Boxford public meetings in 2025

Conservation Commission

The Boxford Conservation Commission will discuss a turtle study and consider several land‑use and right‑of‑way applications. Items include an amended and extended ORAD for 599 Main Street, a ratified emergency certification and NOI for 50 Four Mile Village, and continued NOI applications for a transmission line corridor, 213 Ipswich Road, and Koster Field. The commission will also review COC 114‑1397 for 50 Four Mile Village.

• Amended and Extended ORAD 114-1367 – 599 Main Street
• Ratify Emergency Certification and NOI 114‑ – 50 Four Mile Village
• Continued NOI 114‑1435 – Transmission Line Right of Way from Groveland to Haverhill
• Continued NOI 114‑1434 & SWMP 2025‑2 – 213 Ipswich Road
• Continued NOI 114‑1428 – Koster Field Stiles Pond Road

The Conservation Commission approved Zoo New England to conduct a turtle survey on town land. It ratified and later issued the Order of Conditions for the emergency water line certification at Four Mile Village, and did the same for a transmission line right‑of‑way. Several hearings were continued until the January 15, 2026 meeting, and the certificate of compliance for Four Mile Village was withdrawn without prejudice.

• Approved Zoo New England turtle survey on town land (unanimous)
• Continued hearing for ORAD 114-1367 (599 Main St) until Jan 15, 2026 (unanimous)
• Ratified emergency certification for 50 Four Mile Village (unanimous)
• Issued Order of Conditions for 50 Four Mile Village (unanimous)
• Closed hearing for transmission line right of way (NOI 114-1435) (unanimous)
• Issued Order of Conditions for transmission line right of way (unanimous)
• Continued hearing for 213 Ipswich Road (NOI 114-1434) until Jan 15, 2026 (unanimous)
• Withdrawn COC for 50 Four Mile Village without prejudice (unanimous)

Recycling Committee

The Recycling Committee will approve minutes from August 25, 2025, and discuss traffic flow mitigation at the Recycling Center. The agenda also includes items regarding a Household Hazardous Waste Day, a paper shredding event, and the Library of Things.

• Approve minutes of 8-25-25
• Traffic Flow Mitigation at Recycling Center
• HHW Day: Sat Oct 25, 2025
• Paper Shredding Event
• Library of Things

Merrimack Valley Planning Commission

The Merrimack Valley Planning Commission will hold its December 18, 2025 monthly meeting to adopt the November 20, 2025 minutes and review contracts. A guest speaker, Kurt Gaertner, will present the Massachusetts Integrated Land Use Strategy (MILUS). The commission will also discuss informational updates to its bylaws, emergency‑matter protocol, and committee structure. Additional agenda items include local and regional news and other business.

• Adoption of November 20, 2025 meeting minutes
• Review of contracts
• Guest speaker presentation on the Massachusetts Integrated Land Use Strategy (MILUS)
• Informational discussion of MVPC bylaws, emergency protocol, and committee structure
• Local and regional news updates

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Boxford Zoning Board of Appeals will meet virtually to consider several special permit applications. The board will decide on garage expansions at 102 Main Street and 113 Great Pond Drive, and on accessory apartments at 4 Moonpenny Drive and 213 Ipswich Road. The agenda also includes a discussion of Ingalls Village Way and a review of draft minutes from November 20, 2025.

• Case 1075 – Special Permit – 102 Main Street – garage space for more than three automobiles
• Case 1076 – Special Permit – 4 Moonpenny Drive – construction of an accessory apartment within an existing dwelling
• Case 1073 – Special Permit – 213 Ipswich Road – accessory apartment and garage space for more than three automobiles
• Case 1074 – Special Permit – 113 Great Pond Drive – garage space for more than three automobiles
• Discussion of Ingalls Village Way

The Zoning Board approved Case 1074, granting a special permit for a detached garage that can house more than three automobiles at 113 Great Pond Drive, with requirements for an as‑built submission and no commercial activity. The board also continued Cases 1075, 1076, and 1073 to a January 22, 2026 (or 2025 as recorded) hearing. Additionally, the board approved the November 20, 2025 minutes and adjourned the meeting.

• Approved Case 1074 special permit for detached garage at 113 Great Pond Drive (unanimous)
• Continued Case 1075 (102 Main Street garage) to Jan 22, 2026 (unanimous)
• Continued Case 1076 (accessory apartment at 4 Moonpenny Drive) to Jan 22, 2026 (unanimous)
• Continued Case 1073 (accessory apartment and garage at 213 Ipswich Road) to Jan 22, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved November 20, 2025 minutes as presented (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:36 PM (unanimous)

Select Board

The Special Town Meeting will vote on eight articles covering town finances and policies. Items include funding a collective bargaining agreement, amending the Council on Aging membership, and allocating $89,000 for retirement benefits. Larger expenditures are $155,000 for a second-year elementary school English Language Arts curriculum and $1,335,226 for the Harry L. Cole MSBA roof replacement. The meeting also addresses a parcel acquisition by gift, a petition for a second beer and wine license, and adoption of a multifamily overlay zoning district.

• Debt: Fund Harry L. Cole Roof Replacement MSBA Project – $1,335,226
• Fund new Elementary School English Language Arts Curriculum, Year 2 – $155,000
• Fund Retirement Benefits – $89,000
• Acquisition of Parcel 20‑3‑2 by Gift
• Adopt MBTA Communities Multifamily Overlay District (zoning bylaw)

Board of Health

The Boxford Board of Health will discuss recommendations for warrant articles. The meeting also allows any other business that was not anticipated when the agenda was posted. No decisions are recorded in the agenda.

• Consider recommendations for warrant articles
• Any other business not anticipated at the time of posting

Merrimack Valley Workforce Board

The Merrimack Valley Workforce Board will approve minutes from the October 20, 2025 meeting and ratify several prior electronic votes. Key decisions include transferring $90,000 and $60,000 amounts between WIOA Adult Training and Dislocated Worker Training funds, and awarding contracts for various WIOA youth and adult programs. The meeting also includes performance, budget, and career center updates.

• Approve minutes of the October 20, 2025 meeting (vote required)
• Transfer $90,000 of WIOA Adult Training Funds to WIOA Dislocated Worker Training Funds (vote required)
• Transfer $60,000 of WIOA Adult Training Funds to WIOA Dislocated Worker Training Funds on 5/8/25 (vote required)
• Award WIOA Youth Program RFP to Fund Haverhill Public Schools, not Haverhill YMCA-YMCA (vote required)
• Award MMVWB Office Space RFP to One Union Street Realty, LLC (vote required)

Select Board

The Select Board will discuss a request from Friends of Little Red School House to insulate the historic school. It will review warrant articles for the Special Town Meeting scheduled for December 17, 2025. The Board will consider approval of liquor license renewals for 2026 for Far Corner Golf and the Boxford Community Kitchen, and receive updates on the FY27‑FY31 Capital Improvement Program, including 4 Middleton Road reuse and Stiles Pond Beach management. Routine items and an executive session on litigation and union negotiations will follow.

• Discussion with Friends of Little Red School House – request to insulate Little Red School House
• Review of Warrant Articles for Special Town Meeting on December 17, 2025
• Consider approval of liquor license renewal for 2026 – Far Corner Golf
• Consider approval of liquor license renewal for 2026 – Boxford Community Kitchen
• Update on Capital Improvement Program FY27‑FY31 (4 Middleton Road reuse, Stiles Pond Beach management)

Boxford Elementary School Committee

The Boxford School Committee will receive a presentation on the FY27 Budget Book and discuss PreK expansion and space usage at Cole Elementary. The meeting also includes reports on MBTA Community Zoning and school safety.

• FY27 Budget Book overview and presentation
• PreK expansion and space usage at Cole Elementary
• MBTA Community Zoning report
• MPY presentation on school safety
• CREST Annual Report

Assessors

The Boxford Board of Assessors will convene to review monthly reports, motor vehicle tax commitments, and budget items for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. The meeting will also address applications for property tax exemptions and land use classifications.

• Review of motor vehicle excise tax commitment
• Review of FY26 Real Estate and Personal Property Actual Tax commitments
• Review of FY27 Departmental Budget
• Review of FY26 Real Estate Exemption Applications
• Review of FY26 Chapter Land Applications

The Board unanimously accepted the minutes of the previous meeting and signed several routine reports. It approved a blanket 20‑year exemption for every residential solar facility listed on Exhibit A under General Laws Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 45. The Board also approved the FY 2026 real‑estate exemptions that had been submitted and approved FY 2027 Chapter Land applications for a list of parcels. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Accepted minutes of the previous meeting (unanimous)
• Approved 20‑year exemption for residential solar facilities listed on Exhibit A (unanimous)
• Approved FY 2026 real‑estate exemptions for submitted applications
• Approved FY 2027 Chapter Land applications for 19 listed parcels
• Signed month‑end abatement reports
• Signed 2025 Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Commitment #6
• Signed FY 2026 Actual Real Estate, Personal Property, and CPA Tax Commitments
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Boxford Planning Board will hold a preliminary plan hearing for 105 Depot Road. It will also consider driveway permits for 28 Deer Run Road and 213 Ipswich Road, and a special permit for garage space at 113 Great Pond Drive. A discussion item will report to Town Meeting on an MBTA warrant article.

• Preliminary Plan Hearing – 105 Depot Road (File 29-3-16, Holmes)
• Driveway Permit – 28 Deer Run Road (File 11-1-2.2, Carbone)
• Continued Driveway Permit & ZBA File #1073 – accessory apartment & garage for >3 cars at 213 Ipswich Road (File 19-3-1.1, Boxford Farm Realty Trust)
• ZBA File #1074 – special permit for garage space for >3 cars at 113 Great Pond Drive (File 20-13-12.1, Knobel)
• Discussion: Report to Town Meeting on MBTA warrant article

The Planning Board recommended approving the ZBA special permit for an accessory apartment and garage at 213 Ipswich Road, contingent on the applicant obtaining a driveway permit. It also approved a driveway permit for 28 Deer Run Road with drainage and width conditions, and continued that permit to January 21, 2026. The Board recommended a garage permit for 113 Great Pond Drive and authorized a $3,800 peer‑review for a preliminary plan hearing. Minutes for three prior meetings were approved and the board adjourned.

• Approved driveway permit for 28 Deer Run Road (subject to drainage and 10‑ft width)
• Recommended ZBA special permit for accessory apartment at 213 Ipswich Road (pending driveway permit)
• Continued driveway permit decision to Jan 21 2026
• Recommended ZBA approval for garage at 113 Great Pond Drive
• Authorized $3,800 peer‑review for 105 Depot Road preliminary plan
• Approved August 11 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved August 20 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting unanimously at 9:09 p.m.

Board of Health

The Boxford Board of Health will meet on December 10, 2025 at 7:00 PM in Meeting Room 1 with a Zoom option. The agenda includes discussion of the DPW Earth Fill, a presentation by a National Grid representative, an update on opioid allocation with the Police Department (Jim Taggart), and the turnover of the Boxford PHE to its advisory board. The board will also review minutes, bills, the Director’s Report, and any new business from the past 48 hours. No specific decisions are listed in the agenda.

• DPW Earth Fill
• National Grid representative presentation
• Update on opioid allocations/Police Department – Jim Taggart
• Boxford PHE turnover to advisory board
• Director’s Report

The Board unanimously approved four opioid‑settlement funding proposals totaling $23,000, including defibrillators, school radios, a donation to The Family Restored, and a substance‑abuse exhibit. The Board also approved Jim Taggart as the Public Health Excellence Advisory Board alternate, with Taggart abstaining. Members requested formal certification from the DPW project team that the fill material for the town road is clean. The Board agreed to work with National Grid to locate wells near 34 utility poles and will revisit the 100‑foot well‑distance ordinance later.

• Approved opioid funding: $10,000 for five defibrillators (unanimous)
• Approved opioid funding: $6,000 for radios for three elementary schools (unanimous)
• Approved opioid funding: $5,000 donation to The Family Restored (unanimous)
• Approved opioid funding: $2,000 for Tri‑Town Council exhibit (unanimous)
• Approved Jim Taggart as PHE Advisory Board alternate (Jim abstained)
• Approved November meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Requested DPW project team provide official documentation certifying fill material cleanliness
• Agreed to collaborate with National Grid on well locations for 34 poles and to revisit the 100‑foot well‑distance ordinance

Merrimack Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization

The Merrimack Valley MPO will consider several consent‑agenda items, including approval of the FY2026 Unified Planning Work Program amendment and the release of the FY2026‑2030 Transportation Improvement Program amendment that funds the T Ewksbury Street Bridge and other discretionary projects. The board will also review the Beach Road Connector scope of work, a guidance letter on statewide projects, and an overview of the Federal Aid Design Seed (FADS) program application. A status update on ongoing TIP projects for FY2025‑2029, covering transit and highway items, will be provided.

• Approve FFY2026 UPWP Amendment #1
• Release FFY2026‑2030 TIP Amendment #2 (includes T Ewksbury Street Bridge and other discretionary awards)
• Review Beach Road Connector Scope of Work (Salisbury)
• Review Letter for Additional Guidance on Statewide Projects
• Overview of Federal Aid Design Seed (FADS) Program Application

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging will hold an in-person meeting on December 8, 2025, at 10 Elm St. The agenda includes a call to order, attendance, minutes, a director's report, and other business.

• Meeting of Council on Aging
• Review of minutes
• Director's Report
• Board Membership discussion
• Other Business

Select Board

The Select Board will meet to discuss attendance and participation at the Moderator’s Forum. The agenda contains no other substantive business items.

• Attendance and participation at the Moderator’s Forum

Cultural Arts

The Boxford Cultural Council will meet to discuss and clarify details regarding current applications. The body will determine if further follow-up questions are needed for specific applicants.

• Discussion of applications
• Clarifications from contact with applicants

Cable Advisory Committee

The Board of Directors will meet via Zoom to discuss administrative updates and financial status. The body will review and approve expenses and meeting minutes.

• Transition to Paychex payroll processing system
• Castus upgrade status
• Studio Manager position update
• Review and approval of invoices and expenses

Essex County Commission on the Status of Women

The Essex County Commission on the Status of Women will meet virtually to discuss succession planning. The body will review a recruitment sub committee recommendation and vote on candidates for three open commissioner seats.

• Review of Commissioner Application
• Vote on recommendations to MCSW regarding 3 open commissioner seats

Conservation Commission

The Boxford Conservation Commission will hold public hearings and discussions regarding three specific land-use applications. The body will review projects involving a power company, the Masconomet School District, and a private property owner.

• NOI 114-1435: Transmission Line Right of Way from Groveland to Hovey’s Pond to Haverhill
• Continued NOI 114-1419 & SWMP 2025-1: 20 Endicott Road for the Masconomet School District
• COC 114-1352: 16 Balmoral

The Commission voted unanimously to continue the hearing on the transmission line right‑of‑way (NOI 114‑1435) until the December 18, 2025 meeting. It also continued the hearing on the Endicott Road project (NOI 114‑1419 & SWMP 2025‑1) until the January 15, 2025 meeting. The body approved an emergency certification for a well‑line repair at Four Mile Village, conditioned on Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program approval. Finally, it denied the certificate of compliance for the 16 Balmoral project because the work did not follow the approved plans.

• Continued hearing for NOI 114-1435 (Transmission Line Right of Way) until Dec 18, 2025 – approved (7-0)
• Continued hearing for NOI 114-1419 & SWMP 2025-1 (20 Endicott Road) until Jan 15, 2025 – approved (7-0)
• Issued emergency certification for Four Mile Village well line repair, subject to Natural Heritage approval – approved (7-0)
• Denied certificate of compliance for COC 114-1352 (16 Balmoral) due to non‑conformance – approved (7-0)
• Adjourned meeting – unanimous

Tri Town School Union

The committee will review the Aaron Wood Building lease and office space considerations. The meeting includes discussions on FTE apportionment, student services programming, and an update on the Assistant Superintendent of Operations search.

• Aaron Wood Building lease and office space
• FTE Apportionment
• Assistant Superintendent of Operations search update
• Student Services Programming
• Efficiency Study update

Sustainability Committee

The Sustainability Committee will meet to provide an update on Green Communities and discuss the impact of rodenticide on raptors. The committee will also brainstorm initiatives for 2026 and welcome a new member.

• Green communities update
• Discussion on raptors and rodenticide
• Planning for 2026 initiatives

The Sustainability Committee discussed updates on Green Communities grants, energy projects, and possible 2026 initiatives. The members agreed to include the Rescue Raptors program as a town initiative. No other formal decisions or votes were recorded during the meeting.

• Add Rescue Raptors program to 2026 initiatives (agreed)

Select Board

The Boxford Select Board will consider appointing Margaret Giberson to the Masconomet School Committee. It will review a proposed appropriation of Opioid Settlement funds and set rates for private snow removal contractors. The board will also consider two one‑day beer and wine on‑premise applications for West Village Café (561 Main Street) and BTA/Bolt (10 Elm Street). Additional items include updates on the special town meeting, upcoming meeting schedules, and FY27 budget priorities.

• Consider appointment of school committee candidate Margaret Giberson
• Consider proposed appropriation of Opioid Settlement funds
• Consider setting rates for private snow removal contractors
• Consider approval of 1‑day beer and wine on‑premise for West Village Café, 561 Main Street
• Consider approval of 1‑day beer and wine on‑premise for BTA/Bolt, 10 Elm Street

Conservation Commission

The Boxford Conservation Commission will hold public hearings and discuss several land‑use applications. Items include a complaint about Koster Field maintenance and five separate applications for properties on Georgetown Road, Ipswich Road, Stiles Pond Road, Washington Street, and Main Street. The meeting is scheduled via Zoom on November 20, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.

• Complaint regarding Koster Field maintenance (discussion)
• AOOC 114-1395 for 241 Georgetown Road (Rowe)
• Continued NOI 114-1434 & SWMP 2025-2 for 213 Ipswich Road (Tourkistas)
• Continued NOI 114-1428 for Koster Field Stiles Pond Road (Boxford Athletic Association)
• COC 114-1165 for 266 Washington Street (Houston)

The Conservation Commission closed and then executed an amended Order of Conditions for a drinking‑water well at 241 Georgetown Road (5‑0 vote). It also continued two pending hearings—one for a storm‑water project at 213 Ipswich Road (5‑0, 1 abstain) and another for Koster Field (6‑0). Additionally, the Commission issued Certificates of Compliance for projects at 266 Washington Street and 283 Main Street (both 6‑0).

• Closed hearing for AOOC 114-1395 (5‑0)
• Executed amended Order of Conditions for AOOC 114-1395 (5‑0)
• Continued hearing for NOI 114-1434 & SWMP 2025-2 (5‑0, 1 abstain)
• Continued hearing for NOI 114-1428 (6‑0)
• Issued Certificate of Compliance for COC 114-1165 (6‑0)
• Issued Certificate of Compliance for COC 114-994 (6‑0)

Merrimack Valley Planning Commission

The Merrimack Valley Planning Commission will adopt April 2025 minutes and vote on authorizing the purchase of two adjacent condominium units at 160 Main Street to address office space needs.

• Adoption of April 17, 2025 minutes
• Authorization to acquire 160 Main Street, Units 5&6
• Hybrid meeting format (in-person and Zoom)

Merrimack Valley Planning Commission

The Merrimack Valley Planning Commission will convene to adopt October meeting minutes and review personnel matters, including staff performance evaluations and recommended salary increases. The agenda also includes a presentation on alternatives for handling emergency matters between regular meetings and an update on bylaws.

• Adoption of October 2025 meeting minutes
• Staff performance evaluations and recommended salary increases
• Review of emergency meeting protocols and bylaws
• Presentation on alternatives for handling emergency matters
• Updated redlined MVPC by-laws

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will vote on a special permit for a garage at 113 Great Pond Drive that would allow more than three automobiles. It will also review a special permit for 213 Ipswich Road to construct an accessory apartment and a garage for more than three automobiles. The Board will elect a new clerk and discuss the Ingalls Village Way project. Draft minutes from the October 23, 2025 meeting will be reviewed.

• Election of ZBA Clerk
• Special Permit – 113 Great Pond Drive: garage for >3 cars
• Special Permit – 213 Ipswich Road: accessory apartment and garage for >3 cars
• Discussion of Ingalls Village Way
• Review draft minutes from October 23, 2025

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will consider special permit requests for residential properties and elect a ZBA Clerk. The board will also hold a discussion regarding Ingalls Village Way and an executive session concerning litigation for 126 Ipswich Road.

• Case 1074: Special Permit for garage space for more than three automobiles at 113 Great Pond Drive
• Case 1073: Special Permit for an accessory apartment and garage space for more than three automobiles at 213 Ipswich Road
• Discussion regarding Ingalls Village Way
• Election of ZBA Clerk
• Executive Session regarding litigation for 126 Ipswich Road

The Board elected Garrett Friedman as the Zoning Board clerk, making him a voting member, with the motion passing unanimously. Two pending special permit cases (1073 and 1074) were each continued to the December 18, 2025 meeting, also unanimously. The October 23, 2025 minutes were approved, the Board entered an executive session, and then adjourned the meeting.

• Elect Garrett Friedman as ZBA clerk (unanimous)
• Continue case 1073 – 213 Ipswich Road special permit to Dec 18, 2025 (unanimous)
• Continue case 1074 – 113 Great Pond Drive special permit to Dec 18, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approve October 23, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Enter executive session to discuss litigation strategy (unanimous)
• Adjourn meeting at 7:52 PM (unanimous)

Merrimack Valley Workforce Board

The Merrimack Valley Workforce Board will meet remotely on November 18, 2025. The agenda includes approval of the October 20, 2025 meeting minutes and a vote to transfer $90,000 from Adult WIOA Training Funds to WIOA Dislocated Worker Training Funds. The board will also receive a performance summary update, a budget update, and a career center report before adjourning.

• Approval of the October 20, 2025 meeting minutes (vote required)
• Vote to transfer $90,000 from Adult WIOA Training Funds to WIOA Dislocated Worker Training Funds (vote required)
• Performance summary update presentation
• Budget update presentation
• Career Center report

Boxford Elementary School Committee

The Boxford Elementary School Committee will discuss several items, including gifts and grants, the FY27 Pre‑K tuition proposal, and an overview of the FY27 budget. The committee will also consider a policy subcommittee action item and feedback on Chapter 70. Additional items include a surplus SmartBoard and scheduling of the next meeting.

• Gifts and Grants
• FY27 PreK Tuition
• FY27 Budget Overview
• Policy Subcommittee action item (BGB)
• Surplus List: SmartBoard

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will review draft financial policies and the FY27 revenue and expense forecast. Members will vote on guidelines for FY27 budget development and discuss FY26 liaison assignments.

• Vote on FY27 budget development guidelines
• Review of FY27 Revenue/Expense Forecast
• Review of draft financial policies
• Discussion of FY26 Liaison Assignments

Select Board

The Select Board will interview Nik Andreas for a Finance Committee appointment. It will review items for the December 17, 2025 Special Town Meeting, consider the warrant articles, and vote to close the warrant. The Board will also discuss FY27 budget priorities, receive a Town Administrator update on the 2026 meeting schedule, and hold an executive session on litigation strategy.

• Interview of Finance Committee candidate Nik Andreas
• Review and vote to close the December 17, 2025 Special Town Meeting warrant
• Discussion of FY27 revenue, expenditure forecast and Select Board priorities
• Town Administrator update on 2026 Select Board meeting schedule
• Executive session to discuss litigation strategy

Cultural Arts

The Boxford Cultural Council will review updates on recent fall programs, including the October Fun Fest, the Meg Black exhibit, and the Makers Market. The council will also discuss applicant submissions, seeking clarifications and continuing the review process. No formal decisions are noted for this meeting.

