road “closer to mid-2024.” In August 2023, a representative of Craft Food Halls had indicated to the Boxborough Select Board that they were aiming to open the new restaurant by December 2023. 

Responding to an inquiry from Boxborough News about the status of the restaurant, a representative from Craft Food Halls stated, “We are still waiting on renovations and maintenance for our Boxborough location. Unfortunately there is no estimated time of completion yet, but it will be closer [to] mid 2024.” 

Boxborough Town Planner Alec Wade commented, “On December 5th, I had the opportunity to walk the restaurant with the construction team and our building commissioner. The space is well under construction and shaping up to be a beautiful venue, rich with space for community use and leisure. It's unfortunate, but not uncommon that their opening date has been delayed. Their business model relies in part on daytime transactions generated by the businesses who cohabitate The Park; and as businesses in the park continue to grow their operation and outfit their space, I'm confident we are rapidly approaching an opening date for Craft Food Hall.” 

According to a representative who appeared before the Boxborough Select Board in August 2023 at a hearing on the restaurant’s All Alcoholic Beverages License, Craft Food Halls will serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner to both office park employees and the general public. The food will be prepared using the “sous vide” method (low-temperature, long-time cooking), and alcoholic beverage offerings will include a “beer wall” with 30 taps. The 7,000 square foot restaurant will feature work areas, games, and outdoor space with fire pits. 

Craft Food Halls currently operates restaurants in Boston, Lexington, Marlborough, Waltham, and Wellesley.

(12-JAN-24) At its meeting on January 8, the Select Board discussed with the Town Administrator a draft of “Select Board and Town Administrator Strategic Goals” for the coming year. TA Michael Johns provided updates on the status of last year’s strategic goals and walked through his ideas for new strategic goals. Once the goals are finalized and voted at a future meeting, they will be published on the town’s website.

The new draft strategic goals included “fire station,” “town sewer project,” development of legal counsel and risk mitigation strategies, fee structure analyses, and a “governance document” to describe the leadership structures in town government. 

Last year’s goals included an ARPA spending plan, “water project and IMA,” succession planning, professional development, employee wellbeing, development of IT and communication strategies, and creation of a capital committee. TA Johns indicated that some of last year’s goals had been completed and many were in progress.

TA Johns updated the Select Board on town employees’ health insurance. Minuteman Nashoba Health Group is dissolving and TA Johns has formed an Insurance Advisory Committee with representatives of each type of town employee group (e.g., union, non-union, retirees) to work with an insurance broker and learn about their options. TA Johns emphasized that he wants the employees to be making the decisions about their future health insurance.  

TA Johns also walked the Select Board through the draft warrant for the May 2024 Annual Town Meeting as it currently stands. Board members asked questions about some of the articles but took no action.

Finally, the Select Board agreed that the town should light a menorah, in addition to a Christmas tree, during the next holiday season. TA Johns reported that a resident had recently made this suggestion and Select Board members expressed support for the idea.

Chair Kristin Hilberg also suggested that the town move the annual tree lighting from the large evergreen tree at the corner of Hill and Middle roads to an evergreen tree along Route 111 between the police and fire stations. Hilberg mentioned that both the DPW Director and the Police Chief had expressed safety-related concerns about the current location of the tree lighting. The Board agreed that the town should look into having both a tree lighting and a menorah lighting at the proposed Route 111 location.

(12-JAN-24) At its meeting on January 4, the Boxborough Economic Development Committee 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 grant to small businesses that meet the requirements of the program.

The application period for “Round 1” of the grant program closed on January 3, 2024. There are potentially $40,000 in remaining funds, depending on the final award amounts made in Round 1. Committee members agreed that the program should continue for a “Round 2” and discussed whether and how the dollar amount of the grant awards might change for Round 2. The Committee expects to discuss further at its next meeting on January 18.

Town Planner Alec Wade reported that prior to the application period closing, his office received two additional applications. The EDC will hold public hearings to consider those two new applications, as well as the application from Oscar’s Burritos received November 2023, for late January or early February.

