On Tuesday night, the Board of Selectmen talked through their next steps for two issues: their effort to negotiate PILOT contributions from non-profits and handling Special Municipal Empoloyees. I’m rounding up the highlights. Read the full article → from BOS on how to proceed with PILOT talks, SMEs, and Public Safety Building room naming
Government
Southborough’s Veterans Day observances: Town Ceremony, Rotary’s Salute, and Senior Center Celebration
Southborough residents are invited to honor our country’s veterans at a Veterans Day observance on November 11. Read the full article → from Southborough’s Veterans Day observances: Town Ceremony, Rotary’s Salute, and Senior Center Celebration
BOS wants to hear more before taking a position on meal taxes
Last night, the Advisory Committee made its case for asking Town Meeting to add a local tax to meals at Southborough restaurants. The Chair argued that the additional revenue would ease residents’ tax burden without hurting local businesses. Selectmen opted to wait until they hear more from restaurants in town. Read the full article → from BOS wants to hear more before taking a position on meal taxes
AG determines BOS violated Open Meeting Laws again; orders selectmen to attend training
The AG’s office “declined” to find the board’s violations intentional but indicated the failures to review and post timely minutes were significant, longstanding, and widespread. Read the full article → from AG determines BOS violated Open Meeting Laws again; orders selectmen to attend training
The week in government: BOS & Advisory on meal tax; BOS on form of PILOT discussions
A list of board and committee meetings for the week with my selected highlights from the agendas. Read the full article → from The week in government: BOS & Advisory on meal tax; BOS on form of PILOT discussions
Advisory asking BOS to consider adopting meal tax
Tomorrow night, the Board of Selectmen’s meeting will include a joint session with the Advisory Committee. The topic will be the option of adding a local meal tax. Read the full article → from Advisory asking BOS to consider adopting meal tax
Town Counsel to BOS: Current PILOT negotiation strategy falls under OML; Request to rescind his “special” status
Two items in the packet for discussion at this Tuesday’s Board of Selectmen meeting caught my attention. Both relate to advice issued to the board from Town Counsel. Read the full article → from Town Counsel to BOS: Current PILOT negotiation strategy falls under OML; Request to rescind his “special” status
St. Mark’s School seeking to build 3 story dorm on main campus
This fall, St. Mark’s School has been seeking approval from the Planning Board and Conservation Commission to add a 3 story dormitory to the main campus. At last week’s Planning hearing, the school invoked the Dover Amendment in some of its waiver requests. Based on questions from the board, the school will come back with more detailed justification. Read the full article → from St. Mark’s School seeking to build 3 story dorm on main campus
Rep. Dykema to hold office hours in Southborough Thursday morning
State Representative Carolyn Dykema invites the public to stop by for a chat or coffee during her quarterly “office hours” in town. Read the full article → from Rep. Dykema to hold office hours in Southborough Thursday morning
What “passive recreation” would you like to enjoy on DCR spaces in Southborough?
The Mass Department of Conservation and Recreation is asking the community to weigh in on how land it owns in the Sudbury Reservoir Watershed should be used. Read the full article → from What “passive recreation” would you like to enjoy on DCR spaces in Southborough?
Town’s list of Special Municipal Employees
An email from Town Clerk Jim Hegarty shared his list of which positions in our Town Government have the SME status. Read the full article → from Town’s list of Special Municipal Employees
The week in government: Combined School Committee on Start School Later; EDC’s Downtown Initiative Forum
A list of board and committee meetings for the week with my selected highlights from the agendas. Read the full article → from The week in government: Combined School Committee on Start School Later; EDC’s Downtown Initiative Forum
BOS created policy for “Special Municipal Employees” and grant status to EDC members
Last week, the Board of Selectmen finalized and approved a policy on the process for handling “Special Municipal Employees”. They followed with a vote to grant SME status to members of the Economic Development Committee. Both actions caused some disapproving comments on the blog, and I’m finally getting around to covering what happened and what Read the full article → from BOS created policy for “Special Municipal Employees” and grant status to EDC members
Community invited to weigh in on vision for Southborough’s Master Plan – Nov 7
Town and regional officials are inviting the public to a special Open House. This one is to gather input on what our Town’s future should look like. Read the full article → from Community invited to weigh in on vision for Southborough’s Master Plan – Nov 7