Ayer public meetings in 2025

Planning Board

The Ayer Planning Board meeting scheduled for December 23, 2025 at 6:15 pm was cancelled. The board will reconvene at its next regular meeting on January 13, 2026 at 6:15 pm. No agenda items were adopted for the cancelled meeting.

Affordable Housing

The Ayer Affordable Housing Committee will hold its annual meeting and discuss the Massachusetts Housing Partnership's 2025 Affordable Housing Trust & CPA Conference. The session includes a public comment period.

• Vote to approve November 14, 2025 meeting minutes
• NOAW Ayer Commons Annual Meeting
• MHP's 2025 Affordable Housing Trust & CPA Conference
• Tax Title Listing
• Public Comment & Questions

The Affordable Housing Committee amended the agenda to include a NOAH/Ayer Commons update, and the motion passed by unanimous consent. Members also approved a correction to the November 14 minutes, with a unanimous vote. The meeting was then adjourned at 11:00 AM following a motion that carried.

• Amended agenda to add NOAH/Ayer Commons update – approved by unanimous consent
• Corrected spelling of "Diskin" in minutes – approved unanimously
• Adjourned meeting at 11:00 AM – motion carried

Council on Aging Board

The Council on Aging Board will meet to continue a budget discussion that began on December 9, 2025. This is the only substantive item listed on the agenda.

• Continuation of budget discussion from 12.09.2025

The board voted unanimously to accept an agenda amendment that added a discussion about a letter to the Select Board. No formal action was taken on the letter itself. The board continued its budget exercise discussion but made no decisions on proposed cuts. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous voice vote.

• Accepted amended agenda (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous voice vote)

School Department

The Ayer Shirley Regional School Committee will vote on approving out-of-state robotics field trips and re-certifying the FY26 budget. The meeting also includes a presentation on a middle school recess civics project and a public comment period.

• Robotics field trips to NH, MA, and TX for 2025-2026
• FY26 Budget recertification
• Presentation on Middle School Recess Park Civics Project
• Policy IKF- Competency Determination revision
• Executive session for collective bargaining strategy

Housing Authority

The Ayer Housing Authority will meet on December 17, 2025 to review routine agenda items such as the November 19, 2025 minutes, committee reports, and monthly financial reports. The board will also hear resident and public participation and an executive director report. New business includes consideration of approving management agreement compensation and related warrants or payments.

• Consideration of approving management agreement compensation
• Consideration of approving warrants/payments
• Review of November 19, 2025 meeting minutes
• Monthly financial report for 10/30/2025
• Resident and public participation

Ayer Housing Authority

The Ayer Housing Authority regular meeting will review the minutes from the November 19, 2025 meeting, receive committee and financial reports, and hear resident input. The board will consider approving compensation under a management agreement and will consider approving warrants or payments. No other substantive actions are listed.

• Review and approve minutes of the November 19, 2025 meeting
• Review committee reports
• Review monthly financial report dated 10/30/2025
• Consider approval of management agreement compensation
• Consider approval of warrants/payments

Ayer Shirley Regional School District

The Ayer Shirley Regional School Committee will vote on the re-certification of the FY26 budget and a request for capital stabilization funding. The body will also consider approval for several robotics field trips and a revision to the competency determination policy.

• Vote on FY26 Budget re-certification
• Vote on Capital Stabilization Funding Request
• Vote on Robotics field trips to Bedford, NH; West Springfield, MA; and Houston, TX
• Vote on revised Policy IKF regarding Competency Determination
• Payment warrants totaling over $3 million, including biweekly payrolls of $1,140,929.24 and $1,087,837.71

Park Commission

The Ayer Parks Commission will review the FY27 budget and consider capital planning items such as the beach house design. They will also discuss the assistant director position, maintenance services, and the 71 Sandy Pond Rd project. Additional agenda items include park maintenance updates, facility requests, and upcoming recreational programs.

• Assistant Director Position/Maintenance Services
• 71 Sandy Pond Rd project
• Capital Planning – Beach House Design
• FY27 Budget
• Park Maintenance Updates

The Ayer Parks Commission opened the meeting and approved the November minutes with unanimous votes. No substantive policy, budget, or project decisions were made. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved opening of the meeting (unanimous)
• Approved November meeting minutes as written (3-0-0)
• Adjourned the meeting (unanimous)

Zoning Board

The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting scheduled for December 17, 2025, has been cancelled. The notice states the cancellation is due to a lack of applications.

Select Board

The Ayer Select Board meeting will review and vote on a contract for the 2025‑2027 Spectacle Pond GAC media replacement. The board will also consider granting easements for 99 Barnum Road and 1 Main Street. Additional items include a presentation of a watercolor painting gift, a public input period, and updates on warrants, the FY ’27 budget, and the January 2026 meeting schedule.

• Execution of contract for 2025‑2027 Spectacle Pond GAC media replacement
• Execution of grant of easement for 99 Barnum Road
• Execution of grant of easement for 1 Main Street
• Presentation of watercolor painting gift from Ms. Anita Scheipers
• FY ’27 budget update (Town Manager’s report)

The Ayer Select Board approved its agenda and then authorized three actions: a $164,400 contract for the 2025‑2027 Spectacle Pond GAC media replacement, and easements for 99 Barnum Road and 1 Main Street to the Massachusetts Electric Company. The board also set the next meeting for January 20, 2026 at 5:00 PM and adjourned at 6:17 PM.

• Approved meeting agenda (2-0)
• Executed Spectacle Pond GAC Media Replacement contract for $164,400 (2-0)
• Executed Grant of Easement for 99 Barnum Road to Massachusetts Electric Company (2-0)
• Executed Grant of Easement for 1 Main Street to Massachusetts Electric Company (2-0)
• Scheduled January 20, 2026 Select Board meeting at 5:00 PM
• Adjourned meeting at 6:17 PM (2-0)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will review the 2025 pond treatment and discuss the FY2027 budget. The body will also address updates to regulations and a request for proposals for 2026 pond treatment.

• Review of 2025 Pond Treatment
• FY2027 Budget discussion
• Updates to Regulations
• RFP for 2026 Pond Treatment

Library Trustees

The Ayer Library Board of Trustees will consider several items, including a vote on the Hurwit invoice from November 12, 2025, and a presentation of the FY27 budget draft. Members will discuss and vote on adopting town non-union personnel policies and on removing unnecessary library policies. The meeting also includes updates on governance, 501(c)(3) status, and strategic planning.

• Vote on Hurwit Invoice dated 11/12/25
• Presentation of FY27 Budget Draft
• Vote to adopt town non-union personnel policies
• Vote to abandon unnecessary library policies (employee types, standards, violations & discipline, social media & email)
• Update on governance and 501(c)(3) status

The Ayer Library Board approved the FY27 budget draft with a 5-0 vote. It adopted the town's non‑union personnel policies (4-0, 1 abstention) and voted to abandon several existing library policies (4-0, 1 abstention). The board also approved payment of a $912.00 invoice and accepted the director's report.

• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Approved meeting minutes (5-0)
• Accepted Treasurer's Report (5-0)
• Accepted Director's Report (5-0)
• Approved FY27 budget draft (5-0)
• Adopted Town Non‑Union Personnel Policies (4-0, 1 abstention)
• Abandoned certain library policies (4-0, 1 abstention)
• Approved payment of $912.00 invoice (5-0)

Sustainability Committee

The Ayer Sustainability Committee will meet to approve minutes, discuss the Groton Sustainability Committee overview, and review next steps for MVP Grant Express of Interest and other grant opportunities.

• Approval of November 12, 2025 meeting minutes
• Discussion of Groton Sustainability Committee overview
• Update on MVP Grant Express of Interest
• Discussion of sub-groups for grants, outreach, and policies
• Discussion of topics for the next meeting

The Sustainability Committee approved the agenda as submitted. No other formal actions were taken; the meeting included presentations on Groton's sustainability efforts, updates on the MVP Action Grant and other grant ideas, and discussion of sub‑groups and meeting scheduling.

• Approved meeting agenda (motion passed)

Sustainability Committee

The Ayer Sustainability Committee will review an overview from the Groton Sustainability Committee, receive an update on the MVP Grant expression of interest, and consider next steps for that grant. The committee will also explore other grant opportunities, discuss sub‑groups for grants, public outreach, and policy work, and identify topics for the next meeting.

• Discussion – Groton Sustainability Committee overview
• Update on MVP Grant Express of Interest
• MVP Grant next steps
• Other grant opportunities
• Discussion of sub‑groups for grants, public outreach and policies

Capital Planning Committee

The Capital Planning Committee will approve the draft minutes from the September 11, 2025 meeting. It will discuss the current FY 2027 budget climate as it relates to capital planning, review capital requests submitted by town departments, and consider the Town Manager and Finance Manager’s FY 2027 capital plan recommendations. The meeting will also schedule future meetings and set times for department briefings before adjourning.

• Approval of draft September 11, 2025 meeting minutes
• Brief overview of the current FY 2027 budget climate related to capital planning
• Overview of FY 2027 capital requests submitted by town departments
• Overview of proposed FY 2027 capital plan recommendations from the Town Manager/Finance Manager
• Scheduling of next meetings and department briefings with the Capital Committee

Council on Aging Board

The Council on Aging Board will review and discuss the FY 27 budget. It will hear an assessment of the senior center from the National Council on Aging and the National Institute of Senior Center. The board will also receive a directors report, consider public input, and approve previous meeting minutes.

• FY 27 Budget Review
• National Council on Aging/National Institute of Senior Center Assessment
• Public Input (two minutes per person)
• Directors Report
• Review/Approve previous minutes

The board accepted the amended agenda and approved the September and October meeting minutes. It approved posting a thank‑you letter to residents as an official acknowledgment. The meeting was adjourned after a unanimous motion.

• Approved agenda amendment (4 aye)
• Approved September and October minutes (4 aye)
• Approved posting of thank‑you letter (3 aye, 1 abstain)
• Motion to adjourn passed unanimously

Select Board

The Select Board will meet to ratify the appointment of Jonathan Maxwell as Information Technology (I.T.) Manager and approve 2026 license renewals. The meeting includes an executive session to ratify the I.T. Manager's personal services contract.

• Ratification of Jonathan Maxwell as Information Technology (I.T.) Manager
• Approval of 2026 License Renewals
• Ratification of Information Technology (I.T.) Manager Personal Services Contract

The board approved its agenda (2‑0) and then ratified Jonathan Maxwell as the town's Information Technology Manager (2‑0). It also approved the 2026 renewal of dozens of business licenses (2‑0). An executive session was opened to finalize the IT Manager personal services contract before adjourning.

• Approved meeting agenda (2-0)
• Ratified appointment of IT Manager Jonathan Maxwell (2-0)
• Approved renewal of 2026 business licenses (2-0)
• Entered executive session for IT Manager contract (2-0)
• Approved minutes of November 18, 2025 meeting (2-0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing regarding a site plan and special permit for a mixed-use building. The board will also consider a lot release request for the Panther Place development.

• Public hearing for 3-5 Park Street: proposed four-story building with commercial space and 12 residential units
• Lot release request for lots 5 and 6 at Panther Place
• Project status update for Stratton Hill
• Discussion of Planning Board Regulations

Board of Health

The Ayer Board of Health will consider approving a septic system at 99 Fitchburg Rd. The meeting will include updates from the Nashoba Associated Boards of Health and a report from the Harm Reduction/Opioid Abatement Funds Working Group. New business items are a review of the FY'27 budget and setting the 2026 meeting dates. Administrative matters cover tobacco, trash hauler, and animal/fowl permits.

• Septic system approval – 99 Fitchburg Rd.
• FY'27 budget discussion
• 2026 meeting dates setting
• Tobacco permit matters
• Trash hauler permit matters

The Board voted 2‑0 to approve the replacement of the D‑Box septic system at 99 Fitchburg Road. It also approved three draft FY'27 budget options as requested by the Town Manager. All presented retail tobacco, solid waste hauler, animal and fowl, and a trucking permit applications were accepted or conditionally approved. The meeting was adjourned by a 2‑0 vote.

• Approved replacement of D‑Box septic system at 99 Fitchburg Rd. (2-0)
• Submitted three draft FY'27 budgets (level service, level funded, 10% decrease) (2-0)
• Accepted Retail Sales Tobacco Permit renewals for listed businesses (2-0)
• Accepted Solid Waste Hauler Permit renewals for listed companies (2-0)
• Approved D. Crescio Trucking Co. Inc. application upon receipt of payment (2-0)
• Accepted Keeping of Animal and Fowl Permit for 54 Willard St. (2-0)
• Adjourned meeting (2-0)

Insurance Advisory Committee

The Insurance Advisory Committee will review its roles and responsibilities. The body will also discuss concerns regarding health care and associated rising costs.

• Overview of Insurance Advisory Committee's role and responsibilities
• Discussion on health care and rising costs

Finance Committee

The Ayer Finance Committee will review and approve the November 20, 2025 meeting minutes. It will receive updates on the rate review and capital planning. The committee will discuss FY 2027 budget updates and solicit public input before scheduling the next meeting.

The committee approved the November 20, 2025 meeting minutes as amended with a unanimous vote. Members discussed FY'27 budget scenarios and a potential $2 M shortfall. The next Finance Committee meeting was set for January 15, 2026 at 6 pm. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved November 20, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Affordable Housing

The Ayer Affordable Housing Trust Board will meet to discuss the 2026 Rental Assistance Program and a Community Preservation Committee (CPC) financial request. The board will also receive updates on Ayer Commons and Devenscrest.

• Ayer Rental Assistance Program 2026
• CPC Financial Request
• Ayer Commons Update
• Devenscrest Update

Economic & Community Development

The Ayer Affordable Housing Trust Board will meet to discuss the 2026 Rental Assistance Program and a Community Preservation Act (CPC) financial request. The board will also receive updates on the Ayer Commons and Devenscrest projects.

• Ayer Rental Assistance Program 2026
• CPC Financial Request
• Ayer Commons Update
• Devenscrest Update

Board of Assessors

The Ayer Board of Assessors will meet remotely via Zoom on December 3, 2025. The agenda includes approving the meeting minutes, reviewing a motor vehicle and trailer abatement report, considering a tax collector request to write off uncollectible personal property, and voting on Fiscal 2026 statutory exemptions. An executive session will be held to discuss ATB cases.

• Approve agenda
• Approve Oct 22, 2025 meeting minutes
• Approve Motor Vehicle and Trailer Abatement Report for Oct & Nov
• Tax Collector request for uncollectible personal property write‑off
• Vote to approve Fiscal 2026 statutory exemptions

The Board of Assessors unanimously approved the agenda, the October‑November excise abatement report, and a request to abate 22 uncollectible property accounts totaling $6,072.61. It also approved the Fiscal 2026 statutory exemptions list and entered an executive session. The next meeting was scheduled for January 21, 2026.

• Approved meeting agenda (3-0)
• Approved amended minutes of Oct 22, 2025 (3-0)
• Approved October & November excise abatement report (3-0)
• Approved abatement of 22 uncollectible property accounts ($6,072.61) (3-0)
• Approved Fiscal 2026 statutory exemptions list (3-0)
• Entered executive session for ATB cases (3-0)
• Scheduled next meeting for Jan 21, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.

Community Preservation Committee

The Ayer Community Preservation Committee will meet on December 3, 2025 at 7:00 PM via Zoom. The agenda includes standard procedural items such as call to order, approval of the agenda and minutes, and a review of a grant agreement. The committee will also accept public comment and provide committee reports before adjourning.

• Review Grant Agreement
• Approval of Agenda
• Approval of Minutes
• Public Comment
• Committee Reports

Senior Center Site Selection Building Committee

The Senior Center Site Selection and Building Committee will discuss the roles of the committee and working group, including the creation of subcommittees. The body will review design phase contracts and project updates regarding bidding, permits, and utilities.

• Review of design phase contracts for Vertex and Catlin Architecture
• Approval of invoices for Catlin Architecture and Goddard (Rare Species Survey)
• Discussion on the creation of subcommittees
• Updates on design efforts, permits, and utilities

The committee unanimously approved three invoices totaling $104,447 for design services and surveys. It also unanimously approved a Vertex contract amendment for up to $163,804 and a Catlin Architecture phase‑2 contract for up to $934,606, conditional on a title change in the contract. An agenda amendment moving invoice approval to the front of the meeting was unanimously adopted.

• Amended agenda to move invoice approval to front (unanimous)
• Approved Catlin Architecture feasibility invoices totaling $10,000 (unanimous)
• Approved Catlin Architecture design development invoice of $90,972 (unanimous)
• Approved Goddard Consulting survey invoice of $3,475 (unanimous)
• Approved Vertex OPM contract amendment #1 up to $163,804 (unanimous)
• Approved Catlin Architecture phase‑2 contract up to $934,606, conditional on title amendment (unanimous)
• Adopted unanimous motion to adjourn the meeting

School Department

The Ayer‑Shirley Regional School Committee meeting will consider several items, including a vote on the 2025‑2026 School Improvement Plan for Lura A. White Elementary School. The committee will also conduct a first reading of a proposed revision to the IKF‑Competency Determination policy. Updates on the FY26 budget and the superintendent’s evaluation will be presented, and an executive session will be held for budget discussion under M.G.L. Chapter 30A Section 21(a).

• Vote on the 2025‑2026 School Improvement Plan for Lura A. White Elementary School
• First reading of Proposed Revision Policy IKF‑Competency Determination
• Update on the FY26 Budget presented by the superintendent and finance staff
• Superintendent’s Evaluation
• Executive Session budget discussion per M.G.L. Chapter 30A Section 21(a)

School Department

The Ayer‑Shirley Regional School Committee will vote on the November 19, 2025 regular session minutes and on the 2025‑2026 School Improvement Plan for Lura A. White Elementary School. The committee will also conduct a first read of the proposed IKF‑Competency Determination policy revision and receive updates on the FY26 budget and the superintendent’s evaluation. An executive session is scheduled for a budget discussion pursuant to M.G.L. Chapter 30A Section 21(a).

• Vote on November 19, 2025 regular session minutes (consent agenda)
• Vote on 2025‑2026 School Improvement Plan for Lura A. White Elementary School
• First read of Proposed Revision Policy IKF‑Competency Determination
• Update on FY26 Budget presented by Superintendent and Finance staff
• Executive session budget discussion under M.G.L. Chapter 30A Section 21(a)

Select Board

The Select Board will meet to review the Town Manager's report, including updates on the FY '27 budget and warrants. The board will also discuss 2026 annual license renewals.

• FY '27 Budget Update
• Administrative Update/Review of Warrants
• 2026 Annual License Renewals
• Approval of November 18, 2025 meeting minutes

The Ayer Select Board meeting scheduled for December 2, 2025 was canceled because of weather. No agenda items were considered. Consequently, no decisions were made or recorded.

Ayer Shirley Regional School District

The Ayer‑Shirley Regional School Committee will consider several items, including a vote on the 2025‑2026 School Improvement Plan for Lura A. White Elementary School and a first reading of a proposed revision to the IKF Competency Determination policy. The meeting includes an update on the FY26 budget, which will be discussed in executive session under state law. The committee will also vote on the release of the November 19, 2025 regular session minutes and review the superintendent’s evaluation.

• Vote on November 19, 2025 regular session minutes (consent agenda)
• Vote on 2025‑2026 School Improvement Plan for Lura A. White Elementary School
• First read of Proposed Revision Policy IKF‑Competency Determination
• FY26 budget update and discussion in executive session (M.G.L. Chapter 30A Sec. 21(a))
• Superintendent’s evaluation review

Historical Commission

The Ayer Historical Commission will review updates on several preservation efforts, including the Woodlawn Cemetery cannon and an oral history project. Members will receive updates from the Community Preservation Committee and discuss joint projects with the Economic Development office. The meeting will also include approval of the previous minutes and a period for public input.

• Woodlawn Cemetery cannon preservation
• Oral History Project
• Community Preservation Committee updates
• Joint projects with the Director of Economic Development
• Approval of meeting minutes

Historical Commission

The Ayer Historical Commission will meet to discuss joint projects with the Director of Economic Development and the AOCED. The body will also review updates on the Woodlawn Cemetery Cannon Preservation and the Oral History Project.

• Joint projects with Director of Economic Development Ray Friedlander and AOCED
• Woodlawn Cemetery Cannon Preservation updates
• Oral History Project updates
• Community Preservation Committee updates

Planning Board

The Ayer Planning Board will consider a site‑plan review and special permit for a four‑story mixed‑use building at 3‑5 Park Street, proposing commercial space on the ground floor and twelve residential units above. The board will also hear the Lincoln Hill agricultural‑non‑residential (ANR) application that creates two residential lots, open space, and parcels A and B. Additional agenda items include project status updates for Stratton Hill, 42 Park Street, and Pine Street, and a discussion to begin reviewing Planning Board regulations in December.

• Lincoln Hill – ANR application creating two residential development lots, open space, and Parcel A & B
• 3‑5 Park Street – Site‑plan review & special permit for a four‑story mixed‑use building with commercial space and twelve residential units
• Project status updates: Stratton Hill, 42 Park Street, Pine Street
• Planning Board regulations discussion – start reviewing regulations in December
• Approval of agenda and meeting minutes from October 28, 2025

The board unanimously approved the meeting agenda and endorsed the Lincoln Hill ANR land plan. It opened a public hearing for the 3‑5 Park Street site‑plan review and special parking permit, then voted to continue that hearing at the next meeting on December 9. The minutes from the October 28 meeting were also approved.

• Approved agenda (unanimous vote)
• Endorsed Lincoln Hill ANR Plan of Land (unanimous vote)
• Opened public hearing for 3‑5 Park Street site‑plan review and special permit (unanimous vote)
• Continued hearing on 3‑5 Park Street to Dec 9 (unanimous vote)
• Approved October 28, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous vote)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous vote)

71 Sandy Pond Working Group

The 71 Sandy Pond Road Working Group will meet to review and discuss a final design concept proposal. The group will also discuss next steps for the project.

• Review and discussion of Final Design Concept Proposal for 71 Sandy Pond Road
• Discussion on next steps for 71 Sandy Pond Road

The group approved the October 20, 2025 meeting minutes with a 7‑0 vote and one abstention. They reached consensus to implement the 71 Sandy Pond Road project in phases. The group decided to schedule another meeting for a final review and to have the Town Manager and DPW Director send potential meeting dates. The meeting was adjourned with an 8‑0 vote.

• Approved October 20, 2025 meeting minutes (7-0, 1 abstention)
• Consensus reached to adopt a phased project approach for 71 Sandy Pond Road
• Agreed to hold another meeting for final review and recommendation to Select Board and Parks Commission
• Town Manager and DPW Director will send potential meeting dates
• Motion to adjourn passed (8-0)

Cultural Council

The Ayer Cultural Council will meet on November 20, 2025 at 5:30 pm in the town hall. The council will consider approving the minutes from the July 7, 2025 meeting, elect officers (Chair, Treasurer, Secretary), and vote on MCC grant submissions. Any additional items will be addressed as new business.

• Approve minutes from July 7, 2025 meeting
• Elect council officers: Chair, Treasurer, Secretary
• Vote on MCC grant submissions
• Consider new business items

The council unanimously approved the July meeting minutes. They elected Linda McGillicuddy as Chair, Bob Williams as Treasurer, and Lisa Nelson as Clerk, each unanimously. Funding was approved for 15 of the 31 cultural grant applicants. The council decided to reserve $1,460, or 20% of the budget, for a public art installation.

• Approved July meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Linda McGillicuddy as Chair (unanimous)
• Approved Bob Williams as Treasurer (unanimous)
• Approved Lisa Nelson as Clerk (unanimous)
• Approved funding for 15 of 31 cultural grant applicants
• Set aside $1,460 (20% of budget) for public art installation

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will receive a presentation from the Town Manager regarding the FY 2027 Budget. The body will also conduct a calendar review for the FY 2027 Budget process.

• Town Manager Presentation on FY 2027 Budget
• FY 2027 Budget calendar review
• Approval of September 10, 2025 and October 16, 2025 meeting minutes

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will review and approve minutes from the September 10 and October 16, 2025 meetings. The Town Manager will present the FY 2027 budget and the committee will review the budget calendar. The public will be invited to provide input. The committee will also schedule its next meeting.

• Review and approval of September 10, 2025 meeting minutes
• Review and approval of October 16, 2025 meeting minutes
• Town Manager presentation of FY 2027 budget
• FY 2027 budget calendar review
• Public input session

The committee approved the September 10, 2025 and October 16, 2025 meeting minutes as amended, each with unanimous support. A motion to adjourn the November 20, 2025 meeting was also passed unanimously. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved September 10, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved October 16, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Zoning Board

The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting scheduled for November 19, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. was cancelled because no applications were received. No agenda items were presented for discussion or decision. The next regular meeting is set for December 17, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.

Ayer Shirley Regional School District

The Ayer‑Shirley Regional School Committee will consider a consent agenda that includes several FY26 warrants, totaling more than $3.6 million for payroll and other expenses. Members will also vote on School Improvement Plans for the high school and Page Hilltop Elementary, and approve grants awarded to date. Updates on the FY26 General Fund budget and the FY27 budget timeline will be presented, and the Middle School Pathway Exploration Policy will receive a third‑read vote.

• Consent agenda warrants: AP Warrant 1065 – $321,327.23; AP Warrant 1071 – $1,083,347.68; Payroll Warrant 10/31 – $1,129,736.94; Payroll Warrant 11/14 – $1,120,854.74
• Vote on School Improvement Plan for Ayer Shirley Regional High School
• Vote on School Improvement Plan for Page Hilltop Elementary School
• Approval of grants awarded to date
• Third‑read vote on the Middle School Pathway Exploration Policy

School Department

The Ayer Shirley Regional School Committee will vote on improvement plans for the High School and Page Hilltop Elementary School. The body will also consider a final vote on the Middle School Pathway Exploration Policy and review budget updates for FY26 and FY27.

• Vote on School Improvement Plan for Ayer Shirley Regional High School
• Vote on School Improvement Plan for Page Hilltop Elementary School
• 3rd read and vote on Middle School Pathway Exploration Policy
• AP Warrant 1071 for $1,083,347.68
• Payroll Warrants for $1,129,736.94 and $1,120,854.74

Housing Authority

The Ayer Housing Authority will meet to review financial reports and approve payments. The board will also consider a management agreement with the Groton Housing Authority.

