Boxford public meetings in 2023

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals is meeting to consider special permits for garage expansions and a driveway variance. The board will also review draft minutes from previous meetings.

• Case #1044: Driveway by-law variance for Lot 20B Wildmeadow Road
• Case #1046: Special permit for garage space for more than three automobiles at 370 Middleton Road
• Case #1047: Special permit for garage space for more than three automobiles at 20 Rowley Road
• Case #1048: Special permit for garage space for more than three automobiles at 120 Killam Hill Road
• Case #1049: Special permit for garage space for more than three automobiles at 15 Winding Oaks Way

Library Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees will meet via Zoom to review the Director's report and receive an update on the search for a library director.

• Library Director search update

Select Board

The Select Board will review an interim report from the Adaptive Reuse of Buildings Advisory Committee regarding town-owned properties. The board will also discuss the lifting of a hiring freeze and potential bylaw changes for the Finance Director and Town Administrator.

• Discussion on reuse of 4 Middleton Road (proposed office/coworking) and 188 Washington Street (proposed restaurant/retail)
• Appointment of Susan Arsenault to the Council on Aging
• Lifting of hiring freeze for Building Department Administrative Assistant
• Proposed rezoning of 4 Middleton Road and 188 Washington Street to B-1 business district
• Report of estimated $970,000 in maintenance needs over 10 years for the two reuse properties

Board of Health

The Board of Health will meet to receive an update from the Waste Stream Task Force. The board will also consider National Grid pole petitions for Hillside Road and the Ipswich Culvert.

• Waste Stream Task Force update
• National Grid Pole Petition - Hillside Road
• National Grid Pole Petition – Ipswich Culvert

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee will hold public hearings and discuss several applications for funding and review. The meeting will also cover minutes and bills.

• Johnson Field Playground application
• Housing Coordinator application
• Stiles Pond Rehabilitation Study application
• Masco Field Mower application
• Dorman Land Sign, Kiosk and Baseline Study application

Select Board

The Select Board will discuss the adoption of a formal policy regarding which flags may be flown on Town-owned flagpoles. The Board will also consider a request to reclassify the Administrative Services Manager/HR Coordinator position from grade N-5 to N-8.

• Proposed policy to limit Town flagpoles to US, Commonwealth, Town of Boxford, military branch, and POW-MIA flags
• Request to reclassify Administrative Services Manager/HR Coordinator from grade N-5 to N-8
• Appointment of Al Nierenberg to the Sustainability Committee
• Discussion of Fiscal Year 2025 Operating Budget
• Executive session to discuss litigation strategy

Select Board

The Select Board will review proposed changes to town bylaws regarding zoning, committee structures, and the roles of the Town Administrator and Finance Director. The board is also considering a 2024 meeting schedule and receiving updates on health insurance and waste collection.

• Appointment of Richard Tomszyk to the Land Committee
• Proposed 2024 Select Board meeting schedule consisting of 22 meetings
• Discussion of potential bylaw changes for the Water Resource and Drainage and Computer Management committees
• Proposed zoning changes for 4 Middleton Road and 188 Washington Street to B-1 Retail Business district
• Waste Stream Task Force update on potential bi-weekly recycling collection to reduce costs

Board of Health

The Board of Health is meeting to discuss a variance request for 43 King George Drive. The board will also review minutes, bills, and the Director's Report.

• Variance request for 43 King George Drive (Robert Grasso)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a virtual meeting to address continued business regarding special permits and variances. The board will also review draft regulations for in-law apartments and a potential increase in application postage fees.

• Case #1038: Special Permit for 609sf garage addition and accessory apartment at 39 Lily Pond Road
• Case #1044: Driveway by-law variance for Lot 20B Wildmeadow Road
• Review of draft In-Law Apartment Regulations
• Review of possible ZBA Application Postage Fee increase
• Discussion regarding 370 Middleton Road with Valentin Maldonado

Community Preservation Committee

The committee will hold its annual public hearing to discuss community preservation needs and resources in Boxford. Members will also review submitted applications and project updates.

• Annual public hearing on community preservation needs and resources
• Recreation Committee Johnson Field playground project update
• Dorman Land review of Bill Brown sketches and agreements with Select Board and NHESP
• Development of Conservation Restriction/Recreation Restriction for Dorman Land
• Baseline study for Dorman Land Conservation Restriction

Library Board of Trustees

The Library Board of Trustees will meet via Zoom to review the library director search process. The board will also receive reports on the Winterfest event and Town Hall/Library signage.

• Library Director search process
• Winterfest event on December 2, 2023
• Town Hall / Library Sign

Select Board

The Select Board will conduct a public hearing to determine the residential factor and tax burden for property classes for Fiscal Year 2024. The board will also consider lifting hiring freezes for the Communications Department and the Council on Aging.

