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Agricultural Commission to Partner with ConsCom for Sargent Road Land Trails

BOXBOROUGH: The Agricultural Commission held its monthly meeting on June 13. Members discussed working with the Conservation Commission regarding the development of a trail layout with connections to adjoining parcels on the 95-105 Sargent Road conservation, agricultural and open space land. Chair Owen Neville reviewed the Forest Management Plan developed by the previous owner under the land’s Chapter 61 use. The harvest described in the plan has been completed. The current focus through 2026 is on controlling invasive species. Neville contacted Sudbury Valley Trustees for possible assistance in these efforts. More information will be forthcoming. 
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Personnel Board Considers HR Upgrades and Warrant Article to Fund Compensation Study

BOXBOROUGH: Lee Slade, Chair of the Personnel Board, announced that after 11 years of dedicated and continuous service on the Personnel Board, Sheila Bauer has decided not to seek reappointment. However, in order to provide some degree of institutional knowledge, Sheila has agreed to stay on the board as an associate, non-voting member.  

Rajon Hudson, Assistant Town Administrator, said it is important that the town develop human resource technology, including online timesheets, onboarding software, performance evaluation modules, and continuing education platforms for staff. Currently, the Town has no HR data management system. Adding the technology may require funding through a town meeting warrant article.

The town is also considering a warrant article at the fall or annual town meeting to fund a new compensation study. The last study was done in April 2020 and implemented in fiscal year 2021. There was some question about whether the town needed another full compensation study or if a salary survey of comparable towns would suffice.

Slade indicated that the board is supporting Town Administrator Michael John’s efforts to make Boxborough an “Employer of Choice.” The board will work with the town to develop, articulate and benchmark a meaningful aspiration for the town as an employer, followed by the creation of simple, clear steps and goals metrics related to achieving that aspiration. The next step in that process is to conduct an employee engagement survey.  

The board also plans to review existing personnel policies, to support Hudson in updating job descriptions with a new format. 
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Cemetery Commission Discusses “Green” Burials

BOXBOROUGH: Members of the Cemetery Commission met on June 13. Among the items discussed was the viability of Boxborough setting aside cemetery land for natural or “green” burials.

Chair Owen Neville explained that the commission had been exploring this option prior to the pandemic. He said that there are varying degrees of what constitutes a green burial, which is not strictly defined. Green burials often mean that a body isn’t cremated or embalmed; biodegradable caskets, shrouds, and urns are used; and a body isn’t interred in a concrete vault.

The Commission was open to the idea of a green burial plan for Boxborough. It has started to gather information to explore the option in greater detail. Neville indicated the Commission plans to hold a public hearing on the topic sometime after Labor Day.

In other matters, Neville recognized Bill Sutcliffe for more than 20 years of dedicated and continuous service to the Cemetery Commission. Sutcliffe does not plan to seek reappointment.

The Cemetery Commission is responsible for North Cemetery on Hill Road, and the South Cemetery on the corner of Burroughs and Stow Roads. Residents interested in joining the Cemetery Commission and other Boxborough boards and commissions may access a signup form at https://bit.ly/3Cz3p1C.
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Economic Development Committee Discusses Local Business Initiatives

BOXBOROUGH: At its June 15 meeting, the Economic Development Committee (EDC) discussed several initiatives to promote business development in Boxborough and discussed the need for new members to join their committee.

Chair Rich Guzzardi gave an update on the Boxborough Business Grant program, an initiative aimed at encouraging and supporting small businesses in town by providing financial assistance in the form of a forgivable grant of up to $20,000. The program is funded by the town’s American Rescue Plan Act appropriation. The program will be administered by the town planner and award decisions will be made by the EDC based on established criteria. Town counsel is currently reviewing the program. Once that is complete, the EDC will work with the town planner on marketing materials and outreach to local businesses. The EDC expects to begin accepting applications this summer.

Guzzardi also gave an update on the Town Center Planning project, funded with a $46,950 grant by the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development. The grant will enable the EDC to hire a consultant to help redevelop and revitalize a “town center.” A consultant, said Guzzardi by email after the meeting, would “guide us toward a viable approach to re-imagining a Town Center/Village Center, including defining what lands would be part of that and what actions would need to be taken to bring it to life.” The town planner is hoping to put out a request for proposal for a consultant in July.

The EDC also discussed the idea for a business “pop-up” event to support local businesses in the town center business district and the development of a “database” of the commercial land-owners and business owners in town.