• Consideration of management agreement with Groton Housing Authority
• Approval of warrants and payments
• Review of quarterly and monthly financial reports as of 9/30/2025

Ayer Housing Authority

The Ayer Housing Authority will meet to review financial reports and consider a management agreement with the Groton Housing Authority. The body will also review warrants and payments.

• Consideration of management agreement with Groton Housing Authority
• Approval of warrants and payments
• Review of quarterly and monthly financial reports dated 9/30/2025

Select Board

The Ayer Select Board meeting will include public hearings on the FY ’26 tax classification and the Calendar Year ’26 solid waste transfer station rates. The board will also consider two change orders: one for FY ’26 sewer system rehabilitation and another for the Cambridge Street water and drainage improvement project. Additional updates include a Wood Lawn Cemetery report and a FY ’27 budget update.

• Public Hearing – FY ’26 Tax Classification Hearing with Board of Assessors
• Public Hearing – Calendar Year ’26 Solid Waste (Transfer Station) Rates
• Change Order 1 – FY ’26 Sewer System Rehabilitation
• Change Order 2 – Cambridge Street Water & Drainage Improvement Project
• Wood Lawn Cemetery Update

The board voted 3‑0 to reject the proposed small commercial exemption, open‑space discount, and residential exemption in the FY 2026 tax classification. It also voted 3‑0 not to adopt a single tax rate and instead approved a CIP Shift Factor of 1.63 and a Residential Factor of 0.7496. Additional actions included approving a $5 increase to the annual solid‑waste permit and a $10 increase to the second permit, and authorizing Change Order 1 for $8,200 and Change Order 2 for $8,975.

• Rejected small commercial exemption (3‑0)
• Rejected open space discount (3‑0)
• Rejected residential exemption (3‑0)
• Rejected single tax rate; adopted CIP Shift Factor 1.63 and Residential Factor 0.7496 (3‑0)
• Approved solid‑waste permit fee increase: +$5 annual, +$10 second permit (3‑0)
• Approved Change Order 1 for FY 26 Sewer Rehab, $8,200 (3‑0)
• Approved Change Order 2 for Cambridge St. drainage, $8,975 (3‑0)
• Approved meeting agenda (3‑0)

Affordable Housing

The committee will receive updates on the Working Group and the NOAH/Ayer Commons projects. The meeting also includes general business and the approval of previous minutes.

• Working Group Update
• NOAH/Ayer Commons Update

The Affordable Housing Committee unanimously approved the meeting agenda. They approved an amendment to the Lincoln Hills Development wording, changing “They” to “The Committee,” and then approved the minutes as amended. The meeting was adjourned by motion.

• Approved agenda (unanimous consent)
• Approved amendment to Lincoln Hills Development wording (unanimous)
• Approved minutes as amended (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold a continued public hearing regarding a proposed warehouse addition at 12 Willow Road. The project involves construction within a 100-foot buffer zone to a vegetated wetland and 200-feet of a river front area.

• Public hearing for Creative Materials at 12 Willow Road (Assessors Map 23 Parcel 26) for a 115' x 170' warehouse addition

Library Trustees

The Ayer Library Board of Trustees will review updates on governance and the 501(c)(3) status, including a vote on the Hurwit invoice dated 10/10/25. They will receive a presentation on ARIS and state aid, discuss e‑Rate and CIPA, and consider personnel policies. No final decisions are noted beyond the governance vote.

• Update: Governance and 501(c)(3) – vote on Hurwit invoice 10/10/25
• Update: Strategic Planning Process
• Discussion: e‑Rate and CIPA
• Presentation: ARIS & State Aid
• Discussion: Personnel Policies

The trustees unanimously approved the meeting agenda and minutes, accepted the Treasurer's and Director's reports, authorized a $1,922 payment to Hurwitt, and approved the purchase of transportation software. The meeting was adjourned at 7:41 P.M.

• Approved agenda (8-0)
• Approved minutes (8-0)
• Accepted Treasurer's Report (8-0)
• Accepted Director's Report (8-0)
• Approved payment of $1,922 invoice to Hurwitt (8-0)
• Approved purchase of transportation software (8-0)
• Adjourned meeting (8-0)

Park Commission

The Ayer Parks Commission will consider a vote on the Assistant Director position and related contract services. The commission will review capital planning for the 71 Sandy Pond Road site, including a beach house design. Additional agenda items include park maintenance updates, facility requests, and upcoming community events.

• Vote on Assistant Director position/contract services
• Capital planning for 71 Sandy Pond Rd – beach house design
• Park maintenance updates
• Facility requests
• Community events: Trunk or Treat and Puzzle Wars

Affordable Housing

The Ayer Affordable Housing Trust will approve the meeting agenda and the minutes from August 27 and September 10, 2025. It will then discuss the Ayer Rental Assistance Program for 2026, a CPC financial request, and updates on Ayer Commons and Devenscrest. Public comment will follow before the meeting is adjourned.

• Approve agenda
• Approve minutes from 8/27/2025
• Approve minutes from 9/10/2025
• Discuss Ayer Rental Assistance Program 2026
• CPC financial request

The Ayer Affordable Housing Trust meeting on November 12, 2025 was canceled because a quorum was not present. Consequently, no agenda items were approved, denied, or tabled. No actions were taken by the board.

Sustainability Committee

The Ayer Sustainability Committee will meet to approve September minutes and discuss MVP grant priorities, project ideas, and sub-group organization. The meeting will be held in-person at Town Hall with a Zoom option.

• Approval of September 10, 2025 meeting minutes
• Review of MVP Priorities and Grant timeline
• Discussion on MVP Grant Project ideas
• Discussion of sub-groups for grants, outreach, and policies
• Hybrid meeting at Ayer Town Hall (1 Main Street)

Board of Health

The Ayer Board of Health will hold a hybrid meeting to receive public input and discuss updates from the Nashoba Associated Boards of Health. It will review old business on the Harm Reduction Update and the Opioid Abatement Funds Working Group. The board will consider a regulation on keeping animals and fowl, and will address administrative matters such as tobacco and trash hauler permits.

• Discussion: Nashoba Associated Boards of Health updates
• Old Business: Harm Reduction Update/Opioid Abatement Funds Working Group
• Regulation: Keeping of Animal and Fowl
• Administrative: Tobacco permits
• Administrative: Trash hauler permits

Cemetery Commission

The Ayer Cemetery Commission will review and approve its agenda and the minutes from the September 22, 2025 meeting. The DPW Director will give an administrative and operations update, including lot sales and deed certificate execution. Commissioners will discuss a master plan for the cemetery and consider a green burial program. The meeting will conclude with public input and scheduling the next meeting.

• Review and approve agenda
• Review and approve meeting minutes from September 22, 2025
• DPW Director report: administrative/operations update, lot sales, deed certificates
• Master planning discussion
• Green burial discussion

Community Preservation Committee

The Ayer Community Preservation Committee will meet via Zoom to conduct its regular business. Items include approving the agenda and minutes, handling correspondence and invoices, providing a fall town meeting update, and reviewing new grant agreements. The public may submit comments during the meeting.

• Approval of agenda
• Approval of minutes
• Correspondence / invoices review
• Fall town meeting update
• Review of new grant agreements

Select Board

The Ayer Select Board will vote on the maximum useful life for FY '26 authorized capital borrow items and receive a FY '27 budget update. The meeting also includes a presentation to clear a path for veterans and a public hearing on FY '26 tax classification.

• Vote on maximum useful life for FY '26 authorized capital borrow items
• FY '27 Budget Update
• Presentation to clear path for veterans
• FY '26 Tax Classification Hearing
• CY '26 Transfer Station/Solid Waste Rates Public Hearing

The board approved the meeting agenda by a 3‑0 roll‑call vote. It then voted 3‑0 to authorize the maximum useful life for borrow‑article items as required by Mass. G.L. c.44, §7(1). The board also approved the October 21, 2025 meeting minutes and adjourned, each by a 3‑0 vote.

• Approved meeting agenda (3‑0)
• Authorized maximum useful life for borrow items (3‑0)
• Approved October 21, 2025 meeting minutes (3‑0)
• Adjourned meeting (3‑0)

Senior Center Site Selection Building Committee

The Senior Center Site Selection and Building Committee will meet to approve the agenda and minutes, discuss preparations for the upcoming Town Election, and outline next steps following the election. The public may attend in-person or via Zoom.

• Approval of meeting minutes
• Preparation for Town Election
• Next steps after Town Election
• Public input session
• Next meeting date and adjournment

The Senior Center Site Selection & Building Committee unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the August 25 meeting. A motion to adjourn was also passed unanimously. No other substantive actions were decided at this meeting.

• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved August 25 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)
• Scheduled next meeting for Nov 20, 2025

Planning Board

The Ayer Planning Board will approve its agenda and hold public hearings on two site‑plan applications: a warehouse expansion at 12 Willow Rd and a four‑story mixed‑use building at 3-5 Park Street. The hearing for 3-5 Park Street will not be opened because the legal notice did not properly state the project, and the applicant must resubmit a revised application before a new hearing is scheduled for November 25, 2025. The board will also receive project status updates and approve minutes from September 23 and October 14, 2025.

• Site plan review & stormwater permit for 12 Willow Rd – warehouse expansion proposal
• Site plan review & special permit for 3-5 Park Street – four‑story mixed‑use building; hearing postponed pending revised application
• Project status updates for Stratton Hill, 42 Park Street, and Pine Street
• Approval of meeting minutes from September 23, 2025
• Approval of meeting minutes from October 14, 2025

The Planning Board unanimously approved the meeting agenda, a stormwater waiver, the site plan review, and the stormwater management permit for the project at 12 Willow Road. The Board also closed the public hearing for that project. Minutes from the September 23 and October 14 meetings were approved, with one member abstaining on each. All votes were recorded as aye.

• Approved agenda (aye by all members)
• Granted stormwater waiver for 12 Willow Road (aye by all members)
• Approved site plan review for 12 Willow Road (aye by all members)
• Approved stormwater management permit for 12 Willow Road (aye by all members)
• Closed public hearing for 12 Willow Road (aye by all members)
• Approved September 23, 2025 minutes (aye by all, Ms. Cache! abstained)
• Approved October 14, 2025 minutes (aye by all, Ms. Cache! abstained)

Senior Center Site Selection Building Committee

The Senior Center Site Selection and Building Committee will meet on October 23, 2025 at 4:00 pm. The agenda includes approving the agenda, reviewing town meeting and election procedures, and discussing updates on utilities, permitting and gate access for the proposed senior center site at 18 Pond Street Rear. The committee will also receive public outreach updates and public input before adjourning.

• Approve / Amend Agenda
• Town Meeting & Election Procedures (Town Manager)
• Site Updates: Utilities, Permitting, Gate, etc.
• Public Outreach Updates
• Public Input

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will review and approve the minutes from the September 10, 2025 and October 16, 2025 meetings. It will discuss the Town Meeting scheduled for October 27, 2025. The agenda includes a period for public input and scheduling the next committee meeting.

• Review and approval of September 10, 2025 meeting minutes
• Review and approval of October 16, 2025 meeting minutes
• Discussion – Town Meeting October 27, 2025
• Public input
• Schedule next meeting

Board of Assessors

The Ayer Board of Assessors will approve the meeting agenda and prior meeting minutes. It will consider the Motor Vehicle and Trailer Abatement Report for August and September and approve Motor Vehicle Excise Commitment #5 for 2025. An update on the Fiscal 2026 Valuation Process and Classification Hearing will be presented. The board will also hold an executive session to discuss ATB cases and approve related minutes.

• Approve agenda
• Approve August 27, 2025 meeting minutes
• Approve Motor Vehicle and Trailer Abatement Report for Aug & Sept
• Approve Motor Vehicle Excise Commitment #5 of 2025
• Update on Fiscal 2026 Valuation Process and Classification Hearing

The Board unanimously approved the warrant and commitment for Motor Vehicle Excise Commitment #5, authorizing $54,830.05 for 326 new bills. It also approved the agenda, the August 27 minutes, and the August and September excise abatement reports. The Board entered an executive session to discuss ATB cases and approved the executive‑session minutes. The next meeting was set for December 3, 2025.

• Approved agenda (3-0)
• Approved August 27, 2025 minutes (3-0)
• Approved August and September excise abatement reports (3-0)
• Approved and signed Motor Vehicle Excise Commitment #5 for $54,830.05 (3-0)
• Approved motion to enter executive session for ATB cases (3-0)

School Department

The Ayer‑Shirley Regional School Committee will consider its consent agenda, including three warrants totaling about $1.33 million. New business includes a vote on the Middle School School Improvement Plan and the November MASC conference resolutions. The committee will also take a second reading and vote on the Middle School Pathway Exploration Policy. Additional reports and public comment are scheduled.

• Approve AP Warrant 1061 for $1,287.01 – FY26 credit card charges
• Approve AP Warrant 1062 for $321,327.23 – FY26 biweekly AP warrant
• Approve Payroll Warrant 8 for $1,126,782.69 – FY26 biweekly payroll
• Vote on School Improvement Plan for Ayer Shirley Regional Middle School
• Second‑read vote to approve the Middle School Pathway Exploration Policy

Housing Authority

The Ayer Housing Authority meeting will consider several financial actions. Members will vote on approving the FY 2026 budgets for the 400‑C, 400‑B, and MRVP programs. They will also review a fee accountant contract with Milne, Shaw and Robillard, discuss assistance to the Groton Housing Authority, and approve warrants and payments. Standard agenda items include minutes, reports, and public participation.

• Approval of FY 2026 budgets (400‑C, 400‑B, MRVP) – item 10
• Approval of fee accountant contract with Milne, Shaw and Robillard – item 11
• Consideration of assisting Groton Housing Authority – item 12
• Approval of warrants/payments – item 13
• Review and adoption of minutes from May 28 and August 21, 2025 – items 1‑2

Select Board

The Ayer Select Board will meet to vote on a draft letter regarding UDAG funds for the Senior Center building project and approve a contract extension for sewer cleaning and inspection. The meeting will also include a public hearing on a change of stock interest for Page Moore Cafe.

• Public Hearing: Change of Stock Interest for Page Moore Cafe, Inc. (39 Main Street)
• Extension of Contract: Cleaning & Inspection of Sewers and Storm Drains
• Execution of Change Order: Grove Pond WTF PFAS System Improvements Project
• Select Board Acceptance of Gift for Senior Center Building Project
• Request for Vote on UDAG Funds for Senior Center Building Project

The board approved the meeting agenda and several items by unanimous 3‑0 votes, including a stock change for Page Moore Cafe, a one‑year extension of the sewer cleaning contract, and a $147,283.44 change order for the Grove Pond PFAS project. They appointed Bradford N. Chandler to the Capital Planning Committee, accepted a donation for the senior center, and authorized $1,000,000 from the UDAG for the Senior Center Building Project pending Town Meeting approval. The next board meeting was rescheduled to November 5, 2025.

• Approved meeting agenda (3-0)
• Approved change of stock for Page Moore Cafe, Inc. (3-0)
• Extended Cleaning & Inspection of Sewers and Storm Drains contract one year (3-0)
• Approved Change Order No. 2 for Grove Pond PFAS project – $147,283.44 (3-0)
• Appointed Bradford N. Chandler to Capital Planning Committee (3-0)
• Accepted donation to Ayer Council on Aging/Senior Center (3-0)
• Authorized $1,000,000 UDAG funds for Senior Center Building Project (3-0)
• Rescheduled November 4 board meeting to November 5, 2025 (3-0)

Commissioners of Trust Funds

The Commissioners of Trust Funds will review the Bartholomew fiscal year 2025 summary. They will determine the amounts to be awarded for the 2025‑2026 school year. The meeting also includes routine items such as approving the agenda, minutes, and reports.

• Review of Bartholomew Fiscal Year 2025 Summary
• Determine award amounts for the 2025‑2026 school year
• Town Treasurer's Report
• Town Clerk report
• Approval of agenda and meeting minutes

Board of Health

The Ayer Board of Health will meet to discuss a septic approval and receive updates from the Nashoba Associated Boards of Health. The board will also review regulations regarding the keeping of animals and fowl.

• Septic approval for 6 Oakhurst St.
• Nashoba Associated Boards of Health updates
• Harm Reduction Update/Opioid Abatement Funds Working Group
• Regulations on keeping of animal and fowl

71 Sandy Pond Working Group

The Working Group will approve the September 29, 2025 meeting minutes, then review and discuss the proposed conceptual designs for 71 Sandy Pond Road. They will also consider next steps for the project and gather public input. The agenda includes scheduling the next Working Group meeting before adjourning.

• Approval of September 29, 2025 meeting minutes
• Review of proposed conceptual designs for 71 Sandy Pond Road
• Discussion of next steps for the 71 Sandy Pond Road project
• Public input on the project
• Scheduling of the next Working Group meeting

The Working Group unanimously approved the September 29, 2025 meeting minutes. After reviewing three design concepts, they decided Van Schalkwyk will work with the consultant to combine input into a single revised concept and schedule another discussion. The next meeting was set for November 17, 2025 at 6 pm. The meeting was adjourned by a unanimous motion.

• Approved September 29, 2025 meeting minutes (10-0)
• Decided Van Schalkwyk will work with the consultant to merge concepts into one design
• Scheduled next meeting for November 17, 2025 at 6 pm
• Motion to adjourn meeting passed (10-0)

Affordable Housing

The agenda document for the Ayer Affordable Housing meeting on 2025-10-17 could not be retrieved. The site reports a file-not-found error, so no agenda items are listed. Consequently, there are no decisions, proposals, or discussions recorded for this meeting.

The committee approved the minutes of the October 17 meeting and the agenda by unanimous vote. It then voted to request the developer provide two single‑family homes and one duplex, totaling three affordable units, with one unit ADA‑compliant and a first‑floor primary bedroom. The meeting was adjourned by motion.

• Approved meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved agenda (unanimous consent)
• Requested developer provide 2 single‑family homes and 1 duplex (3 units) with one ADA‑compliant unit (motion passed)
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

Economic & Community Development

The Ayer Affordable Housing Committee will meet to review updates on the Lincoln Hills Development affordable units. The committee will also discuss updates regarding NOAH/Ayer Commons.

• Lincoln Hills Development affordable units
• NOAH/Ayer Commons update
• Working Group update

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will meet to review the upcoming October 27, 2025 Town Meeting and the budget calendar for Fiscal Year 2027. The meeting also includes an update from the Rate Review Committee.

• Rate Review Committee update
• Discussion regarding Town Meeting on October 27, 2025
• Discussion regarding FY '27 Budget Calendar

The committee approved the October 2, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously. It recommended modest permit‑fee increases and sent the recommendation to the Select Board. Members voted to create a handout for the Fall Town Meeting, to be approved by the Moderator. The committee also set stage presenters for the Town Meeting and adjourned.

• Approved October 2, 2025 minutes as amended (5-0)
• Recommended $5 permit fee increase, $0 senior increase, $10 second permit fee increase; sent to Select Board (unanimous)
• Decided Kurt, Andrew, and Eric will be on the stage at Town Meeting
• Approved creation of Senior Center handout to be approved by Town Moderator (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Park Commission

The Ayer Parks Commission will discuss the Assistant Director position and evaluate projects at 71 Sandy Pond Rd. It will also review playground updates, capital planning, and the beach house design. Additional items include park maintenance updates, facility requests, sports program schedules, and upcoming community events. The meeting will conclude with setting the next meeting date.

• Assistant Director Position (staffing decision)
• 71 Sandy Pond Rd (project review)
• Playground Updates (capital project)
• Beach House Design (design review)
• Trunk or Treat (community event)

Zoning Board

The Ayer Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing regarding a variance application for 6 Patricia Dr. The board will also discuss special permit renewals and upcoming meetings.

• Public hearing: Variance application for 6 Patricia Dr. (filed September 16, 2025)
• Discussion: Special Permit Renewals

Council on Aging Board

The Council on Aging Board will hold a meeting to approve the agenda and review prior minutes. Public members may provide input, limited to two minutes each. The board will receive a directors report and discuss the National Council on Aging/National Institute of Senior Center assessment.

• Approval/Amend Agenda
• Review/Approve previous minutes
• Public Input (2 minutes per person)
• Directors Report
• National Council on Aging/National Institute of Senior Center Assessment

The board unanimously approved the meeting agenda and later adjourned the meeting by voice vote. It continued its NCOA/NISC self‑assessment, reviewing Standards 3 and 4. The board decided the Director will update the Senior Center website to include its policies and procedures document, and suggested developing a formal volunteer manual with an annual confidentiality statement. No public comments were received.

• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous voice vote)
• Directed Senior Center Director to update website with policies and procedures (action decided)
• Suggested creation of a formal volunteer manual with annual confidentiality statement (action suggested)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous voice vote)

Senior Center Site Selection Building Committee

The Senior Center Site Selection and Building Committee will meet on October 14, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. in Ayer. The agenda includes approval of the agenda and minutes, a review of town meeting and election procedures, a financial update, and updates on site utilities, permitting and gate issues for the proposed senior center at 18 Pond Street Rear. The committee will also receive public outreach updates, public input, and set the date for the next meeting.

• Approve / Amend Agenda
• Approval of Minutes
• Town Meeting & Election Procedures (Town Manager)
• Financial Update
• Site Updates: Utilities, Permitting, Gate, etc.

Planning Board

The Ayer Planning Board will consider several land‑use applications, including a parcel annexation at 35 & 37 Sandy Pond Road and a warehouse expansion at 12 Willow Road. The board will also review the draft decision for the Lincoln Hills project, a 34‑unit open‑space residential development with associated special and inclusionary housing permits. Administrative items include project status updates and approval of the September 9, 2025 meeting minutes.

• 35 & 37 Sandy Pond Road – annexation of parcel A to adjoining land
• 12 Willow Rd – site plan review and stormwater permit for warehouse expansion
• High Street & 38 Groton Harvard Road “Lincoln Hills” – 34‑unit open‑space residential development (site plan, special permit, inclusionary housing, stormwater permit)
• Project status updates: Stratton Hill, 42 Park Street, Pine Street
• Approval of September 9, 2025 meeting minutes

The board endorsed the ANR exchange for 35 & 37 Sandy Pond Road and approved the site plan for 0 Winthrop Ave. It then approved both the site plan and stormwater management permit for the Lincoln Hills development at High Street & 38 Groton Harvard Road, and closed the public hearings. The September 9 minutes were also approved.

• Approved agenda (4 aye)
• Endorsed ANR plan for 35 & 37 Sandy Pond Road (4 aye)
• Approved site plan for 0 Winthrop Ave (4 aye)
• Closed public hearing for 0 Winthrop Ave site plan (4 aye)
• Approved Lincoln Hills site plan (4 aye)
• Approved Lincoln Hills stormwater permit (4 aye)
• Closed public hearing for Lincoln Hills site plan and stormwater permit (4 aye)
• Approved September 9, 2025 minutes (3 aye, 1 abstain)

Conservation Commission

The commission will first approve its agenda and the minutes from the September 25 meeting. It will then hold a continued public hearing on a notice of intent (DEP File 100‑0500‑Creative Materials) for a 115‑by‑170‑foot warehouse addition at 12 Willow Road, including paving and storm‑water management within a 100‑foot buffer of a vegetated wetland and 200 feet of riverfront. The hearing is continued at the request of the applicant’s representative. The meeting will adjourn after conservation office and member updates.

• Approve agenda
• Approve meeting minutes for September 25, 2025
• Continued public hearing on DEP File 100‑0500‑Creative Materials for warehouse addition at 12 Willow Road (115 x 170 ft, paving, storm‑water system, buffer zones)
• Conservation office and member updates
• Adjourn

The Conservation Commission unanimously confirmed the agenda and approved the minutes from the September 25 meeting. It voted to continue the public hearing on the Creative Materials warehouse project to the next meeting on October 23, 2025. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Agenda confirmed (unanimous 4-0)
• Minutes for 9/25/2025 approved (unanimous 4-0)
• Public hearing on Creative Materials project continued to Oct 23, 2025 (unanimous 4-0)
• Meeting adjourned (unanimous 4-0)

Library Trustees

The Ayer Library Board will discuss the FY25 reorganization and vote on new job descriptions. It will also discuss and vote on revisions to the time‑off policy. Updates on governance (50l(c)(3)) and the strategic planning process will be presented. The meeting includes routine approvals of the agenda, minutes, and reports.

• Vote on Job Descriptions (FY25 Reorganization)
• Discussion & Vote on Time Off Policy Revisions
• Update on Governance and 50l(c)(3)
• Update on Strategic Planning Process
• Approval of Minutes of September 11, 2025 meeting

The trustees approved the meeting agenda and minutes, accepted the Treasurer's and Director's reports, and voted to support the FY25 Reorganization Plan that adds an Assistant Director and eliminates the Adult Services position. The new job description for the Assistant Director and revised employee time‑off policies were also accepted. These actions affect library staffing and operations, which can influence the level of service residents receive.

• Agenda approved (5-0)
• Minutes approved (5-0)
• Treasurer's Report accepted (7-0)
• Director's Report accepted (7-0)
• Reorganization Plan supported (7-0)
• Assistant Director job description accepted (7-0)
• New time‑off policies accepted (7-0)
• Meeting adjourned (7-0)

Devens Jurisdiction Framework Committee

The Devens Jurisdiction Framework Committee will meet to discuss the Permanent Government Matrix, including boundaries and redevelopment authority, and will vote on a vice chairperson.

• Discussion of 'Boundaries' and 'Redevelopment Authority' in Permanent Government Matrix
• Vote on Vice Chairperson
• Discussion of General Policy on Chairperson/Vice Chair
• Preparation for State Representatives on November 12
• Nomination of Membership for Contingency Plan Working Group

School Department

The Ayer Select Board will meet to approve the warrant for the October 27 Fall Special Town Meeting. The board will also consider requests for opioid funds and a budget calendar for FY '27.

• Review and approval of the Fall Special Town Meeting warrant (October 27, 2025)
• Board of Health request for use of opioid funds
• Approval of FY '27 draft budget calendar
• Review and approval of FY '26 - FY '28 COA contract with MART
• Discussion on Mass Development regarding Devens Jurisdiction Framework Committee (DJFC)

School Department

The Ayer‑Shirley Regional School Committee will consider several items, including a vote to raise building rental fees for athletic fields and auditoriums used by non‑residence and for‑profit groups. The meeting also includes a FY25 budget closeout, a Spring 2025 MCAS accountability presentation, and a first‑read review of the Middle School Pathway Exploration Policy. An executive session will address preparation for negotiations on the superintendent’s contract.

