Southborough public meetings in 2025
500 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Master Plan Implementation Committee
This is a procedural agenda with no listed discussion items. The Master Plan Implementation Committee is scheduled to meet, but the agenda provides no details on what will be decided or discussed.
The committee approved the minutes from October 2023 and December 2 2025 by unanimous vote. Ms. DeMuria agreed to add a new column for 2026 to the MPIC tracker. Sam Stivers and Debbie DeMuria were assigned to confirm dates with the Select Board and Planning Board for a joint MPIC meeting. The meeting was adjourned after a motion passed with two votes.
- Approved October 2023 and December 2 2025 meeting minutes (Stivers YES, DeMuria YES, Warren YES)
- Ms. DeMuria to add new column for 2026 to the MPIC tracker
- Sam Stivers to check dates with the Select Board for a joint meeting
- Debbie DeMuria to check dates with the Planning Board for a joint meeting
- Motion to adjourn passed (Stivers YES, DeMuria YES)
Select Board
The provided text lists the meeting date and time but does not include the specific agenda items, documents, or decisions. Therefore, no specific actions or discussions can be summarized.
The Select Board voted unanimously to set a Special Town Meeting for Monday, March 2, 2026 at 6:00 PM. The motion was made by Chairman Andrew Dennington and seconded by Marguerite Landry. The board also adjourned the meeting unanimously.
- Approved Special Town Meeting date: Monday March 2, 2026 at 6:00 PM (5-0-0)
- Adjourned meeting (5-0-0)
Planning Board
The Planning Board voted to delegate the response to the December 19, 2025 Open Meeting Law complaint to Town Counsel. The motion passed unanimously with a 4‑0 vote. The board then adjourned the meeting, also by unanimous vote.
- Refer response to Open Meeting Law complaint to Town Counsel – approved (4-0)
- Adjourn meeting – approved (4-0)
Board of Health
The Board approved the minutes from the December 9 meeting and adopted the FY27 elected budget, each by a 2‑0 vote. It granted a variance for 6 Brook Lane, requiring an annual maintenance plan and as‑built drawings. It also approved the 12/19/25 septic plans for the 250 Turnpike Road townhouse project, pending a DPW memo on water and sewer line crossings. The meeting was adjourned at 9:37 am.
- Approved 12/9/25 meeting minutes (2-0)
- Approved FY27 elected budget (2-0)
- Approved variance request for 6 Brook Lane with maintenance plan condition (2-0)
- Approved 250 Turnpike Road septic plans with DPW memo condition (2-0)
- Adjourned meeting (2-0)
Personnel Board
The Southborough Personnel Board meeting scheduled for December 22, 2025, includes only the start time (8:00 A.M.) and links to agenda and packet PDFs. No specific personnel actions, contracts, or policy items are detailed in the agenda text provided. Consequently, the board appears to have no substantive agenda items for this meeting.
The board approved the minutes from the November meetings, authorized temporary extra hours for a recreation employee, and adopted the updated job description for the DPW Business Administrator. It also approved the FY27 Personnel Board budget, keeping $12,000 for workplace development, and recommended a $25,000 warrant article to fund a salary study. All votes were unanimous or with one abstention as recorded.
- Approved minutes from Nov 17 & 21, 2025 (5-0-0)
- Approved temporary additional hours for Recreation employee Lisa Novello (5-0)
- Approved updated DPW Business Administrator job description for Tammi Rice (4-0-1)
- Approved FY27 Personnel Board budget, maintaining $12,000 workplace development funding (5-0-0)
- Recommended $25,000 salary study budget warrant article (5-0-0)
Planning Board
The Southborough Planning Board will hold an executive session at 10:30 A.M. on December 19, 2025. The agenda documents contain no specific items, proposals, or decisions. Therefore the meeting appears to be procedural with no disclosed substantive business.
The provided minutes consist of coded entries and placeholders without any clear statements of approvals, denials, or actions. No specific decisions, votes, or resolutions can be identified from the text. Therefore, the meeting appears to have recorded no substantive actions.
Southborough Trails Committee
The Southborough Trails Committee unanimously approved the minutes from the October‑December 2025 meetings. It also approved the Peninsula Trail Phase I regulatory signage quote presented by Signarama. The committee discussed Phase II cost overruns but took no action, and the meeting was adjourned unanimously.
- Approved Oct‑Dec 2025 meeting minutes (4‑0)
- Approved Peninsula Trail Phase I signage quote (4‑0)
- Adjourned meeting (4‑0)
Wastewater Study Committee
The Southborough Wastewater Study Committee voted 6‑0‑0 to approve the minutes from the November 13, 2025 meeting. No other motions were adopted; the committee discussed project updates and financing options but did not vote on them. The meeting was then adjourned by a 6‑0‑0 vote.
- Approved November 13, 2025 minutes (6-0-0)
- Adjourned meeting (6-0-0)
Community Preservation Committee
The Southborough Community Preservation Committee meeting scheduled for Dec 18, 2025 shows only headings and placeholders for documents. No specific agenda items, proposals, or decisions are detailed in the agenda. As a result, the meeting appears to be procedural with no substantive matters to discuss.
The Community Preservation Committee voted 6‑0 to conditionally approve the Affordable Housing Trust application. The committee also agreed to postpone voting on the Fayville Park Improvements and the Rural Cemetery Water Tower Restoration projects. A FY27 budget review was presented, but no budget decisions were made. The meeting concluded with procedural items and next‑step discussions.
- Conditionally approve Affordable Housing Trust application (6-0)
- Postpone vote on Fayville Park Improvements project
- Postpone vote on Rural Cemetery Water Tower Restoration project
Northborough-Southborough Regional School District Committee
The provided agenda is procedural boilerplate and does not list specific discussion items or decisions.
Select Board
The Southborough Select Board will convene at 6:30 P.M. to review and discuss the agenda items listed in the packet.
- Review of agenda documents and packets
- Discussion of agenda items
- Public meeting to follow agenda
The Select Board voted unanimously to hold a Special Town Meeting on February 28, 2026, at Trottier Middle School to consider options for the Neary School, including a roof repair article. The board also approved several consent agenda items, including the appointment of Chris Cremeans as Business Administrator (3-2), and accepted a $52,000 PILOT donation from The New England Center for Children. The board tabled a decision on a new A/V system for the McAuliffe Hearing Room.
- Approved Special Town Meeting for Feb. 28, 2026, at Trottier Middle School (5-0)
- Approved appointment of Chris Cremeans as Business Administrator (3-2)
- Accepted $52,000 PILOT donation from The New England Center for Children (5-0)
- Approved 2026 license renewals (5-0)
- Approved Select Board meeting schedule through June 30, 2026 (5-0)
- Approved December 2, 2025 minutes as amended (5-0)
- Approved December 8, 2025 joint meeting minutes (5-0)
- Tabled A/V system for McAuliffe Hearing Room
Southborough Trails Committee
The Trails Committee received two sealed bids—R.Bates & Sons, Inc. and The Aulson Company Inc.—for the Peninsula Trail boardwalk and footbridge. Both bids were higher than the allocated budget, so no award was made and the committee will consider scope and funding options. The meeting was adjourned with a 4‑0 vote.
- No award made for Peninsula Trail Boardwalk and Bridge project (bids exceeded budget)
- Next meeting scheduled for Thursday, Dec 18, 2025 at 6:30 PM
- Motion to adjourn approved 4-0
Recreation Commission
The Recreation Commission approved the November 10, 2025 meeting minutes by unanimous roll‑call vote. Commissioners scheduled the next meeting for Wednesday, December 10, 2025. The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 pm by unanimous vote. The Summer Program Fee Structure was tabled until the January meeting.
- Approved November 10, 2025 minutes (Dumont, Rehlander, LaVault yes)
- Scheduled next meeting for Dec 10, 2025
- Adjourned meeting at 8:45 pm (Dumont, Rehlander, LaVault, O’Day yes)
- Tabled Summer Program Fee Structure until January meeting
Southborough Trails Committee
The Southborough Trails Committee approved the Phase I signage document with a unanimous 4‑0 vote. Approval of the 11/20/2025 minutes was postponed to the next meeting. The committee scheduled a bid opening for Phase II on Dec. 15 at 11:00 AM and set the next meetings for Dec. 15 and Dec. 18. The meeting was adjourned by a 4‑0 vote.
- Approved Phase I signage document (4-0)
- Postponed approval of 11/20/2025 minutes (to be taken up next meeting)
- Scheduled Phase II bid opening for Dec 15, 2025 at 11:00 AM
- Set next meeting for Dec 15, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Town Office
- Set additional meeting for Dec 18, 2025 at 7:00 PM
- Adjourned meeting (4-0)
Taxation Aid Committee
The committee approved the minutes from the August 6, 2025 meeting. It decided to keep the application period in February each year. The committee adopted several edits to the application form, including removing the email field, adding a required copy of the last federal tax filing, adding a note that missing the copy may delay processing, and adding contact information for additional assistance. The next meeting is scheduled for January 14, 2026.
- Approved August 6, 2025 minutes (all in favor: Brian, Mary Ann, Hal)
- Set application month to February annually
- Removed email field from identification section
- Added required copy of last federal tax filing to attachments
- Added note that not providing the copy may delay processing
- Added contact info for additional tax assistance on application
Southborough Zoning Board of Appeals
The board unanimously voted to close the public hearing on the special permit for 150 Cordaville Road. No approval or denial of the battery energy storage system was made; the board noted the use is allowed in the Industrial District but further site‑plan and fire‑department permits are required. Safety concerns raised by the fire chief and board members were discussed, and the applicant was told additional plans are needed.
- Motion to close public hearing carried 5-0 (unanimous)
- Special permit not approved; board deferred pending site‑plan and fire‑department approvals
Tricentennial Committee
The Tricentennial Committee approved the minutes from the October 8 and November 12 meetings by unanimous vote. It also voted unanimously to approve a draft letter authorizing the 215th Army Band to participate in the Tricentennial parade. The Committee agreed on January 1 as the date for the drone show and assigned members to follow up on funding and a time‑capsule project.
- Approved October 8 and November 12 meeting minutes (unanimous: Morris, Hokinson, Dennington, Oldershaw, Falconi, Enge)
- Approved draft letter to the 215th Army Band for parade participation (unanimous: Morris, Hokinson, Dennington, Oldershaw, Falconi, Ange)
- Set January 1 as the date for the Tricentennial drone show (Committee agreement)
- Assigned Mr. Dennington to discuss drone‑show funding with the Friends group
- Mr. Enge agreed to research and collect information for the time capsule
- Mr. Ackley will volunteer with the working group after stepping down as appointed member
Southborough Youth Commission
The commission voted to approve the November 4, 2025 meeting minutes as amended. A motion to support the FY27 Budget Request Proposal Memo was also approved. Both votes were unanimous among members present.
- Approved November 4, 2025 meeting minutes (all present approve)
- Approved FY27 Budget Request Proposal Memo (all present approve)
Board of Health
The agenda for the Southborough Board of Health on December 9, 2025 includes only the meeting start time at 9:00 A.M. and placeholders for documents. No specific agenda items, such as rezoning proposals, contracts, ordinances, or public hearings, are listed.
The Deputy Town Clerk notified the Board of Health that the Town Clerk has not received the minutes for the November 4, 2025 and December 9, 2025 meetings. The email cites Town Code § 9‑25, which requires minutes to be submitted within 45 days. No substantive actions, approvals, or votes were documented in the provided text.
Board of Assessors
The December 9, 2025 Board of Assessors agenda for Southborough, MA consists of three PDF references and three entries showing a 4:15 P.M. meeting time with “Documents:” placeholders. No specific agenda items, such as rezoning proposals, contracts, or ordinance discussions, are listed in the provided document.
The Board accepted the November 4 minutes and FY26 tax commitments unanimously. It approved the FY27 department budget of $318,347, transferred $207,189.98 from the overlay reserve, and awarded a five‑year personal‑property valuation contract to Real Estate Research Consultants for $113,660. The Board also approved motor‑vehicle excise tax commitments, monthly abatements, and two personal real‑estate exemption applications.
- Accepted November 4, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Approved FY26 tax commitments totaling $54,574,991.07 (real estate) and $1,780,138.78 (personal property) (unanimous)
- Approved FY26 motor‑vehicle excise tax commitment for 277 vehicles, $48,061.49 (unanimous)
- Approved October motor‑vehicle excise tax abatements totaling $2,668.60 (unanimous)
- Authorized transfer of $207,189.98 from overlay reserve to surplus (unanimous)
- Awarded personal‑property services contract to Real Estate Research Consultants, $113,660 (unanimous)
- Approved FY27 department budget, $318,347.00 (unanimous)
- Approved two FY26 personal real‑estate exemption applications (Clause 18 Hardship, Clause 22 Veteran) (unanimous)
Select Board
The Select Board and participating committees discussed the Neary School roof and future building options. A motion was made to place a warrant before a Special Town Meeting that would list three school‑site options and a separate article for the roof. The motion was unanimously approved (5‑0‑0). No other substantive actions were taken.
- Motion to bring Neary roof and school options to Town Meeting approved (5-0-0)
Affordable Housing Trust
The Southborough Affordable Housing Trust meeting scheduled for December 8, 2025 was cancelled. The cancellation was due to a lack of quorum. No agenda items were considered, and no decisions were made.
Planning Board
The Southborough Planning Board held a meeting on December 8, 2025. Members heard a presentation on battery energy storage systems and discussed safety standards, training, and emergency plans. The board also reviewed input from the Affordable Housing Trust on 55+ housing bylaws and examined a proposed development on Southville Road. No formal actions, approvals, or votes were recorded.
Housing Authority
The board approved the November 17, 2025 meeting minutes and the December 8, 2025 accounts payable. It accepted the Executive Director's report and voted to extend the contract with Forever Mechanical HVAC/R, Inc. for an additional year. The meeting was then adjourned.
- Approved November 17, 2025 meeting minutes (3-0)
- Approved Accounts Payable as of Dec 8, 2025 (4-0)
- Accepted Executive Director report (4-0)
- Extended Forever Mechanical HVAC/R contract by one year (4-0)
- Adjourned meeting (4-0)
Advisory Committee
The Advisory Committee will hold a joint meeting with the Select Board, School Committee, and Capital Improvement and Planning. No specific items are listed on the agenda, indicating a procedural session. The meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on December 8, 2025.
The Advisory Committee, Select Board, School Committee and Capital Improvement and Planning Committee voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 8:39 p.m. They also approved a motion, seconded by the Select Board chair, to place a warrant before a Special Town Meeting that would present three options for the Neary School project, including a separate article for the roof replacement.
- Adjourn meeting at 8:39 p.m. – unanimous votes (Select Board 5-0-0, School Committee 4-0-0, Advisory Committee 6-0-0, CIPC 4-0-0)
- Approve motion to bring Neary school issue to a Special Town Meeting with a warrant covering three options, including a roof article – unanimous (5-0-0)
Council on Aging
The council voted unanimously to allow Raeleen to sign invoices and payroll while Peg is absent. The remaining reports were tabled because of the Friend’s Annual Staff Party. No other decisions were recorded.
- Approved Raeleen signing authority for invoices and payroll (unanimous)
- Tabled remaining reports (no vote)
Capital Improvement & Planning Committee
The Southborough Capital Improvement & Planning Committee will hold a joint meeting with the Select Board, Advisory, and School Committee at 6:30 p.m. on December 8, 2025. The agenda document does not list any specific items for discussion or decision. The meeting will be conducted virtually via the provided link.
Library Board of Trustees
The trustees approved the minutes from the November 17, 2025 meeting. They reviewed a draft FY27 library budget, but no final approval was made and the budget will be finalized in January. The meeting was then adjourned.
- Approved November 17 meeting minutes (5-0)
- Adjourned meeting (4-0)
- Reviewed FY27 budget draft; final approval scheduled for January
Planning Board
The Planning Board voted unanimously to authorize Chair Meme Luttrell to negotiate with Town Counsel, the Building Commissioner, the Town Administrator, and Michael Weishan to create a promissory note for a bond supporting a four‑day Temporary Certificate of Occupancy for 40‑41 Central Street/Fayville Hall. The board also voted unanimously to adjourn the emergency meeting. Both motions passed with a 4‑yes, 0‑no roll‑call vote.
- Authorized Ms. Luttrell to negotiate a bond promissory note for a 4‑day TCO (Yes‑4, No‑0)
- Adjourned the meeting (Yes‑4, No‑0)
Conservation Commission
The Southborough Conservation Commission voted unanimously to continue two public hearings on the Willow Street North and South culvert replacement projects to January 8, 2026, to allow time for review of revised materials. The Commission also issued an Invalid Certificate of Compliance for the never-constructed artificial turf fields at 185-191 Mill St and a Certificate of Compliance for the SMP at 48 Main Street. The FY2027 budget was supported unanimously.
- Continued Willow Street North culvert public hearing to Jan. 8, 2026 (5-0)
- Continued Willow Street South culvert public hearing to Jan. 8, 2026 (5-0)
- Issued Invalid Certificate of Compliance for DEP #290-968 and SMP FY15-02 (4-0-1)
- Issued Certificate of Compliance for SMP FY09-03 at 48 Main Street (4-0-1)
- Supported proposed FY27 Conservation Commission budget (5-0)
- Approved minutes of 10/23/25 meeting (5-0)
Master Plan Implementation Committee
The Master Plan Implementation Committee decided to move the goal‑tracking database to the town’s OneDrive and make it publicly viewable as PDFs. It approved continuing updates to the tracker, creating a 2025 MPIC Annual Report that will also serve as the Planning Board update, and arranging a joint meeting with the Select Board and Planning Board in March. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.
- Carry forward transition of the Goal Tracking Database to OneDrive into 2026 (all members)
- Implement tracker updates such as color‑coding and year filtering (DD)
- Create a 2025 MPIC Annual Report to also use for the Planning Board update (DD)
- Reach out to the Select Board and Planning Board for a joint meeting in March (SS/DD)
- Adjourn meeting – motion passed 4-0
Community Preservation Committee
The Southborough Community Preservation Committee approved the amended minutes from July 16, 2025, September 17, 2025, and September 24, 2025 by unanimous roll‑call votes (6‑0 each). The committee then adjourned the meeting unanimously (6‑0). No new projects, funding, or policy decisions were approved at this meeting.
- Approved July 16, 2025 minutes (6‑0)
- Approved September 17, 2025 minutes (6‑0)
- Approved September 24, 2025 minutes (6‑0)
- Adjourned meeting (6‑0)
Board of Commissioners of Trust Funds
The Board approved the December 3, 2025 meeting minutes as presented with a 2‑0 vote. Members discussed a consolidated assistance application and agreed to schedule a joint meeting after the holidays, with Mr. Ballantine following up with Youth/Family. The session was adjourned by a 2‑0 vote.
- Approved 11-05-25 meeting minutes (2-0)
- Adjourned meeting (2-0)
Select Board
The provided agenda consists of procedural boilerplate and document references. There are no specific discussion items or decisions listed in the text.
The Select Board unanimously approved up to $5,000 in engineering funds to cost‑out improvements to the Cemetery Water Tank. It also approved the Municipal Technology Committee’s business‑process survey and several consent‑agenda items, including the November 18 meeting minutes, 2026 license renewals, and a revised job description for the DPW Business Administrator.
- Approved MTC business processes survey (5-0-0)
- Approved Open Session minutes (Nov 18, 2025) (5-0-0)
- Approved 2026 license renewals (5-0-0)
- Approved up to $5,000 engineering funds for Cemetery Water Tank cost study (5-0-0)
- Approved revised job description for DPW Business Administrator (5-0-0)
Golf Course Committee
Deputy Town Clerk Stephanie Secino notified Committee Chair Jennifer Selig that the minutes and supporting documents for the Golf Course Committee meeting held on December 2, 2025 have not been submitted as required by Southborough Town Code § 9‑25. She asked the chair to explain why the minutes are missing, offering three possible reasons: meeting cancellation, lack of quorum, or executive‑session material withheld. No substantive actions or votes were recorded at this time.
Capital Improvement & Planning Committee
The Capital Improvement & Planning Committee did not record any substantive decisions at its December 1, 2025 meeting. Deputy Town Clerk Stephanie Secino notified Chair Jason Malinowski that the required minutes and supporting documents have not been submitted to the Town Clerk as required by Town Code § 9‑25.
Personnel Board
The board voted to approve a cost‑of‑living adjustment (COLA) of 3% for SAP employees for fiscal year 2027. The motion passed by a roll‑call vote of 3‑2‑0. The meeting was then adjourned by a unanimous 5‑0‑0 vote.
- Approved 3% COLA for SAP employees FY27 (3-2-0)
- Adjourned meeting (5-0-0)
Southborough Trails Committee
The Southborough Trails Committee unanimously approved the minutes from the October 2, 2025 meeting (4‑0 vote). The committee also unanimously approved the motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:55 PM (4‑0 vote). No other actions were taken; the committee received updates on trail projects and the mowing contract.
- Approved minutes from 10/2/2025 (4-0)
- Approved motion to adjourn meeting (4-0)
Southborough Zoning Board of Appeals
The Southborough Zoning Board of Appeals approved a special permit allowing multiple uses at 118‑120 Turnpike Road, provided they are otherwise permitted in the district. The board also approved a special permit for a 200‑sq‑ft addition at 32 Central Street and extended the public hearing for 250 Turnpike Road to December 10 2025 and the deadline to close that hearing to February 4 2026. All motions passed unanimously with a 4‑0‑0 roll‑call vote.
- Approved special permit for 118‑120 Turnpike Road to allow multiple uses (4-0-0)
- Approved special permit for 32 Central Street addition (200 sq ft) (4-0-0)
- Approved continuation of public hearing for 250 Turnpike Road to Dec 10 2025 (4-0-0)
- Approved extension of deadline to close public hearing for 250 Turnpike Road to Feb 4 2026 (4-0-0)
- Motion to close public hearing for 32 Central Street approved (4-0-0)
- Motion to close public hearing for 118‑120 Turnpike Road approved (4-0-0)
- Motion to close public hearing for 355 Turnpike Road approved (4-0-0)
Community Preservation Committee
The Southborough Community Preservation Committee unanimously approved eligibility for three FY27 projects: the Fayville Park Improvement (splash pad, dog park, and walking trail), a transfer to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, and the Rural Cemetery Water Tower Restoration. All three motions passed with a 6‑0 vote. The committee also approved the March 17, 2025 minutes and adjourned the meeting.
- Approved eligibility of Fayville Park Improvement – Splash Pad, Dog Park & Walking Trail (6-0)
- Approved eligibility of Transfer to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund (6-0)
- Approved eligibility of Rural Cemetery Water Tower Restoration Project (6-0)
- Approved March 17, 2025 Community Preservation Committee minutes as amended (6-0)
- Adjourned the meeting (6-0)
Select Board
The provided agenda contains only meeting times and document references. No specific discussion items or decisions are listed in the text.
The board appointed Eric Enge to the Tricentennial Committee and David Joyner to the Affordable Housing Trust, both unanimously. It approved the November 4 and 12 open‑session minutes, the 2026 winter parking ban, a utility easement for the Water Department, and a $1,000 donation from Pilgrim Congregational Church. The board also accepted a Harvard PILOT payment. A motion to require Board approval of all job postings was rejected.
- Appointed Eric Enge to Tricentennial Committee (5-0-0)
- Appointed David Joyner to Affordable Housing Trust (5-0-0)
- Approved November 4 & 12 open‑session minutes (5-0-0)
- Approved 2026 Winter Parking Ban (5-0-0)
- Approved utility easement for Water Department (5-0-0)
- Accepted $1,000 donation from Pilgrim Congregational Church (5-0-0)
- Accepted Harvard PILOT payment (5-0-0)
- Rejected motion requiring Board approval of all job postings (2-3-0)
Southborough Cultural Arts Council
The council approved the September and October meeting minutes (motion carried). It approved grant funding for thirteen applicants, allocating a total of $7,620. The approved grants include $750 for Algonquin Regional High School Graphic Novel Experience and $1,500 for Juliana Perez’s Tricentennial project. Funding letters will be prepared and sent before year‑end.
- Approved September and October meeting minutes (motion carried)
- Approved $750 grant for Algonquin Regional High School Graphic Novel Experience
- Approved $250 grant for Assabet Valley Mastersingers
- Approved $300 grant for Interboro Community Band
- Approved $400 grant for Michelle Liu
- Approved $750 grant for Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild
- Approved $250 grant for Messiah Community Chorus
- Approved $1,500 grant for Juliana Perez Tricentennial project
Board of Health
The board voted to approve the proposed FY2027 budget. It also approved the minutes from the October 7 and November 3, 2025 meetings by a 3‑0 vote. The meeting was adjourned by a 3‑0 vote. A request from 250 Turnpike Road to discuss its item was deferred to the next meeting.
- Approved FY2027 budget
- Approved 10/7/25 and 11/3/25 minutes (3-0)
- Adjourned meeting (3-0)
- Deferred 250 Turnpike Road item to next meeting
Housing Authority
The board approved the October 20, 2025 meeting minutes, the current Accounts Payable, and accepted the Executive Director's report, each by a 3‑0 vote. The meeting was then adjourned at 6:02 p.m. by a unanimous vote. No new business was taken.
- Approved October 20, 2025 meeting minutes (3-0)
- Approved Accounts Payable as of November 17, 2025 (3-0)
- Accepted Executive Director report (3-0)
- Adjourned meeting at 6:02 p.m. (3-0)
Personnel Board
The Personnel Board approved the October 17 minutes and authorized a second signing member. It funded $1,000 for a Recreation professional‑development request. The Board elected Jason Malinowski as Chair and John Thorburn as Vice‑Chair.
- Approved October 17, 2025 minutes (5-0-0)
- Approved Committee and Board signature authorization form (5-0-0)
- Funded $1,000 professional‑development request for Recreation (4-0-1, Thorburn abstained)
- Elected Jason Malinowski as Board Chair (4-0-1, Malinowski abstained)
- Elected John Thorburn as Board Vice‑Chair (4-0-1, Thorburn abstained)
- Adjourned meeting at 9:43 A.M. (5-0-0)
Library Board of Trustees
The trustees approved the revised circulating wireless hotspot lending policy. A majority voted to remove the wooden eagle statue from the Judy Williams Reading Room. The library will close at 2:00 PM on Monday, Jan 26 for staff suicide‑prevention (QPR) training. The annual holiday potluck is set for Monday, Dec 8.
- Approved revised wireless hotspot policy (5 votes in favor)
- Majority approved removal of the wooden eagle statue
- Library closure at 2:00 PM on Jan 26 for QPR suicide‑prevention training
- Holiday potluck scheduled for Dec 8
- Trustees supported purchase of a new transport chair for the library
Affordable Housing Trust
The Affordable Housing Trust board approved the June 24, August 14 and September 11, 2025 meeting minutes (3‑0). It also approved the August 14, August 28, September 4 and September 11, 2025 executive‑session minutes (3‑0). The meeting was then adjourned (3‑0). No other substantive actions were taken.
- Approved June 24, Aug 14, Sep 11, 2025 meeting minutes (3-0)
- Approved Aug 14, Aug 28, Sep 4, Sep 11, 2025 executive‑session minutes (3-0)
- Adjourned meeting (3-0)
Southborough Trails Committee
The committee changed the bid opening date for Peninsula Trail Phase II to Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at 11:00 AM and scheduled a pre‑bid meeting with Beals for Monday, November 24, 2025 at 11:00 AM. The next Trails Committee meeting was set for Thursday, November 20, 2025 at 7:30 PM. Approval of the minutes from 10/2, 10/7, and 11/6 2025 was deferred to the next meeting. The motion to adjourn was approved unanimously (3‑0).
- Bid open date for Peninsula Trail Phase II moved to Dec 10, 2025 (decision)
- Pre‑bid meeting with Beals scheduled for Nov 24, 2025 at 11:00 AM (decision)
- Next Trails Committee meeting set for Nov 20, 2025 at 7:30 PM (decision)
- Approval of prior meeting minutes deferred to next meeting (decision)
- Motion to adjourn approved 3‑0 (unanimous) (decision)
Wastewater Study Committee
The Wastewater Study Committee approved the October 23, 2025 minutes (6‑0‑1). It voted unanimously (7‑0) to ask Vanessa Hale to arrange a FY26 One Stop debrief session. The committee also set the next meeting for December 18, 2025 (7‑0) and adjourned (7‑0).
- Approved October 23, 2025 minutes (6-0-1)
- Approved request for FY26 One Stop debrief session (7-0)
- Approved next meeting date: Thursday, December 18, 2025 (7-0)
- Adjourned meeting (7-0)
Capital Improvement & Planning Committee
The Capital Improvement & Planning Committee meeting scheduled for November 12, 2025 was cancelled because a quorum was not present. No decisions were made.
Tricentennial Committee
The Tricentennial Committee will hold a meeting to discuss plans for the town's 300th anniversary celebration. The session is scheduled for 6:30 P.M. on November 12, 2025.
- Review of 2025.11.12 TRICENTENNIAL MEETING AGENDA - REVISED.PDF
- Review of 2025.11.12 TRICENTENNIAL MEETING AGENDA.PDF
The committee unanimously approved September 18, 2027 as the date and time (12 p.m.–3 p.m.) for the Tricentennial House Tour. It also unanimously appointed Erik Enge to the committee, approved a support letter for a Southborough Cultural Arts Council grant, and endorsed the History‑in‑Bloom event for April 2027. Additional motions to launch a “People of Southborough Making History today” project and to move forward with the grant‑support letter were approved unanimously.
- Approved September 18, 2027 House Tour date (12‑3 PM) – unanimous
- Appointed Erik Enge to Tricentennial Committee – unanimous
- Approved drafting a support letter for Southborough Cultural Arts Council grant – unanimous
- Approved support for History in Bloom event (April 2027) – unanimous
- Approved “People of Southborough Making History today” project – unanimous
- Tabled approval of October 8, 2025 meeting minutes
- Tabled expense policy approval
Southborough School Committee
The Southborough School Committee agenda for November 12, 2025 contains no specific agenda items. It lists three time slots at 6:30 P.M. with placeholders for documents, but no decisions or discussions are identified.
Recreation Commission
The commission voted to approve the FY27 operating budget of $200,247, which includes a position change from Program Coordinator to Assistant Recreation Director. The minutes from the October 6, 2025 meeting were adopted. The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 pm. The aerator purchased by DPW was transferred to the revolving fund per the capital plan.
- Approved FY27 operating budget $200,247 (3-0)
- Approved October 6, 2025 meeting minutes (3-0)
- Adjourned meeting at 8:45 pm (4-0)
- Transferred aerator cost to revolving fund (no vote recorded)
Housing Authority
The Southborough Housing Authority meeting on November 10, 2025 was cancelled because a quorum was not present. No agenda items were considered, and no actions were approved, denied, or tabled.
Planning Board
The Board voted unanimously to release $59,586 from the bond for 250 Turnpike Road, subject to contingencies. It also approved the full 2026 Planning Board meeting schedule. The minutes from the October 20 and October 27, 2025 meetings were approved, and the board adjourned the session.
- Released $59,586 from bond for 250 Turnpike Rd (Yes-4, No-0)
- Approved 2026 Planning Board meeting dates (Yes-4, No-0)
- Approved October 20, 2025 meeting minutes (Yes-4, No-0)
- Approved October 27, 2025 meeting minutes (Yes-4, No-0)
- Adjourned the meeting (Yes-4, No-0)
Southborough Trails Committee
The Southborough Trails Committee voted 3‑0 to accept the draft bid for Phase II with the due date moved to December 10, 2025. The committee scheduled its next meeting for November 13, 2025 and set the bid opening date for December 10, 2025. A motion to adjourn the meeting also passed unanimously (3‑0).
- Accepted draft bid amendment for Peninsula Trail Phase II (due date 12/10/25) – vote 3‑0
- Scheduled next committee meeting – Thursday, November 13, 2025 at 7:30 PM
- Set bid open date – Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at 11:00 AM
- Motion to adjourn meeting – vote 3‑0
Historical Commission
The commission denied a motion to preferentially preserve an accessory building at 2 Chestnut Hill Road (2‑3). It approved a letter of support to the Mass Cultural Council for the Southborough Historical Society (5‑0). It adopted a FY2027 budget request of $1,000 (5‑0) and approved a historic house sign for the Charles L. and Marie E.H. Fairbanks house at 34 Main Street (5‑0). The minutes of the October 1, 2025 meeting were also approved (5‑0).
- Denied preferential preservation of accessory building at 2 Chestnut Hill Road (2‑3)
- Approved letter of support to Mass Cultural Council (5‑0)
- Approved FY2027 budget request of $1,000 (5‑0)
- Approved historic house sign for 34 Main Street (5‑0)
- Approved minutes of October 1, 2025 meeting (5‑0)
- Adjourned meeting (5‑0)
Select Board
The Southborough Select Board meeting agenda contains no specific items; only the meeting time and document references are listed.
The Board approved a single tax rate for the town and voted not to adopt the Residential or Small Commercial exemptions. It denied Pratts Automotive’s Class II Auto Dealer license and approved a Class II license for Venture Auto Services at 145 Boston Road. The Board also approved the October open‑session minutes and directed the Administrator to seek consultant quotes for a government‑structure study.
- Adopt single tax rate – approved 4-1-0
- Reject Residential Exemption – approved 5-0-0
- Reject Small Commercial Exemption – approved 5-0-0
- Deny Pratts Automotive Class II Auto Dealer license (without prejudice) – approved 3-2-0
- Approve Venture Auto Services Class II Auto Dealer license for five cars through Jan 1 2027 – approved 5-0-0
- Approve October 21, 2025 open‑session minutes – approved 5-0-0
- Approve October 27, 2025 open‑session minutes – approved 5-0-0
- Ask Administrator to obtain three consultant quotes for a town‑government structure study
Southborough Youth Commission
The Southborough Youth Commission unanimously approved the minutes from the October 14, 2025 meeting. Afterwards, the commission voted to adjourn the November 4 meeting at 8:06 pm. No other substantive actions were taken.
- Approved October 14, 2025 SYC minutes (unanimous)
- Adjourned meeting at 8:06 pm (unanimous)
Board of Assessors
The Board of Assessors accepted the October 21 minutes and approved motor‑vehicle excise tax abatements totaling $5,006.32 for 2023‑2025. They also approved a $495,831.78 FY2026 overlay reserve. In a joint session with the Select Board, the Select Board voted unanimously to adopt a single tax rate and to decline both residential and small‑commercial exemptions.
- Accepted October 21, 2025 minutes (all in favor)
- Approved motor‑vehicle excise tax abatements: $56.56 (2023), $257.24 (2024), $4,692.52 (2025) (all in favor)
- Approved FY2026 overlay reserve of $495,831.78 (all in favor)
- Signed FY26 Tax Recap forms for electronic submission (no vote recorded)
- Moved joint meeting to McAuliffe Hearing Room for Tax Classification Hearing (all in favor)
- Select Board unanimously adopted a single tax rate (unanimous vote)
- Select Board unanimously rejected a residential exemption (unanimous vote)
- Select Board unanimously rejected a small‑commercial exemption (unanimous vote)
Council on Aging
The Southborough Council on Aging approved the minutes from the October 14, 2025 meeting with all members in favor. The board also noted a budget restriction that no new staff hours or positions will be added. Additional program updates and reports were discussed, but no further actions were voted on.
- Approved October 14, 2025 minutes (all in favor)
- Adopted budget restriction: no new hours or positions (no vote recorded)
Board of Health
The Southborough Board of Health voted 3‑0 to support bringing the 88 Turnpike Road case to housing court after an inspection found 19 violations. The board also voted 3‑0 to adjourn the meeting. No other actions were taken.
- Support bringing case to housing court (vote 3-0)
- Adjourn meeting (vote 3-0)
Capital Improvement & Planning Committee
The Capital Improvement & Planning Committee voted to reorganize its leadership. Jason Malinowski was elected Chair, Mike Nute was elected Vice Chair, and Mike Nute was also elected Clerk, each with a 3‑0‑1 vote. The committee then adjourned by a 5‑0 roll‑call vote.
- Jason Malinowski elected Chair (vote 3-0-1)
- Mike Nute elected Vice Chair (vote 3-0-1)
- Mike Nute elected Clerk (vote 3-0-1)
- Motion to adjourn approved (vote 5-0)
Municipal Technology Committee
The committee could not hold its scheduled meeting on November 3, 2025 because a quorum was not reached, so the meeting was canceled. No actions or votes were taken at that session. Minutes from the March 3, 2026 meeting were later approved and attached. No other substantive decisions were recorded.