• Tax Classification Hearing to consider setting one tax rate for all property classes
• Request to lift hiring freeze for a full-time Communications Dispatcher
• Request to lift hiring freeze for a COA Outreach Activities Coordinator
• Discussion on funding a study for rehabilitating and preserving Stiles Pond
• DPW update including Glendale Road culvert re-design and 2023 Summer Roads Program completion

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will meet virtually to consider special permits and variances. The board is also discussing the town's accessory apartment by-law and interviewing a potential alternate member.

• Case #1038: Special Permit for 609sf garage addition and accessory apartment at 39 Lily Pond Road
• Case #1044: Driveway by-law variance for Lot 20B Wildmeadow Road
• Discussion of Accessory Apartment By-law
• Interview with alternate candidate Dan Paglia

Library Board of Trustees

This meeting of the Boxford Library Board of Trustees has no published agenda. The agenda text indicates only that no agenda is available and directs readers to review the minutes.

• No agenda items listed

Board of Health

This meeting has no published agenda; only minutes are available for review. The agenda is purely procedural boilerplate with no specific items to report.

Recreation Committee

This meeting has no published agenda. The only item listed is 'No Agenda,' directing readers to review the minutes. No decisions or discussions are scheduled for public notice.

Community Preservation Committee

The Boxford Community Preservation Committee is meeting via Zoom to discuss the upcoming November 14 public hearing and application deadline, review pending applications including Paisleys Barn and the Dorman Land conservation/recreation restriction, and ratify payment of Community Preservation Coalition dues. The agenda is largely procedural, with no votes or final decisions listed.

• Discussion of November 14 public hearing and application deadline
• Pending application: Paisleys Barn
• Development of Conservation Restriction/Recreation Restriction for Dorman Land
• Ratification of payment of Community Preservation Coalition dues
• Unanticipated items at Chair's discretion

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Boxford Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a virtual meeting to continue three cases: two special permit requests for additions (one including an accessory apartment) and one variance from the driveway by-law. The board will also review draft minutes from previous meetings. The meeting is open for virtual participation.

• Case #1038: Special permit for 609sf addition to garage and accessory apartment at 39 Lily Pond Road
• Case #1042: Special permit for 12x22 addition to enclose stair at 8 Cedar Street
• Case #1044: Variance from driveway by-law for Lot 20B Wildmeadow Road
• Review draft minutes from July 27 and August 24, 2023 meetings

Select Board

The Boxford Select Board will meet to consider appointments, discuss police sergeant positions and promotions, review traffic signage on Kelsey and Sayward Roads, and take up several administrative items including a new Emergency Response Advisory Committee, a letter on Municipal Aggregation, an alcohol permit for Boxtoberfest, and surplus fire equipment. The agenda also includes routine approvals of minutes and warrants.

• Consider appointment of Dr. James Taggart to Board of Health
• Consider 'No Left Turn' signs onto Kelsey Road during certain hours
• Discussion on three Sergeant positions and promotion process
• Consider application for Alcohol Sale Permit for Boxtoberfest/Boxford Community Kitchen on October 8, 2023
• Consider surplus of Fire Department Engine 1

Select Board

The Select Board held a roundtable discussion with committee chairs regarding FY'24 goals and potential warrant articles. No formal votes or substantive decisions were recorded in the provided minutes.

Board of Health

The agenda for this meeting is empty, with no items listed. The document directs readers to review the minutes for any details.

The Board of Health approved variances for leaching facility setbacks at three properties. The Board also decided to suspend online trash sticker sales upon the departure of Kristin Kwiatek.

• Approved leaching facility variances for 8 Roberts Road (unanimous)
• Approved leaching facility variance for 8 Kind Richard (unanimous)
• Approved conditional leaching facility variances for 157 Spofford Road (unanimous)
• Approved suspension of online trash sticker purchasing upon Kristin Kwiatek's departure
• Approved July 12, 2023 meeting minutes as amended (unanimous)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Boxford Zoning Board of Appeals will continue reviews for several special permit and variance requests. The board will also review a draft letter regarding 'In-Law Apartments' and approve minutes from the July 27, 2023 meeting.

• Case #1038: 609sf garage addition and accessory apartment at 39 Lily Pond Road
• Case #1042: 12x22 stair enclosure addition at 8 Cedar Street
• Case #1044: Driveway by-law variance for Lot 20B Wildmeadow Road
• Case #1045: Basement remodel for a finished apartment at 28 Dana Rd
• Review of 'In-Law Apartment' draft letter

The Board unanimously approved the withdrawal of Case #1045. Three other zoning cases were continued to September 28, 2023. The Board also discussed potential revisions to in-law apartment bylaws.