• Vote to increase building rental fees for athletic fields and auditoriums for non‑residence and for‑profit organizations
• FY25 budget closeout presentation by the Director of Finance
• Spring 2025 MCAS accountability presentation
• First‑read review (and possible vote) on the Middle School Pathway Exploration Policy
• Approval of FY26 warrants totaling approximately $3.5 million

Select Board

The Ayer Select Board will consider several items, including a Board of Health request to use opioid funds and the review and approval of the Fall Special Town Meeting warrant for October 27, 2025. The board will also approve the FY ’27 draft budget calendar and review the FY ’26‑’28 COA contract with MART. A discussion on Mass Development’s Devens Jurisdiction Framework Committee will be held, followed by approval of recent meeting minutes.

• Board of Health request for use of opioid funds
• Review and approval of the Fall Special Town Meeting warrant (Oct 27, 2025)
• Select Board approval of FY ’27 draft budget calendar
• Review and approval of FY ’26‑’28 COA contract with MART
• Discussion on Mass Development regarding Devens Jurisdiction Framework Committee (DJFC)

The board approved its agenda and authorized the Board of Health to enter a regional opioid‑abatement agreement. It adopted the Fall Special Town Meeting Warrant, which includes zoning amendments, easements, preservation fund items and the senior‑center building project. The FY ’27 budget calendar and the three‑year MART contract were also approved. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved meeting agenda (3-0)
• Approved Board of Health intermunicipal opioid agreement (3-0)
• Approved Fall Special Town Meeting Warrant (3-0)
• Approved FY ’27 budget calendar (3-0)
• Approved FY ’26‑FY ’28 MART contract (3-0)
• Approved September 16 and September 25, 2025 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:16 PM (3-0)

Board of Health

The Ayer Board of Health will present a request to the Select Board for the use of opioid funds. The item will be discussed during the joint meeting. No specific dollar amount is listed in the agenda.

• Request to Select Board for use of opioid funds

The Board of Health held a joint meeting with the Select Board to request use of opioid funds. No decision on the funding request was recorded. The meeting was adjourned after a motion to adjourn was approved 2-0.

• Adjourned meeting (2-0)

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will meet to discuss the 2025 Newton Street Festival and the preservation of cannons at Woodlawn Cemetery. The body will also review proposed improvements to Main St.

• Review of proposed improvements to Main St
• Woodlawn Cemetery cannon preservation
• Newton Street Festival 2025 afterthoughts

Sustainability Committee

The Ayer Sustainability Committee will approve the September 10 meeting minutes and continue reviewing MVP priorities and the grant timeline. Members will discuss potential MVP grant projects and explore public outreach ideas, including forming a sub‑group. The committee will also review inactive town committees and plan topics for the next meeting.

• Approval of September 10, 2025 meeting minutes
• Continued review of MVP priorities and grant timeline
• Discussion of MVP grant project ideas
• Public outreach ideas and possible sub‑group formation
• Review of inactive town committees

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will review and approve the September 10, 2025 meeting minutes. It will receive updates from the Rate Review Committee and the Capital Planning Committee. The committee will discuss the Town Meeting scheduled for October 27, 2025 and will collect public input before adjourning.

• Review and approval of September 10, 2025 meeting minutes
• Rate Review Committee update
• Capital Planning Committee update
• Discussion of Town Meeting on October 27, 2025
• Public input session

The committee did not approve the September 10, 2025 meeting minutes because they were not ready. It voted 4‑0 to recommend $400,000 for the Devenscrest affordable‑housing project and 3‑0‑1 (one abstention) to recommend $250,000 for two generators at the Ayer Housing Authority. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Did not approve September 10, 2025 minutes (not ready for review)
• Recommended $400,000 CPC funding for Devenscrest Affordable Housing (vote 4‑0)
• Recommended $250,000 CPC funding for generators at 18 Pond Street (vote 3‑0‑1 abstain)
• Unanimously approved motion to adjourn the meeting

Community Preservation Committee

The Ayer Community Preservation Committee met on October 1, 2025 via Zoom. The committee will approve the agenda and minutes, receive correspondence and invoices, and hold a public hearing. It will discuss funding for generators for the Ayer Housing Authority. The meeting will also review warrant articles, hear public comments, and receive committee reports before adjourning.

• Funding for Ayer Housing Authority generators
• Public hearing (topic not specified)
• Review warrant articles
• Approval of agenda and minutes
• Correspondence and invoices

Senior Center Site Selection Building Committee

The Senior Center Site Selection and Building Committee will meet to review site updates, public outreach, and preparations for a town meeting. The session will include public input and the approval of previous minutes.

• Approval of minutes
• Site updates: utilities and permitting
• Public outreach updates
• Preparations for Town Meeting
• Public input session

The Senior Center Site Selection and Building Committee approved the meeting agenda and unanimously approved all five sets of minutes. The committee scheduled the next two meetings for October 14 at 4:00 p.m. and October 20 at 5:00 p.m., and then unanimously adjourned. The Selectboard’s approval of the debt‑exclusion language for the election was also noted.

• Approved meeting agenda (motion passed)
• Approved five sets of minutes unanimously
• Selectboard approved debt‑exclusion language for election
• Scheduled next meeting for Oct 14, 4:00 p.m.
• Scheduled next meeting for Oct 20, 5:00 p.m.
• Adjourned meeting unanimously

71 Sandy Pond Working Group

The group approved the draft minutes from the March 24, 2025 meeting with a 6‑4 vote and two abstentions. It scheduled the next regular meeting for October 20, 2025 at 6 pm to review updated concepts. The meeting was adjourned by a unanimous 9‑0 vote.

• Approved March 24, 2025 meeting minutes (6-4; abstentions: J. Schmalenberger, J. Providakes, D. Ruiz)
• Scheduled next regular meeting for October 20, 2025 at 6 pm
• Decided to review updated concepts at the October 20 meeting
• Adjourned the meeting (9-0)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will first approve its agenda and the minutes from the September 11 meeting. It will continue a public hearing on a notice of intent (DEP File 100-0500) for a warehouse addition (11 × 170 ft) at 12 Willow Road, which includes paving and a storm‑water system within a 100‑foot buffer to a vegetated wetland and 200 feet of riverfront. The commission will also discuss and vote on a proposed open‑space component of the Lincoln Hills development. The meeting will conclude with updates from the conservation office and member reports.

• Approve agenda for the meeting
• Approve minutes from the September 11, 2025 meeting
• Continue public hearing on notice of intent (DEP File 100-0500) for 12 Willow Road warehouse addition, including buffer zone requirements
• Discussion and vote on proposed open space at the Lincoln Hills development
• Conservation office and member updates

The commission confirmed the agenda and approved the September 11 minutes, both unanimously (4-0). It voted to hold the Conservation Restriction for the Lincoln Hill Development, also unanimously (4-0). A separate motion to adopt public‑access and monitoring‑fee conditions for that restriction passed unanimously (4-0). The meeting was then adjourned (4-0).

• Agenda confirmed (4-0)
• Minutes for 9/11/2025 approved (4-0)
• Hold Conservation Restriction at Lincoln Hill Development (4-0)
• Adopt public‑access and monitoring‑fee conditions for the CR (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

Select Board

The Ayer Select Board will vote on whether to call a special election on November 4, 2025. The election would present a ballot question asking if the town may exempt from Proposition 2½ the amounts needed to pay the bond for constructing, equipping, and furnishing a Senior Center Building, including site preparation, design, engineering, and related costs. The board will consider and vote on this matter during the open session.

• Vote on calling a special election on Nov 4, 2025 for a debt exclusion ballot question for the Senior Center Building project

The Select Board voted 3‑0 to place a debt‑exclusion question for the Senior Center Building on the November 4, 2025 special election ballot. The Board also approved polling hours of 12 pm to 8 pm for that election at Ayer Town Hall, 1 Main Street. Both motions were passed unanimously.

• Approved debt‑exclusion ballot question for Senior Center Building (3‑0)
• Set polling hours for Nov 4, 2025 special election to 12 pm‑8 pm at Ayer Town Hall (3‑0)
• Adjourned meeting at 5:10 pm (3‑0)

Housing Authority

The Ayer Housing Authority will meet to review minutes, financial reports, and consider assisting the Groton Housing Authority. The meeting is scheduled for September 24, 2025, at 18 Pond Street in Ayer, Massachusetts.

• Review of May 28, 2025 and August 21, 2025 minutes
• Consideration of assisting Groton Housing Authority
• Review of financial reports
• Consideration of warrants/payments
• Report from Executive Director

Housing Authority

The Ayer Housing Authority will hold its regular meeting on September 24, 2025 at 5:00 PM at 18 Pond Street. The agenda includes routine items such as approval of minutes, committee and financial reports, and resident participation. Two decision items are on the agenda: consideration of assisting Groton Housing Authority and consideration of approving warrants and payments.

• Approval of minutes from May 28, 2025
• Approval of minutes from August 21, 2025
• Consideration of assisting Groton Housing Authority
• Consideration of approving warrants/payments
• Resident and public participation

Cultural Council

The Ayer Cultural Council will present the proposed mural artwork by artist Kori Thomas, gather feedback on the design, and open a public input period. The meeting concludes with adjournment.

• Presentation of mural project artwork by artist Kori Thomas
• Discussion of artwork feedback
• Public input session
• Adjournment

Rate Review Committee

The Ayer Rate Review Committee meeting on September 23, 2025 will begin with a call to order and approve the minutes from the September 9, 2025 meeting. The committee will then discuss options for the solid waste/transfer station rate. Afterward, the committee will schedule future meetings before adjourning.

• Review and approval of September 9, 2025 meeting minutes
• Discussion of solid waste/transfer station rate options
• Scheduling of next meeting(s)

The Rate Review Committee approved the September 9, 2025 meeting minutes with the requested amendment (6‑0). Members agreed to run additional solid‑waste rate scenarios before the next meeting. The next meeting was scheduled for October 14, 2025 at 4 pm, and the committee adjourned (6‑0).

• Approved September 9, 2025 minutes as amended (6‑0)
• Agreed to run additional solid‑waste rate scenarios prior to next meeting
• Scheduled next meeting for October 14, 2025 at 4 pm
• Adjourned meeting (6‑0)

Planning Board

The board will hold public hearings on three site‑plan applications: a warehouse addition at 12 Willow Road, a parking lot project on Winthrop Avenue behind the VOA Ayer Memory Support property, and a 34‑unit residential development on High Street and 38 Groton Harvard Road. The Willow Road applicant has asked to postpone the decision to the October 7 meeting. The board will also receive project status updates, approve meeting minutes, and adjourn.

• 12 Willow Rd – site‑plan review & stormwater permit for warehouse expansion; applicant Creative Materials, Inc.; request for continuance to Oct 7
• Winthrop Ave rear “VOA Parking Lot” – site‑plan review to add 18 parking spaces with paved LID features; applicant Lincoln Developers, LLC; owner VOA Ayer Memory Support LLC
• High Street & 38 Groton Harvard Rd “Lincoln Hills” – site‑plan review, special permit, inclusionary housing and stormwater permit for 34‑unit open‑space residential development (30 single‑family homes, 2 duplexes); applicant Lincoln Developers
• Administrative matters: project status updates
• Approval of meeting minutes

The board approved its agenda unanimously. It approved the site plan for 0 Winthrop Ave with all general and special conditions. The board voted to continue public hearings for 12 Willow Road and the Lincoln Hills development to the October meeting. All motions passed with four ayes and no nays.

• Approve agenda (4 ayes)
• Continue public hearing for 12 Willow Road site plan (4 ayes)
• Approve site plan for 0 Winthrop Ave with conditions (4 ayes)
• Close public hearing for 0 Winthrop Ave (4 ayes)
• Continue public hearing for Lincoln Hills (High Street & 38 Groton Harvard Rd) (4 ayes)

Cemetery Commission

The Ayer Cemetery Commission will review and approve its agenda and the meeting minutes from June 9, 2025. The DPW Director will give an administrative and operations update, including lot sales and execution of deed certificates. Commissioners will discuss the cemetery layout and next steps for implementing green burial options. The meeting will conclude with public input and scheduling the next meeting.

• Review and approve agenda
• Review and approve meeting minutes from June 9, 2025
• DPW Director report on lot sales and deed certificates
• Discussion of cemetery layout and green burial next steps
• Public input session

Cultural Council

The Ayer Cultural Council will hear a presentation of the proposed mural artwork from artist Kori Thomas. Attendees will have an opportunity to give feedback on the design. The meeting will also include a public input period before adjourning.

• Presentation of Mural Project artwork by artist Kori Thomas
• Artwork feedback discussion
• Public input session
• Call to order
• Adjournment

Cultural Council

The Ayer Cultural Council meeting will open with a call to order, then accept public input. The council will view a presentation of the proposed mural project artwork by artist Kori Thomas and discuss feedback on the design before adjourning.

• Public input session
• Presentation of mural project artwork by artist Kori Thomas
• Discussion and feedback on the mural artwork

Affordable Housing

The agenda file for the Ayer Affordable Housing meeting on September 18, 2025 could not be retrieved. The website returned an error indicating the PDF was not found. Consequently, no agenda items are listed for this meeting.

The committee approved its agenda by unanimous consent. The Ayer Affordable Housing Trust voted to allocate $170,000 for the Devenscrest rental housing project, which will create 114 affordable units. The committee also agreed to review the mix of single‑family and duplex affordable units for the Lincoln Hill Development and report back to the developer. The meeting was adjourned following a motion.

• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous consent)
• Awarded $170,000 to Devenscrest affordable rental project (Trust vote)
• Committee will review affordable unit mix for Lincoln Hill Development and report to developer
• Adjourned meeting (motion by Ron Morrisson, second by James Stephen)

Park Commission

The Ayer Parks Commission will review updates to playground projects and capital planning. It will consider the 5‑year plan, which includes a design for a new beach house. The meeting also includes park maintenance updates, facility requests, incident reports, and upcoming community events such as Trunk or Treat.

• Playground updates (capital planning)
• 5‑year plan – Beach House design
• Park maintenance updates
• Facility requests
• Trunk or Treat event

The park commission approved the August 2025 meeting minutes (5-0-0). It approved St. Andrew's Church to use the camping area on October 4 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (5-0-0). It also approved a birthday party on September 28 at the playground picnic tables (5-0-0). The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved August 2025 meeting minutes (5-0-0)
• Approved St. Andrew's Church camping area use Oct 4, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. (5-0-0)
• Approved birthday party Sep 28, 12:30–2:30 p.m. at playground picnic tables (5-0-0)
• Approved motion to open the meeting (unanimous)
• Approved motion to adjourn the meeting (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Ayer Planning Board will conduct a site visit on September 18, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. The visit is at 12 Willow Rd. It is part of the board’s review of a site plan and stormwater management permit applications.

• Site visit at 12 Willow Rd
• Review of site plan application
• Review of stormwater management permit applications

Senior Center Site Selection Building Committee

The Senior Center Site Selection and Building Committee will first approve the agenda and minutes. It will then discuss the Finance Committee, Capital Planning, and upcoming Select Board meetings and next steps. The meeting includes public outreach updates, a period for public input, and scheduling of the next meeting before adjourning.

• Approve/Amend Agenda
• Approval of Minutes
• Discussion of Finance Committee, Capital Planning, and Select Board Meetings and Next Steps
• Public Outreach Updates
• Public Input

The Senior Center Site Selection and Building Committee approved the revised agenda and several sets of past meeting minutes. Motions to approve minutes from May 15, July 17, August 9, and additional dates were passed. The meeting was then adjourned. No project funding or construction decisions were made.

• Approved revised agenda (motion by Ellen, seconded by Dennis)
• Approved May 15 minutes (motion by Ellen/Ken)
• Approved July 17 minutes (motion by Ellen/Bonnie)
• Approved August 9 minutes (motion by Ellen/Dennis)
• Approved addition of minutes from April 24, July 24, August 25, September 15 (to be prepared)
• Motion to adjourn passed (Dave/Ellen)

Zoning Board

The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting scheduled for September 17, 2025, has been cancelled. The next regularly scheduled meeting is set for October 15, 2025.

• Cancelled meeting notice for September 17, 2025
• Next meeting scheduled for October 15, 2025

School Department

The Ayer‑Shirley Regional School Committee will consider a consent agenda that includes approval of several FY26 financial warrants totaling about $2.9 million. The meeting also includes votes to nominate a delegate to the MASC November 2025 conference and to adopt the superintendent’s goals for the 2025‑2026 school year. Public comment will be permitted and the session will be recorded per state law.

• Approve AP Warrant 1035 for $1,167.96 (FY26 credit‑card charges)
• Approve AP Warrant 1036 for $185,118.31 (FY26 biweekly)
• Approve AP Warrant 1042 for $805,169.40 (FY26 biweekly)
• Approve payroll warrants totaling $1,883,732.03 (FY26 biweekly payroll)
• Vote to nominate Kevin Bresnahan as delegate to the MASC November 2025 conference

Select Board

The Ayer Select Board will review the draft calendar for the fiscal year 2027 budget. The meeting also includes updates on water‑treatment projects, a senior‑center building project, and several licensing requests. Public input will be taken before the board votes on agenda items.

• Application for Common Victualler's License – Cambodian Dreamers, LLC d/b/a Adams Donut Shop – 60 West Main Street
• Change Order 1 – Spectacle Pond Treatment Plant Skid Replacement Project
• Grove Pond Water Treatment Facility PFAS Improvements – Grant of License to National Grid
• Adoption of newly approved local limits into the Sewer Rules and Regulations
• Request for One Day Beer/Wine License – St. Mary's Church – October 18, 2025

The Board approved a motion to convene on September 24 to call a debt exclusion election for the Senior Center Building Project. It also approved a conditional Common Victualler's License for Adams Donut Shop, a $7,532.50 change order for the Spectacle Pond Treatment Plant, and a grant of license for National Grid easement at Grove Pond. Additional actions included amending the Sewer Rules, granting a one‑day beer/wine license for St. Mary's Church, and approving the meeting minutes.

• Approved motion to convene September 24 to call debt exclusion election (3-0)
• Approved Common Victualler's License for Cambodian Dreamers d/b/a Adams Donut Shop, conditioned on Health and Fire approvals (3-0)
• Approved Change Order 1 for Spectacle Pond Treatment Plant, $7,532.50 (3-0)
• Executed Grant of License for National Grid easement at 99 Barnum Road, Grove Pond Water Treatment Facility (3-0)
• Amended Sewer Rules to adopt new Maximum Allowable Industrial Loadings (3-0)
• Granted One Day Beer/Wine License for St. Mary's Church event on Oct 18 (3-0)
• Approved meeting minutes from September 2, 2025 (3-0)
• Failed recommendation to forward Senior Center Building Project to Town Meeting (2 No‑1 Yes‑1 Abstention)

Senior Center Site Selection Building Committee

The Building Committee is preparing for a Town Meeting vote on October 27 to approve a new Senior Center, following a public information campaign. The current facility is described as too small, non-ADA accessible, and lacking a commercial kitchen. The committee is hosting multiple public information sessions to discuss the project.

• Town Meeting vote on new Senior Center: October 27 at 7:00 PM
• Public information sessions scheduled for September 15, September 20, October 1, and October 16
• Current Senior Center located at 18 Pond St.
• Transportation available for public sessions by calling 978-772-8260
• Two votes required to approve the new Senior Center

A quorum of the Senior Center Site Selection and Building Committee met on September 15, 2025, to present the proposed senior center project and gather public input. The meeting was a public information session only; the committee did not deliberate on any formal actions or take any votes.

Conservation Commission

The Ayer Conservation Commission will consider a request from Northern Construction Service, LLC to determine regulatory applicability for a temporary bridge on West Main Street. It will also hold a continued public hearing on a proposed 15‑by‑170‑foot warehouse addition at 12 Willow Road, including paving and stormwater management within a 100‑foot buffer to a vegetated wetland and a 200‑foot riverfront area. The agenda includes routine approvals of the agenda and minutes from the August 28 2025 meeting, as well as updates from the conservation office and public input.

• Request for Determination of Applicability – Northern Construction Service, LLC, temporary bridge on West Main Street
• Continued Public Hearing – Notice of Intent for 15 × 170 ft warehouse addition at 12 Willow Road, with paving and stormwater system near wetland
• Approval of agenda (procedural)
• Approval of meeting minutes for August 28 2025 (procedural)
• Conservation office and member updates

Library Trustees

The Ayer Library Board of Trustees will meet to approve minutes, review financial reports, and vote on a compensation policy revision and a deed of gift for the Nutting Room.

• Approval of July 10, 2025 minutes
• Treasurer's Report
• Vote: Compensation Policy Revision
• Vote: Nutting Room Deed of Gift
• Discussion: Strategic Planning Process

The trustees approved the meeting agenda and minutes, accepted the treasurer’s and director’s reports, authorized payment of an invoice from Hurwitt and Associates, and adopted a revised compensation policy. All motions passed unanimously with a 6‑0 vote. The meeting was adjourned at 7:02 p.m.

• Approved agenda (6-0)
• Approved meeting minutes (6-0)
• Accepted Treasurer's Report (6-0)
• Accepted Director's Report (6-0)
• Authorized payment of Hurwitt and Associates invoice (6-0)
• Approved Compensation Policy Revision (6-0)
• Adjourned meeting (6-0)

Capital Planning Committee

The Capital Planning Committee will meet to review and make a recommendation regarding the proposed Senior Center Building Project. The committee will also approve minutes from the January 22, 2025 meeting.

• Review and recommendation of the proposed Senior Center Building Project

The Capital Planning Committee approved its agenda and the January 22, 2025 minutes, each by a 5‑0 vote. It then voted 4‑1 to recommend the proposed Senior Center Building Project to the Select Board, contingent on a debt exclusion approved by Town Meeting and a ballot election. The committee also recommended using $2 million from the Capital Stabilization Fund for the project, subject to Town Meeting approval.

• Approved meeting agenda (5-0)
• Approved January 22, 2025 minutes (5-0)
• Recommended Senior Center Building Project to Select Board, subject to debt exclusion ballot (4-1)
• Recommended use of $2 million from Capital Stabilization Fund for project, pending Town Meeting approval (4-1)

Sustainability Committee

The Ayer Sustainability Committee will meet to approve previous minutes and review grant priorities and timelines. The agenda includes a discussion on public outreach for the Newtown Street Festival and topics for the next meeting.

• Approval of August 13, 2025 meeting minutes
• Review of MVP Priorities and Grant Timeline
• Review of other potential grant opportunities
• Public outreach for Newtown Street Festival ideas
• Discussion of topics for the next meeting

The committee approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from August 13, 2025. It agreed to follow the draft MVP Action Grant schedule as presented. Members decided to explore combining the storm‑water resilience master plan and fire‑station flood mitigation into a single MVP grant application. The committee also concluded that working on this year’s Green Communities grant together is not feasible and will revisit it for future applications.

• Approved meeting agenda (motion passed)
• Approved minutes of August 13, 2025 (motion passed)
• Agreed to follow MVP Action Grant schedule as presented
• Agreed to explore combining stormwater master plan and fire‑station improvements into one MVP grant application
• Decided not to pursue this year’s Green Communities grant jointly; will consider future applications
• Adjourned meeting at 5:52 PM

Finance Committee

The Ayer Finance Committee will meet to vote on recommendations for the Senior Center Building Project to present to the Select Board and Town Meeting. The meeting will be held in-person at Town Hall with a hybrid option via Zoom.

• Vote on Senior Center Building Project recommendations
• Presentation: Senior Center Building Project
• Public Input period
• Meeting ID: 978-772-8220
• FY 2026 budget period defined

The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the July 31 and August 21, 2025 meetings. Members voted on a recommendation for the senior‑center building project: Kurt Fraczkowski recommended, Andrew Sealey and Eric Sechman did not recommend, and Jin Hong abstained. The next Finance Committee meeting was scheduled for October 2, 2025, with a follow‑up meeting set for September 18, 2025. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved July 31, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved August 21, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Senior center proposal recommendation – Recommend (Kurt), Does Not Recommend (Andrew, Eric), No Position/Abstain (Jin)
• Scheduled next Finance Committee meeting for October 2, 2025 at 6 pm
• Scheduled follow‑up meeting for September 18, 2025 at 6 pm
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Council on Aging Board

The Ayer Council on Aging Board will meet on September 9, 2025 at the Senior Center, 18 Pond Street. The board will approve the agenda and prior meeting minutes, accept brief public comments, hear the Director’s report, and receive a presentation from the National Council on Aging/National Institute of Senior Center Assessment.

• Approval/Amend Agenda
• Review/Approve previous minutes
• Public Input (two minutes per person)
• Directors Report
• National Council on Aging/National Institute of Senior Center Assessment

The board deferred the November 11 meeting to December by a unanimous vote. It approved a motion to draft and send a letter of support for the proposed senior center building, passing 3‑1. The minutes from previous meetings were accepted with amendments unanimously. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Deferred November 11 board meeting to December (unanimous)
• Approved drafting and sending a letter of support for the new senior center (3‑1)
• Approved previous meeting minutes with amendments (unanimous)
• Adjourned the meeting (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Ayer Planning Board will hold public hearings on three development proposals—a warehouse addition at 12 Willow Road, an 18‑space parking lot behind the Nashoba Park property on Winthrop Avenue, and a 34‑unit residential project called Lincoln Hills on parcels along High Street and Groton Harvard Road. The board will also vote on whether to recommend four zoning bylaw amendments concerning site‑plan calculations, floodplain overlay provisions, off‑street parking requirements, and the density‑bonus rule for the upcoming October 27 Town Meeting. Additional items include project status updates, approval of meeting minutes, and adjournment.

• Public hearing: 12 Willow Rd – site plan review & stormwater permit for Creative Materials, Inc. to add a warehouse and expand paved area (filed 8/19/25).
• Public hearing: Winthrop Ave rear – site plan review for Lincoln Developers to create 18 parking spaces with paved area and LID features on Nashoba Park property.
• Public hearing: High Street & 38 Groton Harvard Road (“Lincoln Hills”) – site plan, special permit, inclusionary housing, stormwater permit for 34‑unit residential development (30 single‑family homes, 2 duplexes).
• Proposed zoning amendment: repeal section 3.5.8 on counting units in site‑plan reviews (section 320‑3.5).
• Proposed zoning amendments: changes to floodplain overlay (sections 320‑8.2.3 & 8.2.8), off‑street parking (320‑9.1.2), and density bonus (320‑10.1.5) to be recommended at the October 27 Town Meeting.