- 11/3/2025 meeting canceled (no quorum)
- Approved March 3, 2026 meeting minutes
Southborough Trails Committee
The Southborough Trails Committee scheduled its next meeting for Thursday, November 6, 2025 at 7:30 PM. A motion to adjourn the October 30 meeting was approved by a 3‑0 vote. No other actions were formally approved; items such as trail‑sign design and Phase II wage documentation were discussed for future work.
- Adjourn meeting approved (3‑0)
- Next meeting scheduled for Nov 6, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Southborough Cultural Arts Council
The meeting lacked a voting quorum, so approval of the September and October minutes was postponed. The council voted to move forward with official recognition of former members Catherine Weber, Jen Hansen, and Liz Kesselman. Additional actions included tabling the secretary appointment, assigning a review of 25 FY26 grant applications, drafting a prompt for a new $4,000 town‑funded grant, and scheduling the next meeting for November 18.
- Postponed approval of September and October minutes (no quorum)
- Agreed to recognize former members Catherine Weber, Jen Hansen, and Liz Kesselman
- Tabled Committee Secretary appointment for future consideration
- Assigned members to conduct cursory review of 25 FY26 grant applications before November
- Directed Chair to draft grant prompt and framework for new ~$4,000 town‑funded grant opportunity
- Scheduled next meeting for November 18, 2025 (virtual, two‑hour block)
Select Board
The Board approved the Finance Director's recommendation to award the health/benefits consulting bid to Borislow Insurance. It also approved the Executive Session minutes, delegated Ms. Landry to handle two appeals, and indefinitely postponed Article 2 of the Special Town Meeting agenda. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.
- Approved recommendation to award health consultant bid to Borislow Insurance (5-0-0)
- Approved Executive Session minutes for Oct 7 and Oct 21, 2025 (5-0-0)
- Approved Ms. Landry to represent Board in building‑permit‑fee and water‑bill appeals (5-0-0)
- Approved indefinite postponement of Article 2 (Golf Club capital plan) (5-0-0)
- Adjourned meeting (5-0-0)
Planning Board
The Board closed the public hearing and approved the major site plan and special permit for the 2 East Main St multi‑family building, including a lighting waiver. It also approved a zoning amendment adding Highway Major Retail to the town’s definitions and requiring a special permit. The Board approved a zoning amendment to amend language for Accessory Dwelling Units. The October 9, 2025 meeting minutes were approved.
- Closed public hearing for 2 East Main St major site plan & special permit – Yes 4-0
- Granted lighting waiver for 2 East Main St – Yes 4-0
- Approved decision for 2 East Main St major site plan – Yes 4-0
- Approved decision for 2 East Main St special permit – Yes 4-0
- Approved zoning amendment adding Highway Major Retail – Yes 5-0
- Approved zoning amendment for Accessory Dwelling Units – Yes 5-0
- Approved October 9, 2025 meeting minutes – Yes 5-0
- Adjourned meeting – Yes 5-0
Conservation Commission
The Southborough Conservation Commission approved the meeting minutes and closed two public hearings. It adopted an amended Order of Conditions for 118‑120 Turnpike Road by a 4‑0‑0 vote and issued a mixed positive 2A/negative 5 determination of applicability for the MBTA commuter rail ROW by a 4‑0‑1 vote. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.
- Approved meeting minutes (3‑0‑1)
- Closed public hearing on 118‑120 Turnpike Road (4‑0‑0)
- Issued Amended Order of Conditions for 118‑120 Turnpike Road (4‑0‑0)
- Closed public hearing on MBTA commuter rail ROW (5‑0‑0)
- Issued positive 2A and negative 5 Determination of Applicability for MBTA ROW (4‑0‑1)
- Adjourned meeting (5‑0‑0)
Master Plan Implementation Committee
The Master Plan Implementation Committee elected Debbie DeMuria as Chair and Alan Belniak as Vice‑Chair, with all members voting yes. The committee also approved the minutes from the September 18 2025 and February 24 2025 meetings. No other substantive actions were taken.
- Appointed Debbie DeMuria as Chair (Stivers‑Yes, Belniak‑Yes, Warren‑Yes, DeMuria‑Yes)
- Appointed Alan Belniak as Vice‑Chair (Stivers‑Yes, Belniak‑Yes, Warren‑Yes, DeMuria‑Yes)
- Approved September 18 2025 minutes (Stivers‑Yes, DeMuria‑Yes, Belniak‑Yes, Warren‑Yes)
- Approved February 24 2025 minutes (Stivers‑Yes, DeMuria‑Yes, Belniak‑Yes, Warren‑Yes)
Wastewater Study Committee
The committee unanimously approved the September 25, 2025 meeting minutes. It decided to table the discussion of potential plant and groundwater discharge sites. The meeting was then unanimously adjourned.
- Approved September 25, 2025 minutes (5‑0)
- Tabled discussion of potential plant site and groundwater discharge site (no vote recorded)
- Adjourned meeting (5‑0)
Community Preservation Committee
The Community Preservation Committee approved the Peninsula Trail Phase I & II permanent sign with a 5‑1 vote. It also adopted a unanimous position rejecting Article 2 of the Golf Course Revolving Fund. No actions were taken on the Recreation Commission or Golf Course Committee signage projects, and the meeting was adjourned unanimously.
- Approved Peninsula Trail Phase I & II sign (5‑1 roll‑call vote)
- Adopted CPC position opposing Article 2 (Golf Course Revolving Fund) (6‑0 roll‑call vote)
- No action on Recreation Commission signage projects
- No action on Golf Course Committee signage projects
- No approval of meeting minutes (none taken up)
- Adjourned meeting (6‑0 roll‑call vote)
Board of Commissioners of Trust Funds
The Board of Commissioners of Trust Funds will meet to approve minutes from July 2, 2025, and consider a vote on Applicant #67. The meeting will be held at the Southborough Town House.
- Approval of minutes from July 2, 2025
- Consideration of a vote on Applicant #67
- Meeting at Southborough Town House, 17 Common Street
The Board approved the October 2, 2025 minutes by a 3‑0 roll‑call vote. It agreed to postpone any assistance for applicant #67 until more information is received. The meeting was adjourned by a 3‑0 roll‑call vote.
- Approved 07-02-25 minutes (3-0 roll call)
- Postponed any action on applicant #67 pending additional information
- Approved motion to adjourn (3-0 roll call)
Select Board
The provided agenda contains only timestamps and document references. There are no specific discussion items or decisions listed in the text.
The Board appointed Jamie Falconi to the Tricentennial Committee and approved several Open Session minutes and a Transfer Station Attendant hire. It adopted FY27 budget guidelines, limiting the capital budget to $1.5 million and approved related consent‑agenda items including a golf‑course funding request. The Board reconsidered and then unanimously supported Article 1 (highway major retail zoning) for the upcoming Special Town Meeting. Finally, the Board entered Executive Session by unanimous vote.
- Appointed Jamie Falconi to Tricentennial Committee (5-0-0)
- Approved September 30, 2025 Open Session minutes (5-0-0)
- Approved October 9, 2025 Open Session minutes (5-0-0)
- Approved Transfer Station Attendant hiring (Consent Agenda item c) (5-0-0)
- Approved Consent Agenda items: October 7 minutes, Golf Course funding request, OML complaint assignment (5-0-0)
- Reconsidered vote on Article 1 for Special Town Meeting (5-0-0)
- Supported Article 1 for Special Town Meeting (5-0-0)
- Approved entry into Executive Session (5-0-0)
Board of Assessors
The Board of Assessors will review a Tax Classification Hearing presentation and sign motor vehicle excise tax abatements. The meeting includes an executive session to vote on personal real estate tax exemptions and conduct contract negotiations for the Principal Assessor.
- Review of Tax Classification Hearing presentation
- Signing of monthly motor vehicle excise tax abatements
- Votes on personal real estate tax exemption applications
- Contract negotiations with the Principal Assessor
The Board accepted the September 30, 2025 meeting minutes and set the Assessors Office to close at 1:00 pm on November 26. It adopted a single tax rate for the November 4 classification hearing and voted against both residential and small‑commercial exemptions. After an executive session, the Board approved a Clause 22 Veterans real‑estate exemption and ratified the Principal Assessor’s employment contract effective July 1 2026 through June 30 2029. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.
- Accepted September 30, 2025 minutes (all in favor)
- Approved office close at 1:00 pm on November 26 (all in favor)
- Adopted single tax rate for November 4 hearing (all in favor)
- Rejected residential exemption (all in favor)
- Rejected small commercial exemption (all in favor)
- Entered executive session (Klein aye; Rice aye)
- Approved Clause 22 Veterans real‑estate exemption (approved)
- Approved Principal Assessor contract July 1 2026‑June 30 2029 (all in favor)
Recreation Commission
The Southborough Recreation Commission will meet remotely on October 20, 2025. The agenda includes a capital discussion and vote on the Fayville Hall parking project. The commission will also discuss the CPC Fayville Project and a fall town meeting. Additional items are approval of previous minutes and scheduling future meetings.
- Capital discussion and vote on Fayville Hall parking
- CPC project discussion – Fayville Project
- Fall Town Meeting discussion
- Approve minutes from October 6, 2025
- Schedule upcoming meeting dates
The commission unanimously approved the October 6, 2025 meeting minutes. It scheduled the next commission meeting for Monday, November 10, 2025. The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 pm by unanimous vote. No other substantive decisions were made.
- Approved October 6, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Scheduled next meeting for Monday, November 10, 2025
- Adjourned meeting at 8:05 pm (unanimous)
Housing Authority
The Southborough Housing Authority board will consider several motions, including approval of the FY 2026 budget and the top five compensation form for FY 2025. They will also certify year‑end financial statements, confirm compliance with lead‑paint notification laws, and adopt a new gardening and recreational activity policy. Additional discussion items cover CPC Funds, a realty trust, and collaboration with an affordable housing trust.
- Motion to approve the FY 2026 budget of the Southborough Housing Authority
- Motion to approve the Top 5 Compensation Form for FY 2025 (ending September 30, 2025)
- Motion to certify Year‑End Financial Statements and Tenant Accounts Receivables for FY 2025
- Motion to acknowledge compliance with Federal and State Lead Paint Notification Procedures
- Motion to adopt the Gardening and Recreational Activity Policy
The board approved the September 15, 2025 meeting minutes and supported moving CPC housing funds into the Affordable Housing Trust (4‑0). It approved the October 20 accounts payable, accepted the executive director’s report, and adopted the FY2026 budget, the FY2025 top‑5 compensation form, the FY2025 financial certification, lead‑paint compliance certification, public housing notices, and the gardening and recreational activity policy (all 4‑0). The meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
- Approved September 15, 2025 minutes (4-0)
- Supported CPC funds placement in Affordable Housing Trust (4-0)
- Approved Accounts Payable as of Oct 20, 2025 (3-0)
- Accepted Executive Director report (3-0)
- Approved FY2026 budget (4-0)
- Approved FY2025 Top 5 Compensation Form (4-0)
- Approved FY2025 financial statements and tenant receivables certification (4-0)
- Approved Gardening and Recreational Activity Policy (4-0)
Advisory Committee
The Southborough Advisory Committee will meet via Zoom on Monday, October 20, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. The committee will discuss and vote on its letter to the Town Meeting. The agenda also includes standard items such as calling the meeting to order, any other business, public comment, and adjournment.
- Discuss and approve Advisory Committee letter to Town Meeting
The committee unanimously approved its letter to the Special Town Meeting. It also voted unanimously to support ten advisory articles, including a zoning amendment for major retail, fund transfers for the golf course, environmental remediation, salary adjustments, and other operational items. The vacation leave schedule change passed with a 6‑1 vote. All decisions were recorded as unanimous except the vacation amendment.
- Approved advisory letter with edits (6-0-0)
- Approved Article 1 zoning change to add Highway Major Retail definition (7-0-0)
- Approved Article 2 transfer of golf course excess funds to General Fund (7-0-0)
- Approved Article 3 $100K for environmental remediation engineering (7-0-0)
- Approved Article 4 $7,412 salary adjustment for Business Administrator positions (7-0-0)
- Approved Article 5 vacation leave increase to three weeks (6-1-0)
- Approved Article 6 $78,783 market adjustment for non‑union Schedule A employees (7-0-0)
- Approved Article 7 audiovisual equipment upgrade in McAuliffe Hearing Room (57-0-0)
Library Board of Trustees
The Southborough Library Board will approve the September 15, 2025 minutes, hear the Director's and expense reports, consider removing an asphalt pathway, review the Library Disaster/Emergency Plan, and discuss the preliminary FY27 budget. The meeting is conducted remotely with no public attendance.
- Approval of September 15, 2025 meeting minutes
- Removal of an asphalt pathway at the library
- Review of the Library Disaster/Emergency Plan
- Preliminary FY27 budget discussion
- Director’s and expense reports (informational)
The trustees approved the minutes from the September 15 board meeting with a unanimous vote. They then moved to adjourn the October 20 meeting, also unanimously. No other formal actions were decided at this meeting.
- Approved September 15 minutes (5-0)
- Adjourned meeting (5-0)
Planning Board
The Planning Board approved the September 29, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously. It voted to continue the public hearing on the proposed Highway Major Retail zoning amendment to October 27, 2025, at 5:30 pm. It also postponed the public hearing on the Accessory Dwelling Unit amendment to October 27, 2025, at 5:35 pm. No other substantive actions were taken.
- Approved September 29, 2025 minutes (Yes-5, No-0)
- Postponed Highway Major Retail zoning amendment hearing to Oct 27, 2025 (Yes-5, No-0)
- Postponed ADU zoning amendment hearing to Oct 27, 2025 (Yes-5, No-0)
Capital Improvement & Planning Committee
The Capital Improvement and Planning Committee will review capital presentations from Southborough Public Schools and Algonquin Regional. The committee will also receive an update on the Pre-K to 8 School Building Committee and the FY26 capital process timeline.
- Southborough Public Schools capital presentation
- Algonquin Regional capital presentation
- Pre-K to 8 School Building Committee update
- FY26 Capital Process Timeline update
- Committee reorganization
The Capital Improvement & Planning Committee voted to elect Jason Malinowski as chair, Mike Szczepanski as vice chair, and Mike Nute as clerk, each with a 3‑0‑1 roll‑call vote. The motion to adjourn the meeting passed unanimously 4‑0. No capital project approvals were made; discussion centered on school capital plans and future timelines.
- Chair elected: Jason Malinowski, vote 3-0-1 (aye/aye/aye/abstain)
- Vice Chair elected: Mike Szczepanski, vote 3-0-1 (aye/aye/aye/abstain)
- Clerk elected: Mike Nute, vote 3-0-1 (aye/aye/aye/abstain)
- Motion to adjourn passed 4-0 (aye all)
- Outstanding meeting minutes moved to next month (no vote recorded)
Personnel Board
The Personnel Board unanimously approved the minutes from the September 10, 2025 meeting. It also approved a $3,000 request for IT Director Jason Montijo’s cyber security seminar. The board set its next meeting for November 17, 2025 at 8:00 AM via Zoom. No other actions were decided.
- Approved September 10, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0-0)
- Approved $3,000 IT professional development funding (5-0-0)
- Set November 17, 2025 board meeting at 8:00 AM (unanimous agreement)
Affordable Housing Trust
The Affordable Housing Trust board voted 4‑0 to support Article 1, a proposed zoning amendment that would allow a Costco store on the Dell/EMC property at Route 9 near Route 495. The board also voted 4‑0 to enter an executive session to discuss a potential property acquisition. No other motions were adopted; discussions on the CPC funding application and financing options were continued.
- Approved support for Article 1 permitting Costco on Dell/EMC property (Yes‑4, No‑0, Abstain‑0)
- Approved entry into executive session to discuss potential property acquisition (Yes‑4, No‑0, Abstain‑0)
Community Preservation Committee
The committee rejected the $718,000 irrigation system bid for the golf course, citing it exceeds the budget by over $200,000, and will re‑bid the project. Discussion of signage projects was postponed to the next meeting. No action was taken on the Affordable Housing Trust Fund transfer, and the meeting was adjourned unanimously.
- Rejected $718,000 golf course irrigation bid; project to be re‑bid
- Postponed discussion of Recreation and Golf Course signage projects to next meeting
- No action taken on Transfer to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund
- Minutes not approved (no action)
- Adjourned meeting unanimously (6-0 vote)
Southborough Stewardship Committee
The Stewardship Committee approved the May 21, 2025 meeting minutes with a 4‑0 vote. No formal motions were passed on forest signage, scout projects, or meadow work; those items were only discussed. The meeting was then adjourned by a 4‑0 vote.
- Approved May 21, 2025 minutes (4-0)
- Adjourned meeting (4-0)
Southborough Zoning Board of Appeals
The Southborough Zoning Board of Appeals closed the public hearing and then voted 6‑0‑0 to grant the special permit for 144 Turnpike Road. The permit allows a wall sign that exceeds the usual height limit, with restrictions on illumination. No vote was taken on the 355 Turnpike Road application; the board continued discussion without a decision.
- Closed public hearing (6-0-0 roll call)
- Granted special permit for 144 Turnpike Road (6-0-0 roll call)
- No decision on 355 Turnpike Road special permit – discussion continued
Northborough-Southborough Regional School District Committee
The Northborough‑Southborough Regional School Committee will vote on several grant and donation approvals, including a $60,000 Comprehensive Health and Wellness Grant and an $8,100 World Languages grant. It will also consider the FIRST Robotics Team overnight field trip to the 2026 championship in Houston, Texas. Additional agenda items include a legislative update, a food services update, and a discussion of transportation information.
- Approval of the Comprehensive Health and Wellness Grant – $60,000
- Approval of the Proficiency Outcomes in World Languages Grant – $8,100
- Approval of a $150 donation to the Best Buddies Program (in memory of Joyce Hausemann)
- Approval of a $1,000 donation from Wegmans Food Markets to support Algonquin DECA
- Approval of the FIRST Robotics Team overnight field trip to the 2026 championship in Houston, TX (April 29‑May 2, 2026)
Advisory Committee
The Advisory Committee voted 5‑0‑0 to approve Article 9, the proposed zoning amendment for Accessory Dwelling Units. It also approved Article 8 to appropriate Cable Funds for Southborough Access Media and Article 10 supporting the Town Government Structure Committee, each by a 5‑0‑0 vote. The committee gave a 6‑1 vote to the vacation‑accrual article and voiced affirmative support for several Special Town Meeting warrant articles.
- Approved Article 9 (ADU zoning amendment) (5-0-0)
- Approved Article 8 to appropriate Cable Funds for Southborough Access Media (5-0-0)
- Approved Article 10 supporting Town Government Structure Committee (5-0-0)
- Approved vacation‑accrual article (now Article 5) (6-1)
- Supported STM warrant Article 1 (industrial park district) – affirmative support
- Supported STM warrant Article 2 (revolving funds > $75k for golf course) – affirmative support
- Supported former Article 4 (now Article 3) on remediation – affirmative support
- Supported former Article 5 (now Article 4) consolidating Business Admin 1 & 2 – affirmative support
Registrar of Voters
The board voted unanimously to designate Keith Ackley as chair and James Hegarty as clerk. It also voted to delegate the registrars’ authority to the town clerk for certifying nomination papers, processing voter registration paperwork, and using the registrars' signature stamps. The town clerk was authorized to select election workers and to prepare and submit the meeting minutes. The meeting was adjourned at 6:06 p.m.
- Designated Keith Ackley as chair (3-0)
- Designated James Hegarty as clerk (3-0)
- Delegated authority to town clerk to certify nomination papers (3-0)
- Delegated authority to town clerk to process voter registration paperwork (3-0)
- Delegated authority to town clerk to use registrars' signature stamps (3-0)
- Authorized town clerk to select election workers (3-0)
- Authorized town clerk to prepare and submit meeting minutes (3-0)
- Adjourned meeting at 6:06 p.m. (3-0)
Council on Aging
The Town Clerk has not received the minutes and supporting documents for the Council on Aging meeting held on October 14, 2025, as required by Southborough Town Code § 9‑25. Deputy Town Clerk Stephanie Secino sent a notice asking for an explanation, listing possible reasons such as cancellation, lack of quorum, or executive‑session restrictions. No substantive decisions were documented for that meeting.
Golf Course Committee
The Golf Course Committee approved the September meeting minutes. It voted to obtain additional bids for the irrigation project after the sole bid exceeded the budget. The committee scheduled paving of the first‑hole cart path for October 21, 2025, and set tee boxes on holes 2, 8, and 9 to be resodded. The Special Town Meeting is slated for October 27, 2025.
- Approved September meeting minutes
- Ordered additional bids for the irrigation project
- Scheduled paving of first‑hole cart path on Oct 21, 2025
- Planned resodding of tee boxes on holes 2, 8, and 9
- Set Special Town Meeting date for Oct 27, 2025
Southborough Youth Commission
The Southborough Youth Commission unanimously approved the minutes from the September 11, 2025 meeting. Earlier, the September meeting had unanimously approved the August 12, 2025 minutes. Both meetings then adjourned with all members in favor.
- Approved September 11, 2025 SYC minutes (unanimous)
- Approved August 12, 2025 SYC minutes (unanimous)
- Motion to adjourn passed (unanimous)
Pre-K to 8 School Building Committee
The Pre‑K‑8 Building Committee approved the minutes from August 26, 2025; September 22 and October 7, 2025; and the October 12, 2025 meeting. All five members voted Yes on the August 26 and October 12 approvals, while the September 22/October 7 approval passed with four Yes votes and one abstention. The committee also reviewed and implemented minor document updates before adjourning.
- Approved August 26, 2025 meeting minutes (5 Yes)
- Approved September 22 and October 7, 2025 minutes (4 Yes, 1 abstain)
- Approved October 12, 2025 meeting minutes (5 Yes)
- Reviewed and implemented minor document updates
- Adjourned meeting (5 Yes)
Select Board
The Board held a public forum on the proposed Highway Major Retail zoning amendment, fielding questions from residents and the Atlantic Management team. No vote or formal action on the amendment was taken. The meeting was adjourned by a unanimous motion (5-0).
- Motion to adjourn approved (5-0)
Planning Board
The Planning Board and Select Board held a joint public forum to discuss Warrant Article 1, a proposed zoning change for a highway major retail use at an undeveloped site, presented by Atlantic Management. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was adjourned after the forum.
- Adjourned joint meeting (unanimous)
Tricentennial Committee
The Tricentennial Committee voted 5‑0 to welcome Mr. Falconi as a volunteer. The September 10 minutes were approved as amended and the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 PM by a 5‑0 vote. The committee assigned Mr. Ackley to draft a financial policy, Ms. Hale to check insurance coverage, and will ask Town Counsel to determine who signs event contracts.
- Welcomed Mr. Falconi as committee volunteer (5‑0)
- Approved September 10, 2025 minutes as amended (unanimous)
- Adjourned meeting at 8:30 PM (5‑0)
- Tasked Mr. Ackley with drafting a financial policy
- Tasked Ms. Hale with checking town insurance coverage for events
- Directed the issue of contract signatory to Town Counsel
Select Board
The agenda for the Southborough Select Board meeting on October 7, 2025 contains only timestamps and references to PDF documents. No specific agenda items, such as rezoning proposals, contracts, or ordinances, are listed. Therefore the meeting appears to have no disclosed substantive business in this agenda.
Municipal Technology Committee
The Municipal Technology Committee approved the meeting minutes by unanimous vote. A motion introduced by Matt was approved with three votes in favor and one abstention. The committee then adjourned the meeting by unanimous consent.
- Approved meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Matt motion approved (3 in favor, 1 abstain)
- Adjourned meeting (unanimous)
Southborough Trails Committee
The Southborough Trails Committee met virtually on October 7, 2025. Members discussed Phase I of the Peninsula Trail, including signage, a grant extension, and outreach to Nipmuc counsel, but no formal actions were approved. The committee scheduled its next meeting for October 23, 2025 at 7:30 PM and voted 3‑0 to adjourn.
- Adjournment motion approved (3-0)
- Next meeting scheduled for Oct 23, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Pre-K to 8 School Building Committee
The committee presented cost and educational analyses for ten configuration options but did not vote on any option. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn the committee portion, which passed unanimously. No substantive approvals, denials, or tabled items were recorded.
- Motion to adjourn PreK–8 Building Committee portion passed unanimously
Board of Health
The Deputy Town Clerk notified that the Town Clerk’s Office has not received the minutes and supporting documents for the Board of Health meeting held on October 7, 2025. The notice asks for an explanation if the meeting was cancelled, lacked a quorum, or involved executive‑session material that cannot be released. No substantive actions or decisions from that meeting are recorded.
Recreation Commission
The Recreation Commission approved the minutes from the September 3, 2025 meeting by a unanimous roll‑call vote. Members scheduled the next commission meeting for Monday, October 20, 2025. The commission then adjourned the meeting. No other formal actions or votes were recorded.
- Approved September 3, 2025 meeting minutes (Dumont yes, Rehlander yes, LaVault yes)
- Scheduled next commission meeting for Monday, October 20, 2025 (motion passed)
- Adjourned meeting at 8:25 pm (motion passed)
Northborough-Southborough Regional School District Committee
The Northborough‑Southborough Regional School Capital Planning and Operational Budget Subcommittee held a joint meeting on October 6, 2025. No specific agenda items are listed, indicating the meeting may be procedural or for general discussion of the district's capital and operational budgeting.
Capital Improvement & Planning Committee
The Capital Improvement & Planning Committee approved the outstanding minutes from the June 30, 2025 meeting with a 2-0-1 vote. The meeting was then adjourned by a unanimous 3-0 vote. No other actions were decided at this meeting.
- Approved June 30, 2025 meeting minutes (2-0-1)
- Adjourned meeting (3-0)
Southborough Stewardship Committee
Deputy Town Clerk Stephanie Secino notified Jim Hegarty that the Town Clerk’s Office has not received the minutes and supporting documents for the Board of Registrars of Voters meeting held on October 14, 2025. She requested clarification on whether the meeting was cancelled, lacked a quorum, or involved executive‑session material that cannot be released. No substantive decisions were recorded in this notice.
Southborough Trails Committee
The Southborough Trails Committee unanimously approved the minutes from the meetings on 08/28/2025, 09/15/2025, and 09/25/2025. The committee discussed signage for Peninsula Trail Phase I, bid steps for Phase II, trail mowing, and logistics for bench placement and wood relocation, but no votes were taken on those items. A motion to adjourn the meeting was also approved unanimously. No other decisions were recorded.
- Approved minutes from 08/28/2025, 09/15/2025, 09/25/2025 (3-0)
- Approved motion to adjourn meeting (3-0)
Conservation Commission
The Conservation Commission approved the meeting minutes and issued a Negative Determination of Applicability for the demolition at 21 Coslin Drive. It also adopted Orders of Conditions for projects at 21 Southville Road (deck and sunroom), 13 Foley Drive (in‑ground pool), and 26 Granuaile Road (garage addition). The public hearing on the MBTA commuter rail ROW resource area boundaries was continued to October 23, 2025, and the meeting was adjourned.
- Approved meeting minutes (4-0-0)
- Issued Negative Determination of Applicability for 21 Coslin Drive (5-0-0)
- Issued Order of Conditions for 21 Southville Road deck and sunroom (5-0-0)
- Issued Order of Conditions for 13 Foley Drive in‑ground pool (5-0-0)
- Issued Order of Conditions for 26 Granuaile Road garage addition (5-0-0)
- Continued MBTA ROW resource area boundaries hearing to Oct 23, 2025 (5-0-0)
- Adjourned meeting (5-0-0)
Historical Commission
The Southborough Historical Commission voted 5‑0 to deem the outbuilding at 2 Chestnut Hill Road historically and architecturally significant and scheduled a public hearing for November 5. The commission also voted 5‑0 to affirm the historical significance of the Rural Cemetery Water Tower and to support its Community Preservation Application. New officers were elected: Grant Farrington as Vice Chair, Kevin Miller as Chair, and Annie Pfaff as Treasurer, each approved 5‑0.
- Deemed 2 Chestnut Hill Rd outbuilding historically significant (5-0)
- Scheduled hearing for 2 Chestnut Hill Rd outbuilding on Nov 5 (5-0)
- Affirmed historical significance of Rural Cemetery Water Tower (5-0)
- Supported Rural Cemetery Water Tower CPA application (5-0)
- Approved minutes of 9/15/2025 (5-0)
- Elected Grant Farrington as Vice Chair (5-0)
- Elected Kevin Miller as Chair (5-0)
- Elected Annie Pfaff as Treasurer (5-0)
Select Board
The Advisory Committee voted to support Article 1, which amends the zoning code to add a highway major retail use, with any non‑substantive edits approved by Ms. Jones. The motion passed unanimously with a 7‑0‑0 roll‑call vote. The Select Board asked that the Advisory Committee’s report be completed by October 18 and then adjourned the meeting unanimously (3‑0‑0).
- Advisory Committee supports Article 1 zoning amendment (7-0-0)
- Select Board requests Advisory Committee report by Oct 18
- Select Board adjourns meeting (3-0-0)
Board of Assessors
The Board accepted the August 12, 2025 meeting minutes and approved monthly motor vehicle excise tax abatements for August and September. It signed the LA-3 sales report and FY25 LA-4 Assessment Classification and LA-13 Tax Base Levy Growth reports. The Board unanimously approved a series of FY26 personal real estate tax exemptions and deferrals, denied one exemption application, and then adjourned the meeting.
- Accepted August 12, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Approved monthly motor vehicle excise tax abatements for August and September totaling $10,689.67 (unanimous)
- Signed LA-3 sales report and FY25 LA-4 Assessment Classification and LA-13 Tax Base Levy Growth reports (unanimous)
- Approved FY26 personal real estate tax exemptions: 14 Clause 22 Veterans, 8 Clause 22E Veterans, 3 Clause 22D Veterans, 1 Clause 22P Veteran, 7 Clause 37A Blind, 3 Clause 41C Senior, 2 CPA exemptions (unanimous)
- Approved FY26 personal real estate tax deferrals: 2 Clause 41A (unanimous)
- Denied one Clause 41C exemption application (unanimous)
- Adjourned meeting (unanimous)
Advisory Committee
The Advisory Committee voted to approve several Special Town Meeting warrant articles. Articles 1, 2, 4, 5, 7 and 8 passed unanimously, while Article 6 passed with a 6‑1 vote. The approved measures include adding a Highway Major Retail definition, authorizing non‑real‑estate revenue sources, allocating $100,000 for Atwood water‑tank site remediation, consolidating Business Administrator positions with $8,577 funding, granting a three‑week vacation accrual, providing a $66,802 market adjustment for long‑tenured employees, and funding AV equipment upgrades for the McAuliffe Hearing Room. Articles 3, 9, 10 and 11 received no vote.
- Approved Article 1 – support with minor edits (vote 7-0-0)
- Approved Article 2 – support with edit to section D (vote 7-0-0)
- Approved Article 4 – appropriate $100,000 for Atwood water‑tank site remediation (vote 7-0-0)
- Approved Article 5 – consolidate Business Administrator classifications and appropriate $8,577 (vote 7-0-0)
- Approved Article 6 – amend vacation accrual to three weeks (vote 6-1-0)
- Approved Article 7 – appropriate $66,802 for market adjustment of long‑tenured employees (vote 7-0-0)
- Approved Article 8 – appropriate cable funds for AV equipment in McAuliffe Hearing Room (vote 7-0-0)
- No vote taken on Articles 3, 9, 10, and 11
Pre-K to 8 School Building Committee
The Pre‑K to 8 Building Committee unanimously approved the September 11, 2025 meeting minutes. No public comment was received, and members discussed space assumptions and feasibility. The committee decided to present its comparison matrix at the October 7, 2025 Select Board meeting, with Tim Fling finalizing the matrix and Beth Wittcoff co‑leading the presentation. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.
- Approved September 11, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Tabled approval of August 26, 2025 meeting minutes until next meeting (no vote recorded)
- Decided to present findings at October 7, 2025 Select Board meeting
- Tim Fling to finalize matrix for Select Board presentation
- Beth Wittcoff to help lead the Select Board presentation
- Adjourned meeting (unanimous)
Southborough School Committee
The Southborough School Committee will hold a joint special open meeting to review the 2025-09-29 final operational budget and capital planning documents.
- Review of final operational budget documents
- Capital planning committee review
- Joint special open meeting
Planning Board
The agenda for the Southborough Planning Board meeting on September 29, 2025 contains only placeholders for documents and does not list any specific agenda items. No decisions, proposals, or public hearings are identified in the provided agenda.
The Board voted 4‑0 to approve removal of two Norway Maple trees and the adjacent stone wall at Richards Road and Killam Farm Lane, and then voted 4‑0 to close the public hearing on that item. It also approved the Fresh Monkee Minor Site Plan, contingent on Board of Health approval and a parking‑space calculation, with a 5‑0 vote. The Board agreed to draft a letter to the Zoning Board of Appeals regarding compliance issues at 355 Turnpike Rd.
- Approved removal of two trees and stone wall at Richards Rd @ Killam Farm Ln (Vote Yes‑4, No‑0)
- Closed public hearing for Richards Rd tree and stone wall removal (Vote Yes‑4, No‑0)
- Approved Fresh Monkee Minor Site Plan contingent on Board of Health approval and parking calculation (Vote Yes‑5, No‑0)
- Agreed to write a letter to the ZBA about 355 Turnpike Rd compliance issues
Wastewater Study Committee
The committee voted 7‑0 to approve the July 23, July 23 Executive Session, and August 27, 2025 meeting minutes. The meeting was then adjourned by a 7‑0 vote. No other actions were decided.
- Approved July 23, July 23 Executive Session, and August 27 minutes (7-0)
- Adjourned the meeting (7-0)
Southborough Trails Committee
The committee postponed approval of the August 28 and September 15 minutes to the next meeting. It confirmed a Yoga on the Trails session for September 27, 2025, and approved another session in October. Upcoming meetings were scheduled for October 2 and October 7, 2025, and the meeting was adjourned with a 4‑0 vote.
- Minutes from 08/28/2025 and 09/15/2025 postponed; to be taken up at next meeting
- Yoga on the Trails session scheduled for 09/27/2025 at 9:00 AM confirmed
- Additional Yoga on the Trails session in October confirmed
- Next committee meetings set for Oct 2 and Oct 7, 2025 at 7:30 PM
- Motion to adjourn approved 4‑0
- Three benches installed on 9/18/2025 reported
- Work party planned for two additional benches; wood relocation scheduled for 10/04/2025
Community Preservation Committee
The Southborough Community Preservation Committee approved the minutes from the April 24, May 22, June 11, and June 18 meetings, each with a unanimous 5-0-0 vote. After the approvals, the committee adjourned the September 24 meeting with a unanimous 5-0-0 vote. No other actions were taken.
- Approved April 24 minutes (5-0-0)
- Approved May 22 minutes (5-0-0)
- Approved June 11 minutes (5-0-0)
- Approved June 18 minutes (5-0-0)
- Adjourned meeting (5-0-0)
Select Board
The Select Board approved a letter of support for Article 1 to be used at the October 27 Special Town Meeting. The Board appointed Mark Robidoux as the town's Building Commissioner for a three‑year term starting October 27. The Board also approved Robidoux's employment agreement. All motions passed unanimously.
- Approved letter of support for Article 1 (5 ayes)
- Appointed Mark Robidoux as Building Commissioner (5 ayes)
- Approved employment agreement for Mark Robidoux (5 ayes)
Master Plan Implementation Committee
The committee accepted the resignation of Judith Watson, thanking her for her service. A motion to approve the February 27, 2025 meeting minutes passed with two votes in favor and one abstention. It was agreed that the February 24, 2025 minutes will be updated and reviewed at the next meeting. The meeting was then adjourned.
- Accepted resignation of Judith Watson (no vote recorded)
- Approved February 27, 2025 minutes (2 Yes, 0 No, 1 Abstain)
- Agreed to update February 24, 2025 minutes for next meeting
- Motion to adjourn adopted (no vote recorded)
Community Preservation Committee
The Community Preservation Committee reviewed three FY27 applications (Rural Cemetery water tower, Affordable Housing Trust, Fayville Park) and discussed ongoing projects. The committee voted unanimously to approve the consultant job description and contract, enabling payment for work completed this year. No decisions were made on the applications themselves, which remain under review.
- Approved consultant job description as amended (6-0)
- Approved consultant contract (6-0)
- Tabled discussion of ongoing projects
- Tabled Recreation Commission signage projects
- Set next meeting for October 9th at 6:30pm
Southborough Zoning Board of Appeals
The Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously to continue the public hearing for the 250 Turnpike Road comprehensive permit to October 15, 2025, and to extend the deadline to act to November 30, 2025. The board also approved the August 20, 2025 meeting minutes as amended. Discussions were held on ADU bylaw updates and a proposed Highway Major Retail use, but no decisions were made on those items.