The Committee also discussed next steps on the Town Center Revitalization Project, funded by a $46,950 community planning grant from the state to create a conceptual plan and alternatives to a town center-style development. The consulting company hired by the town, Tighe & Bond, expects to conduct a day-long community “charette,” a tool for gathering feedback from the public, and work with a stakeholder group to include members of invited town boards and committees. The Committee discussed the importance of publicizing the “charette” in order to get input from a diverse group of Boxborough residents with different backgrounds and perspectives.

Chair Rich Guzzardi also introduced the town’s newly hired intern, JP LoGiudice, who is primarily tasked with compiling a “business database” of all businesses located in Boxborough. A recent college graduate, LoGiudice will also assist Town Planner Alec Wade on a number of projects intended to strengthen the relationship between the town and Boxborough’s business community. 

(12-JAN-24) At its meeting on January 2, Boxborough’s Water Resources Committee continued to wrestle with the scope and deliverables of a Request for Proposal to assist with a town-wide water resources plan. Although the Committee indicated an intent to finalize the RFP during the meeting, it was ultimately decided that a revised draft would be prepared for review and further discussion at the next meeting. Members discussed the “phases” of the project, cost breakdowns, the framing of the RFP, and the qualifications of the consultant.   

The budget for the project is $50,000. WRC Chair Les Fox briefly discussed how the funding for the RFP has recently changed. The WRC originally sought and received approval to use certain funds from prior town meetings for the project, but recently discovered that $15,000 of that funding was no longer available. The WRC worked with the Town Administrator to identify other funds to cover the $15,000 shortfall, so the WRC will not need to go back to town meeting in order to undertake this project.

The committee also discussed the potential future Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) water system expansion to the MetroWest area. Fox characterized the massive coordination required for such a project as a “challenge” and clarified that the timeframe for this type of project is “decades.” Boxborough and surrounding towns (e.g., Acton, Littleton, Maynard, Ayer, Groton) are staying involved in ongoing conversations, but specific next steps are “unclear.” 

(12-JAN-24) On January 7, Town Planner Alec Wade introduced a new effort to study Boxborough’s town center at a gathering of over 25 citizens, including a “stakeholder group,” representatives from town boards and committees.

Wade will serve as project manager for the work of recently hired consultants: Tighe & Bond, a landscape, architecture, engineering, and environmental firm, joined by Innes Associates for zoning, design guidelines, and strategic planning.

In late January or early February, the consultants will invite the Boxborough community to express their opinions in a series of meetings, workshops, and design presentations regarding the town center which extends east and west along Route 111 from the crossroads near Town Hall.  

Wade explained that the “stakeholder group” will talk often with the consultants in virtual meetings open to the public.

During March, April, and May of 2024, the consulting firms will refine conceptual plans and ask for public opinion before giving the town a final report in mid-May.

T&B and Innes intend to review “existing zoning infrastructure, and environmental constraints” and research “best practices” in order to recommend changes to promote town center “revitalization.” EDC Chair Rich Guzzardi said he hopes further study will support established companies and bring new firms to Boxborough.

At the January 7 meeting, citizens recommended the need to study other towns, use outreach to involve citizens, offer Zoom connections for public meetings, and require sustainability practices in all future development. 

In emphasizing the importance of public and town staff input, Sharon Rooney of T&B reviewed the town’s prior work which began in 2016 with the “Boxborough 2030 Master Plan,” followed by the formation of the Economic Development Committee. The EDC initiated the UMass market analysis study in 2019-2020, and in late 2023, the town received a grant to support the new study.

(05-JAN-2024) Boxborough’s Department of Public Works (DPW) is charged with the upkeep of the town’s roads and public spaces. This includes everything from roadway paving and plowing, to field and building maintenance, to waste disposal and recycling. Boxborough News reached out to DPW Director Ed Kukkula for a 2024 preview.