The Planning Board approved the meeting agenda unanimously. It voted to continue the public hearing for the 12 Willow Road Site Plan Review and Major Stormwater Management Permit to the next meeting on September 23. It also voted to continue the public hearing for the Winthrop Ave Site Plan Review to September 23. A site walk for 12 Willow Road was scheduled for Thursday, September 18 at 8 AM.

• Approved agenda (unanimous vote)
• Continued 12 Willow Road hearing to Sep 23 (unanimous vote)
• Continued Winthrop Ave hearing to Sep 23 (unanimous vote)

Rate Review Committee

The Ayer Rate Review Committee meeting on September 9, 2025 will consider several documents, including the Ayer Transfer Station Evaluation Study, SW Preliminary Results, and History of Subsidy. No specific actions or decisions are listed on the agenda, indicating a review-focused session. The agenda and minutes from the same date will also be distributed to members.

• Review of Ayer Transfer Station Evaluation Study
• Review of SW Preliminary Results
• Review of History of Subsidy
• Distribution of agenda and minutes

The Rate Review Committee approved the draft minutes from the March 11, 2025 meeting with a 6‑0 vote. Members reviewed the solid‑waste enterprise budget and discussed possible rate‑increase scenarios, but no rate changes were adopted. The meeting was adjourned at 4:45 p.m. with a unanimous 6‑0 vote.

• Approved March 11, 2025 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Scheduled next meeting for September 9, 2025 at 4 pm
• Adjourned meeting at 4:45 pm (6-0)

Board of Health

The Ayer Board of Health will hold a hybrid meeting to review updates from the Nashoba Associated Boards of Health, including a possible ban on rodenticides and harm reduction efforts funded by opioid abatement dollars. The board will also address administrative matters such as animal permits and tobacco permits.

• Discussion on possible ban of rodenticides due to environmental harm
• Review of opioid abatement funds working group survey results
• Approval of animal and fowl permits
• Approval of tobacco permits
• Review of bills and mail

Historical Commission

The Ayer Historical Commission will meet to discuss the 2025 Newton Street Festival and the preservation of cannons at Woodlawn Cemetery. The body will also consider a change to the monthly meeting day.

• Newton Street Festival 2025
• Woodlawn Cemetery Cannon Preservation
• Monthly Meeting Day Change

Community Preservation Committee

The Ayer Community Preservation Committee will hold a public hearing to review a funding application from the Devenscrest Tenants Association for Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds. The request seeks support for rehabilitation and preservation work at Devenscrest Village Apartments.

• Public hearing on Devenscrest Apartments rehabilitation funding request
• Application from Devenscrest Tenants Association for CPA funds
• Project: Devenscrest Village Apartments preservation and rehabilitation

Select Board

The Ayer Select Board will hold an in-person meeting to discuss and vote on zoning bylaw articles for the upcoming Special Town Meeting. The board will also hear presentations on library roof replacement and Shriver Job Corps, and consider a license agreement with National Grid for a Habitat for Humanity project.

• Application for Common Victualler's License for JRK Pizza, LLC (Domino's Pizza) at 22-2 Fitchburg Road
• Approval of Ayer Library Roof Replacement
• Presentation and Vote on Zoning Bylaw Articles for Special Town Meeting
• Approval of License Agreement with National Grid - 12 Newton Street - Habitat for Humanity
• Town Manager's Report including FY '27 Draft Budget Calendar Discussion

The Select Board approved the agenda and several contracts, including a $42,560 library roof replacement and a license agreement with National Grid for a Habitat for Humanity house. They also approved a conditional Common Victualler's License for a Domino's Pizza location and sent four zoning bylaw articles to the Planning Board for review and a public hearing. The meeting minutes were approved and the session was adjourned.

• Approved meeting agenda (3-0)
• Approved Common Victualler's License for JRK Pizza d/b/a Domino's Pizza, pending health inspection (3-0)
• Awarded J.J.S Universal $42,560 Library Asphalt Shingle Roof Replacement contract (3-0)
• Sent proposed Zoning Bylaw Articles to Planning Board for review and public hearing (3-0)
• Approved License Agreement with National Grid for 12 Newton Street Habitat for Humanity house (3-0)
• Approved August 19, 2025 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Tabled Shriver Job Corps presentation (no vote recorded)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:31 PM (3-0)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a Notice of Intent from Creative Materials, Inc. The body will discuss a proposed warehouse addition and parking expansion at 12 Willow Road.

• Notice of Intent for a 115’ X 170’ warehouse addition at 12 Willow Road
• Proposed expansion of existing parking area at 12 Willow Road
• Installation of a new stormwater control system within the 200 River front area and 100-foot buffer zone

The Conservation Commission confirmed the agenda and approved the July 24 minutes, each by a unanimous 5‑0 vote. It then voted 5‑0 to issue a Negative Determination of Applicability for the Department of Public Works road reclamation work on Groton Shirley Road and Bligh Street. No other actions were decided at this meeting.

• Agenda confirmed (5-0 unanimous)
• July 24 minutes approved (5-0 unanimous)
• Negative Determination of Applicability for DPW road reclamation approved (5-0 unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a warehouse addition and stormwater management system at 12 Willow Road. The body will also review roadway reclamation work and a certificate of compliance for a residential property.

• Public Hearing: 115' x 170' warehouse addition at 12 Willow Road
• Request for Determination: Roadway reclamation on Groton-Shirley Road and Bligh Street
• Request for Partial Certificate of Compliance: 26 Mountain Laurel Road
• Update on Eagle Scout Project at Pine Meadow Conservation Area

Board of Assessors

The Ayer Board of Assessors will hold a remote meeting on August 27, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. via Zoom. The board will approve the July 24 meeting minutes, the July Motor Vehicle and Trailer Abatement Report, and supplemental 2025 Real Estate & CPA commitments. An executive session will discuss ATB cases.

• Approve July 24, 2025 meeting minutes
• Approve July Motor Vehicle and Trailer Abatement Report
• Approve supplemental 2025 Real Estate & CPA commitments
• Executive session to discuss ATB cases

The Board of Assessors approved the agenda, the July 24 minutes, the July motor vehicle & trailer excise abatement report, and the warrants for supplemental real estate taxes and CPA surcharge. They also voted to enter executive session to discuss ATB cases. All motions were approved unanimously or with no opposition.

• Approved agenda as amended (3-0)
• Approved July 24, 2025 minutes (2-0, 1 abstention)
• Approved July 2025 Motor Vehicle & Trailer Excise Abatement report (3-0)
• Approved and signed warrants for $21,711.06 supplemental real estate taxes and $651.33 CPA surcharge (3-0)
• Entered executive session for ATB case discussion, open session not to reconvene (3-0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold continued public hearings for three site plan applications. The board is reviewing a 34-unit residential development and two parking lot projects. Members will also discuss proposed zoning bylaw amendments and parking goals.

• High Street & 38 Groton Harvard Road: Proposed 34-unit Open Space Residential Development (30 single family homes, 2 duplexes)
• 18 Pond Street: Site Plan Review for ADA compliant parking, driveways, and sidewalks for Ayer Housing Authority
• Winthrop Ave Rear 'VOA Parking Lot': Proposal for 18 parking spaces for Nashoba Park staff
• Proposed Zoning Bylaw Amendments
• Discussion on the state of parking and future goals

The Planning Board granted all requested waivers for the 18 Pond Street project and approved its site plan with general and special conditions. It also approved a major stormwater management permit for the same project, again with conditions. The public hearing for the project was closed, and the hearing for the Winthrop Ave site plan was continued to the September 9 meeting.

• Approved waiver for landscaping buffer (Ayer Zoning Bylaw §9.1.6 A&B) – vote: all four members aye
• Approved waiver for bicycle parking requirement (Ayer Zoning Bylaw §9.1.9) – vote: all four members aye
• Approved waiver for detailed landscape plan (Ayer Site Plan Reg §4.C.1) – vote: all four members aye
• Approved waiver for lighting plan (Ayer Site Plan Reg §4.G) – vote: all four members aye
• Approved waiver for stormwater easement (Ayer Stormwater Bylaw §2.1.10 B(1)) – vote: all four members aye
• Approved Site Plan for 18 Pond Street subject to conditions – vote: all four members aye
• Approved Major Stormwater Management Permit for 18 Pond Street subject to conditions – vote: all four members aye
• Continued public hearing for Winthrop Ave site plan to September 9 – vote: all four members aye

Senior Center Site Selection Building Committee

The Senior Center Site Selection and Building Committee will meet to discuss the Select Board meeting, capital planning, public outreach updates, and the Town Meeting and Election Process. The meeting will be held in-person at the Ayer Senior Center.

• Approval of previous meeting minutes
• Discussion of Select Board meeting and next steps
• Town Meeting & Election Process discussion
• Public Outreach Updates presentation
• Meeting with Capital Planning and FinCom

Housing Authority

The Ayer Housing Authority will hold a special meeting to review the Year End FY2025 Financials and Certifications and discuss Affirmative Action Goals. The meeting is scheduled for August 21, 2025, at 8:00 AM at 18 Pond Street, Ayer, MA.

Cultural Council

The Ayer Cultural Council will meet to hear an introduction from Economic Development Director Rachel Friedlander. The body will discuss sponsorship from Main Street Bank and review a mural sketch presented by artist Kori Thomas.

• Main Street Bank sponsorship
• Mural sketch presentation by Kori Thomas

Cultural Council

The Ayer Cultural Council will meet to hear an introduction from the Economic Development Director and discuss a sponsorship from Main Street Bank. The council will also review a mural sketch presented by artist Kori Thomas.

• Presentation of mural sketch by artist Kori Thomas
• Discussion of Main Street Bank's sponsorship
• Introduction from Economic Development Director Rachel Friedlander

Finance Committee

The committee approved the July 31, 2025 meeting minutes with a unanimous vote. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously. Future meeting dates were set for September 10 and September 18, 2025.

• Approved July 31, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)
• Scheduled next Finance Committee meeting for September 10, 2025 at 6 pm
• Scheduled subsequent meeting for September 18, 2025 at 6 pm

School Department

The Ayer Shirley Regional School Committee will hold its regular meeting at the high school media center. The body will vote on approving the prior meeting’s minutes, paying outstanding warrants totaling over $6.2 million, and disposing of surplus textbooks. New administrators will be introduced, and the superintendent will report on the opening of schools.

• Vote to approve June 11, 2025 meeting minutes
• Approve disposal of surplus textbooks and materials
• Approve 2025-2026 Student Handbook
• Pay warrants totaling $6,211,110.00 for FY26 Middlesex County Retirement
• Introduce new district administrators: Dr. Adam Renda (Superintendent), Mrs. Nicole Barton (Assistant Principal), Mrs. Jenna Larrenaga (Principal), Mrs. Lindsay Rocco (Assistant Principal)

Park Commission

The Ayer Park Commission will review playground updates, concrete bleachers, and light poles. The agenda also includes a five-year capital plan, maintenance updates, and facility requests.

• Playground Updates
• Concrete Bleachers
• Light Poles
• 5-year capital plan
• Trunk or Treat event

The Ayer Parks Commission opened the meeting and approved the June meeting minutes. It voted to approve a birthday party reservation at the playground on September 13 from 3 pm to 5 pm. The meeting was then adjourned. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved opening of the meeting (unanimous)
• Approved June meeting minutes (3-0-0)
• Approved birthday party Sep 13 at playground (3-0-0)
• Adjourned the meeting (unanimous)

Zoning Board

The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting scheduled for August 20, 2025, has been cancelled. The notice cites a lack of applications as the reason for the cancellation.

Select Board

The Select Board will meet to open the warrant for the October 27, 2025, Special Town Meeting. The board will also review DPW project awards and a police social services agreement.

• Award of the FY '26 Sewer System Rehabilitation Project
• Change Order 1 for Cambridge Street Water & Drainage Improvements Project
• Proposed Public Utility Easement at 46 Cambridge Street
• Approval of COIN/Police Social Services Intermunicipal Agreement
• Discussion of DRAFT FY '27 Budget Calendar

The Board approved the FY26 Sewer System Rehabilitation contract for $886,680, a change order for $8,975, and a public utility easement for 46 Cambridge Street, each by a 3‑0 vote. It also opened the Special Fall Town Meeting warrant for Oct 27 2025, appointed Rachel Friedlander to the Devens Jurisdictional Framework Committee, and approved the COIN/Police Social Services Intermunicipal Agreement and authorized the Town Manager to sign it, all with unanimous votes.

• Approved FY26 Sewer System Rehabilitation contract $886,680 (3-0)
• Approved Change Order No. 1 for Cambridge Street Water & Drainage Improvements $8,975 (3-0)
• Executed Public Utility Easement for 46 Cambridge Street (3-0)
• Opened Special Fall Town Meeting Warrant for Oct 27, 2025 (3-0)
• Appointed Rachel Friedlander to Devens Jurisdictional Framework Committee (3-0)
• Approved COIN/Police Social Services Intermunicipal Agreement (3-0)
• Authorized Town Manager to sign COIN/Police Social Services Intermunicipal Agreement (3-0)
• Approved meeting agenda and minutes (3-0 each)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission’s regularly scheduled meeting on August 14, 2025 was cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for August 28, 2025 at 7:00 PM.

Sustainability Committee

The Sustainability Committee will meet to review and discuss several town plans. The session focuses on the Master Plan, MVP Plan, Hazardous Mitigation Plan, and Open Space and Recreation Plan.

• Review of Master Plan
• Review of MVP Plan
• Review of Hazardous Mitigation Plan
• Review of Open Space and Recreation Plan

The Sustainability Committee approved the July 9, 2025 meeting minutes by unanimous vote. It also decided to hold its meetings on the second Wednesday of each month at 5:00 PM, with the next meeting scheduled for September 10. No other actions were voted on.

• Approved July 9, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Set regular meeting time: second Wednesday monthly at 5:00 PM (next Sep 10)

Council on Aging Board

The Ayer Council on Aging Board will hold an in-person meeting to approve the agenda and previous minutes, discuss meeting management, receive director reports, and review a national assessment. Public input and volunteer opportunities will also be addressed.

• Approval/Amend Agenda
• Review/Approve previous minutes
• Directors Report and new Center update
• National Council on Aging/National Institute of Senior Centers Assessment - Standard 3 Governance

The Council on Aging Board approved the meeting agenda unanimously. A motion to table the Standard 3 governance discussion was approved unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 3:40 PM by unanimous vote.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Tabled Standard 3 governance discussion (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 3:40 PM (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Ayer Planning Board will hold public hearings on three development proposals: a site plan and stormwater permit for 18 Pond Street, a parking lot site plan at Winthrop Avenue Rear for Nashoba Park staff, and a 55-unit open-space residential development at Lincoln Hills with multiple permits. The board will also discuss project status updates and approve meeting minutes.

• 18 Pond Street site plan review and stormwater permit for ADA-compliant parking and walkways
• Winthrop Ave Rear parking lot site plan for 18 spaces with LID features for Nashoba Park staff
• Lincoln Hills Special Permit for 55-unit open-space residential development with density bonus
• Lincoln Hills site plan review, inclusionary housing permit, and stormwater permit
• Project status updates including Stratton Hill and Ayer Substation (Park St/Bishop St)

The Planning Board voted unanimously to accept the applicant's request to withdraw the special permit application for density bonuses at the Lincoln Hills development without prejudice. The Board also approved its agenda and postponed three site‑plan and stormwater hearings—18 Pond Street, 0 Winthrop Avenue, and Lincoln Hills—to the next meeting on August 26. All motions received unanimous aye votes.

• Approved agenda (unanimous aye vote)
• Continued public hearing for 18 Pond Street site plan to Aug 26 (unanimous aye vote)
• Continued public hearing for 0 Winthrop Ave site plan to Aug 26 (unanimous aye vote)
• Accepted withdrawal of special permit application for density bonuses at Lincoln Hills without prejudice (unanimous aye vote)
• Continued public hearing for Lincoln Hills site plan and stormwater permit to Aug 26 (unanimous aye vote)

Board of Health

The Ayer Board of Health will meet to discuss a motel/hotel license and receive updates from the Nashoba Associated Boards of Health. The board will also address new business regarding Sandy Pond Beach and a rabid skunk.

• Motel/Hotel License for Nashoba Valley Inns and Suites (18 Fitchburg Rd.)
• Discussion on Sandy Pond Beach
• Harm Reduction Update/Opioid Abatement Funds Working Group survey update
• Review of Animal & Fowl Permits
• Approval of June 9, 2025 minutes

The Board of Health approved a Motel/Hotel license for the Nashoba Valley Inn and Suites for the remainder of 2025. It also approved animal and fowl permits for three properties and authorized payment of a $324.88 bill to the Ayer Animal Medical Center. The meeting was adjourned at 5:59 pm.

• Approved Motel/Hotel license for Nashoba Valley Inn, 18 Fitchburg Rd. (2-0)
• Approved Keeping of Animal and Fowl permits for 33 Groton Shirley Rd., 9 Mountain Laurel Rd., and 22 Jonathan Dr. (2-0)
• Approved payment of $324.88 bill to Ayer Animal Medical Center (2-0)
• Approved adjournment of the meeting (2-0)

Senior Center Site Selection Building Committee

The Senior Center Site Selection and Building Committee will meet to review updated budget options and determine next steps. The meeting also includes an update from the Public Outreach Subcommittee.

• Discussion of updated budget options and next steps
• Public Outreach Subcommittee update

The Senior Center Site Selection and Building Committee approved the agenda and postponed the review of minutes. It adopted the budget reductions presented by Vertex and Catlin and voted to reduce the building size to approximately 13,000 square feet, with one member dissenting. The committee also approved an outreach plan that includes four public information sessions in September. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Approved agenda and tabled review of minutes until next meeting
• Approved budget reductions and to reduce building size to approx. 13,000 sq ft (motion passed with one dissent)
• Approved outreach plan with four public sessions in September
• Motion to adjourn passed unanimously

Historical Commission

The Ayer Historical Commission is meeting to discuss the 2025 Newton Street Festival and the preservation of cannons at Woodlawn Cemetery. The body will also consider changing the day of its monthly meetings.

• Newton Street Festival 2025
• Woodlawn Cemetery Cannon Preservation
• Monthly Meeting Day Change

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee is meeting to review a funding application for the Devenscrest Village Apartments project. The committee will examine the project budget, site survey, and purchase and sale agreement.

• Funding application for Devenscrest Village Apartments
• Review of Devenscrest Village Apartments project budget
• Review of Devenscrest Village Apartments purchase and sale agreement

The agenda and the prior meeting minutes were approved unanimously (6‑0 and 7‑0 respectively). A request for CPA funding from the Ayer Housing Authority was deferred because the executive director was absent. The committee then moved to advance the Devenscrest Village Apartments funding application to a public hearing, which passed unanimously (7‑0). The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Agenda confirmed unanimously (6‑0 roll‑call vote)
• Minutes of 6/4/2025 approved unanimously (7‑0 roll‑call vote)
• CPA funding request for Ayer Housing Authority deferred (no vote)
• Funding application for Devenscrest Village Apartments advanced to public hearing (7‑0 roll‑call vote)
• Meeting adjourned unanimously (7‑0 roll‑call vote)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will meet to receive a presentation on debt service and borrowing. The body will also discuss items for future meetings and approve previous meeting minutes.

• Presentation on Debt Service and Borrowing
• Approval of April 17, 2025 and June 18, 2025 meeting minutes

The committee approved the April 17 and June 18, 2025 meeting minutes with a unanimous vote. No borrowing actions were decided, though a presentation on bonds and BANs was given. The next meeting was scheduled for Thursday, August 21, 2025 at 6 p.m. in Town Hall. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved April 17 and June 18, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Scheduled next Finance Committee meeting for Aug 21, 2025 at 6 p.m.
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Affordable Housing

The Ayer Affordable Housing Trust Board will meet to elect officers and review budget updates. The board will discuss a funding request from the Devenscrest Tenants Association (OCTA) and vote on whether to move that request to a public hearing.

• Election of officers
• Review of AAHT Funding Request Application
• Update on AAHT Budget
• Review of Devenscrest Tenants Association (OCTA) funding request
• Vote to move OCTA request to a public hearing

The board approved the meeting agenda and June 25 minutes, and elected Shaun Copeland as Chair and Colleen Krieser as Clerk, each by a 5‑0‑0 vote. It also approved the AAHT funding request application and unanimously voted to hold a public information session on a $5,000‑per‑unit funding plan for the Devens Crest Tenant Association. The election of a Vice Chair was tabled until the next meeting.

• Approved meeting agenda (5-0-0)
• Approved June 25 minutes (5-0-0)
• Elected Shaun Copeland as Chair (5-0-0)
• Elected Colleen Krieser as Clerk (5-0-0)
• Approved AAHT funding request application (5-0-0)
• Approved public information session for DCTA $5,000 per unit plan (5-0-0)
• Tabled election of Vice Chair until next meeting
• Adjourned meeting (5-0-0)

Cultural Council

The Ayer Cultural Council will meet to review financial reports and the status of grantee payments. The council will also discuss the Mural Project.

• Approval of minutes from July 7 and April 9 meetings
• Financial report by Bob Williams
• Update on grantees paid by Linda McGillcuddy
• Discussion of Mural Project with Lisa Nelson, Katie Hampton, and Susan Tordella

Select Board

The Select Board will determine if Connor Lahiff violated a 2019 agreement regarding the restraint of a dog named "Tiger." The board will decide on potential penalties, including the seizure of the dog or a five-year ban on dog ownership.

• Public hearing regarding Connor Lahiff of 34A Longview Circle
• Review of April 17, 2025 incident where a dog attacked a person and another dog
• Determination of whether the dog "Tiger" shall be seized
• Discussion of potential five-year prohibition on dog ownership

The Select Board admitted the Animal Control report and the 2019 agreement as evidence (3‑0). It found Mr. Lahiff violated the agreement, ordered him to surrender the dog’s license and barred him from licensing any dog for five years (3‑0). The board gave Animal Control Officer Julie Thomas discretion to euthanize or place the dog for adoption (3‑0). It also directed Police Chief Brian Gill to file a criminal complaint against Mr. Lahiff (3‑0).

• Admit Animal Control report and 2019 agreement as evidence (3‑0)
• Confirm Mr. Lahiff violated the agreement and must surrender dog license; 5‑year dog licensing ban (3‑0)
• Authorize Animal Control Officer Julie Thomas to dispose of the dog via euthanasia or adoption (3‑0)
• Request Police Chief Brian Gill to file criminal complaint against Mr. Lahiff (3‑0)
• Close the public hearing (3‑0)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold a continued public hearing regarding a development project at 0 Bligh Street. The body will also consider a request for a determination of applicability for a roof drain replacement at 31 Willow Road.

• Continued public hearing for S&J Realty LLC at 0 Bligh Street regarding site cleanup, building renovation, and stormwater management
• Request for Determination of Applicability for Thomas Mansfield at 31 Willow Road for an after-the-fact permit to replace a roof drain

The Conservation Commission voted unanimously to issue a Negative Determination of Applicability for the repair work at 31 Willow Street. It also approved and signed the Order of Conditions for project 100-0499 and closed that public hearing. The previously unsigned Negative DOA for the Snake Hill Road RDA was signed. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Agenda confirmed (5-0)
• Minutes from 7/10/2025 approved as written (5-0)
• Negative Determination of Applicability issued for 31 Willow Street (5-0)
• Order of Conditions approved and issued for 100-0499 (5-0)
• Public hearing for 100-0499 closed (5-0)
• Negative DOA for Snake Hill Road RDA signed (5-0)
• Meeting adjourned (5-0)

Senior Center Site Selection Building Committee

The Senior Center Site Selection Building Committee is reviewing a total project budget for the design and construction phases of a new senior center. The current budget estimate totals $16,752,449, including contingencies.

• Base construction estimated at $11,900,000 for 14,000 sqft
• Utility company fees estimated at $1,000,000
• Architect and Engineer basic services budgeted at $1,206,043
• Project management (OPM) costs budgeted at $832,927
• Funding sources including $300,000 COA Housing Choice grant and $60,000 ARPA funds

The committee unanimously approved the meeting agenda and later adjourned the session. Members tasked the architect and project manager with preparing two budget alternatives—one at the $14.5 million target without changing the building footprint and another with footprint changes—by the next meeting on August 7. The public‑outreach subcommittee agreed to begin video and planning work now, hold a blitz mailing after Labor Day, and delay cost‑specific outreach until the revised budget is finalized. The next committee meeting was scheduled for August 7 at 4 p.m., and the Select Board meeting for August 19 at 6 p.m.

• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Assigned architect and OPM to prepare two budget alternatives for next meeting
• Directed review of soft‑cost line items to target a $14.5 million budget
• Decided to start video outreach now and postpone cost‑specific outreach until budget finalization
• Planned blitz mailing after Labor Day
• Scheduled next committee meeting for August 7, 4 p.m.
• Scheduled Select Board meeting for August 19, 6 p.m.
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to approve meeting minutes and reports regarding motor vehicle and trailer abatements. The body will also consider a motor vehicle excise commitment and hold an executive session to discuss ATB cases.

• Approval of June Motor Vehicle and Trailer Abatement Report
• Approval of Motor Vehicle Excise Commitment #4 2025
• Executive session regarding ATB cases

The Board of Assessors approved the agenda and prior minutes, accepted the June excise abatements report, and authorized a $73,729.97 Motor Vehicle Excise warrant and commitment. They also voted to enter executive session and set the next meeting for August 27, 2025.

• Approved meeting agenda (2-0 vote)
• Approved June 25 minutes (2-0 vote)
• Approved June excise abatements report (2-0 vote)
• Approved and signed Motor Vehicle Excise warrant for $73,729.97 (2-0 vote)
• Approved motion to go into executive session (2-0 vote)
• Scheduled next meeting for August 27, 2025 at 2:00 pm

Select Board

The Select Board will review a license application for Two Brothers Catering at 200 West Main Street. The meeting also includes updates on police equipment, public works projects, and a state rail trail study.

• Common Victualler's License application for Two Brothers Catering at 200 West Main Street
• Update on $71,404 state grant for police body worn cameras
• Execution of change order for Grove Pond PFAS System Improvements
• Authorization for letter of support for State Rail Trail Feasibility Study
• DPW updates on W. Main St. Bridge Replacement and Clearwel Project

The board authorized the start of hiring for the Community Outreach Initiative Network (COIN) using a $400,000 state grant, with the motion passing 3‑0. It also approved Michael Villaronga’s application for a common victualler’s license at 200 West Main Street, contingent on fire inspection and Board of Health paperwork, passing 3‑0. Additionally, the board approved Change Order No. 1 for the Grove Pond PFAS System Improvements Project in the amount of $118,752.54, also 3‑0.