The EDC currently has five voting members. The committee is intended to have between seven and nine voting members. At the meeting, members discussed the importance of finding more volunteers to serve. Anyone interested in joining the committee should reach out to the EDC. The EDC’s next meetings will be held July 20 and August 17. 
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Minutemen Work Towards Rescheduling Fifer’s Day

BOXBOROUGH: After making the difficult decision to cancel the 55th Annual Fifer’s Day due to inclement weather, the Boxborough Minutemen Company (Minutemen) are now working towards rescheduling the event. The Minutemen have decided not to reschedule Fifer’s Day during the summer months and are instead looking to the Fall, likely a date in either mid-September or early October. 

“I'm confident we made the right decision,” said Lieutenant Bob Lucas, who was the lead organizer for the Minutemen. The decision was made on Friday morning when the core team met at Flerra Meadows, as planned, to begin set-up activities. They discussed the weather forecast for the following day, which at the time included a high likelihood of downpours as well as thunder and lightning. They also considered the costs and return policies of purchased items and unused services, as well as rental equipment scheduled to be delivered that morning. 

Ultimately, from a safety standpoint, they felt that they didn't have a choice. It may have been a difficult decision to cancel such a well-loved town tradition, but the decision was a unanimous one. 

Now, the Minutemen and Public Celebrations and Ceremonies Committee (PCCC) are working hard to establish a new date for the postponed festivities. Lucas reports that Fifer’s Day will not be rescheduled this summer because summer vacations make it difficult to get enough people to participate. They are looking to the Fall instead, but finding a date is difficult with so many competing events and the number of Minutemen that are needed to commit to setting up, staffing, and cleaning up. Also, the Town will need to approve whatever date is chosen due to the need for public safety personnel and logistics. 

The Minutemen and PCCC expect to meet soon to discuss options. Lucas is hopeful that they will find a new date for Fifer’s Day and that all activities that were scheduled for June 17th will happen on the new date. 

Until then, the Fifer’s Day t-shirts will be safely stored in an undisclosed location and their color will remain a closely-guarded secret! 

Boxborough to Hold Public Forum on Library Redesign 

Library interior
BOXBOROUGH: Boxborough Town Planner Alec Wade is planning a summer series of public forums. The first will focus on the redesign of the interior space of Sargent Memorial Library. The public is invited to meet in the library on Wednesday, June 28, from 7 till 8:30 p.m. for guided exercises and discussions about what Boxborough’s library space could be. Snacks and refreshments will be provided, and participants will be given a presentation on the upcoming redesign process.

Town Librarian Peishan Bartley encourages people to attend: “Your opinion matters. It's been almost 20 years since the Library moved into our current building. When the Library opened its doors to the public in 2005, it was two years before the first iPhone came out and two years after DVD rentals finally replaced VHS. Then, Sony released its first e-reader, music streaming was not yet mainstream, and "google" was yet to be recognized by Merriam-Webster as a verb. 

“Twenty years later, we are in constant company of mini computers that serve as phones and show us movies and TV. CD players are a thing of the past, and we do our research online instead of with reference books.

“While our building is still bright and beautiful, the current inside layout was designed for a static, physical collection, not for today’s user of the library’s varied and flexible collection. 

“It is time to change the existing interior space to better suit what people need from a library. Would library users like more non-traditional lending items such as hotspots and gardening tools? How about accessible, cozy reading corners and private work spaces? Or perhaps a quiet place outside the home to take a Zoom call? We would like to hear from you.”

Those unable to attend the forum on June 28 may submit comments to Town Planner Wade by emailing awade@boxborough-ma.gov.
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DPW to Hold Hazardous Waste Collection on June 24

BOXBOROUGH: Boxborough’s Department of Public Works will hold a hazardous waste collection on June 24, 9am-1pm at the town’s highway garage, located at 577 Mass. Avenue. A transfer station sticker is not required; however, participants should bring proof of Boxborough residency. Items to be collected include adhesives, fuels, solvents, and numerous household and automotive cleaners and chemicals. Oil-based paint is permissible, latex paint is not. Latex paint is not considered hazardous; it should be allowed to dry and then disposed of with one’s regular trash.

