Arlington public meetings in 2025

Cemetery Commission

The Arlington Cemetery Commission is meeting to approve minutes, sign deeds, and discuss several operational items. They will hear from a Morgan Stanley representative, review a bid for gates, consider cremation and bench requests, and discuss a disinterment and relocation request. The commission will also set goals for 2026 and review monthly numbers.

• Approve minutes of October 8, 2025; November meeting canceled
• Visit from Dave Javaheri, Morgan Stanley
• Discuss bid for gates
• Cremation bench request from Laura Tutt; bench request from Jillian Bowdring
• Future disinterment and relocation of cremains request from Keefe Funeral Home

The Cemetery Commission approved minutes from October 8, 2025, and reviewed the transition of cemetery trust funds to US Bank. Commissioners denied two separate requests for cremation and memorial benches. Additionally, the board discussed a request to relocate ashes and reviewed project goals for 2026.

• Approved October 8, 2025 meeting minutes
• Denied cremation bench request for Ms. Tutt
• Denied bench request for the Morrison grave
• Awarded Medford St. fence repair bid to Premier Fence

Envision Arlington - Spy Pond Committee

The Spy Pond Committee approved the September minutes as submitted and discussed various pond-related topics, including fall turnover, a history update, and a zero-fishing-line patrol after a Screech Owl entanglement. The committee scheduled 2026 meetings and discussed plans for addressing excessive vegetation, including involving crew teams. No formal votes were taken on substantive matters.

• Approved September minutes as submitted
• Scheduled 2026 meetings on March 9, May 4, June 8, September 14, and December 14
• Set Trails Day for Saturday, May 9, 2026
• Planned patrols to remove accessible fishing line from Spy Pond after Screech Owl entanglement

Commission for Arts & Culture Grants Committee

The Arlington Commission for Arts & Culture Grants Committee unanimously approved the division of the total 2026 allocation of $23,296 among the 26 applications approved at the Dec. 1 meeting. The motion was made by Andrew Conway, seconded by Sandra Mostajo, and passed unanimously. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved division of $23,296 among 26 approved grant applications (unanimous)

Commission for Arts & Culture Grants Committee

The committee reviewed 54 grant applications for the 2026 cycle and voted to approve 26 of them. Specific funding allocations for the approved applications will be determined at the committee's next meeting on December 8.

• Approved 26 of 54 grant applications for the 2026 cycle (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 9:12 PM (unanimous)

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a remote meeting on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 7:30 PM. The agenda consists solely of administrative items, including registration instructions and public comment procedures. No substantive decisions or hearings are listed.

Heights Neighborhood Action Plan Implementation Committee

The Arlington Heights Neighborhood Action Plan Implementation Committee met on November 6, 2025, but a quorum was not met, so the meeting did not formally convene. Members discussed feedback from the Heights Community Engagement Forum, including themes of supporting small businesses, improving circulation, and using built form to create community. They will continue collecting feedback to revise the vision statement and plan a second forum.

• No formal decisions made due to lack of quorum
• Discussed feedback from Heights Community Engagement Forum
• Agreed to continue collecting and recording forum feedback
• Planned next steps: post presentation online, solicit more feedback, schedule second forum

Heights Neighborhood Action Plan Implementation Committee

The Arlington Heights Neighborhood Action Plan Implementation Committee did not meet on November 5, 2025, because a quorum was not reached. As a result, there was no call to order and no formal decisions were made. Committee members instead attended a community engagement forum for the Arlington Heights Business District at Pierce Elementary School.

• Meeting cancelled due to lack of quorum

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Docket #3874, a proposal for new construction at 10 Mead Rd. The meeting is conducted remotely, and public comments will be accepted during the hearing. Written comments can be sent to [email protected] before the meeting.

• Public hearing on Docket #3874 for new construction at 10 Mead Rd
• Proposal includes a 1,362.6 sq ft first floor, 1,713.1 sq ft second floor, and 780.6 sq ft basement
• Plans prepared by Overlook Design-Build, LLC, with structural drawings by Saty K. Agarwal, P.E.
• Abutter list includes properties within 300 feet, such as 32 Pine St, 4 Farmer's Cir, and 277 Summer St
• Meeting conducted by remote participation via Zoom with registration required

Heights Neighborhood Action Plan Implementation Committee

The Arlington Heights Neighborhood Action Plan Implementation Committee met but did not take formal votes or decisions. Members discussed zoning options for the Heights Business District, potential funding for further studies at the next Town Meeting, and finalized plans for a November 5 community forum to present the Heights Visioning Survey results. The meeting was procedural and planning-focused, with no substantive actions taken.

• Scheduled community forum for November 5 to present Heights Visioning Survey results
• Reviewed draft presentation for the forum and incorporated member feedback
• Determined forum will include presentation and breakout discussion activity
• Discussed pursuing additional funding for district studies at next Town Meeting

Negotiations Subcommittee: Cafeteria

The Arlington School Committee's Negotiations Subcommittee for Cafeteria is meeting to conduct strategy sessions and collective bargaining with nonunion personnel. The entire meeting is an executive session, closed to the public, to discuss negotiation strategy. No open-session business is scheduled.

• Executive session for strategy in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel
• Discussion of collective bargaining or litigation strategy
• Meeting held at Arlington Public Schools District Office, 14 Mill Brook Drive

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold hearings on five dockets. The board is considering a special permit for a wheelchair lift at 37 Melrose St and a variance for a land transfer at 29 Hemlock St.

• Docket #3864: Special Permit for a deck extension and wheelchair lift at 37 Melrose St
• Docket #3865: Variance for a 307 sq. ft. land transfer from 29 Hemlock St to 33 Hemlock St
• Docket #3868: Hearing for 64 Webster St
• Docket #3871: Hearing for 30 Whittemore St
• Docket #3872: Hearing for 15 Foster St, Unit 1

Standing Subcommittee: Budget

The Standing Subcommittee on Budget is meeting to discuss the plan for an upcoming meeting. The agenda consists of procedural items.

• Plan for Upcoming Meeting

Standing Subcommittee: Accountablity/Curriculum

The Arlington School Committee Curriculum Instruction Accountability and Assessment subcommittee met to discuss updates on the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) plan and the District Curriculum Accommodation Plan (DCAP). Presentations were led by Superintendent Dr. Liz Homan and Deputy Superintendent of Teaching & Learning Dr. Mona Ford Walker. The meeting also included an update on the School Quality Plan presentation plan, along with old and new business.

• Update on DCAP/MTSS Plan presented by district leadership
• Teaching & Learning presentation on MTSS framework across three tiers
• School Quality Plan-Update on Presentation Plan

Redevelopment Board

The Board will hold a public hearing regarding a special permit for a wall sign and vinyl window panels at 892 Massachusetts Ave. Members will also decide whether to continue or close hearings for properties at 1323 and 1513-1519 Mass Ave.

• Public hearing for Docket #3870: proposed wall sign and vinyl window panels at 892 Mass Ave
• Public hearing for Docket #3831: 1323 Mass Ave
• Public hearing for Docket #3869: 1513-1519 Mass Ave
• Discussion of the October 19, 2025, Board retreat agenda

Select Board Meeting

The Select Board will discuss the process for filling a vacancy on the board and review a Host Community Agreement for Calyx Peak of MA. The board will also vote on rules for outdoor restaurant and retail permits and special alcohol licenses.

• Review of Host Community Agreement for Calyx Peak of MA
• Proposed East Arlington Safety Zone
• Vote on Outdoor Restaurant and Retail Permit Application Rules and Regulations
• Vote on Special (One Day) Alcohol License Application and Policy
• One-day beer and wine license request for Dan Kelly Foundation Halloween Skate at Ed Burns Rink

School Committee Special Meeting

The Arlington School Committee will meet in executive session to conduct strategy sessions and negotiations with nonunion personnel. The committee may discuss and vote on a contract for the Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations.

• Possible vote of approval on contract for Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations

Select Board Meeting

The Arlington Select Board will consider two requests related to the Oktoberfest event at the Old Schwamb Mill on October 4, 2025. One request is for a special one-day beer and wine license, and the other is for closing Mill Lane between Lowell Street and the bridge over Mill Brook during the event. The board will also approve the legislative provision for remote participation and note the next scheduled meeting on October 6, 2025.

• Special one-day beer and wine license for Oktoberfest at Old Schwamb Mill
• Street closing of Mill Lane (between Lowell Street and bridge over Mill Brook) for Oktoberfest
• Approval of legislative provision for remote participation
• Next Select Board meeting scheduled for October 6, 2025

Standing Subcommittee: Facilities

The subcommittee will review the draft APS Inclusive Facilities and Technology Plan. The body may vote to recommend the plan to the full School Committee.

• Review of the APS Inclusive Facilities and Technology Plan
• Discussion of rebuilding Ottoson Middle School via the MSBA Core Program
• Review of environmental sustainability and climate control priorities
• Discussion of technology replacement cycles for individually-assigned and single-location tools
• Approval of September 11, 2025 meeting minutes

Heights Neighborhood Action Plan Implementation Committee

The committee approved minutes from their May and July 2025 meetings. Members discussed potential funding requests for zoning studies and strategies for upcoming public engagement forums regarding the Heights Business District.

• Approved 5/15/2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved 7/30/2025 meeting minutes (unanimous, two abstentions)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:58pm

Select Board Meeting

The Select Board will discuss and vote on environmental management for town properties and comments regarding the HealthPeak CambridgePoint Alewife development. The board will also consider a common victualler license for Venice Italian Kitchen.

• Common Victualler License for Venice Italian Kitchen at 242 Massachusetts Avenue
• Vote on invasive management for Select Board owned properties
• Authorization to use town owned property for Garden 250 Project
• Comments on HealthPeak CambridgePoint Alewife Development MEPA Environmental Notification Form
• Discussion on special one-day alcohol license application and policy

School Committee Regular Meeting

The Arlington School Committee will hold a regular meeting with public comment, staff introductions, and several discussion and possible approval items. Key items include appointing two members to the Human Rights Commission, approving a 2026 field trip to Quebec, and voting on expanding the AEA Revolving Account to cover non-salary expenses. The committee will also discuss job descriptions, elect a MASC delegate, review the 2025-26 calendar, and hear reports on summer programming and superintendent updates. The meeting will end with an executive session for negotiations.

• Appointment of Michelle Zeitler and Abby Azrael to the Human Rights Commission
• Discussion and possible approval of 2026 field trip to Quebec
• Discussion and possible approval of job descriptions for Excellence, Access and Opportunity Specialist and Director
• Vote on amending AEA Revolving Account to allow non-salary expenditures, including Cartwheel Contract contribution
• Consent agenda includes warrant #26063 for $1,355,397.29

Standing Subcommittee: Budget

The Arlington School Committee's Budget Subcommittee is meeting to interview two finalists for Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations, Leia Secor and Christopher Schweitzer. The agenda also includes updates on the FY25, FY26, and FY27 budgets, plus approval of minutes and routine business. No votes or decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Interview with Leia Secor, finalist for Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations
• Interview with Christopher Schweitzer, finalist for Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations
• Update on FY25 budget
• Update on FY26 budget
• Update on FY27 budget

Conservation Commission Meeting

The Arlington Conservation Commission will meet to review vegetation permit conditions and certificate of compliance requests. The body will also discuss conservation restrictions for Elisabeth Island and Symmes.

• Vegetation Permit Conditions and Certificate of Compliance Requests
• Elisabeth Island Conservation Restriction MOU
• Symmes Conservation Restriction
• Water Bodies Working Group
• Tree Committee Update

Zero Waste Arlington

The committee approved two budget requests: $400 for Town Day washing and color printing, and $200 for Octoberfest beer garden washing, both by unanimous 9-0 votes. It also voted 9-0 to support the Save Arlington Wildlife petition, which requests a pause on certain activities pending review. The committee discussed next steps for the Zero Waste Town Plan, including identifying funding sources and drafting an RFP, but took no formal action on those items.

• Approved $400 for Town Day washing and color printing (9-0)
• Approved $200 for Octoberfest beer garden washing (9-0)
• Approved support for Save Arlington Wildlife petition (9-0)
• Approved minutes from August 21, 2025

Board Of Health

The Arlington Board of Health meets to review a sushi rice acidification variance for Sumen at 444 Mass Ave and a housing code correction order appeal for Unit 421 at 17 Mill St. The board will also hear a rabies vaccine exemption request for a dog named Winnie, receive a presentation on the new body art establishment Ink by Mina at 71 Park Ave Ext, and discuss a proposed HealthPeak development near Alewife.

• Hearing of Variance for Sumen at 444 Mass Ave regarding sushi rice acidification
• Hearing for 17 Mill St Unit #421 regarding a housing code correction order
• Hearing for a rabies vaccine exemption for Winnie residing at 136 Mt. Vernon St
• Presentation on Body Art Establishment Ink by Mina at 71 Park Ave Ext
• Discussion on HealthPeak Alewife proposed development in West Cambridge

Standing Subcommittee: Community Relations

The Arlington School Committee Standing Subcommittee on Community Relations will meet to conduct an executive session. The session is designated for considering or interviewing applicants for employment or appointment.

• Executive session to interview applicants for employment or appointment

Redevelopment Board

The Arlington Redevelopment Board will meet to discuss and vote on continuing a public hearing for Docket #3867 at 9-11 Robbins Road. The Board will also provide updates on previously approved special permits for projects at 455 Mass Ave and 882-892 Mass Ave. Public comments are accepted during designated periods.

• Vote to continue public hearing for Docket #3867 at 9-11 Robbins Road to November 3, 2025
• Update on special permits for 452 Mass Ave and 882-892 Mass Ave
• Correspondence regarding compliance with affordable housing requirements at 882 Mass Ave and 455 Mass Ave

Select Board Meeting

The Select Board will review goals for the Town Manager and discuss a special one-day alcohol license application and policy. The board is also considering several one-day beer and wine licenses and a permanent outdoor dining permit.

• Acceptance of $116,780 in charitable gifts for Robbins Library from the Friends of Robbins Library and Arlington Libraries Foundation
• Outdoor Dining and Retail Permit License for New City Microcreamery at 311 Broadway
• One-day beer and wine licenses for The Mill Cafe, Robbins Memorial Garden, and Robbins Memorial Town Hall
• Appointments of Anton Rapetov and Vincent Baudoin to the Parking Advisory Committee
• Discussion of HealthPeak CambridgePoint Alewife Development MEPA Environmental Notification Form draft comments

The Select Board approved the revised Town Manager/Select Board goals, including a new 'yard sale' program for surplus parcels and expanded online permitting. It also approved an outdoor dining parklet for New City Microcreamery, two Parking Advisory Committee appointments, and several one-day alcohol licenses. The board received a draft policy for Special (One Day) Alcohol Licenses for further review, and discussed a projected $7 million FY27 budget deficit and the likely need for a tax override.

• Approved revised Town Manager/Select Board goals (5-0)
• Approved outdoor dining parklet for New City Microcreamery, amended to place two parklets adjacent (5-0)
• Approved appointments of Anton Rapetov and Vincent Baudoin to Parking Advisory Committee (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including licenses and fund acceptance (5-0)
• Proclaimed September 25, 2025 as Hunger Action Day (5-0)
• Received draft Special (One Day) Alcohol License policy for further review (5-0)
• Approved additional website posting support for precinct meetings (5-0)
• Referred Summer Street traffic concerns to Town Manager (5-0)

School Committee Regular Meeting

The Arlington School Committee meets to discuss and possibly vote on hiring a part-time administrative assistant for the Central Office, reappoint Stewart Ikeda to the Arlington Commission for Arts and Culture, and approve budget transfers and rental fee changes for FY26. The meeting also includes a capital plan update, superintendent’s report, and public comment.

• Possible vote: Part-time Administrative Assistant, Central Office
• Possible vote to recommend reappointment of S. Ikeda to Arlington Commission for Arts and Culture
• FY26 budget category transfers and recalibrations
• Potential vote on FY26 Arlington Public Schools rental fee schedule
• FY26–FY31 Capital Plan discussion

The Arlington School Committee unanimously approved transferring a total of $591,074 from various budget categories (Administration, Curriculum, Elementary, Other, and Secondary) to Special Education to address shortfalls and ensure the district ends the year in the black. The committee also approved a new part-time Administrative Assistant job description, reappointed Stuart Ikeda to the Arlington Commission for Arts and Culture, approved updated rental fees, and elected Jeff Thielman as the new Chair following Jane Morgan's resignation.

• Approved $591,074 in transfers to Special Education from Administration ($277,557), Curriculum ($197,902), Elementary ($15,715), Other ($11,900), and Secondary ($88,000) (7-0)
• Approved part-time Administrative Assistant job description (7-0)
• Reappointed Stuart Ikeda to Arlington Commission of Arts and Culture (7-0)
• Approved updated APS rental fees with administrative language edit (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda including warrants #26021, #26036, #26050 and July 15 draft minutes (7-0)
• Approved Warrant #26010 for $305,117.59 (6-0-1, Schlichtman abstained)
• Approved $100 donation check to Welcome Center (7-0)
• Accepted Chair Jane Morgan's resignation and elected Jeff Thielman as new Chair (7-0)

Standing Subcommittee: Facilities

The Arlington School Committee's Facilities Subcommittee will meet to approve June 9, 2025 minutes, discuss the Tech and Space Plan, and make a recommendation to the full committee. They will also review the final FY26 capital budget and FY27-FY31 capital requests. The meeting is open to the public and will be held in person and via Zoom.

• FY26 capital budget totals $14,661,083, including $4,428,898 for schools (e.g., $2.2M Hardy School envelope repairs, $300K fire alarm upgrades, $274K solar array).
• FY27-FY31 capital requests include $2.6M for a fire truck replacement, $1.2M for a pumper, and $2M for rink roof and skylights.
• Tech and Space Plan discussion includes classroom audio ($470K in FY26), projectors ($124.8K), and network infrastructure ($110K).
• Approval of June 9, 2025 minutes from a joint meeting with Community Relations Subcommittee.
• New business and adjournment.

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a remote meeting to vote on two property petitions and continue a public hearing on a third. Members will decide on Docket #3863 (144 Webster St, Unit 1) and Docket #3859 (69 Falmouth Rd), and vote to approve minutes from the August 26 meeting. A continued hearing covers Docket #3864 (37 Melrose St) for a wheelchair lift and deck extension to improve accessibility.

• Member vote on Docket #3863: 144 Webster St, Unit 1
• Member vote on Docket #3859: 69 Falmouth Rd
• Member vote to approve meeting minutes from 8/26/2025
• Continued hearing on Docket #3864: 37 Melrose St (wheelchair lift and deck extension for accessibility)
• Public hearing scheduled for Docket #3865: 29 Hemlock St (lot boundary adjustment) on 9/9/2025

Redevelopment Board

The Board will vote to postpone public hearings for two properties to October and November. The meeting also includes a vote to approve minutes from the August 11 session.

• Public Hearing: Docket #3857, 225 Broadway (vote to continue to Oct 20, 2025)
• Public Hearing: Docket #3866, 18 Grafton Street (vote to continue to Nov 10, 2025)
• Review and vote on August 11, 2025 meeting minutes

Standing Subcommittee: Community Relations

The Arlington School Committee's Community Relations Subcommittee will discuss and vote on reappointing Stewart Ikeda as the School Committee's representative to the Arlington Commission for Arts and Culture. The subcommittee will also discuss appointments to the Human Rights Commission. The meeting is remote via Zoom.

