Back in April, the Zoning Advisory Committee (ZAC) held a public workshop on the future of Southborough’s village districts — Downtown, Fayville, Cordaville, and Southville. There was a scheduling conflict that night, and some residents were unable to attend, so the ZAC will hold another discussion on Wednesday night. The discussion is part of an Read the full article → from Follow-up discussion about Southborough’s villages
Government
Volunteers sought for PILOT committee
You pay property taxes (pressumably). I pay property taxes. But some of the biggest landowners in town don’t. St. Mark’s, Fay School, The New England Center for Children, and Harvard are all tax-exempt non-profit organizations, which means they’re not required to pay property taxes on land they own. But while they don’t pay taxes, they Read the full article → from Volunteers sought for PILOT committee
Selectmen adopt looser residency requirement for police chief
A few weeks ago, I told you selectmen had made a decision about residency requirements for Southborough’s new police chief. Turns out that wasn’t the case. What I thought was a decision was only a discussion. The actual decision wasn’t made until last week. Selectmen have always said that residency in town is “strongly preferred,” Read the full article → from Selectmen adopt looser residency requirement for police chief
Why flags were at half-staff on Friday
Governor Deval Patrick requested flags be lowered to half-staff across the state on Friday for Master Sergeant Kevin A. Dupont who died on Wednesday, June 17 of wounds suffered earlier this year in Kandau, Afghanistan. Read the full article → from Why flags were at half-staff on Friday
The week in town government
The town meeting schedule is relatively light this week, but of note is the inaugural meeting of the Police Chief Search Committee on Wednesday. Monday, June 29 Planning Board, 7:00 pm @ Hearing Room, Town House (agenda) Tuesday, June 30 No meetings scheduled Wednesday, July 1 Police Chief Search Committee, 7:00 pm @ Hearing Room, Read the full article → from The week in town government
‘Tis the season for … mosquitos
According to an article in the Boston Globe, the near-constant drizzle we’ve had this month will probably not result in a large increase in the local mosquito population. The Metrowest Daily News agrees. While numbers won’t be massive, both sources say it will be an “above-average” mosquito year. I remember the days when the whole Read the full article → from ‘Tis the season for … mosquitos
Southborough selectmen coming to your living room
The days of watching the Southborough selectmen in action from the comfort of your couch are drawing closer. Last week selectmen said they will broadcast their meetings on the town’s public access channels starting with the meeting on July 28. But before the meetings are broadcast to your living room, they want to make sure Read the full article → from Southborough selectmen coming to your living room
Southborough could see $100K shortfall in local aid
A new state budget is on the desk of Governor Deval Patrick, and if he decides to sign it, it will mean a $100K reduction in local aid for Southborough in fiscal year 2010 which starts in July. Town Finance Director Brian Ballantine said Southborough expected to receive about $3.1M in local aid in the Read the full article → from Southborough could see $100K shortfall in local aid
Police chief search committee set into action
Selectmen met last night with the newly-formed police chief search committee to formally kick off the search process. The committee will review all applicants and recommend finalists to selectmen who will make the final hiring decision. “We know you will take your responsibilities in interviewing candidates seriously, and that you will make a fair decision,” Read the full article → from Police chief search committee set into action
Junior Police Academy offered in July
The 10th Annual Junior Police Academy sponsored by the Southborough Police Department will be offered July 13-17. It’s open to kids ages 12 to 16. Applications are available at the police station and the school offices at Algonquin and Trottier. The cost is $40 per child and includes two t-shirts, a hat, water bottle, and Read the full article → from Junior Police Academy offered in July
How Southborough’s reverse-911 system works
There were a lot of questions about the reverse-911 system after it was used last week to alert residents to suspicious activity in town. Some folks got multiple phone calls while others got none. Interim Police Chief Jane Moran called me to explain how the system works, including what to do if you didn’t get Read the full article → from How Southborough’s reverse-911 system works
The week in town government
Here are the committee and department meetings for the week. Of note, on Tuesday evening the Board of Selectmen will meet with the Police Chief Search Committee to discuss their charge. On Wednesday evening, the Zoning Board of Appeals continues their public hearing on Woodland Meadows. Monday, June 22 Zoning Advisory Committee, 7:30 pm @ Read the full article → from The week in town government
Voluntary water ban starts Sunday
A voluntary odd/even water restriction will be in effect from June 21 to September 22. Under the ban, outside water use is restricted based on your house number, so odd-numbered houses use water on odd-numbered days, and even-numbered houses use water on even-numbered days. Southborough adopted a voluntary water ban last year, as well. According Read the full article → from Voluntary water ban starts Sunday
Selectmen address concerns about police chief search
Earlier this week selectmen put together the 7-member committee that will search for a new police chief. The committee will serve an advisory role to the Board of Selectmen. They’ll interview candidates and make recommendations on finalists, but selectmen will have final say over who is hired. One of the candidates the committee will most Read the full article → from Selectmen address concerns about police chief search