• Withdrew Case #1045 (28 Dana Road) without prejudice (Unanimous)
• Continued Case #1044 (Lot 20B Wildmeadow Road) to September 28, 2023 (Unanimous)
• Continued Case #1038 (39 Lily Pond Rd) to September 28, 2023 (Unanimous)
• Continued Case #1042 (8 Cedar Street) to September 28, 2023 (Unanimous)

Select Board

The Boxford Select Board is meeting to review an application from Eaglements. The agenda includes the application document for their consideration.

• Review of Eaglements application

The Select Board appointed Erica Andrew Clements to fill a vacancy on the Masco Regional School Committee. The appointment is for a term ending May 21, 2024.

• Appointed Erica Andrew Clements to the Masco Regional School Committee (Unanimous)

Recreation Committee

This meeting has no published agenda. The agenda text states that there is no agenda available and directs readers to review the minutes.

The committee approved the minutes from July 18, 2023. Members discussed updates for the Johnson Field Playground, planning for the Apple Festival and Trails and Sails, and addressed vandalism at the tennis/pickleball courts.

• Approved meeting minutes dated July 18, 2023 (unanimous)

Select Board

The Select Board approved a letter urging Andrews Farm residents to form an HOA to resolve private water supply issues. The Board also voted to lift a hiring freeze to fill a vacant Heavy Equipment Operator 1 position.

• Approved letter to Andrews Farm residents regarding water supply and HOA formation (Unanimous)
• Lifted hiring freeze to fill vacant Heavy Equipment Operator I position (Unanimous)

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee approved a 7.5% stipend increase for the CPC administrator. The committee also authorized a $7,000 payment to Don ohoe Survey, Inc. using remaining funds from the May 2023 Dorman Warrant Article.

• Approved 7.5% stipend increase for CPC administrator Ross Povenmire (5-0)
• Approved $7,000 payment to Don ohoe Survey, Inc. (5-0)
• Approved April 10, 2023 meeting minutes (5-0)

Select Board

The Boxford Select Board will hold a series of meetings and discussions, including a proclamation for a library mural artist, a National Grid pole petition hearing on Glendale Road, and presentations from the Police Chief, the 10 Elm Community Committee, and Masco School Committee representatives. The Town Administrator will report on various items such as the Apple Festival alcohol permit, a new Treasurer-Collector contract, and a proposed left turn restriction on Kelsey Road. The board will also set FY2024 goals and enter executive session for legal and HIPAA matters.

• National Grid pole petition hearing for Glendale Road (Work Request #30754009)
• Discussion on Masco Capital Plan and filling open School Committee seat
• Consider application for alcohol sale permit for Apple Festival/Boxford Historical Society
• Consider executing new contract for Treasurer-Collector
• Discussion on left turn restriction proposal for Kelsey Road

The Select Board approved a three-year employment agreement for the Treasurer/Collector and authorized National Grid to move a utility pole on Glendale Road. The Board also approved the use of the West Fire Station as a bike ride rest stop and appointed a Police Reserve Officer.

• Approved National Grid's request to move a pole on Glendale Road (unanimous)
• Approved West Fire Station as a rest stop for 2023 Coast to Cure Bike Ride (unanimous)
• Approved 3-year employment agreement for Treasurer/Collector Ellen S. Guerin (unanimous)
• Appointed Matthew Dupont as part-time Police Reserve Officer from 8/12/23 to 6/30/24 (unanimous)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will continue business on multiple special permit applications and a variance request. The agenda includes discussions regarding garage additions, stair enclosures, and driveway by-law deviations.

• Case #1038: 609sf garage addition and accessory apartment at 39 Lily Pond Road
• Case #1042: 12x22 addition to enclose stair at 8 Cedar Street
• Case #1044: Driveway by-law variance for Lot 20B Wildmeadow Road
• Case #1014: Amended special permit discussion regarding dry hydrant at 8 Willow Road
• Case #1045: Basement remodel for finished apartment at 28 Dana Rd

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved a $720,155.02 bond and a special permit amendment requiring a dry hydrant for the Willow Road project. The board also elected its officers and continued several other zoning cases to the August meeting.

• Elected Paula Fitzsimmons as Chair (3-0)
• Elected Steve Merriam as Vice Chair (3-0)
• Elected Ralph Nay as Clerk (3-0)
• Continued Case #1038 (39 Lily Pond Rd) to August 24, 2023 (3-0)
• Continued Case #1042 (8 Cedar Street) to August 24, 2023 (3-0)
• Continued Case #1044 (Lot 20B Wildmeadow Road) to August 24, 2023 (3-0)
• Approved amendment to condition 31 of Special Permit for Case #1014 (8 Willow Road) to require dry hydrant installation before occupancy permit (3-0)
• Approved $720,155.02 Bond Amount for Case #1014 (3-0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Board will conduct a discussion regarding an amended special permit for Case #1014 at 8 Willow Road. The meeting also includes the review of draft minutes from April and May meetings and the election of officers.