• Vote on reappointment of Stewart Ikeda to Arlington Commission for Arts and Culture
• Discussion of appointments to Human Rights Commission
• New business

Conservation Commission Meeting

The Arlington Conservation Commission will meet remotely to review minutes, correspondence, and discuss several items including a certificate of compliance request for 37 Birch Drive, an MOU for Elizabeth Island, and an amendment request for the Mystic Street Bridge project. The commission will also hold public hearings on amendments to Notices of Intent for aquatic invasive management in Spy Pond and for reconstruction of the Mystic Street Bridge. The agenda includes administrative items and updates from various committees and departments.

• Public hearing on amendment to Notice of Intent for aquatic invasive management in Spy Pond (DEP#091-344)
• Public hearing on amendment to Notice of Intent for Mystic Street Bridge reconstruction at 0 Lot Mystic Street (DEP#091-347)
• Discussion of amendment request for Mystic Street Bridge (DEP#091-0349) involving water control plan by Kenefick Corp.
• Discussion of 37 Birch Drive Certificate of Compliance Request
• Correspondence received, including letters regarding Thorndike Place and a fishing moratorium at Hill Pond

The Commission voted 6-1 to allow Conservation Agent David Morgan to administratively approve changes to the water control plan for the Mystic Street Bridge project, rather than requiring a formal amendment. The Commission also unanimously approved an amendment to the Spy Pond Notice of Intent to allow direct manual application of Imazamox or glyphosate with non-ionic surfactant for phragmites treatment. The Elizabeth Island MOU discussion was tabled to the next meeting, and the 37 Birch Drive Certificate of Compliance was tabled due to erroneous agenda inclusion.

• Approved administrative approval of Mystic Street Bridge water control plan changes (6-1)
• Approved amendment to Spy Pond Notice of Intent for herbicide use (unanimous)
• Tabled Elizabeth Island MOU discussion to 9/18/25
• Tabled 37 Birch Drive Certificate of Compliance to next meeting
• Approved minutes from 7/24/25 as edited (unanimous)

Select Board Meeting

The Select Board is meeting to consider special event applications and approve the legislative provision for remote participation. The meeting is conducted via remote participation.

• Special event application for Back to School Bash rain date on September 14, 2025
• Special event application for Live Arts at the Arlington Visitor Center
• Approval of Legislative Provision for Remote Participation

The Select Board approved two special event applications: the Back to School Bash with a rain date of September 14, 2025, and Live Arts at the Arlington Visitor Center, running Sundays through October 26, 2025. Both approvals were unanimous (5-0). No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved Back to School Bash special event application (5-0)
• Approved Live Arts at the Arlington Visitor Center, ending October 26, 2025 (5-0)

Envision Arlington - Spy Pond Committee

The committee agreed to change its meeting day to the second Monday of each month to accommodate member Carol Kycia. They also discussed phragmites treatment, a fishing line letter to the Select Board, and other pond matters, but no formal votes were taken on these topics.

• Agreed to hold meetings on the second Monday of each month
• Adjourned at 8:52 PM

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

The Zoning Board of Appeals will vote on a final decision for 351 Appleton St and hold continued hearings on three special permit applications for residential property alterations.

• Vote on final decision for Docket #3861 at 351 Appleton St
• Continued hearing for Docket #3859 at 69 Falmouth Rd regarding a home expansion for a growing family
• Continued hearing for Docket #3864 at 37 Melrose St regarding a deck extension for a wheelchair lift
• Continued hearing for Docket #3863 at 144 Webster St, Unit 1

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved Decision #3861 for 351 Appleton St and minutes from August 11 and August 12, 2025. The board continued the hearing for 37 Melrose Street to September 9th, closed the hearing for 69 Falmouth Road, and closed the hearing for 144 Webster Street, Unit 1.

• Approved Decision #3861 for 351 Appleton St (4-0)
• Approved meeting minutes for 08/11/2025 (unanimous)
• Approved meeting minutes for 08/12/2025 (unanimous)
• Continued hearing for #3864 37 Melrose Street to September 9, 2025 (unanimous)
• Closed hearing for 3859 69 Falmouth Rd (unanimous)
• Closed hearing for #3863 144 Webster Street, Unit 1 (unanimous)

Select Board Meeting

The Arlington Select Board and Town Manager will meet to establish annual goals for the town. This is a procedural meeting focused on goal setting rather than decisions or policy changes.

Select Board Meeting

The Arlington Select Board will discuss and vote on two major items: the FY26 holiday closures schedule and dates to avoid public meetings, and a request to approve parking permits for Arlington High School staff. Additional items include licensing requests, special event permits, and public space projects like pollinator gardens and cooling structures.

• FY26 holiday closures and recommended public meeting blackout dates
• Parking permits for 329 Arlington High School staff (100 spaces requested)
• Special beer & wine licenses for private events on 8/30/2025 (Robbins Memorial Town Hall, The Roasted Granola)
• Approval of outdoor dining and retail permit for Rush Bowls (307-309 Broadway)
• Approval of common victualler license for New City Microcreamery (311 Broadway)

The Select Board approved the issuance of 100 staff parking permits for Arlington High School for the 2025-2026 school year, with conditions excluding Massachusetts Avenue and metered spaces. The board also approved several other items, including holiday closures, a pollinator garden program, a cooling structure at Broadway Plaza, and a lease process for 85 Park Avenue. All votes were unanimous (5-0).

• Approved FY26 holiday closures and no-public-meeting schedule (5-0)
• Approved 100 staff parking permits for Arlington High School, excluding Mass Ave and metered spaces (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including licenses, permits, and reappointments (5-0)
• Appointed Dr. Sam Polk to Clean Energy Future Committee (5-0)
• Approved outdoor dining permit for Rush Bowls (5-0)
• Approved common victualler license for New City Microcreamery (5-0)
• Approved monarch-friendly pollinator curbside gardens with 2.5 ft height limit (5-0)
• Approved cooling structure at Broadway Plaza (5-0)

Standing Subcommittee: Budget

The Arlington School Committee's Budget Subcommittee will meet remotely to discuss updates on FY25 and FY26 budgets, special education reserves, and other fund balances. They will also review revolving free cash figures, discuss the search for an Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations, and prioritize work ahead of the current assistant superintendent's departure. The meeting includes a discussion of the Long Range Plan and an update on rental fees, along with approval of draft minutes from June 17, 2025.

• Update on FY25 and FY26 budgets
• Update on SpEd reserve and other fund balances
• Revolving Free Cash report dated 8-12-2025
• Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations search update
• Discussion of Long Range Plan and rental fees

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a remote meeting on August 12, 2025, to vote on approval of past meeting minutes and to continue hearings on four special permit applications. The most consequential item is a vote on a second driveway permit at 351 Appleton St, which has been discussed in prior meetings and includes traffic and stormwater reviews.

• Vote to approve meeting minutes from 7/8/2025 and 7/22/2025
• Docket #3861: Second driveway permit at 351 Appleton St (continued hearing)
• Docket #3859: Special permit application at 69 Falmouth Rd
• Docket #3863: Special permit application at 144 Webster St, Unit 1
• Docket #3864: Special permit application at 37 Melrose St

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals approved meeting minutes from July 8 and July 22, 2025. The board continued hearings for 69 Falmouth Road, 37 Melrose Street, and 144 Webster Street to August 26, 2025. Additionally, the board closed the public hearing for a second driveway at 351 Appleton Street to prepare a formal opinion and vote for the August 26 meeting.

• Approved meeting minutes for 7/8/2025 (4-0)
• Approved meeting minutes for 7/22/2025 (4-0)
• Continued hearing for Docket #3859 (69 Falmouth Rd) to August 26, 2025 (4-0)
• Continued hearing for Docket #3864 (37 Melrose St) to August 26, 2025 (4-0)
• Continued hearing for Docket #3863 (144 Webster St, Unit 1) to August 26, 2025 (5-0)
• Closed public hearing for Docket #3861 (351 Appleton St) (5-0)
• Adjourned the meeting at 9:10 pm (5-0)

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a remote meeting to vote on five final decisions for properties at 63 Chester St, 103 Thorndike St, 36 Glen Ave, 67 Foster St, and 164 Hillside Ave. The meeting will include a public comment period and requires advance registration for Zoom participation.

• Final decision vote on Docket #3856 for 63 Chester St
• Final decision vote on Docket #3836 for 103 Thorndike St
• Final decision vote on Docket #3852 for 36 Glen Ave
• Final decision vote on Docket #3860 for 67 Foster St
• Final decision vote on Docket #3858 for 164 Hillside Ave

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals approved final decisions for five dockets, all by unanimous votes. The board also adjourned the meeting at 7:42 PM. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved Docket #3856 63 Chester St Final Decision (unanimous)
• Approved Docket #3836 103 Thorndike St Final Decision (unanimous)
• Approved Docket #3852 36 Glen Ave Final Decision (unanimous)
• Approved Docket #3860 67 Foster St Final Decision (unanimous)
• Approved Docket #3858 164 Hillside Ave Final Decision (unanimous)

Redevelopment Board

The Arlington Redevelopment Board will hold a public hearing on a proposal to demolish a two-family dwelling at 126 Broadway and build a mixed-use building with one commercial unit and 14 residential units. The board will also discuss a request to withdraw the application for 259 Broadway without prejudice, and review minutes and committee appointments.

• Public hearing: Docket #3862, 126 Broadway – mixed-use building with 1 commercial and 14 residential units
• Withdrawal request: Docket #3849, 259 Broadway
• Review and vote on meeting minutes from July 14 and June 21, 2025
• Discussion of designees to Affordable Housing Overlay, AmpUp Advisory, and Envision Arlington committees
• Update on special permits for 1306-1308 Mass Ave and 190-200 Mass Ave

The Arlington Redevelopment Board unanimously approved minutes and appointed Carol Kowalski to the Affordable Housing Overlay Committee and David Fatula to the AMPUp Advisory Committee. The Board continued the public hearing for the proposed five-story mixed-use building at 126 Broadway to October 20, 2025, after extensive discussion and a list of requested changes. The Board also accepted the withdrawal of the application for 259 Broadway and closed that hearing without prejudice.

• Approved July 14 and July 21 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Appointed Carol Kowalski as Board designee to Affordable Housing Overlay Committee (unanimous)
• Appointed David Fatula to AMPUp Advisory Committee (unanimous)
• Continued public hearing for 126 Broadway to October 20, 2025 (unanimous)
• Accepted withdrawal of application for 259 Broadway and closed hearing without prejudice (unanimous)

Negotiations Subcommittee: Cafeteria

The Arlington School Committee Negotiations Subcommittee meeting scheduled for August 11, 2025, was cancelled. The subcommittee would have discussed cafeteria contract negotiations with Local 680 in an executive session.

Standing Subcommittee: Accountablity/Curriculum

The Arlington School Committee’s Curriculum Instruction Accountability and Assessment subcommittee will discuss and may vote to recommend two new job descriptions for approval by the full committee. The roles are a Director of Excellence, Access and Opportunity ($110,000–$125,000 salary) and an Excellence, Access and Opportunity Specialist.

• Director of Excellence, Access and Opportunity job description ($110,000–$125,000 salary)
• Excellence, Access and Opportunity Specialist job description
• Possible vote to recommend both job descriptions to the full School Committee for approval

Negotiations Subcommittee: Cafeteria

The Negotiations Subcommittee: Cafeteria will meet to conduct an executive session. The body will discuss strategy and collective bargaining regarding Local 680's Cafeteria Negotiations.

• Local 680's Cafeteria Negotiations

Conservation Commission Meeting

The Conservation Commission will conduct a public hearing regarding a Notice of Intent for sewer line replacement and repaving at 16-38 Drake Road. The body will also discuss several enforcement orders, management plans, and committee updates.

• Public hearing: Sewer line replacement and repaving at 16-38 Drake Road (Drake Village)
• Discussion: Enforcement Order for 66-66R Dudley Street/993 Massachusetts Avenue
• Discussion: Certificate of Compliance Request for 102-104 Milton Street
• Discussion: Symmes Woods Forest Management Plan Outline
• Review of correspondence regarding fishing line waste at Hills Pond

The Arlington Conservation Commission unanimously approved the revised Symmes Woods Forest Management Plan Outline, allowing the property owner to contract with forester Dan Cathcart for a detailed plan. The Commission also amended enforcement orders for 66-66R Dudley Street and 993 Massachusetts Ave, requiring a plan submittal by August 27th. A Notice of Intent for sewer work at Drake Village was approved with conditions, and comments on the Mass Ready Act were authorized.

• Approved revised Symmes Woods Forest Management Plan Outline (unanimous)
• Amended Enforcement Orders for 66-66R Dudley St and 993 Mass Ave, plan due Aug 27 (unanimous)
• Closed and reopened hearing, then issued Order of Conditions for 16-38 Drake Rd sewer work (unanimous)
• Authorized submitting comments on Mass Ready Act to legislature (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from 7/10/25 as edited (unanimous)

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals meets to conduct remote hearings on several property petitions, special permits, and variances. Agenda items include continued reviews for properties located on Chester Street, Thorndike Street, Glen Ave, Foster Street, Hillside Ave, and Appleton St. The board will also address administrative tasks such as authorizing the chair to sign decisions and approving past meeting minutes.

• Docket #3856 at 63 Chester St: Continued hearing for a variance and special permit to install a new driveway with pavers for handicap accessibility
• Docket #3836 at 103 Thorndike St: Continued hearing for a special permit and variance filed by APSE Investment LLC
• Docket #3852 at 36 Glen Ave: Continued zoning hearing
• Docket #3860 at 67 Foster Street: Appeal hearing
• Docket #3858 at 164 Hillside Ave and Docket #3851 at 351 Appleton St: Property hearings

The Board approved administrative items, including meeting minutes and authorization for the Chair to sign decisions. Members held hearings on several property modification requests, including driveways, home additions, and fence appeals. The Board closed several hearings to begin drafting formal decisions, while one driveway request was continued to August 12 for further traffic safety analysis.

• Authorized Chair to sign Board decisions (5-0)
• Approved 6/24/2025 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved withdrawal of variance petition for 103 Thorndike St (5-0)
• Closed hearing for 103 Thorndike St (6-0)
• Closed hearing for 63 Chester St (5-0)
• Closed hearing for 36 Glen Ave (6-0)
• Closed hearing for 67 Foster St (4-0)
• Closed hearing for 164 Hillside Ave (5-0)

Redevelopment Board

The Board will discuss the implementation and enforceability of Artist Live/Work standards and guidelines. Members will also review development progress for several properties on Massachusetts Avenue and Broadway.

• Vote to close public hearing for 125 Broadway (Docket #3854)
• Vote to continue public hearing for 126 Broadway (Docket #3862) to August 11, 2025
• Discussion of Artist Live/Work Standards, Guidelines, and Certification Process
• Progress updates for 1207-1211 Massachusetts Avenue and 455 Massachusetts Avenue
• Appointment of a designee to the Affordable Housing Overlay Committee

The Board closed the hearing for 125 Broadway, directing the applicant to the Zoning Board of Appeals due to existing variance requirements. The Board also continued the hearing for 126 Broadway to August 11, 2025, and scheduled a board retreat for October 19, 2025. Additionally, members discussed ongoing compliance issues at 455 Massachusetts Avenue and reviewed draft guidelines for the Artist Live/Work program.

• Closed hearing for Docket #3854, 125 Broadway (5-0)
• Continued hearing for Docket #3862, 126 Broadway to August 11, 2025 (5-0)
• Scheduled Board Retreat for October 19, 2025 (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 9:05 PM (5-0)

Select Board Meeting

The Select Board will meet to discuss acquiring land parcels and easements for sidewalks near Stratton Elementary School as part of the Safe Routes to School Program. The board will also vote on the Town Manager's contract renewal and review several license and appointment requests.

• Executive session on land acquisition for sidewalks near Stratton Elementary School
• Discussion and vote on Town Manager’s contract renewal
• Proposed safety zone on Summer Street
• Special speed regulations for Park Ave and Broadway
• Common Victualler Licenses for Oakberry Acai, Big Daddy's Pizza 2, and Sumen

The Select Board approved a designated Safety Zone on Summer Street between Mill and Mystic Streets to address pedestrian safety near Buzzell Field, and voted to issue formal notice of intent to renew Town Manager Mr. Feeney's contract. The board also accepted free RRFB equipment from MassDOT for six locations, approved multiple appointments and licenses, and discussed a new 5K run/walk application process.

• Approved Summer Street Safety Zone between Mill and Mystic Streets (5-0)
• Approved notice of intent to renew Town Manager's contract (5-0)
• Accepted RRFB equipment from MassDOT for six locations (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including reappointments and licenses (5-0)
• Appointed Xavid Pretzer to Affordable Housing Overlay Committee (5-0)
• Appointed Anton Rapetov and Matthew De Remer to Bicycle Advisory Committee (5-0)
• Approved common victualler licenses for Oakberry Acai, Big Daddy's Pizza 2, and Sumen (5-0 each)
• Approved 5K run/walk application process (5-0)

School Committee Special Meeting

The Arlington School Committee will meet to consider a final vote on the 2025-26 Arlington High School Student Handbook and FY25 budget transfers. The body will also review elementary school handbooks and potential revisions to job descriptions.

• Possible vote on the FINAL 2025-26 AHS Student Handbook
• Potential vote on FY25 Budget Transfers (June 2025 Transfer Memo)
• Possible vote on job descriptions for Director of Excellence, Access, and Opportunity and EAO Specialist
• Receipt of FINAL 2025-2026 Elementary and Combined Gibbs & Ottoson Handbooks
• Warrant #25314 for $938,060.88

The Arlington School Committee approved the FY25 budget transfers and adjustments, reallocating funds across several categories including increases to Elementary, Secondary, and Special Education, and decreases to Curriculum, Other, and Contingency. The committee also approved the AHS handbook, received the Elementary and Middle School handbooks, and voted to change two job titles while referring the descriptions to CIAA for further review. All votes were 6-0 with one member absent.

• Approved FY25 budget transfers and adjustments (6-0)
• Approved AHS handbook (6-0)
• Received Elementary and Middle School handbooks (6-0)
• Changed Director of Diversity, Inclusion, Belonging, & Justice to Director of Excellence, Access, and Opportunity (6-0)
• Changed DEIBJ Specialist to EAO Specialist (6-0)
• Referred job descriptions to CIAA for further review (6-0)
• Approved consent agenda including warrant #25314 for $938,060.88 (6-0)

Redevelopment Board

The Board will hold a public hearing regarding a proposal to replace a two-family home with a four-unit multi-family dwelling. Members will also discuss compliance for a development at 882 Massachusetts Avenue and determine the status of a hearing for 1323 Mass Ave.

• Public hearing for Docket #3857: demolish two-family dwelling and construct 4-unit dwelling at 225 Broadway
• Vote to continue public hearing for Docket #3849 at 259 Broadway to August 11, 2025
• Discussion on whether to continue or close public hearing for Docket #3831 at 1323 Mass Ave
• Compliance discussion regarding development at 882 Massachusetts Avenue

The Arlington Redevelopment Board continued the public hearing for the proposed four-unit, four-story building at 225 Broadway to September 8, 2025, after extensive discussion. Board members raised concerns about accessibility, parking layout, building massing, stormwater management, and materials, requesting the applicant provide additional documentation. The Board also continued hearings for 259 Broadway and 1323 Massachusetts Ave, and approved a letter to the owner of 882 Massachusetts Ave regarding unmet conditions.