• Update on October Fun Fest (fall program)
• Meg Black exhibit (fall program)
• Makers Market (fall program)
• Clarifications from contact with applicants
• Continuation of discussion of applications

Essex County Commission on the Status of Women

The Essex County Commission on the Status of Women will review committee updates, including the Ginsburg Initiative, finance, communications survey status, and the Girls Listening Circle program. The body will address succession planning for members who are terming out or resigning and will create a subcommittee to conduct interviews. Other business will be addressed as needed. The meeting is scheduled for November 13, 2025 at 6:00 PM via Zoom.

• Ginsburg Initiative update presented by Commissioner Veillard Perry
• Finance report presented by Treasurer Sullivan
• Communications Committee survey status
• Programming Committee report on Girls Listening Circle
• Succession planning: creation of subcommittee to interview departing members

Planning Board

The Boxford Planning Board will hold a public hearing to consider an amendment to the Town Zoning Code (Section 196) and a map change that would create an MBTA Communities Multifamily Overlay District (MCMOD). The proposed MCMOD would permit as‑of‑right multifamily housing on the property known as “The Willows at Boxford,” Assessor’s Map 6, Block 2, Lot 2.2. The hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at 7:30 PM and will be conducted via Zoom. The amendment text and map change are available for inspection at the Town Clerk’s office and the Planning Board office.

• Proposed amendment to Boxford Zoning Code (Section 196) to create an MBTA Communities Multifamily Overlay District (MCMOD)
• Proposed zoning map change for “The Willows at Boxford,” Assessor’s Map 6, Block 2, Lot 2.2
• Public hearing scheduled for November 12, 2025 at 7:30 PM via Zoom
• Amendment would allow as‑of‑right multifamily housing under Section 3A of the Zoning Act (MGL Chapter 40A)

The Board voted unanimously to deem the proposed MBTA Communities Multifamily Overlay District at the Willows at Boxford an eligible location under the MBTA Communities Act. It then recommended, by a 4‑1 vote, that the Board support the warrant article for this overlay district. Additionally, the Board approved a driveway permit for 166 Main Street and continued discussion of a special permit for 213 Ipswich Road to the next meeting.

• Deemed proposed MBTA overlay district at Willows at Boxford eligible (unanimous YES)
• Recommended Board support warrant article for MBTA overlay district (4 YES, 1 NAY)
• Approved driveway permit for 166 Main Street (unanimous YES)
• Continued special driveway & accessory apartment permit for 213 Ipswich Road to Dec 10 meeting (unanimous YES)

Cultural Arts

The Boxford Cultural Council met on November 10, 2025 to review updates on recent fall programs such as the October Fun Fest, Meg Black exhibit, and Makers Market. The council also discussed additional clarifications needed from program applicants and continued reviewing the applications. The meeting concluded with a plan to follow up with applicants before the next meeting on November 17.

• Updates on October Fun Fest, Meg Black exhibit, and Makers Market
• Clarifications from contact with applicants
• Continuation of discussion of applications
• Follow‑up questions or clarifications for applicants by next meeting

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will meet to review and vote on articles for a Special Town Meeting. The committee will also make a recommendation regarding a vacancy on the Finance Committee.

• Vote on Special Town Meeting Warrant Articles
• Finance Committee vacancy recommendation

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging will meet to review the Director's report and discuss board membership and staffing. The meeting is scheduled for 4:00 pm at 10 Elm St.

• Director's Report
• Board Membership
• Staffing

Library Board of Trustees

The Library Board of Trustees will meet to review October statistics and closure dates. The board will discuss old business regarding the strategic plan, storage, staffing, and Winterfest.

• Approval of October 20, 2025 meeting minutes
• Review of October statistics
• Strategic Plan update
• Storage and staffing updates
• Winterfest discussion

Merrimack Valley Workforce Board

The Youth Committee will meet remotely to review program updates and partner information. The body will vote on the approval of minutes from the June 11, 2025, meeting.

• WIOA Program Update
• YouthWorks and Connecting Activities Updates
• Approval of June 11, 2025, meeting minutes

Northeast Massachusetts Mosquito Control and Wetlands Management District

The Northeast Massachusetts Mosquito Control and Wetlands Management District Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss budget and employee benefits. The board will review healthcare cost relief options and cost of living adjustments for the FY27 budget.

• Discussion on Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) for employee healthcare costs
• FY27 cost of living discussion with budget percentage comparisons
• Approval of October 9, 2025, meeting minutes

Conservation Commission

The Boxford Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing and discussion on conservation restriction signatures for Redington Woods and National Grid work. The meeting will also cover several Notices of Intent and Stormwater Management Permits for various properties.

• Discussion: Conservation Restriction signatures for Redington Woods and National Grid work
• Public Hearing: DNI 2025-16 for Lawrence Road
• Public Hearing: RDA 2025-16 for 306 Ipswich Road
• Public Hearing: NOI 114- & SWMP 2025-2 for 213 Ipswich Road
• Discussion: Abutter notification distance for Stormwater Management Permit

The Conservation Commission approved certificates of compliance for two completed projects, authorized a generator pad, and issued orders of conditions for a residential driveway. It also continued hearings for several pending applications and accepted the September 4, 2025 minutes as amended. All votes were recorded as shown.

• Continued Koster Field hearing to Nov 20, 2025 (6‑0)
• Continued Endicott Road hearing to Dec 4, 2025 (5‑1)
• Approved generator pad DNI 2025‑16 at Lawrence Road (6‑0)
• Issued certificate of compliance for 24 Pinehurst Drive (6‑0)
• Issued certificate of compliance for 148 Spofford Road (6‑0)
• Closed and issued order of conditions for 166 Main Street (6‑0)
• Continued 213 Ipswich Road hearing to Nov 20, 2025 (6‑0)
• Accepted September 4, 2025 minutes as amended (6‑0)

Board of Health

The Boxford Board of Health will hear a presentation from a National Grid representative, review the meeting minutes, and consider any bills. An update on opioid allocation will be provided by Jim Taggart. The board will also handle any new business arising in the past 48 hours before adjourning.

• National Grid representative presentation
• Update on opioid allocations – Jim Taggart
• Review of meeting minutes
• Consideration of bills

The Board accepted the October 1, 2025 meeting minutes. It approved funding from opioid settlement funds for overdose kits, three scholarships, an equine‑assisted therapy program, and a youth risk behavior survey. All motions passed with unanimous support.

• Accepted October 1, 2025 Board of Health minutes – all in favor
• Funded SAM opioid overdose kits (11 boxes, $3,025) – all in favor
• Approved $1,000 PAARI Steve and Jesse Scholarship – all in favor
• Approved $1,500 Masco Economic College Scholarship – all in favor
• Approved $5,000 Windrush Farm equine assisted therapy program – all in favor
• Approved $6,000 donation to Tri Town Council Youth Risk Behavior Survey – all in favor

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee will hold its annual public hearing to discuss the town’s community preservation needs, possibilities, and resources. No specific decisions or actions are listed in the agenda. The meeting will be conducted via Zoom videoconference.

• Annual public hearing on community preservation needs, possibilities, and resources

The Community Preservation Committee approved the September 9, 2025 minutes with one abstention. The committee then voted to close the public hearing. Finally, the meeting was adjourned at 8:26 p.m.

• Accepted September 9, 2025 minutes (5‑0‑1)
• Closed the public hearing (6‑0‑0)
• Adjourned the meeting at 8:26 p.m. (6‑0‑0)

Cultural Arts

The Boxford Cultural Council will review and discuss FY26 grant applications, addressing general questions and any needed clarifications from applicants. The council will also provide updates on recent fall programs, including the October Fun Fest, a Meg Black exhibit, and the Makers Market. Follow‑up questions or clarifications will be assigned before the next meeting on November 10.

• Updates on October Fun Fest, Meg Black exhibit, and Makers Market
• General questions regarding FY26 grant applications
• Clarifications from contact with grant applicants
• Continuation of discussion of grant applications

Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to review month-end abatement reports and recommendations for FY26 assessments, growth, and classification. The board will also examine property tax exemptions for solar powered systems from FY23-FY25. Additionally, the body will review policies regarding name changes and town boundaries.

• FY26 Assessments, Growth, and Classification Hearing Recommendation
• FY23-FY25 Property Tax Exemptions for Solar Powered Systems (Clause 45)
• Name Change Policy review
• Town Boundaries Policy review
• Month end abatement reports

The Board unanimously accepted the minutes from the previous meeting. After discussion, members made a motion to recommend that the Select Board set a single tax rate for the town. The Board agreed to recommend that the Select Board decline to exercise its Right of First Refusal on 283 Main Street, with retroactive rollback taxes to be assessed. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Accepted previous meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Recommended Select Board decline Right of First Refusal for 283 Main St
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Select Board

The Select Board will hold a hearing to set the residential tax burden factor for Fiscal Year 2026. Members will review draft warrant articles for a December 17 Special Town Meeting and discuss police staffing. The board will also review retiree health insurance and a dispatcher agreement.

• Tax Classification Hearing for Fiscal Year 2026 residential factor
• Proposed MBTA Communities zoning overlay district at Willows at Boxford
• Cole School Roof MSBA project and ELA curriculum funding updates
• Annual health insurance renewal for retirees
• Memorandum of Agreement with Boxford Communications Dispatchers Association

Historic Districts Commission/Historical Commission

The Historic Districts Commission will approve July and September 2025 minutes, hold public hearings on solar panel installations at 77 Main Street and 20 Topsfield Road, and consider a sign modification at 10 Elm Foundation. It will also review old‑business items such as the Little Red School House, Cleaveland Farm, and the Lilloet Cheesery. New business includes a tree request from Wendy and a School Committee TTU matter at 4 Middleton Road.

• Solar panel application – 77 Main Street (Greg Costanzo)
• Sign modification request – 10 Elm Foundation (Liz Murphy)
• Solar panel application – 20 Topsfield Road (Lindholm/Loyer)
• Old business – Little Red School House (V. Havey)
• New business – Tree request (Wendy)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will interview two applicants for committee positions, Eric Powers and Niklaas Andreas. It will review the town’s draft financial policies. It will also examine the projected revenue and expenses for fiscal year 2027.

• Interview Finance Committee applicants – Eric Powers and Niklaas Andreas
• Review draft financial policies
• Review FY27 revenue/expense forecast

Merrimack Valley Workforce Board

The Merrimack Valley Workforce Board will consider several approvals, including minutes from prior meetings and the selection of a career center operator. A key vote will decide to award WIOA Youth funding to Haverhill Public Schools and not to the Haverhill YMCA-YMCA of the North Shore. Officers will be elected, and a promotional video for advanced manufacturing will be presented.

• Approval of June 24, 2025, MMVWB Quarterly Meeting Minutes (vote required)
• Approval of August 26, 2025, MMVWB Special Meeting Minutes (vote required)
• Approval of MassHire MV Career Center Operator (vote required)
• Award of WIOA Youth RFP funding to Haverhill Public Schools, not to Haverhill YMCA-YMCA (vote required)
• Election of Officers (vote required)

Cultural Arts

The Council is meeting to elect officers and establish the review process for FY26 grant applications. Members will discuss allocation guidelines and priorities for distributing $6,100 in reimbursement grants for local arts and culture programs.

• FY26 Grant Allocation: $6,100
• Election of Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary for FY26 Grant Cycle
• Review of FY26 Grant Guidelines and Priorities
• Discussion of upcoming events: October Fun Fair, Meg Black, Exhibit, and Maker’s Market
• Establishment of grant review and voting schedule for November and December

Zoning Board of Appeals

The board will review Case 1073, a special permit request by Boxford Farm Realty Trust to build an accessory apartment and a garage that can hold more than three cars at 213 Ipswich Road. It will also discuss the Ingalls Village Way project. The meeting includes reviewing draft minutes from the September 25, 2025 session. Any additional items may be taken up as they arise.

• Case 1073 – special permit for accessory apartment and garage (>3 cars) at 213 Ipswich Road
• Discussion of Ingalls Village Way
• Review draft minutes from September 25, 2025

The Boxford Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously to continue case 1073, a special permit for 213 Ipswich Road, to November 20, 2025. The board also approved the corrected September 25, 2025 minutes and adjourned the meeting. All votes were recorded as unanimous.

• Continued case 1073 (special permit) to Nov 20, 2025 – unanimous
• Approved September 25, 2025 minutes (corrected) – unanimous
• Adjourned meeting at 7:58 PM – unanimous

Boxford Elementary School Committee

The Boxford Elementary School Committee will meet to review central office updates, discuss gifts and grants, and consider the FY27 Pre‑K tuition rates. The Policy Subcommittee will hold a first reading of the proposed policy JICJ‑B and consider adoption of policies ADF, EHAA, and IHBF. Additional items include student achievement updates and a consent agenda covering bills, payrolls, and meeting minutes.

• FY27 PreK Tuition Rates
• Gifts and Grants discussion
• Policy Subcommittee first reading of proposed policy JICJ‑B
• MSBA/Cole School Roof Project update
• PRISM Grant Funding update

Historic Districts Commission/Historical Commission

The Boxford Historic Districts Commission will hold public hearings on solar panel applications for 77 Main Street and 20 Topsfield Road, and a sign modification request for 10 Elm Foundation. The meeting will also consider old‑business items such as the Little Red School House, Eagle’s Nest, Cleaveland Farm, and Lilloet Cheesery. Additional new‑business items include a tree request from Wendy and a School Committee TTU matter at 4 Middleton Road. Minutes from the July and September 2025 meetings will be approved.

• Solar panel application – 77 Main Street (Greg Costanzo)
• Sign modification request – 10 Elm Foundation (Liz Murphy)
• Solar panel application – 20 Topsfield Road (Lindholm/Loyer)
• Old business: Little Red School House (V. Havey)
• Old business: Cleaveland Farm (V. Miller)

Merrimack Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization

The Merrick Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization meeting on October 22, 2025 will review the consent agenda, including the FY2026‑2030 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Amendment #1. It will also vote on the FY2026 Unified Planning Work Program Amendment #1. A status update on ongoing TIP projects for FY2025‑2029, covering transit and highway projects, will be presented. The meeting includes time for public comment before adjournment.

• Consent agenda: approval of previous meeting minutes
• Consent agenda: FY2026‑2030 TIP Amendment #1
• Action item: FY2026 Unified Planning Work Program Amendment #1
• Status report on FY2025‑2029 TIP projects – transit
• Status report on FY2025‑2029 TIP projects – highway

Land Committee

The Boxford Land Committee will meet via Zoom on October 21, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. The agenda lists a Chapter 91 land matter concerning the Latty Property at 166 Main Street. No other agenda items are specified. The meeting is otherwise procedural.

• Chapter 91 Land – 166 Main Street, Latty Property

Planning Board

The Boxford Planning Board will hold a joint meeting with the Board of Selectmen on October 20, 2025. The agenda includes an update on candidate MBTA locations. No decisions are listed; the item appears to be informational.

• Update on candidate MBTA locations (informational)

Library Board of Trustees

The trustees will review staffing updates, consider changes to job descriptions, and plan upcoming community events such as Winterfest and a talk at the Gardening Club. They will also receive reports on the strategic plan, Applefest, and library storage. The director will present September statistics and closure dates.

• Staffing updates
• Job description changes
• Winterfest event planning
• Talk at Gardening Club
• Strategic Plan report

The trustees voted to approve the September 8, 2025 Library Board minutes, with all trustees voting yes. They also unanimously voted to adjourn the October 20 meeting. No other formal motions were taken.

• Approved September 8, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Select Board

The Boxford Select Board will consider a request to appropriate opioid settlement funds and review the Health Department quarterly report. The Town Administrator will propose authorizing a memorandum of agreement for a new three‑year collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME Local 939 DPW workers. The Board will also discuss the Town Counsel’s opinion on the proposed Willows at Boxford zoning district and hear a public information session on MBTA community issues.

• Request for appropriation of opioid settlement funds
• Consideration of a 3‑year collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME Local 939 DPW workers
• Town Counsel opinion on Willows at Boxford proposed zoning district
• Public information session – MBTA Communities
• Appointments to Council on Aging and Sustainability Committee

Merrimack Valley Workforce Board

The Planning/Career Center Committee will approve the September 16, 2025 meeting minutes and receive updates on performance, budget, and two policy revisions. Votes are required for the minutes, the MMVWB Needs Related Payment Policy, the MMVWB Support Service Policy, and the meeting adjournment. The committee will also hear a report from the Career Center and discuss any other business.

• Approval of September 16, 2025 meeting minutes (vote required)
• Budget update
• Update to MMVWB Needs Related Payment Policy (vote required)
• Update to MMVWB Support Service Policy (vote required)
• Career Center report

Assessors

The Boxford Board of Assessors will meet at 9:00 A.M. in Town Hall, 7A Spofford Road. The agenda includes reviews of the prior meeting minutes, month‑end abatement reports, motor vehicle excise tax commitment, and the 2024 sales analysis used to set FY26 assessments. The board will also review the Name Change Policy and Town Boundaries Policy, and hold an executive session to discuss FY25 Appellate Tax Board Docket No. X310731. Additional business may be addressed as needed.

• Review of minutes of previous meeting
• Review of month end abatement reports
• Review of motor vehicle excise tax commitment
• Review of 2024 sales analysis to determine FY26 assessments
• Executive Session: Discussion of FY25 Appellate Tax Board Docket No. X310731

The Board accepted the minutes of the previous meeting unanimously. It signed the month‑end abatement reports, the 2025 Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Commitment #5, and the LA‑3, LA‑15, LA‑4, and LA‑13 listings for submission to the Department of Revenue. The Board deferred any recommendations on the Name Change and Town Boundaries policies to a future meeting. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Accepted previous meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Signed month‑end abatement reports
• Signed 2025 Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Commitment #5
• Signed LA‑3, LA‑15, LA‑4, and LA‑13 for DOR submission
• Deferred Name Change and Town Boundaries policy recommendations
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Merrimack Valley Planning Commission

The Merrimack Valley Planning Commission will adopt the September 2025 meeting minutes and review contracts. It will vote on authorizing the Merrimack Valley 2025 Priority Growth Strategy. The commission will discuss adopting its website as the official posting location under the Open Meeting Law and consider options for handling emergency matters and updating its bylaws.

• Adopt September 2025 meeting minutes
• Review contracts (details not specified)
• Authorize Merrimack Valley 2025 Priority Growth Strategy
• Consider adopting MVPC website as official Open Meeting Law posting location
• Discuss alternatives for emergency matters and review of MVPC bylaws

Merrimack Valley Planning Commission

The Merrimack Valley Planning Commission will review and vote on the 2025 Priority Growth Strategy. It will also discuss adopting its website as the official posting location under the Open Meeting Law and consider alternatives for handling emergency matters between meetings. Additional items include adopting September minutes, reviewing contracts, and a director’s report.

• Adopt September 2025 meeting minutes
• Review and approve contracts
• Authorize the Merrimack Valley 2025 Priority Growth Strategy
• Consider adopting MVPC website as official Open Meeting Law posting location
• Discuss alternatives for handling emergency matters between regular meetings

Conservation Commission

The Boxford Conservation Commission will hold public hearings on several development and conservation proposals. Items include a Rural Development Application for 370 Middleton Road and multiple Notices of Intent for properties on Lake Shore Road, Main Street, Highland Road, Balmoral Road, Koster Field Stiles Pond Road, Endicott Road, Depot Road, and the Willows at Boxford project. The commission will also consider a bylaw amendment related to a transmission line right‑of‑way for New England Power Co.

• RDA 2025-15: 370 Middleton Road (42-1-21) – Maldonado
• NOI 114-: 62 Lake Shore Road (5-1-21) – Hebb
• NOI 114-: 166 Main Street (27-1-18, lot 2) – Latty
• Continued NOI 114-1431: 61B Highland Road (14-2-43) – Nardella
• Bylaw COC 2025-1: transmission line right‑of‑way for New England Power Co.

The Boxford Conservation Commission approved certificates of compliance for the 119 Depot Road project and for various locations on the New England Power Co. transmission line ROW. It also withdrew the Willows at Boxford application, continued several pending hearings to the November 6, 2025 meeting, and closed others with orders of conditions. All motions passed by unanimous roll‑call vote.

• Issued Certificate of Compliance for COC 114-1339: 119 Depot Road (unanimous)
• Issued Bylaw Certificate of Compliance for COC 2025-1: transmission line ROW (unanimous)
• Withdrawn without prejudice COC 114-1313: Willows at Boxford (unanimous, 1 abstain)
• Continued hearing for NOI 114-1428: Koster Field Stiles Pond Road to Nov 6 (unanimous)
• Continued hearing for NOI 114-1419 & SWMP 2025-1: 20 Endicott Road to Nov 6 (unanimous)
• Closed hearing and issued Order of Conditions for NOI 114-1431: 61B Highland Road (unanimous)
• Closed hearing and issued Order of Conditions for NOI 114-1430: Balmoral Road (unanimous)
• Accepted July 24, August 7, and August 24, 2025 minutes as amended (unanimous)

Library Board of Trustees

The Boxford Library Board of Trustees will review documents including a budget overview, OverDrive statistics, and space usage data. The meeting will focus on observations regarding circulation, staffing, and budget numbers before planning next steps.

• Review of budget overview and circulation statistics
• Review of Library 10 Elm Usage Space data
• Discussion of staff and budget observations
• Planning of next steps with staff and trustees

Library Board of Trustees

The Boxford Board of Assessors will review the minutes from the previous meeting and examine month‑end abatement reports. It will consider the motor vehicle excise tax commitment and a 2024 sales analysis to set FY26 property assessments. The board will also review the Name Change Policy and the Town Boundaries Policy. An executive session will be held to discuss FY25 Appellate Tax Board Docket No. X310731.

• Review of month‑end abatement reports
• Review of motor vehicle excise tax commitment
• Review of 2024 sales analysis to determine FY26 assessments
• Review of Name Change Policy
• Executive Session: Discussion of FY25 Appellate Tax Board Docket X310731

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hear an update on candidate MBTA station locations. It will discuss a proposal for small clean‑energy permitting reform. The board will review a driveway permit application for 166 Main Street (lot 2). The meeting is conducted by Zoom only.

• Update on candidate MBTA locations
• Discussion of Small Clean Energy Permitting Reform
• Driveway Permit application for 166 Main Street, lot 2 (Latty)
• Review of meeting minutes

The Planning Board voted to recommend delaying the town's adoption of the Small Clean Energy Permitting Reform regulation until mid‑2027. The Board also voted to continue the driveway permit agenda item to the next meeting with a site walk on October 22, 2025. The minutes from July 16, 2025 were approved, and the meeting was adjourned.

• Recommend postponing adoption of clean‑energy regulation to mid‑2027
• Continue driveway permit agenda item to next meeting with site walk Oct 22, 2025
• Approve July 16, 2025 minutes as amended
• Adjourn the meeting

Council on Aging

The Boxford Council on Aging will hold a scheduled in-person meeting to discuss board membership, staff updates, and other business. The meeting is open to the public and will be held at 10 Elm St.

• Meeting at 10 Elm St.
• Discussion of board membership
• Staff updates
• Other business

Northeast Massachusetts Mosquito Control and Wetlands Management District

The Northeast Massachusetts Mosquito Control and Wetlands Management District Board will meet on October 9, 2025 at 9:00 AM in Georgetown, MA. Commissioners will review and approve the September 11, 2025 minutes and vote on extending the J. Moak contract. They will also hold a preliminary discussion of the FY 27 budget before addressing other business and public comments.