• Case #1014: Amended Special Permit for 8 Willow Road (The Willows/Toll Bros.) regarding dry hydrant discussion
• Review of draft minutes from April 27th and May 25th meetings
• Election of Officers

Recreation Committee

The Boxford Recreation Committee meeting has no published agenda. The only item listed is a note stating there is no agenda available and directing readers to review the minutes.

• No agenda items listed

The committee approved meeting minutes from April 12, 2023, April 25, 2023, and June 1, 2022. Members discussed safety concerns regarding the July 4th event and coordinated upcoming activities for the Apple Festival and a Boxford State Forest hike.

• Approved meeting minutes from April 12, 2023, April 25, 2023, and June 1, 2022
• Agreed to proceed with land survey and wetlands survey for Johnson Field Playground

Select Board

The Select Board will meet to consider approving a conservation restriction for the 42.079-acre Elmlea-Haynes property on Main Street. This action involves a grant from Essex County Greenbelt Association to BTA/BOLT to protect natural habitats and open space.

• Approval of Conservation Restriction, Elmlea-Haynes Property
• Alcohol Sale Permit Application: West Village Provisions/Cellar Door
• Alcohol Distribution Permit Application: Summerfest West Boxford Improvement Society/True North
• Deed Acceptance: 0 Herrick Road (Dorman Property)
• Appointment of Animal Control Officer/Animal Inspector, Megan Sousa

The Select Board approved a conservation restriction for the Elmlea-Hayes property and accepted the deed for the Dorman property. The Board also issued alcohol permits for local businesses and events and appointed a new Animal Control Officer.

• Approved Conservation Restriction on 42-acre Elmlea-Hayes property (unanimous)
• Approved alcohol sale permit for Cellar Door at West Village Provisions (unanimous)
• Approved updated Summerfest sign for West Boxford Improvement Society (unanimous)
• Approved alcohol distribution permit for True North Ale Company at Summerfest (unanimous)
• Accepted deed for Dorman property at 0 Herrick Road, contingent on title search (unanimous)
• Appointed Megan Sousa as Animal Control Officer through 6/20/25 (unanimous)
• Nominated Megan Sousa as Animal Inspector through 4/30/24 (unanimous)
• Authorized Chair Jessel to send letter to DPU to expedite electricity aggregation plan (unanimous)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Boxford Zoning Board of Appeals will discuss several continued and new business items. The agenda includes requests for special permits regarding accessory apartments, garage additions, and driveway variances.

• Special Permit: 609sf garage addition and accessory apartment at 39 Lily Pond Road
• Special Permit: Accessory apartment construction at 49 Mill Road
• Special Permit: Conversion of four rooms into an in-law apartment at 13 Cross Road
• Special Permit: One story addition with accessory apartment and garage at 427B Ipswich Road
• Variance: Driveway by-law variance for Lot 20B Wildmeadow Road

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved special permits for accessory apartments at 49 Mill Road and 13 Cross Road. Other cases were continued or withdrawn, and one board member stepped down.

• Approved special permit for accessory apartment at 49 Mill Road, conditioned on door installation within 120 days (3-0)
• Approved special permit for accessory apartment at 13 Cross Road (3-0)
• Continued Case #1038 (39 Lily Pond Rd) to July 27, 2023 (3-0)
• Continued Case #1042 (8 Cedar Street) to July 27, 2023 (3-0)
• Withdrew Case #1043 (427B Ipswich Road) without prejudice (3-0)
• Authorized Chair to sign letter for the Board of Health (3-0)

Select Board

The Select Board will meet with Fire Chief Brian Geiger to discuss a funding gap for Engine 4 and the potential use of ARPA funds. The agenda also includes a public hearing regarding a nuisance or dangerous dog and an update from the 10 Elm Community Committee.

• Discussion on Engine 4 funding gap and possible use of ARpA funds
• Public Hearing: Nuisance or Dangerous Dog
• Update on community programming process at 10 Elm
• Report of the Town Administrator regarding Director of Finance appointment

The Select Board approved additional funding to cover a deficit for the purchase of Engine 4 and decided to temporarily delay the purchase of Rescue 1. The Board also held a public hearing regarding a complaint about a nuisance or dangerous dog.

• Approved appropriation of $130,000 in ARPA funding for Engine 4 (unanimous)
• Voted to temporarily delay the purchase of Rescue 1 for budgetary purposes (unanimous)
• Voted to open public hearing on Nuisance or Dangerous Dog (unanimous)
• Voted to close the evidentiary part of the public hearing on Nuisance or Dangerous Dog (unanimous)

Adaptive Reuse of Buildings Advisory Committee

The Boxford Adaptive Reuse of Buildings Advisory Committee is meeting with feasibility consultant StudioLuz to review community engagement results and discuss a market analysis for adaptive reuse projects. The committee will also outline next steps and address any other business.