- Continued 250 Turnpike Road comprehensive permit hearing to Oct 15, 2025 (5-0)
- Extended deadline to act on 250 Turnpike Road to Nov 30, 2025 (5-0)
- Approved Aug 20, 2025 meeting minutes as amended (3-0-1)
Select Board
The Select Board agenda for September 16, 2025 contains only document headings and time slots. No specific resolutions, contracts, or hearings are described. Therefore the board has no listed decisions or discussions for this meeting.
The board appointed Brenna Pierson to the Golf Course Committee and Michelle Oldershaw to the Tricentennial Committee. It approved support for Article #2 (Golf Revolving Fund), Article #3 (Board of Cemetery Commissioners), Articles #5‑7 (Salary and Administration Plan Bylaw adjustments), and Article #11 (Town Government Structure Committee) for the October 27 Special Town Meeting. All motions were unanimously approved.
- Appointed Brenna Pierson to Golf Course Committee (5-0-0)
- Appointed Michelle Oldershaw to Tricentennial Committee (5-0-0)
- Supported Article #2 (Golf Revolving Fund) at Special Town Meeting (5-0-0)
- Supported Article #3 (Board of Cemetery Commissioners) at Special Town Meeting (5-0-0)
- Supported Articles #5, #6, #7 (Salary and Administration Plan Bylaw adjustments) at Special Town Meeting (5-0-0)
- Supported Article #11 (Town Government Structure Committee) with amendment at Special Town Meeting (5-0-0)
- Agreed to sponsor Article #1 (Costco zoning change) pending final language (no vote recorded)
- Agreed to support Article #4 (Atwood remediation appropriation) and seek clarification before future vote (no vote recorded)
Southborough Cultural Arts Council
The council approved the minutes from the May 2025 meeting. It decided to table major Heritage Day projects and focus on a simple rock‑painting activity, using the $500 budget allocated for the event. The chair proposed a new “Moonshot” grant using about $2,000, to be drafted and sent to the Select Board for approval.
- Approved May 2025 meeting minutes (motion passed)
- Tabled major Heritage Day projects and chose a rock‑painting project
- Allocated $500 from the council budget for the Heritage Day initiative
- Proposed a $2,000 “Moonshot” grant (to be drafted and presented to the Select Board)
Select Board
The scheduled Select Board meeting on September 15, 2025 was cancelled because a quorum was not present. No agenda items were considered, and no actions were approved, denied, or tabled.
Historical Commission
The Historical Commission reviewed a demolition request for the outbuilding at 11 Newton Street and voted on whether to deem it historically or architecturally significant. The motion failed with a vote of 1-2-1 (Miller No, Pfaff No, Farrington Yes, O’Brien Abstain). The commission also approved authorizing the Chair and Vice Chair to sign invoices and payroll (4-0) and approved the minutes from April 3 and July 9, 2025. The meeting was adjourned by a unanimous vote.
- Motion to deem 11 Newton Street outbuilding historically significant – failed (1-2-1)
- Authorize Kevin Miller and Annie Pfaff to sign invoices/payroll – approved (4-0)
- Approve minutes of April 3, 2025 – approved (4-0)
- Approve minutes of July 9, 2025 – approved (3-0-1)
- Adjourn meeting – approved (4-0)
Southborough Trails Committee
The committee scheduled a bench‑placement work party for September 18, 2025. It approved one additional Yoga on the Trails session in October. The next committee meeting was set for Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 7:30 PM. The motion to adjourn was approved unanimously (4‑0).
- Scheduled bench‑placement work party on 09/18/2025 (unanimous)
- Approved one additional Yoga on the Trails session in October (unanimous)
- Set next meeting for Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 7:30 PM
- Motion to adjourn approved 4-0
Housing Authority
The board approved the July 14, 2025 meeting minutes and the September 15, 2025 accounts payable. It accepted the executive director’s report and approved two contracts: a Management Services Agreement amendment extending the term with Framingham Housing Authority to September 30 2027, and a 36‑month electricity supply contract with Smartest Energy. Both contracts were approved unanimously (4‑0). The meeting was adjourned at 6:17 p.m.
- Approved July 14, 2025 meeting minutes (4-0)
- Approved Accounts Payable as of Sep 15 2025 (4-0)
- Accepted Executive Director report (4-0)
- Approved Management Services Agreement Amendment with Framingham Housing Authority (4-0)
- Approved electricity supply contract with Smartest Energy (4-0)
- Adjourned meeting (4-0)
Library Board of Trustees
The trustees voted to remove the asphalt path from Route 30/85 to the library entrance and to fund the removal and landscape remediation with State Aid. They also approved the August 25 minutes, allowed a suicide‑prevention sign and continued diaper drive, and scheduled an active‑shooter training that will close the library on Oct 6.
- Approved August 25 minutes (motion passed, 6‑0)
- Removed asphalt path from Route 30/85 to library entrance (motion passed, 6‑0)
- Used State Aid funds to remove asphalt path and remediate landscape (motion passed, 6‑0)
- Allowed Youth and Family Services suicide‑prevention sign on library grounds (board agreed)
- Allowed continuation of diaper drive (board agreed)
- Scheduled active‑shooter training with police on Oct 6, library closed 2‑5 PM (decision made)
- Employed ASL interpreter for virtual cooking program after request (service provided)
- Discussed ongoing website updates (no formal vote recorded)
Planning Board
The Southborough Planning Board agenda for September 15, 2025 contains only procedural headings and document references. No specific rezoning, contract, ordinance, fee change, or public hearing items are detailed.
The board held a public hearing on a proposed zoning amendment to add Highway Major Retail as a use requiring a special permit. Members, the town planner, and counsel debated using an overlay, notice requirements, and whether to identify specific parcels, but no vote or formal decision was recorded. The board will submit a report to Town Meeting before any zoning article is voted on.
Southborough Youth Commission
The Southborough Youth Commission unanimously approved the minutes from the August 12, 2025 meeting and the September 11, 2025 meeting. A motion to adjourn the September meeting was also passed unanimously. No other substantive decisions were recorded.
- Approved August 12, 2025 SYC minutes (all present approved)
- Approved September 11, 2025 SYC minutes (all present approved)
- Adjourned September 11, 2025 meeting (all members present in favor)
Conservation Commission
The Conservation Commission approved the meeting minutes and denied applicability for a shed at 6 Dairy Farm. It continued hearings for projects at 13 Foley Drive and 26 Granuaile Road. It also closed hearings and issued Orders of Conditions for the septic system at 6 Brook Lane, the driveway at 34 Sears Road, the utility pole/road ROW project, and the septic replacement at 3 Bridge Street.
- Approved meeting minutes (7/31/25) – vote 3-0-1
- Issued negative Determination of Applicability for 6 Dairy Farm shed – vote 4-0-0
- Continued public hearing for 13 Foley Drive to Oct 2, 2025 – vote 4-0-0
- Closed hearing and issued Order of Conditions for 6 Brook Lane septic system – vote 4-0-0
- Closed hearing and issued Order of Conditions for 34 Sears Road driveway – vote 4-0-0
- Continued public hearing for 26 Granuaile Road garage addition to Oct 2, 2025 – vote 4-0-0
- Closed hearing and issued Order of Conditions for utility pole/road ROW project – vote 4-0-0
- Closed hearing and issued Order of Conditions for 3 Bridge Street septic replacement – vote 4-0-0
Affordable Housing Trust
The Southborough Affordable Housing Trust meeting scheduled for September 11, 2025 includes three agenda entries. The entries are listed at 8:45 A.M., 8:45 A.M., and 7:00 P.M., each followed only by the word “Documents:” and no description of topics, proposals, or decisions. No concrete items such as rezoning actions, contracts, ordinances, or fee changes are identified in the agenda.
The board voted to withdraw its $200,000 offer to the town for cleaning up the Water Tower parcel. It also approved an extension of the CPC filing deadline and authorized Ms. Marya to submit a general housing‑fund request. The board entered executive session, invited Select Board member Marguerite Landry, and approved an offer of $200,000 for the rear 3‑acre portion of 44 Atwood Street.
- Withdraw $200,000 remediation offer for Water Tower site – Approved (5‑0‑0)
- Extend CPC filing deadline – Approved (5‑0‑0)
- Authorize Ms. Marya to submit general housing‑fund request to CPC – Approved (5‑0‑0)
- Invite Select Board member Marguerite Landry to executive session – Approved (5‑0‑0)
- Enter executive session to discuss property acquisition – Approved (5‑0‑0)
- Authorize Al Hamilton and Ellen Marya to offer $200K for rear 3‑acre parcel at 44 Atwood – Approved (4‑1‑0)
- Adjourn meeting – Approved (5‑0‑0)
Pre-K to 8 School Building Committee
The Pre‑K‑8 Building Committee approved the August 12, 2025 minutes after a motion and unanimous vote. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous vote. No other substantive actions or approvals were taken.
- Approved August 12, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous vote)
- Adjourned the meeting (unanimous vote)
Tricentennial Committee
The committee approved the July 16 and September 10 meeting minutes. Don Morris was re‑elected Chair (4‑0) and Patricia Burns‑Fiore was elected Vice‑Chair unanimously. A motion to thank former volunteer Ginny Martins and motions to adjourn were also approved unanimously.
- Approved July 16, 2025 minutes (unanimously)
- Elected Don Morris as Chair (4‑0)
- Elected Patricia Burns‑Fiore as Vice‑Chair (unanimously)
- Approved September 10, 2025 minutes (unanimously)
- Motion to thank Ginny Martins approved unanimously
- Adjourned July 16 meeting (5‑0)
- Adjourned September 10 meeting unanimously
Personnel Board
The Personnel Board approved the July 16 and August 20, 2025 meeting minutes. It voted to raise the interim Building Commissioner’s compensation as outlined in the memo. The board also approved the FY26 pay rate for Conservation Agent Melissa Danza, retroactive to July 1, 2025. Future meeting dates for October‑December were agreed to be set by email.
- Approved July 16 and August 20, 2025 minutes (3-0-0)
- Approved compensation adjustment for interim Building Commissioner (4-0-0)
- Approved FY26 pay rate for Melissa Danza, Conservation Agent (4-0-0)
- Set October, November, and December meeting dates via email (agreement)
- Adjourned meeting at 8:13 A.M. (4-0-0)
Municipal Technology Committee
The Municipal Technology Committee approved the minutes of the July 2025 meeting with a unanimous vote. No other items were voted on; the committee reviewed technology updates, upcoming proposals, and set the next meeting for Oct 7. An executive session was held to discuss security deployment and related strategies.
- Approved July 2025 MTC minutes (unanimous)
Golf Course Committee
The Golf Course Committee approved the minutes from the August meeting. The committee also approved a $9,000 expenditure to hire an architect for the 5th‑hole design, with the motion passing unanimously. Other items such as irrigation bids, cart‑path scheduling, and wayward‑ball mitigation were discussed but no further actions were taken.
- Approved August meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Approved $9,000 for architect plan of the 5th hole (unanimous)
Board of Health
The Board of Health unanimously approved the minutes from the August 12, 2025 meeting. It also voted to designate the Board, a MetroWest Tobacco Control representative, the health director and agents to conduct smell and taste tests for flavored tobacco and to remove such products from stores. The meeting was adjourned at 9:27 a.m.
- Approved August 12, 2025 meeting minutes (3-0)
- Authorized staff and representatives to test and remove flavored tobacco products (3-0)
- Adjourned meeting at 9:27 a.m. (3-0)
Affordable Housing Trust
The Affordable Housing Trust meeting scheduled for September 8, 2025 was cancelled because a quorum was not present. No decisions were made or actions taken.
Council on Aging
The council approved the July 28 meeting minutes with a correction that Doug was absent, with all members in favor. A committee was created to address signage on and outside the Center, consisting of Mike S., Bill, Jeff, and Carol. The meeting was adjourned at 11:15 am, also unanimously.
- Approved July 28 minutes (all in favor)
- Formed signage committee – members: Mike S., Bill, Jeff, Carol
- Adjourned meeting at 11:15 am (all in favor)
Planning Board
The provided agenda is procedural boilerplate and does not list specific discussion items or decisions.
The Planning Board voted to continue the public hearing on the proposed zoning amendment that would add Highway Major Retail to the town’s definitions, moving it to September 15, 2025. It also postponed the public hearing for the 2 East Main Street multi‑family site‑plan approval to September 29, 2025, and extended the decision due date for that project to October 3, 2025. All three motions passed unanimously.
- Continue public hearing for Proposed Zoning Amendment – add Highway Major Retail to §174-2.B Definitions and as a Special Permit use, postponed to Sep 15, 2025 (Yes‑5, No‑0)
- Continue public hearing for 2 East Main St Major Site Plan Approval, postponed to Sep 29, 2025 at 7:20 pm (Yes‑4, No‑0)
- Extend decision due date for 2 East Main St Major Site Plan Approval to Oct 3, 2025 (Yes‑4, No‑0)
Affordable Housing Trust
The Affordable Housing Trust Board voted 4‑0 to enter an executive session to discuss a potential property acquisition. In the session members reviewed options for 40 Atwood Street and the Water Tower site but did not reach a consensus on any offer. The board then voted 4‑0 to adjourn the meeting.
- Enter executive session to discuss potential property acquisition (vote 4‑0)
- Adjourn the meeting (vote 4‑0)
Recreation Commission
The Recreation Commission voted 3‑0 to adopt the FY26‑FY3G capital plan, incorporating a set of revisions. The revisions move Fayville Park upgrades to FY27 and fund them through the CPC, adjust the 911 ReId Backstop Netting System to 50% funding from the 911 Revolving Fund, shift the Open Space Recreation Plan to FY29, and remove the Kallander project from the plan. The commission also approved the August 11, 2025 meeting minutes and set the next meeting for Monday, October 6, 2025.
- Approved FY26‑FY3G capital plan with revisions (3‑0 vote)
- Moved Fayville Park upgrades to FY27, funded through CPC
- Adjusted 911 ReId Backstop Netting System funding to 50% from 911 Revolving Fund
- Shifted Open Space Recreation Plan to FY29
- Removed Kallander project from Capital Plan
- Approved August 11, 2025 meeting minutes
- Scheduled next commission meeting for Monday, October 6, 2025
Select Board
The Board unanimously approved the continuation of the Pratts Automotive Class II license hearing. It approved the August 19, 2025 open‑session minutes as amended. The National Grid easement for an EV‑charging pole was tabled until the September 16 meeting. The Board unanimously supported a salary appropriation retroactive to July 1 2025. It removed the DIF Overlay District article from the Fall Special Town Meeting warrant and agreed to sponsor Article 6 for that meeting. The Governance Committee article was kept on the warrant.
- Continue Pratts Automotive Class II license hearing (5‑0‑0)
- Approve August 19, 2025 open‑session minutes as amended (5‑0‑0)
- Table National Grid easement for EV‑charging pole until Sep 16
- Approve retroactive salary appropriation to July 1 2025 (5‑0‑0)
- Remove DIF Overlay District article from Fall Special Town Meeting warrant
- Sponsor Article 6 for Fall Special Town Meeting
- Keep Governance Committee article on the warrant
- Schedule School Committee and roofing consultant to appear at Sep 16 meeting
Southborough Trails Committee
The Southborough Trails Committee approved the minutes from the July 17 and August 14 meetings by a 4‑0 vote. It also approved buying additional lumber needed for the bog‑bridge portion of the Peninsula Trail Phase II, also 4‑0. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously. Bench installation is scheduled for September 18, 2025.
- Approved minutes from 07/17/2025 and 08/14/2025 (4-0)
- Approved purchase of additional lumber for bog‑bridge construction (4-0)
- Approved meeting adjournment (4-0)
Affordable Housing Trust
The Affordable Housing Trust Board voted to enter executive session to discuss a property acquisition. It approved authorizing Mr. Hamilton to approach the Select Board about acquiring the 1.8‑acre Water Tower site in exchange for up to $200,000 toward cleanup costs. It also approved authorizing Mr. Hamilton and Ms. Marya to offer $100,000 to the owners of 40 Atwood Street for the rear three‑acre parcel, subject to conditions. All motions passed unanimously.
- Approved entering Executive Session to discuss potential property acquisition (vote 3‑0)
- Authorized Mr. Hamilton to approach the Select Board about acquiring the Water Tower site with up to $200,000 cleanup contribution (vote 3‑0)
- Authorized Mr. Hamilton and Ms. Marya to offer $100,000 to owners of 40 Atwood Street for rear three‑acre parcel, pending environmental review and other conditions (vote 3‑0)
- Approved motion to adjourn the meeting (vote 3‑0)
Southborough Stewardship Committee
The Southborough Stewardship Committee met on August 27, 2025 and discussed items including forest sign finials, meadow damage, beecology meadow conditions, recent tours, trail maintenance, boundary uncertainty, and encroachment inquiries. The only formal action taken was a motion to adjourn, which was seconded and approved by all members present.
- Adjourned meeting (unanimous)
Wastewater Study Committee
The Wastewater Study Committee approved the July 17, 2025 meeting minutes with a 6‑0 vote. No other formal votes were taken on project options or financing. The committee then adjourned the meeting by a 7‑0 vote. Discussions continued about wastewater system options, but no decisions were recorded.
- Approved July 17, 2025 minutes (6-0)
- Adjourned meeting (7-0)
Select Board
The Southborough Select Board agenda for 2025-08-26 contains only procedural boilerplate with no substantive decisions, proposals, or public hearings listed. All items reference document packets without detailing content.
The Select Board unanimously approved the appointment of Ryan Gervais as a full‑time Communications Officer for the Police Department. A motion to request an extension of the MSBA grant for the new Neary school was rejected unanimously. The meeting was then adjourned by a unanimous vote.
- Appointed Ryan Gervais as Full-Time Communications Officer to Police Dept (5-0-0)
- Motion to request MSBA grant extension denied (0-5-0)
- Adjourned meeting (5-0-0)
Pre-K to 8 School Building Committee
The committee tabled the August 12 minutes and revised the evaluation matrix criteria to be non‑subjective and priority‑ranked. It agreed that expanding Trottier and Finn is needed for any added grades and split Options B and C into sub‑categories while keeping Option H in the matrix pending more data. The next meeting was set for September 11 at 7 p.m.
- Tabled minutes from the August 12, 2025 meeting
- Revised matrix criteria to be non‑subjective and priority‑ranked
- Concluded expansion of Trottier and Finn is necessary for added grades
- Split Option B into B1 (no additions, not feasible) and B2 (with additions, may meet needs)
- Split Option C into C1 and C2 to distinguish minimal vs. broader renovations
- Retained Option H in the matrix pending additional space information
- Scheduled next meeting for Thursday, September 11, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.
- Adjourned the meeting by roll‑call vote
Cable Television Committee
The Southborough Cable TV Committee approved the minutes of the April 2, 2025 joint Select Board/CTVC meeting unanimously after a motion by Chairman Sam Stivers, seconded by Will Warren. The committee agreed to amend the current Charter license, targeting PEG payment, dropping the IP encoder request, and updating the effective date and signature page. The meeting was adjourned at 4:15 PM by a motion from Tony Schoener, seconded by Will Warren, and the adjournment was approved unanimously.
- Approved April 2, 2025 CTVC meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Agreed to amend current Charter license (no vote recorded)
- Adjourned meeting at 4:15 PM (unanimous)
Library Board of Trustees
The trustees approved the minutes from the July 14, 2025 meeting after a motion and second, with all voting members in favor. They also approved a motion to obtain three additional quotes for removing the asphalt sidewalk in the library parking lot, again with all voting members in favor. Both motions passed.
- Approved July 14, 2025 board minutes (motion passed)
- Authorized obtaining three additional quotes for sidewalk removal (motion passed)
Conservation Commission
The Southborough Conservation Commission meeting scheduled for August 21, 2025, was canceled. No decisions or discussions took place as the agenda and meeting packet were not reviewed.
Tricentennial Committee
The scheduled Tricentennial Committee meeting on August 20, 2025 was cancelled because a quorum was not present. No decisions were made.
Personnel Board
This is a procedural-only agenda for the Southborough Personnel Board meeting on August 20, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. The agenda lists only the meeting start time and a reference to an agenda PDF, with no decisions, discussions, or action items specified.
The Personnel Board approved the recommendation to set the salary and leave accrual for the Business Administrator I (Benefit & Payroll Coordinator) and to set a three‑week vacation accrual rate. The motion was passed unanimously with a 4‑0‑0 roll‑call vote. The position will be placed at grade 4, step 12, with a possible future change pending a warrant article.
- Approved salary, leave accrual and three‑week vacation rate for Business Administrator I (Benefit & Payroll Coordinator) (4-0-0)
Southborough Zoning Board of Appeals
The Zoning Board approved a modification to the existing special permit for Richard Saunders at 71 Mt. Vickery Rd and granted a new special permit for an indoor golf facility at 118 Turnpike Road. Both motions passed unanimously (5‑0‑0). The board also postponed the public hearing for the comprehensive permit at 250 Turnpike Road/0 Parkerville Road, setting a new hearing date of September 17, 2025 and extending the closing deadline to October 15, 2025. All votes were 5‑0‑0.
- Closed public hearing for 71 Mt Vickery Rd (5-0-0)
- Granted Special Permit for 71 Mt Vickery Rd (5-0-0)
- Closed public hearing for 118 Turnpike Rd (5-0-0)
- Granted Special Permit for 118 Turnpike Rd (5-0-0)
- Continued public hearing for 250 Turnpike Rd/0 Parkerville Rd to Sep 17, 2025 (5-0-0)
- Extended deadline to close public hearing to Oct 15, 2025 (5-0-0)
Select Board
The Southborough Select Board is scheduled to meet on August 19, 2025. The agenda includes several items, though the specific details are not provided in the text.
- Review of agenda documents
- Discussion of agenda items
- Public comment session
The Board unanimously appointed two police student officers and two Youth & Family Services interns, and moved a pending Class II license hearing to September 2. It approved the appointment of Christine Russell as Business Administrator I (Payroll & Benefits) by a 4‑1 vote. The Board also approved the FY26 fuel oil contract, funding for a SCADA water‑system upgrade, a contract with Southborough Access Media, and a warrant article to fund Personnel Board compensation adjustments.
- Appointed Christopher Biondi and Joseph Deluca as Police Student Officers (5-0-0)
- Continued Pratts Automotive Group license hearing to Sept 2 (5-0-0)
- Appointed Delaney Couture and Rebecca Milligan as YFS interns (5-0-0)
- Appointed Christine Russell as Business Administrator I (Payroll & Benefits) (4-1-0)
- Approved FY26 Fuel Oil Contract (5-0-0)
- Approved funding request for SCADA upgrade for water system (5-0-0)
- Approved contract with Southborough Access Media (SAM) (5-0-0)
- Supported warrant article to fund Personnel Board compensation proposals (5-0-0)
Affordable Housing Trust
Deputy Town Clerk Stephanie Secino wrote to Doug Manz stating the Town Clerk’s Office has not received the minutes and documents for the Affordable Housing Trust meetings on 8/18/2025, 8/28/2025, and 9/4/2025. She asked for an explanation if minutes cannot be provided because the meeting was cancelled, lacked a quorum, or involved executive‑session portions that cannot be released. No substantive decisions were recorded in this notice.
Planning Board
The Board approved the Major Site Plan Change of Use for 118 Turnpike Rd, Ste 103, with conditions, by a 4‑0 vote. It also approved the Modification to the Major Site Plan for the storage facility at 10 Turnpike Rd, also by a 4‑0 vote. Both projects were closed for public hearing unanimously. Other topics such as ADU bylaw updates, industrial park district changes, and a proposed zoning amendment were discussed but no votes were taken.
- Closed public hearing for 118 Turnpike Rd, Ste 103 – vote Yes‑4, No‑0
- Approved 118 Turnpike Rd, Ste 103 major site plan change of use (conditioned) – vote Yes‑4, No‑0
- Closed public hearing for 10 Turnpike Rd storage facility – vote Yes‑4, No‑0
- Approved 10 Turnpike Rd storage facility modification to major site plan – vote Yes‑4, No‑0
🏢 Building at this address: 4 m tall
Southborough Trails Committee
The committee scheduled a brush‑clearance work party on the Peninsula Trail for August 25, 2025. The minutes from the July 17, 2025 meeting were postponed to the next meeting. The meeting was adjourned with a 3‑0 vote in favor of the motion.
- Scheduled Peninsula Trail brush‑cleanup work party for 08/25/2025 (no vote recorded)
- Deferred approval of July 17, 2025 minutes to the next meeting
- Motion to adjourn approved 3‑0
Affordable Housing Trust
The trustees approved the minutes from four prior meetings and the release and retention of recent executive‑session minutes, each with a 4‑yes vote. They then voted 4‑yes to enter an executive session to discuss a possible acquisition of 40 Atwood Street and related parcels. The meeting was adjourned by a unanimous 4‑yes vote.
- Approved 06.03.2025, 06.17.2025, 07.10.2025 and 07.14.2025 meeting minutes (Yes‑4)
- Approved release of 07.23.2025 executive‑session minutes (Yes‑4)
- Approved retain of 07.10.2025 and 07.14.2025 executive‑session minutes (Yes‑4)
- Entered executive session to discuss potential property acquisition (Yes‑4)
- Adjourned meeting (Yes‑4)
Southborough Youth Commission
The Southborough Youth Commission unanimously approved the July 8, 2025 minutes and the August 12, 2025 minutes. Members voted to adjourn the meeting at 7:47 pm. The commission also scheduled the next meetings for September 11, 2025 (remote) and November 4, 2025 (in‑person).
- Approved July 8, 2025 SYC minutes (all present in favor)
- Approved August 12, 2025 SYC minutes (all present in favor)
- Adjourned meeting at 7:47 pm (all members present in favor)
- Scheduled September 11, 2025 meeting at 7 pm remote
- Scheduled November 4, 2025 meeting at 7 pm in‑person
Golf Course Committee
The committee approved the minutes from the July meeting. The board approved McNulty paving for the cart path. No other actions were formally decided at this meeting.
- Approved July meeting minutes
- Approved McNulty paving for cart path
Board of Assessors
The Board approved the June 17 minutes, two motor‑vehicle excise tax commitments (340 bills for $122,246.18 and 315 bills for $147,788.93), and related abatements of $9,440.25, all unanimously. It then denied the Trustees of Reservations' request to keep the leased farmland and residences tax‑exempt, also unanimously. The meeting was adjourned after the motions were passed.
- Approved June 17 minutes (all in favor)
- Approved motor‑vehicle excise tax commitment #2025-04, 340 bills totaling $122,246.18 (all in favor)
- Approved motor‑vehicle excise tax commitment #2025-03, 315 bills totaling $147,788.93 (all in favor)
- Approved motor‑vehicle excise tax abatements, 41 abatements totaling $9,440.25 (all in favor)
- Denied Trustees' request to retain tax‑exempt status for leased Chestnut Hill Farm land and homes (all in favor)
- Adjourned session (all in favor)
Pre-K to 8 School Building Committee
The PreK‑8 School Building Committee approved the July 22, 2025 minutes with a clarification to the Open Meeting Law reminder, passing the motion by unanimous roll‑call vote. Members agreed to hold the next committee meeting on August 26, 2025. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous roll‑call vote.
- Approved July 22, 2025 minutes as amended (unanimous roll‑call vote)
- Scheduled next committee meeting for August 26, 2025
- Adjourned meeting (unanimous roll‑call vote)
Board of Health
The Southborough Board of Health agenda for August 12, 2025, contains only procedural boilerplate with no substantive items, documents, or decisions listed. No rezonings, contracts, ordinances, or public hearings are specified.
The Board of Health approved the proposed tobacco regulations, increasing fines to $1,000 for violations and limiting sales to adult‑only retail tobacco stores. The Board also accepted the July 15 minutes, adopted the department mission statement, and set future meeting dates. The meeting was adjourned at 9:17 am.
- Approved July 15, 2025 meeting minutes (2-0 vote)
- Approved tobacco regulations as presented (2-0 vote)
- Adopted the Health Department mission statement (2-0 vote)
- Scheduled Board meetings for Sep 9, 2025 and Oct 7, 2025
- Adjourned the meeting (3-0 vote)
Recreation Commission
The Recreation Commission voted 3‑0‑0 to approve $8,537 for Turf Specialized Services and $1,800 for Stumpy’s tree‑branch removal, both from the Park Improvement Fund. Commissioners also voted 3‑0‑0 to appoint K. LaVault as the commission’s representative to the CPC. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous vote.
- Approved $8,537 for Turf Specialized Services (3-0-0)
- Approved $1,800 for Stumpy’s tree‑branch removal (3-0-0)
- Appointed K. LaVault as CPC Representative (3-0-0)
- Motion to adjourn passed (all members yes)
Southborough Trails Committee
The Trails Committee meeting scheduled for August 7, 2025 was cancelled. No items were discussed, and no actions or votes were recorded.
Taxation Aid Committee
The committee approved the May 8, 2025 meeting minutes by a unanimous 3‑0 vote. It decided to use the same application and decision dates for the upcoming tax year as in the current year. The committee also agreed to review the Hopkinton Taxation Aid application at the next meeting. The meeting was adjourned by a unanimous vote.
- Approved May 8, 2025 minutes (3‑0)
- Adopted same application and decision dates for 2025‑26 tax year
- Planned review of Hopkinton Taxation Aid application at next meeting
- Adjourned meeting (3‑0)
Select Board
The provided agenda is procedural boilerplate and does not list specific discussion items or decisions. It identifies the meeting time and associated document packets.
The board appointed Jake Flanigan to the Laborer position in the Department of Public Works (5‑0). It approved the Department of Public Works equipment lease (5‑0). The July 14, 2025 meeting minutes were approved as amended (5‑0). The meeting was adjourned (5‑0).
- Appointed Jake Flanigan as Laborer (5-0)
- Approved DPW equipment lease (5-0)
- Approved July 14, 2025 meeting minutes as amended (5-0)
- Adjourned meeting (5-0)
Conservation Commission
The commission approved the minutes from the June 26 and July 10 meetings by unanimous vote. It issued a negative Determination of Applicability for the deck construction at 17 Granuaile Road, requiring that yard waste not be disposed within the 20‑ft buffer zone. The commission also voted to continue three public hearings—MBTA commuter rail ROW, utility pole/ROW project, and 3 Bridge Street septic replacement—to August 21, 2025.
- Approved June 26, 2025 minutes (4-0-0)
- Approved July 10, 2025 minutes (4-0-0)
- Issued negative determination for 17 Granuaile Road deck with yard‑waste condition (4-0-0)
- Continued public hearing for MBTA commuter rail ROW to Aug 21, 2025 (4-0-0)
- Continued public hearing for utility pole/ROW project to Aug 21, 2025 (4-0-0)
- Continued public hearing for 3 Bridge Street septic replacement to Aug 21, 2025 (4-0-0)
Municipal Technology Committee
The Municipal Technology Committee voted unanimously to accept the June 2025 meeting minutes as recorded. After reviewing town technology updates and upcoming surveys, the committee moved to adjourn, which also passed unanimously. No other actions were taken.
- Approved June 2025 MTC meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Approved adjournment of the meeting (unanimous)
Council on Aging
The council approved the June 6 minutes unanimously. Members voted 8‑1 to adopt the darker shade for the Center’s new logo. A unanimous motion approved Jeff’s outreach to Renee about the newsletter format and compensation. The board also scheduled a staff reception for the new Outreach Coordinator and Program Manager.
- Approved June 6 minutes (unanimous)
- Selected darker logo shade for Center (8‑1)
- Approved Jeff to approach Renee on newsletter format and compensation (unanimous)
- Scheduled staff reception for new Outreach Coordinator and Program Manager (no vote recorded)
- Adjourned meeting at 11:45 am (unanimous)
Wastewater Study Committee
The committee voted to table the approval of the July 17, 2025 meeting minutes. Members then approved entering an executive session by a 5‑0 vote. The meeting was adjourned by a 5‑0 vote.
- Tabled approval of July 17, 2025 meeting minutes
- Entered executive session (5-0 vote)
- Adjourned meeting (5-0 vote)
Affordable Housing Trust
The Affordable Housing Trust Board voted 4‑0 to enter an executive session to discuss a potential property acquisition at 105 Fisher Road. Members reviewed a proposal to purchase a one‑acre lot for $200,000, with a $10,000 option payment and possible variances for a duplex. The Board agreed that Mr. Hamilton will continue talks with the owner and report back to the Committee. The meeting was then adjourned by a 4‑0 vote.
- Motion to enter executive session approved (4-0)
- Motion to adjourn the meeting approved (4-0)
Pre-K to 8 School Building Committee
The Pre‑K‑8 Building Committee elected Beth Wittcoff as Chair and Howard Anderson as Vice Chair, each with unanimous approval. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.
- Elect Beth Wittcoff as Chair – unanimous approval
- Elect Howard Anderson as Vice Chair – unanimous approval
- Adjourn meeting – unanimous approval
Wastewater Study Committee
The Wastewater Study Committee reorganized its leadership, naming Sam Stivers chair, Brian Shea vice‑chair and Claire Reynolds clerk, with a unanimous 6‑0‑0 vote. The committee also approved the June 12, 2025 meeting minutes by a 5‑0‑1 vote. Members decided not to discuss the Weston & Sampson invoice issue, and the financing options agenda item was tabled.
- Appointed Sam Stivers Chair, Brian Shea Vice‑chair, Claire Reynolds Clerk (vote 6‑0‑0)
- Approved June 12, 2025 meeting minutes (vote 5‑0‑1)
- Committee chose not to discuss the Weston & Sampson invoice matter
- Tabled discussion of financing options
Southborough Trails Committee
The Southborough Trails Committee approved the minutes from the May 6, May 15, June 5 and June 26, 2025 meetings by a 3‑0 vote. A motion to adjourn the July 17 meeting was also approved by a 3‑0 vote. No other formal actions were taken; remaining agenda items were discussed for future work.
- Approved minutes from 05/06/2025, 05/15/2025, 06/05/2025 and 06/26/2025 (3-0)
- Motion to adjourn meeting approved (3-0)
Community Preservation Committee
The committee approved a one‑year renewal of its membership in the Community Preservation Coalition at a cost of $1,750, with a unanimous 5‑0‑0 vote. It also decided to send slides and project summaries to the Select Board for inclusion in the meeting packet. The meeting was adjourned after unanimously approving the minutes and setting a tentative September meeting date.
- Renew Community Preservation Coalition membership for $1,750 (unanimous 5‑0‑0)
- Approve sending slides and project summaries to the Select Board
- Table minutes for additional review at the next meeting
- Motion to adjourn passed (unanimous 5‑0‑0)
- Tentatively schedule September meeting for the 16th or 17th
Tricentennial Committee
The Tricentennial Committee unanimously approved the June 11, 2025 minutes. It also unanimously passed a motion to thank former member Ginny Martins for her fundraising efforts. The meeting was then adjourned with a 5‑0 vote. No other substantive actions were decided.
- Approved June 11, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
- Thanked Ginny Martins for fundraising (unanimous)
- Adjourned meeting (5-0)
Personnel Board
The Personnel Board approved the June 17, 2025 minutes with a 4-0-1 vote. It set a three‑week vacation accrual rate for new Senior Center staff, passing 5-0-0. The board approved a draft memorandum recommending FY26 compensation proposals to the Select Board, also 5-0-0. The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 A.M. with a unanimous 5-0-0 vote.
- Approved June 17, 2025 minutes (4-0-1)
- Set vacation accrual to three weeks for Laura West and Raeleen Gallivan (5-0-0)
- Approved draft memo to Select Board on FY26 compensation proposals (5-0-0)
- Adjourned meeting at 9:15 A.M. (5-0-0)
Southborough Zoning Board of Appeals
The Southborough Zoning Board of Appeals voted to extend the date to close the public hearing for the 250 Turnpike Road comprehensive permit to September 17, 2025. A prior motion to continue the hearing to August 20, 2025 at 7:20 PM also passed. The board approved the May 21 and June 18, 2025 meeting minutes and then adjourned the meeting.
- Extended public hearing close date to September 17, 2025 (6-0-0)
- Continued public hearing to August 20, 2025 at 7:20 PM (6-0-0)
- Approved May 21, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0-1)
- Approved June 18, 2025 meeting minutes (6-0-0)
- Adjourned the meeting (6-0-0)
Recreation Commission
The provided agenda contains only meeting times and document placeholders. There are no specific discussion items or decisions listed in the record.
The scheduled Southborough Recreation Commission meeting on July 15, 2025 was cancelled because a quorum was not present. No agenda items were considered or decided.