As the town is charged for each vehicle bringing waste, residents are encouraged to arrange with neighbors to pool multiple homes’ disposables in a single car. For more information, including a detailed list of acceptable waste, visit bit.ly/3oXN836.
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Next Week at Boxborough Town Hall

BOXBOROUGH: Below is a list of Boxborough’s board and committee meetings scheduled to take place the week of June 26-30. Note that the information is gathered a week or more in advance. Meetings can be added to the calendar up to 48 hours before the meeting. Meeting agendas are posted on the Town website up to 48 hours in advance of the meeting. Consult the calendar on the homepage of the Town website for meeting agendas and up-to-date meeting information. For meetings on Zoom, the link to the meeting can be found on the agenda. 

Monday, June 26:
  • Select Board, Hybrid, 7:00 p.m. Annual Appoint-a-thon: Appointments and reappointments to Town boards and committees
  • Planning Board, via Zoom, 7:00 p.m. Board will vote to reorganize.
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BCTrust Celebrates 25 Years 

BOXBOROUGH: On June 11, the Boxborough Conservation Trust held its 25th Anniversary Celebration on the lawn at Sargent Memorial Library. Under clear blue skies, BCTrust Board members and guests listened to remarks from BCTrust President Rita Grossman and State Senator Jamie Eldridge, enjoyed a performance by singer-songwriter Oen Kennedy, and chatted with friends and neighbors. Senator Eldridge presented President Grossman with an Official MA Senate Citation recognizing the BCTrust’s 25th Anniversary. Kids enjoyed bubbles, hula hoops, and flower crafts, as well as a nature scavenger hunt that wrapped up just in time for the much-anticipated arrival of the ice cream truck. 

"We are so grateful to everyone, including Senator Eldridge for coming,” said Grossman. “With the music, good weather, activities and the perfect location, there was something for everyone as we celebrated all that we’ve accomplished.”

The BCTrust exhibits inside the Library will remain throughout the month of June. These include Nat Martin’s ABRHS photography students’ nature photographs and the works of the 4th grade Blanchard art contest winners: Aquinna Caprara, Sadie Harris, Ella Roland and Aine Brady. 
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Boxborough Schoolhouse Welcomes Visitors

BOXBOROUGH: Boxborough’s School House #2 was open to the public on  June 11 from 2-4pm. In addition to the 1857 building itself, the tour featured an array of pictures from Boxborough’s history. About 50 people attended the event, which was hosted by Nancy (Robinson) Morrison, who co-owns the property with her sister Jane Sawisch, assisted by members of the Boxborough Historical Society. “We were quite pleased to open the School House to the public,” said Nancy. “We know there are always people walking by looking in through the windows, and it was nice to let them come inside.”
Freepee

Free Bee Market to Host Summer Pop-up Each Saturday 

BOXBOROUGH: The Free Bee full market was a great success in May, and now the simpler pop-ups have started. Free bread and produce, with a smattering of prepared foods, will be given out on the UCC Boxborough side lawn at 30 Middle Road each Saturday starting at 10:30 a.m.

The pop-up lasts until the food is gone, which has happened in under an hour. The season has typically started out slowly and then added more food as farms and markets become increasingly stocked with local produce. Beginning in mid-July, food usually has been restocked later in the morning. Till then, most of the food is delivered between 10-10:30am, and set up as quickly as possible.  

Those with garden surplus or eggs to share are encouraged to drop off their produce anytime between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. on any Saturday. Contributors may also email freebeecommunity@gmail.com to arrange pickup. Those who would like to volunteer, join the newsletter group, or find out more should also send an email.

The next full Free Bee is scheduled for September; however, more food is slowly being added to the summer pop-ups. Laura, Free Bee’s craftsperson extraordinaire, will offer her give-away crafts on June 24 and July 22.
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Council on Aging Launches IT/Computer Assistance Program

BOXBOROUGH: The Boxborough COA has launched an information technology assistance program for the town’s seniors. Several residents have volunteered to support seniors with computer, cell
phone, and internet questions and issues. Seniors requiring assistance may call the COA office at (978) 264-1717 to be connected with a knowledgeable volunteer, who will set up a time to meet at the Community Center, Town Hall, or on the phone. If it is outside the volunteers’ area of expertise, they will advise contacting one’s internet or cell phone provider or other service.
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Cultural Council Recognizes Grant Recipients

BOXBOROUGH: The Acton-Boxborough Cultural Council held its 16th Annual Grant Recipient Reception at NARA Park in Acton. This event recognizes the organizations that have successfully applied for grants through the council, which is funded in part by the Massachusetts Cultural Council and, in part, by the towns of Boxborough and Acton. 