• Continued Docket #3849, 259 Broadway public hearing to August 11, 2025 (unanimous)
• Continued Docket #3857, 225 Broadway public hearing to September 8, 2025 (unanimous)
• Continued Docket #3831, 1323 Massachusetts Ave (Fiesta Bites Pizzeria) public hearing to October 6, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved submission of letter to 882 Massachusetts Ave property owner with additions and corrections (unanimous)
• Approved June 2, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved June 16, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Negotiations Subcommittee: Cafeteria

The Arlington School Committee's Negotiations Subcommittee for Cafeteria is meeting to conduct strategy sessions and collective bargaining with nonunion personnel, specifically regarding Local 680's cafeteria negotiations. The meeting includes an executive session, which is closed to the public, and an adjournment. No other substantive items are on the agenda.

• Executive session for strategy in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel
• Discussion of collective bargaining or litigation strategy regarding Local 680's cafeteria negotiations
• Meeting held in person at Arlington Public Schools District Office, 14 Mill Brook Drive

Conservation Commission Meeting

The Conservation Commission will meet to review administrative items and hold discussions on several local environmental and committee matters. No public hearings are scheduled for this meeting.

• Arlington High School Building Committee Artificial Turf Results
• Water Bodies Working Group
• Symmes Conservation Restriction
• CPA Committee Liaison
• Tree Committee Liaison

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a remote meeting on July 8, 2025. The board will vote on a decision for Docket #3855 at 34 Golden Ave and continue the public hearing for Docket #3852 at 36 Glen Ave, a special permit application for a large addition to a two-family home. Public comments are accepted during the hearing, and written comments can be emailed before the meeting.

• Member vote on Docket #3855, 34 Golden Ave decision
• Continued hearing for Docket #3852, 36 Glen Ave special permit (SP-25-11) for large additions under Zoning Bylaw 5.4.2B.6
• Proposed gross floor area increase from 4,417.65 to 7,275 sq ft at 36 Glen Ave
• Proposed parking spaces increase from 2 to 4 at 36 Glen Ave
• Meeting conducted via Zoom with registration required

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals reviewed updated plans, abutter letters, and public comments regarding a special permit request to build a large addition to a two-family home at 36 Glen Ave. The Board discussed definitions of a duplex, shared wall calculations, and drainage considerations. Ultimately, the Board voted to continue the hearing to July 22, 2025.

• Approved Docket #3855 34 Golden Ave decision (5-0)
• Continued hearing for #3852 36 Glen Ave to July 22, 2025 (5-0)

Conservation Commission Meeting

The Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a Notice of Intent for sewer line replacement and repaving at 16-38 Drake Road. The body will also discuss artificial turf test results for Arlington High School and vote on fishing line impacts.

• Public hearing: sewer line replacement and repaving at 16-38 Drake Road (Drake Village)
• Vote: Fishing line impacts presentation by Laura Kiesel
• Discussion: Arlington High School Building Committee artificial turf zinc test results
• Discussion: Symmes Conservation Restriction
• Update: Tree Committee and Recreation Department

The Arlington Conservation Commission approved minutes from June 5, 2025, and voted to send a letter to the Select Board recommending a temporary pause on fishing at Hill's Pond due to wildlife entanglement concerns. The commission also discussed artificial turf test results for Arlington High School and continued a public hearing for the Drake Village project to July 24, 2025. Several working groups and committee liaison reports had no updates.

• Approved minutes from 6/5/25 as edited (6-0)
• Sent letter to the Select Board recommending a temporary pause on fishing at Hill's Pond (6-0)
• Continued the public hearing for 16-38 Drake Road (Drake Village) to July 24, 2025 (6-0)

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold hearings on several property dockets, including a request to convert a single-family home into a two-family dwelling. The board will also vote on decisions for properties at 208 Jason Street and 3 Inverness Rd.

• Special Permit and Variance request for a two-family dwelling at 103 Thorndike St
• Member vote on decision for 208 Jason Street
• Member vote on decision for 3 Inverness Rd
• Continued hearings for 67 Foster Street and 36 Glen Ave
• Hearing for 63 Chester St

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously to continue hearings on five dockets, including a fence dispute at 67 Foster St and an ADA-related driveway request at 63 Chester St, and closed the hearing for a large addition at 34 Golden Ave. No final decisions were made on any of the substantive applications; all were continued to future dates for additional information or discussion.

• Approved decisions for Dockets #3851 (208 Jason St) and #3853 (3 Inverness Rd) (5-0)
• Approved meeting minutes from 06-10-2025 (6-0)
• Continued hearing #3836 (103 Thorndike St) to 7/22/2025 (5-0)
• Continued hearing #3850 (67 Foster St) to 7/22/2025 (5-0)
• Continued hearing #3856 (63 Chester St) to 7/8/2025 (5-0)
• Continued hearing #3852 (36 Glen Ave) to 7/8/2025 (5-0)
• Closed hearing #3855 (34 Golden Ave) (5-0)

Select Board Meeting

The Arlington Select Board will meet to discuss a DEP consent order regarding private inflow sources to the town sewer system and receive a progress report from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. The board will also consider various licensing requests, board reappointments, and a proposed surplus policy.

• Discussion and Potential Vote on DEP Consent Order ACOP-NE-10-1N006 regarding town sewer system private inflow sources
• Progress Report from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund presented by Chair Karen Kelleher
• Request for four parking spots at 307-309 Broadway for Rush Bowls Grand Opening on 06/28/2025
• Application for All Alcohol License and Parklet & Sidewalk Cafe for Jose's Torteria Arlington, Inc. at 793 Massachusetts Avenue
• Discussion and Approval of Surplus Policy presented by Deputy Town Counsel Jaclyn Munson

Board Of Health

The Board of Health will meet to review updates from the Director, Nursing, Environmental, and Restaurant divisions. The meeting also includes the formal acceptance of minutes from the May 21, 2025, meeting.

School Committee Regular Meeting

The Arlington School Committee will hold a regular meeting with an executive session for negotiations with nonunion personnel and union units. The open session includes possible votes on contracts for AEA Unit D and Local 680 bus operators, discussion and possible approval of a 2026 student trip to Taiwan, a first read of the AHS student handbook, a special education review, and a budget update. Public comment is scheduled for 20 minutes.

• Possible vote to approve AEA Unit D Contract
• Possible vote to approve Local 680 Bus Contract
• Discussion and possible approval of Taiwan 2026 field trip (est. $4,200-$4,500 per student)
• First Read - AHS Student Handbooks
• Consent agenda: Warrant #25297, $769,126.46

Standing Subcommittee: Community Relations

The Arlington School Committee’s Community Relations subcommittee will forward three space-naming recommendations to the full committee for approval. The subcommittee also discussed policy updates, future agenda items, and a facilities plan awaiting enrollment projections.

• Recommend naming Wood Gym after Barbara McDonough, Black Box Theater after Rehrig, and Principal’s Conference Room after Charles Skidmore
• Motion to send three names to full committee passed 3-0
• Tech and Space Plan delayed pending updated enrollment projections
• Policy review proposed to formalize 3-year naming rule

Standing Subcommittee: Policies And Procedures

The Arlington School Committee's Policies and Procedures subcommittee is meeting to approve draft minutes from its January 24, 2025 and November 12, 2024 meetings. No new policy discussions or votes are on the agenda; the meeting is limited to procedural approval of past minutes and adjournment.

• Approval of draft minutes from January 24, 2025 and November 12, 2024
• Meeting held in person at 14 Mill Brook Drive and via Zoom
• No public comment agenda item; public may comment on individual items

Standing Subcommittee: Budget

The Arlington School Committee's Budget Subcommittee is meeting to approve draft minutes from four prior meetings (Feb 12, Mar 12, Mar 19, Jun 12, 2025). No substantive budget decisions or discussions are listed on this agenda; it is primarily procedural.

• Approval of draft minutes from 2025-02-12, 2025-03-12, 2025-03-19, and 2025-06-12 meetings

Standing Subcommittee: Facilities

The Arlington School Committee Standing Subcommittee: Facilities is holding a hybrid meeting on June 17, 2025. The agenda consists entirely of procedural matters, including an open meeting, approval of meeting minutes, and adjournment. The record contains no substantive discussion items, contracts, or votes.

• Approval of meeting minutes

Standing Subcommittee: Accountablity/Curriculum

The Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment & Accountability subcommittee of the Arlington School Committee is meeting to approve minutes from three prior meetings (April 7, March 12, and January 17, 2025). No new business or decisions are listed; the agenda is limited to procedural approval of minutes and adjournment.

• Approval of minutes from April 7, 2025 meeting (discussed SSTs, data systems)
• Approval of minutes from March 12, 2025 meeting (reviewed job description for shared administrative assistant)
• Approval of minutes from January 17, 2025 meeting (reviewed AHS Program of Studies, competency determination)

Redevelopment Board

The Board will review whether the development at 882 Massachusetts Avenue is complying with issued conditions. Members will also discuss representation on the Envision Arlington and Affordable Housing Overlay committees.

• Vote to continue public hearing for Docket #3854, 125 Broadway to July 21, 2025
• Discussion of development compliance at 882 Massachusetts Avenue
• Discussion of Board representation on the Affordable Housing Overlay Committee
• Discussion of Board representation on Envision Arlington
• Scheduling of the annual Board retreat for fall 2025

The Arlington Redevelopment Board voted unanimously to continue the public hearing for Docket #3854 (125 Broadway) to July 21, 2025, pending a legal determination on whether the Board or Zoning Board of Appeals has jurisdiction. The Board also discussed appointments to the Envision Arlington Standing Committee and the new Affordable Housing Overlay Committee, and raised concerns about the developer's non-compliance with approved plans at 882 Massachusetts Avenue, planning to send a letter requiring an action plan.

• Continued public hearing for Docket #3854 (125 Broadway) to July 21, 2025 (unanimous)
• Discussed potential appointees for Envision Arlington Standing Committee and Affordable Housing Overlay Committee
• Agreed to draft a letter to 882 Mass Ave developer listing compliance issues and requiring attendance at a future meeting
• Scheduled discussion on Board retreat dates for next meeting

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee unanimously approved transferring $373,676.38 from the Reserve Fund to cover Facilities and Fire Department shortfalls, plus $15,323.62 from the Deferred Compensation Fund for retiring employees. The projected Reserve Fund balance after transfers is $1,265,649.62. The committee also reelected officers and discussed budget process improvements.

• Approved $373,676.38 Reserve Fund transfer for Facilities ($144,000) and Fire ($229,676.38) (15-0)
• Approved $15,323.62 from Deferred Compensation Fund for two retiring employees (15-0)
• Reelected Christine Deshler as Chair (14-0-1)
• Reelected Darrel Harmer, Annie LaCourt, and Al Jones as Vice Chairs (14-0-1)
• Accepted May 12, 2025 minutes (13-0-1)

Negotiations Subcommittee: Cafeteria

The Arlington School Committee Negotiations Subcommittee: Cafeteria will convene on June 13 at 10:00 AM in the School Committee Room at 14 Mill Brook Drive. The agenda consists solely of procedural items: an open meeting, an executive session, and adjournment. No specific topics or decisions are stated in the notice.

Standing Subcommittee: Budget

The Standing Subcommittee on Budget will review updates for the FY25 and FY26 budgets. The body will also discuss a long-range financial plan and the status of the Special Education reserve and other fund balances.

• Update on FY25 and FY26 budgets
• Discussion of Long Range Plan including 'Zero School Enrollment' projections
• Review of Special Education reserve and fund balances
• Update on rental fees

The Arlington School Committee's Budget Subcommittee met to review year-end FY25 processes and FY26 budget preparation. No substantive decisions were made; the subcommittee discussed potential use of the SpEd reserve, budget software options, and rental fee policy updates. The only votes taken were to approve prior meeting minutes and adjourn, both passing 2-0-1.

• Approved minutes of 2/26/25 (2-0-1)
• Adjourned meeting (2-0-1)

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals will meet remotely on June 10, 2025, to vote on a decision for 24 Woodbury Street and approve minutes from the May 27 meeting. Four public hearings will continue for properties at 103 Thorndike St, 67 Foster St, 208 Jason St, 36 Glen Ave, and 3 Inverness Rd.

• Member vote on #3848 24 Woodbury Street decision
• Approval of minutes from 5/27/2025
• Docket #3836 103 Thorndike St (continued) — special permit and variance applications
• Docket #3850 67 Foster Street — public hearing
• Docket #3851 208 Jason Street — public hearing

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals continued hearings for 36 Glen Ave and 103 Thorndike St to June 24, 2025, and continued a fence case at 67 Foster St. The board closed hearings and granted a variance for 208 Jason St, and approved a porch extension at 3 Inverness Rd. All votes were 5-0.

• Continued 36 Glen Ave special permit hearing to June 24 (5-0)
• Continued 103 Thorndike St variance hearing to June 24 (5-0)
• Continued 67 Foster St fence special permit hearing (5-0)
• Closed 208 Jason St hearing and granted variance with conditions (5-0)
• Closed 3 Inverness Rd hearing and granted porch extension special permit (5-0)
• Approved docket 3848 and meeting minutes (5-0)

Standing Subcommittee: Community Relations

The Arlington School Committee's Community Relations and Facilities subcommittees are meeting jointly to review the Tech and Space Plan and prepare a recommendation for a full School Committee vote on June 17, 2025. They will also discuss naming recommendations for school spaces and handle new business. The agenda includes approval of the Facilities subcommittee's May 2, 2025 minutes.

• Review of Tech and Space Plan, recommendation to full School Committee for 6.17.25 vote
• Naming discussions and recommendations to the School Committee
• Approval of Facilities Subcommittee meeting minutes from May 2, 2025
• New Business

The subcommittee voted to recommend several school space naming proposals to the full School Committee and Town Memorials Committee. The group also discussed the district tech and space plan, enrollment projections, and policy reviews.

• Approved minutes from the prior Facilities Subcommittee meeting
• Voted 3-0 to recommend Wood Gym for McDonough
• Voted 3-0 to recommend Black Box Theater for Rehrig
• Voted 3-0 to recommend Principal's Conference Room for Charles Skidmore
• Voted 2-0 to adjourn at 4:15 PM

Select Board Meeting

The Select Board will review the FY2025 Third Quarter Financial Report and discuss parking policies and regulations. The meeting includes several requests for one-day beer and wine licenses and appointments to town commissions.

• FY2025 Third Quarter Financial Report review
• Discussion and approval of Parking Policy and Regulations
• All Alcohol License approval for Cuenca Inc. d/b/a La Victoria at 12-14 Medford Street
• Proposed no parking regulation on Washington Street
• Eversource Underground Cable Modernization Program presentation

Conservation Commission Meeting

The Conservation Commission will discuss test results for artificial turf at Arlington High School, specifically regarding zinc levels in infill material. The body will also hold a public hearing for a residential addition at 39 Reed Street and vote on floodplain regulations.

• Public hearing for a proposed addition and screened porch at 39 Reed Street
• Vote on Floodplain Regulations
• Discussion of zinc levels in Arlington High School artificial turf infill
• Vote to add Michelle Durocher to the Water Bodies Working Group
• Review of Mt. Gilboa Conservation Area Feasibility Study

The Arlington Conservation Commission unanimously approved updated floodplain regulations to bring the town into compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The commission also discussed artificial turf test results for the Arlington High School field, focusing on elevated zinc levels, and agreed to form a working group to consider additional leachate testing. A public hearing was closed and an Order of Conditions was issued for an addition at 39 Reed Street.

• Approved Floodplain Regulations update (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from 5/15/25 as edited (unanimous)
• Approved Michelle Durocher to Water Bodies Working Group (unanimous)
• Closed public hearing for 39 Reed Street (unanimous)
• Issued Order of Conditions for 39 Reed Street addition (unanimous)

School Committee Regular Meeting

The Arlington School Committee meets to discuss student services, approve district goals, and review a proposed interactive course catalog for Arlington High School. Public comment is open for 20 minutes at the start.

• First read of 2025-26 AHS Student Handbook revisions
• Second read and possible vote on 2027-2028 District Calendar
• Second read and possible vote on District Goals (2025-26)
• CAP Project Presentation: Proposal for an Interactive Course Catalog (ICC) at AHS
• Presentation on Massachusetts Inclusive Postsecondary Education (MAIPSE) program at AHS

The Arlington School Committee approved the 2027-2028 District Calendar and the District Goals for 2025-2026, both by unanimous 6-0 votes. The committee also approved the consent agenda, which included conference date adjustments and the draft minutes from May 29, 2025. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting included presentations and discussions on a student course catalog proposal, the MAIPSE program, and a preview of the Student Services Review.

• Approved 2027-2028 District Calendar (6-0)
• Approved District Goals 2025-2026 (6-0)
• Approved consent agenda including conference date adjustments and draft minutes (6-0)

Redevelopment Board

The Board will conduct a public hearing regarding a site plan review for a multi-family building. The meeting will also include a review of previous minutes and a discussion of the summer calendar.

• Public Hearing: Docket #3849, 259 Broadway, proposing interior renovations, a second egress, and one additional unit for a total of five units

The Arlington Redevelopment Board voted 4-1 to continue the public hearing for the 259 Broadway project to July 7, 2025, pending review by the Historical Commission. The project proposes renovating an existing four-unit building into five units, adding an exterior staircase, and reducing parking from five to four spaces. The Board also amended its 2025 meeting schedule, moving the July 7 meeting to July 14 and the August 4 meeting to August 11.

• Continued public hearing for Docket #3849, 259 Broadway to July 7, 2025 (4-1)
• Approved May 19, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Amended 2025 meeting schedule: July 7 to July 14, August 4 to August 11 (unanimous)

Standing Subcommittee: Accountablity/Curriculum

The Curriculum Instruction Accountability and Assessment Subcommittee will review data from the Grade 9 heterogeneous grouping pilot and a preview of the Student Services Review. The body will also discuss draft district goals for the 2025-2026 school year.

• Update on the AHS Grade 9 Heterogeneous Grouping Initiative including MCAS and AP score data
• Preview of the Student Services Review focusing on MTSS implementation and special education
• Discussion of draft 2025-2026 District Goals regarding instructional priorities and operations
• Student presentation on the OMS Civics Project
• Review of minutes from the May 12, 2025 meeting

School Committee Regular Meeting

The School Committee will conduct readings for the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 district school calendars. Members will also review a 2025 after-school programming report and discuss draft district goals.

• Second read of the 2026-2027 School Calendar
• First read of the 2027-2028 School Calendar
• Review of After School Programming Report and Policy KFD
• Warrant #25277 for $856,719.76
• Executive session regarding collective bargaining for various personnel units

The Arlington School Committee approved the 2026-2027 district calendar on a 5-0 vote, with two members absent. The committee also received first reads on the 2027-2028 calendar and district goals, and heard the annual After School Program report. A tentative agreement with Unit D was announced, and the committee entered executive session to discuss collective bargaining.