Select Board
The Board unanimously approved a referral of Atlantic Management’s proposed amendment to the Industrial Park District zoning bylaw to the Planning Board. It also approved FY25 interdepartmental budget transfers of $2,266 and moved the Fall Special Town Meeting to October 27, 2025. Additional unanimous actions included appointing members to committees, approving the Neary Survey, and adopting recent meeting minutes.
- Referred Atlantic Management zoning amendment to Planning Board (5-0-0)
- Approved FY25 interdepartmental budget transfers of $2,266 (5-0-0)
- Moved Fall Special Town Meeting to Oct 27, 2025 (5-0-0)
- Approved Neary Survey with requested changes (5-0-0)
- Appointed Keith Ackley to Tricentennial Committee (5-0-0)
- Appointed Raeleen Gallivan as Senior Center Outreach Coordinator (5-0-0)
- Appointed Erik Glaser to PreK-8 Building Committee (5-0-0)
- Adopted Open Session Meeting Minutes for June 17 and July 1, 2025 (5-0-0)
Advisory Committee
The Southborough Advisory Committee approved draft minutes from prior meetings, elected Marci Jones as chair and Andrew Pfaff as vice‑chair, nominated Eric Glaser to the Pre‑K‑to‑8 School Building Committee, and approved $2,266 in FY25 interdepartmental budget transfers. All votes were unanimous (6‑0‑0). The meeting adjourned at 7:34 pm.
- Approved May 5, April 3, and May 8 draft minutes (6-0-0)
- Elected Marci Jones as chair (6-0-0)
- Elected Andrew Pfaff as vice-chair (6-0-0)
- Nominated Eric Glaser to Pre‑K‑to‑8 School Building Committee (6-0-0)
- Approved FY25 interdepartmental transfers totaling $2,266 (6-0-0)
- Adjourned meeting at 7:34 pm (6-0-0)
Planning Board
The Planning Board meeting featured a presentation by Atlantic Management on their proposed project. Select Board members discussed potential tax impacts and the Route 9 corridor. A motion was made and passed to have the Select Board refer Atlantic Management’s proposed zoning bylaw to the Planning Board. No other actions were taken.
- Refer Atlantic Management’s proposed zoning bylaw to Planning Board – motion passed by show of hands
Select Board
The Select Board unanimously reappointed Al Hamilton and Jesse Stein to the Board of Trustees of the Affordable Housing Trust, with terms ending June 30, 2027. The Board also unanimously approved and adopted the town’s 2025‑2030 Housing Production Plan. Both actions passed by a 5‑0‑0 roll‑call vote.
- Reappointed Al Hamilton and Jesse Stein to Affordable Housing Trust (terms to 6/30/2027) – unanimous (5-0-0)
- Adopted the 2025 Housing Production Plan – unanimous (5-0-0)
Housing Authority
The board approved the Fair Housing Marketing Plan, Language Access Plan, and Reasonable Accommodation/Modification Policy, each with a unanimous 3‑0 vote. It also approved the July 14 accounts payable, accepted the executive director’s report, and set the next meeting for September 8, 2025 after deciding to skip the August session. All motions were passed unanimously.
- Approved June 9, 2025 meeting minutes (3-0)
- Approved Accounts Payable as of July 14, 2025 (3-0)
- Accepted Executive Director report (3-0)
- Decided not to hold August meeting; next meeting set for September 8, 2025 (3-0)
- Approved Fair Housing Marketing Plan, Language Access Plan, and Reasonable Accommodation/Modification Policy (3-0)
- Adjourned meeting (3-0)
Library Board of Trustees
The trustees approved the amended minutes from the June 9 meeting. They authorized $950 from State Aid for Youth Services Librarian Marianna Sorensen to attend a library leadership program. The board signed and reappointed Ryan Donovan as Library Director for three years starting July 1, 2025. They also accepted a gardeners‑funded drip‑irrigation system for the library gardens.
- Approved amended minutes from June 9, 2025 (motion passed)
- Authorized $950 State Aid for Marianna Sorensen's library leadership training (motion passed)
- Signed three‑year contract with Library Director Ryan Donovan effective July 1, 2025 (motion passed)
- Reappointed Ryan Donovan as Library Director effective July 1, 2025 (motion passed)
- Accepted gardeners‑funded drip irrigation system proposal for library gardens (motion passed)
Affordable Housing Trust
The agenda provided consists of procedural timestamps and document references. There are no specific discussion items or decisions listed in the text.
The Affordable Housing Trust board voted unanimously to approve and adopt the town's Housing Production Plan. The motion was introduced by Al Hamilton and seconded by Paul Desmond, with all five members voting yes. The board also approved entering an executive session to discuss a potential property acquisition, again with a 5-0 vote.
- Approved and adopted Housing Production Plan (5-0)
- Entered executive session to discuss potential property acquisition (5-0)
Planning Board
The agenda provided consists of procedural boilerplate and references to meeting packets. No specific discussion items or decisions are listed in the provided text.
The Planning Board reappointed Jesse Stein and Al Hamilton to the Affordable Housing Trust Board. The Board, the Select Board, and the Trust’s Board of Trustees all approved the town’s 2025‑2030 Housing Production Plan. Several site‑plan and special‑permit applications were also approved, including waivers for lower‑impact development and major site plans for 250 Turnpike Rd and 26 Meadow Ln.
- Reappointed Jesse Stein and Al Hamilton to the Affordable Housing Trust Board (Yes‑4, No‑0)
- Approved the 2025‑2030 Housing Production Plan (Planning Board) (Yes‑5, No‑0)
- Adopted the 2025‑2030 Housing Production Plan (Select Board) (Yes‑5, No‑0)
- Adopted the 2025‑2030 Housing Production Plan (Board of Trustees of the Affordable Housing Trust) – unanimous show of hand vote
- Endorsed the Approval Not Required plan for 38 Turnpike Road (Yes‑5, No‑0)
- Approved waivers for LID Sections 3.11 and 3.12 (Yes‑4, No‑0, Abstain‑1 each)
- Approved the Major Site Plan and Special Permit for 250 Turnpike Rd (Yes‑4, No‑0, Abstain‑1)
- Approved the Major Site Plan for 26 Meadow Lane (Yes‑4, No‑0, Abstain‑1)
Conservation Commission
The provided agenda contains no specific discussion items, motions, or project details. It consists of procedural timestamps and references to document packets.
The Conservation Commission approved certificates of compliance for 17 Red Gate Lane, 77 Deerfoot Road, and lifted the enforcement order for 98 Southville Road, each by a 6‑0‑0 vote. It also approved an enforcement order and an administrative amendment for 250 Turnpike Road (DEP #290‑1109) by a 6‑0‑0 vote. Public hearings for the Cordaville Road irrigation project, the Bridge Street septic replacement, and the MBTA commuter row determination were each continued to July 31, 2025 with unanimous votes.
- Issued Certificate of Compliance for 17 Red Gate Lane (6-0-0)
- Issued Certificate of Compliance for 77 Deerfoot Road (6-0-0)
- Lifted Enforcement Order for 98 Southville Road with CoC issuance (6-0-0)
- Issued Enforcement Order for 250 Turnpike Road, DEP #290-1109 (6-0-0)
- Issued Administrative Amendment for 250 Turnpike Road, DEP #290-1109 (6-0-0)
- Continued public hearing for 36 Cordaville Road irrigation project to July 31, 2025 (6-0-0)
- Continued public hearing for 3 Bridge Street septic replacement to July 31, 2025 (6-0-0)
- Continued public hearing for MBTA commuter row determination to July 31, 2025 (6-0-0)
Affordable Housing Trust
The trustees approved the April 24 and May 15 executive meeting minutes with votes of 4‑0‑1 (abstain). They voted 5‑0 to enter an executive session under M.G.L. Chapter 30A to discuss a possible property acquisition. The meeting was then adjourned.
- Approved 04.24.2025 executive meeting minutes (Yes‑4, No‑0, Abstain‑1)
- Approved 05.15.2025 executive meeting minutes (Yes‑4, No‑0, Abstain‑1)
- Entered executive session to discuss potential property acquisition (Yes‑5, No‑0, Abstain‑0)
- Adjourned meeting (Yes‑5, No‑0, Abstain‑0)
Historical Commission
The commission voted to reappoint Grant Farrington to the Community Preservation Committee (3-0-1). The historic house sign application for the J. Carrigan House was approved with a date of circa 1880 (4-0). The meeting minutes from February 20, 2025 were approved (4-0). The meeting was adjourned at 8:41 PM (4-0).
- Reappoint Grant Farrington as Historical Commission representative to Community Preservation Committee – approved (3-0-1)
- Approve historic house sign for J. Carrigan House (circa 1880) – approved (4-0)
- Approve meeting minutes of February 20, 2025 – approved (4-0)
- Adjourn meeting – approved (4-0)
Southborough Youth Commission
The Southborough Youth Commission voted to approve the minutes from the June 10, 2025 meeting. The motion passed with three members in favor, three members abstaining, and no votes against. After the approval, the commission moved to adjourn the July 8, 2025 meeting, with all members present voting in favor.
- Approved June 10, 2025 minutes (3-0-3)
- Adjourned July 8, 2025 meeting (all in favor)
Golf Course Committee
The committee approved the minutes from the June meeting. Funding for the cart‑path project was approved. Jen Selig was tasked with meeting to prioritize the refurbishment projects, and the management company will obtain quotes for tree work. The next committee meeting was scheduled for August 12, 2025 at 9:00 AM.
- Approved June meeting minutes
- Approved funding for cart‑path project
- Assigned Jen Selig to prioritize refurbishment projects
- Directed management company to obtain tree quotes
- Scheduled next meeting for Aug 12, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Board of Commissioners of Trust Funds
The Board approved the minutes from May 12, 2025 with a 3-0 vote. It then authorized a $9,000 expense from the Waldo Fay fund to the Southborough Community Fund, also by a 3-0 vote. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent.
- Approved 05-12-25 minutes (3-0)
- Authorized $9,000 transfer from Waldo Fay fund to Southborough Community Fund (3-0)
- Adjourned meeting (3-0)
Select Board
The provided agenda contains only timestamps and references to document packets. No specific discussion items or decisions are listed in the text.
The Select Board appointed a probationary police officer and a member to the Capital Improvement and Planning Committee. It voted to enlarge the PreK-8 School Building Committee, increase its at-large seats, extend the charge deadline, and appoint five new members. The Board also directed a solid‑waste options analysis and approved the Animal Control services contract. All motions were approved with the recorded vote totals.
- Appointed Jillisa Smith as Probationary Police Officer (5-0-0)
- Appointed Mike Nute to Capital Improvement and Planning Committee (5-0-0)
- Increased PreK-8 School Building Committee size to nine members (3-2-0)
- Increased at-large seats on PreK-8 Committee from three to five (3-2-0)
- Extended committee charge expiration to Sep 30, 2025 (3-1-1)
- Appointed five interviewed applicants to PreK-8 Committee (3-2-0)
- Requested John Butler to develop solid waste options analysis (5-0-0)
- Approved Animal Control services contract award (5-0-0)
Wastewater Study Committee
The Wastewater Study Committee could not conduct business because a quorum was not present. The meeting proceeded with a public session briefing and discussion, but no votes or approvals occurred.
Capital Improvement & Planning Committee
The Capital Improvement & Planning Committee approved the March 10, 2025 meeting minutes with a 3‑0‑1 vote (three ayes, one abstention). It then voted 4‑0 to recommend Stephen Holland as the CIPC’s representative on the Pre‑K‑to‑8 School Building Committee. The meeting was adjourned by a unanimous 4‑0 vote.
- Approved March 10, 2025 minutes (3-0-1)
- Recommended Stephen Holland as CIPC representative to Pre‑K‑to‑8 School Building Committee (4-0)
- Adjourned meeting (4-0)
21 Highland Future Use Committee
The Deputy Town Clerk informs that the minutes and documents for the 21 Highland Future Use Committee meeting on June 30, 2025 have not been received. The notice asks the committee to explain if the meeting was cancelled, lacked a quorum, or included executive‑session material that cannot be released. No substantive decisions were recorded for that meeting.
Pre-K to 8 School Building Committee
The Deputy Town Clerk informed the Pre‑K‑8 School Building Committee chair that minutes and supporting documents for the June 30, 2025 meeting have not been received within the required 45‑day deadline. The notice outlines three possible reasons: the meeting was cancelled, no quorum was present, or executive‑session minutes are being withheld. No substantive decisions from that meeting are recorded in the provided text.
Southborough Trails Committee
The committee voted to pay Beal’s $1,851 invoice from the Trails Budget. It also selected tools and chose bench designs for the Peninsula Trail Phase II. The next meeting was scheduled for Thursday, July 17, 2025, and the motion to adjourn was approved unanimously (3‑0).
- Approved payment of $1,851 invoice from Trails Budget (unanimous)
- Selected tools to purchase and approved bench selection for Phase II
- Scheduled next meeting for Thursday, July 17, 2025
- Motion to adjourn approved 3-0
Conservation Commission
The Conservation Commission voted unanimously to continue the MBTA commuter‑rail hearing, to issue a negative Determination of Applicability for the CSX railway ROW, and to approve waivers and standard orders of conditions for the Woodland Road and Richards Road sidewalk projects. It also approved a waiver for increased storm‑water flows at Meadow Lane and adopted the related Order of Conditions and Stormwater Management Permit.
- Continued MBTA commuter‑rail ROW hearing to July 10, 2025 (4‑0‑0)
- Issued negative Determination of Applicability for CSX Railway ROW, conditioned as described (4‑0‑0)
- Closed public hearing for Woodland Road sidewalk project (4‑0‑0)
- Issued waiver for work within 20 ft buffer for Richards Road sidewalk project (4‑0‑0)
- Issued Order of Conditions with standard conditions for Woodland Road project (4‑0‑0)
- Issued Order of Conditions with standard conditions for Richards Road project (4‑0‑0)
- Issued waiver for increased storm‑water flows to wetland adjacent to runway at Meadow Lane (4‑0‑0)
- Issued Order of Conditions and Stormwater Management Permit for Meadow Lane development (4‑0‑0)
21 Highland Future Use Committee
The 21st Highland Future Use Committee meeting scheduled for June 25, 2025 was cancelled. The cancellation was due to a lack of quorum, so no agenda items were considered or decided. No votes or actions were recorded.
Affordable Housing Trust
The agenda for this meeting consists of procedural boilerplate and does not list any specific discussion items or decisions.
The trustees approved the May 15 and June 3, 2025 meeting minutes by a 4‑0 vote. They agreed to arrange a joint meeting with the Southborough Housing Authority, with Mr. Hamilton volunteering to make contact. The board chose not to hold an executive session. The meeting was adjourned by a 5‑0 vote.
- Approved May 15, 2025 minutes (vote 4‑0)
- Approved June 3, 2025 minutes (vote 4‑0)
- Agreed to meet with Southborough Housing Authority (outreach by Hamilton)
- Elected not to hold an Executive Session
- Adjourned the meeting (vote 5‑0)
Cable Television Committee
The committee voted to keep Sam Stivers as Chair, Tony Schoener as Vice Chair, and Will Warren as Clerk for the 2025‑2026 year. The minutes from the April 2, 2025 meeting were approved with a spelling correction. The meeting was adjourned at 3:58 PM.
- Retained CTVC officers for 2025‑2026 – motion by Sam Stivers, seconded by Will Warren, approved
- Approved April 2, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously with spelling correction – motion by Tony Schoener, seconded by Will Warren
- Adjourned meeting at 3:58 PM – motion by Sam Stivers, seconded by Will Warren, unanimously approved
Planning Board
The board voted unanimously to continue the public hearing for the 10 Turnpike Rd storage facility modification to July 14, 2025, and to extend its decision deadline to July 18, 2025. It also unanimously continued the public hearing for the 250 Turnpike Rd Contractor’s Yard major site plan and special permit to July 14, 2025, and extended its decision deadline to July 18, 2025. No other items received formal approval at this meeting.
- Continue public hearing for 10 Turnpike Rd (Storage Facility) to July 14, 2025 – Approved (Yes-5, No-0)
- Extend decision deadline for 10 Turnpike Rd to July 18, 2025 – Approved (Yes-5, No-0)
- Continue public hearing for 250 Turnpike Rd (Contractor’s Yard) to July 14, 2025 – Approved (Yes-4, No-0) (Belniak did not vote)
- Extend decision deadline for 250 Turnpike Rd to July 18, 2025 – Approved (Yes-4, No-0) (Belniak did not vote)
Neary School Building Committee - Finance Subcommittee
The minutes consist of coded entries (e.g., numbers and i255 markers) without any readable approvals, denials, or actions. No concrete decisions were documented.
Community Preservation Committee
The Southborough Community Preservation Committee approved the final FY27 Application Handbook with a 5-1-0 vote. The Committee set an October 10 deadline for historical projects to receive a vote from the Historical Commission. A July 16 meeting with Town Counsel was scheduled to discuss grant agreements. The meeting was adjourned by a unanimous 6-0-0 vote.
- Approved FY27 Application Handbook (5-1-0 vote)
- Set Oct 10 deadline for historical projects to receive Historical Commission vote
- Scheduled July 16 meeting with Town Counsel to discuss grant agreements
- Motion to adjourn passed unanimously (6-0-0)
Southborough Zoning Board of Appeals
The Southborough Zoning Board of Appeals approved special permits for 12 Winchester Street and 118 Turnpike Road, both with 5‑0‑0 votes. The board also approved the easement and subdivision plans for 120 Turnpike Road, extended the action deadline to August 31 2025, and set the next public hearing for July 16 2025.
- Granted special permit for 12 Winchester Street (5-0-0)
- Granted special permits for 118 Turnpike Road (5-0-0)
- Approved easement plan for 120 Turnpike Road (5-0-0)
- Approved subdivision plan for 120 Turnpike Road (5-0-0)
- Extended deadline to act to August 31, 2025 (5-0-0)
- Continued public hearing to July 16, 2025 at 7 PM (5-0-0)
- Approved May 7, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0-0)
Select Board
The provided agenda contains only timestamps and document references. No specific discussion items or decisions are listed in the text.
The Board unanimously approved the FY26 Transfer Station Rules and adopted fee Option #2, creating a $103,407 town deficit. It also accepted a $100,000 donation from St. Mark’s School for a police vehicle and general budget needs, and approved funding for a golf‑course capital improvement. The Board approved the charge for the new Pre‑K‑to‑8 School Building Committee (4‑1‑0) and appointed representatives to develop a survey and serve on the committee. Several consent‑agenda items, including meeting minutes and DPW employee grade changes, were also unanimously approved.
- Approved FY26 Transfer Station Rules and adopted fee Option #2 (5-0-0)
- Accepted $100,000 donation from St. Mark’s School (5-0-0)
- Approved funding for Golf capital improvement from Golf Revolving Fund (5-0-0)
- Approved DPW employee grade changes (5-0-0)
- Approved June 3, 2025 Open Session Meeting Minutes (5-0-0)
- Tabled June 11, 2025 Open Session Meeting Minutes until July 1 (unanimous)
- Approved charge for Pre‑K‑to‑8 School Building Committee (4-1-0)
- Appointed Mr. Hamilton to develop survey for the new committee (5-0-0)
Board of Assessors
The Board approved the FY2026 preliminary tax commitments for real estate, personal property, CPA surcharge and septic bettenrient, totaling $27,292,376.44. It also approved write‑offs of uncollectable FY24 personal‑property taxes ($13,691.89) and FY22 motor‑vehicle excise taxes ($5,665.86), and the motor‑vehicle excise tax commitment #2025‑03 for $147,788.93. All motions were seconded and voted all in favor. The Principal Assessor’s performance review was also approved.
- Approved FY2026 tax commitments (real estate $26,274,599.36, personal property $778,726.62, CPA surcharge $237,647.46, septic bettenrient $1,402.86) – all in favor
- Approved write‑off of uncollectable FY24 personal‑property taxes $13,691.89 – all in favor
- Approved write‑off of uncollectable FY22 motor‑vehicle excise taxes $5,665.86 – all in favor
- Approved motor‑vehicle excise tax commitment #2025‑03 for 315 bills totaling $147,788.93 – all in favor
- Approved motor‑vehicle excise tax abatements: 2024 levy $100.37 and 2025 levy $1,784.69 – all in favor
- Approved Principal Assessor Paul Cibelli’s performance review (rating “3—Above Expectations”) – all in favor
Personnel Board
The provided agenda contains only procedural timing and document references. No specific discussion items or decisions are listed.
The Personnel Board rejected a request to reset Ms. O’Brien’s salary (2‑2 vote). It approved the May 2 and June 10 meeting minutes, FY26 Library pay rates, a proposal to move tenured employees to the midpoint step (Step 8) effective July 1 2025‑Jan 1 2026, and a plan to eliminate the Business Administrator I position by reclassifying those roles to Business Administrator II effective Jan 1 2026. All of these motions passed unanimously (4‑0‑0).
- Salary reset for Ms. O’Brien failed (2‑2‑0)
- Approve May 2 and June 10 minutes passed (4‑0‑0)
- Approve FY26 Library pay rates passed (4‑0‑0)
- Support moving tenured employees to midpoint Step 8 passed (4‑0‑0)
- Support removing Business Administrator I and reclassifying to Business Administrator II passed (4‑0‑0)
- Adjourn meeting passed (4‑0‑0)
Affordable Housing Trust
The board discussed the draft Housing Production Plan and scheduled future review meetings. No substantive actions or approvals were taken. The meeting was adjourned by a motion that passed 3‑0.
- Motion to adjourn approved (Yes–3, No–0, Abstain–0)
Wastewater Study Committee
The provided agenda contains only the meeting time and references to revised documents. No specific discussion items or decisions are listed in the text.
The Wastewater Study Committee approved the May 30 meeting minutes by a 5‑0 vote. It then voted 5‑0 to enter executive session under MGL Ch 30A Sec 21 to consider the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property. The committee adjourned the meeting by a 5‑0 vote. Chair Hamilton will brief the Select Board on 6/19 about the committee’s progress and funding plans.
- Approved May 30, 2025 meeting minutes (5‑0)
- Entered executive session to consider real‑property transaction (5‑0)
- Deferred decision on next meeting date until after Select Board briefing
- Adjourned the meeting (5‑0)
Select Board
The Board set a series of goals for Fiscal Year 2026, including an AI study, building‑department staffing review, zoning proposals, and financial initiatives. It also scheduled future committee presentations and agreed to pursue several agreements and grants. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.
- Adopted goal for IT and Municipal Technology Committee to identify top 15 AI uses
- Set goal to review Building Department staffing and explore regional collaboration
- Directed DPW Superintendent Bill Cundiff to present Pavement Management Plan process at next meeting
- Planned to pursue an Access Media agreement with Southborough Access Media
- Agreed to explore zoning changes near Route 9 to promote commercial development
- Assigned Advisory Committee to study a Storm Water Enterprise Fund at a future meeting
- Tasked Affordable Housing Trust to discuss ways to increase affordable housing stock at a future meeting
- Unanimously adjourned the meeting (5‑0‑0)
Community Preservation Committee
The Southborough Community Preservation Committee met via Zoom, reviewed updates to the application handbook and discussed improvements to the FY2026 application and project signage. No minutes were reviewed or approved, and no substantive project decisions were made. The meeting was adjourned unanimously with a 7-0-0 vote.
- Adjourned meeting (unanimous 7-0-0)
- No minutes approved (none reviewed)
Tricentennial Committee
The Tricentennial Committee unanimously approved July 17, 2027 as the date for the Fireman's Muster competition. The committee also approved the minutes from the May 2, 2025 meeting with minor amendments. The meeting was adjourned at 8:48 PM.
- Approved July 17, 2027 as date for Fireman's Muster (unanimous)
- Approved May 2, 2025 minutes with minor amendments (unanimous)
- Adjourned meeting at 8:48 PM (unanimous)
Board of Health
The provided agenda contains only meeting times and file references. No specific discussion items or decisions are listed.
The Board accepted the minutes from the May 6 meeting and confirmed officer positions. It reappointed the Tobacco Control Manager for FY26 and approved the FY26 contract for the Sanitary Inspector. The Board approved an increase in septic flow to 880 gal/day and accepted the septic plans for the 2 East Main Street development. It also accepted the Health Director’s performance review.
- Approved May 6, 2025 meeting minutes (2-0)
- Confirmed board officer positions: Chair, Vice Chair, Clerk (3-0)
- Reappointed Parivallal Thillaigovindan as Tobacco Control Manager through 6/30/26 (3-0)
- Approved increase in septic flow to 880 gal/day for 2 East Main Street (3-0)
- Accepted septic plans for 2 East Main Street (3-0)
- Approved FY26 contract for Sanitary Inspector Dennis Costello (3-0)
- Accepted performance evaluation for Health Director Taylor West (3-0)
Southborough Youth Commission
The provided agenda contains only procedural timing and document references. No specific discussion items or decisions are listed.
The commission approved the May 15 minutes with one amendment (changing Lauren R to Laura R on line 53). Lauren Richey nominated Nancy Sutton as Chair, and Sutton accepted. Sara Michas was confirmed to continue as Secretary, and Karen Anglim offered to serve as Vice‑Chair. The meeting was adjourned at 7:47 pm.
- Approved May 15 minutes as amended (motion by Karen Anglim, all members present)
- Nancy Sutton nominated and accepted as Chair (nominated by Lauren Richey)
- Sara Michas accepted continuation as Secretary
- Karen Anglim offered to serve as Vice‑Chair
- Motion to adjourn passed (all members present in favor)
Golf Course Committee
Deputy Town Clerk Stephanie Secino emailed the Golf Committee on Aug 4 2025 to report that minutes for the meetings on 1/9/2025, 3/11/2025, 5/1/2025, 5/12/2025, and 6/10/2025 have not been received, contrary to Town Code §9-25. The notice asks the committee to explain why the minutes are unavailable, offering possible reasons such as cancellation, lack of quorum, or executive‑session restrictions. No substantive decisions were recorded in this communication.
Personnel Board
The board approved FY26 salary adjustments for employees with satisfactory performance reviews, passing the motion unanimously. A letter to the Library Board of Trustees was approved to address missing performance reviews. The May 2, 2025 minutes were tabled, and the next meeting was scheduled for June 17, 2025 at 8:30 a.m.
- Approved FY26 pay rates effective July 1, 2025 (unanimous)
- Tabled approval of May 2, 2025 minutes (no vote recorded)
- Approved sending a letter to the Library Board of Trustees (unanimous)
- Scheduled next Personnel Board meeting for June 17, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. (unanimous)
- Adjourned meeting (4-0-0)
Municipal Technology Committee
The Municipal Technology Committee unanimously approved the May 2025 meeting minutes and later unanimously adjourned the June 10 meeting. The committee assigned Matt to test clickers at Trottier Middle School and to contact the senior center about its website compatibility. Angela presented a new draft of the five‑year strategic tech plan and asked members to review it and provide KPI feedback. Matt will circulate the latest satisfaction survey draft to the committee, and the next meeting is set for July 29, 2025.
- Approved May MTC meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Adjourned meeting (unanimous)
- Assigned Matt to test clickers at Trottier Middle School
- Assigned Matt to contact senior center about website compatibility
- Requested feedback on new five‑year strategic tech plan draft
- Tasked Matt to send latest survey draft to MTC
Housing Authority
The Southborough Housing Authority approved its Fiscal Year 2026 plan for state‑aided public housing. The board also approved the May 12 meeting minutes, the current accounts payable, and accepted the Executive Director’s report. The meeting was adjourned at 5:39 p.m.
- Approved May 12, 2025 meeting minutes (3‑0)
- Approved Accounts Payable as of June 9, 2025 (3‑0)
- Accepted Executive Director report (3‑0)
- Approved FY2026 plan for State‑Aided Public Housing (3‑0)
- Adjourned meeting at 5:39 p.m. (3‑0)
Library Board of Trustees
The Library Board of Trustees met in executive session to discuss the Library Director's contract, which is under review by Labor Counsel. No formal vote was taken on the contract; the board only voted to adjourn the session. The attached draft agreement outlines a three-year term for Director Ryan Donovan starting July 1, 2025.
- Adjourned executive session (unanimous)
Southborough Trails Committee
The Southborough Trails Committee voted 4‑0 to allocate up to $2,500 from its annual budget and additional CPA money to cover extra engineering costs for Phase II of the Peninsula Trail, and to purchase a bench, tools, and a yoga session if held. The meeting was then adjourned by a 3‑0 vote.
- Approved allocation of up to $2,500 from yearly budget and CPA funds for Phase II engineering fees, bench, tools, and yoga (4-0)
- Approved motion to adjourn the meeting (3-0)
Recreation Commission
The provided agenda contains only the meeting time and references to documents. There are no specific discussion items or decisions listed in the text.
The commission approved a $1,008.04 purchase of turf products from TPC. It authorized K. LaVault to sign invoices and payrolls. The light fee for fields was increased from $15 to $20 per hour effective September 1 2025. Commissioners elected K. LaVault as chair and D. Dumont as vice‑chair, and approved the April 1 2025 meeting minutes.
- Approved $1,008.04 purchase of turf products from TPC (4-0-0)
- Authorized K. LaVault to sign invoices and payrolls (4-0-0)
- Increased light fee from $15 to $20 per hour effective Sep 1 2025 (4-0-0)
- Elected K. LaVault as chair (4-0)
- Elected D. Dumont as vice‑chair (4-0)
- Approved minutes from 04/01/2025 (3-0-1)
- Tabled Fall Program Initiatives to July meeting
- Adjourned meeting (4-0-0)
Select Board
The provided agenda contains only meeting times and document references. There are no specific discussion items or decisions listed in the text.
The Select Board approved the Fire Chief’s proposal to create a Junior Firefighter Academy (5-0-0). A motion to refuse an extension from the Massachusetts School Building Authority for the Neary project was defeated (2-3-0). The Board also approved several consent‑agenda items, including donations, a one‑day liquor license, and FY25 salary fund use (all 5-0-0). Additional actions included appointing a transit representative and re‑appointing FY26 committee members (both 5-0-0).
- Approved Junior Firefighter Academy proposal (5-0-0)
- Defeated motion to not request MSBA extension (2-3-0)
- Approved Open Session Minutes for May 20, 2025 (5-0-0)
- Accepted $52,036 donation from New England Center for Children (5-0-0)
- Accepted $250 donation from Phaneuf Concrete (5-0-0)
- Approved One Day Liquor License for Kindergroup (5-0-0)
- Appointed Sam Stivers as MWRTA/MWRC representative (5-0-0)
- Re‑appointed FY26 committee members (except specified) (5-0-0)
Southborough Scholarship Advisory Committee
The Scholarship Advisory Committee presented several scholarship awards to students, including the Stephanie Ranieri Scholarship, Southborough Town Scholarship, Carroll Harris Scholarship, and Linda Hubley Scholarship. Representatives presented citations of recognition from the Massachusetts House of Representatives to the award recipients and to committee members. The committee then moved to adjourn, and the motion passed with all members in favor.
- Adjourned (motion passed, all in favor)
Wastewater Study Committee
The Wastewater Study Committee meeting on June 3, 2025 did not have a quorum, so no agenda items were approved, denied, or tabled.
Affordable Housing Trust
The Affordable Housing Trust board voted to adjourn the June 3, 2025 meeting. The motion was made by Mr. Desmond, seconded by Ms. Marya, and approved by a 3‑0 vote. No other substantive actions were decided at this meeting.
- Adjourned meeting (3-0)
Council on Aging
Deputy Town Clerk Stephanie Secino sent a notice that the Town Clerk’s Office has not received the required minutes for five Council on Aging meetings held in 2025. The meetings listed are 1/13/2025, 3/3/2025, 4/7/2025, 5/5/2025, and 6/2/2025. Recipients were asked to explain the delay, citing possible cancellation, lack of quorum, or executive‑session restrictions. No decisions or approvals were recorded in this notice.
Planning Board
The provided agenda contains only timestamps and references to document packets. There are no specific discussion items or decisions listed in the text.
The Board appointed Meme Luttrell as Chair and Marnie Hoolahan as Vice Chair. It also filled several committee seats, including Jesse Stein to the Deed Research Subcommittee and Lisa Braccio to the Community Preservation Committee, and reappointed members to the Master Plan Implementation, Metro West Regional Collaborative, MAPC, and 21 Highland Street Future Use committees. The Board approved a covenant extension for 96 Mt. Vickery Rd and extended public‑hearing decision dates for projects at 10 Turnpike Rd, 250 Turnpike Rd, and 26 Meadow Ln.
- Appointed Meme Luttrell as Chair (Yes‑4, No‑0, Abstain‑1)
- Appointed Marnie Hoolahan as Vice Chair (Yes‑4, No‑0, Abstain‑1)
- Appointed Jesse Stein to Deed Research Subcommittee (Yes‑5, No‑0)
- Extended covenant for 96 Mt. Vickery Rd to June 11, 2027 (Yes‑5, No‑0)
- Extended decision date for 10 Turnpike Rd to June 27, 2025 (Yes‑5, No‑0)
- Extended decision dates for 250 Turnpike Rd to June 27, 2025 (Yes‑4, No‑0, Not Voting‑1)
- Extended decision dates for 26 Meadow Ln to June 27, 2025 (Yes‑4, No‑0, Not Voting‑1)
- Reappointed members to MAPC and appointed Alan Belniak (Yes‑4, No‑0, Abstain‑1)
Wastewater Study Committee
The committee approved the minutes from the May 28, 2025 meeting by a 4‑0 vote. They approved the submission of the current Route 9 wastewater application with a 4‑1 vote. Members were tasked to prepare an updated draft of the Downtown application for distribution by June 2. The meeting was adjourned by a unanimous 5‑0 vote.
- Approved 5/28/25 meeting minutes (4-0)
- Approved Route 9 application submission (4-1)
- Assigned Reynolds, Stivers, and Wojick to prepare updated Downtown draft (deadline June 2)
- Adjourned meeting (5-0)
Wastewater Study Committee
The Southborough Wastewater Study Committee meeting scheduled for May 29, 2025 was cancelled. No agenda items were discussed, no votes were taken, and no decisions were made.
Conservation Commission
The Conservation Commission voted unanimously to grant a waiver for work within the 20‑ft no‑disturb zone at 45 Southville Road and to adopt the associated Order of Conditions. It also approved a Stormwater Management Permit for 48 Main Street with a 4‑0‑0 vote. All motions were carried and the meeting was then adjourned.
- Issued waiver for work within 20‑ft no‑disturb zone at 45 Southville Road (5‑0‑0)
- Issued Order of Conditions for 45 Southville Road (5‑0‑0)
- Issued Stormwater Management Permit for 48 Main Street (4‑0‑0)
- Adjourned the meeting (4‑0‑0)
Southborough Scholarship Advisory Committee
The committee approved five scholarship awards, each passing with a unanimous 5‑0 vote. It also approved a motion authorizing the Town House to sign the scholarship checks, also 5‑0. The approval of the previous meeting minutes was tabled. No other matters were acted upon.
- Approved Stefanie Ranieri Scholarship $1,500 to Applicant #1 (5-0)
- Approved Carol Harris Scholarship $1,000 to Applicant #2 (5-0)
- Approved Southborough Town Scholarship $1,500 to Applicant #3 (5-0)
- Approved Linda Hubley Scholarship $1,000 to Applicant #4 (5-0)
- Approved Stefanie Ranieri Scholarship $1,500 to Applicant #5 (5-0)
- Authorized Town House to sign checks for scholarship recipients (5-0)
- Tabled approval of past meeting minutes
- Adjourned meeting (5-0)
Wastewater Study Committee
The committee approved the May 19 and May 22 meeting minutes unanimously (5‑0 each). It decided to defer work on the downtown One Stop application until the next meeting on May 29. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously (6‑0).
- Approved 5/19/25 meeting minutes (5‑0 vote)
- Approved 5/22/25 meeting minutes (5‑0 vote)
- Deferred downtown One Stop application to next meeting (May 29)
- Adjourned meeting (6‑0 vote)
Board of Assessors
The Board elected Jeffrey Klein as Chair and Tammi Rice as Vice‑Chair for the coming year. It approved the April 22 minutes, the May motor vehicle excise tax abatements totaling $15,264.60, and the motor vehicle excise tax commitment #2025‑02 for 623 bills totaling $378,205.51. The Board set the next meeting for June 17 and entered executive session to review pending items.