• Vote to approve September 11, 2025 meeting minutes
• Vote to extend J. Moak contract
• Preliminary discussion of FY27 budget
• Other business items
• Public comment/input

Boxford Elementary School Committee

The committee will review the FY27 budget and hold a first reading of several proposed policies. The meeting includes reports on an efficiency study and integrated contracts, as well as a strategy session for nonunion personnel negotiations.

• Discussion and direction for the FY27 Budget
• First reading of proposed policies: ADF, EHAA, IHAMA, IHBF, and JICJ-T
• Review of Efficiency Study summary
• Discussion of Gifts and Grants
• Executive session for nonunion personnel negotiation strategy

Essex County Commission on the Status of Women

The Commission will hold a virtual meeting to review meeting minutes and discuss ongoing initiatives. The agenda includes updates on recruitment, grant applications, and community programming.

• Vote on September 11, 2025 meeting minutes
• Ginsburg recruitment update
• Grant application update
• Survey status from the Communications Committee
• Outreach to Lynn Classical to host Girls Listening Circle

Sustainability Committee

The Sustainability Committee will receive an update on the Green Communities school grant. Members will hear feedback from the recent Select Board meeting with committees. The committee will also discuss its ongoing activities and leadership.

• Update on Green Communities school grant
• Feedback from Select Board meeting with committees
• Further discussion of committee activities and leadership

The committee agreed that Gary will remain a co‑leader and Nancy will join as a co‑leader. Members volunteered to update the town website with application information and to write an annual energy report using data from the MassEnergyInsight site. The discussion on renewable‑energy zoning bylaws was postponed to a future meeting. No formal votes were recorded.

• Nancy volunteered to serve as co‑leader (accepted)
• Gary will continue as co‑leader while focusing on Green Community activities (agreed)
• Gary to update the Sustainability Committee webpage with application instructions (agreed)
• Nancy to write the town’s annual energy usage report (agreed)
• Al to contact the Community Center about lights left on at night (volunteered)
• Further discussion on solar and battery storage zoning bylaws postponed (tabled)
• No formal votes or approvals were taken (none)

Tri Town School Union

The Tri-Town School Union Committee will meet to review the first draft of the FY27 Central Office budget. The body will also discuss the search process for an Assistant Superintendent of Operations and the Aaron Wood Building lease.

• FY27 Central Office Budget 1st Draft
• Assistant Superintendent of Operations search process
• Aaron Wood Building lease/office space
• Technology updates regarding Summer Installations, Parent Square, and PowerSchool
• JLMC’s for Unit A/B regarding Special Education and Unit B PD

Select Board

The Select Board will meet to discuss a large bond issuance and the town's AAA credit rating. Members will also review potential items for a December 17 Special Town Meeting, including MBTA Communities zoning. The session includes a roundtable with various town boards and committees.

• Vote to sign $18,030,000 bond issuance
• Proposed MBTA Communities 3A zoning districts at Willows at Boxford and Barker Rd
• Cole School Roof MSBA project for Special Town Meeting warrant
• North Shore Regional 911 Center transition update
• Rail Trail 607541 Section 4(f) de minimis Impact Determination Form

Conservation Commission

The Boxford Conservation Commission will hold public hearings on a series of agricultural license requests, including DNI, RDA, NOI, and COC items at specific properties. The meeting will also consider a Conservation Placard Order from the Conservation Fund and approve the meeting minutes.

• DNI 2025-14: 25 Hillside (Garrett)
• RDA 2025-14: 24 Glendale Road (Hendrickson)
• RDA 2025-13: 12 Lantern Lane (Simonelli)
• NOI 114-: Balmoral Road (Town of Boxford DPW)
• Conservation Placard Order from Conservation Fund

The Conservation Commission approved several permits and actions, including a certificate of compliance for an above‑ground pool at 38 Herrick Road. It also continued hearings for three development applications and closed hearings for two others. Determinations of applicability and an order of conditions were executed for projects affecting wetlands.

• Continued hearing for NOI 114-1428 (Koster Field Stiles Pond Rd) until Oct 16 (unanimous)
• Executed DNI 2025-14 for 25 Hillside gas line project (unanimous)
• Closed hearing for RDA 2025-14 (24 Glendale Rd) (unanimous)
• Executed Determination of Applicability for 24 Glendale Rd (unanimous)
• Closed hearing for RDA 2025-13 (12 Lantern Lane) (unanimous)
• Executed Determination of Applicability for 12 Lantern Lane (unanimous)
• Executed Order of Conditions for NOI 114-1429 (43 Belvedere) (unanimous)
• Issued certificate of compliance for COC 114-1426 (38 Herrick Rd) (unanimous)

Board of Health

The Boxford Board of Health will review the Earth Fill activity at 3 Spofford Rd. The meeting will also cover updates on opioid funding allocations, routine bills, and the Director’s Report. Any new business from the past 48 hours may be raised before adjournment.

• 3 Spofford Rd – Earth Fill
• Update on opioid allocations
• Bills
• Director’s Report
• Any new business arising in the past 48 hours

The Board approved the land‑fill permit request for Lot 3 at 106 Spofford Road with a unanimous vote. The minutes from the September 10 meeting were reviewed and approved. The board decided the $125 medical‑waste invoice will be signed by the two present members and then taken to Heather Ford for her signature.

• Approved earth‑fill permit for Lot 3, 106 Spofford Road (unanimous)
• Approved September 10 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Authorized signing of $125 B&D medical waste invoice by present members and delivery to Heather Ford for signature

Land Committee

The Land Committee is meeting to discuss Chapter 91 Land regarding the Latty Property at 166 Main Street. The committee will also review meeting minutes.

• Chapter 91 Land: 166 Main Street, Latty Property

Library Board of Trustees

The trustees will review the library’s print and e‑book circulation data, the organization chart, and a budget overview. They will also examine current library holdings and usage statistics. Finally, they will discuss next steps, including scheduling meetings with library staff and with the trustees themselves.

• Review of print and eBook circulation data
• Review of library organization chart
• Budget overview presentation
• Review of library holdings and statistics
• Planning meetings with staff and trustees

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will consider a special-condition discussion concerning the inspection procedure for in-law apartments. The board will also discuss matters related to Ingalls Village Way and elect officers. Draft minutes from May 22 and June 26, 2025 will be reviewed.

• Special Condition Discussion – inspection procedure for in-law apartments
• Discussion of Ingalls Village Way
• Election of Board officers
• Review draft minutes from May 22, 2025
• Review draft minutes from June 26, 2025

The Board unanimously elected Ralph Nay as Chair and Thomas Jonak as Vice Chair. Paula Fitzsimmons was appointed Clerk. The Board also approved the updated ZBA application reflecting new postage rates and accepted the May, June, and September 2025 meeting minutes.

• Ralph Nay elected Chair (unanimous)
• Thomas Jonak elected Vice Chair (unanimous)
• Paula Fitzsimmons appointed Clerk (unanimous)
• Updated ZBA application with revised postage rates accepted (unanimous)
• May 22, 2025 minutes approved (unanimous)
• June 26, 2025 minutes approved (unanimous)
• September 4, 2025 minutes approved (unanimous)
• Meeting adjourned (unanimous)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will discuss a special‑condition request concerning the inspection procedure for in‑law apartments. It will also consider a discussion on Ingalls Village Way, an amendment to the ZBA application regarding a postage‑rate increase, and the election of board officers. In addition, the board will review draft minutes from May 22, 2025; June 26, 2025; and September 4, 2025.

• Special Condition discussion – in‑law apartments inspection procedure
• Discussion on Ingalls Village Way
• Election of ZBA officers
• Amendment to ZBA application – postage rate increase
• Review draft minutes from May 22, 2025; June 26, 2025; September 4, 2025

Historic Districts Commission/Historical Commission

The Boxford Historic Districts/Historical Commission will review several property requests, including a solar panel installation at 77 Main Street, a sign modification at 10 Elm Foundation, and repair and painting work at 23 Elm Street and 7 Elm Street. The meeting will also address old business items such as Little Red School House, CPC Report, Eagle’s Nest, Cleaveland Farm, Lilloet Cheesery, and a revised application, followed by new business items concerning a tree and a School Committee TTU at 4 Middleton Rd.

• Solar panel installation request – 77 Main Street (Greg Costanzo)
• Sign modification request – 10 Elm Foundation (Liz Murphy)
• Repair and paint work – 23 Elm Street (The Bernardin’s)
• Paint railing on deck – 7 Elm Street (Boxford Community Kitchen)
• New business: Tree matter (Wendy) and School Committee TTU – 4 Middleton Rd.

Merrimack Valley Planning Commission

The Merrimack Valley Planning Commission will review a ferryboat business plan development update for the cities of Haverhill, Amesbury, and Newburyport. It will also discuss findings from a pavement management questionnaire, demonstration projects for Lower Tower Hill public space and Groveland 113, and the status of ongoing TIP projects for transit and highway from FY 2025‑2029. The meeting includes a consent agenda for previous minutes and an opportunity for public comment.

• Pavement Management Questionnaire Findings and Proof of Concept (all communities except Andover and North Andover)
• Ferryboat Business Plan Development Update (Haverhill, Amesbury, Newburyport)
• Demonstration Type Projects: Lower Tower Hill Public Space Plan and Groveland 113 (Lawrence, Groveland)
• Status of Ongoing FY 2025‑2029 TIP Projects – Transit and Highway

Finance Committee

The Boxford Finance Committee will review a draft set of financial policies and may vote on a recommendation. It will also examine the town's financial forecast for fiscal years 2027 through 2031. The meeting includes time for any other business before adjournment.

• Review Draft Financial Policies – potential recommendation vote
• Review FY27-31 Financial Forecast
• Any other business

Select Board

The Boxford Select Board will review updates from the Fire Chief, hold a roundtable with other town boards, and discuss items for the upcoming Special Town Meeting, including the Cole School roof project and MBTA Communities district identification. The Town Administrator will provide updates on regional 911 center transition and open positions.

• Meeting with Fire Chief to review staffing, equipment, and ambulance service updates
• Discussion of Cole School roof project under MSBA funding
• Consideration of Special Town Meeting date and potential warrant articles
• Town Administrator report on North Shore Regional 911 Center transition
• Sign request for Community Giving Tree October Fun Fest

Conservation Commission

The Boxford Conservation Commission will meet via Zoom at 7:00 p.m. on September 18, 2025. Commissioners will hold public hearings and discuss scheduled items for several parcels, including 110 King George Drive, 65B Spofford Road, 63 Pye Brook Lane, 61B Highland Ro a d, 43 Belvedere, Koster Field Stiles Pond Road, and 20 Endicott Road. No decisions are noted in the agenda; the items are listed for discussion and public input.

• DNI 2025-11: 110 King George Drive, Hunt
• RDA 2025-11: 65B Spofford Road, 14-2-31, Soucy
• RDA 2025-12: 63 Pye Brook Lane, 30-1-34, Marchionda
• NOI 114- : 61B Highland Ro a d, 14-2-43, Nardella
• Continued NOI 114-1419 & SWMP 2025-1: 20 Endicott Road, 43-1-1, Michael Harvey for the Masconomet School District

The Commission approved the relocation of a shed at 110 King George Drive, Hunt. It closed the hearings and issued negative determinations of applicability for the projects at 65B Spofford Road and 63 Pye Brook Lane. Hearings were continued for the septic system upgrade at 43 Belvedere and the athletic field project at Stiles Pond Road. The addition, deck and stairs project at 61B Highland Road was deferred pending applicant attendance.

• Approved shed relocation at 110 King George Drive, Hunt (6-0)
• Closed hearing for RDA 65B Spofford Road, Soucy (6-0)
• Issued negative determination of applicability for RDA 65B Spofford Road (6-0)
• Closed hearing for RDA 63 Pye Brook Lane, Marchionda (6-0)
• Issued negative determination of applicability for RDA 63 Pye Brook Lane (5-1)
• Continued hearing for NOI 43 Belvedere, Foss (6-0)
• Continued hearing for NOI Stiles Pond Road, Boxford Athletic Association (6-0)
• Deferred NOI 61B Highland Road, Nardella pending applicant attendance

Merrimack Valley Planning Commission

The Merrimack Valley Planning Commission will consider several agenda items. It will vote to approve the minutes from its July 15, 2025 meeting. It will receive a performance summary update, a budget update, and a report on the Career Center. It will also address any other business before adjourning.

• Approve minutes from July 15, 2025 meeting (vote required)
• Performance summary update
• Budget update
• Career Center report
• Other business

Merrimack Valley Planning Commission

The Merrimack Valley Planning Commission will adopt the June 2025 meeting minutes and review warrants for June, July, and August 2025. It will discuss contracts and hear a presentation on the MVPC Priority Growth Strategy land‑use plan. The commission will also authorize hiring of four staff positions.

• Adoption of June 2025 meeting minutes
• Review of warrants for June, July, and August 2025
• Contracts (details not specified in agenda)
• Presentation & authorization of MVPC Priority Growth Strategy land‑use plan
• Authorization to hire Christina Herrick, Kendall Traveis, Kay Emery, and Brendan Linard

Collaborative for Regional Educational Services and Training

The Collaborative for Regional Educational Services and Training Board of Directors will hold a hybrid meeting to discuss policy language and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. The session is an information-only meeting with no formal votes.

• Information Only: Drug Policy Language
• Information Only: Pregnant Workers Fairness Act
• Hybrid meeting held under temporary Open Meeting Law provisions
• Roll call vote required for all motions including adjournment

Planning Board

The Boxford Planning Board will meet to discuss an update on candidate locations for the MBTA station and review driveway permits for a property on Spofford Road. The meeting will be held in person at Town Hall and via Zoom.

• Update on candidate MBTA locations
• Driveway Permit: Lot 3 Spofford Road, 14-1-13.3, James S. Price, Inc.
• ANR (new lot, approval not required): Washington Street (Ingaldsby Farm property), 6-2-2A & 6-2-2B, Price

The Planning Board approved the driveway permit for Lot 3 Spofford Road, contingent on the professional engineer’s stamp. The Board also approved the ANR plan for the Ingaldsby Farm property on Washington Street. The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.

• Approved driveway permit for Lot 3 Spofford Road (6-0 vote)
• Approved ANR plan for Washington Street (5-0-1 vote)
• Meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.

Merrimack Valley Workforce Board

The Planning/Career Center Committee of the Merrimack Valley Workforce Board will meet remotely on September 16, 2025. The committee will discuss a performance summary, a budget update, and a career center report. It will also vote to approve the minutes from the July 15, 2025 meeting and to adjourn the session.

• Vote to approve minutes of the July 15, 2025 meeting (vote required)
• Performance summary update
• Budget update
• Career Center report
• Vote to adjourn (vote required)

Essex County Commission on the Status of Women

The Commission will meet virtually to vote on a grant application of up to $2,500 and review meeting minutes. The body will also discuss domestic violence awareness programming and updates on the Ginsburg Initiative.

• Review and vote on grant application up to $2,500 due October 1
• Discussion of Domestic Violence Awareness Month events, including HAWC breakfast and Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center Walk
• Update on Ginsburg Initiative intern onboarding and recruitment
• Report on ad hoc Research and reporting committee focus on senior and trans women for FY26
• Planning for Girls Virtual Listening Session on November 18

Boxford Elementary School Committee

The Boxford Elementary School Committee will hear reports from the superintendent, the assistant superintendent of operations, and the principals on topics such as summer readiness, transportation, finances, and school improvement plans. New business items include gifts and grants, an Efficiency Study presentation, and TTU PreK program(s). A consent agenda will approve bills, payrolls, and minutes of previous meetings. An executive session may be called to discuss collective bargaining or litigation strategy.

• Efficiency Study Presentation
• Gifts and Grants
• TTU PreK Program(s)
• Bills and Payrolls (consent agenda)
• Minutes of Previous Meetings (consent agenda)

Board of Health

The Board of Health will discuss an earth filling and removing project at 146 Georgetown Rd and a variance request for 43 Belvedere Rd. The board will also review expenditure proposals for Opioid Abatement.

• Earth filling and removing project at 146 Georgetown Rd
• Variance request for 43 Belvedere Rd (Alek Chongris)
• Opioid Abatement expenditure proposals

The Board of Health unanimously approved a variance allowing a soil‑absorption septic system at 43 Belvedere Road, subject to wetland verification. It also unanimously approved a document supporting the town’s opioid settlement fund proposals. The Board required soil testing for the 146 Georgetown Rd earth‑filling project and sent owners testing information. Minutes from the August meetings and several bills were approved.

• Approved variance for 43 Belvedere Rd septic system (unanimous)
• Approved document of support for opioid settlement proposals (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of August 13 and August 19 meetings (passed)
• Approved signed bills (passed)
• Required soil testing for 146 Georgetown Rd site and agreed to send owners testing info
• Noted $108,000 opioid settlement fund available for proposed programs

Small Repair Grants Trust Committee

The Boxford Small Repair Grants Trust Committee will meet to discuss program funding, grant applications, and previous minutes. The meeting will be held via Zoom.

• Review of program funding
• Review of grant applications
• Review of previous meeting minutes
• Meeting held via Zoom

Community Preservation Committee

The Boxford Community Preservation Committee will hold a public hearing and discussion regarding the Little Red School House and Holyoke French House. The meeting will also include setting the date for the committee's annual public hearing.

• Public hearing on Little Red School House and Holyoke French House
• Discussion on setting date for Annual Public Hearing
• Review of Bills and Minutes

The committee ratified three payments of $16,575 each to Sitting Pretty for painting the Holyoke French House. It also authorized the use of the remaining $1,200 to pay Stickney Mason for chimney repairs. The minutes from July 8, 2025 were accepted as presented.

• Ratified three $16,575 payments to Sitting Pretty for painting (all members voted YES)
• Authorized $1,200 residual balance to pay Stickney Mason for chimney repair (all members voted YES)
• Accepted July 8, 2025 minutes as presented (Jessel abstained, others voted YES)

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging will meet to review the Director's Report and discuss Apple Fest and MOW. The meeting includes standard procedural items such as the approval of minutes.

• Discussion of Apple Fest
• Discussion of MOW

Select Board

The Select Board will consider a new Traffic Control Officer policy and a feasibility study for a police station sally port expansion. Members will discuss setting a date for a Special Town Meeting to address MBTA Communities and the Cole School Roof MSBA project. The board will also review the lifting of a hiring freeze for the Library Head of Circulation.

• Proposal to adopt Traffic Control Officer (TCO) policy
• Feasibility study proposal to expand police station sally port
• Special Town Meeting discussion regarding MBTA Communities and Cole School Roof MSBA project
• Proposed lifting of hiring freeze for Library Head of Circulation
• Approval of route for Tour de Greenbelt on September 20, 2025

Library Board of Trustees

The Boxford Town Library Trustees will meet to review May statistics and summer activities. The board will discuss staffing updates and job negotiations for the Assistant Director position.

• Assistant Director job negotiations
• Staffing update
• Community Garden/Seed Library
• Strategic Plan
• Applefest

The trustees approved the June 9 and June 24, 2025 Library Board minutes by unanimous voice vote. They also accepted a document as amended for October 20, 2025. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous voice vote.

• Approved June 9, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved June 24, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted document/exhibit as amended for October 20, 2025
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Boxford Conservation Commission will hold public hearings on six land-use notices via Zoom. Items include notices of intent and certificate of compliance reviews for residential properties across Boxford.

• NOI 114- for 43 Belvedere Road (Foss)
• NOI 114-1428 for Koster Field at Stiles Pond Road (Boxford Athletic Association)
• COC 114-1151 for 28 Deer Run Road (Contarino)
• COC 114-1368 for 7 Beechwood Circle (Hudson)
• COC 114-1408 for 50 Burning Bush Drive (Potter)

The commission voted to deny the Certificate of Compliance for 28 Deer Run Road due to missing grading and drainage information. It also approved continuations of hearings for the Belvedere and Koster Field applications until the September 18 meeting. Certificates of Compliance were issued for projects at 7 Beechwood Circle, 50 Burning Bush Drive, and 30 Arrowhead Farm Road. The commission approved reimbursement of $146.30 for Director Povenmire's mileage.

• Denied Certificate of Compliance for 28 Deer Run Road (vote: all yes)
• Continued hearing for NOI 114- (Belvedere) until Sep 18 (vote: all yes)
• Continued hearing for NOI 114-1428 (Koster Field) until Sep 18 (vote: all yes)
• Issued Certificate of Compliance for 7 Beechwood Circle (vote: all yes)
• Issued Certificate of Compliance for 50 Burning Bush Drive (vote: all yes)
• Issued Certificate of Compliance for 30 Arrowhead Farm Road (vote: all yes)
• Approved mileage reimbursement of $146.30 for Director Povenmire (vote: all yes)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Boxford Zoning Board of Appeals will meet virtually to discuss special permits for a scoreboard and a multi-car garage, review draft minutes, and elect officers.

• Case #1069: Special Permit for scoreboard at 26 Middleton Road
• Case #1072: Special Permit for garage space for more than three cars at 126 Ipswich Road
• Discussion of In-law apartment inspection procedures
• Review of draft minutes from May 22, June 26, and July 24, 2025
• Election of Officers

The Zoning Board of Appeals denied the special permit and variance for 26 Middleton Road (Case 1069) and denied the special permit for a garage at 126 Ipswich Road (Case 1072). The board approved an increased bond of $250,000 (in addition to the existing $342,540) to address outstanding items at 71 Ingalls Village Way and to release its certificate of occupancy. The July 24, 2025 minutes were approved and the meeting was adjourned.

• Denied special permit & variance for 26 Middleton Road (Case 1069) – unanimous YES vote
• Denied special permit for garage at 126 Ipswich Road (Case 1072) – NO votes from R. Nay, D. Paglia, P. Fitzsimons
• Approved increased bond of $250,000 for Ingalls Village Way and release of CO – board agreement
• Approved July 24, 2025 minutes as written – unanimous YES vote
• Tabled discussion on rotating chair duties – decision to revisit at next meeting
• Adjourned meeting at 9:03 PM – unanimous YES vote

Cable Advisory Committee

The Board of Directors will review the classification of workers as independent contractors or employees. The committee will also consider a quote from Paychex for payroll services.

• Paychex quote for payroll services
• Worker classification as independent contractors or employees
• Update on new Studio Manager position
• Review and approval of invoices and expenses

Assessors

The Boxford Board of Assessors will meet to review minutes, abatement reports, motor vehicle excise tax commitments, and an updated authorization letter for the state portal. They will also discuss an executive session regarding a FY25 tax appeal before adjourning.

• Review of month-end abatement reports
• Review of motor vehicle excise tax commitment
• Review of updated Authorization to Sign letter for Division of Local Services Gateway Portal
• Executive Session: FY25 Appellate Tax Board Docket No. X310731

The Board unanimously accepted the minutes of the previous meeting. It reviewed and signed the month‑end abatement reports, the 2025 Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Commitment #4, an updated authorization letter for the Department of Revenue portal, and the FY 2025 Community Preservation Surcharge Report. The Board also approved a FY 2027 Chapter Land application for parcels 14-02-01 and 14-02-02. Executive session was opened and closed, and the meeting was adjourned, all by unanimous vote.

• Accepted previous meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Signed month‑end abatement reports (unanimous)
• Signed 2025 Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Commitment #4 (unanimous)
• Signed updated authorization letter for Kristin Hanlon (unanimous)
• Signed FY 2025 Community Preservation Surcharge Report (unanimous)
• Approved FY 2027 Chapter Land application for parcels 14-02-01 and 14-02-02 (unanimous)
• Entered executive session to discuss Appellate Tax Board case (unanimous)
• Closed executive session and adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Sustainability Committee

The Sustainability Committee will meet to determine its activities and goals for the upcoming year. The body will also discuss the Green Communities Program, specifically regarding requirements and a school grant.