• Approved 2026-2027 district calendar (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including Warrant #25277 for $856,719.76 and May 15, 2025 meeting minutes (7-0)
• Entered executive session to discuss collective bargaining for AEA Unit C and Unit D (7-0)

Select Board Meeting

The Arlington Select Board will vote on Rainbow Commission requests for rainbow crosswalk paintings at three intersections, temporary Pride Month banners along Mass Ave, and a June 2025 Pride Month proclamation. The meeting also includes a legislative provision for remote participation and sets the next meeting date.

• Rainbow crosswalk paintings at Mystic/Pleasant & Mass Ave, Park Ave & Mass Ave, and Lake St & Mass Ave
• Temporary Pride Month banners along Mass Ave in Arlington Center
• Proclamation designating June 2025 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month in Arlington
• Legislative provision for remote participation in Select Board meetings

The Select Board held a meeting on May 28, 2025, to address remote participation procedures, consent agenda items, and a special license request. The Board voted 4-0 to approve a Special (One Day) Beer & Wine License for a beer garden at the Jason Russell House on multiple dates between June 7 and September 27, 2025. The meeting adjourned at 7:46 p.m. to reconvene for the Annual Town Meeting.

• Approved Special (One Day) Beer & Wine License for Jason Russell House beer garden (4-0)

Negotiations Subcommittee: Aea

The Arlington School Committee Negotiations Subcommittee is meeting to discuss AEA Unit D negotiations. The meeting includes an executive session to conduct collective bargaining sessions and strategy discussions.

• AEA Unit D Negotiations Discussion

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a hearing regarding a proposed home addition at 24 Woodbury St. The board will also vote on decisions for four other properties.

• Hearing for 24 Woodbury St: proposal to remove a sunporch and build a 15' x 22' two-story addition
• Decision vote for 20 Pond Lane (#3822)
• Decision vote for 14 Wachusett Ave Unit 2 (#3844)
• Decision vote for 58 Edmund Rd (#3846)
• Decision vote for 156 Brattle St (#3847)

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals approved a special permit for a home extension at 24 Woodbury Street, allowing the owners to add to a non-conforming single-family house. The board voted 5-0 to close the hearing and grant the permit, with a condition that the foundation be set back at least 1 foot from the lot line. The board also approved decisions for four other dockets and the prior meeting minutes.

• Approved special permit for 24 Woodbury Street addition (5-0)
• Approved Docket #3822 20 Pond Lane decision (4-0)
• Approved Docket #3844 14 Wachusetts Ave Unit 2 decision (5-0)
• Approved Docket #3846 58 Edmund Road decision (5-0)
• Approved Docket #3847 156 Brattle Street decision (5-0)
• Approved meeting minutes from 05-13-2024 (5-0)

Negotiations Subcommittee: Bus

The Negotiations Subcommittee: Bus will meet to discuss collective bargaining and contract negotiations. The meeting includes an executive session to conduct strategy sessions regarding Transportation and Food Services.

• Contract negotiations with Transportation and Food Services
• Strategy sessions for collective bargaining

Negotiations Subcommittee: Bus

The Arlington School Committee Negotiations Subcommittee: Bus will hold an open meeting on May 23, 2025, at the Arlington Public Schools District Office. The agenda consists of entering executive session to discuss strategy and conduct negotiation discussions regarding transportation and food services.

• Executive session for negotiation discussions with Transportation and Food Services
• Strategy sessions regarding collective bargaining or litigation

Board Of Health

The Arlington Board of Health will hold hearings on variance requests from Big Daddy's Pizza 2 and Aya's Culture Kitchen, and receive updates from department directors. The meeting includes acceptance of prior minutes and routine staff reports.

• Variance hearing: Big Daddy's Pizza 2, 86 Mass Ave, to use 3-bay sink for food prep
• Variance hearing: Aya's Culture Kitchen, 75 Dudley St, for miso fermentation process
• Acceptance of meeting minutes from March 12, 2025
• Director, nursing, environmental, and restaurant updates

The Arlington Board of Health approved two food establishment variances: one for Big Daddy's 2 to use a 3-bay sink as a preparation sink, and one for Aya's Culture Kitchen for a specialized miso fermentation process. The board also accepted the March 12, 2025 meeting minutes with an amendment. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting included updates on staff, programs, and seasonal activities.

• Approved variance for Big Daddy's 2 to use 3-bay sink as prep sink (2-0, White abstained)
• Approved variance for Aya's Culture Kitchen for miso fermentation process (3-0)
• Accepted March 12, 2025 meeting minutes as amended (2-0, White absent)

Negotiations Subcommittee: Aea

The Arlington School Committee Negotiations Subcommittee is meeting to discuss AEA Unit D. The agenda includes a planning meeting and an executive session to discuss collective bargaining and negotiation strategies.

• AEA Unit D planning meeting
• Executive session for collective bargaining and contract negotiation strategy

Redevelopment Board

The Board will hold continued public hearings regarding special permits and environmental design reviews for properties at 821 and 821-837 Massachusetts Ave. Members will also discuss proposed Zoning Bylaw amendments before adjourning to Town Meeting.

• Public hearing for Docket #3798: 821 Massachusetts Ave (Special Permit and Environmental Design Review)
• Public hearing for Docket #3348: 821-837 Massachusetts Ave (modifications to Special Permit)
• Discussion of proposed amendments or substitute motions for Zoning Bylaw Articles

The Arlington Redevelopment Board unanimously approved Docket #3798 for 821 Massachusetts Ave, an EDR special permit, with special conditions including final color selections for exterior materials, no exterior venting, and adherence to the street tree bylaw. The Board also unanimously amended the 2009 decision for Docket #3348 to require the Atwood House be replaced consistent with Docket #3798. No other substantive decisions were made; the Board discussed but did not vote on Town Meeting articles.

• Approved Docket #3798, 821 Mass Ave EDR special permit with conditions (unanimous)
• Amended Docket #3348 special condition 5 to require Atwood House replacement per Docket #3798 (unanimous)
• Voted not to support Motion to Commit for Article 40 and its amendment (unanimous)
• Approved May 5, 2025 meeting minutes (4-0, Lau abstaining)

Select Board Meeting

The Select Board will review the FY26 Automated Curbside Collection Program and a proposal to remove trees for the Pleasant Street Water Main Project. The board will also consider several sidewalk cafe permits and contractor licenses.

• FY26 Automated Curbside Collection Program discussion with WM Public Sector Solutions
• Proposed removal of trees for the Pleasant Street Water Main Project
• Sidewalk cafe permit applications for Makalu (352A Massachusetts Avenue) and Vintage Tea & Cake (677 Massachusetts Avenue)
• Contractor/Drainlayer license requests for 8 companies including Lopez Asphalt Co. and Onyx Corporation
• Special alcohol licenses for the Annual Greek Festival (June 5-8) and private events

Negotiations Subcommittee: Aea

The Negotiations Subcommittee is meeting to conduct a planning session. The body will enter executive session to discuss strategy and collective bargaining regarding AEA Unit D.

• AEA Unit D planning meeting
• Executive session for collective bargaining and negotiation strategy

Conservation Commission Meeting

The Arlington Conservation Commission will discuss and vote on floodplain regulations, with the vote expected to continue to June 5, 2025. It will also hold a public hearing on a Notice of Intent for open space improvements at Cooke's Hollow (0 Mystic Street), and discuss an Eagle Scout proposal to replace boardwalks in Great Meadows. The agenda includes updates on fishing line impacts, a water bodies working group, and liaison reports.

• Vote on floodplain regulations (continued to June 5, 2025)
• Public hearing: DEP #091-0369, Notice of Intent for open space improvements at 0 Mystic Street (Cooke's Hollow)
• Eagle Scout proposal to replace two boardwalks with one 100-foot boardwalk in Arlington Great Meadows
• Discussion of fishing line impacts at Menotomy Rocks Park, with correspondence requesting suspension of fishing at Hills Pond
• Correspondence regarding Thorndike Place appeal and MassDEP site visit scheduled for May 28, 2025

The Arlington Conservation Commission closed the public hearing for the Notice of Intent at 0 Mystic Street (Cooke's Hollow) and issued an Order of Conditions, allowing the proposed open space improvements including an ADA-compliant pathway, boardwalk, and bank restoration. The commission also unanimously supported an Eagle Scout proposal to replace boardwalks at Great Meadows and continued the vote on floodplain regulations to June 5th.

• Approved Order of Conditions for 0 Mystic Street (Cooke's Hollow) improvements (5-0, White abstained on closing hearing)
• Supported Eagle Scout proposal for Great Meadows boardwalk replacement (5-0)
• Continued floodplain regulations vote to June 5, 2025 (5-0)
• Approved minutes from 5/1/25 as edited (5-0)

School Committee Regular Meeting

The Arlington School Committee will decide on the 2025-2026 school calendar and an employment contract for Alison Elmer. The body will also discuss a traffic MOA and a job description for a Multimedia Production Teacher.

• Vote on the final 2025-2026 School Calendar
• Vote on employment contract for Alison Elmer (2025-28)
• Warrant #25268 for $907,705.03
• Discussion and vote on the Alan Hovhaness Scholarship
• Discussion and possible vote on Traffic MOA 2025

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings on several zoning matters, including a continued special permit application for a commercial garage at 20 Pond Lane. The board will also vote on two member votes and approve meeting minutes. The agenda includes multiple other hearings for variances and special permits at various residential properties.

• Continued hearing: Docket #3822, 20 Pond Lane, special permit for commercial garage use (storage, office, light construction)
• Member vote: #3840, 29 Hemlock St
• Member vote: #3845, 319 Appleton St
• Hearing: Docket #3830, 39 Woodside Lane (continued)
• Hearing: Docket #3836, 103 Thorndike St (continued) - special permit and variance

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals dismissed a Special Permit application for a home occupation at 17 Brattle Place, determining the use is by-right and does not require Board approval. The Board continued the hearing for 20 Pond Lane, discussing conditions for a commercial storage use, and continued the 103 Thorndike hearing to June 10, 2025. Several other hearings were closed and decisions approved.

• Dismissed Special Permit application #3843 for 17 Brattle Place (5-0)
• Continued hearing #3822 for 20 Pond Lane with conditions under discussion
• Continued hearing #3836 for 103 Thorndike to 6/10/2025 (5-0)
• Closed hearing #3844 for 14 Wachusetts Ave Unit 2 (5-0)
• Closed hearing #3846 for 58 Edmund Road (5-0)
• Closed hearing #3847 for 156 Brattle Street (5-0)
• Approved decisions for Dockets #3840, #3845, and meeting minutes (5-0)
• Elected Patrick Hanlon as Vice Chair (5-0)

Standing Subcommittee: Sepac

The Arlington School Committee Standing Subcommittee for the Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) is holding a general member meeting on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. The agenda includes an overview of Supported Learning Centers (SLCs) presented by APS staff member Alison Elmer and a business item for elections.

• Overview of Supported Learning Centers with Alison Elmer
• Business item: Elections

Standing Subcommittee: Accountablity/Curriculum

The Curriculum Instruction Accountability and Assessment subcommittee will discuss inclusive grouping data and district goals for 2024-2026. The body may also vote to approve a new job description for a Multimedia Production Teacher.

• Possible vote on Multimedia Production Teacher job description (0.2 FTE)
• Discussion of Inclusive Grouping Report data
• Review of 2024-2025 District Goals status
• Discussion of draft 2025-2026 District Goals

The Curriculum Instruction Accountability and Assessment Subcommittee voted 3-0 to recommend the Multimedia Production Teacher Job Description for approval by the full School Committee. The Heterogeneous Grouping Initiative update was postponed to June 2 because the presentation did not meet the subcommittee's data requirements. The subcommittee also reviewed district goals and provided feedback on the draft for 2025-26.

• Recommended Multimedia Production Teacher Job Description for full committee approval (3-0)
• Postponed Heterogeneous Grouping Initiative update to June 2
• Reviewed District Goals status and provided feedback on 2025-26 draft

Negotiations Subcommittee: Aea

The Arlington School Committee Negotiations Subcommittee will hold an executive session to plan contract negotiations with nonunion AEA Unit D employees. No decisions are scheduled; the meeting is closed to the public under state law.

• Executive session for AEA Unit D negotiations strategy
• Closed meeting under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 30A Section 20

Redevelopment Board

The Arlington Redevelopment Board will meet to review and vote on meeting minutes, continue a public hearing for a zoning change at 1323 Massachusetts Ave, and discuss proposed amendments to the Zoning Bylaw ahead of the 2025 Annual Town Meeting. The Board will also adjourn to Town Meeting to address zoning-related articles.

• Vote to continue public hearing for Docket #3831 at 1323 Massachusetts Ave to July 7, 2025
• Discuss proposed amendments to Zoning Bylaw Articles 26-37 for 2025 Annual Town Meeting
• Review and vote to approve meeting minutes from April 7, 10, and 14, 2025

The Arlington Redevelopment Board unanimously approved minutes from three prior meetings and voted to continue a public hearing on illegal signage at 1323 Massachusetts Ave to July 7, 2025. The Board also voted unanimously to support an amendment to Article 26 adding cargo bicycle parking as a Transportation Demand Management strategy. No formal votes were taken on amendments to Articles 25, 38, or 41, with members agreeing to speak to concerns at Town Meeting instead.

• Approved April 7, 10, and 14 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Continued Docket #3831 hearing on 1323 Massachusetts Ave signage to July 7, 2025 (unanimous)
• Supported Article 26 amendment adding cargo bicycle parking as TDM strategy (unanimous)
• No formal vote on Article 25 ADU setback amendment
• No formal vote on Article 38 substitute motion
• No formal vote on Article 41 Motion to Commit for Affordable Housing Overlay Committee

Standing Subcommittee: Facilities

The Arlington School Committee's Facilities Subcommittee will meet remotely to review and vote on recommending the Tech and Space Plan to the full School Committee. They will also hear updates on the Thompson water and mold issue, naming spaces, and the capital budget, and introduce the new Town Facilities Director.

• Vote to recommend Tech and Space Plan to School Committee
• Introduction of new Town Facilities Director
• Thompson water and mold update
• Capital budget discussion
• Approval of February 25, 2025 meeting minutes

The Facilities Subcommittee approved minutes from February 25, 2025, and discussed the draft Tech and Space Plan, deciding to recommend a vote on the final plan at a School Committee meeting in June. They also reviewed FY25 capital projects and received updates on the Thompson water and mold issue, which was addressed. No final decisions were made on the Tech and Space Plan or capital projects.

• Approved minutes of February 25, 2025 meeting (2-0, Morgan abstained)
• Determined to recommend a vote on final Tech and Space Plan at June School Committee meeting
• Discussed FY25 capital projects; no formal action taken
• Noted Thompson water and mold issue addressed; no action taken

Select Board Meeting

The Arlington Select Board will hold final votes on three bylaw amendments to create revolving funds for energy efficiency projects and 17 Irving Street, plus a home-rule petition for ranked choice voting. They will also discuss and approve a revised report to the May 5 Town Meeting.

• Bylaw amendment to establish Energy Efficiency and Electrification Revolving Fund up to $250,000
• Revolving fund bylaw amendment for 17 Irving Street
• Home Rule petition to authorize ranked choice voting for select board, school committee, and other offices
• Approval of revised Select Board report to Town Meeting

The Select Board voted 5-0 to recommend favorable action on Articles 7, 23, and 24, which address revolving funds, including corrections to improperly established funds and a recommendation to take no action on Article 24. The Board also approved a revised Select Board Report to Town Meeting for Article 18 on ranked-choice voting, with one member recused, and approved the supplemental report 5-0.

• Approved favorable action on Article 7 (Energy Efficiency and Electrification Revolving Fund) (5-0)
• Approved favorable action on Article 23 (Revolving Funds) with corrections, including striking Cutter Gallery and Community Center rentals (5-0)
• Approved favorable action on Article 24 (Revolving Fund / 17 Irving Street) with recommendation to take no action (5-0)
• Approved revised Select Board Report to Town Meeting for Article 18 (Ranked Choice Voting) (4-0, one recusal)
• Approved Supplemental Select Board Report to Town Meeting (5-0)

Negotiations Subcommittee: Aea

The Arlington School Committee Negotiations Subcommittee is meeting to conduct a planning session regarding AEA Unit D. The agenda includes an open session and an executive session.

• AEA Unit D planning meeting

Conservation Commission Meeting

The Arlington Conservation Commission is meeting remotely to discuss several administrative and policy items, including a required update to floodplain regulations to comply with the National Flood Insurance Program. The Commission may vote to approve the revised Wetlands Protection Regulations, which incorporate the Massachusetts Floodplain Model Bylaw. The meeting also includes a hearing on a Notice of Intent for 995 Massachusetts Avenue, expected to be continued to June 19, 2025.

• Floodplain Regulations Update: proposed changes to Wetlands Protection Regulations to meet NFIP requirements by July 8, 2025
• Hearing: DEP #091-0367 Notice of Intent for 995 Massachusetts Avenue (continued to June 19, 2025)
• Discussion: Fishing Line Impacts with Laura Kiesel
• Discussion: Permit E-Signature Authorization
• Discussion: Symmes Conservation Restriction

The Conservation Commission discussed fishing line entanglement at Hill's Pond and voted unanimously to send a letter to the Park and Recreation Commission, inviting them to a public hearing on May 15th to address the issue. The Commission also approved minutes, accepted electronic signature provisions, and continued a hearing for 995 Massachusetts Avenue to May 15th. No moratorium on fishing was voted on.

• Approved minutes from 4/3/25 as edited (6-0-1)
• Approved letter to Park and Recreation Commission on fishing line issue (7-0)
• Accepted M.G.L. c.110G electronic signature provisions (7-0)
• Continued DEP #091-0367 hearing for 995 Massachusetts Avenue to May 15th (6-0)

School Committee Regular Meeting

The School Committee will hold a public hearing to reaffirm the district's policy on whether to admit non-resident students under the Interdistrict School Choice Law. The body will also consider contracts for Traffic Supervisors and A. Elmer, and review district calendars for 2026-2028.

• Public hearing on School Choice Policy JFBB regarding non-resident students
• Possible vote on Traffic Supervisors MOA
• Possible vote on A. Elmer Contract
• First read of 2026/2027 and 2027/2028 District Calendars
• Warrants #25242 ($962,715.82) and #25249 ($825,454.20)

The Arlington School Committee voted 7-0 to decline participation in the Interdistrict School Choice Program due to lack of space, with the Superintendent to notify DESE. The committee also approved the consent agenda, including warrants totaling over $1.78 million, and held a first read on district calendars for 2026-27 and 2027-28, with both to be revisited at the next meeting. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting included public comment, updates, and an executive session.

• Declined to participate in Interdistrict School Choice Program (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda including warrants #25242 ($962,715.82) and #25249 ($825,454.20) (7-0)
• Held first read on 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 district calendars; no vote taken
• Entered executive session to discuss collective bargaining and security (7-0)

Annual Town Meeting

The Arlington Annual Town Meeting will consider 47 articles covering a wide range of topics, including zoning changes for accessory dwelling units, affordable housing overlays, and a potential real estate transfer fee. The meeting will also address bylaw amendments, home rule legislation, and various appropriations. This is a major legislative session where residents will vote on many consequential items.

• Article 14: Home rule legislation to impose a real estate transfer fee for affordable housing
• Article 25: Zoning amendment to revise accessory dwelling unit requirements
• Article 41: Create an Affordable Housing Overlay District for as-of-right affordable housing
• Article 16: Home rule legislation to increase package store licenses from 6
• Article 20: Accept HERO Act to increase veterans' property tax exemption

Select Board Meeting

The Select Board will consider average rate increases of 4.49% for water and 4.45% for sewer for Fiscal Year 2026. The board will also review updates to the trash collection program, including new fee structures for bulky items and overflow options.