• Meeting with feasibility consultant StudioLuz
• Discussion of community engagement results
• Discussion of market analysis
• Next steps planning

Select Board

The Select Board will meet to reorganize leadership and vote on several municipal items. Key actions include approving the sale of bond anticipation notes to Fidelity Capital Markets and discussing potential endorsements for state product stewardship legislation.

• Sale of $1,211,801 General Obligation Bond Anticipation Notes to Fidelity Capital Markets
• Discussion on endorsing state product stewardship legislative bills
• Update on the Open Space and Recreation Plan process
• Review of a 1-year trash and recycling collection contract with Waste Management
• Purchase and Sale Agreement for 0 Herrick Road (Dorman Property)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will review multiple applications for home additions and accessory apartments. The agenda also includes a discussion regarding a dry hydrant at 8 Willow Road.

• Case #1038: 609sf garage addition and accessory apartment at 39 Lily Pond Road
• Case #1039: Accessory apartment at 49 Mill Road
• Case #1040: Pet grooming use of existing structure at 6 Roundtop Road
• Case #1041: In-law apartment conversion at 13 Cross Road
• Case #1042: 12x22 stair enclosure addition at 8 Cedar Street

The Zoning Board of Appeals ruled that pet grooming qualifies as a customary home occupation. Several other zoning cases were continued to the June 29 meeting, and one applicant was permitted to withdraw their application without prejudice.

• Determined pet grooming is a customary home application (3-0)
• Allowed Case #1040 (6 Round Top Road) to be withdrawn without prejudice (3-0)
• Continued Case #1038 (39 Lily Pond Rd) to June 29, 2023 (3-0)
• Continued Case #1039 (49 Mill Road) to June 29, 2023 (3-0)
• Continued Case #1041 (13 Cross Road) to June 29, 2023 (3-0)
• Continued Case #1042 (8 Cedar Street) to June 29, 2023 (no vote)

Select Board

The Boxford Select Board will meet with the Police Chief, the Stiles Pond Advisory Committee, and the DPW Superintendent to discuss routine updates and specific requests. Items include removing signs on Cahoon, approving event permits, defining the SPAC's role and mailer use, and reviewing a $504,000 summer paving program. The board will also discuss the FY23 performance evaluation process and FY2024 appointments.

• Request to remove signs on Cahoon
• Request for PTO Color Run June 9th and BAA Little League Parade June 11th
• Discussion on SPAC scope, role, duties and request to distribute mailer with Town seal
• DPW update: $504,000 summer paving program for Lockwood Lane, Ipswich Rd, King George/Richard neighborhood, Oakridge Rd
• Discussion of FY23 Performance Evaluation Process and FY2024 Appointments

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals is reviewing several requests for residential additions and accessory apartments. The board will also discuss pet grooming use and a dry hydrant item.

• 609sf garage addition and accessory apartment at 39 Lily Pond Road
• Accessory apartment construction at 49 Mill Road
• Pet grooming use of existing structure at 6 Roundtop Road
• Conversion of four rooms into an in-law apartment at 13 Cross Road
• 12x22 addition to enclose stairs at 8 Cedar Street

The board took no final actions on pending applications, instead voting to continue five separate cases to the next meeting. One matter regarding a Board of Health letter was tabled.

• Continued Case #1038 (39 Lily Pond Rd) to May 25 (Unanimous)
• Continued Case #1039 (49 Mill Road) to May 25 (Unanimous)
• Continued Case #1040 (6 Roundtop Road) to May 25 (Unanimous)
• Continued Case #1041 (13 Cross Road) to May 25 (Unanimous)
• Continued Case #1042 (8 Cedar Street) to May 25 (Unanimous)
• Tabled Case #1025 (47C Pond Street) until May 25

Recreation Committee

The committee discussed the $0 allocation for celebrations and events in the proposed annual budget. Members coordinated the presentation of Warrant Article 17 and planned for an Earth Day event on April 29, 2023.

• Unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting

Recreation Committee

This meeting has no published agenda; only minutes are referenced. No decisions or discussions are listed.

The committee approved adding a recreational space reporting form to its website and accepted previous meeting minutes. Members discussed the Johnson Playground project and determined that the lack of a dedicated budget is constraining committee work.

• Approved adding Playground and Recreational Space reporting form to website
• Approved March meeting minutes
• Decided to ask Select Board about the loss of committee budget
• Decided to seek a budget amendment at the May 9 town meeting
• Agreed to host a table at the April 29 Earth Day event

Select Board

The Select Board will discuss a new automated trash collection contract and various warrant articles for the May 9 Town Meeting. The meeting includes reports on town investments and the FY24 draft budget.

