Upton Select Board Tackles Water/Sewer Rates, Bridge Contract; Conservation Commission Reviews Five Projects
Select Board: FY27 Water & Sewer Rates, Grove Street Bridge Contract on Agenda
The Select Board's July 21 meeting carried the heaviest agenda of the week, though minutes have not yet been published so outcomes are not confirmed. The board scheduled a public hearing on proposed FY27 water and sewer rates at 6:15 PM, followed by several potential votes: a contract award for the Grove Street Bridge with authorization for the Town Manager to execute it, a vote to set a Special Town Meeting date for November 10, 2026, and a vote to sign and issue the warrant for the September 1, 2026 State Primary. The board also planned to vote on appointments to the Town Hall Building Committee from six candidates, accept donations for the Senior Center and food pantry, and discuss a native planting plan at Heritage Park. An executive session on litigation strategy for 79 Main Street was scheduled to close the meeting.
Conservation Commission Reviews Five Development Projects
The Conservation Commission met July 22 to continue hearings on five projects, including a 3-story mixed-use building at 6-8 Grove St, a solar field at 169 South St (continued from June 24), a five-unit multi-family dwelling at 3 Centennial Court, a trail bridge at North Street in the Forest Heights area, and a DPW facility expansion at 100 Pleasant St. The agenda also included fill and lawn permit applications at 128 Glenview St and a shared driveway and single-family home proposal at 30 & 32 Mendon St. Minutes are not yet available.
Cultural Council Sets 2026 Grant Cycle Timeline
The Cultural Council's July 21 agenda included a vote on next fiscal-year officers and setting deadlines for the 2026 grant cycle, with applications opening September 1 and closing October 15. Members also planned to discuss a September 26 Heritage Day event, a scarecrow contest, and fundraising through pint glass and wine glass sales. Minutes are not yet published.
Cemetery Commission Discusses Policy Enforcement
On July 22, the Cemetery Commission reviewed enforcement of cemetery policies regarding shrubs, plantings, and brick enclosures that do not meet guidelines. The commission also reviewed Massachusetts General Laws c.114, the revised October 2025 Upton cemetery policies, and discussed public notification for policy enforcement. Minutes are not yet available.
Other Meetings
The Upton Housing Authority met July 21 to approve April 28 minutes, review accounts payable through June 30, 2026, receive the fee accountant's financial statements, and discuss correspondence from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities.
The Economic Development Committee met July 23 to hear a MassDevelopment presentation and discuss three FY24 focus projects: an infrastructure analysis final plan, a West Upton Center Vision update, and extended parking plans at 0 Grove St (extended to December 2026). The committee also planned to elect officers.
The Town Hall Building Committee held its organizational meeting July 29 to elect a Chair, Vice Chair, and Clerk and discuss the project scope of work.
Coming Up
- **August 4 — Recreation Commission** (virtual): Summer concert series options, capital needs discussion, field request approvals, and auction items for a town-wide event.
- **August 4 — Select Board**: Discussion of the Holy Angels property and potential auction, appointment of Petrini & Associates, P.C. as special counsel for the Route 140–Main Street/Milford Road Water and Sewer Extension Project, reappointment of Mead, Talerman & Costa, LLC as Town Counsel, and a vote to set a Special Town Meeting date for the Holy Angels petition with a warrant open/close deadline of August 7, 2026. An executive session is scheduled.
*Note: All recent meetings listed above were agenda-only items with minutes not yet published. Outcomes, vote tallies, and final dollar amounts will be confirmed when minutes become available.*