There were musical performances by some of the grant recipients, such as Daniel Gay on piano and accordion, and members of the Acton Chinese Language School performing on traditional Chinese instruments. Council chair Jin Hong Yang stated that the council awarded almost $20,000 to 37 applicants this year. She also recognized Boxborough member Hongbing Tang who received a 2023 Special Recognition Design Award from the Boston Society of Landscape Architects for her design work on the China Trail Garden project in the Acton Arboretum.

Senator Jamie Eldridge spoke about how he and the other local representatives have advocated for the arts and helped to raise the line item for the Massachusetts Cultural Council in the state budget. He also said how council members are critical to the town. He then presented a citation to Boxborough resident Sharon Garde for her many years of service to the arts and her six years on the committee.

Acton State Representative Simon Cataldo spoke about how important the arts are and how they make this a great place to live. Massachusetts Cultural Council Program Officer Guelmi Espinal also spoke and said he would like to hear from people about what they want, even if it’s more money. Boxborough Select Board members Priya Sundaram and David McKiernan were also in attendance.

Each grant recipient was given a few minutes to speak about their organization and the projects that received the grants. For a full list of grant recipients and their projects, see https://tinyurl.com/ABCulturalCouncil.
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From the Desk of the Town Clerk

BOXBOROUGH: Dog licenses were due April 1, and the dog licensing bylaw says that late fees of $100 shall be issued by the dog officer for those not obtained by June 1. Please license your dog, and if it’s a new dog or you’re new to town, fines are waived.

Please return your annual street listing and census form. Town clerks are required to maintain a street listing, and they will be sending final reminder postcards later this month. If you do not vote in two federal elections and don’t return your street listing form, you may be removed from the voter rolls.

Transfer station stickers will be available July 1 for fiscal year 2024. These are $150 for two, and the price increases to $180 on August 1. Stickers are free for residents age 65 and older who may obtain them online at https://bit.ly/3NgvbWK.
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Boxborough Housing Board Considers Renters’ Needs

BOXBOROUGH: Helping low-income renters, providing emergency assistance, expanding affordable housing, and deciding how best to use land at 70-72 Stow Road were the primary Boxborough Housing Board topics discussed at the board’s meeting  June 8 at Town Hall.

Board Chair Al Murphy said “we should be proud” of Boxborough’s Emergency Assistance Program (BEAP), which helps residents with emergency housing needs including rent and electricity bills. The plan is to spend half of the $105,000 BEAP funds by the end of this fiscal year, June 30, and the other half during the next fiscal year. Community Services Coordinator Wendy Trinks reported that Acton is using Boxborough’s program as a model for establishing Acton’s own emergency assistance program.

Murphy and board member Channing Wagg reported that data regarding Boxborough’s affordable housing has not changed much during the last four years. The board concluded that while homeowners are doing reasonably well in meeting housing costs, renters continue to struggle. Trinks said that 95 percent of the people needing help are renters.

Next year, the board will consider seeking additional Community Preservation Funds to better support renters through the Boxborough Rental Assistance Program which currently helps 14 Boxborough residents.

Before the next meeting of the board, July 13, board members will try to identify developers interested in building modest-priced homes at 70-72 Stow Road. The town’s Building Committee may consider purchasing the property from the town’s Housing Trust for a new fire station or fire and police safety facility. 

With help from Town Planner Alec Wade, the board is hoping to establish a new program to preserve the town’s affordable housing units.
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DPW to Hold Hazardous Waste Collection on June 24

BOXBOROUGH: Boxborough’s Department of Public Works will hold a hazardous waste collection on Saturday, June 24, 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the town’s highway garage, located at 577 Mass. Ave. A transfer station sticker is not required; however, participants should bring proof of Boxborough residency. Items to be collected include adhesives, fuels, solvents, and numerous household and automotive cleaners and chemicals. Oil-based paint is permissible, latex paint is not. Latex paint is not considered hazardous; it should be allowed to dry and then disposed of with one’s regular trash.

As the town is charged for each vehicle bringing waste, residents are encouraged to arrange with neighbors to pool multiple homes’ disposables in a single car. For more information, including a detailed list of acceptable waste, visit bit.ly/3oXN836.

Finance Committee Discusses Transfers, Capital Budget Committee, and Financial Policies

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BOXBOROUGH: The Finance Committee met in person on Tuesday, June 6, to discuss reserve fund transfers, year-end interdepartmental budget transfers, forming a capital committee, the FY2024 budget cycle, and the budget policy.  