• Authorized COIN hiring process (grant $400,000) – passed 3-0
• Approved Common Victualler’s License for Two Brothers Catering at 200 West Main Street pending inspections – passed 3-0
• Approved Change Order No. 1 for Grove Pond PFAS improvements ($118,752.54) – passed 3-0
• Amended agenda to add ShriverJob Corp letter of support – passed 3-0

Historical Commission

The Ayer Historical Commission will meet to review the closeout of the Rail Trail Kiosk Installation and the preservation of the Woodlawn Cemetery Cannon. The body will also discuss the 2025 Newton Street Festival and an update on the Oral History Project.

• Rail Trail Kiosk Installation project closeout
• Woodlawn Cemetery Cannon Preservation
• Newton Street Festival 2025
• Oral History Project update
• Cultural Commission Mural Project

Park Commission

The Park Commission will review capital planning for FY26 and discuss updates for various town facilities. The meeting includes reviews of playground updates, beach operations, and youth sports programs.

• Discussion of 71 Sandy Pond Rd
• FY26 Capital planning for mowers
• Playground updates including concrete bleachers and light poles
• Beach guard training and camp updates
• Planning for Trunk or Treat event

The commission voted unanimously to open the July 23 meeting. It also approved the May meeting minutes with a 4‑for, 0‑against, 0‑abstain vote. No other actions were decided.

• Approved opening of the July 23 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved May meeting minutes (4-0-0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold public hearings regarding a proposed 55-unit residential development at High Street and 38 Groton Harvard Road. The board will also review a two-phase site plan for industrial or storage use at 0 Bligh Street. Additionally, the board will discuss administrative matters including a fee waiver request for the Pond Street and Issac Lane project.

• 0 Bligh Street: Site Plan Review and Stormwater Management Permit for building renovations and up to 19,500 SF of new construction
• High Street & 38 Groton Harvard Road: Special Permit request for a Density Bonus for the 55-unit Lincoln Hills development
• High Street & 38 Groton Harvard Road: Site Plan Review, Special Permit, Inclusionary Housing, and Stormwater Permit for 55-unit development
• Pond Street & Issac Lane project: Request for application fee waiver
• Administrative review of the Clerk position reorganization and board reappointments

The Board approved the meeting agenda and then granted a series of waivers for site‑plan and zoning requirements. It subsequently approved the O Bligh Street Site Plan (Phase I) and the related Stormwater Management Permit, both with standard and special conditions. The public hearing for the Lincoln Hills project was continued to the August 12 meeting and Ms. Kathleen Cachel was appointed clerk.

• Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)
• Granted waivers for Site Plan Reg. IV E.2.a-e, IV F.3-4, IV G.1-2 and Zoning Bylaw §§9.1.6.B.1‑2, 9.1.9, 9.2.A.2, plus Stormwater Reg. 2.10.B(1) (unanimous)
• Approved O Bligh Street Site Plan Phase I with standard and special conditions (unanimous)
• Approved Stormwater Management Permit for O Bligh Street with standard and special conditions (unanimous)
• Continued the public hearing for the Lincoln Hills project to the August 12 meeting (unanimous)
• Nominated and approved Ms. Kathleen Cachel as clerk of the Planning Board (unanimous)

Select Board

The Select Board will determine if Connor Lahiff of 34A Longview Circle violated a 2019 agreement regarding his dog, Tiger. The hearing follows a report that the dog attacked another dog and a person on April 17, 2025.

• Public hearing regarding the restraint of the dog known as 'Tiger'
• Determination of potential penalties, including the seizure of the dog
• Review of a reported attack on April 17, 2025, at 38B Longview Circle
• Discussion of a possible five-year prohibition on owning a dog in the Commonwealth

The Board approved the settlement agreement that transfers ownership of the dog "Tiger" to Carly Capuano and bars Mr. Lahiff from owning a dog in Ayer for the next 2½ years, pending final sign‑off by Town Counsel and the Town Manager. The agenda was approved and the public hearing was formally closed, each by a 3‑0 vote.

• Approved meeting agenda (3-0)
• Approved settlement agreement authorizing dog transfer to Ms. Capuano and 2½‑year dog ownership prohibition for Mr. Lahiff, subject to Town Counsel and Town Manager approval (3-0)
• Closed the public hearing (3-0)

Affordable Housing

The committee will review updates on Devenscrest, the Working Group, the Affordable Housing Trust, and NOAH. Members will also discuss FY26 goals and a Housing Form. The meeting includes a vote to appoint an AAHC member to the Housing Trust.

• Devenscrest Affordable Housing update
• Ayer Affordable Housing Trust update
• Appointment of AAHC member to the Housing Trust
• FY26 Goals and Housing Form discussion
• NOAH and MHP's Housing Institute updates

Senior Center Site Selection Building Committee

The Senior Center Site Selection and Building Committee will review the total project budget and discuss funding strategies. The body will also address public outreach and permitting schedules.

• Total Project Budget Update
• Funding Strategy Discussion (Whole-project ask vs. Design thru Bidding funds only)
• Public Outreach Strategy
• Schedule and Permitting Update from Vertex

The committee unanimously approved the meeting agenda. Approval of minutes was tabled until the next meeting. A public outreach sub‑work group was formed and the next meetings were scheduled for July 24 at 4 p.m. and August 7 at 6 p.m. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Tabled approval of minutes until next meeting
• Formed public outreach sub‑work group (Ellen, Dennis, Linda, Dave)
• Recorded split vote on outreach strategy (5 for more taxes, 3 for project reduction)
• Scheduled next meeting for July 24 at 4 p.m.
• Scheduled additional meeting for August 7 at 6 p.m.
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Zoning Board

The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting scheduled for July 16, 2025, has been cancelled. The notice cites a lack of applications as the reason for the cancellation.

Board of Health

The Ayer Board of Health meeting scheduled for July 14, 2025, has been cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for August 11, 2025.

Library Trustees

The Ayer Library Board of Trustees will meet to review reports and discuss the strategic planning process. The board will also receive updates on IMLS/MBLC and governance regarding 501(c)(3) status.

• Discussion on Strategic Planning Process
• Update on IMLS/MBLC
• Update on Governance and 501(c)(3)

The trustees approved the meeting agenda and minutes unanimously. They accepted the Treasurer’s and Director’s reports, also by an 8‑0 vote. The chair appointed Cyndi Lavin, Rebecca Myers, Obadiah Brown and Joshua Beausoleil to a Strategic Planning Process sub‑committee. The meeting was adjourned at 7:02 P.M. with an 8‑0 vote.

• Approve agenda (8-0)
• Approve meeting minutes (8-0)
• Accept Treasurer's Report (8-0)
• Accept Director's Report (8-0)
• Appoint strategic‑planning sub‑committee members (8-0)
• Adjourn meeting (8-0)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission is conducting a continued public hearing regarding a project by S&J Realty LLC. The body will discuss site cleanup, building renovation, and stormwater management at 0 Bligh Street.

• Public hearing for S&J Realty LLC at 0 Bligh Street (Assessors Map 33 Parcel 25) regarding site cleanup, clearing, grading, and building renovation
• Discussion of stormwater management system and compensatory flood storage within the buffer zone and 100-year flood plain

The commission unanimously confirmed the agenda and approved the June 26 minutes. It then approved the Notice of Intent for 0 Bligh Street, adding special conditions to protect turtle nesting habitat. The public hearing on the project was continued to July 24. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Agenda confirmed (5-0)
• June 26 minutes approved (5-0)
• NOI for 0 Bligh Street approved with special conditions (5-0)
• Public hearing continued to 7/24 (5-0)
• Meeting adjourned (5-0)

Sustainability Committee

The Sustainability Committee will meet to introduce members and discuss committee goals. The body will also review a proposal previously approved by the Select Board.

• Review of proposal approved by Select Board
• Discussion of committee goals

The newly created Sustainability Committee met for the first time on July 9, 2025. Members introduced themselves and discussed goals such as grant applications, community outreach, rewilding projects, and potential bylaws. The next meeting was scheduled for August 13, 2025, and the session was adjourned by motion. No substantive decisions or votes were recorded.

• Motion to adjourn the meeting adopted

Sustainability Committee

The newly created Sustainability Committee held its first meeting to introduce members and discuss its purpose. The committee will use the Resilient Mass plan, MVP Plan, and Hazard Mitigation Plan to identify climate hazards and seek grants, conduct outreach, and propose bylaw changes.

• Discussion of goals including grant applications, community education, and rewilding projects
• Review of the Select Board proposal from February 18, 2025
• Planned review of the Master Plan, MVP Plan, Hazardous Mitigation Plan, and Open Space and Recreation Plan

Affordable Housing

The Ayer Affordable Housing Trust meeting scheduled for July 9, 2025, was cancelled. A new meeting has been scheduled for July 30, 2025.

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will meet to review the closeout of the Rail Trail Kiosk installation and the preservation of the Woodlawn Cemetery Cannon. The body will also receive updates on the Oral History Project and the Cultural Commission Mural Project.

• Rail Trail Kiosk Installation project closeout
• Woodlawn Cemetery Cannon Preservation
• Newton Street Festival 2025
• Oral History Project update
• Cultural Commission Mural Project

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold public hearings regarding a proposed 55-unit residential development and a two-phase industrial project. The board will also review a property division application for 15 Third Street.

• Special Permit request for a Density Bonus at the 55-unit Lincoln Hills development (High Street & 38 Groton Harvard Road)
• Site Plan Review, Special Permit, Inclusionary Housing, and Stormwater Permit for the 55-unit Lincoln Hills development
• Site Plan Review and Stormwater Management Permit for a two-phase project at 0 Bligh Street, including up to 19,500 SF of buildings
• Property division application for 15 Third Street (Map 34, Lot 129)

The Board approved its agenda unanimously. It endorsed the ANR plan for 15 Third Street (Pine Street). It voted to continue the public hearings for the O Bligh Street site plan and the Lincoln Hills development to the July 22 meeting. The Board also approved minutes from three prior meetings.

• Approved agenda (4 ayes)
• Endorsed ANR plan for 15 Third Street "Pine Street" (4 ayes)
• Continued O Bligh Street site plan hearing to July 22 (4 ayes)
• Continued Lincoln Hills site plan, special permit, inclusionary housing, stormwater and density bonuses hearing to July 22 (4 ayes)
• Approved June 24, 2025 meeting minutes (4 ayes)
• Approved August 27, 2024 meeting minutes (4 ayes)
• Approved January 23, 2024 meeting minutes (4 ayes)

Council on Aging Board

The Council on Aging Board will meet to receive updates on the Pleasant St Park Ramp project and a building project. The board will also review reports from the Regional Transportation Committee and discuss election-related Open Meeting law requirements.

• Pleasant St Park Ramp Project update
• Regional Transportation Committee update report
• Building project update
• Election and Open Meeting law requirements discussion
• Continuation of evaluation sessions

The board approved the agenda unanimously and confirmed the March minutes as amended. Mary Markham was elected Chair of the Council on Aging by a 4-0 vote, and Dennis Curran was re‑elected Clerk by a 4-0 vote. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved agenda (4-0)
• Approved March minutes as amended (vote not recorded)
• Elected Mary Markham as Chair (4-0)
• Re‑elected Dennis Curran as Clerk (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Cultural Council

The Ayer Cultural Council will meet to review financial reports and the status of grantee payments. The body will also discuss a mural project and a fundraising drive.

• Discussion of Mural Project led by Susan Tordella-Williams
• Fundraising Drive discussion
• Artist update from Lisa Nelson
• Financial report from Bob Williams
• Update on paid grantees from Linda McGillicuddy

The Cultural Council unanimously approved the minutes from the April 9, 2025 meeting. The council decided that artist Kori Thomas should submit a grant application using Cultural Council funds. The meeting was then unanimously adjourned.

• Approved April 9, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Decided artist Kori Thomas to file a grant request from Cultural Council funds
• Adjourned the meeting (unanimous)

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee will meet to discuss old and new business. The primary item on the agenda is a full funding request from the Devenscrest Tenants Association.

• Devenscrest Tenants Association Full Funding Request

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing regarding the adoption of Flood Plain Overlay Regulations. The body will also review drainage improvements and two development projects in the town.

• Public hearing on Adoption of the Flood Plain Overlay Regulations
• DPW Request for Determination of Applicability for drainage outfall improvements on Snake Hill Road, Calvin Street, and Barnum Road
• Notice of Intent for Aho Development Corp. at Lot 4 Pine Street
• Notice of Intent for S&J Realty LLC at 0 Bligh Street for site cleanup, renovation, and stormwater management

The commission adopted the amended Flood Plain Overlay District Bylaw as Appendix A of its Wetlands Protection Regulations, making it enforceable until voters address the omission at the fall Town Meeting. It issued a Negative Determination of Applicability for the DPW drainage outfall improvements. The commission signed an Order of Conditions for Pine Street Lot 4 and postponed the hearing for Bligh Street to the next meeting.

• Adopt Flood Plain Overlay District Bylaw as Appendix A – approved 4-0
• Close public hearing on Flood Plain Bylaw – approved 4-0
• Issue Negative Determination of Applicability for DPW drainage outfalls – approved 4-0
• Sign Order of Conditions for Pine Street Lot 4 (MassDEP #100-0498) – approved 4-0
• Continue public hearing for Bligh Street (MassDEP #100-0499) to 7/10/2025 – approved 4-0
• Adjourn meeting – approved 4-0
• Confirm agenda – approved 4-0
• Approve minutes for 6/12/2025 – approved 4-0

Nashoba Associated Boards of Health

The board will meet to elect officers and discuss the FY27 budget plan. Members will also conduct a final review and approval of District By-Laws revisions.

• Election of Officers
• Discussion on FY27 budget plan
• Final review and approval of District By-Laws revisions
• Update on Public Health Excellence Grant and FY26 Workplan
• Update on Local Health Support for COVID-19 CT/Cl grant

Park Commission

The Park Commission is meeting to discuss capital planning for FY26 and specific playground updates. The body will also review maintenance, facility requests, and sports programming for soccer and basketball.

• Discussion of 71 Sandy Pond Rd
• Playground updates including a Gaga Ball Pit and concrete bleachers
• FY26 Capital planning for mowers
• Wilde Road Soccer updates
• Planning for Trunk or Treat event

The Parks Commission voted 4-0-0 to raise the starting wage for lifeguards to $20 an hour effective July 1. It also approved a Senior Center picnic on July 16 and adopted a board reorganization assigning chairs and liaisons. The May meeting minutes were approved unanimously as well.

• Approved lifeguard wage increase to $20/hr (4-0-0)
• Approved Senior Center picnic on July 16 (4-0-0)
• Approved board reorganization assigning chairs and liaisons (4-0-0)
• Approved May meeting minutes (4-0-0)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to approve reports and commitments regarding motor vehicle and real estate assessments. The session includes the approval of the May motor vehicle and trailer abatement report.

• Motor Vehicle and Trailer Abatement Report for May
• Motor Vehicle Commitment #3 2025
• Real Estate Preliminary 2026 Commitment #1 & #2

The Board of Assessors approved the meeting agenda, the May 21 minutes, the May motor‑vehicle and trailer excise abatement report, and a $92,794.87 motor‑vehicle excise warrant. It also approved FY 2026 quarter 1‑2 tax warrants: $13,205,641.07 for Real Estate, $396,110.63 for CPA, and $2,176,577.45 for Personal Property, each by a 2‑0 vote. The Board decided to hold an executive session after the July meeting to discuss the hospital’s ATB hearing and set the next meeting for July 24, 2025.

• Approved agenda as written (2‑0)
• Approved May 21 minutes (2‑0)
• Approved May motor‑vehicle & trailer excise abatement report (2‑0)
• Approved motor‑vehicle excise warrant $92,794.87 (2‑0)
• Approved FY 2026 Q1‑2 Real Estate tax warrant $13,205,641.07 (2‑0)
• Approved FY 2026 Q1‑2 CPA tax warrant $396,110.63 (2‑0)
• Approved FY 2026 Q1‑2 Personal Property tax warrant $2,176,577.45 (2‑0)
• Scheduled executive session after July meeting to discuss hospital ATB hearing

Affordable Housing

The Ayer Affordable Housing Committee and the Ayer Affordable Housing Trust Board will meet to hear a presentation from the Devenscrest Tenants Association. The session includes a request regarding the "Devenscrest" project.

• Presentation by Devenscrest Tenants Association (DCTA)
• Devenscrest Project AAHT Request

The Affordable Housing Trust (AAHT) approved its agenda by a unanimous 4‑0‑0 roll‑call vote. The Affordable Housing Committee (AAHC) also approved its agenda by a unanimous 4‑0‑0 roll‑call vote. No other actions were formally decided; the meeting included a presentation on the Devenscrest project but no vote on funding or contracts.

• Approved AAHT agenda (4-0-0)
• Approved AAHC agenda (4-0-0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold public hearings regarding a multi-phase industrial project and a residential housing development. The board will also discuss amending regulations to add two associate members and receive status updates on several local projects.

• 0 Bligh Street: Site Plan Review for building renovations and construction of up to 19,500 SF buildings
• 15 Third Street: Site Plan Review for a single-family home and a two-family home
• 0 High Street & 38 Groton Harvard Road: Special Permit request for a density bonus for the 55-unit Lincoln Hill development
• 0 High Street & 38 Groton Harvard Road: Site Plan Review and Inclusionary Housing permit for 55-unit residential development
• Discussion on amending Planning Board Regulations to include 2 associate members

The board approved the agenda and granted three waivers—landscape plan, traffic/parking, and outdoor lighting—for the 15 Third Street development. It then approved the site plan, the stormwater management permit, and closed the public hearing for that project. The hearing for the Lincoln Hills development was continued to the July 8 meeting, and the minutes from prior meetings were approved.

• Approved agenda (4-0)
• Continued Bligh Street site plan hearing to July 8 (4-0)
• Granted landscape plan waiver (Section IV.C.14) for 15 Third St (4-0)
• Granted traffic/parking waiver (Section IV.E) for 15 Third St (4-0)
• Granted outdoor lighting waiver (Section IV.G) for 15 Third St (4-0)
• Approved 15 Third St site plan and conditions (4-0)
• Approved stormwater management permit for 15 Third St (4-0)
• Continued Lincoln Hills hearing to July 8 (4-0)

Zoning Board

The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting scheduled for June 18, 2025, has been cancelled. The cancellation is due to a lack of applications.

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will meet to consider a Reserve Fund transfer request for the Elections & Registrations account. The body will also review previous meeting minutes and plan future agendas.

• Reserve Fund Transfer Request for Elections & Registrations Account #01162-52000

The committee postponed review of the April 17, 2025 meeting minutes to the next meeting. It approved a $20,000 transfer from the reserve fund to upgrade voting ballot boxes, with unanimous support. Future Finance Committee meeting dates and topics were outlined, and the meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Postponed review of April 17, 2025 minutes to next meeting
• Approved $20,000 reserve fund transfer for ballot box upgrade (unanimous)
• Scheduled tentative Finance Committee meetings for July, September, and October
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Devens Jurisdiction Framework Committee

The committee is meeting to discuss old business regarding a draft RFP letter from MassDevelopment. The group is also planning future agenda items related to the Permanent Government Matrix and grant applications.

• MassDevelopment Letter with Draft RFP
• Permanent Government Matrix: Community Identity (Question 15)
• Permanent Government Matrix: Utilities (Question 16)
• Permanent Government Matrix: Regional Services (Question 17)
• Contingency Plan for Applying for Grants

Select Board

The Select Board will conduct a public hearing regarding a petition by National Grid to install underground electric conduits. The board will also consider the ratification of Michael Wallace as Building Commissioner.

• Public hearing for National Grid petition WR# 30893884 to install underground facilities on Bishop Road and Park Street
• Ratification of Michael Wallace as Building Commissioner effective July 1, 2025
• Joint meeting with Planning Board to appoint an Associate Member to full Member
• Discussion and vote on the 2025 Select Board Summer Meeting Schedule
• Review of 2025 Annual Reappointments, Part 2

The board approved its agenda (3‑0) and authorized the National Grid pole petition (3‑0). It ratified Michael Wallace as Building Commissioner (3‑0) and appointed Kathleen Cache! to the Planning Board (5‑0). The board also approved annual reappointments for several committees (3‑0) and set summer meeting dates for July 23 and August 19, 2025.

• Approved meeting agenda (3‑0)
• Approved National Grid pole petition for Bishop Rd. & Park St. (3‑0)
• Ratified Michael Wallace as Building Commissioner (3‑0)
• Approved appointment of Kathleen Cache! to Planning Board (5‑0)
• Approved annual reappointments for town committees (3‑0)
• Set summer meeting dates: July 23 and August 19, 2025

Planning Board

The Planning Board is holding a joint meeting with the Select Board. The body will consider the appointment of an Associate Planning Board Member to a Full Member position.

• Appointment of Associate Planning Board Member to Full Member

The Planning Board filled the vacancy left by Geof Tillotson by appointing Ms. Kathleen Cachel as a full member. The Select Board voted unanimously in favor of the appointment. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved appointment of Ms. Kathleen Cachel to full Planning Board (5-0)
• Motion to adjourn meeting approved (unanimous)

Senior Center Site Selection Building Committee

The Senior Center Site Selection and Building Committee will discuss design estimates from Catlin Architecture and permitting updates. The body will also review additional funding sources and approve invoices.

• Design and estimate update from Catlin Architecture
• Site and permitting update regarding National Grid, Comcast, Water, and NIESP/MEPA
• Review of additional funding sources
• Invoice approvals

The committee unanimously approved an amendment to the agenda to omit two items. It then approved two invoices—$72,984 for May services and $62,332 for June services—totaling $135,316. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous roll‑call vote. No public input was received.

• Approved agenda amendment to omit two items (unanimous roll‑call)
• Approved May invoice for $72,984 (unanimous roll‑call)
• Approved June invoice for $62,332 (unanimous roll‑call)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous roll‑call)

Library Trustees

The Library Board of Trustees will meet to elect board officers and vote on updates to the Library of Things Borrower Agreement. The board will also review the Director's goals for FY26 and receive an update on IMLS/MBLC.

• Election of Board Officers
• Vote on Library of Things Borrower Agreement update
• Presentation of Director's FY26 Goals
• IMLS/MBLC update discussion

The trustees elected Andrew Wilson as President, Rebecca Myers as Vice President, Brenda Richard as Treasurer, and Sue Kennedy as Clerk. They also approved the Director's goals for fiscal year 2026 and adopted the updated Library of Things borrower agreement. All motions passed unanimously.

• Elected Andrew Wilson as President of the Board (unanimous)
• Elected Rebecca Myers as Vice President of the Board (unanimous)
• Elected Brenda Richard as Treasurer of the Board (unanimous)
• Elected Sue Kennedy as Clerk of the Board (unanimous)
• Approved Director's goals for FY26 (unanimous)
• Approved updated Library of Things borrower agreement (unanimous)
• Accepted Treasurer's report showing end‑of‑month balance $190,290.84 (unanimous)
• Accepted Director's report on strategic plan and facility updates (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will conduct public hearings regarding two development projects within buffer zones. The body will also receive updates on algae in Flannigan Pond.

• Public hearing for Aho Development Corp. regarding a two-family dwelling at Lot 4 Pine Street
• Public hearing for S&J Realty LLC regarding site cleanup and renovation at 0 Bligh Street
• Discussion of algae on Flannigan Pond

The Conservation Commission unanimously confirmed the agenda and approved the minutes from May. It approved the Notice of Intent for Pine Street Lot 4 (MassDEP #100‑0498) with revised plans and special conditions, and ordered an Order of Conditions to be signed at the next meeting. The public hearing on both the Pine Street NOI and the Bligh Street NOI was continued to June 26, 2025. The commission also adopted a watch‑and‑wait approach to the recent algae growth in Flannagan Pond.

• Agenda confirmed as posted – approved unanimously 5‑0
• Minutes for 5/8/2025 accepted – approved unanimously 5‑0
• Minutes for 5/22/2025 accepted – approved unanimously 5‑0
• Pine Street Lot 4 NOI approved with revisions and 4 conservation signs – approved unanimously 5‑0
• Public hearing for Pine Street Lot 4 continued to 6/26/2025 – approved unanimously
• Public hearing for Bligh Street NOI continued to 6/26/2025 – approved unanimously 5‑0
• Watch‑and‑wait approach adopted for algae in Flannagan Pond (no vote recorded)
• Shaker Mill Pond Conservation Restriction re‑signed by commission members (third signing)

Devens Jurisdiction Framework Committee

The Devens Jurisdiction Framework Committee will convene on June 11 to discuss updates from stakeholder towns, review a draft Request for Proposals from MassDevelopment, and follow up on the Devens Housing Working Group final report. The meeting also includes a discussion on a new Community One Stop for Growth application and a permanent government matrix item on taxation.

• Review of MassDevelopment draft RFP and response letter to EOHLC
• Discussion on next steps for the draft RFP
• Follow-up on Devens Housing Working Group final report
• New Community One Stop for Growth application discussion
• Taxation item in the Permanent Government Matrix

School Department

The Ayer Shirley Regional School Committee will discuss summer facilities work and federal grant monitoring. The body is scheduled to vote on recommended changes to the cell phone policy and the approval of grants received to date.

• Vote on cell phone policy and recommended changes
• Vote on approval of grants received to date
• Payroll Warrant 24 for $1,090,238.57
• AP Warrant 1172 for $280,010.21
• FY24 ESSA (Federal Grant) Program Monitoring Outcomes Report

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold public hearings on three development projects, including a request for a density bonus for the Lincoln Hills residential project. The board will also review site plans for industrial use and residential housing. Administrative updates for four other projects are scheduled.

• Lincoln Hills (0 High Street & 38 Groton Harvard Road): Special Permit for Density Bonus for 55-unit Open Space Residential Development
• Lincoln Hills (0 High Street & 38 Groton Harvard Road): Site Plan Review, Special Permit, Inclusionary Housing & Stormwater Permit for 55-unit development (new revised 34-unit proposal)
• 0 Bligh Street: Site Plan Review and Stormwater Management Permit for two-phase project including up to 19,500 SF buildings for storage or industrial use
• 15 Third Street 'Pine Street': Site Plan Review and Stormwater Management Permit for one single-family and one two-family home
• Project status updates for Ayer Substation, 42 Park Street, Stratton Hill, and 91 Groton Harvard Road

The Board amended the agenda to include signing the Ayer Zoning Map and approved several procedural items, including tabling and continuing public hearings for Bligh Street and 15 Third Street, and approved the April 8 and May 25 meeting minutes. It opened a hearing for the Bligh Street site plan and later continued that hearing to the next meeting. The Board nominated Jonathan Kranz as Chairman and Nathan King as Vice Chair for the coming year, and voted to keep all Planning Board meetings hybrid for the 2026 fiscal year.