• Proposed FY26 water rate increase of 4.49% and sewer rate increase of 4.45%
• New $32 curbside fee for burnable bulky items starting July 1, 2025
• Proposed overflow trash options: $3 orange bags or annual cart leases from $145 to $200
• All Alcohol License for Haveli Indian Cuisine at 464 Massachusetts Avenue
• Common Victualler License for Rush Bowls at 307 Broadway

The Select Board approved a 4.47% combined water and sewer rate increase for fiscal year 2026, effective with the October bill. They also approved a new 5-year trash collection contract with Waste Management, including mandatory containerization and reduced yard waste pickup. Several licenses and permits were approved, including a farmer's market alcohol permit and new restaurant licenses. The board adopted short-term parking recommendations for North Union Street.

• Approved FY26 water/sewer rate increase of 4.47% (5-0)
• Approved new 5-year trash contract with Waste Management (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda items 4-6 and 8-14 (5-0)
• Approved Greek Festival license with conditions (5-0)
• Appointed Shereen Bellamy to Arts and Culture Grants Committee (5-0)
• Approved farmer's market off-premise alcohol permit for Arlington Brewing Company (5-0)
• Approved all-alcohol license for Haveli Indian Cuisine (5-0)
• Approved food vendor license for Rush Bowls (5-0)

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold hearings on several dockets and vote on previous applications. A primary focus is a continued hearing for a special permit to allow commercial vehicle storage, office use, and light construction at 20 Pond Lane.

• Member vote: Docket #3839 (16 Lansdowne Rd)
• Member vote: Docket #3841 (69 Henderson St)
• Public hearing: Docket #3822 (20 Pond Lane) regarding special permit for commercial garage use
• Public hearing: Docket #3840 (29 Hemlock Street)
• Public hearing: Docket #3843 (17 Brattle Place) and Docket #3845 (319 Appleton Street)

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously to continue the hearing for a special permit at 20 Pond Lane, a nonconforming commercial garage in a residential district, to May 13, 2025, and extended the review period to May 27, 2025. The board also closed hearings for 29 Hemlock St (special permit for an elevator and front door) and 319 Appleton St (special permit for a porch roof), and continued the hearing for 17 Brattle Place (home occupation for a doggy daycare) to May 13, 2025. Administrative items, including decisions on two dockets and meeting minutes, were approved unanimously.

• Continued hearing #3822 20 Pond Lane to 5/13/2025 (5-0)
• Extended review period for #3822 to 5/27/2025 (5-0)
• Closed hearing #3840 29 Hemlock St (5-0)
• Closed hearing #3845 319 Appleton St (5-0)
• Continued hearing #3843 17 Brattle Place to 5/13/2025 (5-0)
• Approved decision for Docket #3839 16 Lansdowne Rd (5-0)
• Approved decision for Docket #3814 16 Henderson St (5-0)
• Approved meeting minutes of 04-08-2024 (5-0)

Board Of Health

The Board of Health will meet to accept previous meeting minutes and receive updates from the Director, Nursing, Environmental, and Restaurant divisions.

Redevelopment Board

The Board will hold a public hearing regarding a special permit to replace a wall sign at 307 Broadway. The meeting also includes continued public hearings for two separate dockets at 821 Massachusetts Ave.

• Public hearing for Docket #3842: proposal to replace wall sign at 307 Broadway
• Continued public hearing for Docket #3798: 821 Massachusetts Ave
• Continued public hearing for Docket #3348: modifications to special permit at 821-837 Massachusetts Ave

The Arlington Redevelopment Board approved a special permit for a larger wall sign at 307 Broadway, allowing a 104-inch-wide sign instead of the bylaw's 78-inch limit, with conditions. The board also continued hearings for two Massachusetts Avenue projects to May 19, 2025, requesting design changes for one and noting grading progress for the other.

• Approved special permit for sign at 307 Broadway, max 104 inches wide, 12 inches from edges (unanimous)
• Continued Docket #3798 (821 Massachusetts Ave) to May 19, 2025, for design revisions (unanimous)
• Continued Docket #3348 (821-837 Massachusetts Ave) to May 19, 2025 (unanimous)

Negotiations Subcommittee: Aea

The Arlington School Committee Negotiations Subcommittee will meet to prepare for contract talks with nonunion personnel and discuss bargaining strategies. The session includes both open and executive portions, with the latter closed to the public for negotiation discussions.

• Executive session to discuss strategy for nonunion personnel negotiations
• Items include AAA, AEA Unit A/C/D, Local 680 (School Bus Operators, Cafeteria Workers, Traffic Supervisors)
• Meeting held at Arlington Public Schools District Office, 14 Mill Brook Drive

Redevelopment Board

The Arlington Redevelopment Board meets to discuss and vote on its report to the 2025 Annual Town Meeting, which includes zoning bylaw amendments such as accessory dwelling units, transportation demand management, and wetland district changes. The Board will also vote on whether to recommend these amendments to Town Meeting.

• Amend zoning bylaw for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to comply with state law, including size limits (≤900 sq ft or ½ principal dwelling) and no owner-occupancy requirements
• Consider Transportation Demand Management Plan changes to reduce vehicle trips
• Delete Inland Wetland Overlay District from zoning bylaw
• Rezone B1 parcels and adopt zoning map changes
• Allow two-family construction by right in R0 and R1 residential zones

The Arlington Redevelopment Board made grammatical and clerical corrections to its draft report for the 2025 Annual Town Meeting and voted unanimously to submit the amended report. The board also agreed to include maps in relevant articles and to list dissenting or abstaining members in the report, but took no other substantive actions.

• Approved submission of amended Board Report to 2025 Annual Town Meeting (unanimous)
• Agreed to include maps in relevant articles, not as exhibits
• Agreed to list dissenting or abstaining members in the report

School Committee Meeting

The School Committee will hold a budget revote for fiscal year 2026 and consider several labor agreements. The body will also discuss the 2025-2026 district calendar and a naming referral for Arlington High School.

• FY26 School Committee's Proposed Budget revote
• Possible vote on Memorandums of Agreement (MOAs) for AAA and Unit C
• Discussion and possible vote on Arlington High School Naming referral to Public Memorials Committee
• Warrant #25224 for $750,208.89
• Possible vote to reappoint John Maher to the Permanent Town Building Committee

The Arlington School Committee approved Memoranda of Agreement for successor contracts with the Arlington Administrators Association and AEA Unit C, both unanimously (6-0). Members also approved an amended FY26 budget with $537,368.30 in reductions, the 2025-2026 district calendar, and the consent agenda. The committee referred the AHS Naming Committee's recommendations to the Community Relations subcommittee for further discussion.

• Approved AAA successor contract MOA (6-0)
• Approved AEA Unit C successor contract MOA (6-0)
• Approved amended FY26 budget with $537,368.30 in reductions (6-0)
• Approved 2025-2026 district calendar (6-0)
• Referred AHS Naming Committee recommendations to Community Relations subcommittee (6-0)
• Approved consent agenda including warrant #25224 for $750,208.89 (6-0)
• Entered Executive Session to discuss collective bargaining and security (6-0)

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold hearings on several property dockets and vote on a decision for 28 Draper St. A primary focus is a continued hearing for a special permit to allow commercial vehicle storage and light construction at 20 Pond Lane.

• Member vote on decision for Docket #3835 (28 Draper St)
• Continued hearing for Docket #3822 (20 Pond Lane) regarding a special permit for commercial garage use
• Hearing for Docket #3836 (103 Thorndike St) regarding a special permit and variance
• Hearing for Docket #3839 (16 Lansdowne Rd)
• Hearing for Docket #3841 (69 Henderson St)

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals held hearings on four dockets. The board continued the 20 Pond Lane special permit hearing to April 22 and extended its review period to May 15, after discussing potential conditions. Hearings for 69 Henderson St and 16 Lansdowne Rd were closed with 5-0 votes to grant special permits. The 103 Thorndike St variance and special permit hearing was continued to May 13.

• Closed hearing for 69 Henderson St porch enclosure special permit (5-0)
• Closed hearing for 16 Lansdowne Rd mudroom special permit (5-0)
• Extended 20 Pond Lane review period to May 15, 2025 (5-0)
• Continued 20 Pond Lane hearing to April 22, 2025 (5-0)
• Continued 103 Thorndike St hearing to May 13, 2025 (4-0)
• Approved Docket #3835 28 Draper St decision (5-0)
• Approved meeting minutes from 03-25-2024 (5-0)

Standing Subcommittee: Sepac

The Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) will review initial survey results. The body will also discuss end-of-year updates, including elections and summer planning.

• Review of initial survey results
• Planning for May meeting regarding Supported Learning Centers (SLCs)
• SEPAC elections
• School Committee meeting engagement
• Summer planning

Negotiations Subcommittee: Cafeteria

The Arlington School Committee Negotiations Subcommittee: Cafeteria is meeting on April 8, 2025, at the Arlington Public Schools District Office. The agenda consists of an open meeting followed by an executive session to conduct strategy sessions and negotiations for various employee units.

• Executive session for collective bargaining strategy and negotiations
• Negotiation discussions for AAA, AEA Unit A, AEA Unit C, AEA Unit D, and Local 680 (School Bus Operators, School Cafeteria Workers, Traffic Supervisors)

Redevelopment Board

The Arlington Redevelopment Board will deliberate and vote on 17 proposed zoning bylaw amendments at its April 7 meeting, including rules for accessory dwelling units, parking reductions, and an affordable housing overlay district. The Board will also review and vote to approve minutes from its March 17 and March 24 meetings.

• Amend zoning for accessory dwelling units (Article 25)
• Amend parking reduction rules for multi-family developments (Article 37)
• Create Affordable Housing Overlay District (Articles 41 & 42)
• Rezone 17 Palmer Street to Neighborhood Multi-Family Housing Overlay District (Article 39)
• Allow two-family construction by right in R0 and R1 residential zones (Article 40)

The Arlington Redevelopment Board held a public hearing on 2025 Annual Town Meeting warrant articles, voting to recommend favorable action on most zoning amendments, including TDM measures, wetland overlay deletion, lot coverage definition, parking changes, and B1 rezoning. The Board voted no action on several articles, including a proposal to require commercial space in mixed-use buildings, a multi-family parking reduction, and a residential district use change. The Board also recommended favorable action on an ADU bylaw amendment and requested Town Counsel review for state law compliance.

• Recommended favorable action on Article 26 (TDM plan) (5-0)
• Recommended favorable action on Articles 27-35 (zoning clarifications, B1 rezoning) (unanimous)
• Recommended no action on Article 36 (no net loss of commercial space) (unanimous)
• Recommended no action on Article 37 (multi-family parking reduction) (unanimous)
• Recommended no action on Article 38 (residential district uses) (4-1)
• Recommended favorable action on Article 39 (17 Palmer St to NMF district) (unanimous)
• Recommended favorable action on Article 40 (two-family by right in R0/R1) (3-2)
• Recommended favorable action on Article 25 (ADU bylaw) with amendment (unanimous)

Select Board Meeting

The Arlington Select Board will hold an organizational meeting to elect a chair and vice chair, hear a Community Preservation Act Committee presentation on FY26 funding recommendations, and vote on several items including authorizing a Statement of Interest for Ottoson Middle School and selecting residential trash cart sizes. The agenda also includes numerous routine approvals such as licenses, appointments, and proclamations.

• Vote to authorize Superintendent to submit Statement of Interest for Ottoson Middle School to Massachusetts School Building Authority
• Vote on residential trash cart size selection
• Community Preservation Act Committee presentation on FY26 projects totaling $2,717,855, including $545,125.50 for McClennen Skate Park and $500,000 for Parmenter Exterior Preservation
• Approval of wine & malt and public entertainment license transfers for Capitol Theatre at 204 Massachusetts Avenue
• Special one-day beer & wine licenses for events at Robbins Memorial Town Hall and Whittemore Robbins House

The Arlington Select Board voted unanimously to authorize the Superintendent to submit a Statement of Interest to the Massachusetts School Building Authority for the Ottoson Middle School, citing building deficiencies. The board also selected a 64-gallon residential trash cart for the new waste contract in a 3-2 vote, and denied a new alcohol license application due to lack of available licenses.

• Authorized SOI submission for Ottoson Middle School to MSBA (5-0)
• Selected 64-gallon residential trash cart (3-2)
• Denied all-alcohol package store license for Arlington Center Fine Wines (5-0)
• Approved wine/malt and entertainment license transfers for Capitol Theatre (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda with administrative changes (5-0)
• Appointed Michael Alogna to Veterans Council (5-0)
• Appointed Susan Gibbons to Council on Aging (5-0)
• Appointed Thomas DeFreitas as Poet Laureate (5-0)

School Committee Organizational Meeting

The Arlington School Committee will hold its organizational meeting to swear in new members and elect a new Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary. The committee will also vote on subcommittee and liaison assignments for 2025-2026, authorize the Chair to sign payroll warrants, and review committee standards and norms.

• Nomination and Election for Office of Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary
• Vote to Approve Committee & Liaison Assignments for 2025-2026
• Vote on Authorization of Chair (and alternative) to Sign Payroll Warrant
• Review of Policy BDA-E: Standards and Norms of the Arlington School Committee
• Reading of Policy BEDL Land Acknowledgement

The Arlington School Committee held its organizational meeting and elected Jane Morgan as Chair, Laura Gitelson as Vice Chair, and Paul Schlichtman as Secretary, all by unanimous 7-0 votes. The committee also approved committee and liaison assignments and authorized the Warrant Committee to sign the payroll warrant. No substantive policy decisions were made; the meeting was procedural.

• Elected Jane Morgan as Chair (7-0)
• Elected Laura Gitelson as Vice Chair (7-0)
• Elected Paul Schlichtman as Secretary (7-0)
• Approved Committee and Liaison Assignments (7-0)
• Authorized Warrant Committee to sign Payroll Warrant (7-0)

Standing Subcommittee: Accountablity/Curriculum

The Curriculum Instruction Accountability and Assessment Subcommittee will receive a presentation on the structure and impact of Student Support Teams (SST) in Arlington Public Schools. The body will also review minutes from January and March 2025 meetings.

• Presentation on Student Support Teams (SST) structure, process, and impact
• Discussion of next steps including a June 2025 individual school needs assessment
• Approval of meeting minutes from 1-17-2025
• Approval of meeting minutes from 3-12-2025

School Committee Special Meeting

The School Committee met to discuss and vote on a Statement of Interest (SOI) for the Ottoson Middle School. The body voted 7-0 to authorize the Superintendent to submit the SOI to the Massachusetts School Building Authority.

• Unanimous 7-0 vote to submit Statement of Interest for Ottoson Middle School at 63 Acton Street
• SOI cites needs for replacement or addition to obsolete buildings
• SOI cites needs for replacement, renovation, or modernization of roofs, windows, boilers, and HVAC systems
• Reference to Capital Needs Assessment estimating 20-year costs at $12,929,830 in current dollars

Conservation Commission Meeting

The Arlington Conservation Commission is meeting on April 3, 2025, to discuss administrative updates, various committee reports, and public hearings. A notable continued public hearing centers on a Notice of Intent for 15 Ryder Street to construct a brewery and beer garden. The agenda also includes discussions on enforcement orders, certificates of compliance, and correspondence.

• Continued public hearing for DEP #091-0368: Notice of Intent for 15 Ryder Street to construct a 960 square-foot addition and 2,630 square-foot beer garden with a 4,636 square-foot reduction in impervious surfaces
• Continued public hearing for DEP #091-0367: Notice of Intent for 995 Massachusetts Avenue (expected to be continued to May 1st, 2025)
• Certificate of Compliance Reissuance for 65 Spy Pond Lane
• Enforcement Order for 335 Mystic Street

The Commission unanimously approved an amended Enforcement Order for 335 Mystic Street requiring removal of construction debris, planting of 25 sumac plants, and a commitment to no further cutting within 100 feet of the lake by July 1, 2025. The Commission also closed the hearing and issued an Order of Conditions for a brewery and beer garden at 15 Ryder Street, with conditions on pesticide use, snow storage, and weekly trash removal. A hearing for 995 Massachusetts Avenue was continued to April 17, 2025.

• Approved amended Enforcement Order for 335 Mystic Street (5-0)
• Closed hearing and issued Order of Conditions for 15 Ryder Street brewery (5-0)
• Continued hearing for 995 Massachusetts Avenue to April 17, 2025 (5-0)
• Approved minutes from six prior meetings as edited (5-0)

School Committee Meeting

The Arlington School Committee will discuss and possibly vote on submitting a Statement of Interest (SOI) to the Massachusetts School Building Authority for the Ottoson Middle School, citing building system deficiencies and potential replacement. The meeting also includes a Transportation Advisory Committee presentation, K-12 ELA report, math curriculum update, and the superintendent's report on hiring, grants, and enrollment.

• Vote on Ottoson Middle School SOI to MSBA for potential replacement or renovation
• Transportation Advisory Committee presentation
• K-12 ELA report
• Math curriculum and pathways presentation
• Consent agenda: minutes and domestic overnight field trip approval

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a continued public hearing on Docket #3835 for 28 Draper Ave, where the owners seek a special permit and variance to relocate an existing barn and attach it to the house to create an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). The board will also vote on approving meeting minutes from March 11, 2025, and a corrected page for Docket #3802 at 296 Washington St.

• Continued hearing for special permit (SP-24-36) and variance (V-25-1) at 28 Draper Ave to create an ADU
• Vote on meeting minutes from 03-11-2025
• Vote on corrected date/page for Docket #3802 at 296 Washington St

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals voted 5-0 to close the continued hearing for 28 Draper Street and grant a special permit under zoning bylaw 8.1.1 A for non-conforming uses and structures. The board also approved the minutes from 03-11-2024 by a 5-0 vote. A discussion about correcting a date error in the 296 Washington Street decision was tabled to the next meeting pending legal counsel input.

• Approved meeting minutes 03-11-2024 (5-0)
• Closed hearing #3835 28 Draper Street and granted special permit (5-0)
• Tabled correction of 296 Washington Street decision to next meeting

Redevelopment Board

The Arlington Redevelopment Board will meet to review meeting minutes, continue public hearings on special permits and environmental design reviews for 15 Ryder St and 821-837 Massachusetts Ave, and hold a public hearing on 2025 Annual Town Meeting warrant articles regarding zoning amendments.

• Public Hearing: Docket #3838, 15 Ryder St (Special Permits and Environmental Design Review)
• Public Hearing: Docket #3348, 821-837 Massachusetts Ave (Modifications to Special Permit)
• Public Hearing: Warrant Articles for 2025 Annual Town Meeting (Articles 32, 33, 34, 35, 39, 41, and 42)

The Arlington Redevelopment Board approved a special permit for Arlington Brewing Company at 15 Ryder Street, allowing a brewery, taproom, and restaurant in a renovated building. The approval includes conditions on lighting, parking, queuing, and outdoor music. The Board also voted to modify a special permit condition for 821 Mass Ave after the building was demolished by order of the Building Commissioner, and discussed several warrant articles for the 2025 Annual Town Meeting.