- Jeffrey Klein elected Chair (2 votes in favor, 1 abstention)
- Tammi Rice elected Vice‑Chair (2 votes in favor, 1 abstention)
- April 22, 2025 minutes approved (unanimous)
- Monthly motor vehicle excise tax abatements approved: 46 abatements, $15,264.60 (unanimous)
- Motor vehicle excise tax commitment #2025‑02 approved: 623 bills, $378,205.51 (unanimous)
- Board adjourned open session and entered executive session (all three members aye)
- Next meeting scheduled for June 17, 2025
Conservation Commission
The Conservation Commission voted to continue the public hearings for the Woodland Road and Richards Road sidewalk projects until June 12, 2025, with a 5‑0‑0 roll‑call vote. The commission also tabled approval of the April 10 and May 1 minutes. Separate motions closed the public hearings on the 45 Southville Road septic upgrade (5‑0‑0) and the 48 Main Street building‑addition stormwater permit (4‑0‑1).
- Continue public hearing on Woodland Road sidewalk project to June 12, 2025 (5-0-0)
- Continue public hearing on Richards Road sidewalk project to June 12, 2025 (5-0-0)
- Table approval of April 10 and May 1 meeting minutes (no vote recorded)
- Close public hearing on 45 Southville Road septic upgrade (5-0-0)
- Close public hearing on 48 Main Street stormwater permit for building addition (4-0-1)
Wastewater Study Committee
The Southborough Wastewater Study Committee met on May 22, 2025, jointly with the Conservation Commission via Zoom. No quorum was present, so the committee could not conduct business. The agenda item on using treated effluent to irrigate the golf course was not acted upon.
Wastewater Study Committee
The committee agreed to use the town‑owned property behind the transfer station, with frontage on Middle Road, as the initial primary site for the Route 9 wastewater application. Members were assigned follow‑up tasks, including Hamilton providing the site address and Stivers drafting text on potential development users. The meeting was adjourned by a unanimous 5‑0 vote.
- Selected town-owned property behind transfer station (Middle Road frontage) as initial primary site for Route 9 wastewater system (unanimous agreement)
- Hamilton to provide detailed site address for the application (task assigned)
- Stivers to prepare text describing potential Route 9 development users (task assigned)
- Wojick to collect application information from members and submit completed applications (task assigned)
- Reynolds to coordinate with Vanessa Hale to input applications into IGX system starting June 2 (task assigned)
- Scheduled three additional meetings: Wednesday 7:30 PM, Thursday 6:30 PM, Friday 12:00 PM (meeting dates set)
- Motion to adjourn passed 5‑0 (unanimous)
Community Preservation Committee
The Southborough Community Preservation Committee approved a $30,000 transfer of surplus Halloran bond proceeds to fund annual debt service for the historic Southborough Townhouse restoration. The committee also adopted updates to the Application Handbook, set new eligibility and final‑approval deadlines, and scheduled the annual public forum for June 18, 2025. Minutes from three prior meetings were approved and the meeting was adjourned.
- Approved $30,000 transfer of Halloran bond surplus to historic townhouse restoration (unanimous 5-0-0)
- Adopted updated Application Handbook with Oct 10 eligibility deadline and Dec 31, 2025 final‑approval date
- Scheduled annual public forum for June 18, 2025 and preparatory meeting for June 11, 2025
- Assigned Ellen and Grant to develop signage samples for open and closed projects
- Tasked Katie to create a PDF fillable application for FY2026
- Approved minutes from 2/14/25 (unanimous 5-0-0)
- Approved minutes from 3/11/25 (unanimous 5-0-0)
- Approved minutes from 4/24/25 (unanimous 5-0-0)
Southborough Zoning Board of Appeals
The Southborough Zoning Board of Appeals approved a special permit for the sign at 154 Turnpike Road with a 4‑1 vote, granting height relief. It also approved a special permit for the sign at 250 Turnpike Road unanimously. The board continued the public hearing on the comprehensive permit for 250 Turnpike Road and approved the prior meeting minutes.
- Closed public hearing for 154 Turnpike Road sign (5‑0‑0)
- Approved special permit for 154 Turnpike Road sign (4‑1‑0)
- Closed public hearing for 250 Turnpike Road sign (5‑0‑0)
- Approved special permit for 250 Turnpike Road sign (5‑0‑0)
- Continued public hearing on comprehensive permit for 250 Turnpike Road (5‑0‑0)
- Approved April 30 and May 7 meeting minutes (5‑0‑0)
- Adjourned the meeting (5‑0‑0)
Golf Course Committee
The committee unanimously approved the March 11, 2025 minutes. They accepted the resignation of Chair Tony Schoener and unanimously elected Jen Selig as the new chair and Patricia Lally as secretary. The committee voted to appropriate up to $25,000 for paving the first‑hole cart path, pending an email of intent to the Sudbury Valley Trustees.
- Approved March 11, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
- Approved resignation of Chair Tony Schoener (unanimous)
- Elected Jen Selig as Chair (unanimous)
- Elected Patricia Lally as Secretary (unanimous)
- Approved appropriation of up to $25,000 for first‑hole cart path paving (approved, pending trustee email)
Southborough Stewardship Committee
The committee approved the April 10, 2025 meeting minutes with a 3‑0 vote and two abstentions. It authorized spending $784 to repair the roadside fence, with Joyce coordinating the work. The members decided that no spray signs will be placed on the town forest. A motion to adjourn passed unanimously (5‑0).
- Approved April 10, 2025 minutes (3-0, 2 abstentions)
- Approved $784 fence repair (committee agreement)
- Decided no spray signs will be placed
- Motion to adjourn passed (5-0)
Pre-K to 8 School Building Committee
The Neary Building Committee met on May 20, 2025. The only action taken was to adjourn the meeting, with a motion moved by Jason Malinowski, seconded by Denise Eddy, and approved unanimously. No substantive decisions on the Neary School project were made. The committee will continue discussions on next steps.
- Adjourned meeting (unanimous roll‑call vote)
Southborough Cultural Arts Council
The council approved the March 18, 2025 meeting minutes. It adopted a FY26 meeting calendar with dates in September, October, November, December, January, February, March, and a reception in late April. The members reached consensus on promoting the FY26 grant cycle and on planning Heritage Day activities. Action items were assigned to Kate, Ryan, and Liz.
- Approved March 18, 2025 meeting minutes
- Adopted FY26 meeting calendar (Sept 16, Oct 28, Nov 18, Dec 16, Jan 20, Feb 24, Mar 17, reception week of Apr 27)
- Consensused to promote FY26 grant cycle with June announcements and August FAQ session
- Consensused to plan Heritage Day; Liz to email about tent and community art ideas
Select Board
The Board unanimously appointed Brian Collins as a probationary officer for the Southborough Police Department and Christine Rehlander to the Recreation Commission (term ending 6/30/2027). The Board discussed upcoming EPA storm‑water requirements and took no immediate action. Members voted to adjourn both the Neary Building Committee and the K‑8 School Committee.
- Appointed Brian Collins as Probationary Officer (5-0-0)
- Appointed Christine Rehlander to Recreation Commission, term to 6/30/2027 (5-0-0)
- Adjourned Neary Building Committee (6-0-0)
- Adjourned K-8 School Committee (4-0-0)
- Discussed EPA stormwater changes; no action taken
Planning Board
The Board unanimously approved a covenant extension for the Chestnut Meadow Subdivision through April 30, 2026. It also approved a waiver for the Total Site Lumen Limit and gave final approval to the major site plan for 48 Main St (Fay School Building addition). The public hearing for that project was closed and the meeting was adjourned.
- Approved Chestnut Meadow covenant extension to April 30, 2026 (Yes-5, No-0)
- Approved waiver from 174-12.1.f for Total Site Lumen Limit (Yes-4, No-0)
- Approved major site plan for 48 Main St (Fay School Bldg. Addition) (Yes-4, No-0)
- Closed public hearing for 48 Main St (Fay School Bldg. Addition) (Yes-4, No-0)
- Adjourned meeting at 7:29 pm (Yes-5, No-0)
🏢 Building at this address: Fay School · 7 m tall
Wastewater Study Committee
The committee approved the May 12, 2025 meeting minutes with a 4‑0‑1 vote (one abstention). Members discussed the Route 9 and Downtown grant applications and possible sites for a treatment plant, but no formal decisions were made on those items. The meeting was then adjourned by a 4‑0 vote.
- Approved May 12, 2025 meeting minutes (4-0-1)
- Adjourned meeting (4-0)
Southborough Trails Committee
The Southborough Trails Committee met virtually on May 15, 2025. Bench assembly was reported completed and locations were discussed. The meeting was adjourned after a motion moved by William Warren and seconded by Satyendra Sharma was approved 3-0. No other decisions were recorded.
- Motion to adjourn meeting approved (3-0)
21 Highland Future Use Committee
The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the February 27, 2025 meeting. It agreed to seek input from the Historical, Open Space, and Recreation Commissions, as well as local developers, the Economic Development Committee, and the Kindergroup. Members also agreed to create a parcel‑layout map and to hold a public forum in June, with the format modeled on MBTA zoning forums. The meeting was adjourned unanimously at 8:33 p.m.
- Approved February 27, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
- Agreed to seek input from Historical, Open Space, and Recreation Commissions
- Agreed to solicit views from local developers, Economic Development Committee, and Kindergroup
- Agreed to create a parcel‑layout map distinguishing town‑owned vs school‑owned land
- Agreed to hold a public forum on Finn School future use in June (location secured, pending calendar confirmation)
- Agreed on public forum format similar to MBTA zoning forums
- Adjourned meeting at 8:33 p.m. (unanimous)
Affordable Housing Trust
The board approved the minutes from the April 24 and May 1 meetings. Members entered an executive session to discuss a possible property purchase. They voted to let Mr. Desmond send a letter to the owner and attorney of 61 Newton Street about the acquisition. The board also agreed to contact Saint Mark’s about its old ski‑area parcel and then adjourned the meeting.
- Approved 04.24.2025 meeting minutes (vote 4-0-1)
- Approved 05.01.2025 meeting minutes (vote 4-0-1)
- Entered executive session to discuss potential property acquisition (vote 5-0)
- Authorized Mr. Desmond to send a letter to the owner and attorney of 61 Newton Street (vote 4-0-1)
- Agreed to reach out to Saint Mark’s about its ski‑area parcel for affordable housing
- Adjourned the meeting (vote 5-0)
Pre-K to 8 School Building Committee
The Neary Building Committee unanimously approved the April 5 and May 5, 2025 meeting minutes. No other actions were taken. The meeting was then unanimously adjourned.
- Approved April 5 and May 5, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Adjourned meeting (unanimous)
- No other business taken
Southborough Scholarship Advisory Committee
The Deputy Town Clerk sent a notice that minutes and documents for four Scholarship Advisory Committee meetings (3/26/2025, 5/15/2025, 5/28/2025, 6/3/2025) have not been received. The notice asks the committee to explain why the minutes cannot be provided, citing possible cancellation, lack of quorum, or executive‑session restrictions. No substantive decisions were made at this time.
Southborough Youth Commission
The Southborough Youth Commission approved the minutes from the April 8, 2025 meeting. The board also approved the SYC position‑description document as amended. Nominations for Chair, Vice‑Chair and Secretary were presented but will be voted on at the next meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
- Approved April 8, 2025 SYC meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Approved SYC position‑description document as amended (unanimous)
- Nominations for Chair (Melissa Shields), Vice‑Chair (Susan Beyer) and Secretary (Sara Michas) presented; vote scheduled for next meeting
- Adjourned meeting at 7:55 p.m. (unanimous)
Housing Authority
The Southborough Housing Authority unanimously approved the meeting minutes, accounts payable, and the Executive Director's report. It also approved several contracts, including a $1,750 door replacement, a $120,000 painting project, and a one‑year plumbing service, as well as a $206,866 amendment to a financial assistance contract. Commissioners Barry and Wood were appointed as joint representatives to the Community Preservation Committee, and the Authority's affirmative‑action goal was affirmed.
- Approved April 14, 2025 meeting minutes (4-0)
- Approved Accounts Payable as of May 12, 2025 (4-0)
- Accepted Executive Director report (4-0)
- Approved Certificate of Final Completion for FISH Project #277062 ($1,750) (4-0)
- Approved Amendment #17 to Contract CFA 5001 ($206,866.33) (4-0)
- Approved one‑year on‑call plumbing contract with N&T Mechanical (4-0)
- Approved $120,000 painting contract with Fox Painting Co. for FISH Project #277070 (4-0)
- Appointed Commissioners Barry and Wood as joint CPC representatives (4-0)
Library Board of Trustees
The trustees reviewed the Library Director contract draft, noting it is being reworked by labor counsel. Trustee Janet Maney offered to assist with the contract review. The board then voted to adjourn the executive session.
- Adjourned executive session (all voted in favor)
- Agreed Trustee Janet Maney will assist with contract review
- Labor counsel will rework contract draft to fit town template
Planning Board
The Planning Board approved the minor site plan for 361 Turnpike Rd (Valvoline Instant Oil Change) by a 3‑2 vote. It also approved the minor site plan for 118 Turnpike Rd, Suite 2 (Pilates Studio) unanimously. The Board voted unanimously to continue the public hearing on the modification to the major site plan for 10 Turnpike Rd (Storage Facility) to June 2 2025 at 7:00 pm. No other substantive actions were taken.
- Approved Minor Site Plan for 361 Turnpike Rd (Valvoline Instant Oil Change) (3‑2)
- Approved Minor Site Plan for 118 Turnpike Rd, Suite 2 (Pilates Studio) (5‑0)
- Continued public hearing for 10 Turnpike Rd (Storage Facility) to June 2 2025, 7:00 pm (5‑0)
Golf Course Committee
The Southborough Golf Course Committee meeting on May 12, 2025 was cancelled because a quorum was not present. No decisions were made or actions approved.
Wastewater Study Committee
The committee unanimously approved the May 1 and May 6, 2025 meeting minutes (5‑0 votes each). Members discussed One Stop grant applications, identified the town administrator as the project CEO, and assigned staff to gather and share application information. The group scheduled the next meeting for Friday, May 16, 2025 at 12 PM via Zoom.
- Approved May 1 2025 meeting minutes (5‑0)
- Approved May 6 2025 meeting minutes (5‑0)
- Scheduled next meeting for Friday, May 16 2025 at 12 PM via Zoom
- Assigned Ms. Reynolds to forward grant application information to Weston & Sampson
- Assigned Mr. Moss and Mr. Stivers to specify project impact details
- Assigned Mr. Stivers to send a copy of the Master Plan to Weston & Sampson
- Assigned Mr. Hamilton to send the irrigation presentation to Weston & Sampson
- Adjourned meeting (5‑0)
Board of Commissioners of Trust Funds
The board approved the May 3, 2025 minutes by a 2‑0 vote. It then approved a $1,000 assistance request for applicant #66, allocating $476.21 to the water bill and leaving $523.79 for the applicant to designate. The meeting was adjourned by a 2‑0 vote.
- Approved May 3, 2025 minutes (2-0)
- Approved $1,000 assistance for applicant #66 (2-0)
- Adjourned meeting (2-0)
Advisory Committee
The minutes consist of numeric codes without readable agenda items. No approvals, denials, or motions were documented. Consequently, no actionable decisions can be reported.
Pre-K to 8 School Building Committee
The Neary Building Committee met on May 10, 2025, to prepare for the upcoming Town Meeting presentation. No substantive actions were taken; the only formal action was a unanimous motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:25 AM so members could attend the Town Meeting.
- Adjourned meeting (unanimous)
Select Board
The May 10, 2025 Select Board convened at Algonquin Regional High School and was called to order at 8:31 a.m. The board discussed meeting logistics and reviewed the Advisory Committee report on the Neary School project. The meeting was adjourned at 8:36 a.m. No formal actions, approvals, or votes were recorded.
Advisory Committee
The committee tabled the approval of draft minutes from prior meetings, taking no vote. Members discussed and edited a draft advisory letter on the Neary Building Project budget, but no vote was taken. A motion to adjourn was made and approved unanimously (5-0-0). No other business or public comments were presented.
- Draft minutes from prior meetings tabled (no vote)
- Adjournment motion approved (5-0-0)
Taxation Aid Committee
The committee approved the minutes from the March 5 and April 2 meetings. It voted to award $1,500 to each of the six qualified applicants for FY 26 property tax aid. Committee members signed the award forms for check issuance.
- Approved March 5, 2025 minutes (4 in favor, 1 not voting)
- Approved April 2, 2025 minutes (3 in favor, 3 not voting)
- Approved $1,500 tax‑aid award to each of six applicants (5 in favor)
- Signed award forms for check issuance
- Adjourned meeting (unanimous in favor)
Neary School Building Committee - Finance Subcommittee
The Neary Building Committee Finance Subcommittee is holding a meeting but the agenda contains only time entries and document references without any specific decisions or discussion topics listed. This appears to be a procedural or administrative session.
- No agenda items with concrete proposals, votes, or dollar amounts are specified.
The Deputy Town Clerk notified the Finance Subcommittee that minutes for NBC Finance meetings on 5/2/25, 5/6/25, and 5/7/25 have not been submitted as required by Town Code § 9‑25. The notice requests an explanation if the minutes cannot be provided, citing possible reasons such as cancellation, lack of quorum, or executive‑session restrictions. No substantive actions or votes were recorded.
Neary School Building Committee - Communications Subcommittee
The Deputy Town Clerk notified the Communications Subcommittee chair that the Town Clerk has not received minutes for five listed meetings. The notice requests an explanation if minutes cannot be provided, citing possible reasons such as cancellation, lack of quorum, or executive‑session restrictions. No decisions or actions were taken at this time.
Pre-K to 8 School Building Committee
The New Building Committee lacked a quorum on May 6 and May 7, 2025, so no official actions were taken. Only the NBC Finance Subcommittee had a quorum, but no decisions were recorded.
Southborough Zoning Board of Appeals
The Zoning Board of Appeals approved a variance allowing the Connellys to build a garage that encroaches the side setback at 26 Granuaile Road, with a unanimous 5‑0‑0 vote. The Board also approved a special permit for a sign exceeding the height limit at 153 Cordaville Road, also by a 5‑0‑0 vote. Minutes from the March 19, 2025 meeting were approved (5‑0‑0) and the meeting was adjourned (6‑0‑0).
- Approved variance for 26 Granuaile Road garage (5-0-0)
- Approved special permit for sign height at 153 Cordaville Road (5-0-0)
- Approved amended meeting minutes (5-0-0)
- Closed public hearing for 26 Granuaile Road (5-0-0)
- Closed public hearing for 153 Cordaville Road (5-0-0)
- Adjourned meeting (6-0-0)
Tricentennial Committee
The Tricentennial Committee approved Cait Otenti as a volunteer to assist with marketing, with the motion passing unanimously. The minutes from the previous meeting were approved unanimously (5-0). The committee voted unanimously not to give a presentation at the upcoming Special Town Meeting. The meeting was adjourned by a unanimous (5-0) vote.
- Accepted Cait Otenti as a volunteer (unanimously approved)
- Approved previous meeting minutes (5-0)
- Voted not to present at Special Town Meeting (unanimously, 5-0)
- Adjourned meeting (5-0)
Community Preservation Committee
The minutes consist of coded entries without any recorded approvals, denials, or vote tallies. No concrete actions or decisions were documented for this session.
Southborough Trails Committee
The Southborough Trails Committee approved the minutes from the April 24, 2025 meeting with a 3‑0 vote. A motion to adjourn the May 6 meeting was also passed unanimously (3‑0). All other agenda items were discussed or deferred for future meetings.
- Approved 04/24/2025 meeting minutes (3-0)
- Approved motion to adjourn meeting (3-0)
Neary School Building Committee - Finance Subcommittee
The Deputy Town Clerk informed the Neary School Building Committee Finance Subcommittee that the town clerk has not received minutes for the meetings held on May 2, May 6, and May 7, 2025. The notice requests an explanation if the minutes cannot be provided due to cancellation, lack of quorum, or executive‑session restrictions. No decisions or actions were recorded in the meeting minutes themselves.
Pre-K to 8 School Building Committee
The New Building Committee met on May 6 and May 7, 2025. Neither meeting had a quorum of the full NBC, so no official actions could be taken. Only the NBC Finance Subcommittee had a quorum. Consequently, no decisions were approved, denied, or tabled.
Board of Health
The Board of Health voted to accept the minutes from the April 8, 2025 meeting. The board then voted to adjourn the May 6, 2025 meeting. No other actions were decided.
- Approved 4/8/25 meeting minutes (2-0)
- Adjourned meeting (3-0)
Wastewater Study Committee
The Wastewater Study Committee voted unanimously to have Mr. Cundiff contact Weston & Sampson to assist with the One Stop grant applications, with a fallback to Pare if needed. The motion passed with a 6‑0 vote. The committee also approved adjourning the meeting by a 6‑0 vote.
- Approved motion for Cundiff to engage Weston & Sampson for One Stop grant assistance (6-0)
- Approved motion to adjourn the meeting (6-0)
Select Board
The board approved the town's debt management policy, removing language about OPEB liability, with a 4-1-0 vote. It also unanimously appointed Jeff Mayer as a Probationary Officer and Patricia Lally to the Golf Committee, renewed the Health Insurance Opt-Out program, and approved the MWRA loan and related consent agenda items. Open Session minutes for April 18, 2025 were also approved unanimously.
- Appointed Jeff Mayer as Probationary Officer (5-0-0)
- Appointed Patricia Lally to Golf Committee (5-0-0)
- Approved Health Insurance Opt-Out Program policy renewal (5-0-0)
- Approved MWRA Loan (5-0-0)
- Approved debt management policy, striking OPEB liability language (4-1-0)
- Approved Open Session Minutes for April 18, 2025 (5-0-0)
- Reappointed Kelly O’Brien to Tax Aid Committee (5-0-0)
- Approved consent agenda items b and d together (5-0-0)
Advisory Committee
The committee approved the minutes from six prior meetings with various vote totals. It then voted 3-1-2 to support article 1 at the upcoming Special Town Meeting. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.
- Approved Sep 9 2024 minutes (7-0-0)
- Approved Sep 25 2024 minutes (6-0-1)
- Approved Dec 17 2024 minutes (4-0-3)
- Approved Jan 7 2025 minutes (5-0-2)
- Approved Feb 5 2025 minutes (5-0-2)
- Approved Mar 11 2025 minutes (4-0-3)
- Supported article 1 for Special Town Meeting (3-1-2)
- Adjourned meeting (7-0-0)
Pre-K to 8 School Building Committee
The Neary Building Committee voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 10:16 p.m. No other actions, approvals, or denials were taken during this session.
- Adjourned meeting (unanimous roll‑call vote)
Council on Aging
The council approved the April 7 minutes with a deletion of the MCOA Conference sentence. It approved a $1,000 emergency‑fund grant for a woman’s hearing aid. The discussion on new board members was tabled until the fall, and the summer meeting was set for July 28 at 10:00 a.m. The Volunteer of the Year award was not reactivated.
- Approved April 7 minutes with deletion of MCOA Conference sentence (unanimous)
- Approved $1,000 emergency fund grant for hearing aid (email vote)
- Tabled potential board members until Fall
- Scheduled summer meeting for July 28 at 10:00 a.m.
- Decided not to reactivate Volunteer of the Year award
- Adjourned meeting at 11:38 a.m. (unanimous)
Municipal Technology Committee
The committee voted to forego electronic clickers at the upcoming Saturday town meeting due to technical problems. Members agreed to simplify the strategic metric table and develop a shortlist of metrics. The meeting was adjourned unanimously and the next MTC session was set for June 10 at 6:00 PM.
- Clickers will not be used for the upcoming Saturday town meeting (decision by Jim & moderator)
- Consensus to simplify the strategic metric table and create a shortlist of metrics (action agreed)
- Motion to adjourn passed unanimously
- Angela assigned to circulate updated slide deck and prior survey
- Sam assigned to follow up with the school superintendent for IT representation
- Jay assigned to provide a technology inventory list via executive session
- All members to submit their top two metrics per category for consolidation
- Next MTC meeting scheduled for June 10 at 6:00 PM
Personnel Board
The Personnel Board agenda for May 2, 2025, lists only procedural references to documents and times, with no decisions or discussions described.
- No substantive items on agenda.
The Personnel Board approved the March 10, 2025 meeting minutes (3‑0‑0). It accepted a retroactive salary increase for Peg Leonard, the Council on Aging Director (3‑0‑0). The board also set a three‑week vacation accrual for Deputy Town Clerk Stephanie Secino (4‑0‑0) and established a pay rate for Summer Camp/Program Supervisor Zac Allor (4‑0‑0). The meeting was adjourned by a unanimous vote (4‑0‑0).
- Approved March 10, 2025 minutes (3-0-0)
- Approved salary for COA Director Peg Leonard, retroactive to appointment (3-0-0)
- Approved three‑week vacation accrual for Deputy Town Clerk Stephanie Secino (4-0-0)
- Approved pay rate for Summer Camp/Program Supervisor Zac Allor (4-0-0)
- Adjourned meeting (4-0-0)
Library Board of Trustees
The trustees voted 5‑1‑0 to approve the electric vehicle charger project at the library. The board also approved the amended minutes from the April 14 meeting. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.
- Approved electric vehicle charger installation (5-1-0)
- Approved amended April 14 minutes (unanimous)
- Adjourned meeting (unanimous)
Neary School Building Committee - Finance Subcommittee
The Deputy Town Clerk notified the Finance Subcommittee that minutes for several meetings have not been submitted as required by town code. No actions, votes, or approvals were taken at this time. The notice asks the committee to explain why the minutes are missing.
Conservation Commission
The Conservation Commission voted 6‑0‑0 to close the public hearing on the 60‑unit apartment project at 120 Turnpike Road and then voted 6‑0‑0 to issue the Order of Conditions for that project. Earlier, the commission issued a negative determination of applicability for the asphalt path at 36 Cordaville Road (5‑0‑0) and continued public hearings for three other projects to May 22, 2025. All votes were unanimous with no dissenting or abstaining members where noted.
- Closed public hearing for 120 Turnpike Road apartment project (6-0-0)
- Issued Order of Conditions for 120 Turnpike Road project (6-0-0)
- Issued Negative Determination of Applicability for 36 Cordaville Road asphalt path (5-0-0)
- Continued public hearing for 45 Southville Road septic upgrade to May 22 (5-0-0)
- Continued public hearing for 48 Main Street building addition to May 22 (4-0-1)
- Continued public hearing for 26 Meadow Lane flexible development to May 22 (5-0-0)
Affordable Housing Trust
The Affordable Housing Trust Fund Committee voted 4‑0 to accept Community Scale’s Housing Production Plan proposal. Ms. Ellen Marya was tasked to follow up with Community Scale and the Town to move the process forward. The committee also postponed releasing Executive Session minutes on a potential property acquisition, set the next meeting for May 15, 2025 at 6:30 PM (virtual), and adjourned the meeting unanimously.
- Approved Community Scale Housing Production Plan proposal (vote 4‑0)
- Assigned Ms. Ellen Marya to follow up with Community Scale and the town
- Held off releasing Executive Session minutes on potential property acquisition
- Scheduled next meeting for May 15, 2025 at 6:30 PM (virtual)
- Approved motion to adjourn the meeting (vote 4‑0)
Pre-K to 8 School Building Committee
The minutes consist solely of numeric codes and do not document any approvals, denials, or actions taken by the Pre‑K to 8 School Building Committee.
Golf Course Committee
The Southborough Golf Course Committee meeting scheduled for May 1, 2025 was cancelled because a quorum was not present. No agenda items were considered, and no decisions were made or recorded.
Wastewater Study Committee
The committee approved the April 17, 2025 meeting minutes with a 4‑0‑1 vote. Members decided to reassess the consultant pricing proposals and postpone a consultant selection vote until all members are present. Chair Hamilton will discuss a possible disposal site on the town golf course with the Conservation Commission and follow up on a private system on Newton Street. The next meetings were scheduled for May 6 at noon (Zoom) and May 8 at 6:30 PM.
- Approved 4/17/25 meeting minutes (vote 4-0-1)
- Postponed consultant selection vote pending price reassessment
- Hamilton to discuss golf‑course property disposal site with Conservation Commission
- Hamilton to follow up on private wastewater system on Newton Street
- Scheduled meeting for May 6, 2025 at 12:00 PM via Zoom
- Scheduled meeting for May 8, 2025 at 6:30 PM
- Adjourned meeting (vote 5-0)
Wastewater Study Committee
The Wastewater Study Committee met remotely on May 1, 2025. No quorum was present, so the committee could not conduct business. Consequently, no items were approved, denied, or tabled.
Taxation Aid Committee
The minutes consist of coded numeric entries without clear descriptions of actions. No decisions, approvals, denials, or tabling of items were documented in readable form. Therefore, no substantive outcomes can be reported.
Southborough Zoning Board of Appeals
The Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously (5‑0) to grant a Special Permit for the proposed garage at 6 Lorenzo Drive. The Board also agreed to include a finding that the project will not increase traffic and therefore does not conflict with public health, safety, and welfare. The public hearing was formally closed by a 5‑0 vote and the meeting was adjourned by a 6‑0 vote.
- Granted Special Permit for 6 Lorenzo Drive (5-0-0 roll call)
- Added finding that proposal will not increase traffic (unanimous agreement)
- Closed public hearing (5-0-0 roll call)
- Adjourned meeting (6-0-0 roll call)
Pre-K to 8 School Building Committee
The Neary Building Committee approved the outstanding minutes for the March 31 and April 3, 2025 meetings. It also approved the March 27, 2025 Communications Subcommittee minutes. The committee then moved to adjourn, which was approved unanimously.
- Approved March 31 and April 3 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous roll‑call vote)
- Approved March 27 2025 Communications Subcommittee minutes (unanimous roll‑call vote)
- Adjourned the meeting (unanimous roll‑call vote)
Select Board
This Select Board meeting agenda consists solely of references to PDF documents and does not list any specific items for discussion or decision. The agenda is procedural boilerplate with no details on actions or topics.
Select Board
The board approved the appointment of Mike Szczepanski to the Capital Improvement and Planning Committee. It agreed to task the CIPC and John Parent with studying future uses for the Finn School. The board also agreed to review the proposed debt policy input at the May 6 meeting and to make the Neary project tax calculators available on MySouthborough and social media.
- Approved appointment of Mike Szczepanski to Capital Improvement and Planning Committee (5-0-0)
- Agreed to task CIPC and John Parent with investigating future uses for the Finn School
- Agreed to review Mr. Roselli’s input on the proposed debt financial policy at the May 6 meeting
- Agreed to provide Neary project tax calculators to MySouthborough and other social media outlets
Pre-K to 8 School Building Committee
The Pre‑K to 8 School Building Committee meeting scheduled for April 28, 2025 was cancelled because a quorum was not present. No agenda items were considered and no decisions were made.
Planning Board
The provided agenda text lists only meeting time (6:30 PM) and references to documents without describing any decisions or discussions. The agenda appears to be procedural boilerplate with no concrete items detailed.
- No specific agenda items, rezonings, contracts, or public hearings are described in the provided text.
The Board unanimously approved a Major Site Plan amendment to allow medical/clinical lab use at 2 Park Central Drive. It also voted to continue the public hearing for the 10 Turnpike Rd storage facility modification to May 12, 2025, and to close the public hearing. Additionally, the Board agreed to develop a GIS update plan for the CPC and use the remaining $7,800 from the 2012 project within a year.
- Approved continuation of public hearing for 10 Turnpike Rd (Storage Facility) to May 12, 2025 – Yes-4, No-0
- Approved Major Site Plan amendment (Change of Use Suite 140) for 2 Park Central Drive – Yes-4, No-0
- Approved motion to close the public hearing – Yes-4, No-0
- Agreed to develop GIS update plan for CPC and use remaining $7,800 within a year
- Sign criteria votes: two criteria approved unanimously, two tied 2‑2, one approved 3‑1
Southborough Trails Committee
The Southborough Trails Committee approved the minutes from the March 20, 2025 meeting by a 4‑0 vote. No other motions were voted on. The committee set the next meeting for May 6, 2025. The meeting was adjourned by a 4‑0 vote.
- Approved 03/20/2025 meeting minutes (4-0)
- Scheduled next meeting for May 6, 2025
- Adjourned meeting (4-0)
Affordable Housing Trust
The trustees approved the minutes from the March 25, 2025 regular and executive sessions. They voted 4‑0 to enter an executive session to discuss a possible property acquisition. The executive‑session minutes were also approved, and the meeting was adjourned.
- Approved 03.25.2025 regular meeting minutes (Yes-4, No-0, Abstain-0)
- Entered executive session to discuss potential property acquisition (Yes-4, No-0, Abstain-0)
- Approved 03.25.2025 executive session minutes (Yes-4, No-0, Abstain-0)
- Adjourned meeting (Yes-4, No-0, Abstain-0)
Community Preservation Committee
The Southborough Community Preservation Committee approved the minutes from 3/11/25 and 3/5/25 unanimously (5-0-0). It approved the minutes from 2/14/25 (4-0-1) and later rescinded that approval unanimously (5-0-0). The minutes from 2/27/25 were approved (4-0-1). The meeting was then adjourned by a unanimous vote (5-0-0).
- Approved minutes from 03/11/25 (5-0-0)
- Approved minutes from 3/5/25 (5-0-0)
- Approved minutes from 2/14/25 (4-0-1)
- Rescinded approval of minutes for 2/14/25 (5-0-0)
- Approved minutes from 2/27/25 (4-0-1)
- Adjourned meeting (5-0-0)
Planning Board
The Southborough Planning Board voted to approve the Fiscal Year 2026 Vegetation Management Plan presented by National Grid. The motion was made by Ms. Hoolahan, seconded by Ms. DeMuria, and passed with a roll‑call vote of Yes‑4, No‑0. The board also unanimously approved a motion to adjourn the meeting at 12:43 pm.
- Approved FY26 Vegetation Management Plan (Yes‑4, No‑0)
- Approved motion to adjourn meeting (Yes‑4, No‑0)
Board of Assessors
The Board accepted the March 11, 2025 meeting minutes and approved motor vehicle excise tax abatements totaling $10,855.21 for the 2024 and 2025 levies. It accepted the FY25 Community Preservation Surcharge Report, resulting in a net raised surcharge of $458,752.78. The Board also approved two personal real estate tax exemption applications and postponed the filing extension for the 3ABC form to the next meeting.
- Accepted March 11, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Approved 2024 motor vehicle excise tax abatements: 8 abatements totaling $670.49 (unanimous)
- Approved 2025 motor vehicle excise tax abatements: 57 abatements totaling $10,184.72 (unanimous)
- Accepted Community Preservation Surcharge Report for FY25 with net $458,752.78 (board signed)
- Entered executive session (Rice and Widdiss voted aye)
- Approved two personal real estate tax exemption applications (unanimous)
- Continued filing extension of 3ABC form to next meeting (postponed)
- Adjourned the meeting
Tricentennial Committee
The Tricentennial Committee approved the March 19, 2025 meeting minutes by a 5‑0 vote. Members agreed to combine the musical festival with a BBQ for the 300th‑anniversary celebrations. They also decided to invite John Cook of the Rotary Club to the April meeting. The meeting was adjourned by a 5‑0 vote.
- Approved March 19, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0-0)
- Agreed to combine musical festival with BBQ (unanimous)
- Invited John Cook to attend the April meeting
- Adjourned meeting (5-0-0)
Select Board
The Select Board appointed Panajoti Samarxhi as a probationary police officer and Gene Novack as interim Building Commissioner, both effective immediately. It also authorized DPW Superintendent Bill Cundiff to sign the CSX road opening permit for the Main Street construction scheduled for April 22‑24, 2025. The consent agenda items to close and sign the May 10 Special Town Meeting warrant and to approve the May 13 Annual Town Election warrant, including assigning police officers to the polls, were approved.
- Appointed Panajoti Samarxhi as Probationary Police Officer (4-0-0)
- Appointed Gene Novack as Interim Building Commissioner (4-0-0)
- Authorized Bill Cundiff to sign CSX road opening permit for Main Street project (4-0-0)
- Approved consent agenda item a: Close and sign May 10, 2025 Special Town Meeting warrant (4-0-0)
- Approved consent agenda item b: Approve May 13, 2025 Annual Town Election warrant and assign police officers to polls (4-0-0)
Golf Course Committee
The minutes consist of numeric codes and placeholders without any readable actions, approvals, or votes. No concrete decisions, approvals, denials, or tabling of items can be identified from the provided text.
Wastewater Study Committee
The committee approved the minutes from the March 31, 2025 meeting. It voted unanimously to have Bill Cundiff locate three pro‑bono consultants for the One Stop applications for both the downtown wastewater system and the Route 9 wastewater system. The next meeting was scheduled for May 1, 2025 at 6:30 PM and the session was adjourned.
