I’m sharing an update on the latest developments — and providing more context on questions publicly raised about the former DPW Superintendent’s communications with MassDOT. Read the full article → from St Mark’s Park Update and More Questions
Government
The week in government
St. Mark's Street Park Working Group on park design plans; BOH on Algonquin turf field; ZBA and Conservation hearings; Historical updates on Doc Stone House and 5 Cordaville; 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
Public Works Planning Board delayed reaction to OML Complaint (Updated)
The Chair held his seat, defended long delayed posting of official minutes, and shrugged off Open Meeting Law violation complaint
On Monday, the Public Works Planning Board held an overdue meeting for the purpose of responding to an Open Meeting Law Complaint about minutes that weren’t timely posted.
With 2 of the 5 members firmly in his corner, Bill Boland retained his seat after protracted debate about the responsibilities of the Board and the seriousness of the violation complaint. Read the full article → from Public Works Planning Board delayed reaction to OML Complaint (Updated)
The week in government
Planning hearings on zoning changes; Public Works Planning Board; Select Board on agreements for St. Mark's land swap and Regional Dispatch, and designating SHOPC as Special Municipal Employees; School Committee
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 reconsidering terms of St. Mark’s land swap agreement (Updated)
The Board is hoping for an agreement that meets the Town's and School's needs without alienating Town Meeting voters
This week, the Select Board postponed a vote on a new legal agreement with St. Mark’s School related to the park, street, and parking lot project. Read the full article → from Select Board reconsidering terms of St. Mark’s land swap agreement (Updated)
Apply for the PILOT Committee (Updated)
The Town is starting to form - but hasn't promoted - the Committee approved by Town Meeting
Nothing has yet been advertised (or is even shown as possible) for residents to apply for seats on the Town’s new PILOT Committee. Yet, at this week’s meeting, the Select Board Chair indicated they were waiting for more people to apply. Read the full article → from Apply for the PILOT Committee (Updated)
Register for free Narcan Training at the Library
Southborough Public Health is offering free training for using a drug to reverse opioid overdoses
This month, Southborough Public Health is providing Narcan, and the training required to use it, for free. Read the full article → from Register for free Narcan Training at the Library
’23 Winter Sow program to grow native seedlings (for free) (Updated Again)
Register now for seed pickup this Sunday morning and/or Workshop on Sunday afternoon
If you’d like to have plants in your yard and around the community this summer that support native pollinators, sign up now to sow the seeds this winter to make that happen. Read the full article → from ’23 Winter Sow program to grow native seedlings (for free) (Updated Again)
Town reopening DPW Superintendent search
The selected finalist rejected the position; Select Board is engaging a recruiter
Last night, the Select Board announced that the finalist they had selected for Southborough Public Works Superintendent has decided to stay where he is. Read the full article → from Town reopening DPW Superintendent search
Rep Donaghue holding local office hours – Friday
Our new State Rep is also promoting having already sponsored/filed several bills.
Residents are invited to take advantage of local Office Hours in Southborough this Friday afternoon for State Representative Kate Donaghue.
The newly sworn in Representative for our district also shared information on the bills she has already sponsored or cosponsored. Read the full article → from Rep Donaghue holding local office hours – Friday
Police Update: Lt Appointment; School Officer retiring and more
Former finalist for Chief recommended as 2nd-in-command; DARE Officer's retirement, and statement about video of Memphis police brutality
Tonight, the Select Board is scheduled to appoint the Police Lieutenant with the recommendation to promote Sgt Sean McCarthy. Officer Kevin Landry’s retirement has been announced. Read the full article → from Police Update: Lt Appointment; School Officer retiring and more
The week in government
Select Board on FY24Budget and St Mark's land swap agreement; Council on Aging on mission and priorities
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
St Mark’s Park Update: Land Swap MOU and Design Planning (Updated)
Board may vote Tuesday on legal agreement that has raised concerns; Group working towards agreeing on design without spending more on concept plans
The Select Board is scheduled to approve a legal agreement for a land swap with St. Mark’s School. But some have raised concerns about the timing and wording that leaves an underlying “license” for the road, park, and parking lot project in place if Town Meeting rejects the swap. Read the full article → from St Mark’s Park Update: Land Swap MOU and Design Planning (Updated)
SAM to broadcast hybrid of meetings of select Town boards
New equipment offers the hope of better audio for Select, Planning, and Zoning boards' in-person meetings that allow remote participation.
Southborough Access Media confirmed that it has successfully completed upgrades to its equipment in the Town House Hearing Room. Read the full article → from SAM to broadcast hybrid of meetings of select Town boards