• Approved special permit for brewery/restaurant at 15 Ryder St (4-1)
• Approved modification to 2009 special permit for 821 Mass Ave demolition (unanimous)
• Continued Docket 3348 (821 Mass Ave) to April 14, 2025 (unanimous)
• Continued warrant article hearing to April 7, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved March 10, 2025 meeting minutes as amended (unanimous)

Select Board Meeting

The Select Board will discuss a proposal for a temporary public art timeline on Mass Ave sidewalks and review several warrant articles. The meeting also includes renewals for outdoor dining and sidewalk cafe applications.

• Proposed $11,750 public art installation featuring 25 stenciled squares on Mass Ave sidewalks
• Outdoor dining and sidewalk cafe renewals for 17 businesses including Breadboard Bakery and Tryst
• Discussion and approval of an overnight parking pilot
• Review of Article 15 (Senior Citizen Property Tax Exemption) and Article 16 (Package Store Licenses)
• Approval of Activity and Use Limitation and Grant of Easement for 51 Grove Street

Negotiations Subcommittee: Cafeteria

The Arlington School Committee's Negotiations Subcommittee for Cafeteria is meeting to conduct strategy sessions and collective bargaining discussions with nonunion personnel and several union units, including school bus operators, cafeteria workers, and traffic supervisors. The meeting is an executive session, meaning it is closed to the public, and is scheduled for March 24, 2025, at the District Office.

• Executive session for strategy in negotiations with nonunion personnel
• Collective bargaining discussions with AAA, AEA Unit A, AEA Unit C, AEA Unit D
• Negotiations with Local 680: School Bus Operators, School Cafeteria Workers, Traffic Supervisors

Conservation Commission Meeting

The Arlington Conservation Commission will discuss forest restoration plans for Symmes Woods and vote on a management plan to remove invasive species and replant natives. It will also hold a public hearing on a wetlands permit for a brewery and beer garden at 15 Ryder Street, including a 960 sq ft building addition and 2,630 sq ft beer garden.

• Symmes Woods Forest Management Plan vote (invasive species removal and native replanting)
• Public hearing for brewery and beer garden at 15 Ryder Street under Wetlands Protection Act
• Enforcement orders for 335 Mystic Street and 66-66R Dudley Street/993 Massachusetts Avenue
• Filing fees: $2,787.10 (bylaw) + $387.50 (town share) + $362.50 (state share) for 15 Ryder Street NOI

The Arlington Conservation Commission amended enforcement orders for 66-66R Dudley Street and 993 Massachusetts Avenue, requiring draft restoration plans that include fill removal to original grade, plantings, and an O&M plan by May 8, 2025. The Commission also approved the summary approach for the Symmes Woods Forest Management Plan and continued the 15 Ryder Street hearing to April 3rd.

• Amended 66-66R Dudley Street Enforcement Order to require restoration plan by May 8, 2025 (unanimous)
• Amended 993 Massachusetts Ave Enforcement Order to require restoration plan by May 8, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved summary approach for Symmes Woods Forest Management Plan, requesting detailed plan (unanimous)
• Continued 15 Ryder Street NOI hearing to April 3, 2025 (unanimous)

School Committee Special Meeting

The Arlington School Committee meets to discuss and vote on the superintendent's proposed $103.6 million FY26 operating budget, a quarterly finance update, and job descriptions for two positions. The budget reflects a 7.37% increase from the prior year, including a $1.7M allocation from the 2023 override.

• FY26 Superintendent's Proposed Budget: $103,630,672 operating budget
• Finance Report #3: Quarterly budget update
• Approval of job descriptions for Co COM JD and EA JD positions

Standing Subcommittee: Budget

The Arlington School Committee's Budget Subcommittee is meeting to receive updates on the FY24, FY25, and FY26 proposed budgets, and to plan future subcommittee meetings. The agenda includes standard items like approval of minutes and old/new business. No specific dollar amounts or decisions are listed.

• Update on FY24
• Update on FY25
• Update on FY26 proposed budget
• Planning for future Budget Subcommittee Meetings
• Approval of Minutes

The Budget Subcommittee reviewed draft slides for a Finance Committee presentation on the FY26 proposed budget and suggested changes. The presentation is scheduled for March 24, 2025. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was procedural.

• Reviewed draft FinCom presentation slides and suggested changes
• Scheduled FinCom presentation for 3/24/25 at 8pm
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Negotiations Subcommittee: Aea

The Arlington School Committee Negotiations Subcommittee will hold an executive session to prepare for contract negotiations with nonunion personnel and discuss strategy for AEA Unit C negotiations. The meeting is closed to the public under state law.

• AEA Unit C negotiations discussion in executive session

Redevelopment Board

The Arlington Redevelopment Board will hold public hearings on a continued special permit application for 1323 Massachusetts Ave and on six citizen-petition zoning articles for the 2025 Annual Town Meeting. The board will review and discuss proposed amendments covering commercial space requirements, parking reductions for multi-family housing, business uses in residential districts, two-family construction by right, public shade trees, and an affordable housing overlay. Public comment will be accepted during the hearing.

• Continued public hearing for Docket #3831, 1323 Massachusetts Ave, for special permit and environmental design review
• Article 36: minimum 60% ground-floor non-residential space in mixed-use developments
• Article 37: parking reduction options for multi-family developments, including cargo bike parking standards
• Article 40: allow two-family construction by right in R0 and R1 residential zones
• Article 44: establish affordable housing overlay district for as-of-right multi-family housing

The Arlington Redevelopment Board held public hearings on six warrant articles for the 2025 Annual Town Meeting, discussing proposals on commercial space protection, parking reductions, business uses in residential zones, two-family construction, shade trees, and an affordable housing overlay. No final votes were taken on the articles; the hearings were continued to March 24, 2025. The Board also continued Docket #3831 (1323 Massachusetts Ave) to May 5, 2025, and noted the Building Commissioner's order to immediately demolish the Atwood House at 821 Mass Ave due to health and safety risks.

• Continued Docket #3831 (1323 Massachusetts Ave) to May 5, 2025 (unanimous)
• Continued public hearing on warrant articles to March 24, 2025 (unanimous)
• Discussed Article 36 (No Net Loss of Commercial Space) - no vote
• Discussed Article 37 (Multi-Family Parking Reduction) - no vote
• Discussed Article 38 (Use Regulations for Residential Districts) - no vote
• Discussed Article 40 (Two-Family Construction by Right in R0/R1) - no vote
• Discussed Article 43 (Public Shade Trees) - no vote
• Discussed Article 44 (Affordable Housing Overlay) - no vote

Select Board Meeting

The Arlington Select Board will meet on March 17, 2025, to consider 15 bylaw amendments and home-rule petitions, including changes to town employee holidays, historical commission inventory, canine control rules, and ranked-choice voting. The board will also review a license name change for a package store, updates on Park Avenue, and a statement of interest in the MSBA’s Accelerated Repair Program.

• Reappointments to Elderly & Disabled Tax Relief Committee (Michael Quinn, Jim Munsey)
• Package Store License DBA Name Change for Roshani 1 Enterprise (137 Massachusetts Avenue)
• Bylaw Amendment: Observance of Town Employee Holidays (Article 9)
• Bylaw Amendment: Canine Control Rules (Article 8)
• Home Rule Petition: Ranked Choice Voting (Article 18)

The Select Board voted 4-0 to recommend favorable action on 10 warrant articles for the upcoming Town Meeting, covering topics from holiday closures to school bus cameras. The board also approved a license name change, reappointments, and a grant agreement, and received updates on Park Avenue safety improvements and a Hardy School electrification project.

• Approved favorable action on 10 warrant articles (4-0)
• Approved package store license DBA change to 'Mass Ave Wine and Spirits' (4-0)
• Approved Statement of Interest for MSBA Accelerated Repair Program for Hardy School (4-0)
• Approved reappointments to Elderly & Disabled Tax Relief Committee (4-0)
• Approved Boston MPO Community Connections Grant acceptance and MOA (4-0)
• Confirmed 1972 liquor license granted to 125 Broadway (4-0)
• Approved future meeting dates for April through June 2025 (4-0)
• Approved favorable action on articles 6, 8, 12 (4-0)

Negotiations Subcommittee: Traffic Supervisors

The Arlington School Committee’s Negotiations Subcommittee will meet to discuss contract negotiations with LOCAL 680 for traffic supervisors, bus drivers, and cafeteria staff. The meeting is open to the public and will be held in person at the Arlington Public Schools District Office. No specific decisions are listed on the agenda.

School Committee Special Meeting

The Arlington School Committee will hold a special meeting to discuss and possibly vote on the FY2026 Superintendent's proposed budget. The meeting is open to the public in person, via Zoom, and on local cable station ACMI.

• FY2026 Superintendent's Proposed Budget - Possible Vote for Approval

The Arlington School Committee voted unanimously to authorize the Superintendent to submit a Statement of Interest (SOI) to the Massachusetts School Building Authority for the Hardy School, seeking up to 43% reimbursement for eligible costs to replace major building systems. The committee also closed the public hearing on the FY26 budget, approved two warrants totaling $1,299,505.84, and discussed the proposed budget and capital projects. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Authorized submission of SOI for Hardy School to MSBA (7-0)
• Closed public hearing on FY26 budget (7-0)
• Approved Warrant #25206, $501,921.15 (7-0)
• Approved Warrant #25213, $797,584.69 (7-0)
• Entered executive session for negotiations (7-0)
• Adjourned meeting (7-0)

School Committee Regular Meeting

The School Committee will conduct a public hearing and discussion regarding the Superintendent's proposed budget for fiscal year 2026. The meeting also includes presentations on student mentoring and school repair programs.

• Public hearing on the FY26 Superintendent's Proposed School Budget
• Presentation on SOI's Accelerated Repair Program
• Warrant #25206 for $501,921.15
• Warrant #25213 for $797,584.69
• Presentation on AHS/Stratton Student Mentor Program

The Arlington School Committee voted unanimously to authorize the Superintendent to submit a Statement of Interest (SOI) to the Massachusetts School Building Authority for the Hardy School, seeking funding for major system repairs and decarbonization. The committee also closed the public hearing on the FY26 budget, approved two warrants totaling $1,299,505.84, and discussed the proposed budget and capital projects. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Authorized SOI submission for Hardy School repairs (7-0)
• Closed FY26 budget public hearing (7-0)
• Approved Warrant #25206, $501,921.15 (7-0)
• Approved Warrant #25213, $797,584.69 (7-0)

Standing Subcommittee: Budget

The Standing Subcommittee on Budget will discuss updates for fiscal years 2024 and 2025 and review the proposed FY26 budget. The body will also plan for future subcommittee meetings.

• Review of the FY26 school district operating budget of $103,630,672
• Discussion of FY24 and FY25 budget updates
• Review of proposed social worker and reading specialist allocations by school
• Planning for future Budget Subcommittee meetings

The Budget Subcommittee discussed the draft FY26 proposed budget in detail, covering staffing levels, federal funding risks, and contingency planning. No formal votes were taken on the budget itself. The subcommittee scheduled a follow-up meeting in one week to review the FinComm presentation.

• Scheduled next meeting in 1 week to review FinComm presentation
• Adjourned meeting (3-0-0)

Standing Subcommittee: Accountablity/Curriculum

The Arlington School Committee Curriculum Instruction Accountability and Assessment subcommittee will hold a remote meeting via Zoom on March 12, 2025. The agenda consists of opening the meeting, discussing a job description, considering the approval of that job description, and adjourning.

• Discussion of a job description
• Approval of a job description

The Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment & Accountability Subcommittee met and reviewed a job description for a shared administrative assistant supporting the Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent, and School Committee. They provided feedback to the Superintendent. No formal votes or decisions were taken; the meeting was procedural and adjourned after the review.

• Reviewed shared administrative assistant job description and provided feedback to Superintendent

Negotiations Subcommittee: Aaa

The Arlington School Committee's Negotiations Subcommittee is meeting to conduct strategy sessions and collective bargaining discussions regarding nonunion personnel. The entire substantive portion of the meeting is an executive session, closed to the public, with only the opening and adjournment in open session. No specific contract terms or proposals are listed on the agenda.

• Executive session for strategy in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel
• Executive session to discuss collective bargaining or litigation strategy
• AAA Negotiations Discussion
• Hybrid meeting format

Board Of Health

The Arlington Board of Health is meeting to accept minutes from prior meetings and receive updates from department directors on health, nursing, environmental, and restaurant matters. The agenda is largely procedural, with no public hearings or major decisions scheduled.

• Acceptance of meeting minutes from December 18, 2024 and January 29, 2025
• Director updates on staffing and department operations
• Nursing updates on community health programs
• Environmental health updates on permits and inspections
• Restaurant updates on food establishment permits

The Arlington Board of Health unanimously approved minutes from December 18, 2024, and January 29, 2025. The board also welcomed new Director of Public Health Kylee Foley, who provided updates on the Community Health Improvement Plan, the upcoming gas leaf blower ban for commercial operators, and restaurant inspections. No substantive policy decisions were made beyond the minutes approvals.

• Approved minutes from December 18, 2024 (3-0)
• Approved minutes from January 29, 2025 (3-0)

Negotiations Subcommittee: Unit C

The Arlington School Committee Negotiations Subcommittee: Unit C will hold an open meeting followed by an executive session on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at the Arlington Public Schools District Office. The agenda consists of conducting strategy sessions and contract negotiations regarding AEA Unit C negotiations in executive session.

• Executive session for strategy sessions and contract negotiations with AEA Unit C

Standing Subcommittee: Sepac

The Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) is meeting to develop action plans through Fall 2025. The discussion will focus on disability justice, inclusion, and digital accessibility.

• Action planning for Disability Justice & Inclusion
• Action planning for Digital Accessibility

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a remote meeting on March 11, 2025, to vote on minutes from prior meetings and continue hearings on three property applications. Two hearings involve continued discussions on special permit requests at 20 Pond Lane and 39 Woodside Lane, while a third addresses a variance and special permit application at 28 Draper Street.

• Docket #3822: Special permit for 20 Pond Lane (continued hearing)
• Docket #3830: Continued hearing for 39 Woodside Lane
• Docket #3835: Variance and special permit for 28 Draper Street

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals met remotely and approved six sets of prior meeting minutes, all by 5-0 votes. The board continued three public hearings: 20 Pond Lane to April 8, 39 Woodside Lane to May 13, and 28 Draper Street to March 25, all by 5-0 votes. No final decisions were made on any applications.

• Approved meeting minutes from 11-26-2024 (5-0)
• Approved meeting minutes from 12-10-2024 (5-0)
• Approved meeting minutes from 01-14-2025 (5-0)
• Approved meeting minutes from 01-28-2025 (5-0)
• Approved meeting minutes from 02-11-2025 (5-0)
• Approved meeting minutes from 02-25-2025 (5-0)
• Continued hearing #3822 20 Pond Lane to 4/8/2025 (5-0)
• Continued hearing #3830 39 Woodside Lane to 5/13/2025 (5-0)

Select Board Meeting

The Arlington Select Board meets to review the second-quarter FY2025 financial report, approve contractor licenses, and discuss several permits and bylaw amendments. The board will also hear updates on town events and consider home-rule petitions.

• FY2025 Q2 budget report reviewed with motor-vehicle excise at 14% and meals tax at 75%
• Contractor drainlayer licenses for Robert J. Devereaux Corp. (Malden) and Rapid Flow Inc. (Chelsea)
• Special one-day beer & wine licenses for Arlington Center for the Arts ($3/29) and Beats for Fundraiser ($3/22)
• Package store license DBA name change for Mass Ave Wine and Spirits (137 Massachusetts Ave)
• Wine and malt alcohol license amendment for Makalu Nepali & Indian Cuisine (352A Massachusetts Ave)

The Board approved 12 parking permits and a temporary loading zone for Watermill Place residents during a construction project. It also approved several warrant articles, including one on ranked choice voting (2-1), and tabled a package store license name change. The FY2025 Q2 financial report was received.

• Approved 12 parking permits for Watermill Place residents (4-0)
• Approved temporary loading zone on Lowell Street until 11/1/2025 (4-0)
• Approved favorable action on ranked choice voting Home Rule petition (2-1)
• Approved favorable action on rodenticide Home Rule petition (4-0)
• Approved favorable action on real estate transfer Home Rule petition (3-0)
• Tabled package store license name change to next meeting
• Tabled Article 9 (employee holidays) to 3/17/2025
• Tabled Article 15 (senior property tax exemption) to 3/24/2025

Redevelopment Board

The Arlington Redevelopment Board will hold public hearings on two continued special permit applications at 821 and 821-837 Massachusetts Ave, and will hear proposed zoning amendments for the 2025 Annual Town Meeting, including articles on accessory dwelling units, transportation demand management, and deleting the Inland Wetland Overlay District. The board will also review and vote on meeting minutes from February 24, 2025.

• Public hearing: Docket #3798, 821 Massachusetts Ave (special permit and environmental design review)
• Public hearing: Docket #3348, 821-837 Massachusetts Ave (modifications to existing special permit)
• Article 25: Zoning amendment on accessory dwelling units (as-of-right or special permit)
• Article 26: Zoning amendment on transportation demand management plans
• Article 27: Zoning amendment to delete Inland Wetland Overlay District

The Arlington Redevelopment Board continued the public hearing for the proposed mixed-use building at 821 Massachusetts Ave (Docket #3798) to April 14, 2025, after discussing design revisions. The Board also continued the demolition hearing for the existing house (Docket #3348) to March 24, 2025, without approving demolition. Additionally, the Board discussed warrant articles for the 2025 Annual Town Meeting, including deleting the Inland Wetland Overlay District, updating Accessory Dwelling Unit regulations, and revising Transportation Demand Management requirements, but took no final votes on these articles.

• Continued Docket #3798, 821 Massachusetts Ave, to April 14, 2025 (unanimous)
• Continued Docket #3348, 821-837 Massachusetts Ave, to March 24, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved February 24, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Continued warrant article hearings to March 17, 2025 (unanimous)

Conservation Commission Meeting

The Conservation Commission will hold public hearings regarding a multifamily development on Dorothy Road and a restoration plan for 40 Park Avenue. The body will also discuss park restoration and various committee updates.

• Public hearing for Thorndike Place multifamily development on Dorothy Road
• Review of Restoration Plan for 40 Park Avenue and 1293-1305 Massachusetts Avenue involving 12 trees, 8 shrubs, and 30 groundcover plants
• Discussion on Menotomy Rocks Park Wood Frog Restoration Project
• Administrative report on National Flood Insurance Program Compliance
• Updates from the Tree Committee and Water Bodies Working Group

Negotiations Subcommittee: Unit C

The Negotiations Subcommittee for Unit C will meet to conduct collective bargaining and contract negotiations. The meeting includes an executive session to discuss strategy regarding AEA Unit C negotiations.

• AEA Unit C Negotiations

School Committee Meeting

The Arlington School Committee will discuss and possibly vote on several policies (BEDH, JC, JC-E, KI), review the superintendent's proposed FY26 budget, and take a first read on school calendars for the next three years. The meeting also includes public comment, a building tour, and an executive session for negotiations with unions.

• Discussion and possible vote on policies BEDH (public comment), JC (student assignment/buffer zones), JC-E, and KI
• First read of SY25-26, SY26-27, SY27-28 district calendars
• Superintendent's proposed FY26 budget presentation
• Consent agenda: warrant #25192 for $1,170,342.79
• Executive session for collective bargaining with unions (AAA, AEA, Local 680)

The Arlington School Committee unanimously approved Policy BEDH and Policy KI, and the Competency Determination as presented. The Superintendent's FY26 proposed budget was presented for discussion, with a public hearing scheduled for March 13 and a vote tentatively set for March 20. The committee also reviewed the first read of school calendars, which will be brought back for a second read on March 27.