For months, Kukkula has been working on fiscal year 2025 (mid-2024 to mid-2025) capital budget items, identifying the equipment that he and his team propose to acquire in order to carry out their mandate around town. 

This includes a field mower with an 11-foot cutting width for all of the big playing fields; a sit-down mower with a 52-inch cutting width for buildings and grounds; a new trash compacting unit for the transfer station; and a permanent chlorine system for the Hager Well. It is likely that these items will appear as articles on the Annual Town Meeting Warrant in May 2024; they total approximately $500,000.

The DPW is responsible for the repair and maintenance of Boxborough’s 30 miles of roadways. When asked which roads would be paved in 2024, Kukkula indicated that the west side of Burroughs Road and Priest Lane were on the list. The DPW website has a five-year list of scheduled road paving projects. 

Visit tinyurl.com/DPW2024 to see the plan through FY28. Kukkula noted that the list may change since the conditions of roads vary each year.

As of this writing, Boxborough has yet to experience a winter snowstorm, but Boxborough News asked how the DPW prepares for a typical winter season. Kukkula responded, “very little changes in preparation of the winter season from year to year. 

All of the trucks that treat the roads are converted over in late October; then, every truck is checked to make sure all of the plows work when attached and that all of the trucks are ready to go mechanically. 

Salt is the only thing used to treat the roads and we purchase around 900 tons throughout the year. My staff is always ready and are on call when there is word of an upcoming storm and will remain at work until the roads are completely cleared of snow once the storm stops.” 

The town no longer uses sand to treat the roads, but residents can obtain sand at the DPW garage (577 Massachusetts Avenue). It is located in the shed to the left behind the main building. The sand is free to pick up at any time. DPW contact information is available at boxborough-ma.gov/169/Public-Works. 

(05-JAN-2024)The “Land Stewards” are a group of roughly 20 volunteers who maintain the almost 30 miles of conservation trails throughout Boxborough. 

It all started in 2001 when Boxborough residents Norm Hanover and Barbara Warren cleared the Wolf Swamp trail, going from an old trail head on Burroughs Road to Old Harvard Road. Hanover and Warren experimented with various methods to mark the trail until they found one that worked. At the same time, members of the Conservation Commission were developing the basic layout of trails on town-owned parcels. 

By 2003, word of the efforts had spread and an informal group of volunteers came together. Liz Markiewicz was recruited to spearhead the initiative. Fifteen volunteers attended the very first meeting, and the land steward program was born.

The program evolved to where each volunteer is assigned one or more specific parcels. Volunteers engage in trail maintenance, removing debris and obstacles and ensuring that trails are clearly visible and marked. Boardwalks are used to cover most of the muddy trails, so that the trails can be walked during any season. Most of the work involves simple tasks like walking the trails to identify any problems or removing branches on the trails.

Major projects that require a chainsaw to cut a fallen tree that hangs over or blocks a trail are reported to the land steward coordinator, who may engage other volunteers or the Boxborough Department of Public Works (DPW) to help remove the obstacle.

Additionally, the land stewards manage and coordinate with other groups, such as Acton-Boxborough high school students and corporate groups who participate in an annual cleanup day.

Over the years, eagle scout projects have also enhanced Boxborough’s trails. Eagle scouts have built boardwalks and bridges over wetlands, created a new trail between Hager Meadow and Have-Not-Pond, and updated kiosks.

Dave Barnett, a 30-year resident of Boxborough, recently took over from Markiewicz as the land steward coordinator. Barnett decided to get involved after he retired, when he had more free time to devote to preserving Boxborough’s woodland areas.

What’s the next big thing for the land stewards? Barnett would like to focus on tackling invasive species like burning bush, Japanese knotweed, and bittersweet. Markiewicz said they are also looking at using QR codes at kiosks to help residents navigate the trails.

Maps of all Boxborough conservation trails can be found at https://www.boxborough-ma.gov/351/Conservation-Trail-Maps. 

Anyone interested in joining the land stewards should contact Dave Barnett at davebarnett27@gmail.com.