- Approved minutes for 3/31/25 (5‑0)
- Approved motion for Cundiff to find three pro‑bono consultants for downtown wastewater One Stop application (5‑0)
- Approved motion for Cundiff to find three pro‑bono consultants for Route 9 wastewater One Stop application (5‑0)
- Set next meeting for May 1, 2025 at 6:30 PM
- Adjourned meeting (5‑0)
Pre-K to 8 School Building Committee
The minutes for the Southborough Pre‑K to 8 School Building Committee on April 16 2025 contain no recorded decisions, approvals, denials, or motions. The entries consist of numeric codes and placeholders without substantive content.
Board of Health
The April 16, 2025 Southborough Board of Health minutes contain no substantive actions, approvals, or denials. Only procedural entries are listed, with no decisions recorded.
Southborough Zoning Board of Appeals
The minutes for the Southborough Zoning Board of Appeals meeting on April 16, 2025 contain only numeric codes and no readable record of actions taken. No approvals, denials, or tablings are documented. The meeting appears to have been procedural or the record is incomplete.
Tricentennial Committee
The meeting minutes consist only of numeric entries and do not contain any recorded decisions, approvals, or votes. No substantive actions were documented.
Southborough Scholarship Advisory Committee
The minutes for the April 16, 2025 meeting consist only of numeric codes and contain no readable record of decisions, approvals, or actions. Consequently, no substantive actions were documented. Residents should consult the town’s official website for any updates.
Southborough Cultural Arts Council
The minutes contain no recorded approvals, denials, or other decisions. Only procedural entries are present.
Board of Assessors
The minutes consist of coded entries without readable decisions. No approvals, denials, or motions were documented. The board did not record any substantive actions during this session.
Select Board
The provided agenda contains only timestamps and references to document files. There are no specific discussion items or decisions listed in the text.
The minutes consist only of numeric codes and contain no clear record of approvals, denials, or actions. No substantive decisions were documented.
Housing Authority
The board approved the corrected March minutes and changed its regular meeting day to the second Monday of each month. It approved the April 14 accounts payable, accepted the Executive Director’s report, and voted to investigate forming a Southborough Housing Realty Trust, LLC. The board also acknowledged recent public housing notices and adjourned the meeting.
- Approved March 11, 2025 meeting minutes as amended (3-0)
- Changed regular meeting day to second Monday each month at 5:30 p.m. (3-0)
- Approved Accounts Payable as of April 14 2025 (3-0)
- Accepted Executive Director’s report (3-0)
- Approved further investigation of Southborough Housing Realty Trust, LLC (3-0)
- Acknowledged receipt of Public Housing Notices 2023‑03 and 2019‑16 (3-0)
- Adjourned meeting at 6:11 p.m. (3-0)
Library Board of Trustees
The Library Board approved the minutes from the March 13, 2025 meeting. Trustees voted unanimously to adjourn the April 14 session at 12:15 PM. No other substantive actions or votes were recorded.
- Approved March 13, 2025 minutes (6‑0)
- Adjourned meeting at 12:15 PM (6‑0)
Select Board
The Select Board entered an executive session at 8:00 a.m. to discuss discipline or dismissal of a public officer or employee. The motion was made by Chair Kathy Cook, seconded by Sam Stivers, and approved by a 5‑0‑0 roll‑call vote. No other actions were taken during this meeting.
- Entered executive session to discuss personnel discipline (5-0-0)
Conservation Commission
The Southborough Conservation Commission approved an Emergency Certification for a water main repair on Lynbrook Road/Route 30 and issued a Certificate of Compliance for St Mark’s Dorm, each by a 4‑0‑0 vote. It also postponed three pending permit hearings—48 Main Street, 26 Meadow Lane, and 120 Turnpike Road—to the May 1, 2025 meeting. All motions were adopted by roll‑call vote.
- Approved Emergency Certification for water main at Lynbrook Road & Route 30 (4-0-0)
- Issued Certificate of Compliance for St Mark’s Dorm (4-0-0)
- Continued Stormwater Management Permit – 48 Main Street hearing to May 1, 2025 (3-0-1)
- Continued Notice of Intent & Stormwater Management Permit – 26 Meadow Lane hearing to May 1, 2025 (4-0-0)
- Continued Notice of Intent – 120 Turnpike Road hearing to May 1, 2025 (4-0-0)
- Closed public hearing for 38 Sears Road reconstruction (4-0-0)
Affordable Housing Trust
The Deputy Town Clerk sent a notice that the Town Clerk’s Office has not received minutes for four Affordable Housing Trust meetings held on 2/14/2025, 4/10/2025, 6/3/2025, and 6/17/2025. The notice asks the board to explain why minutes are unavailable, offering possible reasons such as cancellation, lack of quorum, or executive‑session restrictions.
Pre-K to 8 School Building Committee
The Southborough Pre‑K to 8 School Building Committee meeting on April 10, 2025 had no quorum. Because a quorum was not present, no decisions were made or actions approved.
Southborough Stewardship Committee
The Stewardship Committee presented its preliminary restoration plan and cost estimate for the farm dump area at Breakneck Hill Conservation Land. The Conservation Commission disclosed the cost of continuing the fence lease around the dump site ($8,400 for six months) and committed in writing to follow up with the contractors. No formal approvals or votes were recorded.
- Commission disclosed fence lease cost of $8,400 for six months
- Commission committed to follow up in writing with contractors
Housing Authority
The minutes consist solely of numeric codes and placeholders without any readable agenda items, motions, or vote tallies. No decisions, approvals, denials, or tablings are documented.
Pre-K to 8 School Building Committee
The Southborough Pre‑K to 8 School Building Committee met on April 8, 2025, but no quorum was present. As a result, the committee did not take any actions, approvals, or votes. The meeting was recorded as having no substantive decisions.
Board of Health
The Board approved the minutes from the March 11 meeting (3‑0). It approved an increase in daily septic flow from 725 to 880 gal/day based on historical use (3‑0) and conditionally approved the proposed septic system for 2 East Main Street (3‑0). The meeting was adjourned (3‑0).
- Approved March 11 meeting minutes (vote 3‑0)
- Approved increase in septic flow to 880 gal/day (vote 3‑0)
- Conditionally approved septic plan for 2 East Main Street (vote 3‑0)
- Adjourned the meeting (vote 3‑0)
Southborough Youth Commission
The Southborough Youth Commission approved the March 18 minutes. It ordered five PocketTalk translation devices costing $1,400 after a demo with the Police Chief. The commission voted to give the Laurie‑Sugarman Whittier Wellness Award to Julianna Topliffe and the Ellen Piontek Scholarship to applicant E. Members also agreed that Chairman Richey will draft a memo to the Select Board on salary‑disparity concerns.
- Approved March 18, 2025 minutes (all members present)
- Ordered five PocketTalk devices for $1,400 total (approved by commission)
- Awarded Laurie‑Sugarman Whittier Wellness Award to Julianna Topliffe (all present in favor)
- Awarded Ellen Piontek Scholarship to applicant E (all present in favor)
- Chairman Richey to draft memo to Select Board on salary disparities (motion approved)
- Approved use of ARPA $15k balance for Community Needs Assessment (Select Board approval noted)
Select Board
The board voted 4-1 to support the Neary School proposed project. They voted 5-0 to open the warrant for the May 10, 2025 Special Town Meeting. A motion to support Articles 28 and 29 was defeated with a 0-5 vote.
- Neary School proposed project approved (4-1)
- Warrant for May 10, 2025 Special Town Meeting opened (5-0)
- Articles 28 and 29 not supported (0-5)
Council on Aging
The Council on Aging approved the minutes from the February 10 and March 10 meetings with the noted corrections. The board announced it will not add new members until the fall. The meeting was then adjourned at 11:15 a.m.
- Approved minutes of February 10, 2025 (change: Mike Sheff absent) – all in favor
- Approved minutes of March 10, 2025 (correction: Pam’s last day April 11) – all in favor
- Decided the Board will not take new members until fall – stated by Doug
- Adjourned meeting at 11:15 a.m. – all in favor
Planning Board
The Southborough Planning Board voted 5‑0 to support Accessory Dwelling Unit Articles 28 and 29 on the 2025 Annual Town Meeting warrant. It also voted 5‑0 to approve the Shared Parking zoning amendment (Article 30). The Board approved the March 10, 2025 minutes, extended hybrid meetings through June 30, 2027, and adjourned the meeting at 11:12 PM.
- Approved ADU Article 28 (by‑right) and Article 29 (special permit) – Yes-5, No-0
- Approved Shared Parking Zoning Amendment (Article 30) – Yes-5, No-0
- Approved March 10, 2025 meeting minutes – Yes-5, No-0
- Extended hybrid meetings until June 30, 2027 – board action reported
- Adjourned meeting at 11:12 PM – Yes-5, No-0
Community Preservation Committee
The minutes consist solely of numeric codes and placeholder entries, providing no readable agenda items or outcomes. No approvals, denials, or actions were documented. Consequently, the committee's decisions cannot be identified from the supplied text.
Neary School Building Committee - Finance Subcommittee
The agenda for this Finance Subcommittee meeting lists only two entries both at 9:00 AM with documents, but no descriptions or specific actions. The meeting appears to be procedural or preparatory with no substantive items for public discussion or decision.
The Neary Building Committee Finance Subcommittee met on April 5, 2025 and reviewed the financial aspects of the proposed Neary School project. Members asked questions about the amounts and the town budget. The committee unanimously voted to adjourn both the full Neary Building Committee and the Finance Subcommittee. No other actions were taken.
- Motion to adjourn the Neary Building Committee – unanimous roll call
- Motion to adjourn the Finance Subcommittee – unanimous roll call
Pre-K to 8 School Building Committee
The Neary Building Committee Finance Subcommittee discussed the financial aspects of the proposed Neary School project and answered resident questions. A motion to adjourn was moved, seconded, and passed unanimously by roll call. No other substantive actions were taken.
- Adjourned Finance Subcommittee meeting (unanimous roll‑call vote)
Advisory Committee
The provided agenda contains only the meeting time and references to document files. There are no specific discussion items or decisions listed in the text.
The committee voted to support the Neary School Project article for the Special Town Meeting, passing 4‑1. It rejected Articles 28 and 29 with a unanimous 0‑5 vote. The committee also approved the advisory letter supporting the project (5‑0) and adjourned the meeting (5‑0).
- Approved support for Neary project article (4‑1‑0)
- Rejected Articles 28 & 29 (0‑5‑0)
- Approved advisory letter supporting the project (5‑0‑0)
- Approved motion to adjourn the meeting (5‑0‑0)
Pre-K to 8 School Building Committee
The committee reviewed the proposed Neary School project, including design options, costs, and impacts, but no formal vote on the project was recorded. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, which was moved by Jason Malinowski, seconded by Denise Eddy, and passed unanimously.
- Motion to adjourn – unanimous
Historical Commission
The Historical Commission approved the March 26, 2025 meeting minutes with a 3‑0‑2 vote. It reduced the annual budget request for the Revolutionary War graves marker from $4,250 to $1,500 after an anonymous donor pledged to fund the project. The commission deferred a decision on a historic house sign for 24 East Main Street pending more research. It also temporarily postponed the CPC application for the Rural Cemetery Water Tower.
- Approved March 26, 2025 minutes (3-0-2 vote)
- Reduced graves‑marker budget request to $1,500
- Deferred historic house sign decision for 24 East Main
- Postponed Rural Cemetery Water Tower CPC application
- Adopted adjournment motion (5-0 vote)
Southborough Scholarship Advisory Committee
The Southborough Scholarship Advisory Committee approved the minutes from the March 11 meeting. It voted unanimously to establish a new Stefanie Ranieri Scholarship with criteria that include community service, academics, financial need, extracurricular activities, and written expression. The committee also authorized Brian Ballentine to sign payables and directed any unused scholarship proceeds to be invested in a money‑market account.
- Approved March 11 minutes (5-0)
- Created Stefanie Ranieri Scholarship (5-0)
- Adopted scholarship criteria: volunteer work, academics, need, activities, expression (5-0)
- Authorized Brian Ballentine to sign payables (5-0)
- Directed unused proceeds to be invested in a money‑market account (5-0)
- Approved April 3 minutes (5-0)
- Adjourned meeting (5-0)
Southborough Stewardship Committee
The Stewardship Committee approved the March 3, 2025 minutes (5-0) and the March 27, 2025 minutes (3-0 with two abstentions). A motion was adopted for the Committee to comment at Town Meeting that it does not support Article 37. The meeting was adjourned by a 5-0 vote.
- Approved March 3, 2025 minutes (5-0)
- Approved March 27, 2025 minutes (3-0, 2 abstentions)
- Motion passed for Committee to comment at Town Meeting that it is not in support of Article 37
- Motion to adjourn passed (5-0)
Select Board
The Southborough Select Board is meeting on April 3, 2025. The agenda lists four items all at 6:30 PM but provides no descriptions of any business to be discussed or decided. The document is purely procedural with no substantive items.
- Multiple revised agenda PDFs are listed but contain no actionable items.
The Board discussed the Neary School project but did not take a vote on it. No decision was made on the project at this meeting. The Board then voted to adjourn, passing the motion 5-0.
- No vote taken on Neary School project (decision postponed)
- Adjourned meeting (5-0)
21 Highland Future Use Committee
The committee assigned Kristin LaVault to draft a handout slide for the April 10 Annual Town Meeting, with Freddie Gillespie to review it by the end of the week. Freddie Gillespie will follow up with John Parent to confirm the date of the first public building tour and will facilitate that tour. The next committee meeting was set for April 15 to coincide with the Select Board meeting. A motion to adjourn at 8:10 pm was unanimously approved.
- K LaVault to create draft handout slide for review by F Gillespie by week’s end
- F Gillespie to review the draft slide
- F Gillespie to follow up with John Parent to confirm building tour date
- F Gillespie to facilitate the first public building tour
- Next committee meeting set for April 15 at the Select Board meeting
- Motion to adjourn at 8:10 pm unanimously approved
Taxation Aid Committee
The Southborough Taxation Aid Committee met on April 2, 2025 and postponed acceptance of the March 5 minutes. Members reviewed six applications, finding five met the requirements while applicant 5 lacked required tax forms. The committee voted to adjourn the meeting.
- Postponed acceptance of March 5, 2025 minutes until next meeting
- Motion to adjourn passed (in favor of Mary Ann Anderson, David Birri, Hal Kiess)
Cable Television Committee
The committee approved the July 16, 2024 meeting minutes unanimously. Sam Stivers was elected chair, Will Warren clerk, and Tony Schoener vice‑chair, each by unanimous vote. William (Bill) Soloman was appointed legal counsel for the Charter license renewal, and the committee will consult Southborough Access Media on equipment needs and consider whether Charter‑specific public hearings are required.
- Approved July 16, 2024 CTVC meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Elected Sam Stivers as Chair (unanimous)
- Elected Will Warren as Clerk (unanimous)
- Elected Tony Schoener as Vice Chair (unanimous)
- Appointed William (Bill) Soloman as legal counsel for Charter negotiations
- Decided to consult Southborough Access Media on equipment needs for new Charter agreement
- Decided to consult Bill Soloman on need for Charter‑specific public hearings
Municipal Technology Committee
The Southborough Municipal Technology Committee approved the meeting minutes and later adjourned the session unanimously. The committee reviewed technology status updates and noted no department updates. An in‑person meeting was scheduled for Monday, May 5, 2025 at 5 pm. No other actions were taken.
- Approved meeting minutes (motion passed)
- Scheduled next in‑person meeting for May 5, 2025 at 5 pm
- Adjourned meeting (unanimous vote)
Recreation Commission
The Recreation Commission voted 4‑0‑0 to approve the minutes from the March 4, 2025 meeting. Later, the board voted unanimously to adjourn the April 1, 2025 meeting at 8:00 pm. No other motions were decided during this session.
- Approved 03/04/2025 meeting minutes (4-0-0)
- Adjourned meeting at 8:00 pm (4-0-0)
Select Board
The minutes for the Southborough Select Board meeting on April 1, 2025 contain no recorded decisions, approvals, or votes. The document appears to be missing or unavailable.
Neary School Building Committee - Finance Subcommittee
The provided minutes contain no recorded approvals, denials, or votes. They consist only of placeholder codes and lack any concrete actions or outcomes.
Pre-K to 8 School Building Committee
The committee presented updated cost estimates for the Neary School project, noting a revised total project cost of $108,517,025 and a town share of $68,202,266. No votes were taken on project approval; the only action was a unanimous motion to adjourn.
- Adjourned meeting (unanimous roll call)
Pre-K to 8 School Building Committee
The Neary Building Committee voted unanimously to accept the minutes from the March 17, 2025 meeting. No vote was taken on the updated cost projections, which were presented for information only. The committee then unanimously adjourned the meeting.
- Approved March 17, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Adjourned meeting (unanimous)
Wastewater Study Committee
The committee elected Al Hamilton as Chair (5-0-1) and Brian Shea as Vice‑Chair (5-0-1). Minutes from the March 13 and March 20 meetings were approved unanimously (6-0 each). The meeting was then adjourned by a 6-0 vote.
- Al Hamilton elected Chair (5-0-1)
- Brian Shea elected Vice‑Chair (5-0-1)
- Approved March 13 minutes (6-0)
- Approved March 20 minutes (6-0)
- Adjourned meeting (6-0)
Conservation Commission
The Conservation Commission is holding a scheduled meeting on March 27, 2025. The agenda includes only time references (7:00 PM) and document links, with no specific decisions, proposals, or public hearings described. This agenda appears to be procedural or administrative only.
The Commission approved the meeting minutes for both the executive and open sessions. It voted to continue public hearings for four pending projects—38 Sears Road, 48 Main Street, 26 Meadow Lane, and 120 Turnpike Road—until April 10, 2025. It also closed the public hearing on the 12 Wood Street septic‑system notice. All motions were adopted by roll‑call vote.
- Approved executive‑session minutes (4‑0‑1)
- Approved open‑session minutes (4‑0‑1)
- Continued public hearing for 38 Sears Road to April 10 (6‑0‑0)
- Continued public hearing for 48 Main Street to April 10 (5‑0‑1)
- Continued public hearing for 26 Meadow Lane to April 10 (6‑0‑0)
- Continued public hearing for 120 Turnpike Road to April 10 (6‑0‑0)
- Closed public hearing on 12 Wood Street notice (6‑0‑0)
Open Space Preservation Commission
Deputy Town Clerk Stephanie Secino notified commission chair Frederica Gillespie that the minutes for the Open Space Preservation Commission meetings held on February 24, 2025 and March 27, 2025 have not been submitted to the Town Clerk’s Office as required by Southborough Town Code § 9‑25. The notice requests an explanation if a meeting was cancelled, lacked a quorum, or involved executive‑session material that cannot be released. No substantive decisions were recorded in this communication.
Neary School Building Committee - Communications Subcommittee
The Communications Subcommittee approved the March 12, 2025 meeting minutes by unanimous roll‑call vote. No other substantive actions were taken; the meeting was then adjourned unanimously.
- Approved March 12, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Adjourned meeting (unanimous)
Neary School Building Committee - Finance Subcommittee
The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the February 28 meeting. It also approved two outstanding invoices: Skanska invoice #1323833-000-15 for $40,020 and Arrowstreet invoice #730000 for $87,500. The members discussed the projected cost of the Neary School building project, estimated at about $108 million, but no further actions were taken. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.
- Approved minutes from Feb 28, 2025 (unanimous)
- Approved Skanska invoice #1323833-000-15 for $40,020 (unanimous)
- Approved Arrowstreet invoice #730000 for $87,500 (unanimous)
- Adjourned meeting (unanimous)
Southborough Stewardship Committee
The Southborough Stewardship Committee met via Zoom with the Conservation Commission to review the proposed restoration plan for the farm dump at Breakneck Hill. The Commission expressed support for the stewards’ recommendation to crush most boulders for subgrade fill, to use a cover‑crop rather than the contractors’ seed mixes, to extend the chain‑link fence lease beyond the contractor’s work, and to hold contractors fully accountable for damage to Beecology Meadow. The Commission also asked the stewards to provide a budget estimate for the next meeting. No formal vote tallies were recorded.
- Conservation Commission supported crushing most boulders for subgrade fill
- Conservation Commission supported using a cover‑crop instead of contractor seed mixes
- Conservation Commission supported extending the chain‑link fence lease beyond contractor work
- Conservation Commission supported enforcing contractor obligations for Beecology Meadow damage
- Conservation Commission requested a budget estimate for the restoration plan at the next meeting
Historical Commission
The Southborough Historical Commission voted 5‑0 to determine that the granite post‑and‑iron rail fence surrounding the Town Common is historically, architecturally, and culturally significant. The commission also voted 5‑0 to support the joint Select Board‑Historical Commission CPA application for the Town Common fencing restoration project. No other substantive matters were decided. The meeting was adjourned at 7:12 PM.
- Determined Town Common fence is historically, architecturally, and culturally significant (5‑0)
- Supported joint Select Board‑Historical Commission CPA application for fence restoration project (5‑0)
- Adjourned meeting (5‑0)
Southborough Scholarship Advisory Committee
The committee tabled approval of the prior meeting minutes. It reviewed and updated the scholarship application and criteria for the Town, Carroll Harris, and Linda Hubley scholarships. The next meeting was scheduled for April 3, 2025. The meeting was adjourned unanimously (5‑0).
- Prior minutes tabled (not approved)
- Scholarship application and criteria updated
- Next meeting scheduled for April 3, 2025
- Meeting adjourned unanimously (5-0)
Affordable Housing Trust
The Affordable Housing Trust board voted unanimously to allocate trust funds for updating the Housing Production Plan. It also authorized staff to finalize and issue the RFQ for the plan update, added the committee’s 16 powers to the town website description, and entered an executive session to discuss a potential property acquisition. All motions were approved with votes of 5‑0 unless noted otherwise.
- Approved regular meeting minutes from 02.27.2025 (5-0)
- Approved AHT CPC meeting minutes from 02.27.2025 (4-0, 1 abstain)
- Approved AHT CPC meeting minutes from 03.05.2025 (3-0, 2 abstain)
- Authorized Ms. Marya and Mr. Stein to work with Melanie Otsuka to finalize and send the RFQ (5-0)
- Authorized use of Affordable Housing Trust Funds to fund the HPP update (5-0)
- Approved adding the 16 powers to the AHT website description (5-0)
- Entered Executive Session to discuss potential property acquisition (5-0)
- Approved and retained 02.27.2025 Executive Session meeting minutes (5-0)
Planning Board
The provided agenda contains only timestamps and references to document packets. There are no specific discussion items or decisions listed in the text.
The minutes for the March 24, 2025 Planning Board meeting contain only numeric placeholders and no readable actions, votes, or approvals. Consequently, no concrete decisions, approvals, denials, or tablings can be identified from the record. The document provides no substantive information for residents.
Wastewater Study Committee
The March 24, 2025 meeting of the Wastewater Study Committee was canceled; the agenda consists only of a canceled notice and a placeholder with no items for discussion or decision.
The Southborough Wastewater Study Committee met remotely via Zoom on March 24, 2025. The agenda included a discussion with Mass Development regarding DIF financing. No motions, approvals, denials, or votes were recorded during the meeting.
Southborough Trails Committee
The Southborough Trails Committee approved the February 27 minutes with a 3‑0 vote. A motion to adjourn was also approved 3‑0. The committee scheduled its next meeting for Thursday, April 10, 2025 at 7:30 PM. No other substantive actions were decided.
- Approved February 27 minutes (3-0)
- Approved motion to adjourn (3-0)
- Scheduled next meeting for April 10, 2025
Wastewater Study Committee
The Southborough Wastewater Study Committee is holding a meeting on March 20, 2025. The agenda lists only two identical 6:30 P.M. time slots with reference to documents, indicating no substantive items are specified. This appears to be a procedural or organizational meeting with no publicly detailed decisions or discussions.
- Meeting scheduled for 6:30 P.M. with no described agenda items beyond document references
The committee voted 5‑0 to ask Claire Reynolds and Brian Shea to prepare and submit a MassDevelopment expression of interest for the Route 9 wastewater system. Claire Reynolds was also tasked with coordinating the downtown wastewater pilot EOI. The next meeting was set for March 27, 2025 at 6:30 PM, location to be determined. The meeting was adjourned by a 5‑0 vote.
- Approved request for Claire Reynolds and Brian Shea to submit MassDevelopment EOI for Route 9 project (5‑0)
- Assigned Claire Reynolds to coordinate downtown wastewater pilot EOI
- Set next meeting for March 27, 2025 at 6:30 PM, location TBD
- Adjourned meeting (5‑0)
Taxation Aid Committee
The minutes contain only procedural or fragmentary content with no recorded motions, votes, or decisions. No substantive actions were taken by the committee during this meeting.
Southborough Zoning Board of Appeals
The Southborough Zoning Board of Appeals approved special permits for Eliot Fontaine at 264 Cordaville Road and for Capital Group Properties at 2 Park Central Drive, each by a 5‑0‑0 roll‑call vote. The board also voted to continue the public hearing on the Lorenzo Drive garage project to April 16, 2025 (5‑0‑0) and to continue the hearing on the 250 Turnpike Road comprehensive permit to April 16, 2025 at 7:45 PM (5‑0‑1). Separate motions to close the public hearings for the Cordaville Road and Park Central Drive permits each carried 5‑0‑0.
- Grant Special Permit for 264 Cordaville Road (Fine Automotive Services) – approved 5-0-0
- Grant Special Permit for 2 Park Central Drive (Capital Group Properties) – approved 5-0-0
- Continue public hearing for 6 Lorenzo Drive to April 16, 2025 at 7:00 PM – approved 5-0-0
- Continue public hearing for 250 Turnpike Road to April 16, 2025 at 7:45 PM – approved 5-0-1
- Close public hearing for 264 Cordaville Road – approved 5-0-0
- Close public hearing for 2 Park Central Drive – approved 5-0-0
Tricentennial Committee
The Tricentennial Committee voted 5-0 to acknowledge Ms. Pochapin’s resignation and to approve the February 13 minutes. Members agreed to draft a letter to the Select Board requesting that the committee be expanded from seven to nine members. The committee also decided to attend the Annual Town Meeting and the Spring Special Town Meeting and to explore a storefront fundraising option for 2027.
- Acknowledge Ms. Pochapin’s resignation (5-0)
- Approve February 13, 2025 minutes (5-0)
- Draft letter to Select Board to increase committee membership to nine (agreed)
- Attend Annual Town Meeting and Spring Special Town Meeting (decided)
- Continue exploring storefront fundraising option for 2027 (agreed)
- Form small volunteer groups that meet weekly for event planning (agreed)
- Adjourn meeting (5-0)
Southborough Cultural Arts Council
The Southborough Cultural Arts Council approved the February 25, 2025 meeting minutes. The council discussed a $4K funding request to the Town, refined the reimbursement process, and confirmed plans for a grant reception on May 14, 2025. No other substantive decisions were made.
- Approved 2/25/25 meeting minutes
- Confirmed grant reception date: May 14, 2025, 7:00-8:30 PM at the library
- Assigned roles for grant reception: Catherine (entertainment), Nicole (food), Catherine (flyer/invite), Liz (contact Kate Donahue)
- Nicole will pick up mail weekly at Town Hall
- Set next meeting date: April 15, 2025
Southborough Youth Commission
The Southborough Youth Commission approved up to $2,000 for five PocketTalk translation devices and voted to submit a memo to the Personnel Board requesting salary adjustments for two long-term employees. The commission also approved the February 11, 2025 minutes and welcomed a new board member.
- Approved up to $2,000 for 5 PocketTalk devices (unanimous)
- Approved memo to Personnel Board on salary discrepancies for two employees (unanimous)
- Approved February 11, 2025 minutes as amended (unanimous)
- Adjourned at 8:45 pm (unanimous)
Select Board
The Southborough Select Board unanimously appointed Joshua Berman as a full-time police officer, effective April 7, 2025. The board also approved consent agenda items, including appointments to the Cable Television Committee and DPW, and supported several warrant articles for the upcoming Annual Town Meeting. The meeting concluded with the board entering executive session to discuss litigation strategy.
- Appointed Joshua Berman as full-time police officer, effective April 7, 2025 (5-0)
- Approved minutes for Feb 25 and Mar 4, 2025, as amended (5-0)
- Appointed Tony Schoener to Cable Television Committee (5-0)
- Appointed Jonathan Donohue to Equipment Operator II position in DPW (5-0)
- Approved office hours for May 14 and June 10, 2025
- Voted to support Town Meeting Articles #24, #25, #26, and #27 (5-0 each)
- Set joint meeting with School Committee and Neary School Building Committee for April 3
- Entered executive session to discuss litigation strategy (5-0)
Pre-K to 8 School Building Committee
The Neary Building Committee met virtually on March 17, 2025, and unanimously approved the February 20, 2025 meeting minutes. The committee discussed public outreach plans ahead of Town Meeting, including forums on site considerations, educational benefits, and costs, as well as school tours and a table at a community event. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting adjourned at 8:18 pm.
- Approved February 20, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Discussed public outreach forums and events (no vote)
Community Preservation Committee
The Community Preservation Committee voted unanimously to re-elect Lisa Braccio as Chair and Kristin LaVault as Vice Chair. The committee approved four warrant articles for Town Meeting, including the Fire Truck Restoration project application left open for a possible Fall Town Meeting, and amended articles for the budget, Historic Town Common Railing and Fence Posts, and Affordable Housing Trust Fund. All votes were recorded with tallies.
- Re-elected Lisa Braccio as Chair (5-0)
- Re-elected Kristin LaVault as Vice Chair (5-0)
- Approved leaving Fire Truck Restoration application open for Fall Town Meeting (5-0)
- Approved Article 1 as amended (5-0)
- Approved Article 2 as amended (5-0)
- Approved Article 3 wording as amended (4-0-1)
- Approved Article 4 wording as amended (5-0)
Planning Board
The minutes for the Southborough Planning Board meeting on March 14, 2025, contain only procedural or placeholder text with no substantive decisions, approvals, or discussions. No actions were taken, and no votes were recorded.
Library Board of Trustees
The Southborough Library Board of Trustees approved the revised Safe Child Policy, which clarifies that library staff are not responsible for supervising unattended children and that parents or guardians assume liability for any damage caused by their children. The board also approved the minutes from the February 19, 2025 meeting. Other items discussed included plans for a Friends community yard sale, a director's contract draft, and a patron behavior policy, but no formal votes were taken on those topics.
- Approved revised Safe Child Policy (5-0)
- Approved minutes of February 19, 2025 meeting as amended (5-0)
Planning Board
The minutes contain only procedural or placeholder content with no substantive decisions, approvals, or discussions recorded. The document appears to be a template or corrupted file, so no actions can be reported.
Wastewater Study Committee
The Wastewater Study Committee agenda for March 13, 2025, contains only procedural entries: two 6:30 P.M. start times with document references. No decisions, discussions, or proposals are listed.
- No substantive items were listed on the agenda.
The Southborough Ad-Hoc Wastewater Study Committee held its first meeting, electing Al Hamilton as Chair and Brian Shea as Vice-Chair. The committee discussed the Route 9 wastewater capacity project and set action steps, including preparing a One-Stop grant Expression of Interest due by March 26 and scheduling meetings with consultants. No substantive decisions were made beyond officer elections and scheduling.
- Elected Al Hamilton as Chair (5-0-1, Hamilton abstained)
- Elected Brian Shea as Vice-Chair (5-0-1, Shea abstained)
- Set next meeting for March 20, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Neary School Building Committee - Communications Subcommittee
The Communications Subcommittee approved the February 28, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously. Members discussed feedback from recent office hours, including community concerns about costs and alternative options, and outlined plans for three upcoming public information sessions on costs, education, and site details. The FAQ section on the project website was reorganized, with answers to tax impact questions to be drafted by Jason Malinowski and Kathryn Cook.
- Approved February 28, 2025 meeting minutes (3-0)
- Scheduled three public information sessions on costs, education, and site details
- Reorganized FAQ section on Neary Building Project website
- Assigned Jason Malinowski and Kathryn Cook to draft tax impact FAQ answers
Housing Authority
The Southborough Housing Authority voted 3-0 to approve the February 11 regular and February 24 special meeting minutes, the accounts payable as of March 11, 2025, and the Executive Director's report. The board also discussed financials with the fee accountant, noting strong reserves for the 400-1 program and plans for upcoming projects.
- Approved the February 11, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes and February 24, 2025 Special Meeting Minutes (3-0).
- Approved the Accounts Payable as of March 11, 2025 (3-0).
- Accepted the Report of the Executive Director (3-0).
- Adjourned the meeting at 6:30 p.m. (3-0).
Advisory Committee
The Advisory Committee voted 4-0 to support the FY26 Budget Article in the draft Town Meeting Warrant, excluding budgets for the Economic Development Committee, Police, Fire, Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School, and employee benefits. It then separately approved those excluded budgets, including $508,015 for Assabet Valley, $78,091 for EDC, and $2,947,021 for Fire. The committee also supported numerous other warrant articles but voted 0-4 against Article 37. A straw poll on adding three new police officers was 3-1 in support, with a formal vote deferred.
- Approved FY26 Budget Article excluding EDC, Police, Fire, Assabet Valley, and employee benefits budgets (4-0)
- Approved Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School budget of $508,015 (4-0)
- Approved EDC budget of $78,091 (4-0)
- Approved Fire budget of $2,947,021 (4-0)
- Approved Article #14 for $3,975,000 (4-0)
- Approved Article #15 for $74,046 (4-0)
- Approved Article #11 for $1,518,392 (4-0)
- Rejected Article #37 (0-4)
Affordable Housing Trust
The Southborough Affordable Housing Trust meeting was largely procedural, with no substantive decisions, approvals, or denials recorded in the minutes. The document contains only meeting logistics and attendance details, with no action items or votes listed.
- No substantive decisions were recorded in the minutes.
Board of Health
The Board of Health voted 3-0 to approve amended minutes from the February 11, 2025 meeting. The board discussed a request for an additional septic system flow-rate variance for the 2 East Main Street project and scheduled a public hearing on it for the April 8, 2025 meeting. The board also noted the town won the Kenneth Pickard Innovations Award and discussed upcoming regulations and the April 7 Town Meeting.
- Approved amended minutes from the 2/11/25 meeting (3-0 vote)
- Scheduled a public hearing for April 8, 2025, to discuss a septic system variance request for 2 East Main Street
- Discussed upcoming public hearing to adopt Body Works regulations
- Noted two items requiring approval at the April 7, 2025 Town Meeting: FY26 budget and a $25,000 spending increase for the vaccination revolving account
- Adjourned the meeting at 11:40 am (3-0 vote)
Board of Assessors
The Southborough Board of Assessors approved a revised personal property tax commitment of $12,615.44 for FY2025, correcting account #117230 after the company's inventory submission was not updated. The board also approved motor vehicle excise tax abatements totaling $20,354.58 across three levy years, and 27 senior tax work-off certificates totaling $41,607.50. In executive session, the board approved one real estate tax abatement application totaling $1,134,900 in value, resulting in $15,672.97 in abated tax.
- Approved meeting minutes of February 11, 2025 as presented.
- Approved motor vehicle excise tax abatements: $2,195.33 (2023 levy), $7,834.06 (2024 levy), $10,325.19 (2025 levy).
- Approved 27 senior tax work-off certificates totaling $41,607.50 from overlay account.
- Approved revised personal property tax commitment of $12,615.44 for FY2025.
- Approved one real estate tax abatement application totaling $1,134,900 in value, resulting in $15,672.97 in abated tax.
Golf Course Committee
The Golf Course Committee unanimously approved the January 9, 2025 meeting minutes. They discussed course improvements, including tee refurbishment on holes #3, #5, and #8 (with a $10K cost estimate for hole #5), and planned to get quotes for permanent fencing between the 3rd green and 4th tee box. The course is anticipated to open on Thursday, March 27, 2025.
- Approved the January 9, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously.
- Discussed tee refurbishment on holes #3, #5, and #8, with hole #5 to include a new tee box and a $10K cost estimate.
- Planned to get quotes for permanent fencing (100 ft long, 12 ft high) between the 3rd green and 4th tee box.
- Noted $98,600 available in the Golf Course Revolving Fund for 2025 projects.
- Set the anticipated course opening date for Thursday, March 27, 2025.
- Scheduled the next meeting for Thursday, April 17, 2025 at 9:00am.
Community Preservation Committee
The Community Preservation Committee is scheduled to meet on March 11, 2025 at 6:45 PM. The agenda lists only time entries with no specific items for discussion or decision. The meeting appears to be procedural or cancelled.