• Committee activities and goals for the coming year
• Green Communities Program school grant
• Green Communities Program requirements
• Committee leadership discussion

The Sustainability Committee reviewed last year's goals, noted a Green Community Grant for school weatherization, and discussed upcoming projects and grant applications. Members shared plans for the fiscal year and talked about future chair leadership, but no actions were approved, denied, or voted on.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will meet virtually to discuss continued business and other administrative matters. The board is reviewing special permits and variances for specific residential and athletic properties.

• Case #1069: Special Permit and Variance for a scoreboard at 26 Middleton Road
• Case #1072: Special Permit for garage space for more than three automobiles at 126 Ipswich Road
• Discussion on in-law apartment inspection procedures
• Discussion regarding Ingalls Village Way
• Election of Officers

Merrimack Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization

The Merrimack Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization (MVMPO) will hold a brief virtual meeting to approve routine administrative updates, including adjustments to the 2025–2029 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP). The body will also receive status reports on ongoing transit and highway projects funded through the TIP.

• FFY2025-2029 TIP Adjustment #5 – MeVa Updates
• UPWP2025 Amendment #1 – End of Year Bookkeeping
• FFY25 Project Update (Newburyport, Boxford)
• Certification Review Findings
• MassDOT LEAP Program update

Merrimack Valley Workforce Board

The MassHire Merrimack Valley Workforce Board is meeting to review and approve the FY26 Annual Plan. This plan is scheduled for submission to the City of Lawrence Mayor and the MDCS by August 29, 2025.

• Approval of the MMVWB FY26 Annual Plan

Essex County Commission on the Status of Women

The Essex County Commission on the Status of Women will hold a virtual meeting to review 2025/2026 intern candidates and vote on internship offers. The meeting will also include procedural items like roll call and adjournment.

• Review of 2025/2026 intern recruitment and interviews
• Vote on internship offers

Recycling Committee

The Recycling Committee is meeting to elect a committee chair and address traffic flow mitigation at the Recycling Center. The body will also discuss the scheduling of a paper shredding event and the feasibility of a Library of Things. Planning for the October 25, 2025, HHW Day is also on the agenda.

• Traffic flow mitigation at Recycling Center
• HHW Day scheduled for Saturday, Oct 25, 2025
• Proposed fall paper shredding event
• Discussion on artificial turf in Boxford
• Discussion on a Library of Things

Conservation Commission

The Boxford Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing on a zoning violation at 235 Main Street and discuss several Notices of Intent for projects including a school district project on Endicott Road and a field project on Stiles Pond Road.

• Public hearing on zoning violation at 235 Main Street
• Discussion of DNI 2025-12 for 120 Middleton Road
• Discussion of DNI 2025-13 for 24 Georgetown
• Public hearing on NOI 114-1428 for Koster Field
• Continued hearing on NOI 114-1419 for Masconomet School District

The commission voted to continue two pending hearings to September dates. It approved a friendly enforcement order for the 235 Main Street barn project. It found negligible impact for three DNI applications and noted an oversight on a sprinkler system, returning a $50 fee. The June 26, 2025 minutes were accepted and the meeting was adjourned.

• Continued hearing for NOI 114-1428 (Koster Field Stiles Pond Road) to Sep 4, 2025 – unanimous YES
• Continued hearing for NOI 114-1419 & SWMP 2025-1 (20 Endicott Road) to Sep 18, 2025 – unanimous YES
• Approved Director to issue friendly enforcement order for 235 Main Street barn plan – unanimous YES
• Determined negligible impact for DNI 2025-12 (120 Middleton Road) – unanimous YES
• Determined negligible impact for DNI 2025-13 (24 Georgetown) – unanimous YES
• Determined negligible impact for DNI 2025-14 (325 Ipswich Road) – unanimous YES
• Recognized oversight of sprinkler system omission for 24 Georgetown and returned $50 fee – unanimous YES
• Accepted June 26, 2025 minutes as amended – unanimous YES

Planning Board

The Planning Board will discuss potential locations for a zoning overlay district related to the MBTA Communities Act. The board will also consider a special permit application for a garage at 126 Ipswich.

• Discussion of candidate locations for MBTA Communities Act zoning overlay district
• ZBA File #1072: Special Permit for garage space for more than three vehicles at 126 Ipswich

The Planning Board voted to recommend that the Zoning Board of Appeals approve a special permit for an accessory building at 126 Ipswich Road to house more than three vehicles, provided an 8‑foot fence is installed along the property line. The board also moved to continue the driveway permit agenda item for Lot 3 Spofford Road to the September 17, 2025 meeting. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Recommend ZBA approve special permit for 126 Ipswich Road garage, with 8‑ft fence condition (motion passed)
• Continue driveway permit agenda item for Lot 3 Spofford Road to Sep 17, 2025 (motion passed)
• Adjourn meeting (motion passed)

Board of Health

The Board of Health is meeting via Zoom to discuss earth removal related to a Department of Public Works project. The remainder of the agenda consists of procedural items.

• Earth removal for DPW project

The Board of Health voted to approve a permit for BW Construction to remove about 5,000 cubic yards of material for the new DPW facility. The Board determined that soil testing was not required because the work will not affect groundwater or wells. Members also agreed to issue a written letter confirming the permit issuance.

• Approved earth‑removal permit for BW Construction (unanimous)
• Board to issue permit confirmation letter

Board of Health

The Board of Health will meet to review the Director's report and handle board reorganization. The agenda includes a discussion regarding the Stiles Pond A-POD.

• Board Reorganization
• Stiles Pond A-POD

The Board approved the June 4 meeting minutes and signed the pending invoices, including the $71,000 trash pickup bill. A motion to nominate Mark Mitsch as Chair and Alex Constan as Vice Chair was passed by unanimous voice vote. No other formal actions were taken during the meeting.

• Approved June 4 meeting minutes (motion passed)
• Signed available bills, including $71,000 G. Mello trash pickup invoice
• Noted pending Higgins Environmental invoices (~$18,000 and $1,200) to be processed
• Nominated Mark Mitsch as Chair (unanimous voice vote)
• Nominated Alex Constan as Vice Chair (unanimous voice vote)

Planning Board

The Boxford Planning Board will meet jointly with the Select Board to discuss and select candidate districts that comply with the MBTA Communities Act. The board will initiate a zoning amendment process and schedule a public hearing for proposed changes ahead of the October Town Meeting vote.

• Joint meeting with Select Board to discuss MBTA Communities Act districts
• Selection of MBTA Communities Act district(s) for October Town Meeting vote
• Initiation of 'Form 7' zoning amendment process for proposed district changes

The Boxford Planning Board met on August 11, 2025, and discussed potential MBTA Communities Act districts after the previously proposed district was rejected by EOHLC. Three alternative districts were discussed: Andrews Farm, 7 Endicott Road, and Topsfield/Silverbrook Road. No final decision was made; the board adjourned without voting on a district selection.

• Appointed Christian Wise as temporary chairperson until Robert Gore arrived (vote: 4-0, with Gore and Grant not present)
• Discussed three alternative MBTA Communities Act districts: Andrews Farm, 7 Endicott Road, and Topsfield/Silverbrook Road
• Adjourned without selecting a district for Town Meeting

Select Board

The Boxford Select Board will hold public hearings for two liquor licenses and meet with the Planning Board to discuss zoning bylaw processes. The meeting also includes reports on town administration, including hiring and property surplus.

• Public Hearing: West Village Café, Inc. General On-Premise Retail License for Wine and Malt Beverages, 561 Main Street
• Public Hearing: Far Corner Garm Golf Course, Inc Liquor License, 5 Barker Road
• Meeting with Planning Board: Discussion MBTA Communities (3A) Zoning bylaw process and Special Town Meeting October 28, 2025
• Town Administrator Report: Consideration of one-day liquor licenses for Apple Festival Holyoke French House September 20, 2025 and Community Giving Tree October
• Town Administrator Report: Request for townwide ban of artificial turf fields

Conservation Commission

The Boxford Conservation Commission will meet via Zoom to conduct public hearings and discussions regarding several Notices of Intent (NOI) and Certificates of Compliance (COC). The body will review projects at various residential and athletic sites.

• NOI 114- : Koster Field, Stiles Pond Road (Boxford Athletic Association)
• Continued NOI 114-1427 : 7 Endicott Road
• Continued NOI 114-1419 & SWMP 2025-1 : 20 Endicott Road (Masconomet School District)
• COC 114-1072: 499 Main Street
• COC 114-1321: 3 Appleton Lane

The Boxford Conservation Commission appointed Member Kerri Lummus as chairperson pro tem. It continued the hearing for Koster Field, closed the hearing for 7 Endicott Road, and approved the Order of Conditions for that site. The commission also issued a Certificate of Compliance for 499 Main Street, continued other items, accepted prior meeting minutes, and adjourned.

• Appointed Kerri Lummus chairperson pro tem (vote 5‑0)
• Continued hearing for Koster Field (NOI 114‑1428) until Aug 21 (vote 5‑0)
• Closed hearing for 7 Endicott Road (NOI 114‑1427) (vote 5‑0)
• Executed and issued Order of Conditions for 7 Endicott Road (vote 5‑0)
• Executed Certificate of Compliance for 499 Main Street (COC 114‑1072) (vote 5‑0)
• Continued COC for 3 Appleton Lane until Aug 21 (vote 5‑0)
• Accepted May 15, 2025 minutes (Hamilton, Lummus, Rathbun, Collari Troake YES; N. Grigg not present)
• Adjourned unanimously

Board of Health

The Board of Health will meet to review the Director's report and handle board reorganization. The agenda includes a discussion regarding Stiles Pond A-POD.

• Board Reorganization
• Stiles Pond A-POD

Boxford Elementary School Committee

The Boxford School Committee will review reports on the Cole School roof and HVAC electrification study, as well as water testing at Spofford Pond School. The body will also discuss the TTU PreK program and staffing for the Assistant Superintendent of Operations.

• Cole School MSBA Roof Project
• Cole School HVAC Electrification Study
• Spofford Pond School water testing
• TTU PreK Program Review
• Staffing for Assistant Superintendent of Operations

Board of Health

The Board of Health is meeting to review previous minutes and discuss personnel updates. The session includes updates on a new social worker hire and a part-time inspector posting.

• Vote on June 23, 2025 meeting minutes
• Social worker new hire update
• Inspector part-time posting
• FY26 SSA update

Select Board

The Select Board is meeting for a retreat to discuss town finances, policies, and procedures. The board will also discuss its priorities and goals.

• Discussion of town finances, policies, and procedures
• Discussion of Select Board priorities and goals

Conservation Commission

The Boxford Conservation Commission will conduct public hearings and discussions regarding several property filings. The meeting includes reviews of notices of intent and ongoing violation and determination cases.

• Continued Violation: 41 Lily Pond Road
• Continued DNI 2025-9: 61C Highland Road
• Continued RDA 2025-9: 10 Mill Road
• NOI 114-: 7 Endicott Road
• Continued NOI 114-1419 & SWMP 2025-1: 20 Endicott Road for the Masconomet School District

The commission voted unanimously to allow Director Ross Povenmire to issue an enforcement order for removal work at 41 Lily Pond Road. It also approved tree removal at 61C Highland Road and closed several pending hearings. Additional actions included continuing hearings, issuing orders for other projects, and sending a letter opposing rodenticides.

• Approved enforcement order for 41 Lily Pond Road work (4-0)
• Approved tree removal at 61C Highland Road (4-0)
• Closed hearing for RDA 10 Mill Road (4-0)
• Closed hearing for ANRAD 105 Depot Road (4-0)
• Continued hearing for NOI 7 Endicott Road to next meeting (4-0)
• Executed and issued order for NOI 20B Wildmeadow Road (4-0)
• Continued hearing for NOI 20 Endicott Road to next meeting (4-0)
• Sent letter opposing rodenticides to Massachusetts legislature (4-0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will discuss special permits for infrastructure and residential modifications. The board is also reviewing inspection procedures for in-law apartments.

• Case #1069: Special Permit and Variance for a scoreboard at 26 Middleton Road
• Case #1071: Special Permit for antenna colocation at 100 Topsfield Road
• Case #1072: Special Permit for garage space for more than three automobiles at 126 Ipswich Road
• Discussion on in-law apartment inspection procedures
• Discussion regarding ADU at 16 Titus Lane

The Zoning Board granted the special permit for Case #1071 to attach antennas to the existing monopole at 100 Topsfield Road, contingent on Dish Wireless submitting a construction control affidavit signed by a licensed structural engineer. The Board also voted to continue Case #1072 (garage at 126 Ipswich Road) and Case #1069 to a hearing on August 28, 2025. The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 PM.

• Approved special permit for antenna collocation at 100 Topsfield Rd (unanimous)
• Continued Case #1072 (garage at 126 Ipswich Rd) to Aug 28, 2025 (unanimous)
• Continued Case #1069 to Aug 28, 2025 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:50 PM (unanimous)

Select Board

The Commission will discuss strategic planning for fiscal year 2026, including goals and committee assignments. The body will also review the status of a survey and intern interviews for the Ginsburg Initiative.

• Approval of April and May 2025 meeting minutes
• Communications Committee survey status
• Ginsburg Initiative intern interviews and zine distribution
• FY26 strategic planning goals and schedule

Planning Board

The Planning Board will meet via Zoom to discuss board positions and hybrid meetings. The agenda includes continued reviews of a driveway permit and a special permit for antenna collocation.

• Driveway Permit: 427C Ipswich Road (Litchfield)
• ZBA File #1071: Special Permit for antenna collocation at 100 Topsfield Road (MassDOT)
• Discussion on Board positions and hybrid meetings

The Board voted to recommend ZBA approval of a special permit for Dish Wireless to collocate antennas on the existing monopole at 100 Topsfield Road, contingent on a signed construction control affidavit from a Massachusetts-licensed structural engineer. The Board also approved a driveway permit for 427C Ipswich Road, subject to fire truck turnaround expansion and a stamped engineer plan. Additionally, the Board discussed the MBTA Communities Act update, noting that proposed districts were deemed ineligible and new locations are being considered, with a joint meeting with the Select Board scheduled for August 11, 2025. The Board voted to keep meetings remote for one year and appointed officers and liaisons.

• Recommended ZBA approval of special permit for Dish Wireless antenna collocation at 100 Topsfield Road (6-0)
• Approved driveway permit for 427C Ipswich Road, subject to fire truck turnaround expansion and stamped engineer plan (6-0)
• Voted to keep Board meetings remote for one year (6-1)
• Approved minutes of June 25, 2025 (5-0, 2 abstentions)
• Appointed Bob Gore as Chairperson (7-0)
• Appointed Christian Wise as Clerk (7-0)
• Appointed liaisons: Steadman to CPC, Grant to Sustainability, Barnes to MVPC, Gore to Land Acquisition (7-0)

Merrimack Valley Workforce Board

The Planning/Career Center Committee will meet to review performance summaries and budget updates. The body will also receive a report regarding the Career Center.

• Approval of June 17, 2025, meeting minutes
• Performance Summary Update
• Budget Update
• Career Center Report

Select Board

The Select Board will meet to consider signing the Langer Conservation Restriction and discuss the donation of the Joakim property. The board will also review the Boxford Common housing project and the reuse of 4 Middleton Rd for administrative offices.

• Consideration of signing Langer Conservation Restriction
• Discussion on reuse of 4 Middleton Rd for consolidated administrative offices
• Discussion on acceptance of Joakim property donation
• Review of Boxford Common housing project and Fall Town Meeting Warrant Articles
• Update on MBTA Zoning bylaw process and October 28, 2025 Special Town Meeting

Commissioners of Trust Funds

The Commissioners of Trust Funds will open and review grant and scholarship applications for the 2025-2026 school year. The body will determine award amounts or identify if further information is required. Members will also discuss the Perley Parkhurst Cole Probate Court proceedings.

• Review of 2025-2026 grant and scholarship applications
• Review and comment on Masconomet Annual Scholarships
• Review of one 2024-2025 application
• Update on Perley Parkhurst Cole Probate Court Proceedings

Conservation Commission

The Boxford Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a proposed change to the Boxford Wetlands Bylaw concerning the cutting of vegetation. The body will also review several property-specific filings and discuss rodenticide control.

• Public Hearing: Proposed change to Boxford Wetlands Bylaw Ch. 375-98(D) – Cutting of Vegetation
• Violation review: 41 Lily Pond Road
• Discussion: Wildcat Trail Subcommittee update and naming of Trail at Willows at Boxford
• Continued Discussion: Control of rodenticide
• Review of filings for 94 Middleton Road, 61C Highland Road, 10 Mill Road, 38 Herrick Road, 105 Depot Road, 20B Wildmeadow Road, 110 King George Drive, and 30 Sunrise

The Conservation Commission voted to continue several pending hearings until the July 24 meeting, including cases at Lily Pond Road, Highland Road, Mill Road, and Depot Road. It withdrew the Middleton Road application without prejudice. The board also closed the pool hearing at Herrick Road and issued an Order of Conditions, and approved Certificates of Compliance for projects at King George Drive and Sunrise.

• Continued hearing for 41 Lily Pond Road violation until July 24, 2025 (unanimous yes)
• Withdrew DNI 2025-10 for 94 Middleton Road without prejudice (one abstention)
• Continued hearing for 61C Highland Road (Brown) until July 24, 2025 with site walk July 23 (unanimous yes)
• Continued hearing for 10 Mill Road (Totten & Fabbri) until July 24, 2025 (unanimous yes)
• Continued hearing for 105 Depot Road (Holmes) until July 24, 2025 (unanimous yes)
• Closed hearing and issued Order of Conditions for 38 Herrick Road pool (unanimous yes)
• Issued Certificate of Compliance for 110 King George Drive septic project (unanimous yes)
• Issued Certificate of Compliance for 30 Sunrise garage addition (one abstention)

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee will meet to discuss the administrator's stipend for Fiscal Year 2026 and a candidate for committee membership. The body will also establish the project application and review schedule for the fall town meeting.

• CPC Administrator stipend for Fiscal Year 2026
• Candidate for appointment to CPC membership
• Project application and review schedule for fall town meeting

The committee voted unanimously to increase the CPC Administrator stipend by 3% for FY 2026. They recommended Michael McDonald for appointment to the committee. They approved a $3,500 payment from the administrative fund for CPC Coalition dues for FY 2026. The minutes from May 7 and April 8, 2025 were also approved.

• Approved 3% stipend increase for Ross Povenmire (unanimous)
• Recommended Michael McDonald as new CPC member (unanimous)
• Approved $3,500 payment for CPC Coalition dues (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of May 7, 2025 and April 8, 2025 (unanimous)

Historic Districts Commission/Historical Commission

The Historic Districts and Historical Commissions will meet to vote on a representative for the CPC committee and hold hearings regarding exterior work on the Holyoke French House. The body will also discuss ongoing projects including the Little Red School House and Cleaveland Farm.

• Vote to appoint Gini Havey as HDC representative to the CPC committee
• Hearing for Holyoke French House: carpentry work, door restoration, and exterior painting
• Discussion of Little Red School House, Eagle's Nest, and Cleaveland Farm
• Discussion of Lilloet Cheesery and a revised application from R. Siegel
• New business regarding School Committee TTU at 4 Middleton Rd.

Select Board

The Select Board will discuss joining the North Shore Regional 911 through an Intermunicipal Agreement. The meeting includes a 5-year road paving plan presentation and updates on MBTA zoning and a new DPW facility.

• Appointment of Sgt. Attilio “AJ” Paglia to Captain
• Execution of Intermunicipal Agreement to join North Shore Regional 911
• Presentation of 5-Year Road Paving Plan
• Update on MBTA Zoning bylaw process and October 28, 2025 Special Town Meeting
• Update on new DPW Facility construction timeline

Cable Advisory Committee

The committee will review BCATv operations, financial status, and the status of contracts with Verizon and Topsfield. The board will also elect officers and discuss the disposal of depreciated equipment.

• Verizon contract renewal status
• Topsfield contract
• Senior scholarship recommendations
• Disposal of fully depreciated equipment
• Election of officers

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a proposed change to the Boxford Wetlands Bylaw concerning the cutting of vegetation. The body will also review several property-specific filings and a conservation restriction.

• Public Hearing: Proposed change to Boxford Wetlands Bylaw Ch. 375-98(D) – Cutting of Vegetation
• Conservation Restriction review and signature: 146 Middleton Road
• Violation review: 41 Lily Pond Road
• Discussion on the control of rodenticide
• RDA 2025-6: 30 Mill Road, US Geological Survey

The Conservation Commission continued several public hearings, approved removal of six pine trees at 27 Brookview Road, issued an emergency certification for a replacement well at 26 Sheffield Road, and recommended that the Select Board approve a conservation restriction for 146 Middleton Road. All actions were approved unanimously by the voting members present.

• Continue Boxford Wetlands Bylaw vegetation hearing until July 10, 2025 (5‑0)
• Approve removal of six pine trees at 27 Brookview Road (5‑0)
• Issue emergency certification for well replacement at 26 Sheffield Road (6‑0)
• Recommend Select Board approve conservation restriction for 146 Middleton Road (5‑0)
• Withdraw RDA 30 Mill Road application without prejudice (5‑0)
• Continue hearing for 10 Mill Road with site walk July 9, 2025 (5‑0)
• Issue Certificate of Compliance for 16 Great Pond Drive (5‑0)
• Issue negligible impact determination for 50 Burning Bush, except one oak tree (5‑0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will discuss several special permits and variances. The board is also reviewing inspection procedures for in-law apartments and the water and sewer system at Ingalls Village Way.

• Case #1069: Scoreboard installation at 26 Middleton Road
• Case #1070: Garage space for more than three automobiles at 12 Hood Circle
• Case #1071: Antenna collocation at 100 Topsfield Road
• ADU discussion for 16 Titus Lane
• Discussion of Ingalls Village Way water and sewer system

The Zoning Board accepted Application 1070 for a special permit to build a garage addition at 12 Hood Circle, imposing conditions on exterior lighting, prohibition of business use, and submission of an as‑built foundation plan. The motion to accept the application and the motion to close evidence were both carried unanimously. The May 22, 2025 minutes were not voted on and will be placed on the July 24, 2025 agenda. The meeting was adjourned at 8:09 PM by unanimous vote.

• Motion to close evidence for case 1070 carried unanimously
• Approved Special Permit for garage addition at 12 Hood Circle with conditions (unanimous)
• May 22, 2025 minutes not voted on; to be on July 24, 2025 agenda
• Adjourned meeting at 8:09 PM (unanimous)

Boxford Housing Partnership Committee

The committee will meet via video conference to discuss topics related to Boxford Commons. The agenda also includes a review of minutes and other business.

• Boxford Commons topics

Boxford Elementary School Committee

The committee will meet virtually to discuss staff contracts for Unit A and Unit B. The meeting includes an executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategy.

• Executive session regarding collective bargaining strategy
• Central Office updates on Unit A and Unit B staff contracts

Planning Board

The Planning Board will meet via Zoom to vote on board positions and hybrid meetings. The board is reviewing several driveway permits, a land plan, and special permits for antennas and garage space.

• Special Permit for antennas at 100 Topsfield Road (MassDOT)
• Special Permit for garage space for more than three vehicles at 12 Hood Circle
• ANR Plan Approval for 108 & 111 Stiles Pond Road
• Driveway Permit for 427C Ipswich Road
• Scenic Roads Act Hearing for 16 Old Killam Hill Road

The Planning Board continued the 427C Ipswich Road driveway permit hearing to July 16, 2025. It closed the public hearing for the 16 Old Killam Hill Road driveway permit and recommended the Board approve it. The Board endorsed the ANR land swap at 108 & 111 Stiles Pond Road and recommended a special permit for a garage addition at 12 Hood Circle. Several items, including a ZBA antenna request and minutes from April and May, were continued or approved.