• Proposed automated trash contract with Waste Management including $300K-$320K for containers
• Discussion on Essex Regional Retirement request for 5% COLA adjustment
• Consideration of 1-day Alcohol Distribution Permit for 10 Elm Foundation
• Review of FY24 draft budget proposal totaling $39,874,986
• Discussion on Masco Regional School Committee turf fields design Warrant Article

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Boxford Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a virtual meeting to continue discussions regarding Case #1014, involving The Willows Condominium documents. No other specific items are listed for decision on this agenda.

• Discussion of Case #1014 – The Willows Condominium Documents

Board of Health

This meeting has no published agenda; only minutes are available for review. The agenda is purely procedural with no substantive items listed.

The Board of Health voted to highly recommend PFAS testing for new wells and houses. They also approved a recommendation to the Zoning Board of Appeals regarding 5G antenna compliance and denied occupancy permits for The Willows until specific health requirements are met.

• Approved recommendation to test for PFAS in new wells (unanimous)
• Approved motion to write to ZBA recommending building inspector enforcement of 5G tower frequency levels (unanimous)
• Determined no Occupancy Permits for The Willows until wastewater and pool plan compliance is met
• Approved February 27, 2023 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved trash barrel wording for Town meeting presentation

Sustainability Committee

This meeting has no published agenda. The agenda text states only that there is no agenda available and directs readers to review the minutes.

The committee voted to support a school committee-sponsored article to allocate $75,000 for schematic design for HVAC electrification at Spofford Pond School. Members also discussed solar contract management and the status of Green Communities grants.

• Approved support for $75k Spofford Pond School HVAC electrification schematic design (unanimous)

Select Board

The Boxford Select Board will meet with state legislators to discuss legislative priorities and FY2024 funding requests, meet with the Ipswich Animal Control Officer about a regional animal control proposal, and review Community Preservation Committee warrant articles. The board will also consider the May 9 Town Meeting warrant articles, May 16 election ballot questions, and a draft union contract with clerical/library employees. The agenda includes several discussion items and no final votes are scheduled.

• Discussion on regional animal control with Ipswich, Newbury, and Rowley
• Review of FY2024 state funding earmarks and legislative priorities
• Consideration of May 9 Town Meeting warrant articles, including a $39.3 million FY2024 budget
• Consideration of May 16 election ballot questions
• Draft union contract with AFSCME Local 939 includes 2% annual raises and adds Juneteenth as a holiday

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Board will continue business regarding antenna installation at 47C Pond Street and accessory apartment construction at 39 Lily Pond Road and 49 Mill Road. New business includes a review of the Willows condominium documents and special permit compliance.

• Case #1035: American Tower Corporation, 47C Pond Street antenna collocation
• Case #1038: Joseph A. DiPietro & Anna D. DiPeitro, 39 Lily Pond Road garage addition and accessory apartment
• Case #1039: Dennis Sheehan, 49 Mill Road accessory apartment construction
• Case #1014: Willows review of condominium documents and special permit compliance

Select Board

The Select Board will meet to review the FY2024 Fire Department budget and capital project requests. The board will also discuss May 9 Town Meeting warrant articles and several override ballot questions.

• FY2024 Fire Department budget review with a draft total of $823,824
• Fire Department capital requests including a $540,000 Engine 6 and $400,000 Rescue Vehicle
• Due diligence update on Dorman Property acquisition at 0 Herrick Rd
• Discussion on Masconomet Regional School, Elementary Schools, and Cole School site project ballot questions
• Proposal for Regional Animal Control and Inspection

Recreation Committee

This meeting has no published agenda. The only item listed is 'No Agenda,' directing readers to review the minutes. No decisions or discussions are scheduled for public notice.

The committee voted unanimously to implement a Google form for residents to report playground concerns. Members also discussed procurement and funding strategies for a new playground project and planned content for a spring newsletter.

• Approved creation of a Google form for residents to report playground problems (Unanimous)
• Approved previous month's meeting minutes (Unanimous)

FY24 FINCOM Meeting Materials and Video Recordings

The Finance Committee is reviewing the FY24 budget update and proposed budget for elementary schools. The meeting includes discussions on the Cole School site project and the FY24-28 Capital Improvement Plan for elementary schools.

• FY24 budget update
• FY24 proposed budget for elementary schools
• FY24-28 Capital Improvement Plan for elementary schools
• Cole School site project discussion
• Sustainability Committee and Community Preservation/Land Committee updates

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will discuss the FY24 budget for elementary schools. The meeting also includes updates from the Sustainability Committee and the Community Preservation/Land Committee.

• Elementary Schools FY24 Budget

Select Board

The Select Board will meet with the Masconomet Regional and Boxford School Committees to review FY2024 budgets and capital requests. The Board will also discuss a proposed regional animal control and inspection program with the towns of Ipswich, Newbury, and Rowley.

