In my continuing coverage of what the Select Board hopes to tackle this year, I’m providing context on goals that were under “HR & Organizational Development”. Read the full article → from Select Board goal to “Abolish” PWPB and Planning’s reaction
Government
Public Safety Dorm rooms using AC window units
Recently, the Town Administrator confirmed that the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system is for the Public Safety Building is being supplemented by window AC units in the firefighter’s dorm rooms on nights when the weather is “hot and muggy”. Read the full article → from Public Safety Dorm rooms using AC window units
ZBA seeking Alternate Members
One of the Zoning Board of Appeals’ alternate member seats is vacant. The Town is seeking to fill it. They are prioritizing “fair-minded, with experience outside of building, development, and construction industries”. Read the full article → from ZBA seeking Alternate Members
CPA applications due August 31 (Updated)
The window to apply for Community Preservation Act funding in 2024 closes next month
If there’s a project you’re hoping voters will approve using CPA funds to support next year, the deadline to get the ball rolling is the end of next month. Read the full article → from CPA applications due August 31 (Updated)
Select Board’s Goals include “considering” tripling CPA surcharge on tax bills, and more (Updated)
A look at the board's "Finance" Goals for FY24
Select Board goals includes an increasing an annual surcharge on tax bills that some board members pitch could reduce residents’ overall tax burdens. “Finance” goals also cover contracting a grant writer and other administrative changes. Read the full article → from Select Board’s Goals include “considering” tripling CPA surcharge on tax bills, and more (Updated)
ARHS’ GonkPlex won’t be ready on schedule
The athletic field and courts project is already 8-12 weeks behind schedule due to heavy rains and supply chain issues
On Friday, a message from the NSBORO Superintendent gave an update on the project to renovate and update Algonquin Regional’s outdoor facilities project. Not surprisingly, it’s behind schedule. Read the full article → from ARHS’ GonkPlex won’t be ready on schedule
The week in government
Planning Board and more
Here is a selection of the committee and board meetings for the week along with my selected highlights from the agendas. Read the full article → from The week in government
Select Board’s “Infrastructure” Goals
Sidewalk network plans, a "Town Center historic project", and determining what to do with the South Union building are among the board's FY24 goals
Town projects in progress or on the horizon under the Select Board’s goals include designing a sidewalk network, developing a downtown historic project, determining use of the South Union Building (hopefully for an affordable housing project), and other “Infrastructure” tasks. Read the full article → from Select Board’s “Infrastructure” Goals
Select Board votes against calling a Fall Town Meeting (Updated)
The Board won't schedule a Special Town Meeting this October.
The Select Board voted to skip having a Special Town Meeting this year. Members felt none of the potential Articles committees proposed was compelling enough to invest the effort in putting one on. Read the full article → from Select Board votes against calling a Fall Town Meeting (Updated)
Select Board FY24 Goals (& Public Safety Dispatch next steps)
The board's goals for this year include next steps for regionalizing Dispatch. Chiefs announce they will recommend internal investments.
This summer, the Select Board came up with the list of issues/tasks they are looking to tackle or make headway on this year.
I’m combining them in a series of posts by goal categories. This one includes next steps to deal with Fire and Police Dispatch issues, plus six other items. Read the full article → from Select Board FY24 Goals (& Public Safety Dispatch next steps)
The week in government
Public Accessibility Committee, Board of Health, and more
Here is a selection of the committee and board meetings for the week along with my selected highlights from the agendas. Read the full article → from The week in government
Comments for Turnpike Road 40Bs due mid-August (Updated)
250 Turnpike Road has now filed for eligibilty. The Select Board will hold a forum for public comment prior to submitting the Town's letter. The Planning Board is seeking a legal opinion on 120 Turnpike Road.
The deadline for public comment to MassHousing on the 120 Turnpike Road 40B has been extended to the same date that comments for the newly filed 250 Turnpike Road eligibility application are due.
Here’s my update on the new application, next steps, and the public discussions on both properties this week — from full throated support to questions about the legal buildability. Read the full article → from Comments for Turnpike Road 40Bs due mid-August (Updated)
Changes to Transfer Station permit fees and process
'23 Stickers expire mid-September and '24 ones are available. Changes this year include a discounted fee for seniors (instead of free) and some process improvements.
Southborough’s DPW began selling the 2024 Transfer Station permits/stickers this month. Here are the details on this year’s changes. The biggest news is that Southborough residents over 65 years old will no longer automatically have free access to the Transfer Station. Read the full article → from Changes to Transfer Station permit fees and process
Select Board adopts new Public Comment Policy
The most recently adopted policy is similar to one the board appears to have forgotten they adopted just before the Town election.
The Select Board officially rescinded their 2017 Public Comment policy and adopted a new one. During the discussions, it appeared members forgot they had already adopted a replacement policy. Read the full article → from Select Board adopts new Public Comment Policy