• Continued 427C Ipswich Road driveway permit hearing until July 16, 2025 (unanimous)
• Closed hearing and recommended approval of driveway permit at 16 Old Killam Hill Road (unanimous)
• Endorsed ANR plan for 108 & 111 Stiles Pond Road (unanimous)
• Continued ZBA antenna colocation request (100 Topsfield Road) to next meeting (unanimous)
• Recommended ZBA approve special permit for garage addition at 12 Hood Circle (unanimous)
• Approved April 16, 2025 minutes as presented (Gore abstained, others yes)
• Approved May 21, 2025 minutes as amended (unanimous with one abstention)
• Adjourned the meeting (unanimous)

Land Committee

The Land Committee will meet via Zoom to discuss two land donations. The body will also review meeting minutes.

• Joakim land donation
• Kelsey Arboretum CR donation

Land Committee

The Land Committee is meeting to discuss two potential land donations. The body will also review meeting minutes.

• Joakim land donation
• Kelsey Arboretum CR donation

Finance Committee

The Boxford Finance Committee will meet to discuss financial policies and proposed reserve transfers for FY25. The agenda also includes a discussion with Geoff Buswick of S&P Global.

• Discussion with Geoff Buswick, S&P Global
• Review of draft financial policies
• Review of proposed FY25 Finance Committee Reserve Transfers

Boxford Elementary School Committee

The Boxford School Committee will meet virtually to conduct an executive session regarding collective bargaining strategy. The committee will also receive central office updates concerning Unit A and Unit B staff contracts.

• Executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategy
• Central office updates on Unit A and Unit B staff contracts

Select Board

The Select Board will hold a public information session regarding potential membership in the North Shore Regional 911 Center. The board will also reorganize and receive updates on library staffing and a veterans district agreement.

• Presentation on North Shore Regional 911 Center membership
• Reorganization of the Board
• Library staffing update
• Ratification of veterans district agreement
• Executive session for nonunion personnel negotiation strategy

The Select Board appointed Chuck Costello as Chair and Lindsey Crea as Vice Chair/Clerk. It lifted the library hiring freeze to allow hiring a Head of Adult Services/Assistant Director. The Board approved two Common Victualler’s Licenses and authorized the chair to execute the Veterans Services Intermunicipal Agreement with North Andover. The Board also entered an executive session to prepare for non‑union personnel negotiations.

• Appointed Chuck Costello as Chair (unanimous vote)
• Appointed Lindsey Crea as Vice Chair/Clerk (unanimous vote)
• Lifted library hiring freeze for Head of Adult Services/Assistant Director (unanimous vote)
• Authorized chair to execute Veterans Services Intermunicipal Agreement with North Andover (unanimous vote)
• Approved Common Victualler’s License #25-04 for Boxford Athletic Association, 10 Stiles Pond Road (unanimous vote)
• Approved Common Victualler’s License #25-05 for Ingaldsby Farm, 14 Washington Street (unanimous vote)
• Approved minutes of May 21, 2025, as amended (unanimous vote)
• Entered executive session for non‑union personnel negotiation strategy (unanimous roll‑call vote)

Assessors

The Board of Assessors will review preliminary tax commitments for FY26 real estate and personal property. The body will also discuss the master deed for 7 Endicott Rd and review several town policies regarding bedroom counts and abutters lists.

• FY26 Real Estate and Personal Property Preliminary Tax commitments
• Discussion on 7 Endicott Rd Master Deed
• Review of Bedroom Count Policy
• Review of Abutters List Policy
• Review of FY26 Chapter Land Applications

The Board accepted the minutes of the previous meeting unanimously. It changed the wording of the Bedroom Count policy and removed the $50 rush‑fee option from the Abutters Listing policy. The Board approved FY 2026 Chapter Land applications for five listed parcels and approved the FY 2025 senior work‑off program participants. Motions to enter and close executive session and to adjourn all passed unanimously.

• Accepted previous meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Changed Bedroom Count policy wording to optional exception
• Removed $50 rush‑fee option from Abutters Listing policy
• Approved FY 2026 Chapter Land applications for Washington St 06-02-02.B, 22 Washington St 06-06-02.A, Groveland Line 07-01-03, 19A Chadwick Farm Rd 06-02-14, Main St 28-01-0 2.1
• Approved FY 2025 senior work‑off program participants
• Entered executive session to discuss Appellate Tax Board Docket No. X310731 (unanimous)
• Closed executive session and returned to open session (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Merrimack Valley Planning Commission

The commission will meet to adopt May 2025 minutes and review the May 2025 warrant. The agenda includes a director's report and a discussion on contracts.

• Adoption of May 2025 Meeting Minutes
• Review of May 2025 Warrant
• Discussion of contracts

Merrimack Valley Workforce Board

The Youth Committee will meet remotely to review program updates and approve previous meeting minutes. The session includes updates on WIOA, YouthWorks, and Connecting activities.

• Approval of April 9, 2025, meeting minutes
• WIOA Program Update
• YouthWorks and Connecting Activities Updates

Library Board of Trustees

The Boxford Town Library Trustees will meet to discuss board reconfiguration and the library's long-range plan. The board will also review job descriptions and staff retirement.

• Assistant Director/Adult Services job description
• Elizabeth Safford retirement
• Appointment of a chair for the Long Range Plan
• Board reconfiguration for Executive, Special Events, Policy Review, and Long Range Plan sub-committees
• Updates on bike rack, community garden, and children's room consultant

The trustees approved the May 12, 2025 meeting minutes and unanimously re‑elected Jayne Smallman as Chair and Carolyn Anderson as Vice‑Chair for the 2025‑2026 term. They also approved the all‑staff training on June 26, confirmed the library will close that morning, and decided not to hold a Friends book sale at the Apple Festival. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved May 12, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Nominated Carolyn Anderson as Vice‑Chair (unanimous)
• Nominated Jayne Smallman as Chair (unanimous)
• Approved all‑staff training on June 26, library closed 10 am‑12 pm (unanimous)
• Decided Friends will not hold a book sale at the Apple Festival (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Select Board

The Select Board will meet with the Treasurer/Collector to discuss the sale and signing of a Bond Anticipatory Note. The Town Administrator will also provide an update regarding an EV charging station grant.

• Approval of sale and signing of Bond Anticipatory Note (BAN)
• EV charging station grant update

Select Board

The Select Board will consider the date and items for a Special Town Meeting, including MBTA Communities and the Cole School Roof MSBA project. The board will also meet with the Police Chief to discuss a Traffic Control Officer policy and Boxford Common traffic.

• Proposal to adopt Traffic Control Officer (TCO) policy
• Discussion of Special Town Meeting items: MBTA Communities and Cole School Roof MSBA project
• Approval of route for Tour de Greenbelt on September 20, 2025
• Feasibility study proposal to expand the Police Station sally port
• Consideration of lifting the hiring freeze for Library Head of Circulation

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold public hearings and discussions regarding various property filings and land use issues. The body is reviewing requests for certificates of compliance and notices of intent for several residential and institutional addresses.

• Abutter concerns regarding OOC 114-1417 at 42 Pine Plain Road
• Unauthorized fill in buffer zone at 31 Cedar Street
• RDA 2025-6 for the US Geological Survey at 30 Mill Road
• NOI 114-1419 and SWMP 2025-1 for Masconomet School District at 20 Endicott Road
• Discussion on rodenticide control and mowing of trails at Willows at Boxford

The Conservation Commission approved a 6‑foot-wide mowing of the Willows trails. It issued an Enforcement Order to remove unauthorized fill at 31 Cedar Street. Several projects received negative determinations or hearing continuances, including a septic‑access request on Woodcrest Road and a stream‑gauge proposal on Mill Road.

• Approved mowing of Willows trails (6‑ft width) – approved (5 yes, 1 recused)
• Executed Enforcement Order for unauthorized fill at 31 Cedar Street – approved (6 yes)
• Determined negligible impact for 18 Lily Pond Road project – approved (5 yes, 1 abstain)
• Closed hearing and issued negative determination for 53 Woodcrest Road septic access – approved (6 yes)
• Continued hearing for 30 Mill Road stream‑gauge until June 26, 2025 – approved (6 yes)
• Closed hearing and issued negative determination for 3 Fieldstone Way tree removal – approved (5 yes, 1 abstain for closure; negative determination approved 6 yes)
• Continued hearing for 20B Wildmeadow Road until July 10, 2025 – approved (6 yes)
• Continued hearing for 20 Endicott Road until July 10, 2025 – approved (vote indicated approval)

Board of Health

The Board of Health will meet to discuss a matter involving 53 Woodcrest Rd and Alek Chongris. The board will also review minutes, bills, and the Director's Report.

• Review of 53 Woodcrest Rd – Alek Chongris

The Board unanimously approved a variance allowing a new soil absorption system and tanks for the septic upgrade at 53 Woodcrest Road, with a condition that the wetland delineation be confirmed by the Conservation Commission. The Board also approved the June 4 meeting minutes and signed the June 4 bills. Additionally, the Board took the neighbor noise complaint under advisement and asked the resident to email the DEP noise policy for review.

• Approved variance for 53 Woodcrest Rd septic system (unanimous voice vote)
• Approved June 4 meeting minutes (motion passed)
• Signed June 4 bills (board reviewed and signed)
• Took noise complaint matter under advisement; requested DEP policy email

Land Committee

The Land Committee will meet via Zoom to discuss a conservation restriction transfer for the Kelsey Arboretum. The committee also intends to address a resolution regarding the Joachim Property.

• Kelsey Arboretum CR transfer discussion
• Joachim Property resolution

Recycling Committee

The Boxford Recycling Committee will meet on May 27, 2025, to approve prior meeting minutes and discuss several operational items, including the swap shed, Earth Day cleanup, a potential paper shredding event, and a state recycling grant application due June 2nd. The committee will also review a Library of Things proposal.

• Approve minutes of March 18, 2025 meeting
• Discuss swap shed plans
• Plan Earth Day Round Up event
• Consider fall paper shredding event
• Review DEP Recycling Grant application (due June 2nd)

Board of Health

The Boxford Board of Health will hold a quarterly meeting with three Essex Tri-Town Public Health Entity partners via Zoom. The board is scheduled to vote on adopting regional Open Meeting Law posting methods and on filling Advisory Board positions. A budget draft for FY26 is under development and will be voted on at the next advisory board meeting before June 30, 2025.

• Vote on adopting regional Open Meeting Law posting methods for the PHE collaborative
• Vote to fill Advisory Board positions
• Budget draft for FY26 under development, vote planned before June 30

Boxford Housing Partnership Committee

The Boxford Housing Partnership will hold a virtual meeting on May 23, 2025, via Zoom due to a 2021 emergency order. The agenda contains only procedural items: reviewing Boxford Commons topics, approving invoices, and minutes, with no decisions or discussions listed.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will discuss special permits for a garage and telecommunications equipment. The board is also reviewing inspection procedures for in-law apartments and discussing accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

• Case #1070: Special Permit for garage space for more than three automobiles at 12 Hood Circle
• Case #1071: Special Permit for MassDOT to collocate antennas at 100 Topsfield Road
• Discussion on in-law apartment inspection procedures
• ADU discussions for 84 Ipswich Road and 16 Titus Lane
• Relocation of sign at Ingalls Village Way

The Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously voted to relocate the Ingalls Village Way street sign to a utility pole for better visibility. It also unanimously continued case 1070 (12 Hood Circle) and case 1071 (100 Topsfield Road) to a hearing on June 26, 2025. The board approved the amended minutes from April 24, 2025 and adjourned the meeting.

• Approved relocation of Ingalls Village Way sign to utility pole (unanimous)
• Continued case 1070 – 12 Hood Circle – to June 26, 2025 (unanimous)
• Continued case 1071 – 100 Topsfield Road – to June 26, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved amended minutes of April 24, 2025 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Boxford Elementary School Committee

The committee will review updates regarding the Cole Site Project with the MA DEP and the Cole Roof with the MSBA. Members will also consider the adoption or rejection of policy BGB and review other school policies. An executive session is scheduled to discuss collective bargaining strategy.

• Cole Site Project – MA DEP: MCP
• Cole Roof - MSBA
• Policy BGB: discussion, adoption or rejection
• Review of policies BDFA, BDFA-E-1, BDFA-E-2, BDFA-E-3, and KHC
• Executive session on collective bargaining strategy

Planning Board

The Boxford Planning Board will meet on May 21, 2025, via Zoom to review driveway permits for properties on Old Killam Hill Road, Ipswich Road, and Wildmeadow Road, as well as acknowledge a conservation restriction on Middleton Road. The meeting is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. and will be conducted entirely online.

• Acknowledgement of Conservation Restriction: 146 Middleton Road
• Driveway Permit: 16 Old Killam Hill Road
• Driveway Permit: 427C Ipswich Road
• Continued Driveway Permit: 20B Wildmeadow Road

The board voted to continue discussion of three driveway permit applications—16 Old Killam Hill Road, 427C Ipswich Road, and 20B Wildmeadow Road—until the June 18, 2025 meeting. A motion was made to recommend swift action on a 32.1‑acre conservation restriction gifted by Holly Langer. The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.

• Continue 16 Old Killam Hill Road driveway permit (to June 18, 2025)
• Continue 427C Ipswich Road driveway permit (to June 18, 2025)
• Continue 20B Wildmeadow Road driveway permit, pending fire‑dept conditions
• Recommend expedited acknowledgment of 32.1‑acre conservation restriction gift
• Adjourn meeting at 8:10 p.m.

Merrimack Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization

The Merrimack Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization (MVMPO) will meet to decide on amendments to its 2025–2029 transportation funding plan, including North Andover corridor improvements and community transit vehicle grants. The group will also review the draft 2026–2030 Transportation Improvement Program and the 2026 Unified Planning Work Program.

• FFY2025-2029 TIP Amendment #4 – North Andover Corridor Improvements (conditional approval)
• FFY2025-2029 TIP Adjustment #3 – Community Transit Grants (vehicles) for North Andover
• FFY2026-2030 Transportation Improvement Program (action item)
• FFY2026 Unified Planning Work Program (action item)
• Status update on ongoing FFY2025-2029 TIP projects (Transit and Highway)

Select Board

The Select Board will receive a public presentation from Hanifen & Associates, LLC regarding EMS delivery in Boxford. The board will also consider funding for DARE programming and a one-day liquor license.

• Presentation of 'Comprehensive Organizational, Staffing and Operational Analysis for Town of Boxford EMS Delivery'
• Approval of expending Opioid funds for DARE programming and Tri-Town Council
• 1-day liquor license for Center at 10 Elm on May 22, 2025
• North Shore Regional 911 Feasibility Study discussion
• Approval of signs for YMCA Wildcat 5K

The Select Board voted unanimously to allocate $2,685.50 from opioid funds to the DARE officer and $6,000 to the Tri‑Town Council for DARE programming. It also approved a one‑day liquor license for the Friends of the Council on Aging and approved signage for the YMCA Wildcat 5K. The Board decided to hold a public information meeting on June 16 about the North Shore Regional 911 feasibility study and entered an executive session to prepare for non‑union personnel negotiations.

• Approved $2,685.50 opioid‑fund DARE programming request (unanimous)
• Approved $6,000 opioid‑fund DARE programming request from Tri‑Town Council (unanimous)
• Approved one‑day liquor license for Center at 10 Elm (unanimous)
• Approved YMCA Wildcat 5K signage request (unanimous)
• Decided to hold public information meeting on June 16 for 911 feasibility study (no vote recorded)
• Entered executive session for non‑union personnel negotiation strategy (unanimous roll‑call)

Merrimack Valley Workforce Board

The committee will meet via Zoom to review performance and budget updates. The agenda includes a report on the Career Center and the approval of previous meeting minutes.

• Approval of February 18, 2025, meeting minutes
• Performance Summary Update
• Budget Update
• Career Center Report

Conservation Commission

The Boxford Conservation Commission will discuss invasive species control at the Willows, parameters for direct contact between peer review consultants and applicants, and continue discussions on Wildcat Conservation Area trails and unauthorized fill at 31 Cedar Street. The agenda also includes continued hearings on several notices of intent and certificates of compliance.

• Discussion: Invasive species control at the Willows at Boxford
• Discussion: Parameters for direct contact between peer review consultants and applicants
• Continued discussion: Unauthorized fill in buffer zone at 31 Cedar Street (Spak)
• Continued DNI 2025-6: 18 Lily Pond Road (Li)
• Continued NOI 114-1424: 24 Pinehurst (Costello)

The Conservation Commission voted to approve invasive‑species control on the Willows at Boxford trails, specifying that no herbicides may be used. It also continued several pending hearings, withdrew one application and credited its fee, and closed two other hearings while issuing orders of conditions. Finally, the commission issued a Certificate of Compliance for a completed project at 15 Azalea Way.

• Approved invasive species control on Willows at Boxford trails, no herbicides (all 6 members YES)
• Continued hearing for DNI 2025-6 (18 Lily Pond Road) to May 15 with site walk May 21 (all 6 members YES)
• Withdrew DNI 2025-4 (3 Fieldstone Way) and credited $50 filing fee to RDA (all 6 members YES)
• Closed hearing for NOI 114-1424 (24 Pinehurst) and issued order of conditions (all 6 members YES)
• Closed hearing for NOI 114-1422 (255A Main Street) and issued order of conditions (all 6 members YES)
• Executed Certificate of Compliance for COC 114-1225 (15 Azalea Way) (all 6 members YES)

Collaborative for Regional Educational Services and Training

The CREST Personnel/Policy Sub-Committee will meet in a hybrid format to discuss old business items, including a parental leave policy and a pilot work-from-home summary, and will enter executive session to prepare for negotiations with nonunion personnel (HR Director, Director of Finance/Facilities, and Director of Programs). No votes or decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Discussion of Parental Leave Policy
• Review of Pilot Work From Home FY25 summary
• Executive session for strategy on nonunion personnel contract negotiations (HR Director, Director of Finance/Facilities, Director of Programs)

Board of Health

The Boxford Board of Health will hold a regular meeting on May 14, 2025. Items include a presentation on mosquito control, discussion of a property at 20B Wildmeadow Rd, water quality testing at Masco, a proposed earth fill at 146 Georgetown Rd, formation of a PHE advisory board, and disposal of a contaminated oil drum at the Recycling Center.

• Mosquito control presentation by Jennifer Sforza
• Discussion of 20B Wildmeadow Rd
• Water quality testing at Masco
• Earth fill proposal at 146 Georgetown Rd
• Disposal and payment for contaminated oil drum at the Recycling Center

Boxford Elementary School Committee

The Boxford School Committee Negotiating Subcommittee is meeting virtually to discuss collective bargaining strategy. The session is scheduled as an executive session to avoid detrimental effects on the public body's bargaining position.

• Executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategy pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, § 21(a)(3)

Select Board

Town residents voted on the 2025 Annual Town Meeting warrant. The body approved the FY2026 operating budget and several capital projects, budget overrides, and zoning bylaw amendments.

• FY2026 Operating Budget: $44,190,530
• Debt Exclusion for New DPW Facility: $18,996,658
• Budget Overrides: $420,000 for Elementary Schools and $410,400 for Masco School District
• Zoning Bylaw approvals for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU), Energy Battery Storage, and Floodplain Amendment
• CPA funding: $275,000 for Koster Field and $125,000 for Recreation Facility Master Plan

Library Board of Trustees

The trustees unanimously approved the April 14 meeting minutes, the amended Programming Policy that limits requests to Boxford residents, and the Library Display Policy. They also confirmed that a bike rack will be installed within two weeks and set library closure dates for Memorial Day and Saturdays through the end of summer. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved April 14, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved amended Programming Policy restricting requests to town residents (unanimous)
• Approved Library Display Policy as presented (unanimous)
• Bike rack installation scheduled within two weeks
• Library closed May 26 for Memorial Day
• Library closed Saturdays from Memorial Day through end of summer

Boxford Elementary School Committee

The Boxford Elementary School Committee will hold a public meeting to discuss the FY26 elementary schools budget and possible override, along with policy updates and tuition rates. New business includes a report on gifts and grants and a first reading of proposed policies. The committee will also enter executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategy.

• FY26 Elementary Schools Budget & Override discussion
• First reading of proposed policies (BDFA, BDFA-E-1, BDFA-E-2, BDFA-E-3, KHC)
• NEC FY26 Tuition Rates
• Superintendent's report including recognition of Kim Nguyen and DESE Prism Grants
• Executive session for collective bargaining strategy per M.G.L. c. 30A, § 21(a)(3)

Sustainability Committee

The committee noted that Matt Coogan signed the contract with the Department of Energy and Environmental Regulation to accept the Green Community grant for school solar projects. Pat agreed to request an updated quote for four EV charging ports instead of six. The committee will develop a strategy to present to the select board on making Community Solar participation easier for residents. Nancy and Al volunteered to staff a table at the next Town Meeting and the committee will continue outreach through a newsletter and website.

• Schools accepted Green Community grant for solar upgrades (contract signed)
• Pat to solicit updated quote for 4 EV charging ports
• Committee to develop Community Solar strategy for select board
• Nancy and Al to staff a table at next Town Meeting
• Committee to continue resident engagement via newsletter and website

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee will meet via Zoom to discuss a specific warrant article. The agenda also includes the review of bills and minutes.

• Discussion of CPC Warrant Article regarding Koster and Cargill Fields

The Community Preservation Committee voted unanimously to appropriate $275,000 from the Undesignated Community Preservation Fund for the rehabilitation and restoration of Koster Field at Stiles Pond. The remaining $310,000 needed for the $585,000 total project cost will be sought through private fundraising. The committee also unanimously closed the public hearing and adjourned.

• Approved $275,000 appropriation for Koster Field rehab (unanimous)
• Closed public hearing and adjourned (unanimous)

Boxford Elementary School Committee

The Boxford School Committee will convene in executive session to discuss strategy related to collective bargaining, as permitted by state law. The remainder of the meeting is procedural, consisting of a call to order and adjournment.

• Executive session under M.G.L. c. 30A, § 21(a)(3) to discuss collective bargaining strategy

Select Board

The Boxford Select Board will discuss an Eagle Scout proposal for picnic tables at Stiles Pond, receive a presentation on the 5-year pavement management plan from DPW Superintendent Chris Olbrot, and finalize warrant article presenters and recommendations for the upcoming Town Meeting. The board will also consider a temporary sign approval for the Friends of Library Book Sale and nominate employees and volunteers of the month.

• Discussion of Eagle Scout Calvin Heres' proposal for picnic tables at Stiles Pond
• Presentation of 5-year pavement management plan by DPW Superintendent Chris Olbrot
• Finalization of warrant article presenters and recommendations for Town Meeting
• Temporary sign approval for Friends of Library Book Sale
• Employee and Volunteer of the Month nominations

Conservation Commission

The Boxford Conservation Commission will hold public hearings and discussions on several enforcement matters, including removal of an unauthorized bridge in Wildcat Conservation Area and unauthorized fill at 31 Cedar Street. They will also review multiple Notices of Intent and an amended Order of Conditions for properties on Fieldstone Way, Ipswich Road, Woodcrest Road, Endicott Road (Masconomet School District), and Wildmeadow Road. The meeting will be conducted via Zoom.