• FY2024 Masconomet Regional School budget and capital requests review
• FY2024 Elementary Schools budget and capital requests review
• Discussion on regionalizing Animal Control and Animal Inspection services with Ipswich, Newbury, and Rowley
• May 9, 2023 Town Meeting Draft Warrant Articles
• Appointment of an interim Animal Inspector for April through June

FY24 FINCOM Meeting Materials and Video Recordings

The Finance Committee is reviewing the updated FY24 revenue and expense forecast. The body is also discussing a potential operational override and the design of the Department of Public Works garage.

• Updated FY24 revenue/expense forecast
• Proposed DPW garage design
• New automated trash collection contract
• Potential operational override

Finance Committee

The Boxford Finance Committee will hear updates from the DPW on its FY24 operating budget, five-year capital improvement plan, and reserve transfer requests, and from the Board of Health on its FY24 budget and a new contract with Waste Management for automated curbside trash collection. The committee will also review an updated FY24 revenue and expense forecast.

• DPW FY24 operating budget and FY24-28 capital improvement plan
• DPW FY23 reserve transfer requests
• Board of Health FY24 operating budget proposal
• New contract with Waste Management for automated curbside trash collection
• Updated FY24 revenue/expense forecast

FY24 FINCOM Meeting Materials and Video Recordings

The Finance Committee will discuss the FY24 budget update and review draft Town Meeting warrant articles, including a presentation on the Masconomet Regional School District budget.

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will review the draft FY24 Masconomet Regional School District budget and capital plan, receive an update on the FY24 town government budget and revenue/expense forecast, and review draft Annual Town Meeting warrant articles.

• Overview of Draft FY24 Masconomet Regional School District Budget and Capital Plan
• Review of revised FY24 Town Government Budget
• Updated FY24 Revenue/Expense Forecast
• Review of Draft Annual Town Meeting Warrant Articles

Board of Health

The Boxford Board of Health meeting has no agenda available. The agenda text states only that there is no agenda and directs readers to review the minutes.

• No agenda items listed

The Board of Health established specifications for trash and recycling bins, including sizes, colors, and fees for additional service. The Board also appointed members to the Stiles Pond Advisory Committee and approved May bills.

• Approved 64 gallon cart bodies for recycling and trash (unanimous)
• Approved black bodies for both bins, with black lids for trash and green lids for recycling (unanimous)
• Approved one free trash and recycling bin per residence, limiting recycling to one bin (unanimous)
• Approved approximately $50 fee for additional trash bins plus a $10 monthly pick-up fee (unanimous)
• Approved limit of two plastic bags of overflow trash per week (unanimous)
• Approved continued use of trash stickers at a fee of $6.00 per sticker (unanimous)
• Appointed D. Taylor and R. Fahrner to the Stiles Pond Advisory Committee (unanimous)
• Approved May bills payable totaling $145,564.60 (unanimous)

Select Board

The Select Board will conduct budget reviews for the Police, Communications, and DPW departments for Fiscal Year 2024. The board will also consider a new contract for the Police Chief and a proposal to increase staff hours at the Council on Aging.

• Consideration of new Police Chief Contract
• Proposal to increase staff hours at the Council on Aging
• Common Victualers License Renewals for West Boxford Provisions, Boxford House of Pizza, and Benson’s Ice Cream
• One-Day Alcohol Distribution Permit for BTA/BOLT on Town Property
• Appointment of Michael Guerin to Registrar of Voters

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Board will consider four cases: an amendment to allow a school district to use 27 Main Street, collocation of antennas on a stealth tower at 47C Pond Street, and two accessory apartment proposals at 39 Lily Pond Road and 49 Mill Road.

• Case #1034: Amendment to special permit for school district use at 27 Main Street
• Case #1035: Antenna collocation on existing stealth tower at 47C Pond Street
• Case #1038: 609 sq. ft. garage addition and accessory apartment at 39 Lily Pond Road
• Case #1039: Accessory apartment construction at 49 Mill Road

FY24 FINCOM Meeting Materials and Video Recordings

The agenda lists discussions for the Fire, Police, and Communications Departments. A report on fire department call response times is included as a meeting material. No decisions or specific proposals are noted in the agenda text.

• Fire Department discussion, with a linked report on call response times.
• Police Department discussion.
• Communications Department discussion.

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee is reviewing the draft FY24 budgets for the Fire, Police, and Communications departments. No votes are scheduled; this is a discussion-only meeting.

• 6:35 PM: Fire Department budget overview
• 7:15 PM: Police Department budget overview
• 7:55 PM: Communications Department budget overview

Recreation Committee

This meeting has no published agenda; the agenda text states only that there is no agenda and directs readers to review the minutes. No specific items are scheduled for discussion or decision.

The committee agreed to move forward with a draft design for the Johnson Field Playground featuring shallow-digging structures and inclusive swings. Members also determined the committee's position on the potential acquisition of Dorman land.