• Approved Policy BEDH with amendments (6-0)
• Approved Policy KI as modified (6-0)
• Approved Competency Determination as presented (6-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda including warrant #25192 and Feb 13 minutes (6-0)
• Entered Executive Session for negotiations (6-0)
• Adjourned (6-0)

Standing Subcommittee: Budget

The Arlington School Committee Budget Subcommittee will review the proposed FY26 General Fund budget and receive updates on FY25. The meeting includes a detailed review of department summaries, program costs, and position control.

• Proposed FY26 General Fund Budget total of $103,630,672
• Proposed FY26 Special Education budget of $19,389,651
• Proposed FY26 High School department budget of $18,655,515
• Proposed FY26 Ottoson department budget of $11,938,320
• Review of FY26 General Fund Department and Program Summaries

The Arlington School Committee's Budget Subcommittee met to review the proposed FY26 budget, discussing challenges such as a prior CFO departure and account restructuring. No formal decisions were made; the only votes were to approve prior meeting minutes and adjourn. The subcommittee plans to continue budget discussions in future meetings.

• Approved minutes from 10/10/24, 11/13/24, and 12/10/24 (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Negotiations Subcommittee: Aea

The Arlington School Committee's Negotiations Subcommittee is meeting to discuss AEA Unit C negotiations. The meeting will be held in executive session, meaning the public portion is limited to opening and adjournment. This is a strategy session for collective bargaining with nonunion personnel.

• Executive session for AEA Unit C negotiations discussion
• Meeting held at Arlington Public Schools District Office, 14 Mill Brook Drive
• Open meeting portion led by R. Spiegel

Standing Subcommittee: Facilities

The Arlington School Committee’s Facilities Subcommittee will receive an update on the district’s 2025 Facilities and Technology Plan, including priorities for Ottoson Middle School renovation, classroom cooling projects, and accessibility reviews. The meeting will also consider approving January 8, 2025, meeting minutes.

• Ottoson Middle School full renovation planning via MSBA Statement of Intent (SOI) process
• Classroom cooling upgrades prioritized for Thompson and Bishop schools, with estimated costs around $800,000 per building
• ADA accessibility reviews for Hardy and other schools in 2025-2026, with follow-up improvements
• Classroom furniture and equipment refresh with projected cost of $14,000 per room
• Tech upgrades for Ottoson, Dallin, Gibbs, and Thompson schools

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

The Zoning Board of Appeals will consider a special permit and variance application for 28 Draper Ave. The proposal seeks to relocate an existing barn and attach it to the main house to create an accessory dwelling unit for an elderly family member.

• Special Permit and Variance application for 28 Draper Ave (Docket #3835)
• Proposal to create an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) by relocating and attaching an existing barn

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals continued the public hearing for a special permit and variance at 28 Draper Street to March 11, 2025, voting 5-0. The applicants propose adding an accessory dwelling unit by relocating and attaching the existing barn to the house, which would create a new rear setback non-conformity. The board will consult the Building Inspector and Legal Department on historic building and variance precedence before deciding.

• Continued hearing #3835 for 28 Draper St to 3/11/2025 (5-0)

Select Board Meeting

The Arlington Select Board will consider several consent agenda items, including appointments, special one-day beer and wine licenses, and Arlington's 250th commemoration banners. They will also discuss removing parking signs on Mass Ave. in Arlington Heights and a proposed safety zone for the business district. The board will hold hearings on multiple warrant articles for Town Meeting, covering bylaw amendments and revolving funds.

• Removal of certain parking signs on Mass Ave. in Arlington Heights
• Arlington Heights Business District Proposed Safety Zone
• Warrant article hearings: Article 6 (Town Meeting procedural rules), Article 7 (Energy Efficiency and Electrification Revolving Fund), Article 8 (Canine Control), Article 9 (Town Employee Holidays), Article 10 (Poet Laureate), Article 22 (CDBG application endorsement), Article 23 (Revolving Funds), Article 24 (Revolving Fund / 17 Irving Street)
• Special one-day beer and wine licenses for events at Robbins Memorial Town Hall and Robbins Library
• Appointments to Transportation Advisory Committee and Disability Commission

The Select Board unanimously approved two 20 mph safety zones in the Arlington Heights Business District, one on Massachusetts Avenue from Lancaster Road to 100 feet north of Daniels Street, and one on Park Avenue from 25 feet west of Downing Square to 100 feet above the Wollaston Avenue intersection. The board also approved consent agenda items, appointments, removal of two parking signs on Mass Ave, and gave favorable action on several warrant articles, tabling the Town Employee Holidays article to March 10.

• Approved consent agenda: meeting minutes, 250th commemoration banners, TAC appointment, three one-day beer & wine licenses (5-0)
• Approved Laura Gerson to Disability Commission, term to 01/31/2028 (5-0)
• Approved Ofer Mazor to Transportation Advisory Committee, term to 01/31/2028 (5-0)
• Approved removal of two 'No Parking' signs on Mass Ave near 1347 Mass Ave (5-0)
• Approved safety zone on Massachusetts Ave from Lancaster Rd to 100' north of Daniels St (5-0)
• Approved safety zone on Park Ave from 25' west of Downing Sq to 100' above Wollaston Ave intersection (5-0)
• Voted favorable action on Warrant Articles 6, 7, 8, 10, 22, 23, 24 (5-0 each)
• Tabled Warrant Article 9 (Town Employee Holidays) to 3/10/2025 meeting (5-0)

Redevelopment Board

The Arlington Redevelopment Board will hold public hearings on a special permit for a brewery and restaurant at 15 Ryder St and on several zoning warrant articles for the 2025 Annual Town Meeting, including amendments on lot coverage, parking, screening, and board jurisdiction. The board will also discuss the B1 Rezoning warrant article and review meeting minutes.

• Public hearing for Special Permit Docket #3838 by ABC Beer Inc dba Arlington Brewing Company for a brewery and restaurant at 15 Ryder St
• Warrant Article 28: Zoning Bylaw amendment to add definition of Lot Coverage
• Warrant Article 29: Amendment to clarify parking location standards in Residential districts
• Warrant Article 30: Amendment to combine and clarify screening and buffer requirements
• Warrant Article 31: Amendment to revise special permit applicability for properties abutting Minuteman Bikeway

The Arlington Redevelopment Board voted unanimously to continue the public hearing for Docket #3838, the Arlington Brewing Company's proposal at 15 Ryder Street, to March 24, 2025. The board also continued hearings on four zoning warrant articles for the 2025 Annual Town Meeting to March 10, 2025. No final decisions were made on the brewery application or the warrant articles.

• Continued Docket #3838, 15 Ryder St brewery application to March 24, 2025 (unanimous)
• Continued warrant article hearings to March 10, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved February 10, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Discussed Articles 28-31, no votes taken
• Scheduled warrant article hearings for March 10, 17, 24, and April 7

Conservation Commission Meeting

The Arlington Conservation Commission will hold public hearings on two wetland-related applications: a Notice of Intent for parking lot reconstruction at 995 Massachusetts Avenue and a Request for Determination of Applicability for porch alterations at 69 Henderson Street. The commission will also discuss several topics including the Mystic to Minuteman Bikeway, water bodies, CPA liaison, tree committee, and Symmes Conservation Restriction.

• Public hearing on Notice of Intent for parking lot reconstruction at 995 Massachusetts Avenue (Mill Brook Condominium), involving buffer zone and riverfront area to Mill Brook
• Public hearing on Request for Determination of Applicability for porch and steps alteration at 69 Henderson Street within 200-foot riverfront area
• Discussion of Mystic to Minuteman Bikeway working session
• Discussion of Symmes Conservation Restriction
• Review of meeting minutes

The Arlington Conservation Commission approved a Negative Determination of Applicability for a porch enclosure at 69 Henderson Street, finding no change in impervious surface. The Commission continued the Notice of Intent hearing for parking lot reconstruction at 995 Massachusetts Avenue to April 3, 2025, to address stormwater, vegetation, and wetland delineation concerns. The Commission also discussed the Mystic to Minuteman Bikeway project, expressing concerns about river buffer impacts and requesting mitigation.

• Approved minutes from 2/6/25 as edited (5-0)
• Issued Negative Determination of Applicability for 69 Henderson Street porch project (5-0)
• Continued Notice of Intent hearing for 995 Massachusetts Avenue parking lot to April 3, 2025 (5-0)

School Committee Meeting

The Arlington School Committee will hold a regular meeting with public comment, followed by discussions and possible approvals on several items. Key topics include a proposed student trip to France in April 2027, changes to Policy EDE, a discussion on competency determination, and an overview of budget changes for FY26. The committee will also receive updates from the superintendent on administrative hiring, grants, enrollment, and the strategic plan, and will enter executive session for negotiations with nonunion personnel and collective bargaining units.

• Discussion and possible approval of France trip for April 2027 (Paris, Strasbourg, Lyon)
• FY26 budget changes overview and FY24 end-of-year report
• Policy EDE changes discussion
• Consent agenda includes warrant #25181 for $431,285.89
• Executive session for negotiations with nonunion personnel and collective bargaining units (AAA, AEA Unit A, C, D, Local 680)

The Arlington School Committee approved a 2027 France trip for French students, adopted changes to Policy EDE, and added a special meeting for budget approval. The FY26 budget was previewed with a proposed $103.6M town allocation, but final approval is scheduled for March 20. All votes were unanimous (7-0).

• Approved overnight trip to France, April 2027 (7-0)
• Waived first read and moved Policy EDE to second read (7-0)
• Approved and adopted changes to Policy EDE (7-0)
• Added special School Committee meeting on March 20, 2025 (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda including warrant #25181, Jan 23 minutes, Japan trip (7-0)
• Voted to enter executive session for negotiations (7-0)

Standing Subcommittee: Budget

The Arlington School Committee's Budget Subcommittee is meeting to review updates on the FY24 and FY25 budgets and to discuss the proposed FY26 budget, including a debrief from a budget forum. They will also discuss periodic financial reports, the long-range plan, and rental fees. The meeting is open to the public via Zoom.

• Update on FY24 Budget
• Update on FY25 Budget
• Review of FY26 Proposed Budget
• Discussion about Periodic Financial Reports
• Update on Rental Fees

The Budget Subcommittee discussed the FY26 proposed budget, noting data cleanup needed in MUNIS and recommending pushing the OMS SOI submission to the last possible date. No formal votes were taken on budget items; the meeting was procedural, with updates on FY24 and FY25 finances and planning for future meetings.

• Recommended pushing OMS SOI submission to last possible date
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Select Board Meeting

The Arlington Select Board will vote on selling a $174,275 interest-free sewer bond to the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) for sewer inflow and infiltration reduction, funded by a 2024 Town Meeting authorization. The board will also review general obligation bonds, approve several licenses (beer/wine, common victualler, drainlayer), accept funds and capital contributions, and set early voting for the April 5 town election. The agenda includes routine items like minutes, appointments, and a town manager evaluation.

• Approval of $174,275 sewer bond sale to MWRA, interest-free over 10 years, with $522,825 grant expected
• Review and approval of general obligation bonds
• Special one-day beer & wine licenses for Whittemore Robbins House (2/22/2025) and Lesley Ellis School (4/5/2025)
• Common victualler license for Haveli Indian Cuisine at 464 Massachusetts Avenue
• Removal of certain parking signs on Mystic Street

Negotiations Subcommittee: Aaa

The Arlington School Committee's Negotiations Subcommittee is meeting to discuss AAA negotiations, likely in executive session. The agenda lists strategy sessions for collective bargaining with nonunion personnel, and the meeting is expected to be closed to the public.

• Executive session for strategy in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel
• Discussion of collective bargaining or litigation strategy
• AAA negotiations discussion

Standing Subcommittee: Sepac

The Arlington School Committee's SEPAC subcommittee is meeting to discuss updates on 2024 activities, upcoming speaker events, and district updates. They will also review survey subcommittee work and data sharing from the district, and consider what additional information parents want. The meeting is open to the public via Zoom.

• Minute approvals
• 2024 wrap-up and upcoming speaker events
• District update and advisory priorities
• Survey subcommittee and data sharing from district
• Discussion on what else parents want to know

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a remote meeting to vote on Docket #3833 (131 Florence Ave) and hold public hearings on a continued special permit application for 20 Pond Lane and a variance/special permit application for 28 Draper St. The 20 Pond Lane case involves a request to continue commercial garage use for vehicle/equipment storage, office, and light construction. The agenda includes only these items and standard administrative procedures.

• Member vote on Docket #3833, 131 Florence Ave
• Continued hearing: Docket #3822, 20 Pond Lane — special permit for commercial garage use (storage, office, light construction)
• Hearing: Docket #3835, 28 Draper St — variance and special permit applications
• Remote participation via Zoom; public comments accepted during hearings

The Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously to extend the public hearing for Docket #3822 at 20 Pond Lane to April 21, 2025, and continued it to March 11, 2025. The board also opened and continued the hearing for #3835 at 28 Draper St to February 25, 2025. A decision on 131 Florence Ave was approved 5-0. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved decision #3833 for 131 Florence Ave (5-0)
• Extended public hearing for 20 Pond Lane to April 21, 2025 (5-0)
• Continued 20 Pond Lane hearing to March 11, 2025 (5-0)
• Continued 28 Draper St hearing to February 25, 2025 (5-0)

Redevelopment Board

The Arlington Redevelopment Board will review meeting minutes, discuss a citizen-proposed Affordable Housing Overlay District warrant article, and refine its own warrant articles for the 2025 Annual Town Meeting. The agenda is largely procedural, with no final decisions expected on the substantive items.

• Discussion of Affordable Housing Overlay District warrant article proposed by citizen working group
• Discussion of Board articles for 2025 Town Meeting warrant articles
• Review and vote on meeting minutes from January 13, 2025
• Open Forum for public comments (3-minute limit)
• Correspondence from C. Heigham and L. Englisher

The Arlington Redevelopment Board voted unanimously to approve the January 27, 2025 meeting minutes. During a working session, the Board declined to take on the Affordable Housing Overlay District warrant article, citing insufficient time to review the proposal and concerns about its scope, including heights and impacts on business districts. The Board also discussed and refined main motion language for several zoning articles it will advance to Town Meeting, including ADUs, TDM parking reductions, and a B1 rezoning, with further discussion scheduled for hearings.

• Approved January 27, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Declined to sponsor Affordable Housing Overlay District warrant article
• Agreed to remove proposed definition change in ADU article (Article A)
• Agreed to discuss TDM method 9 further at hearing (Article B)
• Agreed to include all B1 parcels in rezoning article, pending site visits (Articles H/I)
• Agreed to Mr. Benson's changes to Article E (parking in residential districts)
• Agreed to Mr. Benson's changes to Article G (Redevelopment Board jurisdiction)

Negotiations Subcommittee: Aaa

The Arlington School Committee's Negotiations Subcommittee is meeting to discuss strategy for negotiations with nonunion personnel, specifically regarding AAA negotiations. The meeting includes an open session followed by an executive (closed) session, and is largely procedural with the substantive discussion occurring behind closed doors.

• Executive session for strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel
• Discussion of collective bargaining or litigation strategy
• AAA negotiation discussions

Conservation Commission Meeting

The Arlington Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing on a Notice of Intent for Thorndike Place, a multifamily development on Dorothy Road, which involves altering buffer zones and floodplain areas near Alewife Brook. The hearing was continued from January 16, 2025. The commission will also discuss certificates of compliance, enforcement orders, and other administrative items. The agenda includes correspondence from residents and consultants raising concerns about groundwater analysis and flooding risks.

• Public hearing on Notice of Intent for Thorndike Place (DEP #091-0356), continued from 01/16/2025
• Certificate of Compliance requests for 1165R Massachusetts Avenue and 49 Spy Pond Lane
• Enforcement Order discussion for 40 Park Avenue
• Correspondence received regarding Thorndike Place, including concerns about groundwater mounding analysis
• Introduction of new Conservation Administrator Jackie Anderson

The Commission continued the public hearing for the Thorndike Place multifamily development, hearing consultant and public testimony on stormwater and groundwater concerns. The hearing was closed with a unanimous vote to extend the permit issuance deadline by 15 days. The Commission also unanimously approved Certificates of Compliance for 1165R Massachusetts Avenue and 49 Spy Pond Lane, and continued an enforcement order for 40 Park Avenue to the 3/6/25 meeting.

• Approved minutes from 11/21/24, 12/5/24, 12/19/24, and 1/2/25 (unanimous)
• Issued Certificate of Compliance for 1165R Massachusetts Avenue (unanimous)
• Issued Certificate of Compliance for 49 Spy Pond Lane (unanimous)
• Continued enforcement order for 40 Park Avenue to 3/6/25 meeting
• Closed Thorndike Place hearing and extended permit deadline by 15 days (unanimous)

Negotiations Subcommittee: Unit C

The Arlington School Committee's Negotiations Subcommittee for Unit C is meeting to discuss strategy for collective bargaining with nonunion personnel, specifically AEA Unit C negotiations. The meeting includes an open session followed by an executive session, which is closed to the public. The agenda is primarily procedural, with the substantive discussion occurring in the closed session.

• Executive session for strategy discussions on collective bargaining with nonunion personnel
• AEA Unit C negotiations
• Open meeting session led by R. Spiegel
• Meeting at Arlington Public Schools District Office, 14 Mill Brook Drive

Board Of Health

The Arlington Board of Health is meeting to conduct two hearings: one on tobacco regulation violations and one on a body art permit application. The board will also receive updates on tobacco, department, nursing, environmental, and restaurant matters. The body art hearing includes a variance request to allow an apprentice to gain required experience.

• Hearing on tobacco regulation violations at Arlington Heights Convenience (correction order, Jan 15 and Jan 16 inspection reports)
• Variance request for Caleigh Smith to become Body Art Apprentice at Ink Jam Studio, waiving two-year experience requirement
• Tobacco updates
• Department updates
• Nursing updates

The Board of Health unanimously approved a body art variance for Caeleigh Smith to apprentice at Ink Jam, and upheld a $1,000 fine and 7-day permit suspension for Arlington Heights Convenience for tobacco violations. The board also appointed Reilly Ellis as a tobacco inspection agent. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved body art variance for Caeleigh Smith to apprentice at Ink Jam (3-0)
• Upheld $1,000 fine and 7-day permit suspension for Arlington Heights Convenience (3-0)
• Appointed Reilly Ellis as tobacco inspection agent (3-0)

Negotiations Subcommittee: Unit C

The Arlington School Committee's Negotiations Subcommittee for Unit C is meeting to conduct strategy sessions and collective bargaining with nonunion personnel, specifically for AEA Unit C negotiations. The meeting includes an open session followed by an executive session, which is closed to the public. No other substantive items are on the agenda.

• Executive session for strategy in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel
• Collective bargaining or contract negotiations with nonunion personnel (AEA Unit C)
• Discussion of strategy for collective bargaining or litigation if open meeting would be detrimental

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals will hold votes on decisions for properties at 86 Rawson Rd and 190 Waverly Rd, and conduct a public hearing on a special permit application for a new driveway at 131 Florence Ave. The hearing is for a request by Stephen and Michelle Mulready to alter their property, citing safety concerns with their current garage access. Public comments are accepted during the hearing, and written comments must be emailed 48 hours prior.