• Discussion of removal of unauthorized bridge in Wildcat Conservation Area
• Continued discussion of unauthorized fill in buffer zone at 31 Cedar Street (Spak)
• DNI 2025-4: 3 Fieldstone Way, Marquis
• Amended OOC 114-1364: 34 Woodcrest Road, Grasso
• Continued NOI 114-1419 & SWMP 2025-1: 20 Endicott Road, Masconomet School District

The Conservation Commission voted to close the hearing and then issue an amended Order of Conditions for 34 Woodcrest Road. It also continued the hearing for the Fieldstone Way tree removal request, scheduling a site walk. A negligible‑impact determination was made for a new shed at 284 Ipswich Road, pending location confirmation. All votes were recorded by roll call.

• Continued hearing for DNI 2025-4 (3 Fieldstone Way), site walk scheduled, vote 6-0
• Determined negligible impact for DNI 2025-5 (284 Ipswich Rd) with location confirmation condition, vote 5-0-1
• Closed hearing for Amended OOC 114-1364 (34 Woodcrest Rd), vote 6-0
• Issued amended Order of Conditions for 34 Woodcrest Rd, vote 6-0

Boxford Elementary School Committee

This meeting consists of a call to order followed by an executive session for the Boxford School Committee Negotiating Subcommittee to discuss strategy regarding collective bargaining. No other business is listed; the meeting adjourns after the executive session.

• Executive session pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, § 21(a)(3) to discuss collective bargaining strategy

Select Board

The Boxford Select Board will hold a public hearing on a liquor license transfer for Far Corner Farm Golf Club, discuss a police promotion plan and traffic control officer proposal with the Police Chief, and review a proposed financing plan for a new DPW facility with the Finance Committee. The Board will also finalize warrant article presenters for upcoming Town Meeting and set schedules for future meetings on emergency response, MBTA Communities zoning, and 911 regionalization.

• Public hearing on change of manager and stock transfer for Far Corner Farm Golf Club's liquor license at 5 Barker Road
• Discussion with Police Chief Jim Riter on executive officer promotion plan and traffic control officer proposal
• Discussion with Finance Committee on proposed financing plan for new DPW facility
• Finalization of warrant article presenters and recommendations for Town Meeting
• Set schedule for Emergency Response Advisory Committee presentation and listening sessions on MBTA Communities zoning and North Shore Regional 911

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will discuss special permits for equipment installations and in-law apartment inspections. The board will also hold an executive session regarding litigation for 6 Titus Lane.

• Case #1068: Special Permit for Centerline Communications LLC at 47C Pond Street to replace antennas and equipment
• Case #1069: Special Permit and Variance for Thomas Stevens and Matt Wheeler at 26 Middleton Road to install a scoreboard
• Discussion on inspection procedures for in-law apartments
• Executive session regarding litigation for 6 Titus Lane

The Zoning Board approved a special permit for case 1068, allowing relocation and replacement of existing equipment on an existing pole, with a unanimous vote. The board also continued case 1069 to June 26, 2025, approved the March 27, 2025 minutes, and entered executive session to discuss litigation concerning 6 Titus Lane, each unanimously.

• Motion to close evidence on case 1068 – unanimous
• Approved special permit for case 1068 (relocation/replacement of existing equipment) – unanimous
• Continued case 1069 to June 26, 2025 – unanimous
• Approved March 27, 2025 minutes – unanimous
• Entered executive session to discuss litigation on 6 Titus Lane – unanimous

Assessors

The Board of Assessors will review monthly abatement and motor vehicle excise reports. The meeting includes reviews of land value and corner lot policies, as well as tax exemption applications for FY25 and FY26.

• Review of Corner Lot & Site Index Policy
• Review of Land Value Condition Factor/Limited Lot Utility Policy
• Review of FY26 Chapter Land Applications
• Review of FY25 Real Estate Exemption Applications
• Review of month end abatement reports

The Board unanimously accepted the minutes from the previous meeting and signed the month‑end abatement reports, Form MDM‑1, and the MVE Reimbursement Form. It determined that no revisions were needed to the Corner Lot and Site Index policy or the Land Value Condition Factor/Limited Lot Utility policy. The Board approved FY2026 Chapter Land applications for Washington St 09‑01‑22.A, 17 Silvermine Rd 10‑01‑02, and Main St 28‑01‑03, and it reviewed and approved or denied FY2025 real‑estate exemptions to be applied to FY2025 tax bills. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Accepted previous meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Signed month‑end abatement reports
• Signed Form MDM‑1 exemption summary
• Signed MVE Reimbursement Form
• Determined no revision needed to Corner Lot and Site Index policy
• Determined no revision needed to Land Value Condition Factor/Limited Lot Utility policy
• Approved FY2026 Chapter Land applications for Washington St 09‑01‑22.A, 17 Silvermine Rd 10‑01‑02, Main St 28‑01‑03
• Reviewed and approved/denied FY2025 real‑estate exemptions (applied to FY2025 tax bills)

Conservation Commission

The Boxford Conservation Commission will hold public hearings and discussions regarding land use and environmental permits. The meeting includes reviews of unauthorized activities and several Notice of Intent (NOI) applications.

• Removal of unauthorized bridge in Wildcat Conservation Area
• Unauthorized fill in buffer zone at 31 Cedar Street
• NOI 114- for transmission line right-of-way locations (New England Power Company)
• NOI 114-1419 & SWMP 2025-1 at 20 Endicott Road for Masconomet School District
• RDA 2025-4 at 25 Hillside Road

The Commission approved an Eagle Scout picnic‑table project at Stiles Pond Beach. It voted to give a negligible‑impact determination for the Hickory Lane tree removal. It issued a negative determination and closed the hearing for the 25 Hillside Road underground electric service line. It also approved an order of conditions for New England Power Company transmission‑line soil borings and finalized the ANRAD for 46 Georgetown.

• Approved Eagle Scout picnic‑table project at Stiles Pond (6‑0)
• Determined negligible impact for 19 Hickory Lane tree removal (6‑0, 1 abstain)
• Issued negative determination for 25 Hillside Road electric line (6‑0)
• Closed hearing for 25 Hillside Road request (6‑0)
• Closed hearing for Bylaw 2025‑1 transmission‑line borings (6‑0)
• Issued Order of Conditions for Bylaw 2025‑1 transmission‑line borings (6‑0)
• Closed hearing for ANRAD 114‑1423 Georgetown property (6‑0)
• Executed and issued ANRAD for 46 Georgetown (6‑0)

Planning Board

The Boxford Planning Board will hold three public hearings on zoning code amendments regarding Protected Accessory Dwelling Units, Battery Energy Storage Facilities, and Floodplain Districts. The board will also consider a special permit for modifications to a cell tower at 47C Pond Street and an ANR parcel at Boxford Common on Captain Cashin Way. All items are scheduled for discussion and potential action during the Zoom meeting.

• Public Hearing on Zoning Code Amendment relative to Protected Accessory Dwelling Units
• Public Hearing on Zoning Code Amendment relative to Battery Energy Storage Facilities
• Public Hearing on Zoning Code Amendment relative to Floodplain Districts
• ZBA File #1068: Special Permit for modifications to Cell Tower at 47C Pond Street (Site Control Infrastructure North America LLC & Lek Noci)
• ANR Parcel J at Boxford Common, Captain Cashin Way (Town of Boxford)

The Board voted unanimously to adopt the proposed Protected Accessory Dwelling Unit Bylaw. It also approved bylaws for Battery Energy Storage Facilities and Floodplain Districts, and recommended a cell‑tower modification. Additional agenda items were continued and the March 19, 2024 minutes were approved.

• Approved Protected Accessory Dwelling Unit Bylaw (5-0)
• Approved Battery Energy Storage Facilities Bylaw (5-0)
• Approved Floodplain District Bylaw (5-0)
• Recommended ZBA approve cell‑tower modification (5-0)
• Continued agenda item for 20 B Wildmeadow Road to May 21, 2025 (5-0)
• Approved March 19, 2024 minutes (5-0)

Boxford Elementary School Committee

The Boxford Elementary School Committee is meeting virtually to hold an executive session for strategy discussions related to collective bargaining. The agenda includes only routine items: call to order, the closed session, and adjournment. No substantive decisions, ordinances, or public hearings are scheduled.

• Executive session under M.G.L. c. 30A, § 21(a)(3) to discuss collective bargaining strategy

Library Board of Trustees

The Library Board approved the March 10, 2025 trustees' minutes with a unanimous vote. A motion to adjourn was seconded and approved, ending the meeting at 8:03 PM. Other items such as the bike rack location, West Library mold issue, Earth Day event, and community garden were discussed but no formal decisions were recorded.

• Approved March 10, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:03 PM (motion passed)

Finance Committee

The Boxford Finance Committee will meet to review a revised FY26 revenue and expense forecast, a DPW facility cost estimate and financing plan, and a Special Education Stabilization Fund. They will also vote on CPA and Town Meeting warrant articles.

• Review revised FY26 revenue/expense forecast
• Review revised DPW facility cost estimate and financing plan
• Review Special Education Stabilization Fund
• Vote on CPA warrant articles
• Vote on Town Meeting warrant articles

Merrimack Valley Workforce Board

The Merrimack Valley Workforce Board Youth Committee will meet via Zoom to discuss program updates. The agenda includes a guest presentation from Alexander Cain of the Northeast Advanced Manufacturing Consortium (NAMC).

• Guest speaker Alexander Cain from Northeast Advanced Manufacturing Consortium (NAMC)
• WIOA Program Update
• YouthWorks and Connecting Activities Updates

Boxford Elementary School Committee

The Boxford School Committee will meet on April 8, 2025. The only substantive item is an executive session of the Negotiating Subcommittee to discuss strategy related to collective bargaining. The remainder of the meeting is procedural.

• Executive session of Negotiating Subcommittee for collective bargaining strategy discussion

Community Preservation Committee

The Boxford Community Preservation Committee will discuss applications for community preservation funding to be considered at the May 2025 Annual Town Meeting. Specific discussions include the Recreation Master Plan Application and the Small Repairs Grants Trust Application. The agenda also covers bills and minutes from previous meetings.

• Discussion of funding applications for May 2025 Annual Town Meeting
• Discussion of Recreation Master Plan Application
• Discussion of Small Repairs Grants Trust Application
• Review of bills and minutes

The committee voted to raise the budgeted reserve to $600,000. It approved the Holyoke‑French House article to appropriate $67,500 from the undesignated fund. It also moved to sponsor a recreation master plan, appropriating $105,000 from CPC funds and $20,000 from free cash. The Small Repairs Grants Trust application was postponed to the fall town meeting.

• Increase budgeted reserve to $600,000 (7‑0 vote)
• Accept Holyoke‑French House warrant article appropriating $67,500 (7‑0 vote)
• Sponsor recreation master plan appropriation $125,000 – $105,000 CPC, $20,000 free cash (6‑1 vote)
• Postpone Small Repairs Grants Trust application to fall town meeting (no vote recorded)
• Approve minutes of March 11, 2025 (7‑0 vote)

Conservation Commission

The Boxford Conservation Commission will hold public hearings and discussions on several property matters, including unauthorized fill in a buffer zone at 31 Cedar Street. Other items include a determination of need for 19 Hickory Lane, an ANRAD for 46 Georgetown, and continued hearings on Notices of Intent for properties like 28 Pinehurst, 255A Main Street, 20 Endicott Road (Masconomet School District), and 20B Wildmeadow Road. A certificate of compliance for 32 Partridge is also on the agenda. The meeting will be conducted via Zoom.

• Discussion of unauthorized fill in buffer zone at 31 Cedar Street (Spak, DNI 2025-2)
• Continued NOI 114-1419 & SWMP 2025-1: 20 Endicott Road (Michael Harvey for Masconomet School District)
• Continued NOI 114-1418: 20B Wildmeadow Road (Hill)
• ANRAD 114-46: 46 Georgetown (Kincaid)
• COC 114-1324: 32 Partridge (Penna)

The Conservation Commission approved a motion to start the process of removing the unauthorized bridge in the Wildcat vernal pool, with a 5‑1 vote. It also issued a Certificate of Compliance for the driveway project at 32 Partridge. Several hearings were continued to the April 17 meeting, and the January 16, 2025 minutes were accepted as amended.

• Begin removal process for illegal bridge in Wildcat vernal pool (5-1)
• Issue Certificate of Compliance for 32 Partridge (6-0)
• Continue hearing for ANRAD 114-46 Georgetown to April 17 (6-0)
• Continue hearing for NOI 114-1421 Pinehurst to April 17 (6-0)
• Continue hearing for NOI 114-1422 Main Street to April 17 (6-0)
• Continue hearing for NOI 114-1419 Endicott Road to April 17 (6-0)
• Continue hearing for NOI 114-1418 Wildmeadow Road to April 17 (6-0)
• Accept January 16, 2025 minutes as amended (6-0)

Boxford Elementary School Committee

The Boxford Elementary School Committee will hold public hearings on the proposed FY26 school budget and on School Choice for 2025-2026. The superintendent will provide updates on the SP Principal search, FY26 budget details, the upcoming Town Meeting and election dates, and other matters. The committee also plans to discuss gifts and grants, CREST non-member tuition, remote meeting legislation, and a curriculum warrant article.

• Public Hearing on Proposed FY26 School Budget
• Public Hearing on School Choice for 2025-2026
• CREST Non-Member Tuition discussion
• Curriculum Warrant Article
• FY26 Budget update for Town Meeting (ATM: 5/13/25) and Town Election (5/20/25)

Sustainability Committee

The committee will receive updates on power options, grant progress for a police station electric vehicle charger and the Green Communities program, the Audubon Rescue Raptors campaign, and Boxford Earth Plans. These are discussion items; no votes are scheduled.

• Power Options summary
• Grant update: Police Station EV charger
• Grant update: Green Communities
• Audubon Rescue Raptors campaign discussion
• Boxford Earth Plans discussion

The Sustainability Committee heard a presentation on a National Grid grant for three DC fast chargers and related infrastructure. They were updated on a potential rooftop solar partnership, a Green Community grant for schools pending contract acceptance, and the Mass Audubon "Rescue Raptors" program, noting no action was taken. Nancy proposed several ideas for a sustainability infrastructure, a poll of committee interest, and staffing the Boxford Earth Day table. No votes or approvals were recorded.

Boxford Elementary School Committee

The Boxford School Committee Negotiating Subcommittee will meet virtually to discuss collective bargaining strategy. The meeting is scheduled to take place in executive session.

• Executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategy pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, § 21(a)(3)

Select Board

The Select Board will meet with the DPW Superintendent to review the FY26 operating budget and capital improvement submissions. The board will also discuss potential warrant articles for the May 13, 2025 Town Meeting. Additional items include scholarship guidelines for the Perley-Parkhurst-Cole Trust.

• FY26 DPW Department Operating Budget review
• DPW Facility construction bids update
• Proposed May 13 Town Meeting articles including a debt exclusion for the new DPW Facility
• Proposed finance bylaw amendments
• Boxford Common senior affordable housing designation

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Boxford Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a virtual meeting to continue discussion on in-law apartment inspection procedures and a special permit for a garage at 42 Pine Plain Road. New business includes a special permit for antenna work at 47C Pond Street and an interview for an alternate board member. The board will also review draft minutes from February 27.

• Continued business: discussion of in-law apartment inspection procedures
• Case #1055 – Special Permit for garage space for more than three automobiles at 42 Pine Plain Road (Jason Barnes, JET Realty Trust)
• Case #1068 – Special Permit to perform tower and ground work, removing and installing antennas and equipment at 47C Pond Street (Adam Wolfrey, Centerline Communications LLC)
• Interview of Jameel Khader for Alternate Position on the board
• Review of draft minutes from February 27, 2025

The Zoning Board approved a special permit for the 42 Pine Plain project, requiring a certified as‑built foundation plan before inspection. The board also continued the 47C Pond tower case to April 24, 2025. Members recommended Jameel Khader as an alternate member, and approved the February 27, 2025 minutes. All actions were approved unanimously.

• Approved special permit for 42 Pine Plain with as‑built foundation condition (3‑0)
• Continued case 1068 (47C Pond) to April 24, 2025 (3‑0)
• Recommended Jameel Khader as alternate on Zoning Board (4‑0)
• Approved February 27, 2025 minutes as presented (3‑0)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:44 PM (3‑0)

Boxford Elementary School Committee

The Boxford School Committee will meet virtually to discuss the FY26 budget and consider adoption or rejection of policy BGB, along with review of several other policies. The meeting also includes reports from central office and a consent agenda for bills and minutes.

• FY26 Budget Discussion
• Policy BGB: action item for discussion, adoption or rejection
• Policy review: BHE, EFC, EFD, EHB, GBEE, IJND, IJNDB, JICJ, KDC, KDCB
• Correspondence and other new business
• Consent agenda: bills and payrolls, minutes of previous meetings

Historic Districts Commission/Historical Commission

The commissions will conduct hearings regarding signage for a plant sale and a preservation agreement for the Boxford Historical Society. The meeting also includes updates on several ongoing projects and a new item concerning 4 Middleton Rd.

• Hearing: Boxford Village Garden Club request for signs for May 10, 2025 plant sale
• Hearing: Boxford Historical Society request for HC to hold a Preservation Agreement
• Discussion: School Committee TTU at 4 Middleton Rd
• Old Business: Cleaveland Farm, Lilloet Cheesery, and Little Red School House

Collaborative for Regional Educational Services and Training

The CREST Board of Directors will meet remotely to consider two action items: a second reading of proposed amendments to the Collaborative's Articles of Agreement and approval of a revised 2025-2026 school calendar. No other business is scheduled. The meeting is limited to 15 minutes.

• Second reading and potential adoption of amendment to CREST Collaborative Articles of Agreement
• Revised 2025-2026 school calendar for approval

Finance Committee

The Boxford Finance Committee will meet to review FY26 budget proposals from the Police, Fire, and Communications departments. They will also review a revised revenue/expense forecast for FY26. These are discussion items; no votes are scheduled.

• Review Police FY26 Budget Proposal
• Review Fire FY26 Budget Proposal
• Review Communications FY26 Budget Proposal
• Review Revised FY26 Revenue/Expense Forecast

Assessors

The Board of Assessors will review minutes, abatement reports, and several policies including antique home style and large house classification. They will consider recommending a town meeting warrant article to adopt Clause 22I, which may affect property tax exemptions. The board also will hold an executive session to review abatement applications.

• Consideration of recommendation for town meeting warrant article on Clause 22I
• Review of FY25 Real Estate Exemption Applications
• Executive Session: Review of FY25 Abatement applications
• Review of Antique Home Style Policy
• Review of Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Abatement Late Application Policy

The Board unanimously adopted a new article authorizing an annual increase in the property tax exemption for Veterans based on the CPI. It also approved the Fiscal Year 2025 real estate exemptions submitted since the last meeting. In executive session, Application #2 for a tax abatement was denied. All motions were passed unanimously.

• Accepted minutes of previous meeting (unanimous)
• Adopted veteran exemption increase article (unanimous)
• Approved FY2025 real estate exemptions (unanimous)
• Denied tax abatement Application #2 (unanimous)
• Entered executive session to discuss abatement applications (unanimous)
• Closed executive session and returned to open session (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Merrimack Valley Planning Commission

The Merrimack Valley Planning Commission will hold a monthly hybrid meeting to adopt February meeting minutes, approve warrants, hear the director's report, discuss contracts, and receive a presentation on the MV Moves Active Transportation Plan by Tony Collins. The commission will also hear local and regional news.

• Adoption of February 2025 meeting minutes
• Warrants for February 2025
• Director's Report
• Contracts
• Presentation – MV Moves Active Transportation Plan by Tony Collins

Planning Board

The Planning Board will discuss a proposal from the Boxford Housing Partnership for community housing on a portion of Boxford Common. The board will also review a plan for 166 Main Street and a driveway permit.

• Boxford Housing Partnership proposal for community housing on Boxford Common
• ANR Plan: 166 Main Street
• Driveway Permit: 20B Wildmeadow Road (continued to April 16)

The Boxford Planning Board endorsed an ANR plan for the Latty property at 166 Main Street, creating a porkchop lot of 8.45 acres. The board also continued a driveway permit for 20B Wildmeadow Road to April 16, 2025. Discussion on a proposed 55+ community housing project on Boxford Common was held, but no recommendation was made.

• Endorsed ANR plan for 166 Main Street (7-0)
• Continued driveway permit for 20B Wildmeadow Road to April 16 (7-0)
• Approved minutes for January 15, 2024 (7-0)

Merrimack Valley Workforce Board

The Planning/Career Center Committee of the Merrimack Valley Workforce Board will meet remotely to discuss routine updates on performance, budget, and career center operations. The agenda includes approval of previous minutes and adjournment, with no major decisions or public hearings.

• Approval of minutes from February 18, 2025 meeting
• Performance Summary Update
• Budget Update
• Career Center Report

Tri Town School Union

The Tri-Town School Union School Committee is meeting virtually to discuss new business, including the TTU Override Work Group. No decisions are scheduled; the agenda lists only discussion items and routine procedures.

• Discussion of the TTU Override Work Group
• Other unspecified new business

Tri Town School Union

The Tri-Town School Union School Committee will meet virtually to discuss the TTU Override Work Group. The meeting is scheduled for March 13, 2025.

• TTU Override Work Group discussion

Boxford Elementary School Committee

The Boxford Elementary School Committee will discuss the FY26 budget, review proposed policies in a first reading, and hear updates on the SP principal search, school calendar, and a scoreboard project. The committee will also consider gifts and grants (including a $500 Hour of Code grant), CREST non-member tuition, and a TTU override work group. An executive session is scheduled for collective bargaining strategy.

• FY26 Budget discussion
• First reading of proposed policies: BHE, EFC, EFD, EHAA, EHB, GBEE, IJND, IJNDB, IJNDC, JICJ, KDC, KDCB, JKAA
• Superintendent's update on SP Principal Search
• Cole School Scoreboard Project
• Gifts and Grants: Hour of Code - $500

Board of Health

The Board of Health will meet to review bills and the Director's Report. The meeting includes a specific update from Jon Higgins regarding the Stiles Pond Restoration Project.

• Update on Stiles Pond Restoration Project by Jon Higgins

The Boxford Board of Health reviewed and approved the Feb. 5 minutes and signed bills. Jon Higgins presented a detailed update on the Stiles Pond Restoration Project, identifying tree pollen as a major nutrient source. The board discussed but did not vote on deploying an APOD device, agreeing to further explore the option with a potential single unit by May.

• Approved Feb. 5 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Signed bills for Feb. 5
• Discussed APOD deployment for Stiles Pond, no formal vote

Finance Committee

The Boxford Finance Committee will review updates on the FY26 budget development for the Boxford Elementary School, including a proposed $50,000 transfer from the FinCom Reserve for a MSBA ARP Feasibility Study. The meeting also covers Masconomet budget updates, a revised FY26 revenue/expense forecast, a DPW facility cost estimate update, and the Select Board/Town Administrator's FY26 departmental budget overview.

• $50K FinCom Reserve Transfer for MSBA ARP Feasibility Study
• FY26 Revenue/Expense Forecast update
• DPW Facility Cost Estimate update
• Masconomet FY26 budget development update
• Boxford Elementary School FY26 budget, Special Education Stabilization Fund, and ELA Curriculum

Select Board

The Select Board will discuss FY26 budget development for Boxford Elementary School and Masconomet. The meeting includes a review of the updated FY26 revenue and expense forecast and a cost estimate update for the DPW facility.