The Community Preservation Committee approved funding for Recall AI, a service to assist with meeting minutes, at $7 per month or $84 per year. The committee also discussed CPC warrant articles but did not vote on them, as they were not ready due to missing information. A future meeting was scheduled for March 17 to review the articles.
- Approved Recall AI funding at $7/month or $84/year (5-0)
- Approved minutes from 1/16/25 (4-0-2)
- Tabled CPC warrant articles vote pending further revisions
- Scheduled next meeting for March 17
Community Preservation Committee
The Community Preservation Committee met jointly with the Select Board and discussed three warrant articles. The CPC endorsed the $121,000 Town Common Railing and Fence Post Restoration Project and voted unanimously to transfer $532,014 from CPA Community Housing Reserves to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, though the transfer awaits Town Counsel review. The CPC voted 4-1 to support the Antique Fire Engine Restoration Project, with Grant Farrington opposed, but the Select Board and Advisory Committee expressed concerns and suggested Town Meeting should decide the project's fate.
- Endorsed $121,000 bid for Town Common Railing and Fence Post Restoration (unanimous)
- Voted unanimously to transfer $532,014 from CPA Community Housing Reserves to Affordable Housing Trust Fund
- Voted 4-1 to support Antique Fire Engine Restoration Project (Farrington opposed)
- Agreed to consult Town Counsel on using prior-year CPA funds and fire engine article amendment
Southborough Scholarship Advisory Committee
The Scholarship Advisory Committee reviewed the 2024 scholarship application and agreed to update it, including removing FAFSA and EFC references, with a new application deadline of Friday, May 9. They also approved the June 4, 2024 meeting minutes and discussed fundraising for a potential new scholarship.
- Approved meeting minutes from June 4, 2024.
- Set application deadline to Friday, May 9.
- Agreed to remove FAFSA and EFC from the application.
- Discussed updating the application and reviewing a timeline.
- Isabelle Murphy will contact ARHS Guidance Office about determining financial needs.
- Stephanie Butler will contact Katie Barry to streamline application processing.
- Discussed fundraising for a possible new scholarship.
- Adjourned the meeting.
Select Board
This Select Board meeting agenda for March 11, 2025, consists solely of references to three PDF files and time stamps (6:30 PM). No specific decisions, proposals, or discussions are listed. The agenda is effectively procedural boilerplate with no substantive content provided.
- Agenda includes only file references (revised agenda, joint with planning, packet) and time entries
The Select Board and Advisory Committee held a joint meeting to set their positions on the FY26 budget and warrant articles for the April 7 Annual Town Meeting. The Board voted to support the FY26 budget article, the police budget of $2,839,187, the fire budget of $2,947,021, and several capital articles, including a $3,975,000 bond for sinkhole repairs. The Board did not support the two Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) articles, and the Advisory Committee did not support Article 37 on trust fund investments. The Board also appointed Kelly O'Brien as Business Administrator I to the Building Department.
- Supported FY26 Budget Article (5-0)
- Supported Police budget of $2,839,187 (4-1)
- Supported Fire budget of $2,947,021 (4-1)
- Supported Article #14 for $3,975,000 in capital leases (5-0)
- Supported Article #13 for $3,975,000 in bond projects (5-0)
- Did not support Articles #29 and #30 on Accessory Dwelling Units (0-4-1)
- Advisory Committee did not support Article #37 on trust fund investments (0-4)
- Appointed Kelly O'Brien as Business Administrator I (5-0)
Select Board
The minutes contain only procedural or placeholder content with no recorded votes, approvals, or discussions. No substantive decisions were made or documented in this meeting record.
Personnel Board
The agenda for the March 10, 2025 Personnel Board meeting lists only three items, each at 8:30 A.M. with a reference to documents but no details on proposals, votes, or discussions. The meeting appears to be entirely procedural with no substantive matters scheduled for decision or discussion.
The Personnel Board voted unanimously to support deleting a line from Chapter 31 of the Town Code and to strike Section 18 of the Salary Administration Plan (SAP), which required amendments to go through the Board before Town Meeting. The Board also approved extending hours for a ZBA/Conservation employee, supported the FY26 salary study warrant article, and approved training requests.
- Approved deletion of Chapter 31 line referencing SAP on file with Town Clerk (3-0)
- Approved deletion of SAP Section 18 (3-0)
- Approved extension of hours for ZBA/Conservation Department (3-0)
- Approved Town Meeting handout (3-0)
- Supported warrant article for FY26 salary study (3-0)
- Approved training requests from Jill Vroman (3-0)
- Approved February 10, 2025 minutes (3-0)
- Approved amended January 14, 2025 minutes (2-0-1)
Planning Board
The agenda for this Planning Board meeting includes only time slots and document references, with no specific proposals, decisions, or discussions described. The meeting appears to be procedural or the detailed items are contained in referenced PDF packets not provided in this text.
- No listed rezonings, contracts, ordinances, or public hearings
- Meeting times noted at 6:30 PM for multiple items
- Referenced documents include PDF packets but content not specified
The Southborough Planning Board voted unanimously to continue all public hearings on the proposed Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) bylaw, Shared Parking zoning amendments, and site plan/special permit applications for 250 Turnpike Rd, 200 Turnpike Rd, and 26 Meadow Ln to March 24, 2025. The board also extended the decision date for the 26 Meadow Ln (Reservoir Meadows) project to May 2, 2025. No final approvals or denials were made on these items.
- Continued the public hearing for the proposed ADU Bylaw and Regulations to March 24, 2025, at 6:30pm.
- Continued the public hearing for the proposed Shared Parking zoning amendments to March 24, 2025, at 6:30pm.
- Continued the public hearings for 250 Turnpike Rd (Contractor's Yard Bldg) Major Site Plan Approval and Special Permit for Lower Impact Development to March 24, 2025, at 7:00pm.
- Continued the public hearings for 200 Turnpike Rd (Contr. Facility) Modifications to Major Site Plan Approval and Special Permit for Lower Impact Development to March 24, 2025, at 7:05pm.
- Continued the public hearings for 26 Meadow Ln (Reservoir Meadows) Major Site Plan Approval, Special Permit for Lower Impact Development, and Special Permit for Major Residential Development to March 24, 2025, at 7:15pm.
- Extended the decision date for the 26 Meadow Ln (Reservoir Meadows) applications to May 2, 2025.
- Approved the minutes from the February 10, 2025, meeting.
- Approved the minutes from the February 24, 2025, meeting as amended.
Capital Improvement & Planning Committee
The Capital Improvement and Planning Committee voted 3-0 to support the FY26 capital appropriations for the Town Meeting warrant, including general fund, lease, water fund, and bonded items. The committee also voted 3-0 to strongly discourage lease funding and advocate for the outright purchase of at least the utility dump. The golf course capital request was not discussed and will be brought up at a future meeting.
- Approved Dec 2, 2024 and Jan 7, 2025 meeting minutes (3-0)
- Supported FY26 general fund, lease, water fund, and bonded capital appropriations (3-0)
- Approved motion discouraging lease funding, advocating outright purchase of utility dump (3-0)
- Deferred golf course capital request to a future meeting
Conservation Commission
The Conservation Commission approved an administrative amendment for 200 Turnpike Road, allowing connection of a warehouse and salt shed, and extended the Order of Conditions for 2 East Main Street by two years. All four public hearings were continued to March 27, 2025, and a vernal pool migration study at 250 Turnpike Road was allowed to proceed without a permit.
- Approved administrative amendment for 200 Turnpike Road SMP & OOC (5-0)
- Extended Order of Conditions for 2 East Main Street, DEP #290-782, by two years (5-0)
- Allowed vernal pool migration study at 250 Turnpike Road to proceed without permit (5-0)
- Continued stormwater permit hearing for 48 Main Street to March 27 (4-0)
- Continued Notice of Intent hearing for 12 Wood Street to March 27 (5-0)
- Continued Notice of Intent & SMP hearing for 26 Meadow Lane to March 27 (5-0)
- Continued Notice of Intent hearing for 120 Turnpike Road to March 27 (5-0)
- Approved minutes from February 13, 2025 (5-0)
Southborough Scholarship Advisory Committee
The minutes for the Southborough Scholarship Advisory Committee meeting on March 6, 2025, contain only procedural references and no substantive decisions. No motions, approvals, or discussions are recorded in the provided text.
Taxation Aid Committee
The Taxation Aid Committee met and approved the minutes from December 10, 2024. Brian Ballantine reported that the Select Board appointed Kelly O'Brien to the committee on March 4, 2025, and that the Board of Commissioners of Trust Funds granted $7,500 for taxation aid. The committee reviewed redacted applications from six applicants and will discuss them at the next meeting on March 19, 2025. No awards were made at this meeting.
- Approved minutes of December 10, 2024 meeting (4-0)
- Noted appointment of Kelly O'Brien to committee by Select Board
- Noted $7,500 grant from Board of Commissioners of Trust Funds
- Reviewed six redacted tax aid applications; discussion deferred to next meeting
- Scheduled next meeting for March 19, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Affordable Housing Trust
The Affordable Housing Trust approved a draft warrant article that would transfer approximately $532,000 from the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) to the AHT, leaving about $100,000 for other applicants. The funds must be used within two years and unspent amounts returned to the CPC. The approval is subject to further changes by Town Counsel, with the AHT Chair authorized to approve non-material edits. The AHT will also update its CPC application to align with the agreed terms.
- Approved draft warrant article for $532K CPC fund transfer (3-0)
- Authorized AHT Chair to approve Town Counsel changes if not materially different (3-0)
- Agreed to update draft CPC application to align with MOU terms
Community Preservation Committee
The Community Preservation Committee voted to move forward with three warrant articles for the April 7, 2025 Town Meeting: a $532,014 transfer to the Affordable Housing Trust, a $121,000 appropriation for the Town Common railing restoration, and a $330,000 appropriation for the Engine 25 fire truck refurbishment. The housing trust article includes conditions such as a two-year sunset clause, 10% administrative cap, and deed restrictions. The railing article adds a $10,000 contingency and a two-year sunset clause. The fire truck article includes a $30,000 contingency and requires a grant agreement and affidavit for ownership transfer. The committee also discussed but did not vote on the annual budget, scheduling a special meeting for March 11.
- Approved moving forward with Affordable Housing Trust $532,014 transfer, subject to revised application and finalized warrant article (6-0-1)
- Approved draft warrant article language for housing trust transfer, pending Town Counsel review (6-0-1)
- Approved $121,000 Town Common Railing and Fence Post Restoration article with $11,000 contingency and two-year sunset (6-0)
- Approved $330,000 Engine 25 Refurbishment article with $30,000 contingency, grant agreement, and affidavit (5-1)
- Scheduled special Zoom meeting for March 11 to vote on annual budget
Recreation Commission
The Recreation Commission voted to approve minutes from 1/28/25 and 2/11/25, and approved spending $1,185.80 on fertilizer for Trottier Track Infield Field. Effective immediately, Lunblad Field will not be permitted and will be used only for passive use, pending documentation for the Select Board. The commission also discussed updates on 21 Highland Street, capital projects, and a $25K grant application for accessibility work.
- Approved meeting minutes from 1/28/25 and 2/11/25 (4-0-0)
- Approved $1,185.80 for fertilizer on Trottier Track Infield Field (4-0-0)
- Decided Lunblad Field will not be permitted and only used for passive use, effective immediately
- Scheduled next meeting for April 1st at 7pm
- Adjourned meeting at 8:05pm
Personnel Board
The scheduled Personnel Board meeting was cancelled because a quorum was not present. No decisions were made or items discussed.
Capital Improvement & Planning Committee
The Capital Improvement & Planning Committee meeting scheduled for March 4, 2025, was cancelled because a quorum was not reached. No decisions were made or items discussed.
Select Board
The Select Board voted to support most warrant articles for the April 7 Annual Town Meeting, including the FY26 budget, capital items, and several bylaw changes. The Board reduced Article #18 from $20,000 to $10,000 before approving it, and voted against supporting Article #39, a citizen petition to fund an independent investigation of the Breakneck Hill dump. The Board also approved the consent agenda, including a new employment agreement for the Police Chief.
- Approved consent agenda including Police Chief employment agreement, donations, and committee appointments (5-0)
- Approved support for Town Meeting Articles #1, #2, #3, #8, #9, #11, #12, #15, #16, #17, #19, #20, #21, #22, #23, #33, #34, #37, #38 (5-0 each)
- Approved support for Article #18 with amount reduced to $10,000 (5-0)
- Failed to support Article #39, citizen petition for $165,000 independent counsel for Breakneck Hill investigation (0-5)
- Agreed to remove Articles #28 and #32 from draft warrant
- Postponed action on Article #17 until consultant spending confirmed, then approved (5-0)
- Discussed but did not vote on Article #35
- Agreed to await Personnel Board recommendation on SAP bylaw amendment
Council on Aging
The Southborough Council on Aging met on March 10, 2025, and discussed several administrative and program updates. Director Pam LeFrancois announced her retirement effective April 11, with her last day on April 4. The council discussed grant funding, staffing openings, and plans for a volunteer luncheon and rebranding. No formal votes were taken; the only action was a motion to adjourn.
- Adjourned meeting at 11:31 am (all in favor)
Southborough Stewardship Committee
The Southborough Stewardship Committee approved spending up to $500 to replace finials on the Town Forest sign and discussed next steps for the Breakneck Hill farm dump restoration project, which has completed waste removal but still needs stabilization and planting. The committee also reviewed plans for 120 Turnpike Road, where the town will receive 6.2 acres, and discussed requesting specific plantings to mitigate views from the BHCL summit. No votes were taken on the farm dump or Turnpike Road items, which remain under discussion.
- Approved February 12, 2025 minutes as amended (5-0)
- Approved up to $500 for Town Forest sign finials replacement (all in favor)
- Agreed to reach out to tree warden Chris LeRoy about leaving snags when cutting dead trees
- Agreed to have Joyce reach out to scouts about a boardwalk project in Town Forest
- Discussed requesting a walk with contractor to review farm dump punch list (no vote)
- Discussed requesting mitigation buffer plantings for 120 Turnpike Road (no vote)
Neary School Building Committee - Communications Subcommittee
The Communications Subcommittee approved the release of a postcard about the Neary School Building Project, pending consultation with the town clerk on ballot question details. They also approved minutes from three prior meetings. Discussion focused on addressing community feedback about the Finn School option, costs, and hazardous waste, with plans for a contingency plan if the ballot fails.
- Approved meeting minutes for Dec 16, 2024, Jan 17, 2025, and Jan 31, 2025 (unanimous)
- Approved release of postcard after town clerk consultation (unanimous)
Neary School Building Committee - Finance Subcommittee
The Neary Building Committee Finance Subcommittee met virtually on February 28, 2025, and unanimously approved the minutes from January 24 and February 10, 2025. They also approved two outstanding invoices: $6,480 to Skanska and $96,500 to Arrowstreet. No other substantive decisions were made; the agenda item on financial discussions had no items at this time.
- Approved minutes from 1-24-25 and 2-10-25 (unanimous)
- Approved Skanska invoice #1323833-000-14 for $6,480 (unanimous)
- Approved Arrowstreet invoice #729940 for $96,500 (unanimous)
21 Highland Future Use Committee
The 21 Highland Future Use Committee unanimously approved its interim report for the Select Board, which analyzes the current state of the 21 Highland Street property and outlines next steps. The report notes the building has no major immediate capital needs and that future use decisions depend on the May 2025 Special Town Meeting vote on the Neary School project. No other substantive decisions were made; the next meeting date was deferred to email.
- Approved interim report as edited (unanimous)
- Adjourned meeting (unanimous)
Housing Authority
The minutes contain no readable substantive content — only tokenized placeholders and formatting markers. No decisions, approvals, or discussions are recorded in the provided text.
Southborough Trails Committee
The Southborough Trails Committee met virtually and approved the minutes from January 9 and January 30, 2025, by a 3-0 vote. They discussed updates on the Peninsula Trail Phase I MassTrails grant, including spring paving and signage work, and Phase II next steps pending MWRA confirmation. No other formal decisions were made; items like volunteer recruitment and the DCR MOA work plan were deferred to future meetings.
- Approved minutes from 01/09/2025 and 01/30/2025 (3-0)
- Adjourned meeting at 8:01 PM (3-0)
Affordable Housing Trust
The Affordable Housing Trust approved the February 12, 2025 meeting minutes and executive session minutes. They discussed the pending Community Preservation Committee (CPC) application, including CPC feedback on fund use clarity, updates, sunset clause reduction, and a possible MOU. They also discussed the Housing Production Plan expiration and potential property acquisitions, including 61 Newton Street, but took no formal action on these items.
- Approved 02.12.2025 regular meeting minutes (5-0)
- Approved and retained 02.12.2025 Executive Session minutes (5-0)
- Entered Executive Session to discuss potential property acquisition (4-0)
Affordable Housing Trust
The Board approved the February 12, 2025 regular and executive session minutes. They discussed the pending Community Preservation Committee (CPC) application, including feedback requesting clarity on fund use, regular updates, a shorter sunset clause, and leaving some funds for other applicants. They also discussed updating the Housing Production Plan (HPP) before its July 2025 expiration and the potential acquisition of units at 12 Blueberry Lane. No final decisions were made on these items; the board entered executive session to discuss potential property acquisition.
- Approved February 12, 2025 regular meeting minutes (5-0)
- Approved February 12, 2025 executive session minutes (5-0)
- Entered executive session to discuss potential property acquisition (4-0)
Master Plan Implementation Committee
The Master Plan Implementation Committee met and approved the January 30th meeting minutes (4-0). They discussed the Planning Board's reception of the semi-annual report, noting the board did not accept a proposal to transfer sustainability goals responsibility and offered no feedback on priorities. The committee plans to meet with each board/commission before an early summer Select Board meeting to share status and confirm commitments. No public comment was made.
- Approved January 30th meeting minutes (4-0)
- Adjourned meeting (4-0)
Community Preservation Committee
The Community Preservation Committee met and discussed several items but took no formal votes on any applications. They reviewed a draft Memorandum of Agreement with the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Committee, with plans to meet with Town Counsel and the Trust in early March. The Historical Commission updated the committee on the Rural Cemetery Water Tower Restoration, considering a fall town meeting timeline or acceleration to a May 10 Special Town Meeting. The committee also discussed warrant articles for Engine 25 refurbishment and Town Common railing/fence restoration, requesting revisions to applications. The meeting was adjourned with a 5-0 vote.
- No formal votes taken on applications; discussions only
- Scheduled meeting with Town Counsel for March 3 or 4 to review MOA
- Scheduled joint meeting with Affordable Housing Trust for March 5 at 7:00 PM
- Considered accelerating Water Tower project to Special Town Meeting on May 10
- Requested revisions to Engine 25 refurbishment application, including Fire Chief letter and photos
- Requested updated Town Common railing/fence application with only the selected quote
- Adjourned meeting 5-0
Community Preservation Committee
The provided agenda is procedural boilerplate and does not list specific discussion items or decisions.
The scheduled meeting of the Community Preservation Committee was cancelled because a quorum was not present. No decisions were made or items discussed.
Southborough Zoning Board of Appeals
The Zoning Board of Appeals continued the public hearing for the proposed 32-unit comprehensive permit (40B) development at 250 Turnpike Road/0 Parkerville Road to March 19, 2025, with the applicant extending the deadline to act to April 30, 2025. The board heard peer review comments on traffic, wetlands, and emergency access, with several outstanding items to be addressed before the next hearing. No final decision was made on the project.
- Continued public hearing for 250 Turnpike Road 40B project to March 19, 2025 (5-0)
- Applicant extended deadline to act to April 30, 2025
- Agreed to discuss 120 Turnpike Road easement and subdivision plans at March 19 meeting
- Adjourned meeting (5-0)
Select Board
The agenda for the Select Board meeting on February 25, 2025, consists only of file references and time stamps with no specific discussion or decision items detailed. The meeting appears to be procedural or the agenda content was not provided in full.
The Select Board approved two National Grid pole installations, a Class II auto dealer license transfer, and two board appointments. They also approved the charge for a new ad hoc Wastewater Study Committee and made several tentative FY26 budget decisions, including eliminating some capital items and adding police officers. The board discussed the Neary School project and a 24.9% health insurance cost increase.
- Approved National Grid pole installation at 184-186 Parkerville Road (5-0)
- Approved National Grid pole installation at 10 Pinehill Road (5-0)
- Approved Class II auto dealer license transfer to Central Motor Group, LLC (5-0)
- Appointed Melissa Shields to Youth Commission (5-0)
- Appointed Jenna Barbary-Glovsky to Conservation Commission (5-0)
- Approved charge for ad hoc Wastewater Study Committee (5-0)
- Appointed Al Hamilton and Sam Stivers to Wastewater Study Committee (5-0)
- Approved consent agenda: donations, CPC appointment, meeting minutes (5-0)
Southborough Cultural Arts Council
The Southborough Cultural Arts Council met virtually on February 25, 2025, and approved the minutes from the January meeting. The council discussed reimbursement procedures with the town office, allowing case-specific advances, and plans to begin issuing reimbursements within two weeks. A $4,000 request for the council was submitted for Town Meeting. Other items, including a grant reception and agenda changes, were discussed but not finalized.
- Approved minutes from January meeting
- Discussed reimbursement procedures; advances to be considered case-specific
- Submitted $4K Town Meeting request for SCAC
- Discussed grant reception planning; details to be finalized in March
Select Board
The MetroWest RECC District Select Board reviewed design updates for the facility at 20 Phillips Street and agreed to move forward with a site plan placing the generator on the right-hand side of the building. They also discussed inspection updates, contract actions, and governance matters, but made no final approvals on contracts or grants. The board approved meeting minutes from three prior meetings.
- Agreed to move forward with site plan placing generator on right-hand side of building
- Approved meeting minutes from January 22, January 29, and February 5, 2025 (2-0)
Housing Authority
The Southborough Housing Authority voted 3-0 to reappoint Commissioner Robert Braccio as its representative to the Community Preservation Committee (CPC), a required re-vote because the prior vote was over 90 days old. The board also voted 3-0 to send a letter to the CPC supporting the Affordable Housing Trust and requesting release of funds. No other formal decisions were made; the meeting included discussions on posting a special meeting agenda, outreach to landlords, and future development efforts.
- Reappointed Robert Braccio as SHA representative to CPC (3-0)
- Approved sending support letter to CPC for Affordable Housing Trust funds (3-0)
- Adjourned meeting at 1:47 p.m. (3-0)
Open Space Preservation Commission
The minutes provided are not actual meeting minutes but a notice from the Deputy Town Clerk stating that the Open Space Preservation Commission (OSPC) failed to submit minutes and documents for its February 24, 2025 meeting (and a March 27, 2025 meeting) within the required 45-day period. No decisions or actions from the meeting are recorded in this document.
- No substantive decisions recorded; notice of overdue minutes issued for OSPC 2/24/2025 meeting
Master Plan Implementation Committee
The Master Plan Implementation Committee met jointly with the Planning Board to present its bi-annual update on Master Plan progress. The committee proposed shifting several sustainability-related responsibilities from the Select Board to the Planning Board, but Planning Board members expressed concerns about workload and requested more time to consider the recommendation. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was informational and adjourned after discussion.
- No formal votes or decisions taken; discussion only
- MPIC presented proposed realignment of sustainability responsibilities from Select Board to Planning Board
- Planning Board members raised workload concerns and requested more time to consider the proposal
Planning Board
The Planning Board held discussions on a proposed wastewater treatment plant for Route 9 and the Master Plan Implementation Committee's annual report, but took no final action on either. The board voted unanimously to continue public hearings on the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) bylaw, shared parking zoning amendments, and site plan approvals for 2 East Main St and 26 Meadow Ln to later dates. It also waived filing fees for the 2 East Main St application due to zoning bylaw transcription errors.
- Continued ADU bylaw and regulations hearing to March 10 (5-0)
- Continued shared parking zoning amendment hearing to March 10 (5-0)
- Continued 2 East Main St site plan and special permit hearings to March 24 (5-0)
- Extended 2 East Main St decision deadline to March 28 (5-0)
- Waived filing fees for 2 East Main St application
- Continued 26 Meadow Ln site plan and special permit hearings to March 10 (5-0)
Pre-K to 8 School Building Committee
The Neary Building Committee voted unanimously to approve the schematic design submission for the new Margaret A. Neary Elementary School and authorized Skanska USA, as Owner's Project Manager, to submit it to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA). The committee also unanimously approved the meeting minutes from February 13, 2025, and authorized the Communications and Finance Subcommittee chairs to draft a project update release. No other substantive decisions were made.
- Approved schematic design submission and authorized OPM to submit to MSBA (unanimous)
- Approved February 13, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Authorized Communications and Finance Subcommittee chairs to draft project update release (unanimous)
Historical Commission
The Southborough Historical Commission met virtually on February 20, 2025, and discussed several ongoing projects but made no formal decisions beyond approving the previous meeting's minutes. The Commission reviewed research on Revolutionary War veterans' graves in the Old Burial Ground, considering a plaque design and the removal of flags from graves with no evidence of service. They also discussed an oral history project and photo scanning initiative, and received updates on the 21 Highland Future Use Committee, a CPC application for the water tower, and the Demolition Delay Bylaw revision.
- Approved minutes of January 14, 2025 (4-0-1, O'Brien abstained)
- Discussed plaque design for Revolutionary War veterans (no vote)
- Discussed oral history project and photo scanning (no vote)
- Received update on CPC application for water tower rehab (no vote)
- Received update on Demolition Delay Bylaw revision (no vote)
Library Board of Trustees
The Southborough Library Board of Trustees met on February 19, 2025, and approved the January 21, 2025 meeting minutes as amended. The board discussed updates to the Safe Child Policy, including adding liability expenses and contact persons, and reviewed the director's report covering upcoming programs, exhibits, and budget status. No other formal votes were taken.
- Approved January 21, 2025 meeting minutes as amended (4-0)
- Discussed Safe Child Policy revisions, including adding liability expenses and contact persons
- Noted upcoming programs: Ramadan exhibit, Art in Bloom, Narcan trainings, Candidates' Night
- Reviewed FY2025 expense report; book spending increased due to resolved vendor delays
21 Highland Future Use Committee
The 21 Highland Future Use Committee met and approved the December 9, 2024 minutes. They discussed upcoming key dates, including the March 10 citizen's petition deadline and the April 7 Town Meeting, and agreed to prepare an interim report for the Select Board. No final decisions on the building's future use were made; the public forum date remains TBD pending the outcome of the Special Town Meeting.
- Approved December 9, 2024 meeting minutes as amended (unanimous)
- Agreed interim report to Select Board will summarize work to date and outline areas being examined
- Set next meeting tentatively for Feb 25
- Adjourned at 8:30 pm (unanimous)
Community Preservation Committee
The Community Preservation Committee reviewed applications but made no final funding decisions. The Historic Flagg School and South Union application was deemed incomplete due to lack of site control, and the committee agreed to send a letter to the applicant. The Affordable Housing Trust Fund application and Rural Cemetery Water Tower project were discussed with continued review scheduled for February 27. The meeting adjourned with no votes on funding.
- Historic Flagg School and South Union application deemed incomplete; applicant to be notified by letter
- Continued review of Affordable Housing Trust Fund application; further discussion scheduled for Feb 27
- Rural Cemetery Water Tower project timeline tight; follow-up with Historical Commission scheduled
- Motion to adjourn carried 6-0
Affordable Housing Trust
The Deputy Town Clerk notified the Affordable Housing Trust chair that minutes for four meetings (2/14, 4/10, 6/3, 6/17) were not submitted within the required 45 days. The notice asks the chair to confirm whether any meetings were cancelled, lacked quorum, or involved executive sessions. No substantive decisions were recorded in this notice.
- No decisions recorded; notice of overdue minutes issued for 4 meetings
Northborough-Southborough Regional School District Committee
The Northborough-Southborough Regional School Committee Policy Development Subcommittees are holding a joint open meeting. The provided agenda does not list specific discussion items or decisions.
Tricentennial Committee
The committee approved the January 15, 2025 minutes by roll call vote (5-0-1). They discussed collaborations with the Southborough Gardeners, reviewed sub-committee updates on events like the Community BBQ, Drone Show, and House Tour, and noted progress on the brick fundraiser. No major decisions were made beyond the minutes approval.
- Approved January 15, 2025 minutes (5-0-1, Burns-Fiore abstained)
- Adjourned at 8:01 PM (6-0)
Conservation Commission
The Southborough Conservation Commission voted to recommend Jenna Barbary-Glovsky to the Select Board for appointment to the Commission. The Commission also voted to continue four public hearings to March 6, 2025, including the 60-unit apartment building at 120 Turnpike Road and the Fay School addition at 48 Main Street. A Certificate of Compliance was issued for DEP #290-826 at Crystal Pond Road & Coslin Drive.
- Recommended Jenna Barbary-Glovsky to Select Board for appointment (5-0)
- Approved minutes of 1/23/25 meeting (3-0-1)
- Continued stormwater permit hearing for 48 Main St addition to March 6 (5-0)
- Continued septic system hearing for 12 Wood St to March 6 (5-0)
- Continued NOI/SMP hearing for 26 Meadow Lane development to March 6 (5-0)
- Continued NOI hearing for 120 Turnpike Rd 60-unit building to March 6 (5-0)
- Issued Certificate of Compliance for DEP #290-826 at Crystal Pond Rd & Coslin Dr (4-0)
Pre-K to 8 School Building Committee
The committee voted unanimously to approve the schematic design for the Margaret A. Neary Elementary School project with a total project budget of $108,517,025 and to submit it to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA). The vote followed a detailed review of cost-saving options, including changes to the HVAC system, building materials, and site work. The committee also discussed community outreach and the financial impact on taxpayers.
- Approved minutes from February 10, 2025 (5-0-1, Cook abstained)
- Approved schematic design report and authorized submission to MSBA (unanimous)
- Approved total project budget of $108,517,025 for MSBA submission (unanimous)
Select Board
The Select Board held a special meeting with a single agenda item: the appointment of Mark Flanigan as DPW Highway Supervisor. DPW Superintendent Bill Cundiff recommended Flanigan, and the board voted unanimously (4-0) to appoint him immediately. The meeting adjourned shortly after.
- Appointed Mark Flanigan as DPW Highway Supervisor (4-0)
- Adjourned the meeting (4-0)
Southborough Stewardship Committee
The Southborough Stewardship Committee voted 1-3 to reject a proposal for a Little Free Library at the trailhead, but approved spending up to $2,000 for expert consultation on the Farm Dump restoration plan. The committee also approved the October 28, 2024 minutes as amended and discussed grants, meadow signage, and a management plan.
- Approved October 28, 2024 minutes as amended (4-0)
- Denied Little Free Library installation at trailhead (1-3)
- Approved expert consultation on Farm Dump restoration plan up to $2,000 (4-0)
- Adjourned meeting (4-0)
Affordable Housing Trust
The Affordable Housing Trust agreed to submit an offer for 61 Newton Street at its current appraised value, with conditions including the owner installing a new septic system and paying affordable rent if staying. The board also discussed the upcoming expiration of the Housing Production Plan and the town's Safe Harbor status, and approved prior meeting minutes.
- Approved minutes from 01/23/2025 and 01/31/2025 (5-0)
- Agreed to submit offer for 61 Newton Street at appraised value
- Agreed owner must install new septic system and pay affordable rent if staying
- Discussed Housing Production Plan expiration in July 2025
- Discussed Safe Harbor status and unit count needed
- Discussed buying down a unit at a Chapter 40B project as alternative
Southborough Zoning Board of Appeals
The Southborough Zoning Board of Appeals granted a special permit to Capital Group Properties for wall signage exceeding height limits at 132 Turnpike Road, and a second special permit allowing multiple principal uses, including a clinic/medical testing lab, at 257 Turnpike Road. Both permits were approved by a 5-0-1 roll call vote with one abstention. The board also continued a public hearing for 6 Lorenzo Drive to March 19, 2025, and approved the January 22, 2025 meeting minutes.
- Granted special permit for wall signage above 20' height limit at 132 Turnpike Road (5-0-1)
- Granted special permit for multiple principal uses including clinic/medical testing lab at 257 Turnpike Road (5-0-1)
- Continued public hearing for 6 Lorenzo Drive special permit to March 19, 2025 (5-0-1)
- Approved January 22, 2025 meeting minutes (6-0-0)
Recreation Commission
The Recreation Commission met briefly and made one substantive decision: appointing K. LaVault to represent the commission on the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) from February 11, 2025, through her commission term ending June 30, 2025. The motion passed unanimously (3-0). The meeting was then adjourned.
- Appointed K. LaVault to represent Recreation Commission on CPC (3-0)
Select Board
The MetroWest RECC District Select Board approved the final draft of the Executive Director job posting and agreed to post it as presented. The board also reviewed two change orders for The Galante Architecture Studio, noting the scope of services had not changed but the estimated value had increased, and agreed to have Mr. DiLuzio review them with Fire Chief Purcell and the State 911 Department. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting was largely procedural, with updates on design, inspection, and grant matters.
- Approved Executive Director job posting as presented
- Reviewed Change Order #1 and #2 for Galante Architecture Studio; agreed to review with Fire Chief and State 911
- Agreed to hold next meeting on February 26
Select Board
The Operations Committee met on February 11, 2025, and agreed to hold their next meeting in two weeks. They expressed interest in arranging demonstrations with CAD/RMS vendors Hexagon and Mark43, with Chief Minardi and Chief Puntini tasked to reach out. The meeting adjourned at 10:41am with a 4-0 vote.
- Scheduled next meeting in two weeks
- Agreed to research CAD/RMS vendors Hexagon and Mark43
- Chief Minardi and Chief Puntini to contact vendors for demonstrations
- Adjourned meeting at 10:41am (4-0)
Southborough Youth Commission
The Southborough Youth Commission approved the January 14, 2025 meeting minutes as amended. The Director's report highlighted progress on a universal financial assistance form, the community needs assessment, and upcoming events. No formal votes were taken on policy or budget items.
- Approved January 14, 2025 meeting minutes as amended (unanimous)
- Adjourned meeting at 7:32 pm (unanimous)
Board of Assessors
The Board of Assessors approved two motor vehicle excise tax commitments totaling $2,179,007.34, released $14,000 in overlay funds for residential property inspections, and approved prior meeting minutes. In executive session, the board approved five real estate and one personal property tax abatement applications, denied four real estate abatements, and found no exemption applications to consider.
- Approved motor vehicle excise tax commitment #2024-07: 258 bills totaling $18,575.77 (unanimous)
- Approved motor vehicle excise tax commitment #2025-01: 10,196 bills totaling $2,161,431.57 (unanimous)
- Approved release of $14,000 in overlay funds for cyclical residential property inspections (unanimous)
- Approved meeting minutes of January 21, 2025 as presented (unanimous)
- Approved 5 real estate tax abatement applications totaling $513,300 in value, resulting in $7,088.67 abated (unanimous)
- Approved 1 personal property tax abatement application totaling $24,300 in value, resulting in $335.59 abated (unanimous)
- Denied 4 real estate tax abatement applications (unanimous)
- No real estate tax exemption applications to consider
Housing Authority
The Southborough Housing Authority approved sending a letter to the Community Preservation Committee supporting the Affordable Housing Trust and requesting release of funds. The board also approved the January 23 minutes, accounts payable, and the executive director's report. Discussions with Select Board members covered potential Section 8 voucher acceptance and future collaboration on affordable housing development.
- Approved sending letter to Community Preservation Committee supporting Affordable Housing Trust and requesting funds (4-0)
- Approved January 23, 2025 minutes (3-0)
- Approved Accounts Payable as of February 11, 2025 (3-0)
- Accepted Executive Director's report (3-0)
Board of Health
The Board of Health unanimously approved amended minutes from its Jan. 14 and Jan. 22 meetings. Members discussed the Youth and Family Services strategic plan, with Dr. Zulick volunteering to participate. The board also discussed seeking a $25,000 increase for the vaccination revolving account at the April 7 Town Meeting.
- Approved amended Jan. 14 and Jan. 22 meeting minutes (3-0)
- Dr. Zulick volunteered to join Youth and Family Services strategic plan process
- Dr. Medina to contact Sarah Cassell about forming a parent focus group
- Discussed $25,000 spending increase request for vaccination revolving account at Town Meeting
Select Board
The scheduled Select Board meeting on February 10, 2025, was cancelled because a quorum was not present. No decisions were made or items discussed.
Planning Board
The Planning Board held a series of public hearings and discussions, but made no final decisions on any of the proposed projects. All hearings were continued to later dates, and decision deadlines were extended for several projects. The board also accepted as-built plans for St. Mark's School parking lot and approved the January 27, 2025 meeting minutes.