• Approved moving forward with the draft design process for Johnson Field Playground
• Decided to request Dorman land for physical amenities/structures rather than sole conservation use
• Determined the committee is not interested in another playground at Dorman land if Johnson Field is renovated

FY24 FINCOM Meeting Materials and Video Recordings

The Finance Committee is meeting to review the draft FY24 operating budget and the FY24-FY28 Capital Improvement Plan. The body will discuss funding allocations for town operations and long-term capital projects.

• FY24 Draft Operating Budget
• FY24-FY28 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)

Finance Committee

The committee will review an overview of the draft FY24 operating budget along with updated revenue and expenditure forecasts. Members will also review the draft FY24-28 Capital Improvement Plan.

• Draft FY24 Operating Budget overview
• Updated FY24 Revenue and Expenditure Forecast
• Draft FY24-28 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) overview

Select Board

The Select Board is reviewing a draft Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for fiscal years 2024 through 2028. The proposed plan includes 78 projects totaling an estimated $42,340,368 in investments. The Town Administrator also provided updates on the FY24 budget, police accreditation, and the demolition of 27 Main Street.

• Draft 5-Year Capital Improvement Program (FY24–FY28) totaling $42,340,368
• Proposed DPW garage relocation and replacement costing $11,000,000
• Infrastructure projects including culvert constructions and roadway reconstruction
• Update on 27 Main Street demolition
• Request by Essex Regional Retirement System to increase COLA

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a virtual meeting to continue five cases: a plan modification at 57 Surrey Lane, a special permit amendment for Tri-Town School Union at 26 Middleton Road and 27 Main Street, a cell tower antenna collocation at 47C Pond Street, a kennel addition at 7 Endicott Road, and a new commercial kennel license at 19A Bayns Hill Road. The board will also review draft minutes and address any late-arising issues.

• Case #1032: Robert and Marci Miller – 57 Surrey Lane – Modification of Plan
• Case #1034: Tri-Town School Union – Amend Special Permit #1020 for 26 Middleton Road to include 27 Main Street
• Case #1035: American Tower Corporation – Collocate 3 antennas in existing stealth tower at 47C Pond Street
• Case #1036: Brent and Kathleen James – 7 Endicott Road – Modify special permit for barn addition to kennel
• Case #1037: Michael Wilson and Colleen Britton – 19A Bayns Hill Road – New commercial kennel license

Select Board

The Select Board will meet to discuss the MBTA Communities Compliance Action Plan and the FY24 budget. The agenda includes a review of a reuse feasibility study for 4 Middleton Rd and 188 Washington, as well as a potential property purchase at 105 Depot Road.

• Consideration of Jeffrey Linehan for Board of Assessors vacancy
• Proposal to increase staff hours and FY2024 budget discussion for Council on Aging
• MassDevelopment Agreement for 4 Middleton Rd and 188 Washington reuse feasibility study
• Executive session to discuss purchase of real property at 105 Depot Road
• Executive session regarding litigation with Andrews Farm Water Company

Sustainability Committee

This meeting has no published agenda. The only item listed is 'No Agenda,' directing readers to review the minutes. No decisions or discussions are scheduled for public notice.

The committee approved the minutes from September 20, 2022. Members discussed potential warrant articles for school HVAC design funds and the adoption of the state's 'net zero ready' Stretch Code. The committee also reviewed the management and potential buyout of the town's PV Solar Array.

• Approved minutes from Sept. 20, 2022 meeting
• Decided to alternate minute-taking among members at large

Select Board

The Select Board will meet with the Planning Board and Merrimack Valley Regional Planning Commission regarding the MBTA Communities Compliance Action Plan. The board will also consider appointments to the 10 Elm Community Committee and a Building Commissioner appointment.

• Discussion on MBTA Communities Compliance Action Plan submission
• Consider appointment of Peter Delaney to Building Commissioner
• Consider lifting hiring freeze for Secretary III position in Building Department
• Update on 27 Main Street Demolition
• Executive session regarding litigation: Boxford vs. Andrews Farm Water Company

Board of Health

The Boxford Board of Health meeting has no agenda available. The agenda text states only that there is no agenda and directs readers to review the minutes.

The Board approved a contract extension with Waste Management for fiscal years 2024 through 2028 and adopted an automated collection method. The Board also modified the contract to reduce observed trash holidays to six official federal holidays. Decisions on barrel sizes and collection fees were tabled.

• Approved Waste Management contract extension for FY 2024-2028 (Unanimous)
• Approved Automated Collection method for FY 2024-2028 (Unanimous)
• Approved reducing contract holidays to six official federal holidays (Unanimous)
• Approved request for Kendell to approve Recycling Committee bills (Passed)
• Appointed Board Chair and one member to finalize contract with Purchasing Agent (Unanimous)
• Tabled vote on barrel sizes (Unanimous)
• Tabled decisions on annual town collection fee and use of stickers or bags