• $50K FinCom Reserve Transfer for MSBA ARP Feasibility Study
• Boxford Elementary School ELA Curriculum update
• Special Education Stabilization Fund discussion
• DPW Facility Cost Estimate Update
• FY26 Departmental Budget Overview

The Boxford Select Board met with state legislators to discuss FY2026 legislative priorities, including support for hybrid meetings, state funding for brushfire response, and Chapter 90 funding. The board also reviewed the FY26 budget, which shows a potential $1.46 million deficit if school budgets increase as proposed, and discussed a $20.6 million debt exclusion for a new DPW facility. The board reviewed potential May 13 Town Meeting warrant articles, including zoning amendments for accessory dwelling units and battery storage, and a veterans' tax exemption. The board considered and recommended approval of the FY26 health insurance renewal (19.92% increase), lifting the hiring freeze for a DPW position, accepting a $225,000 Green Communities grant, declaring surplus furniture, and granting a Common Victuallers License to Stone House Farm Inc.

• Met with state legislators to discuss FY2026 legislative and funding priorities, including support for hybrid meetings, brushfire funding, and Chapter 90.
• Reviewed FY26 budget scenarios, including a draft with a $1.46 million deficit requiring a Prop 2 1/2 override.
• Discussed potential May 13 Town Meeting warrant articles, including ADU and battery storage zoning amendments and a veterans' tax exemption.
• Considered FY26 health insurance renewal with a 19.92% premium increase.
• Considered lifting the hiring freeze for a DPW Truck Driver/HEO-1 position.
• Considered authorizing execution of a $225,000 Green Communities grant for school weatherization.
• Considered declaring surplus library and office furniture.
• Considered granting a Common Victuallers License to Stone House Farm Inc.

Select Board

The Select Board will receive updates on the Boxford Elementary School and Masconomet budgets, including a $50,000 transfer from the Finance Committee Reserve for a feasibility study. The board will also review the updated FY26 revenue/expense forecast, a DPW facility cost estimate update, and begin departmental budget overviews.

• $50K FinCom Reserve Transfer for MSBA ARP Feasibility Study
• Boxford Elementary School FY26 budget development update
• Masconomet FY26 budget development update
• Review of updated FY26 revenue/expense forecast
• DPW Facility Cost Estimate Update

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee will hold a public hearing and discussion on applications for funding to be considered at the May 2025 Annual Town Meeting. The agenda also includes approval of bills and minutes from previous meetings. No specific projects or dollar amounts are listed in the agenda.

• Discussion of applications for Community Preservation Act funding for Annual Town Meeting May 2025
• Approval of bills and minutes

The Community Preservation Committee approved $67,500 for the restoration of the Holyoke French House, contingent on the applicant obtaining a historic preservation restriction. The applicant will contribute 10% of the cost. The committee also approved the minutes of the February 11, 2025 meeting as amended.

• Approved $67,500 for Holyoke French House restoration (6-0)
• Approved minutes of February 11, 2025 as amended (5-0-1 abstention)

Library Board of Trustees

The Boxford Town Library Trustees will meet via Zoom on March 10, 2025. The agenda includes approval of January minutes, a director's report on February statistics, and old business items (bike rack, West, legislative breakfast). New business features a proposed display policy and a survey. The meeting is largely routine with no major budgetary or policy decisions apparent.

• Director's report on February library statistics
• Discussion of bike rack (old business)
• Planning for legislative breakfast (old business)
• Review of proposed display policy (new business)
• Discussion of survey (new business)

The Boxford Town Library Trustees unanimously approved the January 13, 2025 meeting minutes. They discussed locating a bike rack on town property, with the DPW superintendent to be contacted for siting. The director reported on weeding over 30 boxes of books from the West collection, including moldy items, and plans to surplus old furniture. A draft policy on library displays was created after a complaint about a Black History Month display, and the policy committee will meet to discuss it.

• Approved the January 13, 2025 meeting minutes as presented (unanimous).
• Discussed locating a bike rack on town property to the left of the front door; DPW superintendent to be contacted for siting.
• Reported that over 30 boxes of books have been weeded from the West collection due to low circulation, catalog issues, and mold.
• Measured and cataloged old furniture in West for the town surplus process; to be presented at the next Select Board meeting.
• Discussed a draft policy on library displays, created after a patron complaint about a Black History Month display; policy committee to meet.
• Adjourned the meeting at 7:30 PM (unanimous).

Select Board

The Select Board will meet with state legislators and the Essex Tech Superintendent to discuss budgets and priorities. The board will also consider several administrative items, including a hiring freeze lift and grant execution. Potential zoning amendments for the May 13 Town Meeting will be reviewed.

• Proposed zoning bylaw amendments for Accessory Dwelling Units and Battery Storage
• Consideration of lifting hiring freeze for DPW Truck Driver/HEO-1
• Execution of Green Communities Grant for weatherization at Cole and Spofford schools
• Consideration of FY26 Health Insurance Renewal for Active Employees
• Common Victuallers License for Stone House Farm Inc.

The Boxford Select Board met with state legislators and the Essex Tech superintendent to discuss FY26 legislative priorities and the district budget. The board reviewed potential May 13 Town Meeting warrant articles, including a $20.6 million DPW facility debt exclusion, zoning amendments for ADUs and battery storage, and a veterans' tax exemption. The Town Administrator presented items for consideration, including a 19.92% health insurance premium increase, lifting the DPW hiring freeze, and accepting a $225,000 Green Communities grant. No final votes were recorded in the minutes.

• Reviewed FY26 legislative priorities with state delegation
• Reviewed Essex Tech FY26 proposed operating budget
• Reviewed potential Town Meeting warrant articles including $20.6M DPW facility
• Considered FY26 health insurance renewal with 19.92% premium increase
• Considered lifting hiring freeze for DPW Truck Driver/HEO-1 position
• Considered authorizing $225,000 Green Communities Grant for school weatherization
• Considered declaring surplus library/office furniture
• Considered granting Common Victuallers License for Stone House Farm Inc.

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold public hearings and discussions regarding local trails and bylaw regulations. The body will also review several ongoing and new project applications.

• Discussion of Willows at Boxford trails
• Interpretation of Boxford Bylaw Regulations regarding combining lots
• Continued NOI 114-1418: 20B Wildmeadow Road
• Continued RDA 2025-2: 4C Stiles Pond Road
• Issue OOC 114-1417: 42 Pine Plain Road

The Boxford Conservation Commission approved a negative determination and RDA for a dock and swim dock at 4C Stiles Pond Road, with a 5-1 vote. The commission also voted to continue a hearing for 20B Wildmeadow Road to April 3, 2025, and issued an Order of Conditions for 42 Pine Plain Road. A letter regarding tree removal at Willows at Boxford trails was approved.

• Approved RDA 2025-2 for dock and swim dock at 4C Stiles Pond Road (5-1)
• Continued NOI 114-1418 for 20B Wildmeadow Road to April 3, 2025 (6-0)
• Issued Order of Conditions for OOC 114-1417 at 42 Pine Plain Road (6-0)
• Approved letter to Willows at Boxford regarding tree removal (5-0, 1 recusal)
• Accepted February 20, 2025 minutes as amended (6-0)

Tri Town School Union

The Tri-Town School Union Committee will discuss FY26 budget updates for all member towns and an override work group. Other items include updates on the Beacon Connect Families app, the ClearGov personnel module, and a business office efficiency study. The committee will also set a timeline for the superintendent evaluation.

• FY26 Budget Updates – All Towns
• TTU Override Work Group
• Superintendent Evaluation (June)
• NRT Beacon Connect Families App update
• Business Office Efficiency Study update

Boxford Elementary School Committee

The Boxford School Committee Negotiating Subcommittee is meeting virtually to discuss strategy related to collective bargaining, with the substantive portion conducted in executive session closed to the public. The only public items are a call to order and adjournment.

• Executive session under M.G.L. c. 30A, § 21(a)(3) to discuss collective bargaining strategy

Sustainability Committee

The Sustainability Committee will meet to review a presentation from Relay Power and receive updates on power options. The body will also discuss a grant for a charger at the Police Station.

• Relay Power presentation by Jake Given
• Grant update for Police Station charger
• Power Options description by Charlie and Keith

The Sustainability Committee voted unanimously to promote Relay Power's Community Solar program to residents via the town website and Earth Day event. The program offers a guaranteed 10% discount on total electricity bills and can be combined with Boxford's electrical aggregation program. The committee also discussed a $322,000 National Grid grant for three DC fast chargers at the Police Station, with the town paying the remaining $25,509 of the $347,509 total cost.

• Voted unanimously to promote Community Solar program via website and Earth Day event
• Discussed $322,000 National Grid grant for 3 DC fast chargers at Police Station; town pays remaining $25,509
• Noted plan to seek Selectboard approval for charger grant

Council on Aging

The Boxford Council on Aging will hold a regular meeting on March 3, 2025, at 10 Elm St. The agenda includes approval of minutes, a director's report, and a discussion of van operations. Other business and adjournment are also scheduled. No specific votes or financial decisions are listed.

• Minutes approval from previous meeting
• Director's report on senior services
• Van operations discussion
• Other business as permitted by law

Boxford Elementary School Committee

The Boxford Elementary School Committee will hold public hearings on the proposed FY26 school budget and on school choice for 2025-2026. The superintendent will report on the principal search, FY26 budget timeline (ATM May 13, Town Election May 20), and April meeting dates. New business includes CREST non-member tuition, remote meeting legislation, and a curriculum warrant article. An executive session is scheduled for collective bargaining strategy.

• Public Hearing on Proposed FY26 School Budget
• Public Hearing on School Choice for 2025-2026
• SP Principal Search Update
• Curriculum Warrant Article
• CREST Non-Member Tuition

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Boxford Zoning Board of Appeals will continue its discussion on proposed regulations for large-scale battery storage containers and a special condition for in-law apartment inspection procedures. The board will also hear several special permit applications, including garage space for more than three automobiles and accessory apartments, and review a building permit denial. An interview for an alternate board position and approval of previous minutes are also on the agenda.

• Continued discussion on Large Scale Battery Storage Container Regulations
• Special Condition Discussion on in-law apartment inspection procedure
• Case 1055 – Special Permit for Jason Barnes, JET Realty Trust, 42 Pine Plain Road – garage space for more than three automobiles
• Case 1063 – Special Permit for Birch Lane LLC, 108 Stiles Pond – inspector's denial of building permit for expanding a non-conformity including decks, stairs, walkways
• Case 1066 – Special Permit for David and Kathryn Nazzaro, 62 Mill Road – accessory apartment and garage space for more than three automobiles

The Boxford Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously approved special permits for accessory apartments at 62 Mill Road, 108 Stiles Pond Road, and 5 Stanton Circle, and continued a case at 42 Pine Plain. The board also approved large-scale battery storage container regulations for submission to the Select Board.

• Continued Case 1055, 42 Pine Plain, to March 27, 2025 (unanimous)
• Granted special permit for accessory apartment and garage at 62 Mill Road (unanimous)
• Granted special permit for modifications at 108 Stiles Pond Road (unanimous)
• Granted special permit for accessory apartment at 5 Stanton Circle (unanimous)
• Approved large-scale battery storage container regulations for Select Board submission (unanimous)
• Approved February 13, 2025 minutes as amended (unanimous)

Boxford Elementary School Committee

The committee will review the FY26 budget and a presentation on the Prop 2.5 Override. Members will also discuss local authorization for the schematic design of the Cole/MSBA roof project.

• Local authorization for Cole/MSBA Roof Project schematic design
• FY26 Budget review
• Prop 2.5 Override presentation
• Policy review process
• Executive session regarding collective bargaining strategy

Historic Districts Commission/Historical Commission

The Boxford Historic Districts/Historical Commission will meet virtually on February 26, 2025, to approve January 2025 meeting minutes and hold a public hearing on a full roof replacement and chimney releading at 7 Eagles Nest. The commission will also review updates on several historic properties and discuss zoning for accessory dwelling units.

• Full roof replacement with black architectural shingles at 7 Eagles Nest
• Relead 3 chimneys at 7 Eagles Nest
• Review of Little Red School House property updates
• Discussion on ADU zoning with Planning Board
• Review of Cleaveland Farm and Lilloet Cheesery applications

Board of Health

The Board of Health is meeting to review previous minutes and welcome a new Shared Service Coordinator. Members will discuss the cost and delivery tool and plan deliverables for the next fiscal year. The board will also review the status of the Intermunicipal Agreement (IMA) for DPH and town council approval.

• Introduction of Shared Service Coordinator Jessica Carter
• Review of cost and delivery tool progress
• Planning of deliverables for the next fiscal year
• Status update on the Intermunicipal Agreement (IMA)

Cable Advisory Committee

The Boxford Cable Advisory Committee will meet remotely to review survey results and continue discussions on cable contracts with Verizon and Comcast. The committee will also review communications with KP Law regarding the contracts and discuss timelines, next steps, and the possibility of a public hearing.

• Review survey results related to cable services
• Continued discussion of contracts with Verizon and Comcast
• Review communications between KP Law and Comcast/Verizon
• Discuss timelines, next steps, and potential public hearing

Merrimack Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization

The Merrimack Valley MPO will vote on a consent agenda endorsing FFY2025-2029 TIP Amendment #2, which includes $2.3M in federal safety and planning grants for Andover, Lawrence, Newburyport, and the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission. They will also discuss ratifying a memorandum of understanding, select a vice chair, and review a Vision Zero dashboard and safety performance measures. Other items include findings from a fare-free transit evaluation and a pavement management program evaluation.

• Endorsement of $264,980 SS4A award for Andover, $716,250 for Lawrence, and $182,206 for Newburyport
• Endorsement of $1,176,000 ATIIP award for Merrimack Valley Planning Commission
• Endorsement of FFY2025-2029 TIP Adjustment #1 (Bikeshare)
• Discussion and potential ratification of a Memorandum of Understanding
• Review of Vision Zero Dashboard and Safety Performance Measure (Safety)

Select Board

The Select Board will meet with department heads to review proposed FY26 operating budgets and capital improvement submissions. They will discuss potential warrant articles for the May 13, 2025 Town Meeting, including a proposed ADU bylaw from the Zoning Board of Appeals. The Board will also consider an MSBA vote and funding for Cole School roof schematic design, and an intermunicipal agreement for the Essex Tri-Town Shared Services Collaborative. The meeting includes routine appointments, correspondence, and an executive session for litigation strategy.

• Review of proposed FY26 budgets for Communications Director and Fire Chief
• Potential May 2025 Town Meeting warrant articles, including ZBA ADU proposed bylaw
• Consider MSBA vote and Cole School roof schematic design funding
• Consider Intermunicipal Agreement for Essex Tri-Town Shared Services Collaborative
• Executive session for strategy on potential litigation

Boxford Elementary School Committee

This meeting consists primarily of an executive session closed to the public, where the Boxford School Committee Negotiating Subcommittee will discuss strategy for collective bargaining. The open portion includes only a call to order and adjournment, with no public agenda items or votes scheduled.

• Executive session under M.G.L. c. 30A, § 21(a)(3) to discuss collective bargaining strategy

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will conduct public hearings and discussions regarding several Notice of Intent (NOI) and Request for Determination (RDA) filings. The body will also vote to renew the use of electronic signatures.

• RDA 2025-2: 4C Stiles Pond Road
• NOI 114-: 255A Main Street
• Continued NOI 114-1419 & SWMP 2025-1: 20 Endicott Road for Masconomet School District
• Continued NOI 114-1417: 42 Pine Plain Road
• Vote to renew electronic signatures

The Boxford Conservation Commission closed the hearing for NOI 114-1417 at 42 Pine Plain Road and will issue an Order of Conditions at the March 6, 2025 meeting. The Commission continued hearings for three other projects: a dock replacement at 4C Stiles Pond Road, after-the-fact grading at 255A Main Street, and the Masconomet School District project at 20 Endicott Road. The Commission also renewed its authorization for electronic signatures.

• Closed hearing for NOI 114-1417: 42 Pine Plain Road (7-0)
• Continued RDA 2025-2: 4C Stiles Pond Road dock replacement to March 6, 2025 (7-0)
• Continued NOI 114-1422: 255A Main Street to April 3, 2025 with site walk April 2 (7-0)
• Continued NOI 114-1419 & SWMP 2025-1: 20 Endicott Road to April 3, 2025 (7-0)
• Renewed authorization for electronic signatures (7-0)
• Accepted December 5, 2024 minutes (7-0)

Assessors

The Board of Assessors will review monthly abatement reports, motor vehicle excise tax commitments, FY25 real estate exemption applications, and FY26 Chapter Land applications. An executive session is scheduled to discuss FY25 abatement applications.

• Review of month-end abatement reports
• Review of motor vehicle excise tax commitment
• Review of FY25 Real Estate Exemption Applications
• Review of FY26 Chapter Land Applications
• Executive session for FY25 Abatement applications

The Boxford Board of Assessors approved two Fiscal Year 2026 Chapter Land applications and signed routine reports. In executive session, the board granted three real estate tax abatement applications and denied four others. The meeting was otherwise procedural.

• Approved FY2026 Chapter Land applications for Washington St 09-01-23 and Johnson's Pond On 06-01-03.1
• Signed month-end abatement reports and 2024 Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Commitment #7
• Granted abatement application #1 (Diana Headrick abstained)
• Denied abatement application #3
• Denied abatement application #4
• Denied abatement application #5
• Granted abatement application #6
• Denied abatement application #7 (David Benson abstained)

Planning Board

The Boxford Planning Board will hold a public hearing on proposed amendments to the Floodplain District zoning bylaw (Town Code 196-22.1). The board will also continue discussion on a zoning bylaw amendment regarding battery storage facilities and consider two special permit applications for accessory apartments. Additionally, a continued driveway permit at 20B Wildmeadow Road is on the agenda.

• Public hearing on Floodplain District zoning amendments (Town Code 196-22.1)
• Continued discussion of zoning bylaw amendment for battery storage facilities
• ZBA File #1066: Special Permit for accessory apartment and garage space for >3 cars, 62 Mill Road (David and Kathryn Nazzaro)
• ZBA File #1067: Special Permit for accessory apartment, 5 Stanton Circle (Kaeleigh and Alex Capodilupo)
• Continued driveway permit for 20B Wildmeadow Road (parcel 40-1-56)

The Boxford Planning Board voted to recommend approval of a zoning bylaw amendment for battery storage facilities, closed a hearing on a floodplain district amendment, and recommended special permits for two accessory apartments and a garage. The board also continued a driveway permit to March 19, 2025, and approved prior meeting minutes.

• Closed hearing on floodplain district amendment (5-0)
• Recommended ZBA grant special permit for garage space at 62 Mill Road (5-0)
• Recommended ZBA issue special permit for accessory apartment at 5 Stanton Circle (5-0)
• Continued driveway permit for 20B Wildmeadow Road to March 19, 2025 (5-0)
• Approved minutes for December 18, 2024 (3-0, 2 abstentions)
• Approved minutes for January 15, 2024 (3-0, 2 abstentions)

Northeast Massachusetts Mosquito Control and Wetlands Management District

The Northeast Massachusetts Mosquito Control and Wetlands Management District Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss personnel pay and hours. The board is scheduled to vote on several compensation updates and a cost-of-living adjustment.

• Longevity compensation vote
• Vote to increase work hours and update salary scale for Office Manager/BOH Liaison
• Salary adjustment vote for J. Sforza
• Cost of living adjustment (COLA) effective FY26 vote
• DCAMM update

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will review a site plan for a new Department of Public Works facility. The board is also discussing regulations for battery storage and accessory dwelling units.

• Site plan review for DPW facility, salt storage, and fueling station at 7A Spofford Road (Case 1065)
• Large Scale Battery Storage Container Regulations
• New Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) bylaw draft
• In-law apartments inspection procedure

The Boxford Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously approved a special permit for the construction of a new DPW garage with accessory functions at 7 Spofford Road, subject to conditions regarding exterior lighting and well testing near the town landfill. The board also voted to refer the draft Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) bylaw to the Select Board for review and referral to the Planning Board, and continued discussions on battery storage regulations to a future meeting.

• Approved special permit for new DPW garage at 7 Spofford Road (unanimous)
• Closed evidence on Case 1065 (unanimous)
• Referred ADU bylaw draft to Select Board for review and referral to Planning Board (unanimous)
• Continued battery storage regulation discussion to February 27, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of December 19, 2024, January 9, 2025, and January 23, 2025 as amended (unanimous)
• Adjourned to February 27, 2025 (unanimous)

Merrimack Valley Workforce Board

The Merrimack Valley Workforce Board's Youth Committee will meet remotely to approve previous meeting minutes, hear a guest speaker from Junior Achievement, and receive updates on WIOA and YouthWorks programs. The committee will also discuss the upcoming expiration of a temporary state provision allowing remote meetings without a physical quorum, which ends March 31, 2025.

• Approval of October 9, 2024 meeting minutes (vote required)
• Guest speaker: Radhames Nova, President & CEO of Junior Achievement of Greater Boston
• WIOA Program Update
• YouthWorks and Connecting Activities Updates
• Discussion of Open Meeting Law temporary remote meeting provision expiring March 31, 2025

Boxford Elementary School Committee

The Boxford Elementary School Committee will receive reports from the superintendent, assistant superintendent, and principals, followed by new business items including gifts and grants, CREST non-member tuition, a policy review process, the draft 2025-2026 school calendar, and a review of the FY26 budget. The meeting will also include an executive session for collective bargaining strategy. No votes are listed on the agenda, but decisions may be made on budget, calendar, and tuition policies.

• MSBA updates on ARP funding for Cole Roof and statewide school survey
• FY26 budget review after Fincom/SB meeting
• CREST non-member tuition discussion
• Principal search update
• Draft 2025-2026 school calendar

Finance Committee

The Boxford Finance Committee will hold a joint meeting with the Select Board to review and discuss the proposed FY26 budgets from the Boxford School Committee and the Masconomet School Committee. The meeting is scheduled for 6:30 PM on February 11, 2025, in Town Hall Meeting Room 1 with a remote option.

• Presentation and review of Boxford School Committee proposed FY26 budget
• Presentation and review of Masconomet School Committee proposed FY26 budget
• Joint meeting with Select Board at 6:30 PM

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee will discuss applications for funding to be considered at the May 2025 Annual Town Meeting. A specific discussion item is the use of Account 5704 for a survey of the Boxford Common proposed multi-family housing parcel. The meeting also includes review of bills and minutes. No decisions are anticipated at this session.

• Discussion of funding applications for the May 2025 Annual Town Meeting
• Use of Account 5704 for a survey of the Boxford Common proposed multi-family housing parcel
• Review of bills and minutes from previous meetings

The Boxford Conservation Commission voted unanimously to close the hearing for NOI 114-1417 (42 Pine Plain Road) and will issue an Order of Conditions on March 6, 2025. Hearings were continued for RDA 2025-2 (4C Stiles Pond Road) to March 6, 2025, for NOI 114-1422 (255A Main Street) to April 3, 2025, and for NOI 114-1419 & SWMP 2025-1 (20 Endicott Road) to April 3, 2025. The Commission also renewed its authorization for electronic signatures and accepted the December 5, 2024 minutes.

• Closed hearing for NOI 114-1417: 42 Pine Plain Road (unanimous)
• Continued RDA 2025-2: 4C Stiles Pond Road to March 6, 2025 (unanimous)
• Continued NOI 114-1422: 255A Main Street to April 3, 2025, with site walk April 2 (unanimous)
• Continued NOI 114-1419 & SWMP 2025-1: 20 Endicott Road to April 3, 2025 (unanimous)
• Renewed authorization for electronic signatures (unanimous)
• Accepted December 5, 2024 minutes (unanimous)

Boxford Elementary School Committee

The Boxford Elementary School Committee is meeting primarily to attend a joint meeting with the Finance Committee and Select Board. No specific decisions or discussion items are listed on the agenda; the meeting is purely procedural.