• Amended agenda to add signing of Ayer Zoning Map (approved: Diskin, Cachel, King, Murray, Kranz aye)
• Tabled Bligh Street site plan hearing (approved: Diskin, Cachel, King, Murray, Kranz aye)
• Continued 15 Third Street hearing to June 24 (approved: Diskin, Cachel, King, Murray, Kranz aye)
• Approved April 8 and May 25 meeting minutes (approved: Diskin, King, Murray, Kranz aye)
• Opened public hearing for Bligh Street site plan (approved: Diskin, King, Murray, Kranz aye)
• Continued Bligh Street hearing to June 24 (approved: Diskin, King, Murray, Kranz aye)
• Nominated Jonathan Kranz as Chairman for next year (approved: Diskin, King, Murray, Kranz aye)
• Voted to keep meetings hybrid for FY 2026 (approved: Diskin, King, Murray, Kranz aye)

Council on Aging Board

The Council on Aging Board reviews the Director’s Report for June 2025, covering May 2025 programs, meals, volunteer hours, and transportation updates. The Senior Center Building Committee provides a progress update on the senior center project ahead of a planned Fall Town Meeting.

• May 2025: 120 seniors attended programs, 265 meals served to 61 seniors, 62 van riders with 277 trips
• 14 volunteers contributed 157 hours valued at $2,242.08 in March
• New MART shuttle to Emerson Hospital and subsidized taxi service for 20-mile radius trips began
• Senior center building project advancing toward Fall Town Meeting with schematic design and cost estimation

The board unanimously approved the meeting agenda. The board unanimously approved the May meeting minutes after correcting a name. The board unanimously voted to hold elections for board officers on July 8. The meeting was adjourned at 3:11 PM.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved May minutes (unanimous)
• Scheduled board officer elections for July 8 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Health

The Board of Health will review septic system approvals and hold a hearing regarding the revocation of a tobacco license. The board will also discuss tobacco regulations and updates from the Nashoba Associated Boards of Health.

• Tobacco License Revocation Hearing for Traffic Circle Liquors (Jack O'Lantern)
• Septic System Approvals for 91 Littleton Rd.
• Septic System Approvals for 62 Willow Rd.
• Discussion on Tobacco Regulations with Tobacco Control
• Harm Reduction Update/Opioid Abatement Funds Working Group

The Board approved two septic system permits (91 Littleton Rd and 62 Willow Rd) with unanimous votes. It also voted 3‑0 to impose a 50‑day tobacco sales suspension starting June 16, 2025, and a $5,000 fine on Jack O'Lantern (Traffic Circle Liquors). Additional routine items, such as approving meeting minutes and animal/fowl permits, were also passed.

• Approved septic system permit for 91 Littleton Rd (3-0)
• Approved septic system permit for 62 Willow Rd (3-0)
• Imposed 50‑day tobacco sales suspension on Jack O'Lantern starting June 16, 2025 and $5,000 fine (3-0)
• Approved minutes of May 12, 2025 (2-0)
• Approved animal and fowl permits for multiple properties (2-0)
• Adjourned the meeting (2-0)

Cemetery Commission

The Ayer Cemetery Commission will meet to review administrative operations and lot sales. The body will discuss the layout for green burials and the status of a historic canon.

• Cemetery layout and green burial discussion
• Historic canon discussion
• Lot sales and execution of deed certificates

The Cemetery Commission met and discussed the possibility of offering green burial plots and mausoleum drawers for ash burials. No formal decisions were made; the commission agreed to further study the options, including reviewing a draft green burial regulation and investigating a consultant for a master plan. The minutes from February 10, 2025, and the agenda were approved.

• Approved agenda (3-0)
• Approved February 10, 2025 minutes (3-0)
• Discussed green burial options, no vote
• Agreed to review Section 5 for master plan
• Agreed to investigate hiring a consultant

Senior Center Site Selection Building Committee

The Senior Center Site Selection and Building Committee will discuss design estimates and permitting updates. The body will also review the project schedule and a Housing Choice Grant application.

• Design and estimate update from Catlin Architecture
• Site and permitting update regarding National Grid, Comcast, Water, and NHESP/MEPA
• Schedule update from Vertex
• Financial update regarding the Housing Choice Grant application
• Invoice approvals

The Senior Center Site Selection and Building Committee approved the meeting agenda with revisions and approved the prior meeting minutes with minor revisions. A motion to adjourn was made, seconded and passed unanimously. The next meeting was scheduled for June 16 at 6 PM.

• Agenda approved (revisions noted)
• Minutes approved (minor revisions noted)
• Motion to adjourn passed unanimously (all in favor)

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will meet to discuss the Sandy Pond School History Gold Star Project and the installation of a Rail Trail kiosk. The body will also review the Summer Celebration at Pirone Park and provide updates on the Oral History Project.

• Sandy Pond School History Gold Star Project
• Rail Trail Kiosk Installation
• Summer Celebration at Pirone Park
• Oral History Project updates
• Community Preservation Committee updates

Community Preservation Committee

The Devenscrest Tenants Association and The Schochet Companies are seeking $570,000 in Community Preservation Act funds to help acquire and preserve 114 affordable housing units. The project aims to implement an Affordability Covenant to prevent resident displacement and maintain rents based on Area Median Income.

• Request for $5,000 per unit ($570,000 total) from the Town
• Proposed acquisition and renovation of 114 units at Devenscrest Village Apartments
• Estimated total project budget of $40 million
• Proposed Affordability Covenant restricting units to 60% and 80% of Area Median Income
• Discussion of a potential Special Tax Agreement (STA) with the Town

Select Board

The Select Board will discuss a request for UDAG funds to expand the Town Planner's role and a letter of support for a Senior Center grant. The board will also review annual committee reappointments and town warrants.

• Request for up to $23,000 in UDAG funds for a Land Use Director stipend ($13,678) and education incentive ($9,118)
• Letter of support for a Housing Choice Grant to construct a standalone Senior Center on Bishop Road
• Reappointments for Affordable Housing Committee, Affordable Housing Trust, Cemetery Commission, Conservation Commission, Cultural Council, Historical Commission, and Rate Review Committee
• Review of Accounts Payable Warrant #25-22 ($871,262.53) and Payroll Warrant #25-24 ($410,450.80)
• Executive session regarding Town Planner - Land Use Director Personal Services Contract

The Ayer Select Board approved the meeting agenda, a letter of support for a Housing Choice Grant tied to the Senior Center project, and the 2025 reappointments for several committees, each by a 3‑0 vote. It also authorized up to $23,000 from UDAG funds for a FY 2026 stipend for the Town Planner‑Land Use Director, again by a 3‑0 vote. The Board approved the May 20 minutes and entered executive session to discuss the Land Use Director contract.

• Approved meeting agenda (3‑0)
• Approved letter of support for Housing Choice Grant for Senior Center (3‑0)
• Approved 2025 committee and commission reappointments (3‑0)
• Authorized up to $23,000 UDAG funds for Land Use Director stipend (3‑0)
• Approved May 20, 2025 meeting minutes (3‑0)
• Entered executive session on Land Use Director contract (3‑0)

Select Board

The Ayer Select Board will meet to conduct a public hearing regarding a specific resident's compliance with a town agreement. The board will determine if a violation occurred and what actions, if any, should be taken.

• Public hearing regarding Connor Lahiff of 34A Longview Circle and the dog known as 'Tiger'

The Ayer Select Board held an open session on May 22, 2025. The agenda included a public hearing to determine whether Connor Lahiff of 34A Longview Circle violated a town agreement concerning his dog "Tiger" and what action, if any, should be taken. The minutes record no decisions, approvals, denials, or votes on the matter.

Historical Commission

The Ayer Historical Commission is meeting to dedicate a historical information kiosk. The event is located at the Nashua River Rail Trail at Groton St.

• Dedication of Historical Information Kiosk at Nashua River Rail Trail at Groton St

Community Preservation Committee

The Ayer Select Board met on May 22, 2025. The agenda included a public hearing on a nuisance or dangerous dog involving Connor Lahiff and the dog named "Tiger." No actions or votes were recorded for this item.

Affordable Housing

The Ayer Affordable Housing Trust Board will meet remotely to discuss and approve the FY26 budget proposal, receive an update on the Ayer Rental Assistance Program, and review a tenant association request. The board will also consider trust reorganization and member reappointments.

• FY26 Budget Proposal
• Ayer Rental Assistance Program 2025 - Update
• Discussion: Devenscrest Tenant Association Request
• Trust Reorganization: Members up for reappointment

The trustees approved the meeting agenda by a 4-0-0 roll‑call vote. They approved the April 30 minutes with a wording correction by a 3-0-1 vote, with Bob Williams abstaining. They created an administrative budget line and funded it with $SK by a 4-0-0 vote. No other decisions were recorded.

• Approved meeting agenda (4-0-0)
• Approved April 30 minutes with correction (3-0-1, 1 abstention)
• Created administrative budget line funded with $SK (4-0-0)

Park Commission

The Park Commission will review a community charrette held on May 21 regarding 71 Sandy Pond Rd. The body will also discuss the FY26 budget and various capital planning projects.

• 71 Sandy Pond Rd Community Charrette
• FY26 Budget and mower quotes
• Playground updates
• Surveillance system
• Gaga Ball Pit

The Parks Commission approved the minutes for March‑May 2025 (4‑0‑0). It accepted three facility requests—Ayer Community School field day, a Future Soldier Family event, and a private birthday party—each at no charge (4‑0‑0). The meeting was opened and adjourned by unanimous motions.

• Approved March‑May meeting minutes (4-0-0)
• Accepted Ayer Community School Field Day on June 5 (no charge) (4-0-0)
• Accepted Springfield Army Recruiting Future Soldier Family Event on June 13 (no charge, grill area roped off) (4-0-0)
• Accepted Elisha Bernstein birthday party on June 8 at Sandy Pond (no charge) (4-0-0)
• Opened the meeting (unanimous approval)
• Adjourned the meeting (unanimous approval)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold public hearings regarding a proposed 55-unit Open Space Residential Development at High Street and 38 Groton Harvard Road. The board will also review a site plan for homes at 15 Third Street and a covenant release for Panther Place Subdivision.

• Lincoln Hills (High Street & 38 Groton Harvard Road): Special Permit request for a Density Bonus for a 55-unit development
• Lincoln Hills (High Street & 38 Groton Harvard Road): Site Plan Review, Special Permit, Inclusionary Housing, and Stormwater Permit for 55 units
• 15 Third Street: Site Plan Review and Stormwater Management Permit for one single-family and one two-family home
• Panther Place Subdivision: Request for Covenant Release for lots 3, 4, 17, and 18

The Planning Board unanimously approved the meeting agenda. It then approved the release of Lots 3, 4, 17, and 18 in the Panther Place Subdivision as recommended by the DPW. The Board opened public hearings for the 15 Third Street site plan and for the Lincoln Hills project, and voted to continue the Third Street hearing at the next meeting.

• Approved agenda (all members aye)
• Released Lots 3, 4, 17, 18 at Panther Place Subdivision (all members aye)
• Opened public hearing for 15 Third Street site plan and stormwater permit (all members aye)
• Continued public hearing for 15 Third Street to next meeting (all members aye)
• Opened public hearing for Lincoln Hills special permit and density bonuses (all members aye)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will meet to discuss the town's wetland bylaw regulations. The body will also consider a partial certificate of compliance for a property at 19 Loon Hill Road.

• Discussion of Ayer Wetland Bylaw Regulations
• Request for Partial Certificate of Compliance for 19 Loon Hill Road (DEP File# 100-0234)
• Withdrawal of Request for Determination of Applicability for 135 Oak Ridge Drive

The Conservation Commission confirmed the agenda as posted and approved it unanimously. It voted 5‑0 to issue a Partial Certificate of Compliance for 19 Loon Hill Road (MassDEP #100‑0234). The meeting was then adjourned by a unanimous 5‑0 vote.

• Confirmed agenda as posted (5-0)
• Issued Partial Certificate of Compliance for 19 Loon Hill Road (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Zoning Board

The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting scheduled for May 21, 2025, has been cancelled. The notice states the cancellation is due to a lack of applications.

School Department

The Ayer Shirley Regional School Committee will meet to conduct routine business including voting on the reappointment of Dr. Adam Renda as superintendent and approving biweekly financial warrants totaling over $3.4 million. The committee will also discuss combining two June meetings into one and receive updates on special education and superintendent goals.

• Vote on reappointment of Dr. Adam Renda as superintendent
• Approval of biweekly financial warrants totaling $756,993.30, $631,202.52, $997,514.94, $1,075,245.95, and $1,014.50
• Vote on reappointing Dr. Renda to the Keystone Collaborative Board of Directors
• Vote on 2025-2026 non-unit employee annual increases
• Discussion and vote on combining June 3 and June 18 meetings into June 10

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to reorganize the board and approve meeting minutes. The body will also review the April Motor Vehicle and Trailer Abatement Report.

• Board reorganization
• Approval of April Motor Vehicle and Trailer Abatement Report
• Executive session regarding abatements and ATB cases

The Board approved the meeting agenda, the March and April meeting minutes, and the April Motor Vehicle & Trailer Excise Abatement report. It confirmed Nick Laggis will remain chair and the other members will stay on, without appointing a clerk. The Board scheduled its next meeting for June 25, 2025 at 2:00 pm and entered an executive session to discuss abatements and related matters.

• Approved agenda as written (3-0 vote)
• Approved March 19, 2025 minutes (2-0 vote, 1 abstain)
• Approved April 23, 2025 minutes (2-0 vote, 1 abstain)
• Approved April 2025 Motor Vehicle & Trailer Excise Abatement report (3-0 vote)
• Decided Nick Laggis remains chair; other members remain members; no clerk assigned
• Set next meeting for June 25, 2025 at 2:00 pm
• Approved motion to enter executive session on abatements and ATB cases (3-0 vote)

Select Board

The Ayer Select Board will meet to ratify the appointment of Rachel Friedlander as Economic Development Director and hear a presentation on the results of the PFAS Health Study in Ayer. The meeting will also include a town manager's report, administrative updates, and public input.

• Ratification of appointment of Economic Development Director - Rachel Friedlander
• Summary Presentation on the Results of the PFAS Health Study in Ayer by Silent Spring Institute
• Reorganization of the Select Board (Executive Session pursuant to MGL Chapter 30A, Section 21A Exemption #2)
• Ratification of Economic Development Director Personal Services Contract (Executive Session)

The board approved the meeting agenda by a 3‑0 vote. It ratified the appointment of Rachel Friedlander as Economic Development Director with a 3‑0 vote. The minutes from the May 6, 2025 meeting were approved 3‑0. The board also reorganized its officer order, entered an executive session on non‑union personnel, and ratified the director’s personal services contract, each by a 3‑0 vote.

• Approved meeting agenda (3‑0)
• Ratified appointment of Economic Development Director Rachel Friedlander (3‑0)
• Approved May 6, 2025 meeting minutes (3‑0)
• Reorganized Select Board officer order (Chair, Vice‑Chair, Clerk) (3‑0)
• Entered executive session on non‑union personnel (3‑0)
• Ratified Economic Development Director personal services contract (3‑0)

Finance Committee

The Ayer Finance Committee will hear a presentation on debt service and borrowing, and consider a reserve fund transfer request for the Elections & Registrations Account. The meeting also includes approval of prior minutes and discussion of future agenda items. No votes are scheduled on ordinances or contracts.

• Reserve fund transfer request for Elections & Registrations Account #01162-52000
• Presentation on debt service and borrowing
• Approval of April 17, 2025 meeting minutes
• Discussion of items for future Finance Committee meetings

Park Commission

This is a brief procedural meeting of the Ayer Parks Commission. The main item is a walkthrough of Pirone with Jim Pinard; no decisions or public hearings are listed.

• Walkthrough of Pirone with Jim Pinard

The commission unanimously approved a motion to open the special meeting and later unanimously approved a motion to adjourn. No substantive project or budget decisions were made.

• Opened meeting (unanimous vote)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous vote)

Affordable Housing

The Ayer Affordable Housing Committee will meet to discuss a presentation regarding Devenscrest Affordable Housing. The body will also receive updates on the Working Group, the Ayer Affordable Housing Trust, and NOAH.

• Devenscrest Affordable Housing Presentation discussion
• Ayer Affordable Housing Trust update
• NOAH update
• FY26 goals discussion

Senior Center Site Selection Building Committee

The Senior Center Site Selection and Building Committee approved two invoices totaling $20,206 and discussed ongoing design and site work. Key items include a $3,800 soil test to potentially save on foundation costs, a preliminary water design cost estimate over $700,000, and adjustments to the site layout due to parking setbacks. The committee also rescheduled a MEPA consultation meeting for May 8 and plans to engage town boards after Town Meeting approval.

• Approved Catlin Architecture invoice for $13,715
• Approved Vertex OPM invoice for $6,491
• Discussed water design cost estimate of over $700,000, including $100,000 for stormwater improvements
• Approved a $3,800 passive shear wave velocity test to potentially reclassify soil and reduce construction costs
• Planning to enlarge lot width by 10–15 feet and adjust site plan for parking setbacks

The Senior Center Site Selection and Building Committee unanimously approved the agenda and the minutes from the March 20 and April 10 meetings. It also approved three invoices—$12,982 to Vertex Companies, $54,860 to Catlin Architecture, and $3,800 to HRGC—for a total of $71,642. All motions passed by unanimous vote.

• Approved agenda (unanimous vote)
• Approved March 20, 2025 minutes (unanimous vote)
• Approved April 10, 2025 minutes (unanimous vote)
• Approved $12,982 payment to Vertex Companies (unanimous vote)
• Approved $54,860 payment to Catlin Architecture (unanimous vote)
• Approved $3,800 payment to HRGC for seismic testing (unanimous vote)

Devens Jurisdiction Framework Committee

The committee will review a draft RFP and a draft letter to EOHLC Chris Kluchman. Members will also discuss municipal finance and budget responses from the Permanent Government Matrix.

• Review of DJFC Working Group Draft RFP
• Draft letter to EOHLC Chris Kluchman
• Discussion of Question 13, 'Municipal Finance & Budget' of Permanent Government Matrix Responses

Council on Aging Board

The Ayer Council on Aging Board will meet to approve minutes, discuss the Pleasant St Park Ramp Project, receive a report on the CHNA9 Regional Transit Committee, and continue a discussion on fiscal and asset management. The meeting is open to the public in person and via Zoom.

• Pleasant St Park Ramp Project update
• Continuation of Fiscal and Assets Management discussion
• Report on CHNA9 Regional Transit Committee from Dennis
• Reminder for Open Meeting Law Zoom Meeting on May 14
• Director's report and update on building project

The board approved the meeting agenda by unanimous roll‑call vote. It also approved the April and September meeting minutes, again unanimously. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous roll‑call vote.

• Approved agenda (unanimous roll‑call vote)
• Approved April and September minutes (unanimous roll‑call vote)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous roll‑call vote)

Board of Health

The Board of Health will discuss updates regarding the Harm Reduction/Opioid Abatement Funds Working Group and Nashoba Associated Boards of Health. Members will also review regulations for trash haulers and process animal and fowl permits.

• Review of Trash Hauler Regulation
• Harm Reduction Update/Opioid Abatement Funds Working Group
• Nashoba Associated Boards of Health updates
• Animal & Fowl Permits

The Board of Health approved the April 14, 2025 meeting minutes. It also approved a tobacco permit for The Vineyard at 63 Park St. and animal and fowl permits for five properties. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved April 14, 2025 minutes (3-0)
• Approved Tobacco Permit for The Vineyard, 63 Park St (3-0)
• Approved Keeping of Animal and Fowl permits for 4 Moore Dr., 17 Maple St., 7 Union St., 44 Pine Ridge Dr., and 9 Lawton St. (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Library Trustees

The Ayer Library Board of Trustees will meet to discuss and vote on renewing the Town-Library MOU, along with updates from the treasurer and director, and evaluations of the director and board.

• Approval of minutes from April 10, 2025
• Treasurer's Report
• Director's Report
• Discussion: Town Meeting Update
• Discussion & Vote: Renewing Town-Library MOU

The trustees amended the agenda to discuss the director’s job description and then approved the agenda, April minutes, Treasurer’s Report, and Director’s Report, all by unanimous vote. They also voted unanimously to renew the existing memorandum of understanding with the Town without changes. The meeting was adjourned after these actions.

• Amended agenda to add director job description discussion (unanimous)
• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved April meeting minutes with name corrections (unanimous)
• Accepted Treasurer’s Report (unanimous)
• Accepted Director’s Report (unanimous)
• Renewed MOU with the Town without edits (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Ayer Conservation Commission will discuss proposed revisions to the Ayer Wetland Bylaw Regulations and consider a Request for Determination of Applicability for a property at 135 Oak Ridge Drive. The commission will also approve meeting minutes from April 24, 2025, and take public input.

• Approval of Meeting Minutes for April 24, 2025
• Public input period
• Request for Determination of Applicability – Luis Perez, 135 Oak Ridge Drive
• Discussion – Ayer Wetland Bylaw Regulations

The Conservation Commission unanimously confirmed the meeting agenda and approved the prior meeting minutes. It voted 5‑0 to contract Conservation Works to prepare the Baseline Documentation Report for the Curley Circle Conservation Restriction, not to exceed $2,000. Commissioners also assigned Heather Hampson to explore funding options for Grove Pond management and to draft revisions to the town’s wetland bylaws. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Agenda confirmed as amended (5-0)
• Minutes from 4/24/2025 accepted as written (5-0)
• Contract with Conservation Works for Curley Circle report approved (cost ≤ $2,000, 5-0)
• Heather Hampson tasked to discuss Grove Pond funding with Town Manager and Water & Wetland (no vote recorded)
• Heather Hampson to draft wetland bylaw revisions for next meeting (no vote recorded)
• Site walk with Luis Perez scheduled for 5/17 at 9 a.m. (no vote recorded)
• Adjournment motion passed (5-0)

School Department

The Ayer Shirley Regional School Committee will hold a regular meeting on May 7, 2025. Key votes include accepting school choice students for the 2025-2026 school year and a proposed increase to athletic user fees. The consent agenda includes approval of warrants totaling over $1.99 million and a $500 donation to Page Hilltop Elementary School.

• Vote on acceptance of school choice students for 2025-2026 based on available seats
• Proposed increase to athletic user fees (vote)
• Consent agenda: AP Warrant 1153 ($2,215.41), AP Warrant 1154 ($920,107.72), Payroll Warrant 21 ($1,071,363.63), Payroll Warrant 21.1 ($2,711.78)
• Donation of $500 from Global Partners to Page Hilltop Elementary School (Student Activities Account)
• Discussion of Regional Agreement (no vote indicated)

Historical Commission

The Ayer Historical Commission will hold a regular in-person meeting to discuss several ongoing projects, including the Sandy Pond School History Project, Rail Trail Kiosk Installation, and a Summer Celebration at Pirone Park. The meeting also includes updates on the Oral History Project and matters related to the Community Preservation Committee, followed by approval of meeting minutes.

• Sandy Pond School History Project discussion
• Rail Trail Kiosk Installation discussion
• Summer Celebration at Pirone Park discussion
• Oral History Project update
• Community Preservation Committee update

Community Preservation Committee

The Ayer Community Preservation Committee is holding a regular meeting to discuss updates from Spring Town Meeting, review grant agreements, and consider possible funding requests for the Fall Town Meeting. The agenda includes routine approvals of minutes and invoices, as well as committee reports. No specific project names or dollar amounts are listed.

• Update on Spring Town Meeting
• Grant Agreements
• Possible Funding Requests for Fall Town Meeting
• Approval of Minutes
• Correspondence/Invoices

Select Board

The Select Board will review an application to change the manager of the alcoholic beverages license for Alltown Fresh at 28 Harvard Road. The board will also consider several public works contracts and a bond anticipation note.

• Application for Change in Manager for Global Montello Corp. d/b/a Alltown Fresh Ayer (28 Harvard Road)
• Approval of Bond Anticipation Note
• Execution of contract for Cambridge Street Water and Drainage Improvements
• Execution of contract for 2025-2027 Road Paving and Treatment
• Intermunicipal Agreement for Central Massachusetts Regional Stormwater Coalition (FY2026-FY2030)

The board approved the sale of a $5,610,515 4.00% General Obligation Bond Anticipation Note with a $41,405.60 premium. It also executed a $367,400 contract for Cambridge Street water and drainage improvements, awarded FY26 road paving and crack‑sealing contracts, and entered an intermunicipal agreement to join the Central Massachusetts Regional Stormwater Coalition. Additionally, the board approved a change of manager for Global Montello Corp. d/b/a Alltown Fresh and authorized a $20,000 reserve fund transfer for election machine upgrades.

• Approved sale of $5,610,515 4.00% General Obligation Bond Anticipation Note (3‑0)
• Executed $367,400 contract for Cambridge Street water and drainage improvements (3‑0)
• Awarded FY26 road paving contract to PJ Albert Inc. and crack‑sealing contract to Superior Sealcoat Inc. (3‑0)
• Executed Intermunicipal Agreement with Town of Shrewsbury for CMRSWC participation (3‑0)
• Approved change of manager to Mario Iaquinta for Global Montello Corp. d/b/a Alltown Fresh (3‑0)
• Approved $20,000 reserve fund transfer for election machine upgrades (3‑0)
• Approved forwarding of Board Letter to Interim Secretary Stolba on Devens Housing Working Group (3‑0)
• Approved minutes of April 15, 2025 meeting (3‑0)

Park Commission

The Ayer Park Commission will meet to discuss playground improvements, capital planning projects, and the fiscal year 2026 budget. The meeting includes updates on facility requests, incidents, and upcoming events like Puzzle Wars and Paint Night.