• Member vote on decision #3829 for 86 Rawson Rd
• Member vote on decision #3828 for 190 Waverly Rd
• Public hearing on special permit #3833 for 131 Florence Ave (driveway)
• Applicant seeks special permit under Bylaw 6.1.010A
• Proposed driveway would add one parking space (from 2 to 3)

Negotiations Subcommittee: Aaa

The Arlington School Committee's Negotiations Subcommittee is meeting to discuss AAA negotiations. The agenda includes an open meeting, followed by an executive session for strategy discussions related to collective bargaining with nonunion personnel. The meeting is scheduled for January 27, 2025, at the District Office.

• Executive session for strategy in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel
• Discussion of collective bargaining or litigation strategy
• AAA negotiation discussions

Select Board Meeting

The Arlington Select Board will hear the FY2026 Town Manager's budget presentation, which proposes $234,022,622 in total revenues and $225,884,123 in expenditures, including a 7.37% increase for the School Department. The board will also consider several proclamations, appointments, and license requests, and receive updates on Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding. The meeting includes a public open forum with a three-minute limit per speaker.

• FY2026 budget: $234,022,622 total revenues, $225,884,123 expenditures, 5.61% spending growth
• School Department budget increase of $7,109,424 (7.37%) to $103,630,672
• Special one-day beer & wine licenses for Highrock Church Mill Cafe on 2/14, 3/21, 4/25, 5/23/25
• CDBG performance update and FY2026 funding requests
• Proclamations for Spreadsheet Day (Oct 17) and Samuel Whittemore Day (Feb 2)

The Select Board received the FY2026 Town Manager's budget presentation, which is a level services budget with targeted investments. The Board approved all CDBG FY2026 funding requests, totaling over $1 million, for various community programs and capital projects. All votes were unanimous (5-0).

• Received FY2026 Town Manager's budget presentation (5-0)
• Approved CDBG FY2026 funding requests, including $243,295 for Arlington Housing Authority parking lot repaving and $200,000 for Housing Corporation of Arlington capital needs (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda items 5-10, including proclamations, reappointments, and licenses (5-0)
• Conditionally approved one-day beer & wine license for Mill Cafe (5-0)
• Approved appointments to Arlington Committee on Tourism and Economic Development and LGBTQIA+ Rainbow Commission (5-0)
• Received CDBG Program Year 2024-2025 performance update (5-0)
• Referred Broadway Neighbors Coalition community design proposal to Town Manager (5-0)
• Referred intersection dedication request to Public Memorials Committee and Veterans Director (5-0)

Redevelopment Board

The Arlington Redevelopment Board will meet to review minutes, discuss ongoing development at 1207-1211 Massachusetts Ave, and hold public hearings on three special permit applications: a sign replacement at 1323 Massachusetts Ave, a change of use at 1011 Massachusetts Ave, and a building renovation at 30 Mystic St. The Board will also discuss citizen petitions and its own warrant articles for the 2025 Town Meeting.

• Public hearing: Docket #3831, sign replacement at 1323 Massachusetts Ave (Fiesta Bites Pizzeria)
• Public hearing: Docket #3837, change of use at 1011 Massachusetts Ave (55 West Eagle LLC)
• Public hearing: Docket #3834, renovation at 30 Mystic St (Cambridge Center for Chinese Culture)
• Discussion of development progress at 1207-1211 Massachusetts Ave
• Discussion of citizen petitions for affordable housing overlay and business uses in residential districts

The Arlington Redevelopment Board unanimously approved submitting amended warrant articles for the 2025 Town Meeting, covering ADUs, zoning map changes, and other bylaw amendments. It also granted a special permit for a pre-existing three-family use at 1011 Massachusetts Ave and approved a mixed-use project at 30 Mystic St with conditions. The board continued a sign permit hearing for Fiesta Bites Pizzeria and discussed a potential residential development at 1207-1211 Mass Ave.

• Approved submission of amended warrant articles for 2025 Town Meeting (unanimous)
• Granted special permit for pre-existing three-family use at 1011 Mass Ave (unanimous)
• Approved mixed-use project at 30 Mystic St with TDM and landscaping plan conditions (unanimous)
• Continued sign permit hearing for 1323 Mass Ave to March 17, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved January 13, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Standing Subcommittee: Policies And Procedures

The Arlington School Committee's Policies and Procedures Subcommittee will discuss several policy changes, including a new school waste reduction and diversion policy, updates to visitor guidelines, and revisions to student assignment and buffer zone/open enrollment rules. These items are for discussion only, not for a vote. The subcommittee will also review minutes from its November 12, 2024 meeting and continue work on the public comment policy.

• File EDE - School Waste Reduction and Diversion (formerly Recycling Materials) - proposed policy for discussion
• File KI - Visitors to the Schools - proposed changes to visitor guidelines
• File JC - Assignment of Students to Schools/Buffer Zones/Open Enrollment - proposed changes
• File JC-E - Buffer Zone/Open Enrollment Guidelines - proposed changes
• File BEDH - Public Comment - continued discussion from previous meeting

School Committee Meeting

The Arlington School Committee will vote to acknowledge the town's FY2026 appropriation of $103,630,672 for the school budget, and may approve the AHS Program of Studies for 2025-2026. The agenda also includes a possible vote on school bus camera enforcement, a field trip approval, and a presentation on Panorama survey results. Public comment is limited to 20 minutes, with sign-up required by 6:00 p.m. the day of the meeting.

• Vote to acknowledge FY2026 town appropriation of $103,630,672
• Possible vote on AHS Program of Studies 2025-2026
• Possible vote on school bus camera enforcement legislation
• Vote on Student Leadership Conference field trip
• Appointment of Nadja Rozovsky to Human Rights Commission

The Arlington School Committee approved the AHS Program of Studies for course selection, with one abstention. The committee also approved the MASC student leadership conference trip, appointed Naadja Rozovsky to the Human Rights Commission, and accepted the town appropriation for FY2026. All other votes were unanimous.

• Approved AHS Program of Studies (6-0-1, Exton abstained)
• Approved overnight trip to MASC Student Leadership Conference (7-0)
• Appointed Naadja Rozovsky to Human Rights Commission (7-0)
• Acknowledged Town Appropriation of $103,630.672 for FY2026 (7-0)
• Approved School Committee meeting dates 2025-2028 (7-0)
• Accepted Superintendent's Goals (7-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda including Warrant #25171 for $986,655.51 (7-0)
• Accepted legislation for School Bus Camera Enforcement Systems (7-0)

Negotiations Subcommittee: Unit C

The Arlington School Committee's Negotiations Subcommittee is meeting to conduct strategy sessions and collective bargaining for nonunion personnel, specifically AEA Unit C negotiations. The entire substantive portion of the meeting is an executive session, closed to the public, with only opening and adjournment in open session. No decisions or proposals are listed on the agenda.

• Executive session for strategy in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel
• Collective bargaining or contract negotiations with nonunion personnel (AEA Unit C)
• Discussion of strategy related to collective bargaining or litigation

Negotiations Subcommittee: Aaa

The Arlington School Committee's Negotiations Subcommittee is meeting to conduct strategy sessions and collective bargaining discussions regarding nonunion personnel, specifically AAA negotiations. The meeting includes an executive session, which is closed to the public, and the agenda indicates the meeting location has been cancelled.

• Executive session for strategy in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel
• Discussion of collective bargaining or litigation strategy
• AAA negotiation discussions

Standing Subcommittee: Accountablity/Curriculum

The Arlington School Committee's Curriculum, Instruction, Accountability, and Assessment subcommittee will review the draft AHS Program of Studies for 2025-2026, which includes updates to graduation requirements and course offerings. They will also discuss a proposed new competency determination criteria for Arlington High School, replacing the MCAS-based model with a coursework-based one. The meeting is open to the public and will also include approval of minutes from December 18, 2024.

• Draft AHS Program of Studies 2025-2026
• Updated proposal for new AHS competency determination criteria
• Removal of early graduation MCAS requirement from Program of Studies
• Removal of two-course summer school make-up limit from Program of Studies
• Approval of December 18, 2024 meeting minutes

The Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment & Accountability Subcommittee reviewed the Arlington High School Program of Studies and the competency determination, providing feedback to the Superintendent. The meeting minutes from December 18, 2024, were approved unanimously. No formal decisions were made beyond the minutes approval.

• Approved meeting minutes from 12.18.24 (unanimous)
• Reviewed AHS Program of Studies and provided feedback to Superintendent
• Reviewed competency determination and provided feedback to Superintendent

Conservation Commission Meeting

The Arlington Conservation Commission is meeting to discuss administrative items, enforcement orders, and a continued public hearing on the Thorndike Place multifamily development. The hearing concerns a Notice of Intent under the Wetlands Protection Act for construction on Dorothy Road, with a peer review letter raising technical concerns about stormwater infiltration and groundwater mounding. The agenda also includes discussion of enforcement orders for properties on Mystic Street and Park Avenue, as well as updates from various working groups and committees.

• Continued public hearing: DEP #091-0356, Notice of Intent for Thorndike Place, multifamily development on Dorothy Road, affecting Buffer Zone to Bordering Vegetated Wetland and Bordering Land Subject to Flooding associated with Alewife Brook
• Certificate of Compliance Request: 1165R Massachusetts Avenue
• Enforcement Order: 335 Mystic Street
• Enforcement Order: 40 Park Avenue
• Discussion: Water Bodies Working Group, Budget Update, CPA Committee Liaison, Tree Committee Update, Vice Chair Term

Negotiations Subcommittee: Aaa

The Arlington School Committee's Negotiations Subcommittee is meeting to discuss strategy for negotiations with nonunion personnel, specifically regarding AAA negotiations. The meeting includes an open session followed by an executive (closed) session, as allowed under Massachusetts law for collective bargaining strategy. No votes or decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Executive session for strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel
• Discussion of AAA negotiation topics
• Meeting held at Arlington Public Schools District Office, 14 Mill Brook Drive

Standing Subcommittee: Community Relations

The Arlington School Committee's Community Relations subcommittee is meeting remotely. The only substantive item is an executive session to consider or interview applicants for employment or appointment by a preliminary screening committee. No public discussion or decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Executive session to consider or interview job applicants
• Remote meeting via Zoom
• No public agenda items listed

Standing Subcommittee: Sepac

The Arlington Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) will hold its general meeting via Zoom. The agenda includes routine business, updates from subcommittees, and a discussion on parent-district communications as an advisory priority. No votes or decisions are listed.

• Discussion on SEPAC advisory priority: parent-district communications
• Updates from Survey and Speaker subcommittees
• 2024 wrap-up and district update
• Approval of meeting minutes

Zoning Board Of Appeals Meeting

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings on four special permit applications, including a continued case for 20 Pond Lane. The board will also hear requests for 190 Waverley St, 86 Rawson Rd, and 39 Woodside Lane. Public comments are accepted during each hearing.

• Docket #3822: 20 Pond Lane (continued) - special permit for commercial garage use
• Docket #3828: 190 Waverley St
• Docket #3829: 86 Rawson Rd
• Docket #3830: 39 Woodside Lane

The Arlington Zoning Board of Appeals held four hearings. It voted 5-0 to continue the public hearing for 20 Pond Lane to February 11, 2025, and for 39 Woodside Lane to March 11, 2025, after the applicant requested time to reconsider plans. The board closed hearings for 190 Waverley Street and 86 Rawson Road, both by 5-0 votes, but no final decisions were recorded in the minutes.

• Continued hearing #3822 20 Pond Lane to Feb 11, 2025 (5-0)
• Closed hearing #3828 190 Waverley Street (5-0)
• Closed hearing #3829 86 Rawson Road (5-0)
• Continued hearing #3830 39 Woodside Lane to Mar 11, 2025 (5-0)

Select Board Meeting

The Arlington Select Board will discuss and potentially vote on alcohol policy changes and warrant articles for the Annual Town Meeting. The agenda also includes license transfers for the Regent Theatre and Lucky Dragon, appointments to town committees, and acceptance of funds for the Electrify Arlington program.

• Discussion and potential vote on alcohol policy changes
• Discussion and potential vote on Select Board warrant articles for Annual Town Meeting
• Wine & malt alcohol license transfer to University Theatre PBLLC, Regent Theatre, 7 Medford Street
• Common victualler license for Lucky Dragon, 90 Lowell Street
• Mass Save Community First Partnership Grant for Electrify Arlington Program

The Arlington Select Board voted 5-0 to strike sentences from the Alcohol Policy that limited service to two alcoholic beverages per person without food, citing vagueness and uniqueness compared to other municipalities. The board also approved several licenses, appointments, and consent agenda items, all by unanimous votes.

• Approved consent agenda including minutes, contractor renewal, fund acceptances, and one-day beer & wine license (5-0)
• Appointed Len Greenburg to Arlington Bicycle Advisory Committee (5-0)
• Appointed Bradley Baranowski as Zoning Board of Appeals Associate Member (5-0)
• Approved Wine & Malt Alcohol License transfer to University Theatre PBLLC for Regent Theatre (5-0)
• Approved Public Entertainment License transfer to University Theatre PBLLC for Regent Theatre (5-0)
• Approved Common Victualler License for Lucky Dragon at 90 Lowell Street (5-0)
• Approved striking two-drink food rule from Alcohol Policy Section E2 (5-0)
• Approved Town Manager vacation buy-back (5-0)

Redevelopment Board

The Arlington Redevelopment Board will hold its organizational meeting to elect a chair and vice chair, review meeting minutes, and continue several public hearings, including for projects at 30 Mystic Street and multiple Massachusetts Avenue addresses. The board will also discuss proposed warrant articles for the 2025 Annual Town Meeting.

• Election of Chairperson and Vice Chairperson
• Public hearing continued: Docket #3834, 30 Mystic Street
• Public hearing continued: Docket #3821, 1513-1515 and 1517-1519 Massachusetts Avenue
• Public hearing continued: Docket #3798, 821 Massachusetts Ave
• Public hearing continued: Docket #3348, 821-837 Massachusetts Ave

The Board approved Docket #3821 for 1513-1519 Massachusetts Ave, granting zoning relief and setting conditions including two EV chargers, solar installation, and an updated LEED checklist. The hearing for Docket #3798 (821 Mass Ave) was continued to March 10, 2025, after board members requested design revisions. The Board also discussed potential warrant articles for the 2025 Town Meeting, prioritizing several zoning changes.

• Approved Docket #3821 (1513-1519 Mass Ave) with conditions (unanimous)
• Granted relief from 20-ft front setback (Section 5.5.2.A) for 1513-1519 Mass Ave
• Granted relief from underground utilities requirement (Section 3.4.4) for 1513-1519 Mass Ave
• Required at least two Level 2 EV chargers for 1513-1519 Mass Ave
• Required solar energy incorporation on roof for 1513-1519 Mass Ave
• Continued Docket #3798 (821 Mass Ave) to March 10, 2025 (unanimous)
• Continued Docket #3348 (821-837 Mass Ave) to March 10, 2025 (unanimous)
• Elected Rachel Zsembery as Chair and Kin Lau as Vice-Chair (unanimous)

Negotiations Subcommittee: Aaa

The Arlington School Committee's Negotiations Subcommittee is meeting to discuss AAA negotiations. The agenda includes an open meeting portion followed by an executive session to prepare for or conduct collective bargaining with nonunion personnel. The discussion is expected to be confidential.

• Executive session for strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel
• Discussion of collective bargaining or litigation strategy
• AAA negotiations discussion

School Committee Meeting

The Arlington School Committee will hold a regular meeting with public comment, first reads of the AHS Program of Studies for 2025-2026, meeting dates for 2025-26, and Superintendent's goals, plus a discussion of budget priorities. The committee will also approve a warrant of $1,007,219.24 and enter executive session for negotiations.

• First read of AHS Program of Studies 2025-2026
• School Committee Budget Priorities discussion
• First read of 2025-26 meeting dates
• Superintendent's Goals 1st read
• Warrant #25156, $1,007,219.24

The Arlington School Committee unanimously approved the consent agenda, including Warrant #25156 for $1,007,219.24 and the December 19, 2024 meeting minutes. Members discussed budget priorities for the upcoming year, focusing on staffing, special education, custodial needs, and class sizes. The committee also reviewed the AHS Program of Studies, requesting revisions before final approval, and heard updates on the PowerSchool security breach and upcoming community budget forum.

• Approved Warrant #25156 for $1,007,219.24 (6-0)
• Approved December 19, 2024 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Discussed budget priorities; no formal vote taken
• Reviewed AHS Program of Studies; revisions requested before approval on January 23
• Heard introduction of interim AHS Assistant Principal Scott Darlington
• Received first read of Superintendent's goals; no vote taken
• Discussed 2025-2028 meeting dates; vote scheduled for next meeting

Standing Subcommittee: Facilities

The Arlington School Committee's Facilities Subcommittee is meeting to discuss and receive updates on several facilities and technology items. They will review a draft Tech and Space Plan, discuss the Ottoson School building project and an MSBA survey, get a capital projects update (including playgrounds), and discuss the 2019 Institute for Human Centered Design ADA self-assessment report. The meeting also includes approval of the June 11, 2024 meeting minutes and new business.

• Review of Tech and Space Plan presentation
• Discussion of Ottoson SOI (Statement of Interest) and MSBA survey
• Capital projects update including playgrounds
• Discussion of 2019 ADA self-assessment report on transit
• Approval of June 11, 2024 meeting minutes

The Arlington School Committee's Facilities Subcommittee met on January 8, 2025, and approved the minutes of the June 11, 2024 meeting (3-0). They received updates on the district's Tech and Space Plan, FY25 school capital projects, and preparations for an MSBA visit. No substantive decisions were made beyond the minutes approval; all other items were informational or planning discussions.

• Approved minutes of June 11, 2024 meeting (3-0)

Conservation Commission Meeting

The Arlington Conservation Commission is meeting remotely to discuss several items, including a proposed new ACROSS route in Arlington's Great Meadows, enforcement orders for properties on Mystic Street and Park Avenue, and a certificate of compliance request. The commission will also hold a public hearing on the Thorndike Place multifamily development, which has been continued to January 16, 2025.

• Certificate of Compliance Request: 1165R Massachusetts Avenue
• Proposed New ACROSS Route in Arlington's Great Meadows
• Enforcement Order: 335 Mystic Street
• Enforcement Order: 40 Park Avenue
• Public hearing on Thorndike Place (DEP #091-0356) continued to January 16, 2025

The Conservation Commission voted unanimously to recommend the Town Manager approve a proposed ACROSS trail route through Arlington's Great Meadows, with no construction and minimal signage. They also approved using $8,763 in Conservation fees to offset 10% of the Conservation Agent's salary, and continued the Thorndike Place hearing to January 16, 2025. The deed restriction for 1165R Massachusetts Avenue is still under review, with changes to be discussed at the next meeting.

• Recommended approval of ACROSS trail route in Great Meadows (7-0)
• Approved $8,763 Conservation fee offset for Agent salary (7-0)
• Continued Thorndike Place NOI hearing to 1/16/25 (6-0, D. White recused)
• Discussed deed restriction for 1165R Massachusetts Ave; changes to be reviewed 1/16/25