• No specific agenda items; meeting consists solely of attending the FinCom/Select Board meeting

Select Board

The Select Board is holding a joint meeting with the Finance Committee. The session is dedicated to the presentation and review of proposed FY26 budgets for two school committees.

• Review of Boxford School Committee proposed FY26 budget
• Review of Masconomet School Committee proposed FY26 budget

The Boxford Select Board and Finance Committee held a joint meeting to review the proposed FY26 budgets from the Boxford Elementary School and Masconomet Regional School District. No formal decisions or votes were taken on the budgets; the presentations were informational, and both districts noted they are early in the budget process. The Masconomet delegation will return for an update on March 11.

• Adjourned meeting unanimously (5-0)

Library Board of Trustees

The Boxford Town Library Board of Trustees will meet to approve January meeting minutes, receive the director's report on December statistics and the February 17 closure, and discuss old business on Earth Day. New business includes discussion of the West Library and collecting stories for a legislative breakfast regarding federal funding.

• Approval of January 20, 2025 meeting minutes
• Director's report on December statistics and February 17 library closure
• Old business: Earth Day planning
• New business: West Library discussion
• New business: federal funding and collecting stories for legislative breakfast

The Boxford Town Library Board of Trustees met via Zoom and unanimously approved the January 20, 2025 meeting minutes. The board discussed plans for the West Library, including weeding training, a storage unit request, and a recommendation for the collection. They also reviewed legislative priorities for the Freedom to Read, eBook, and School Library Standards bills, and noted the Friends' book sale on May 10.

• Approved January 20, 2025 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Discussed West Library plan: weeding training, storage unit request, collection recommendation
• Noted Friends of the Library book sale date: May 10 at The Center, 10 Elm Street
• Reviewed legislative priorities: Freedom to Read, eBook, School Library Standards bills

Select Board

The Select Board will review the proposed FY26 operating budget for IT, health insurance, and the Board. Members will also discuss potential warrant articles for the May 13, 2025 Town Meeting. The board will consider several administrative requests, including a Police Chief contract renewal.

• Review of FY26 Operating Budget for Select Board, IT, and health insurance
• Review of potential May 13, 2025 Town Meeting Warrant Articles
• Consideration of Police Chief contract renewal
• Execution of liquor license documents for Far Corner Golf
• Intermunicipal Agreement for Essex Tri-Town Shared Services Collaborative

The Boxford Select Board approved a 3-year contract for Police Chief Jim Riter (2025-2027), proclaimed May 3, 2025 as Boxford Earth Day, and authorized the town administrator to finalize a letter requesting release of a $1M earmark for the DPW facility. The board also approved using Genetec security software for the new DPW design, contingent on Regional 911 Center preference, and executed a liquor license manager change for Far Corner Farm Golf Course. Minutes from three prior meetings were approved as amended.

• Approved 3-year Police Chief contract for Jim Riter (unanimous)
• Proclaimed May 3, 2025 as Boxford Earth Day (unanimous)
• Approved Earth Day signs as requested (unanimous)
• Approved Genetec security software for new DPW design, contingent on 911 Center preference (unanimous)
• Executed liquor license manager change for Far Corner Farm Golf Course (unanimous)
• Authorized Town Administrator to finalize and sign letter requesting $1M earmark release for DPW (unanimous)
• Authorized Chair to sign Essex County PD Mutual Aid Agreement (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of Jan 27, Jan 13, and Dec 16 meetings as amended (unanimous)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will receive presentations on the draft FY26-30 Capital Improvement Plan and the Town Administrator’s draft FY26 operating budget.

• Draft FY26-30 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) presentation
• Town Administrator’s Draft FY26 Operating Budget presentation

Conservation Commission

The Boxford Conservation Commission will hold public hearings and discussions on several permit applications, including a Notice of Intent for the Masconomet School District and a continued NOI for the DPW facility. The agenda includes multiple continued items from previous meetings, as well as a new RDA and a DNI. A renewal of an electronic signature vote is also scheduled.

• DNI 2025-1: Lot 1 MacDonald Drive, Famolare
• RDA 2025-2: 5 King John, DiTucci & O’Connell
• Continued NOI 114-1419 & SWMP 2025-1: 20 Endicott Road, Masconomet School District
• Continued NOI 114-1420: Spofford Road, Boxford DPW Facility
• Issue OOC 114-1410: 94 Main Street (lot 2), Kaminski

The Boxford Conservation Commission approved multiple determinations and orders of conditions for projects including a utility pole at Lot 1 MacDonald Drive, steps and bulkhead at 5 King John, tree removal at 41 Belvedere, a driveway and culvert at 28 Pinehurst, a DPW facility at Spofford Road, a shared driveway at 0 Silvermine Road, and a two-lot development at 94 Main Street. The commission continued hearings for the Masconomet School District athletic fields at 20 Endicott Road, 20B Wildmeadow Road, and 42 Pine Plain Road, with the Masconomet hearing continued to February 20, 2025, and a site walk scheduled for the Pinehurst project.

• Approved negligible impact determination for utility pole at Lot 1 MacDonald Drive (7-0)
• Closed hearing and issued negative determination for steps/bulkhead at 5 King John (7-0)
• Closed hearing and issued negative determination for tree removal at 41 Belvedere (7-0)
• Continued hearing for driveway/culvert at 28 Pinehurst to April 3, 2025, with site walk April 2 (7-0)
• Continued Masconomet athletic fields hearing at 20 Endicott Road to February 20, 2025 (7-0)
• Issued Order of Conditions for Boxford DPW facility at Spofford Road (6-0)
• Issued Order of Conditions for shared driveway at 0 Silvermine Road (6-0)
• Issued Order of Conditions for two-lot development at 94 Main Street (6-0)

Board of Health

The Board of Health will meet to discuss earth removal at Lot 20B Wildmeadow and provide an update on the Septic Loan Program. The meeting also includes review of bills and the Director's Report.

• Lot 20B Wildmeadow earth removal
• Septic Loan Program update

The Boxford Board of Health discussed the septic loan program but did not vote on it, agreeing to gather more information from neighboring towns before revisiting. The board approved the January 8th meeting minutes unanimously and reviewed bills. No other formal decisions were made.

• Approved January 8th meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Reviewed and signed bills for January 8th
• Tabled septic loan program pending more information

Sustainability Committee

The Sustainability Committee will meet to receive an update on Green Communities. Members will also present and discuss ideas for implementing committee goals.

• Green Communities update
• Discussion of ideas for implementing committee goals

The Boxford Sustainability Committee met and discussed several ongoing initiatives, including a Battery Electric Storage Systems (BESS) bylaw, a grant application for an electric vehicle charger at the police station, and a proposed community outreach plan. No formal votes or decisions were taken; all items were updates or discussions to be continued at future meetings.

• Discussed BESS bylaw draft, nearly identical to Groveland's, for potential town meeting vote
• Discussed National Grid grant for electric supercharger at police station, decision expected by end of February
• Discussed air sealing at Spofford Pond and Cole Schools to reduce energy consumption
• Discussed MSBA funding for heat pump conversion in schools
• Presented modified proposal for sustainable living outreach, discussion continued to next meeting

Assessors

The Boxford Board of Assessors will meet to review several routine annual items, including the FY26 departmental budget narrative, abatement reports, and real estate exemption applications. They will also discuss the draft Annual Assessment Information booklet and the 2024 Annual Report. An executive session is scheduled to review FY25 abatement applications.

• Review of FY26 Departmental Budget Narrative
• Review of FY25 Real Estate Exemption Applications
• Review of FY26 Chapter Land Applications
• Executive Session: Review of FY25 Abatement applications
• Review of draft Annual Assessment Information booklet

The Boxford Board of Assessors approved the 2025 Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Commitment #1, the 2024 Annual Town Report, and various FY25 real estate exemptions. They also approved a list of Fiscal Year 2026 Chapter Land applications for numerous parcels. The board discussed the FY26 budget narrative and the Assessment Information booklet, and tabled FY25 abatement applications for review at the next meeting.

• Approved minutes of previous meeting (unanimous)
• Signed 2025 Motor Vehicle Excise Tax Commitment #1
• Approved 2024 Annual Town Report
• Approved FY25 real estate exemptions
• Approved FY26 Chapter Land applications for 45 parcels
• Tabled FY25 abatement applications for next meeting

Council on Aging

The Boxford Council on Aging is meeting for routine business including a director's report, discussion of the town van, and a recap of a recent roundtable. No specific votes or proposals are listed on the agenda.

• Director's Report
• Van discussion
• Recap of roundtable
• Approval of prior meeting minutes

Boxford Elementary School Committee

The Boxford School Committee is meeting virtually to enter executive session under state law to discuss strategy for collective bargaining with school employees. The session is closed to the public, as an open meeting could harm the committee's bargaining position.

• Executive session pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, § 21(a)(3) to discuss collective bargaining strategy

Planning Board

The Boxford Planning Board, meeting jointly with the Board of Selectmen via Zoom, will vote on appointing a new member and on the Boxford Housing Production Plan. The board will also discuss initiating hearings on zoning amendments related to the MBTA Communities Act, Accessory Housing Bylaw, Battery Storage Energy Systems, and Floodplain Management.

• Vote on appointing a member to the Planning Board until Town Elections
• Discussion and approval of the Boxford Housing Production Plan
• Discussion and initiation of hearing process for zoning amendments on the MBTA Communities Act
• Discussion and initiation of hearing process for an Accessory Housing Bylaw
• Discussion and initiation of hearing process for Battery Storage Energy Systems and Floodplain Management

Select Board

The Select Board will consider potential zoning bylaw amendments for the May Town Meeting, including floodplain management, battery storage, ADUs, and MBTA Communities Act compliance. They will also review the draft FY26 budget and Capital Improvement Program, discuss next steps for possibly joining the North Shore Regional 911 Center, and consider renewal of the Police Chief's contract.

• Discussion of potential zoning bylaw amendments for May Town Meeting: Floodplain Management, Battery Energy Storage Systems, Accessory Dwelling Units, MBTA Communities Act
• Presentation of draft FY26 Budget and Capital Improvement Program
• Discussion on analyzing whether to join the North Shore Regional 911 Center
• Consider renewal of Police Chief contract
• Consider approval of Housing Production Plan update

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will discuss several special permits, including a new Department of Public Works facility and residential accessory apartments. The board is also continuing work on bylaws regarding battery storage, floodplains, and accessory dwelling units.

• Case 1065: Site plan review for new DPW facility, salt storage, and fueling station at 7A Spofford Road
• Case 1066: Accessory apartment and garage for more than three cars at 62 Mill Road
• Case 1067: Accessory apartment within existing dwelling at 5 Stanton Circle
• Case 1063: Building permit denial appeal for decks, stairs, and walkways at 108 Stiles Pond
• Drafting of new Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) and Large Scale Battery Storage bylaws

The Boxford Zoning Board of Appeals approved a special permit for a detached 30'x40' garage at 16 Gina Way with conditions, and accepted as-built site plan revisions for six units at the Willows at Boxford. Several cases were continued to future meetings, including the DPW facility at 7 Spofford Road and accessory apartment applications. The board also referred floodplain bylaw changes to the Select Board and discussed but did not finalize large-scale battery storage regulations.

• Approved special permit for detached garage at 16 Gina Way (3-0)
• Accepted as-built site plan revision for Willows at Boxford units 3, 10, 15, 19, 22, 46 (3-0)
• Continued DPW facility case 1065 to Feb 13, 2025 (3-0)
• Continued case 1055 at 42 Pine Plain to Feb 27, 2025 (3-0)
• Continued case 1063 at 108 Stiles Pond to Feb 27, 2025 (3-0)
• Referred floodplain bylaw changes to Select Board (3-0)
• Continued case 1066 at 62 Mill Road to Feb 27, 2025 (3-0)
• Continued case 1067 at 5 Stanton Circle to Feb 27, 2025 (3-0)

Historic Districts Commission/Historical Commission

The Historic Districts Commission will hold a public hearing on a full roof replacement and composite cornerboard replacement at 51 Topsfield Rd., and will discuss old business items including the Little Red School House, Cleaveland Farm, and ADU zoning guidelines.

• Public hearing: 51 Topsfield Rd. – roof replacement, composite cornerboards, repaint same color.
• Old business: Little Red School House, CPC Report, Eagle's Nest.
• Old business: Cleaveland Farm, Lilloet Cheesery, revised application (R. Siegel), review guidelines.
• New business: School Committee TTU at 4 Middleton Rd.
• Next meeting scheduled for February 26, 2025.

Collaborative for Regional Educational Services and Training

The CREST Finance/Facilities Committee is meeting to review the FY'26 budget as information only. No votes or decisions are scheduled. The meeting is held hybrid per state open meeting law extensions.

• Review of FY'26 budget (information only)

Collaborative for Regional Educational Services and Training

The CREST Personnel/Policy Sub-Committee will discuss informational updates on several personnel policies, including a draft pilot remote work policy for non-instructional employees and sample policies from other districts. No votes or decisions are anticipated; all items are listed as old business for information only.

• Information only: Paid Leave Teacher Parental Leave policy update
• Information only: Sick Day Donation Policy update
• Information only: Professional Development/Travel Expense policy update
• DRAFT only: Pilot Remote Policy for Non-Instructional Employees (including work-from-home policy samples from other districts)

Merrimack Valley Workforce Board

The Planning/Career Center Committee of the Merrimack Valley Workforce Board will meet remotely to approve prior meeting minutes, receive updates on performance, budget, and the career center, and discuss the upcoming expiration of the temporary Open Meeting Law provision that allows remote meetings without a quorum physically present on March 31, 2025. No votes are expected on substantive policy items.

• Approval of minutes from December 17, 2024 meeting
• Performance summary update
• Budget update
• Career Center report
• Discussion of Open Meeting Law temporary provision expiration (March 31, 2025)

Boxford Elementary School Committee

The Boxford Elementary School Committee is meeting primarily to enter an executive session to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining. No other substantive public business is scheduled on the agenda.

• Executive session under M.G.L. c. 30A, § 21(a)(3) to discuss collective bargaining strategy

Library Board of Trustees

The Boxford Town Library Board of Trustees will meet via Zoom to approve December meeting minutes, receive the director's report on December statistics and the library budget, and discuss old and new business items including a bike-rack, Winterfest, Earth Day, a poetry club, and book home delivery. The agenda is largely procedural with updates and discussions, no votes on major expenditures or policy changes noted.

• Approval of December 9, 2024 meeting minutes
• Director's report on December statistics and library budget
• Old business: bike-rack, Winterfest update, Earth Day
• New business: Poetry Club and Book Home Delivery
• Library closed on January 20, 2025

The Boxford Town Library Board of Trustees met on January 20, 2025, and approved the December 9, 2024 meeting minutes unanimously. The director reported on ongoing facility repairs, FY26 budget preparation, and programming statistics. The Friends of the Library group was formally established as a public charity, with officers and a board named, and a book sale scheduled for May 10, 2025. New business included guidelines for the Poetry Club regarding copy payments and building access, and plans for a book home delivery service.

• Approved December 9, 2024 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Friends of the Library group established as public charity, officers and board named
• Book sale scheduled for May 10, 2025 at 10 Elm St
• Poetry Club guidelines set: members must pay for copies and enter by 6:45 PM
• Book home delivery service under development for homebound patrons

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold public hearings on several Notices of Intent and Certificates of Compliance. The body will also discuss naming trails at Willows at Boxford and repairing displays at Witch Hollow Conservation Area.

• NOI for Boxford DPW Facility at Spofford Road
• Discussion on naming trails at Willows at Boxford
• Repair/replacement of displays at Witch Hollow Conservation Area
• RDA for 26 Arrowhead Farm Road and 41 Belvedere
• COC filings for Sagamore Lane, Moonpenny, and Anderson Drive

The Boxford Conservation Commission approved an Order of Conditions for a covered porch at 108 Stiles Pond Road, approved a sump pump outfall relocation at 26 Arrowhead Farm Road, and issued several certificates of compliance. The Commission also continued hearings for several projects, including a proposed DPW facility and a tree removal request at 41 Belvedere, and withdrew one application.

• Issued Order of Conditions for NOI 114-1414: 108 Stiles Pond Road (7-0)
• Approved RDA 2024-6: 26 Arrowhead Farm Road sump pump outfall relocation (7-0)
• Ratified administrative tree permit for 26 Arrowhead Farm Road (7-0)
• Continued RDA 2025-1: 41 Belvedere tree removal hearing to Feb 6 with site visit (7-0)
• Continued NOI 114-1418: 20B Wildmeadow Road hearing to Feb 6 with site visit (7-0)
• Continued NOI 114-: Spofford Road DPW facility hearing to Feb 6 (7-0)
• Withdrew NOI 114-1380: 0 Main Street application (7-0)
• Issued Certificate of Compliance for COC 114-1138: 27A, 27B & 27C Sagamore Lane (6-0-1)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will continue reviewing zoning bylaw amendments for battery storage facilities and floodplain district requirements, along with the final draft of the Boxford Housing Production Plan. The board will also discuss conservation restrictions and a parcel for community housing at Boxford Common Use Area 3. A public hearing is scheduled for a street tree permit at 36 Silvermine Road, and a special permit site plan review for a proposed DPW facility at 7A Spofford Road. Continued driveway permits at 20B Wildmeadow Road and 599 Main Street are also on the agenda.

• Continued discussion of zoning bylaw amendments for battery storage facilities
• Continued discussion of zoning bylaw amendment for Floodplain District requirements
• Boxford Housing Production Plan final draft review and approval
• Discussion of Boxford Common Use Area 3 conservation restrictions and community housing parcel
• Special permit site plan review for DPW facility at 7A Spofford Road

The Boxford Planning Board voted unanimously to request the Select Board to send two zoning bylaw amendments—one for battery energy storage systems and one for floodplain district requirements—to public hearings. The board also approved the final Housing Production Plan with a minor correction, recommended approval of a new DPW facility, and continued several other items.

• Requested Select Board to send battery storage zoning amendment to public hearing (5-0)
• Requested Select Board to send floodplain district zoning amendment to public hearing (5-0)
• Approved Housing Production Plan with correction to Housing Partnership Committee (5-0)
• Recommended ZBA approval of DPW facility special permit site plan review (4-0, Gore not present)
• Approved removal of two trees at 36 Silvermine Road at applicant's cost (5-0)
• Continued special permit for garage at 16 Gina Way to next meeting (4-0)
• Continued driveway permit at 20B Wildmeadow Road to next meeting (4-0)
• Withdrew driveway permit application for 599 Main Street LLC without prejudice (4-0)

Recycling Committee

The Boxford Recycling Committee approved a motion requesting the Department of Public Works conduct semi-annual tours of the Recycling Center to identify needed repairs. The committee also discussed the upcoming DEP recycling survey, the $8,400 recycling dividends award, and plans for Earth Day on May 3, 2025.

• Approved motion requesting DPW semi-annual tours of Recycling Center (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of October 17, 2023

Boxford Elementary School Committee

The Boxford School Committee will hold a virtual meeting on January 14, 2025, primarily to enter executive session under state law to discuss strategy for collective bargaining. The open session consists only of a call to order, after which the committee will immediately move to the executive session. The meeting is remote as allowed by temporary legislation.

• Executive session for collective bargaining strategy under M.G.L. c. 30A, § 21(a)(3)

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee will discuss applications for funding to be considered at the Annual Town Meeting in May 2025. The agenda also includes an update on projects funded at the May 2024 Town Meeting and approval of bills and minutes.

• Discussion of applications for Community Preservation Act funding for May 2025 Town Meeting
• Update on CPC projects funded at May 2024 Town Meeting

The Boxford Conservation Commission approved an Order of Conditions for 108 Stiles Pond Road, approved a Request for Determination of Applicability (RDA) for 26 Arrowhead Farm Road, and issued several Certificates of Compliance. Hearings were continued for multiple projects, including 41 Belvedere, 20B Wildmeadow Road, the DPW facility, and 42 Pine Plain Road. One application was withdrawn and another was withdrawn without prejudice.

• Approved Order of Conditions for NOI 114-1414: 108 Stiles Pond Road (7-0)
• Approved RDA 2024-6: 26 Arrowhead Farm Road (7-0)
• Ratified administrative tree permit for 26 Arrowhead Farm Road (7-0)
• Continued hearing for RDA 2025-1: 41 Belvedere to Feb 6 with site visit Jan 22 (7-0)
• Continued hearing for NOI 114-1418: 20B Wildmeadow Road to Feb 6 with site visit Jan 22 (7-0)
• Continued hearing for NOI 114-1417: 42 & 38 Pine Plain Road to Feb 6 with site walk Feb 22 (7-0)
• Closed hearing for NOI 114-1410: 94 Main Street (lot 2) (6-1)
• Withdrawn NOI 114-1380: 0 Main Street (7-0)

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Boxford Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a virtual meeting to continue discussions on several pending regulatory items. Topics include large-scale battery storage container regulations, the floodplain bylaw, and a new accessory dwelling unit (ADU) bylaw. The board will also review the proposed site plan expansion for The Willows at Boxford and discuss inspection procedures for in-law apartments. No new business or final votes are scheduled.

• Large Scale Battery Storage Container Regulations
• The Floodplain Bylaw
• New Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) bylaw draft
• The Willows at Boxford site plan expansion beyond approved site plan
• Special condition discussion on in-law apartments inspection procedure

The Boxford Zoning Board of Appeals held a working session to discuss postponed items. They unanimously voted to recommend Thomas Jonak for appointment as the third permanent member. Other topics, including battery storage regulations, floodplain bylaw, in-law apartment inspections, and ADU bylaw, were discussed but no final decisions were made.

• Recommended Thomas Jonak as 3rd permanent member (unanimous)
• Approved November 21, 2024 minutes as amended (unanimous)
• Adjourned to January 23, 2025 (unanimous)

Cable Advisory Committee

The committee is meeting to review contract terms and communications with Verizon and Comcast. Members will discuss the BCATv capital budget and a community survey timeline. The body is considering whether to pursue a 5- or 10-year contract for Comcast.

• Review of communications between KP Law and Comcast/Verizon
• Review of second draft community survey
• Review of BCATv capital budget and capital needs assessment
• Consideration of 5- or 10-year contract for Comcast
• Discussion of public hearing timeline

Board of Health

The Boxford Board of Health will hold discussions and possible actions on three specific items: 5 King John Drive, 18 Hollow Tree Road, and Lot 20B Wildmeadow earth removal. The meeting also includes routine announcements, approval of minutes and bills, a director's report, and any new business from the past 48 hours.

• 7:15PM – 5 King John Drive (discussion/hearing)
• 7:30PM – 18 Hollow Tree Rd (discussion/hearing)
• Lot 20B Wildmeadow Earth removal (discussion/action)

The Boxford Board of Health approved two well setback variances, one for 5 King John Drive and one for 18 Hollow Tree Road, allowing wells closer than the standard 50-foot setback. The board also continued a discussion on a major earth removal permit for Lot 20B Wildmeadow Road pending more hydrogeological information. Additionally, they approved bills totaling $74,136.84 and discussed a potential septic loan program.

• Approved variance for well at 5 King John Drive, 30 feet from property line (unanimous)
• Approved variance for well at 18 Hollow Tree Road, 47 feet from lot line (unanimous)
• Continued discussion on earth removal permit for Lot 20B Wildmeadow Road (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of November 6th meeting (unanimous)
• Approved bills totaling $74,136.84 (unanimous)

Boxford Elementary School Committee

The Boxford School Committee is meeting virtually for an executive session to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining, as permitted under state law. The open portion of the agenda consists only of call to order and adjournment, with no public deliberation or votes scheduled.

• Executive session under M.G.L. c. 30A, § 21(a)(3) to discuss collective bargaining strategy