- Continued ADU bylaw hearing to Feb 24, 2025 (5-0)
- Continued shared parking bylaw hearing to Feb 24, 2025 (5-0)
- Extended decision deadline for 250 Turnpike Rd to Apr 22, 2025 (5-0)
- Continued 250 Turnpike Rd hearings to Mar 10, 2025 (5-0)
- Extended decision deadline for 2 East Main St to Mar 14, 2025 (5-0)
- Continued 2 East Main St hearing to Feb 24, 2025 (5-0)
- Extended decision deadline for 26 Meadow Ln to Mar 14, 2025 (5-0)
- Continued 26 Meadow Ln hearing to Feb 24, 2025 (5-0)
Personnel Board
The Southborough Personnel Board approved revisions to the Salary Administration Plan for seasonal personnel, amended job descriptions for the part-time Program Supervisor, Assistant Town Accountant, and IT Manager (renamed Director of Information Technology), and agreed to keep the board at five members. The board also discussed a potential FY26 salary study but took no vote, and tabled further action until a future meeting.
- Approved revisions to Section 20, Schedule C pay range for Grade 1 seasonal personnel (3-0-1)
- Approved amended job description for part-time Program Supervisor (3-0-1)
- Approved reclassification of part-time Program Supervisor from grade 1 to grade 2 (3-0-1)
- Approved amended job description for Assistant Town Accountant (4-0)
- Approved amended IT Manager job description, renaming position to Director of Information Technology (4-0)
- Agreed to keep Personnel Board as five-member board (unanimous)
- Agreed to keep warrant article for FY26 salary study as placeholder (no vote)
- Approved January 14, 2025 minutes with corrections (3-0-1)
Neary School Building Committee - Finance Subcommittee
The agenda lists two items at 1:00 P.M., each marked solely as 'Documents:' with no further detail. This appears to be a procedural meeting focused on document review, with no specific decisions or discussions noted.
- Two agenda items at 1:00 P.M. labeled only 'Documents:'
The Finance Subcommittee discussed updated cost estimates for the Neary School building project, now totaling $110.984 million with a town share of $77.9 million, up from $83.4 million at the Preliminary Schematic Review. No formal votes were taken on the project; the subcommittee deferred approval of the previous meeting's minutes to the next meeting and approved no invoices. Members emphasized the need for value engineering to reduce costs before the town meeting.
- Deferred approval of 1-24-25 minutes to next meeting
- Approved no outstanding invoices (none at this time)
- Adjourned meeting unanimously (2-0)
Pre-K to 8 School Building Committee
The Neary Building Committee met on February 10, 2025, and approved the meeting minutes from four prior meetings and the Sustainability Subcommittee minutes. The committee discussed the schematic design report and financial updates, noting the town's share of the project cost is now approximately $78 million, down from $84 million. No final votes were taken on the schematic design or cost estimates; these are expected at the February 13, 2025 meeting.
- Approved meeting minutes from Dec 16, 2024, Dec 17, 2024, Jan 6, 2025, and Jan 8, 2025 (unanimous)
- Approved Sustainability Subcommittee minutes from Nov 6, 2024 and Jan 2, 2025 (3-0-4, with four abstentions)
Council on Aging
The Council on Aging voted unanimously against a proposed restructuring of the Council on Aging and Youth and Family Services, citing concerns about the process and the impact on senior services. The council also discussed budget carryover plans, including a potential storage shed and sign, and reviewed upcoming activities.
- Voted unanimously against any restructuring of the Council on Aging (unanimous)
- Approved minutes of January 13th (all in favor)
- Agreed to compile a letter to Cummings regarding planned spending and possible donation
- Adjourned at 12:20 pm (all in favor)
Select Board
The Select Board and Advisory Committee held a joint budget summit to discuss FY26 budgets for major departments. They made tentative decisions to reduce the budget and eliminate the need for a tax override, including cutting the fire overtime budget, reducing new police officers from six to four, and removing certain capital items. No formal votes were taken.
- Reduced fire overtime budget by $50k and delayed deputy fire chief start to 1/1/26
- Removed Trottier AC units from capital list
- Removed DPW service/dump truck from FY26 capital list, deferred to FY27
- Reduced flashing beacons cost from $300k to $120k
- Leased front end loader and utility dump truck instead of purchasing
- Reduced new police officers from 6 to 4, staggered every 3 months starting 7/1/25
- Reduced new police cruisers from 2 to 1
- Removed $25k Personnel Board classification study
Advisory Committee
The Select Board and Advisory Committee held a joint budget summit to discuss FY26 departmental budgets. No formal votes were taken, but the group made tentative decisions to reduce the proposed budget and eliminate the need for a tax override. These included reducing the fire overtime budget, cutting new police officers from six to four, and removing certain capital items.
- Reduced fire overtime budget by $50k and delayed deputy fire chief start to 1/1/26 (tentative)
- Removed Trottier AC units from capital list (tentative)
- Removed DPW service/dump truck from FY26 capital list, deferred to FY27 (tentative)
- Reduced flashing beacons cost from $300k to $120k (tentative)
- Leased front end loader and utility dump truck instead of purchasing (tentative)
- Reduced new police officers from 6 to 4, staggered quarterly starting 7/1/25 (tentative)
- Reduced new police cruisers from two to one (tentative)
- Removed $25k Personnel Board classification study (tentative)
Select Board
The February 7, 2025 Select Board meeting was cancelled, so no decisions, approvals, or discussions occurred. The minutes contain no substantive items.
Neary School Building Committee - Finance Subcommittee
The meeting scheduled for February 7, 2025, was canceled. No items were decided or discussed.
The Finance Subcommittee meeting scheduled for February 7, 2025, was cancelled. No decisions were made or business conducted.
Community Preservation Committee
The provided agenda documents for this meeting are sparse and do not list specific discussion items or decisions. The record indicates the meeting was canceled and revised.
Select Board
The Operations Committee agreed to hold future meetings on Tuesday mornings starting February 11. They decided to research policies and procedures used by other RECCs, with the Executive Director involved, and considered pursuing CALEA Accreditation. No formal decisions were made on vendors or operations; the meeting was procedural and planning-focused.
- Agreed to hold future meetings on Tuesday mornings beginning February 11 (5-0)
- Agreed to research policies and procedures used by other RECCs, involving the Executive Director
- Considered pursuing CALEA Accreditation (discussion only)
- Continued efforts to arrange a CAD/RMS vendor demonstration with Central Square
- Chief Neil Minardi agreed to obtain a contact for Hexagon vendor
- Mark Cady recommended using CJIS database to find additional CAD/RMS vendors
- Mark Cady agreed to create a presentation on operations layout snapshot
- Adjourned at 11:36am (5-0)
Select Board
The MetroWest RECC District Board reviewed schematic site plans and first-floor designs for the facility at 20 Phillips Street, discussing curb cuts, generator pad placement, parking materials, EV charging stations, and ballistic ratings. No formal votes were taken; the board received updates on the one-stop departmental review meeting scheduled for February 12, the milestone timeline with bid documents planned for May, and an increased cost estimate. The board also discussed a change order with TGAS, a State 911 grant amendment, and a lease complication involving a tower upgrade.
- Reviewed two schematic site plan versions for 20 Phillips Street
- Discussed first-floor design including ballistic rating of vestibules and windows
- Scheduled one-stop departmental review meeting for February 12 at 1:00pm
- Noted bid documents to be prepared in May per updated timeline
- Reviewed updated Financial Status Report with increased architectural costs
- Agreed to meet with TGAS regarding Change Order #1 and provide recommendation
- Agreed to update State 911 grant request with narrative and cost explanation
- Agreed to hold future meetings on Tuesday mornings beginning February 11
Select Board
The Select Board will discuss proposed FY26 water rates with the DPW superintendent and a consultant, appoint a probationary police officer, hold pole hearings for National Grid at two locations, receive a quarterly financial update, and consider establishing a Cemetery Commission. The board will also enter executive session for police chief contract negotiations.
- Appoint Christopher Byrne as Probationary Police Officer
- Pole hearings for National Grid at 184 Parkerville Road and 10 Pinehill Road
- Discussion of FY26 Water Rates with DPW Superintendent and consultant
- Quarterly financial update from Finance Director and Town Accountant
- Consideration of establishing a Cemetery Commission
Select Board
The Select Board unanimously approved Option #2 for FY2026 water rates, which reduces the base charge by 11.4% and increases the usage charge by 15% in FY26, followed by 4.5% and 9% annual increases respectively. The board also appointed Christopher Byrne as a probationary police officer, approved a revised IT Manager job description, and tabled the National Grid pole hearings until February 25th.
- Approved FY26 water rates Option #2 (5-0)
- Appointed Christopher Byrne as Probationary Police Officer (5-0)
- Approved revised IT Manager job description (5-0)
- Approved January 21, 2025 meeting minutes as amended (5-0)
- Appointed Michael Giampietro and Peter Tartakoff as Alternate Building Commissioners (5-0)
- Tabled Executive Session minutes from January 21, 2025
- Postponed National Grid pole hearings to February 25th
- Entered Executive Session to discuss Police Chief contract (5-0)
Board of Commissioners of Trust Funds
The Board of Commissioners of Trust Funds approved a $3,400 grant from the Waldo Fay fund for a disabled renter with four children, to be paid directly to the landlord. The applicant, referred by Youth and Family, requested two months of rent while awaiting Social Security disability benefits, with a stated intent to repay. The board also approved the January 27, 2025 meeting minutes (2-0).
- Approved $3,400 grant from Waldo Fay for rent assistance, paid directly to landlord (2-0)
- Approved minutes of 01-27-25 meeting (2-0)
Neary School Building Committee - Communications Subcommittee
The Neary Building Committee's Communications Subcommittee met virtually and discussed community feedback on the school project, including concerns about costs, educational benefits, and communication. No formal votes were taken; the only action was a unanimous vote to adjourn. The subcommittee plans to continue improving website navigation and scheduling open office hours through early March.
- Adjourned meeting unanimously (3-0)
Affordable Housing Trust
The Affordable Housing Trust board voted unanimously to nominate Ellen Marya as its representative to the Community Preservation Committee, with Marya concurrently resigning her at-large seat on the CPC. The board also scheduled its next meeting for February 12 at 10 AM, pending availability check.
- Approved nomination of Ellen Marya as AHT representative to CPC (4-0)
- Approved Ellen Marya's concurrent resignation from CPC at-large seat (4-0)
- Scheduled next meeting for February 12 at 10 AM
Southborough Trails Committee
The Southborough Trails Committee met virtually on January 30, 2025, and discussed several ongoing projects but took no formal votes or decisions. The meeting was primarily an update session, covering the Peninsula Trail Phase I and II, volunteer recruitment, and the annual report. The committee postponed approving the previous meeting's minutes and deferred discussion of the DCR MOA work plan to the next meeting.
- Approved meeting adjournment (4-0)
- Deferred approval of 01/09/2025 minutes to next meeting
- Deferred DCR MOA work plan discussion to next meeting
Master Plan Implementation Committee
The Master Plan Implementation Committee discussed transferring responsibility for sustainability recommendations from the Select Board to the Planning Board, as part of its annual report to be presented on February 10th. The committee also agreed to conduct mid-term reviews of goals with various boards and commissions between January and June 2025. The minutes from the December 19th meeting were approved 4-0.
- Approved December 19th meeting minutes (4-0)
- Agreed to propose transferring sustainability recommendations from Select Board to Planning Board in annual report
- Agreed to include category dashboard and key asks in annual report to Planning Board
- Agreed to conduct mid-term reviews of goals with boards and commissions from January to June 2025
- Agreed to expand MDP tracker to include 2025+ data and reflect mid-term review outcomes
Select Board
The MetroWest RECC Operations Committee met jointly with the Governance Board and appointed Chief Andrew Puntini as Chair and Chief Neil Minardi as Vice Chair, both by unanimous 6-0 votes. The committee also discussed equipment updates, facility power systems, and ballistic protection, but took no other formal actions.
- Appointed Chief Puntini as Operations Committee Chair (6-0)
- Appointed Chief Neil Minardi as Operations Committee Vice Chair (6-0)
Select Board
The MetroWest RECC District Board met and made progress on the 20 Phillips Street facility design, including floor plans and cost estimates. The Board approved the appointment of Chief Puntini as Chair and Chief Neil Minardi as Vice Chair of the Operations Committee, both by 6-0 votes. The Board also agreed that the Town of Westborough would cover the Executive Director's salary, OPEB, and health insurance upon hire, and discussed logo designs and the job posting for the Executive Director position.
- Appointed Chief Puntini as Operations Committee Chair (6-0)
- Appointed Chief Neil Minardi as Operations Committee Vice Chair (6-0)
- Agreed Town of Westborough to cover Executive Director salary, OPEB, and health insurance
- Discussed design updates for 20 Phillips Street facility, including floor plans and cost estimates
- Scheduled one-stop departmental review meeting for February 12, with materials due February 6
- Discussed logo designs, with edits to include blue background on police segment and white background on EMS segment
Recreation Commission
The Southborough Recreation Commission approved two personnel changes: moving the Program Supervisor/RAP Monitor position from Grade 1 to Grade 2 (raising hourly pay from $15-$17 to $19-$21) and adjusting camp counselor pay from $15-$17 to $16-$18 per hour. The commission also granted hiring authority to Recreation Director Travis Farley for 2025. Both motions passed unanimously (3-0).
- Approved RAP Monitor position reclassification from Grade 1 to Grade 2 (3-0)
- Approved camp counselor pay scale adjustment to $16-$18 per hour (3-0)
- Granted hiring authority to T. Farley for 2025 (3-0)
- Approved meeting minutes from 11/19/24 (3-0)
Board of Commissioners of Trust Funds
The Board approved an additional $2,500 for the Southborough Community Fund, bringing FY25 support to $10,000. They also approved the 2024 annual report and the minutes from the previous meeting. No other substantive decisions were made.
- Approved $2,500 supplemental grant to Southborough Community Fund (3-0)
- Approved 2024 annual report for submission (3-0)
- Approved 12-17-24 meeting minutes with corrections (3-0)
Planning Board
This is a Planning Board meeting agenda that lists several agenda and packet documents, with two items scheduled for 6:30 P.M. The agenda appears to be mostly procedural, as no specific discussion items or decisions are detailed in the provided text.
- Multiple agenda revisions and packets for the 2025-01-27 meeting
- Two items scheduled for 6:30 P.M.
The Planning Board held public hearings on a proposed Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) bylaw, zoning amendments for shared parking, and several major site plan applications. All hearings were continued to February 10, 2025, with decision deadlines extended for the site plan cases. The board also endorsed an ANR plan to split a lot at 9 Wyndemere Drive and discussed a minor site plan for a Valvoline oil change at 361 Turnpike Rd.
- Continued ADU bylaw public hearing to Feb. 10 (5-0)
- Continued shared parking zoning amendment hearing to Feb. 10 (5-0)
- Continued 250 Turnpike Rd site plan hearing to Feb. 10, deadline extended to Feb. 28 (5-0)
- Continued 2 East Main St site plan/special permit hearing to Feb. 10, deadline extended to Feb. 28 (5-0)
- Continued 26 Meadow Ln site plan/special permit hearings to Feb. 10, deadline extended to Feb. 28 (5-0)
- Endorsed ANR plan for 9 Wyndemere Drive to split lot (5-0)
- Approved minutes from Nov. 4, Dec. 2, Dec. 16, Dec. 17, 2024 and Jan. 6, 2025 (5-0)
Southborough Zoning Board of Appeals
The Southborough Zoning Board of Appeals is holding a meeting on January 27, 2025, at 6:30 p.m., jointly with the Planning Board. The agenda text contains no specific items, only a reference to a PDF document, so this appears to be a procedural or placeholder agenda.
- Joint meeting with Planning Board
Select Board
This agenda is procedural only. It lists three versions of the Select Board meeting agenda for January 25, 2025, including a revised and a cancelled version. No substantive items are detailed.
- Agenda revision and cancellation notices
Neary School Building Committee - Finance Subcommittee
This is a procedural meeting of the Neary School Building Committee's Finance Subcommittee. The agenda contains only the meeting time and a reference to an agenda PDF, with no listed discussion items or decisions.
- Meeting scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on 2025-01-24
The Finance Subcommittee unanimously approved the December 30, 2024 meeting minutes and two outstanding invoices: $87,500 to Arrowstreet and $5,400 to Skanska. They discussed the upcoming schematic design submission to the Massachusetts School Building Authority, noting a budget concern exceeding $81.6 million and the need for value engineering. The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for February 7, 2025.
- Approved December 30, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Approved Arrowstreet invoice #729900 for $87,500 (unanimous)
- Approved Skanska invoice #1323833-000-15478-13 for $5,400 (unanimous)
Housing Authority
The Southborough Housing Authority approved a one-year HVAC maintenance contract with Forever Mechanical HVAC/R, Inc., with an option to extend for an additional year. The board also approved the December 19, 2024 minutes, accounts payable, and the Executive Director's report. No other substantive decisions were made.
- Approved December 19, 2024 minutes (3-0, 1 abstention)
- Approved Accounts Payable as of January 23, 2025 (4-0)
- Accepted Executive Director's report (4-0)
- Approved one-year HVAC maintenance contract with Forever Mechanical HVAC/R, Inc., with option to extend (4-0)
Conservation Commission
The Southborough Conservation Commission issued a Negative Determination of Applicability for a patio replacement at 10 Dairy Farm Lane, conditioned on erosion controls approved by the Conservation Agent. It continued public hearings for septic replacement at 12 Wood Street, a flexible development at 26 Meadow Lane, and a 60-unit apartment building at 120 Turnpike Road to February 13, 2025. The Commission also authorized Lara Davis as an alternate signatory for payables during Conservation Agent Melissa Danza's upcoming leave.
- Issued Negative Determination of Applicability for patio at 10 Dairy Farm Lane, conditioned on erosion controls (4-0)
- Continued public hearing for septic replacement at 12 Wood Street to Feb 13, 2025 (4-0)
- Continued public hearing for flexible development at 26 Meadow Lane to Feb 13, 2025 (4-0)
- Continued public hearing for 60-unit apartment building at 120 Turnpike Road to Feb 13, 2025 (4-0)
- Authorized Lara Davis as alternate signatory for payables during agent leave (4-0)
- Approved minutes of Dec 5, 2024 (3-0)
- Approved minutes of Jan 2, 2025 (3-0-1)
Affordable Housing Trust
The agenda provided is procedural boilerplate and does not list specific discussion items or decisions.
The Southborough Affordable Housing Trust approved a revised mission statement that adds down payment and rental assistance for families. The board also agreed to continue pursuing the potential acquisition of 61 Newton Street, with members volunteering to contact the owner's attorney, the Housing Authority, and Habitat for Humanity. The meeting included an executive session on property acquisition.
- Approved revised AHT Mission Statement (5-0)
- Approved January 16, 2025 meeting minutes with changes (4-0-1)
- Agreed to send approved mission statement to CPC
- Agreed to continue pursuing 61 Newton Street acquisition
- Entered executive session to discuss potential property acquisition (5-0)
Board of Health
The Board of Health held a discussion-only meeting about a potential wastewater treatment plant for commercial buildings on Route 9. No formal decisions were made. The board heard from Select Board members about benefits, funding challenges, and next steps, including soil testing and a comprehensive plan.
- No formal decisions made; meeting was discussion-only
- Adjourned meeting at 12:41 pm (2-0)
Southborough Zoning Board of Appeals
The Zoning Board of Appeals approved the amended Comprehensive Permit Rules and Regulations, which modernize the application process for affordable housing developments under Chapter 40B. The board also continued the public hearing for the 250 Turnpike Road comprehensive permit application to February 26, 2025, and approved the minutes from two prior meetings.
- Approved Comprehensive Permit Rules and Regulations as amended (6-0)
- Continued public hearing for 250 Turnpike Road comprehensive permit to Feb 26, 2025 (6-0)
- Approved Dec 11, 2024 meeting minutes (5-0-1)
- Approved Dec 18, 2024 meeting minutes (5-0-1)
Select Board
The agenda for the Southborough Select Board meeting on January 21, 2025, contains only meeting times and references to PDF documents with no specific agenda items described. This appears to be a procedural or placeholder agenda.
The Southborough Select Board approved several Department of Revenue financial policies, appointed new members to the Affordable Housing Trust and Housing Authority, and accepted a $50,000 donation from Harvard University. The board also appointed a new Tree Warden and approved the Assistant Town Accountant job description. Several other financial policies were tabled for later review.
- Approved Forecasting Policy, as amended (5-0)
- Approved Indirect Cost Allocation Policy, as amended (5-0)
- Approved Other PostEmployment Benefits Liability Policy, as amended (5-0)
- Approved Special Purpose Appropriations Policy, as amended (5-0)
- Approved Tailings Policy, as amended (5-0)
- Appointed Ellen Marya to Affordable Housing Trust, term to expire June 30, 2026 (5-0)
- Appointed Katie Barry to Southborough Housing Authority, term to expire January 20, 2030 (5-0)
- Accepted $50,000 donation from Harvard University (5-0)
Municipal Technology Committee
The Southborough Town Clerk's Office notified the Municipal Technology Committee (MTC) that minutes and documents for four meetings (1/21/2025, 4/2/2025, 5/5/2025, 6/10/2025) were not submitted within the required 45 days. The notice asks the chair to confirm whether any meetings were cancelled, lacked quorum, or involved executive sessions. No substantive decisions from the meetings are recorded in this notice.
- No decisions recorded; notice of overdue minutes issued for four MTC meetings
Board of Assessors
The Board of Assessors approved January motor vehicle excise tax abatements totaling $1,902.47, accepted prior meeting minutes, and entered executive session to review abatement and exemption applications. In open session, they approved one real estate tax abatement of $1,959.64 and signed seven Chapter 61A applications. No real estate tax exemption applications were considered.
- Approved January motor vehicle excise tax abatements: $474.98 (2023 levy) and $1,427.49 (2024 levy) (unanimous)
- Approved one real estate tax abatement totaling $1,959.64 (unanimous)
- Signed seven Chapter 61A recurring applications (unanimous)
- Accepted December 10, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous)
Tricentennial Committee
The Deputy Town Clerk notified the Tricentennial Committee that minutes for four meetings (1/15, 1/21, 4/22, 5/7/2025) were not submitted within the required 45 days. The notice asks the chair to explain if meetings were cancelled, lacked quorum, or involved executive sessions. No substantive decisions from the committee are recorded in this document.
- No decisions recorded; notice of overdue minutes sent for four meetings
Library Board of Trustees
The Southborough Library Board of Trustees met on January 21, 2025, and approved the minutes from the December 16, 2024 meeting. The board discussed the director's report, including the decision to likely not renew the Newsbank newspaper access due to a price increase and low usage, and the library's unsuccessful application for the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP) grant. No formal votes were taken on these items; the meeting was primarily informational and procedural.
- Approved minutes of December 16, 2024 meeting as amended (5-0)
- Discussed likely non-renewal of Newsbank newspaper access due to price increase
- Noted library was not awarded MPLCP construction grant
- Discussed plans for interim furniture updates and space assessment
- Noted Cultural Arts Council awarded two programming grants ($400 each)
- Discussed FY26 budget proposal with 4.5% increase
- Discussed Child Safe Policy to be reviewed by Police Chief and Town Counsel
- Adjourned meeting at 12:58 PM (5-0)
Southborough Cultural Arts Council
The Southborough Cultural Arts Council approved meeting minutes from December 3 and 11, 2024. Members discussed grant disbursement updates, including a shortfall issue and a planned meeting with the town about reimbursement. They prioritized planning a spring grant reception and improving public communication about grants. No major funding decisions were made; the meeting was largely administrative and planning-focused.
- Approved meeting minutes from 12/3/24 and 12/11/24
- Set next meeting for February 25, 2025 at 7:00 pm via Zoom
- Prioritized planning a spring grant reception
- Agreed to edit grant acceptance letter for clarity next year
Neary School Building Committee - Communications Subcommittee
The subcommittee discussed updates to its communication plan, including open office hours, videos with Southborough Access Media, and a weekly newsletter. No formal votes were taken; the December 16, 2024 minutes were deferred to the next meeting. The meeting adjourned unanimously.
- Deferred approval of December 16, 2024 minutes to next meeting
- No new FAQs released (no vote taken)
- Adjourned meeting unanimously (2-0)
Community Preservation Committee
The Community Preservation Committee voted to recommend two projects to Town Meeting: the Town Common Railing and Fence Post Restoration Project (5-0) and the Engine 25 Refurbishment (4-1), both contingent on application revisions. The committee also approved $200 in contingency funds for the Town Clerk's document restoration project and postponed votes on the water tower and affordable housing applications.
- Recommended Town Common Railing and Fence Post Restoration to Town Meeting (5-0)
- Recommended Engine 25 Refurbishment to Town Meeting, contingent on affidavit for town ownership (4-1)
- Approved $200 contingency expenditure for Town Clerk's document restoration (5-0)
- Postponed vote on Rural Cemetery Water Tower Restoration pending more info
- Postponed vote on Affordable Housing Trust Fund application
- Approved minutes of Oct 23, Nov 21, and Dec 10, 2024 meetings (5-0 each)
Affordable Housing Trust
The Affordable Housing Trust elected Doug Manz as chair and Paul Desmond as vice chair, and authorized the chair and vice chair to approve/sign invoices. The board discussed aligning its trust document with Town Meeting legislation and a pending application to transfer approximately $550,000 in affordable housing funds from the Community Preservation Committee. In executive session, the board reviewed a potential acquisition of 61 Newton Street, including appraisal and renovation considerations, but took no formal action on the property.
- Elected Doug Manz as chair (4-0)
- Elected Paul Desmond as vice chair (4-0)
- Authorized chair and vice chair to approve/sign invoices (4-0)
- Entered executive session to discuss potential property acquisition (4-0)
Select Board
The Select Board voted unanimously to approve the issuance of $3.735 million in bonds at a 3.4% interest rate, with Fidelity Capital Markets as the winning bidder. The bonds fund DPW equipment purchases, a new fire truck, and the Breakneck Hill Farm Dump cleanup. The board agreed to sign the bond certificates by the end of the next day. No other substantive decisions were made.
- Approved $3.735M bond issuance at 3.4% interest to Fidelity Capital (5-0)
- Agreed to sign bond certificates by end of day January 16, 2025
Tricentennial Committee
The committee approved the December 12, 2024 minutes as amended, and discussed planning for the 2027 Tricentennial, including library events and subcommittee assignments. They agreed to continue working with the Southborough Community Fund, which proposed a $10,000 donation over three years. No final decisions were made on event specifics.
- Approved December 12, 2024 minutes as amended (7-0)
- Agreed to continue working with Southborough Community Fund on $10,000 donation
- Assigned subcommittee liaisons: Parade (Morris, Harding), Historical Events (Hokinson), Historical House Tour (Burns-Fiore), Community BBQ (Pochapin), Music Festival (Pochapin), Drone Show (Dennington)
- Requested library director to begin planning 2027 events with Tricentennial
- Adjourned at 8:01 PM (6-0)
Northborough-Southborough Regional School District Committee
The agenda for the January 15, 2025 meeting of the Northborough-Southborough Regional School Committee contains only a meeting time (6:30 P.M.) and references to documents, with no specific discussion or decision items listed. The filename suggests the meeting was cancelled.
Southborough Youth Commission
The Southborough Youth Commission approved the December 3, 2024 meeting minutes and introduced new Program Coordinator Emily Brideau. Members discussed a proposed town-wide Human Services Organization combining SYFS, Seniors, and Vet departments, but took no formal action. The Director's report covered program updates, budget submission, and a community needs assessment.
- Approved December 3, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Introduced new Program Coordinator Emily Brideau
- Discussed proposed Human Services Organization (no vote)
- Heard Director's report on Winter Wishes, Shelf Help, budget, and needs assessment
Historical Commission
The Southborough Historical Commission approved a historic house sign for the G.W. Lewis House at 2 Bridge Street, with the date listed as circa 1850, by a 4-0 vote. The commission deferred a decision on a sign for the C.B. Wilson House at 24 East Main Street pending further research into the correct historic name. The commission also discussed but did not vote on an oral history project and a before-and-after photo scanning proposal, and reviewed updates on the 21 Highland committee, cemetery commission, and water tower CPC application.
- Approved historic house sign for G.W. Lewis House at 2 Bridge Street, dated circa 1850 (4-0)
- Deferred vote on C.B. Wilson House sign at 24 East Main Street pending further research
- Approved minutes of 11/4/2024 (3-0-1, Pfaff abstaining)
- Approved minutes of 12/2/2024 (3-0-1, Pfaff abstaining)
- Scheduled next meeting for February 20, 2025 at 7pm
- Adjourned at 8:50pm (4-0)
Personnel Board
The Personnel Board approved increases to the annual stipends for the Veterans Agent (from $15,000 to $17,500) and the Tree Warden (from $4,000 to $8,000), both effective July 1, 2025, contingent on Town Meeting approval. The board also approved funding for two professional development trainings and supported drafting a warrant article for a FY26 salary study, though the latter passed 2-1 with one member opposed.
- Approved Veterans Agent stipend increase to $17,500 (3-0)
- Approved Tree Warden stipend increase to $8,000 (3-0)
- Approved $2,200 for de-escalation training (3-0)
- Approved $925 for MMHR HR seminar for Executive Assistant (3-0)
- Supported drafting FY26 salary study warrant article (2-1)
- Approved December 16, 2024 minutes (3-0)
Board of Health
The Board of Health voted 3-0 to adopt the proposed Trash Hauler Regulations, which require private haulers to obtain permits, comply with Massachusetts waste bans, and provide bundled recycling services. The board also approved revised minutes from the 12/14/24 meeting and discussed several informational items, including Dry January, the new health agent, and a future wastewater treatment plant meeting.
- Adopted Trash Hauler Regulations (3-0)
- Approved revised minutes from 12/14/24 meeting (3-0)
- Closed public hearing on trash hauler regulations (3-0)
Council on Aging
The Council on Aging voted unanimously to recommend keeping the Senior Center at its current location in Cordaville Hall, with renovations to make it accessible and usable, rather than moving to the Finn School as part of a community center. The decision was in response to a presentation on options related to the proposed new Neary School construction. The COA will send a letter to the Building Committee expressing this preference. Other items, including rebranding and restructuring of Human Services, were discussed but no formal decisions were made.
- Voted unanimously to stay at Cordaville Hall with renovations for accessibility and lower-level use
- Directed Doug to send a letter to the Building Committee expressing the COA's preference
Golf Course Committee
The Golf Course Committee approved the November 14, 2024 meeting minutes and discussed next steps for several course improvement projects. The committee will submit a Notice of Intent for the irrigation project to the Conservation Commission, with documentation requiring a professional engineer's stamp. A proposal to pave the first hole cart path (estimated $25,000) has been sent to the Conservation Commission and needs Selectboard approval. Tee refurbishment on holes #3, #5, and #8, including a new tee box on #5, is estimated at $85,000 and will require consultation with a golf course architect. No formal votes were taken on these projects; they remain in discussion.
- Approved November 14, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Discussed submitting Notice of Intent for irrigation project to Conservation Commission
- Reviewed cart path paving proposal for first hole (est. $25,000) pending Selectboard approval
- Discussed tee refurbishment on holes #3, #5, #8 (est. $85,000) with architect consultation
- Reviewed three vendor proposals for barrier between 3rd green and 4th tee
Southborough Trails Committee
The committee approved the minutes from the previous meeting and discussed updates on the Peninsula Trail project. The paving date was moved to spring 2025, and the MassTrails grant extension was approved. No other formal decisions were made; most items were updates or planning discussions.
- Approved minutes from 11/21/2024 (3-0)
- Approved MassTrails grant extension for Peninsula Trail Phase I
- Scheduled next meeting for January 30, 2025
Pre-K to 8 School Building Committee
The Neary Building Committee met virtually and received a project update on the Neary School schematic design, including plans for an additional art room, gymnasium improvements, and community communication strategies ahead of the May 10, 2025 Town Meeting. No formal decisions or votes were taken during the meeting; the only action was a unanimous vote to adjourn.
- Adjourned meeting unanimously (4-0)
Select Board
The Southborough Select Board approved a change of liquor license for Nan's Market, referred ADU and shared parking zoning bylaws to the Planning Board, and made appointments to the Affordable Housing Trust. The board also approved a Tree Warden stipend increase and DPW staffing changes. The meeting included a lengthy capital planning presentation and discussion.
- Approved Nan's Market on-premises wine/malt license change (5-0)
- Referred ADU and shared parking zoning bylaws to Planning Board (5-0)
- Appointed Jesse Stein, Doug Manz, Paul Desmond, and Al Hamilton to Affordable Housing Trust (5-0)
- Increased Tree Warden stipend from $4,000 to $8,000/year (5-0)
- Approved amended DPW job descriptions and new truck driver position (5-0)
- Approved Dec 17 and Dec 30 meeting minutes (5-0)
- Reappointed Kristen LaVault to 21 Highland Future Use Committee (5-0)
- Approved office hours schedule through March 2025
Capital Improvement & Planning Committee
The Capital Improvement & Planning Committee (CIPC) meeting on January 7, 2025, did not occur because no quorum was present. The minutes were posted to resolve the open meeting record, but no substantive decisions were made.
Advisory Committee
The Advisory Committee met jointly with the Select Board to review the Capital Improvement & Planning Committee's FY26 capital recommendations. No formal votes were taken on capital items; the discussion focused on funding priorities, including water rate impacts, sinkhole/culvert issues, the Trottier roof project, and Choate Field. The meeting adjourned with a unanimous 4-0 vote.
- Adjourned meeting (4-0)
- Agreed CIPC would not attend January 25 budget summit
- Agreed to further explore Choate Field project with Recreation Director
- Discussed creating policy for presenting capital projects to Town Meeting
Planning Board
The Planning Board held a discussion on the proposed Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) bylaw and regulations, with no final decisions made. The board continued three public hearings without testimony: 250 Turnpike Rd, 2 East Main St, and 26 Meadow Ln, all to January 27, 2025. No substantive decisions were made on the ADU bylaw or zoning amendments.
- Continued public hearing for 250 Turnpike Rd to Jan 27, 2025, decision deadline Jan 31, 2025 (unanimous)
- Continued public hearing for 2 East Main St (Site Plan) to Jan 27, 2025, decision deadline Feb 14, 2025 (unanimous)
- Continued public hearing for 2 East Main St (Special Permit) to Jan 27, 2025 (unanimous)
- Continued public hearing for 26 Meadow Ln (Site Plan) to Jan 27, 2025, decision deadline Feb 14, 2025 (unanimous)
- Continued public hearings for 26 Meadow Ln (Special Permits) to Jan 27, 2025 (unanimous)
- Approved minutes of November 4, 2024, motion withdrawn
Pre-K to 8 School Building Committee
The Neary Building Committee voted unanimously to recommend a ground source heat pump system for the new Neary Elementary School, citing energy savings, incentives, and lower maintenance. The committee also reviewed updated floor plans and exterior materials, discussed community outreach, and approved the August 9, 2024 meeting minutes. No other formal votes were taken.
- Approved open and executive session minutes from August 9, 2024 (unanimous)
- Recommended ground source heat pump HVAC system (unanimous)
Conservation Commission
The Southborough Conservation Commission voted to continue public hearings for a flexible development at 26 Meadow Lane and a 60-unit apartment building at 120 Turnpike Road to January 23, 2025. It also issued a Certificate of Compliance for the St. Mark's parking lot at 0 Marlboro Road. The commission discussed and approved a comment letter to the Zoning Board of Appeals regarding the 40B project at 250 Turnpike Road, emphasizing protection of the 20-foot buffer zone and vernal pools.
- Continued public hearing for 26 Meadow Lane flexible development to Jan 23, 2025 (4-0)
- Continued public hearing for 120 Turnpike Road 60-unit apartment building to Jan 23, 2025 (4-0)
- Issued Certificate of Compliance for 0 Marlboro Road (St. Mark's parking lot) (4-0)
- Approved comment letter to ZBA for 250 Turnpike Road 40B project
- Adjourned meeting (4-0)
Neary School Building Committee - Sustainability Subcommittee
The Sustainability Subcommittee reviewed a life cycle cost analysis of three HVAC options and agreed to direct design consultants to proceed with a geothermal (ground-source heat pump) system for the Neary School building project. No formal vote was taken; an official vote will occur at a full Neary Building Committee meeting. The meeting was otherwise procedural, with no public comment or other business.
- Agreed to move forward with geothermal-based HVAC system design (no formal vote; official vote pending at full NBC meeting)
- Adjourned meeting unanimously (2-0)