• Playground Updates
• FY26 Budget discussion
• Surveillance System project
• Field Conditions review
• Gibson Award consideration

The commission approved gathering quotes for a new gaga ball pit and batting cage (vote 4‑0). It adopted an updated facility‑request policy that sets rental fees for fields (vote 3‑0‑1). The board also approved several field‑use requests—accepting a FMC Devens softball game at $35 per hour (3‑1), declining NE Nights croquet games (0‑4), and approving a co‑ed softball league at $25 per hour (4‑0)—and approved budget items including turf renovation for the batting cage ($9,800), new trash bins, mowers and the Sandy Pond building design.

• Approved gathering quotes for gaga ball pit and batting cage (4-0)
• Adopted updated facility request policy with fees (3-0-1)
• Approved FMC Devens softball game at $35/hr (3-1)
• Declined NE Nights croquet games (0-4)
• Approved co-ed softball league at $25/hr (4-0)
• Approved turf renovation for batting cage, $9,800 (no vote recorded)
• Approved purchase of new trash bins under budget (no vote recorded)
• Approved mowers and final design for Sandy Pond building (no vote recorded)

Affordable Housing

The Ayer Affordable Housing Committee and Affordable Housing Trust are being briefed on a proposal by the Devenscrest Tenants Association and Schochet Companies to acquire and preserve 114 units of naturally occurring affordable housing at Devenscrest Village Apartments. Schochet is requesting a $570,000 contribution from the town ($5,000 per unit) and a property tax agreement (TIF) to help unlock over $10 million in state funds. The meeting is intended to begin discussion on financial support from the town.

• Request for $570,000 from the Affordable Housing Trust or CPA funds to support the purchase
• Proposed property tax agreement (TIF) locking assessed value at 2025 rates for a defined period
• Affordability covenant restricting 35 units to 60% AMI and 79 units to 80% AMI, with no tenant displacement
• All 114 units would be added to Ayer's Subsidized Housing Inventory for Chapter 40B compliance
• Tenant association (DCTA) partnered with Schochet Companies; closing expected late summer or fall 2025

Affordable Housing

The Ayer Affordable Housing Committee and Trust Board will hear a presentation from the Devenscrest Tenants Association covering the project's status, renovation plans, affordable restriction, and a request of the Town. The Trust will also review ARAP and schedule upcoming meetings for May, June, and July. No votes or dollar amounts are listed on the agenda.

• Presentation by Devenscrest Tenants Association (DCTA) on project status, renovation plans, affordable restriction, and request of the Town
• Review of ARAP by the Affordable Housing Trust
• Schedule upcoming meetings for May, June, and July

The Affordable Housing Committee voted 6‑0‑0 to enter into a five‑month rental assistance agreement for a single person. No other motions were recorded; the Devenscrest project presentation did not result in a decision. The meeting adjourned after setting future meeting dates.

• Approved five‑month rental assistance agreement for one person (6-0-0)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will continue public hearings and discussions regarding two specific property projects. The body will also review a request for proposals for conservation restriction documentation.

• Public hearing for Aho Development Corp. regarding a two-family dwelling at Lot 4 Pine Street
• Discussion on project site changes and remediation at 42 Park Street
• Review and approval of RFP for Conservation Restriction Baseline Documentation

The Conservation Commission unanimously approved a waiver allowing the sewer tie‑in on Pine Street Lot 4 to be placed within the 50‑ft No‑Disturb zone. It also continued the public hearing on that project to June 12, 2025, and approved the remediation plan (option 1) for the 42 Park Street site. Additionally, the board approved the dewatering basin request for the New England Power substation and formally adopted the meeting agenda and minutes.

• Approved agenda as posted (4-0)
• Approved minutes from 4/10/2025 (4-0)
• Approved waiver for sewer tie‑in on Pine Street Lot 4 within 50‑ft No‑Disturb zone (4-0)
• Continued public hearing for Pine Street Lot 4 to 6/12/2025 (4-0)
• Approved remediation option 1 for 42 Park Street project (4-0)
• Approved H. Hampson to proceed with dewatering basin approval for New England Power substation (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

Senior Center Site Selection Building Committee

The Ayer Senior Center Site Selection Building Committee is meeting to review a proposed schematic site plan for a senior center on Bishop Road. The plan details a 13,723 square foot building, 93 parking spaces (10 ADA), pickleball courts, and proposed locations for septic and a retention pond. The committee is likely discussing this design as part of site selection or approval process.

• Proposed building footprint of 8,691 SF gross, 2nd floor 5,032 SF gross, total 13,723 SF gross
• 93 parking spaces with 10 ADA spaces
• Two pickleball courts and a patio area included
• Proposed locations for septic system and retention pond
• Setbacks: front 20', side 10', rear 25'

The committee voted to accept the amended agenda, with all members in favor. No other formal actions or votes were taken; the meeting focused on design updates, timeline planning, environmental and utility issues, and next steps. No public input was offered at this meeting.

• Amended agenda accepted (unanimous)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to approve motor vehicle and trailer abatement reports and a motor vehicle excise commitment. The board will also discuss and vote on overlay funds and review personal exemption filings for FY2025.

• Approval of March Motor Vehicle and Trailer Abatement Report
• Approval of MV Excise Commitment #2 of 2025
• FY2025 Final Personal Exemption Filings
• Vote regarding overlay funds
• Executive session to consider and act on abatement applications

The Board of Assessors unanimously approved the meeting agenda, the March 2025 excise abatement report, a $171,111.16 motor vehicle excise warrant, and exemption applications for three veterans and one senior. It also voted 3‑0 to retain all overlay funds in the town’s general fund for the current fiscal year. The board entered executive session to review real‑estate abatements and set the next meeting for May 21, 2025.

• Approved agenda as written (3-0)
• Approved March 2025 Motor Vehicle & Trailer Excise Abatement report (3-0)
• Approved Motor Vehicle Excise Warrant & Commitment #2, $171,111.16 (3-0)
• Approved veteran exemptions for Overcash, Lepine, Lebel and senior exemption for Pang (3-0)
• Voted not to release any overlay funds to the general fund for FY 2025 (3-0)
• Set next meeting for May 21, 2025 at 2:00 pm
• Entered executive session to review real‑estate abatements (3-0)
• Adjourned at 3:05 pm

Planning Board

The Planning Board will continue a public hearing for the proposed 55-unit Open Space Residential Development at High Street and 38 Groton Harvard Road. Key discussion topics include the yield plan, open space requirements, density bonuses, a stormwater RFP update, and a traffic peer review update. The board will also receive status updates on the Ayer Substation, 42 Park Street, and Stratton Hill projects.

• Continued public hearing for Lincoln Hills (55-unit OSRD) at High Street & 38 Groton Harvard Road
• Yield plan discussion for the proposed development
• Open space requirement and density bonuses debate
• Stormwater RFP and traffic peer review updates
• Project status updates: Ayer Substation, 42 Park Street, Stratton Hill

The Board accepted the Yield Plan for the Lincoln Hills project, confirming 34 dwelling units. It also approved the meeting agenda, continued the public hearing on the site plan to the May 27 meeting, and adopted the March 25 minutes. All votes on these items were unanimous except the minutes approval, which recorded one abstention.

• Agenda approved as amended (unanimous)
• Yield Plan for 34 dwelling units approved (unanimous)
• Public hearing for 0 High Street & 38 Groton Harvard Road continued to May 27 (unanimous)
• March 25, 2025 meeting minutes approved (5 aye, 0 nay, 1 abstain)
• Adjournment motion carried

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will review and potentially approve minutes from March 20 and March 27, 2025. A presentation from Nashoba Valley Technical High School is scheduled. The committee will also review the agenda for the upcoming Annual Town Meeting on April 28, 2025, and set the next meeting date. Public comments will be heard.

• Presentation by Nashoba Valley Technical High School
• Review of the agenda for the Annual Town Meeting on April 28, 2025
• Approval of March 20 and March 27, 2025 meeting minutes
• Schedule next meeting
• Public comments

The committee approved an agenda amendment to add the March 20 and March 27, 2025 meeting minutes, then unanimously approved those minutes. They set the next Finance Committee meeting for Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 6 p.m. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.

• Approved agenda amendment to include March 20 & 27 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved March 20 & 27, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Scheduled next Finance Committee meeting for May 15, 2025 at 6 p.m. (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

School Department

The Ayer Shirley Regional School Committee will vote on ratifying the 2025-2028 ASREA collective bargaining agreement, adopting new middle school science and social studies curricula, and approving a capital stabilization funding request for facilities. Consent agenda items include warrants totaling over $2 million and a donation for field maintenance.

• Ratification of the 2025-2028 ASREA Agreement (Ayer Shirley Regional Education Association contract)
• Adoption of proposed Middle School Science and Social Studies Curriculum
• Capital Stabilization Funding Request for the Facilities Department
• Consent warrants: AP Warrant 1139 ($302.46), AP Warrant 1140 ($919,975.18), Payroll Warrant 20 ($1,070,531.61), Payroll Warrant 20.1 ($5,605.03), Payroll Warrant 20.2 ($4,224.83)
• Approval of donation of $1,178 from the Oestreicher Family for an edger and power rake for field maintenance

Zoning Board

The Zoning Board of Appeals heard an administrative appeal regarding land clearing requirements for a single-family home. The board decided that the property owner must undergo site plan review for clearing more than 10,000 square feet of land.

• Denied administrative appeal for Seal Harbor Companies, LLC at 50 Jackson St. (aka 0 Pearl St.)
• Confirmed requirement for site plan approval for clearing/grading over 10,000 square feet
• Discussion of future bylaw updates to reflect state changes regarding Accessory Dwelling Units

Zoning Board

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing to consider an administrative appeal from Seal Harbor Companies, LLC. The applicant is challenging a Building Commissioner's decision that site plan approval is required for clearing and grading over 10,000 square feet for a single-family home.

• Public hearing for Administrative Appeal by Seal Harbor Companies, LLC for 50 Jackson St. (aka 0 Pearl St., Parcel ID: 19-57)

The Zoning Board approved its agenda and then voted to deny the administrative appeal by Seal Harbor Companies for 50 Jackson St., upholding the requirement for a site‑plan review of the clearing and grading. The public hearing was formally closed, the amended minutes from December 18, 2024 were approved, and the meeting was adjourned.

• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Denied administrative appeal for 50 Jackson St. (5-0)
• Closed public hearing (5-0)
• Approved amended minutes of Dec 18 2024 (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Select Board

The Ayer Select Board will hold a continued public hearing on a National Grid and Verizon pole petition on Shirley Street, and hold a joint meeting to reappoint Chris Prehl to the Nashoba Valley Technical High School Committee. The board will also discuss a proposed opposition letter to a state vocational school admissions lottery, and receive a DPW update on water supply, drought status, and a standard water ban starting May 1, 2025. Other items include appointments to the Sustainability Committee and review of a rodent/SGAR policy.

• Continued public hearing for National Grid and Verizon joint pole petition on Shirley Street (No. 30938324)
• Reappointment of Chris Prehl to Nashoba Valley Technical High School Committee for a three-year term
• Discussion on opposing the proposed vocational school admissions lottery, with a draft letter
• DPW water supply and drought update, and standard water ban effective May 1, 2025
• Town Manager's report including appointments to the Ayer Sustainability Committee and review of rodent/SGAR policy

The board adopted new outdoor water use restrictions, including an odd/even schedule, to begin on May 1, 2025. It also approved the pole petition for National Grid and Verizon, reappointed Chris Prehl to the school committee, and supported a letter opposing a vocational school admissions lottery. Additional actions included accepting EPA‑recommended industrial loading limits, appointing three members to the Sustainability Committee, and approving the Rodent/SGAR policy for town‑owned property.

• Approved outdoor water use restrictions (odd/even) effective May 1, 2025 (3-0)
• Approved Pole Petition – National Grid & Verizon, Shirley St. No. 30938324 (3-0)
• Reappointed Chris Prehl to Nashoba Valley Technical School Committee (3-0)
• Supported letter opposing vocational school admissions lottery (3-0)
• Accepted MAI Ls mass‑based limits in Final Revaluation of Local Limits (3-0)
• Appointed Dan Budris to Sustainability Committee (1-year term) (3-0)
• Appointed Christine Goulet to Sustainability Committee (2-year term) (3-0)
• Approved Rodent/SGAR policy for town‑owned property (3-0)

Board of Health

The Ayer Board of Health will review a harm reduction update and a survey for opioid funds, discuss updates from Nashoba Associated Boards of Health, and begin a regulations review including the trash hauler regulation. The board will also enter executive session to discuss litigation strategies regarding Mimi's Place LLC v. Town of Ayer and a property at 17 Taft Street.

• Harm reduction update and opioid fund survey discussion
• Trash hauler regulation review
• Executive session for litigation strategy: Mimi's Place LLC v. Town of Ayer
• Executive session for litigation strategy: 17 Taft Street, Ayer
• Animal and fowl permits administrative matter

The Board approved the February 10 and March 17, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously. It also approved the renewal of animal and fowl permits for several properties and agreed to pay the annual stipend for Animal/Barn Inspector Julie Thomas. The meeting was adjourned at 6:12 p.m.

• Approved minutes of February 10, 2025 (3-0)
• Approved minutes of March 17, 2025 (3-0)
• Approved renewal of Animal and Fowl permits for listed properties (3-0)
• Approved annual stipend for Animal/Barn Inspector Julie Thomas (no vote recorded)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Cemetery Commission

The Cemetery Commission will meet to receive an operations update from the DPW Director and review lot sales. The body will discuss and may vote on whether to proceed with a green burial option.

• Discussion and potential vote on proceeding with a green burial option
• DPW Director report on administrative and operations updates
• Review of lot sales and execution of deed certificates

The Cemetery Commission approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from February 10, 2025 by unanimous vote (3‑0). No substantive policy actions were adopted; the commission only conducted procedural business and then adjourned the meeting (3‑0).

• Agenda accepted (3-0)
• Minutes from Feb 10, 2025 accepted (3-0)
• Meeting adjourned (3-0)

Library Trustees

The Ayer Library Board of Trustees will discuss library director self-evaluation, review the evaluation process, and preview the upcoming Town Meeting (April 28) and Town Election (May 13). New business includes an update on the dismantling of the Institute of Museum and Library Services and a discussion of ICE procedures.

• Discussion of ICE Procedures
• Update on Dismantling of Institute of Museum and Library Services
• Library Director Self-Evaluation
• Preview of Town Meeting on April 28 at 7pm
• Preview of Town Election on May 13

The trustees unanimously approved the meeting agenda, the March meeting minutes, the treasurer's report, the director's report, the directors' self‑evaluation, and a letter outlining concerns about reduced federal library funding. They discussed a podcast request from local journalist Emily Sweeney and decided the library director will coordinate with Town Hall, with no formal vote required. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved March meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Treasurer's report (unanimous)
• Approved Director's report (unanimous)
• Approved directors' self‑evaluation (unanimous)
• Approved Library Funding Letter (unanimous)
• Discussed podcast request – no vote needed
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Senior Center Site Selection Building Committee

The Senior Center Site Selection Building Committee is meeting to review Invoice #2024002-6 from Catlin Architecture for the Council on Aging Final Design project. The invoice covers work through March 31, 2025, totaling $1,106,043, with $13,715 currently due.

• Invoice from Catlin Architecture for architectural services on the Council on Aging Final Design project
• Total fee of $1,106,043 across multiple phases
• Phase 1 (Schematic Design): $265,450 (24%)
• Phase 3 (Construction Documents): $353,934 (32%)
• Amount due: $13,715

The Senior Center Site Selection and Building Committee approved its agenda and the February meeting minutes by unanimous roll‑call vote. It then approved the Catlin Architecture invoice for $13,715 and the Vertex OPM invoice for $6,491, each also unanimously. No public input was received, and the next meeting is set for April 24 at 6 p.m.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved February 19 and 21 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Catlin Architecture invoice $13,715 (unanimous)
• Approved Vertex OPM invoice $6,491 (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Ayer Conservation Commission will discuss site changes and remediation at 42 Park Street and consider extending the Open Space and Recreation Plan to 10 years. The commission will also approve minutes from March 27 and hear public input.

• Discussion of site changes and remediation at 42 Park Street
• Open Space and Recreation Plan extension to 10-year term
• Approval of meeting minutes from March 27, 2025
• Public input period
• Conservation office and member updates

The commission unanimously confirmed the agenda and approved the March 27 minutes. It agreed to support a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy for the commercial salon at 42 Park Street, while withholding TCOs for the residential apartments until a remediation plan is approved. The commission also decided to file a Request for Determination of Applicability for a temporary bridge needed for the West Main Street culvert replacement and scheduled a site walk on 4/12.

• Agenda confirmed (5‑0 unanimous)
• March 27 minutes approved (5‑0 unanimous)
• Support TCO for salon business at 42 Park St (agreement, with condition on residential TCOs)
• Residential TCOs to be withheld until remediation plan approved
• Decided to file Request for Determination of Applicability (RDA) for temporary bridge
• Site walk scheduled for 4/12 at 9:30 a.m. at 42 Park St

Devens Jurisdiction Framework Committee

The committee will review updates on a draft RFP and the Healey-Driscoll Housing Economic Bill. Members will discuss voting issues within the Permanent Government Matrix and a draft letter to EOHLC Chris Kluchman.

• DJFC Working Group Update on Draft RFP
• Healey-Driscoll Housing Economic Bill Working Group Update
• MassDevelopment CEO Update
• Permanent Government Matrix responses regarding Question 12, 'Voting Issues'
• Draft letter to EOHLC Chris Kluchman

Cultural Council

The Ayer Cultural Council will hold a routine meeting to review financial reports, approve prior meeting minutes, and receive updates on grantees paid. A key discussion item is the proposed mural project, led by a sub-committee. The meeting includes public input and new business.

• Approve minutes from November 15 meeting
• Financial report from Bob Williams
• Update on grantees paid by Linda McGillicuddy
• Discuss Mural Project led by Susan Tordella-Williams

The council approved the minutes from the prior meeting after a motion by Bob and a second by Susan. A motion to allocate $6,657 for a new mural project was moved by Jim and seconded by Bob, but the outcome was not recorded. The council discussed holding a reception for 2025 grantees at the Sandy Pond Schoolhouse on either June 22 or June 29 and plans to expand the community survey. No other formal actions were recorded.

• Approved previous meeting minutes (motion by Bob, seconded by Susan)
• Motion to allocate $6,657 for mural project (moved by Jim, seconded by Bob) – outcome not recorded

Council on Aging Board

The Council on Aging Board will meet to discuss board expectations and update policies and procedures. The meeting includes a continued evaluation of the Senior Center's management, assets, and fiscal status.

• Annual review and updates to Board Policies and Procedures
• Senior Center Evaluation regarding Fiscal, Assets, and Management
• Training and advocacy opportunities for Open Meeting Law and CHNA9
• Approval of March 2025 meeting minutes

The board approved the meeting agenda unanimously. It voted to change the volunteer expectation language in Section 5 #8 from “expected” to “urged” with broader wording, also unanimously. Dennis Curran was appointed as the COA board representative to the CHNA9 meeting, and the corrected February 2025 minutes were approved, each by unanimous roll‑call vote.

• Approved agenda (unanimous roll‑call vote)
• Changed Section 5 #8 wording to “members are urged to volunteer…” (unanimous roll‑call vote)
• Appointed Dennis Curran as COA representative to CHNA9 (unanimous roll‑call vote)
• Approved corrected February 2025 minutes (unanimous roll‑call vote)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing regarding a proposal for a 55-unit Open Space Residential Development. The board will also review an application for Washington Street 'Parcel A'.

• Lincoln Hills (High Street & 38 Groton Harvard Road): Proposal for 55-unit development with single-, two-, and multi-family homes
• Washington Street 'Parcel A': Application for ANR by Ayer Valley Propco LLC

The Planning Board approved the meeting agenda as amended. It endorsed the Washington Street ANR for the nursing home lot. The board approved a motion requiring the applicant to submit a narrative for the Yield Plan. The board authorized the Town Planner to negotiate a traffic‑impact peer‑review contract with Green International and scheduled a site visit for April 24.

• Approved agenda amendment (unanimous aye vote)
• Endorsed Washington Street ANR Lot 2 (unanimous aye vote)
• Approved motion to require Yield Plan narrative (unanimous aye vote)
• Authorized contract negotiation with Green International for traffic review (unanimous aye vote)
• Scheduled site visit on April 24 at 8:00 PM

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission will meet to discuss the FY25 budget and the installation of rail trail kiosks. The body will also receive updates on the Oral History Project and the Sandy Pond School History Gold Star Project.

• FY25 Budget discussion
• Rail Trail Kiosk Installation
• Oral History Project updates
• 71 Sandy Pond Rd recap
• Sandy Pond School History Gold Star Project

School Department

The School Committee will discuss the Superintendent's mid-year progress report on co-teaching and the 2025-2026 school calendar. Members will vote on whether to pause the MSBA Statement of Interest submittal and the placement of the Panther Statue.

• Vote on pausing the MSBA Statement of Interest submittal
• Vote on Panther Statue Placement
• Payroll Warrant 19 for $1,061,511.73
• AP Warrant 1132 for $220,239.42
• Draft of the 2025-2026 School Year Calendar

Select Board

The Select Board will hold a public hearing on a National Grid and Verizon petition to install two poles on Shirley Street, then meet jointly with the Finance Committee to review and approve the final FY2026 Omnibus Budget and the 2025 Special and Annual Town Meeting warrants. The board will also hear a state legislative update, discuss a draft rodent policy, and receive the Town Manager's report.

• Public hearing on National Grid and Verizon pole installation (2 JO poles) on Shirley Street (Plan No. 30938324)
• Joint meeting with Finance Committee for final review of FY2026 Omnibus Budget
• Approval of 2025 Special and Annual Town Meeting warrants, including a $275,000 supplemental appropriation from Water Enterprise retained earnings
• Discussion of draft Rodent Policy
• State legislative update from Senator Jamie Eldridge and Representative Dan Sena

The Board approved the meeting agenda and voted to table the Shirley Street pole petition until the next meeting. It also extended the public hearing to April 15, approved the 2025 Special and Annual Town Meeting Warrants, and approved the March meeting minutes before adjourning.

• Approved meeting agenda (3-0)
• Tabled Pole Petition – National Grid/Verizon Shirley Street until April 15 (3-0)
• Continued public hearing until April 15 (3-0)
• Approved 2025 Special and Annual Town Meeting Warrants (3-0)
• Adjourned Finance Committee meeting (3-0)
• Approved March 12 and March 18 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Adjourned the Select Board meeting at 7:05 PM (3-0)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing on a Notice of Intent from Aho Development Corp. for Lot 4 on Pine Street. They will also continue a Request for Determination of Applicability from the MBTA and Keolis for vegetation management along the railroad right-of-way. The commission will approve minutes from March 13 and take public input.

• Public hearing on Notice of Intent – Aho Development Corp., Lot 4 Pine Street
• Continued Request for Determination of Applicability – MBTA and Keolis, Railroad Right-of-Way vegetation management
• Approval of meeting minutes from March 13, 2025

The commission unanimously confirmed the agenda (5-0) and approved the March 13 minutes (5-0). It voted to continue the public hearing on the Pine Street Lot 4 development to April 24 (5-0). It also approved a positive Determination of Applicability for wetland mapping and a negative DOA for the railroad work, both unanimously (5-0). No public input was received.

• Agenda confirmed (5-0)
• March 13 minutes approved with correction (5-0)
• Public hearing for Pine Street Lot 4 continued to April 24 (5-0)
• Positive DOA issued for wetland mapping (5-0)
• Negative DOA issued for railroad work (5-0)

Nashoba Associated Boards of Health

This is a hybrid meeting of the Nashoba Associated Boards of Health. They will discuss administrative matters including approval of minutes, financial updates, rate increases, insurance costs, and a pension matter. Community health updates and environmental health topics such as ADU discussion are also on the agenda. No final decisions are indicated; most items appear to be for review and discussion.

• Approval of minutes from 10/17/24 and 12/12/24
• Review of rate increases for services
• Review of health and dental insurance increases
• DPH grant updates and PH Excellence workplan
• Discussion of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) under environmental health

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee is reviewing proposed FY26 budgets for multiple town departments, including increases for benefits, IT, and legal services. The draft budget spreadsheet shows department requests with comparisons to prior years' actuals and current FY25 budget. The committee will consider adjustments and finalize recommendations.

• Information Technology budget decrease of $82,525 (27.56%) due to reduction in consultant services
• Benefits & Payroll Administration request increase of $13,594 (13.10%) for Harper's and Labor Logic fees
• Town Counsel legal services increase of $10,000 (13.33%) based on trends
• Facilities overtime increase of 250% ($2,500) and transfer of $12,145 from Library budget for other town buildings
• Elections & Registrations decrease of $3,000 (13.33%) due to fewer elections in FY2026

The committee postponed approval of the March 20, 2025 meeting minutes, moving the vote to the next meeting. It unanimously (5‑0) recommended the Special Town Meeting Article 1 and Town Meeting Articles 1‑5, 2‑4, 6‑7, 8‑12, 13‑14, 15‑17, 18‑22, 23‑25, and 26 as written. The committee corrected the amount in Article 13’s explanation from $530K to $315K, clarified revolving‑fund limits, and agreed to hold a joint meeting with the Select Board on March 31, 2025 to finalize recommendations. The meeting was adjourned unanimously at 6:54 pm.

• Postponed approval of March 20, 2025 meeting minutes (moved to next meeting) – unanimous
• Recommended Special Town Meeting Article 1 as written (5‑0)
• Recommended Town Meeting Articles 1‑5, 2‑4, 6‑7, 8‑12, 13‑14, 15‑17, 18‑22, 23‑25, and 26 as written (5‑0 each)
• Corrected Article 13 explanation amount from $530K to $315K – unanimous
• Clarified revolving‑fund operation limits – unanimous
• Agreed to schedule joint Finance Committee/Select Board meeting on March 31, 2025 – unanimous
• Set next Finance Committee meeting for April 17, 2025 – unanimous
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Park Commission

The Ayer Parks Commission will meet to discuss the FY26 budget, capital projects including playground updates and a surveillance system, and the property at 71 Sandy Pond Road. They will also consider facility requests, the Gibson Award, Gaga Ball Pit, beach lifeguards, camps, and soccer and basketball programs. Public input will be taken.

• FY26 Budget discussion
• 71 Sandy Pond Rd property
• Playground updates and surveillance system
• Beach lifeguards
• Camps coaches and fee structure

The commission opened the meeting with a unanimous motion. The February 26th meeting minutes were accepted with a 3‑0‑0 vote. The commission confirmed approval to host a Snapology camp at $349 per week. Water filling stations and new signs were noted as delivered and slated for installation.

• Opened meeting approved unanimously (3-0-0)
• February 26th minutes accepted (3-0-0)
• Snapology camp hosting approved (no vote recorded)
• Water filling stations to be installed by Mr. Spinney

Affordable Housing

The Ayer Affordable Housing Trust will meet remotely on March 26, 2025. Items include audit presentation and review, a report on the Spring Community Preservation Committee Public Hearing, and discussion of the 2025 Ayer Rental Assistance Program. The trust will also consider a request for budget disbursement prior to Town Meeting.

• Audit Presentation and Review
• Spring CPC Public Hearing report
• Ayer Rental Assistance Program 2025 discussion
• Alternate position on the Trust
• Request for Budget Disbursement prior to Town Meeting

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will hold an executive session to consider and take action on multiple applications for tax abatements under state law. The public may attend remotely via Zoom. No other business is scheduled.

• Executive session to hear and act on property tax abatement applications under G.L. c.59, sec. 60 and G.L. c.214, sec. 18

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public meeting to consider endorsement of Stratton Hill Plans and a public hearing to vote on recommending several zoning bylaw amendments to the April 28 Annual Town Meeting. The board will also approve the agenda and minutes from the previous meeting.

• Endorsement of Stratton Hill Plans
• Proposed Zoning Map amendment to correctly show Lot 25-23 as General Residence, not part of Deven's Enterprise Zone
• Proposed amendment to section 320-5.3.2 Residential Accessory Uses
• Proposed amendments to 5.2 Table of Use Regulations and section 320-8.1 Floodplain Overlay District
• Proposed amendments to section 320-2 Definitions

The Planning Board approved the meeting agenda with a public‑input amendment. The Board signed the Stratton Hill project plans for recording. It voted to recommend the amended Section 320-2 definitions to the Town Meeting and closed the public hearing on the proposed zoning amendments. The approval of the March 11 minutes was tabled to the April 8 meeting and the board adjourned.

• Approved agenda (amended) – unanimous vote
• Signed Stratton Hill project plans for recording
• Recommended Zoning Bylaw amendment to Section 320-2 – unanimous vote
• Closed public hearing for Proposed Zoning Bylaw Amendments – unanimous vote
• Tabled approval of March 11 minutes to April 8 meeting
• Adjourned meeting – motion carried

71 Sandy Pond Working Group

The 71 Sandy Pond Working Group is meeting to prepare for a community charrette on the future of the 56-acre public openspace at 71 Sandy Pond Road. The agenda includes reviewing two conceptual designs (Concept #1 and Concept #2) that incorporate town hall feedback on recreational amenities, parking, environmental protection, and trails. No formal votes are scheduled; the meeting focuses on refining options for public input.

• 56-acre public park with 38 acres in environmental resource areas and 68% under environmental protection
• Two future-use concepts presented, including programs for playgrounds, sports courts, boardwalks, and parking
• Town hall top concerns: recreational amenities, shade/gathering spaces, parking/access, environmental restoration, waterfront/trails
• Charrette session includes voting on preferred features like boardwalk types, playground styles, and fitness stations
• Working group members include town officials, conservation/planning representatives, and resident volunteers

The 71 Sandy Pond Road Working Group unanimously approved the November 13, 2024 meeting minutes (12‑0). Members discussed potential site uses but made no formal project decisions. The group scheduled its next meeting for January 6, 2025 at 6 pm and adjourned the session (12‑0).

• Approved November 13, 2024 meeting minutes (12-0)
• Approved the March 24, 2025 review of these minutes
• Scheduled next meeting for Jan 6, 2025 at 6pm
• Adjourned meeting (12-0)

Senior Center Site Selection Building Committee

The Senior Center Site Selection & Building Committee reviewed and approved an Owner's Project Manager contract with Vertex Corporation for $51,927 for the schematic design phase, with an option for an additional $18,000 for a second cost estimator. The committee also reviewed updated floor plan renderings, an updated budget with reallocations to cover higher OPM fees, and discussed a $100,000 legislative earmark request submitted by Representative Sena.

• Approved OPM contract with Vertex Corp. for $51,927 base fee, plus potential $18,000 add alternate for second cost estimator
• Reviewed updated first- and second-floor renderings; building size reduced to approximately 13,723 SF
• Discussed reallocation of ~$259,000 remaining from ARPA, Housing Choice Grant, and UDAG funds, with majority needing to be spent by June 30
• Representative Sena to request $100,000 legislative earmark; Senator Eldridge to visit Senior Center
• Offered donation of a professional pool table from COA Board Member Bob Gardner

The Senior Center Site Selection and Building Committee approved the meeting agenda unanimously. It also approved the revised minutes for the January 17, February 6, and March 6 meetings, correcting earlier errors. The committee confirmed the next meeting for April 10 at 6 PM and adjourned unanimously.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved revised minutes for Jan 17, Feb 6, Mar 6 (unanimous)
• Confirmed next meeting for April 10 at 6 PM
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee is holding a special meeting to review town warrant articles for an upcoming town meeting. This is the only substantive item on the agenda, preceded by procedural items like call to order and approval of the agenda.

• Review of Town Warrant Articles for potential community preservation projects or funding

The Community Preservation Committee unanimously confirmed the meeting agenda (5‑0). It then approved the wording of three funding articles—allocating money for community housing, historic preservation, and the Ayer Library roof repair—to be submitted to the Town Warrant (5‑0). The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote (5‑0).

• Confirm agenda (5-0 unanimous)
• Approve three funding article drafts for submission to Town Warrant (5-0 unanimous)
• Adjourn meeting (5-0 unanimous)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will receive updates from the Capital Planning and Rate Review committees. The body will also hold a department presentation regarding the FY 2026 budget for the Police Department.

• FY 2026 Police Department budget presentation
• Capital Planning Committee update
• Rate Review Committee update

The committee voted to amend the agenda to include approval of the March 12, 2025 minutes, and then unanimously approved the minutes for both March 6 and March 12, 2025. The meeting was subsequently adjourned by unanimous vote. No other substantive actions were decided.

• Amended agenda to add approval of March 12, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved March 6, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved March 12, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Zoning Board

The Zoning Board of Appeals meeting scheduled for March 19, 2025, has been cancelled. The notice states the cancellation is due to a lack of applications.

School Department

The School Committee will vote on the recertification of the FY26 budget and a request to transfer funds from Excess & Deficiency to the FY26 budget. The body will also consider the 2025-2026 school year calendar and the location for the Class of 2026 prom.

• Recertification of the FY26 Budget
• Transfer of funds from Excess & Deficiency (E&D) to the FY26 Budget
• AP Warrant 1125 for $1,165,485.89
• Payroll Warrant 18.1 for $1,005,787.33
• Approval of CAPS Collaborative Membership for 2025-2026

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to approve the February Motor Vehicle and Trailer Abatement Report and two FY2025 Veteran's Exemptions. The board will also enter executive session to consider seven abatement applications.

• Approval of February Motor Vehicle and Trailer Abatement Report
• Approval of 2 FY2025 Veteran's Exemptions
• Review of 7 applications for abatements in Executive Session

The Board of Assessors approved its agenda, the minutes from the January 22 and February 19 meetings, and the February 2025 Motor Vehicle & Trailer Excise Abatement report. It also approved veteran exemption applications for residents Mitchell and Myers. The Board then voted to enter executive session to review real estate abatements.

• Approved agenda (3-0)
• Approved January 22, 2025 minutes (3-0)
• Approved February 19, 2025 minutes (3-0)
• Approved February 2025 Motor Vehicle & Trailer Excise Abatement report (3-0)
• Approved veteran exemptions for Mitchell and Myers (3-0)
• Moved to executive session to review real estate abatements (3-0)

Select Board

The Select Board will hold a public hearing to consider and potentially adopt FY2026 water, sewer, and stormwater rate recommendations from the Rate Review Committee. The Board will also hear a presentation on a proposed Home Rule Petition for Town Meeting, discuss the FY2026 budget and Town Meeting warrant, and consider a contract for Grove Pond Water Treatment Plant resin media replacement. An executive session is scheduled for collective bargaining and personnel contracts.

• Public hearing on FY2026 water, sewer, and stormwater rate recommendations (including rate increases)
• Presentation on proposed Home Rule Petition for Town Meeting
• Execution of contract for Grove Pond Water Treatment Plant Resin Media Replacement
• Administrative update on FY2026 budget and Town Meeting warrant
• Executive session: ratification of Police Superiors contract MOA, Assistant Town Manager's contract, and Town Manager's contract

The Ayer Select Board voted 2-0 to increase water rates by 2% and sewer rates by 2.5% effective July 1, 2025, applying $500,000 from retained earnings. It also adopted the Stormwater Regulations and Credit Policy and set the stormwater rate at $95.00 per ERU. The board approved a $217,100 contract for resin media replacement at the Grove Pond Water Treatment Plant. A presentation on a Home Rule Petition for the Ayer Library was discussed but no vote was taken.

• Approved water rate increase of 2% and sewer rate increase of 2.5% effective July 1, 2025 (2-0)
• Adopted Stormwater Regulations and Credit Policy (2-0)
• Approved stormwater rate of $95.00 per ERU (2-0)
• Approved $217,100 contract with Calgon Carbon Corporation for Grove Pond resin media replacement (2-0)
• Approved meeting minutes of March 4, 2025 (2-0)
• Entered executive session for collective bargaining and personnel contracts (2-0 roll call)

Board of Health

The Ayer Board of Health will meet to receive updates on harm reduction efforts and a survey for opioid funds, discuss updates from Nashoba Associated Boards of Health, and review regulations including the trash hauler regulation. The board will also consider permits for trash haulers and tobacco vendors, and approve minutes from the previous meeting. No final votes on major policy changes are scheduled.

• Harm reduction update and survey for opioid funds
• Discussion of Nashoba Associated Boards of Health updates
• Regulations review focusing on trash hauler regulation
• Administrative matters including trash hauler and tobacco permits
• Approval of February 10, 2025 meeting minutes

The Ayer Board of Health approved a Solid Waste Hauler permit for M. Sullivan and Son Disposal (3-0), paid the fourth quarter bill from Nashoba Associated Boards of Health in the amount of $11,405.05 (3-0), and nominated Julie Thomas for Animal Inspector (3-0). The board also discussed opioid fund surveys, a late fee for hauler regulations, and a farmstand inquiry, but took no final action on these items.

• Approved Solid Waste Hauler permit for M. Sullivan and Son Disposal (3-0)
• Paid fourth quarter NABOH bill of $11,405.05 (3-0)
• Nominated Julie Thomas for Animal Inspector (3-0)

Affordable Housing

The Affordable Housing Committee will discuss inclusionary housing with the developer of the Lincoln Hill project and receive an update on NOAH. They will also vote on approving the agenda and minutes from the previous meeting.

• Inclusionary housing discussion with Lincoln Hill developer
• NOAH update
• Approval of meeting minutes from February 14, 2025

The Ayer Affordable Housing Committee voted to send letters to the Planning Board recommending that inclusionary housing bylaw calculations be applied to the Lincoln Hill Development Corp.'s proposed 55-unit subdivision. The committee also discussed the status of the town's proposed inclusionary housing bylaw, noting the Attorney General's 'No Comment' response. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved agenda with amendment to discuss inclusionary housing bylaw status (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of February 14, 2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Motion to write letter to Planning Board recommending inclusionary bylaw calculations for Lincoln Hill application (passed)
• Motion to have Chair draft letter urging Planning Board to apply inclusionary bylaw calculations to open-space residential developments (passed)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will meet to discuss a request for determination regarding a septic system and water service project. The body will also review vegetation management for the MBTA and Keolis railroad right-of-way and evaluate bids for invasive plant control on ponds.

• Request for Determination: 91 Littleton Road (septic decommissioning and water service installation)
• Continued Request for Determination: MBTA and Keolis railroad right-of-way vegetation management
• Review of 2025 bids for invasive plant control on ponds
• Discussion of Conservation Restriction Monitoring Report for Autumn Ridge

The Ayer Conservation Commission unanimously approved a Negative Determination of Applicability (DOA) for Christopher Morin's alternative plan at 91 Littleton Road/Rte. 2A, allowing decommissioning of an existing septic system and installation of a new 5,000-gallon tight tank. The Commission also awarded the 2025 invasive vegetation management contract to Water & Wetland for $29,670. Both votes were 4-0.

• Approved agenda as posted (4-0)
• Approved minutes for 2/11/2025 and 2/13/2025 (4-0)
• Issued Negative Determination of Applicability for 91 Littleton Road septic decommissioning and tight tank installation (4-0)
• Approved 2025 invasive vegetation management contract to Water & Wetland at $29,670 (4-0)
• Agreed to allow log rack at Chimney Boulders to remain, provided no new structures are built
• Re-signed approval of Shaker Mill Pond Conservation Restriction per state requirement
• Agreed to allow Easter egg hunt at Pine Meadow Pond, with eggs kept close to trails
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

Library Trustees

The Ayer Library Board of Trustees will meet to receive reports and conduct old business. Key actions include a vote on the use of Library Trust Funds and a vote on an amendment to the Act of Incorporation. The board will also receive an update on the operations budget and Community Preservation Committee public hearing.

• VOTE: Use of Library Trust Funds
• VOTE: Act of Incorporation Amendment
• UPDATE: Operations Budget & CPC Public Hearing
• Approval of minutes from February 13, 2025
• Treasurer's and Director's reports

The Ayer Library Board of Trustees unanimously approved a Home Rule Petition to change how trustees are seated, making all trustees elected. They also voted to reserve trust funds for future use rather than providing one-time savings to the town. The board accepted the agenda, minutes, treasurer's report, and director's report, all unanimously.

• Approved Home Rule Petition for elected trustees (unanimous)
• Reserved trust funds for future use (unanimous)
• Accepted agenda (unanimous)
• Accepted minutes of 02/13/2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Accepted treasurer's report (unanimous)
• Accepted director's report (unanimous)

Devens Jurisdiction Framework Committee

The Devens Jurisdiction Framework Committee meets to continue work on a permanent government structure for Devens. Agenda items include stakeholder updates from member towns, working group updates on the Healey-Driscoll Housing Economic Bill and MassDevelopment, and discussion of Question 11 (Military Issues) from the Permanent Government Matrix. The committee will also outline future agenda items including Question 12 on Voting Issues.

• Approval of 12 February 2025 meeting minutes
• Stakeholder updates from Town of Ayer, Harvard, Shirley, Devens Representatives, and Devens Enterprise Commission
• DJFC Working Group update
• Healey-Driscoll Housing Economic Bill Working Group update
• Discussion of Question 11 'Military Issues' of the Permanent Government Matrix

Select Board

The Select Board and Finance Committee are meeting to conduct a public presentation of the FY 2026 Budget. The session includes a presentation by the Town Manager and Finance Manager followed by public input.

• FY 2026 Budget Public Presentation

The Select Board and Finance Committee held a joint public forum to present the FY2026 budget. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was informational, with one resident suggesting an increase to the Firefighter overtime fund. The board adjourned without taking any votes on the budget.

• Adjourned joint budget forum at 6:33 PM (3-0)
• Adjourned Select Board meeting at 6:34 PM (3-0)

Council on Aging Board

The Ayer Council on Aging Board will meet in person at the COA Center to discuss the town's response to a social worker letter, review the bus policy, and begin a self-review procedure. They will also approve minutes from January and February, hear a director's report, and get a senior center update. Public input is invited for agenda items.

• Response from town on social worker letter
• Bus policy review
• Self-review procedure
• Approval of minutes for January and February
• Senior Center Update

The Council on Aging Board accepted the agenda and January minutes, deferred February minutes, and discussed the social worker search, with the Town Manager reaffirming support and funding. The Senior Center Building Committee selected Vertex as Owner's Project Manager and will begin schematic design in March, with cost-reduction measures proposed. The board also discussed emergency planning, including the senior center's potential role as a warming/cooling site, and decided to score Standard 7 reviews individually before discussing at the next meeting.

• Accepted agenda as submitted (unanimous)
• Accepted January meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Deferred approval of February minutes to next month
• Selected Vertex as Owner's Project Manager for senior center project
• Decided to score Standard 7 reviews individually, discuss at next meeting

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing for the Lincoln Hills Open Space Residential Development at High Street and 38 Groton Harvard Road, which proposes 55 single-, two-, and multi-family homes. The board will also vote on recommending several zoning bylaw amendments to the April 28 Annual Town Meeting, including map corrections, accessory use changes, use regulations, floodplain overlay district amendments, and definition updates. Additionally, the board will discuss the use of the Fletcher Account.

• Public hearing for Lincoln Hills (55-unit Open Space Residential Development) at High Street & 38 Groton Harvard Road, with request to open and continue to March 25, 2025
• Vote on Zoning Map amendment to correct Lot 25-23 from Deven's Enterprise Zone to General Residence
• Vote on amendment to Section 320-5.3.2 Residential Accessory Uses
• Vote on amendments to Section 5.2 Table of Use Regulations
• Vote on amendments to Section 320-8.1 Floodplain Overlay District and Section 320-2 Definitions

The Ayer Planning Board voted unanimously to recommend five proposed Zoning Bylaw amendments to the Annual Town Meeting, including a Zoning Map correction, an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) bylaw update, a Table of Use update, a Floodplain Overlay District amendment, and new definitions. The board also approved up to $2,500 from the Fletcher Account for the Town Planner to attend a conference in Denver, and continued the Lincoln Hills public hearing to April 8 due to missing abutters notices.

• Approved use of Fletcher Account up to $2,500 for Town Planner conference attendance (unanimous)
• Continued Lincoln Hills OSRD/Special Permit/Inclusionary Housing hearing to April 8 (unanimous)
• Recommended Zoning Map change to Annual Town Meeting (unanimous)
• Recommended ADU bylaw amendment Section 320-5.3.2 to Annual Town Meeting (unanimous)
• Recommended Table of Use changes to Annual Town Meeting (unanimous)
• Recommended Floodplain Overlay District amendment Section 8.1 to Annual Town Meeting (unanimous)
• Recommended new definitions to Annual Town Meeting (unanimous)

Rate Review Committee

The Ayer Rate Review Committee reviewed and approved the draft FY 2026 Water/Sewer/Stormwater rate recommendations presentation for the March 18, 2025 public hearing. The committee approved the February 11, 2025 meeting minutes (9-0) and made several edits to the presentation, including consolidating slides, moving stormwater slides, and adding a slide with the four recommended votes. The next meeting was scheduled for September 9, 2025 to begin review of solid waste and transfer station rates.

• Approved February 11, 2025 meeting minutes (9-0)
• Approved draft FY 2026 rate presentation for March 18 public hearing
• Deleted slides 8-12 from presentation to consolidate
• Moved slides 17-18 before slide 41 to group stormwater info
• Added slide with four recommended votes (water, sewer, stormwater regs, stormwater rate)
• Scheduled next meeting for September 9, 2025 at 4pm

Board of Health

This meeting of the Ayer Board of Health has been cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 17, 2025, with an agenda to be provided. No decisions or discussions occurred.

• Meeting cancelled — no items acted upon

Rate Review Committee

The Rate Review Committee is discussing and finalizing its recommendations for the Town of Ayer's FY2026 water, sewer, and stormwater rates. This meeting feeds into the Select Board's public hearing on March 18, 2025, where rates will be formally considered and adopted. The public can participate remotely.

• Review of FY2026 water, sewer, and stormwater rate recommendations
• Report to the Select Board for their public hearing on March 18, 2025
• Remote participation via Zoom (ID: 978 772 8220, call-in: 929-205-6099)

Senior Center Site Selection Building Committee

The provided document consists of architectural floor plans for a proposed Ayer Senior Center. The plans detail the layout of a two-story building including administrative offices, activity rooms, and wellness areas.

• Total proposed building size of 13,723 gross square feet
• First floor footprint of 8,691 gross square feet
• Second floor area of 5,032 gross square feet
• Proposed first floor features a 2,436 SF multi-purpose room and a kitchen
• Proposed second floor includes a 1,044 SF game area and a 758 SF fitness room

The committee unanimously approved a contract with Vertex Corporation for Owner's Project Manager services at a base fee of $51,927 for the schematic design phase, with an $18,000 second cost estimator option requiring future authorization. The committee also approved minutes from three prior meetings and reviewed updated renderings and budget allocations. No public input was received.

• Approved Vertex Corporation OPM contract at $51,927 base fee (unanimous)
• Added $18,000 second estimator as add alternate requiring future authorization (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from Dec 19, 2024, Jan 9, 2025, and Jan 30, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved amended agenda adding budget/timeline discussion (unanimous)

Finance Committee

The Ayer Finance Committee is reviewing the Department of Public Works' proposed FY26 operating budgets across all divisions, presented by Director Dan Van Schalkwyk. The total water fund request is $3,018,149.62 (up 15% from FY25), the sewer fund is $4,033,667.74 (up 14%), and a new Stormwater Enterprise Fund is proposed at $247,717.88. Several line items reflect contract negotiations pending and cost shifts, such as moving utility costs from DPW Administration to Highway.

• Water Enterprise budget request of $3,018,149.62, a $398,128.72 increase (15%) over FY25
• Sewer Enterprise budget request of $4,033,667.74, a $484,060.41 increase (14%)
• New Stormwater Enterprise Fund with $247,717.88 proposed for FY26 (Year 1)
• DPW Highway Department budget request of $520,754.00, including a $15,000 utility increase moved from Admin
• Snow Removal salt & sand budget decreased by $9,000 (6.25%) based on recent trends

The Finance Committee reviewed the proposed FY26 DPW budget, noting salary and wages were still being finalized. The budget includes a $10K savings in Tree Warden services, increased water costs due to the US Army ending PFAS contributions, and a new $247K Stormwater Enterprise fund. No formal vote was taken on the budget; the committee approved minutes from February 12 and 20, 2025, as amended.

• Approved meeting minutes from February 12 and 20, 2025, as amended, unanimously.
• Reviewed the DPW proposed FY26 budget presentation; no vote taken.
• Scheduled a public forum on approved water and sewer rates for FY26 on March 18, 2025.
• Noted Draft 3 of the FY26 budget will be used for the public budget forum on March 12, 2025.
• Scheduled next Finance Committee meeting for March 20, 2025, at 6pm at Town Hall.
• Adjourned the meeting at 7:05pm unanimously.

Community Preservation Committee

The Ayer Community Preservation Committee will hold a public hearing to review a funding application from the Ayer Affordable Housing Trust for Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds. The funds would support the Housing Trust's continued rental assistance efforts for Town of Ayer residents. No other items are on the agenda.

• Public hearing on funding application from Ayer Affordable Housing Trust for CPA funds for rental assistance

Historical Commission

The Ayer Historical Commission will discuss the status of a property at 71 Sandy Pond Road and review the fiscal year 2025 budget. Members will also receive updates on the Oral History Project and the Rail Trail Kiosk.

• Discussion of 71 Sandy Pond Road (Recap)
• FY25 Budget review
• Oral History Project updates
• Rail Trail Kiosk updates

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee will hold two public hearings on funding requests: one for the Ayer Library Roof Replacement and another for the Ayer Affordable Housing Trust. The committee will also review possible Town Warrant Articles and approve minutes from previous meetings.

• Public hearing on funding request for Ayer Library Roof Replacement
• Public hearing on funding request for Ayer Affordable Housing Trust
• Review of possible Town Warrant Article(s)
• Approval of minutes from 2/5/25 and executive session minutes from 6/28/23, 8/1/23, 1/3/24

School Department

The School Committee will meet to certify the FY26 Budget and vote on the acceptance of 2024-2025 school year grants. The body will also consider a policy for naming new facilities and review a draft of the 2025-2026 school year calendar.

• Certification of the FY26 Budget
• Acceptance of 2024-2025 School Year Grants
• Vote on Policy FF: Naming New Facilities
• Payroll Warrant 17 for $1,049,379.71
• AP Warrant 1117 for $249,317.00

Select Board

The Select Board will vote on a $4,798,671 contract for the West Main Street bridge replacement and a $134,870 contract for Bligh Street drainage improvements. The board will also receive an overview of proposed zoning bylaw amendments for the April 2025 Town Meeting and an update on the Balch Pond Dam study. Other items include a one-day beer/wine permit request for St. Mary's Parish and an update on the FY '26 budget.

• Vote on $4,798,671 contract for West Main Street over Nonacoicus Brook Bridge Replacement
• Vote on $134,870 contract for Bligh Street Drainage Improvements
• Overview of Zoning Bylaw Articles for 2025 Annual Town Meeting, including map amendment, accessory dwelling units, and floodplain overlay
• Update on Balch Pond Dam feasibility study for potential removal
• One-day beer/wine permit request for St. Mary's Parish on March 15, 2025

The Ayer Select Board approved contracts for the Bligh Street drainage improvements ($134,870) and the West Main Street bridge replacement ($4,798,671), plus an easement for utility work. It also approved up to $70,000 from Capital Stabilization for computer upgrades, subject to Town Meeting approval, and a one-day beer/wine license for St. Mary's Parish. The board heard an overview of five proposed zoning amendments for the 2025 Annual Town Meeting and updates on the Balch Pond Dam study and budget timeline.

• Approved $134,870 contract for Bligh Street drainage improvements (3-0)
• Approved $4,798,671 contract for West Main Street bridge replacement (3-0)
• Approved assignment of easement for West Main Street bridge project (3-0)
• Approved up to $70,000 from Capital Stabilization for computer upgrades, subject to Town Meeting (3-0)
• Approved one-day beer/wine license for St. Mary's Parish on March 15, 2025 (3-0)
• Approved minutes of February 18, 2025 (3-0)
• Entered executive session for contract ratifications (3-0)

Affordable Housing

The Ayer Affordable Housing Trust is meeting to hear an audit presentation, review a spring Community Preservation Committee budget request, receive an update on the 2025 Ayer Rental Assistance Program, and discuss a proposed alternate position on the Trust. No votes or decisions are specified on the agenda.

• Audit presentation and review
• Spring CPC budget request
• Ayer Rental Assistance Program 2025 update
• Proposed alternate position on the Trust

Devens Resolution Committee

The Devens Resolution Committee will meet to review previous minutes and receive a presentation from Ayer Shirley Regional School District Superintendent Dr. Adam Renda. The committee will also determine topics and scheduling for future meetings.

• Presentation on the Ayer Shirley Regional School District by Superintendent Dr. Adam Renda
• Review and approval of January 15, 2025 meeting minutes