FinCom voted 5-0 to approve a reserve fund transfer of $783 for an increase in the cost of heating for the library and $23,820 for legal expenses for FY2023. Including the $23,820, year-to-date reserve fund transfers for legal expenses total $83,489 over and above the legal budget of $75,000.  

FinCom also discussed year-end interdepartmental budget transfers which totaled $1M. The largest transfer of $130,000 went into the police budget due to a one-time settlement with the former chief of police. Town administrator Michael Johns attributed the budget transfers to turnover of department heads. He opined that stability in staffing will improve budget management. FinCom members indicated they needed better quarterly updates from the Town Accountant.

The committee also discussed the overall budget process for FY2024. Johns indicated that the process worked well. He was impressed by the responsiveness of department heads and collaboration with FinCom and the Select Board.  

FinCom also discussed creating a Capital Budget Committee. Johns suggested a committee of five voting members to include two Select Board designees, two FinCom designees and the town administrator. Non-voting members would include the DPW director, fire chief, police chief, and library director or their designees. There was general agreement among FinCom members that this structure was viable. Johns will present the proposal to the Select Board at its next meeting.  

The committee also reviewed and revised financial policies to include policies on: budget, reserve fund transfers, year-end interdepartmental budget transfers, the stabilization fund, free cash, the overlay reserve, OPEB, the Capital Plan, special funds/revolving funds, and debt policy. Johns will work with the Select Board and finance team to get agreement on all financial policies.  

The next meeting of FinCom is scheduled for Tuesday July 11, 2023 at Town Hall.  

Select Board Discusses Water Line Extension Intermunicipal Agreement, ATM Dates, and Town Finance Matters at June 12th Meeting

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BOXBOROUGH: At its meeting on June 12,  the Select Board voted to approve several intermunicipal agreements, including the Water Line Extension Intermunicipal Agreement (IMA) with the Town of Littleton. The Water Line Extension project is expected to bring water to more than 500 property owners in the western part of Boxborough. The Select Board delegated the work of finalizing the IMA to Town Administrator Michael Johns, who explained that the next step after the IMA is special legislation at the state level. Former Select Board member Les Fox noted that if the project goes according to current plans, it would break ground about a year from now. 

The Board also voted to “explore the possibility” of holding Annual Town Meeting (ATM) on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday nights instead of Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday nights. TA Johns explained that the idea was first raised by an individual before the 2023 ATM but was ultimately not implemented for 2023 ATM. The TA acknowledged that if the Select Board decides to plan the 2024 ATM for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday nights, such a change would need to be publicized well in advance in order to avoid scheduling conflicts. 

Several matters related to the Finance Committee (FinCom), which called its own meeting to order, were discussed. First, the Board approved the Departmental Budget Transfers for FY 2023. Next, the Board and the FinCom discussed the creation of a Capital Budget Committee. The Board did not vote to create such a committee but instead voted to approve a Capital Budget Working Group to develop a charter for a Capital Budget Committee. Finally, the Board discussed a package of town financial policies developed by the FinCom. FinCom Chair Maria Neyland explained that the FinCom would like to have the policies in place for the coming fiscal year. The Board did not vote on the policies and will take them up at their next meeting to give the public time to review them and communicate their comments to the Select Board.

New town employees were welcomed, and the Board made several appointments to town committees. The Board moved to appoint Sarfaraz Mushtaque as a Boxborough Police Department (BPD) part-time officer, moved to appoint Jennifer Campbell to the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, moved to appoint Gary Kushner and Tony Newton to the Building Committee representing the Finance Committee, and moved to appoint Les Fox to the Water Resources Committee, Building Committee, and Affordable Housing Trust. The Board welcomed new BPD full-time dispatch employees Cassandra Polito and Kevin Crizer, as well as new part-time dispatch employee Laurel Brazao. 
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Next Week at Boxborough Town Hall

BOXBOROUGH: Below is a list of Boxborough’s board and committee meetings scheduled to take place the week of June 19-23. Note that the information is gathered a week or more in advance. Meetings can be added to the calendar up to 48 hours before the meeting. Meeting agendas are posted on the Town website up to 48 hours in advance of the meeting. Consult the calendar on the homepage of the Town website for meeting agendas and up-to-date meeting information. For meetings on Zoom, the link to the meeting can be found on the agenda. 

Wednesday, June 21:
  • Conservation Commission, Town Hall,  7:30pm.
  • Board of Health, Town Hall, 7:30pm. This meeting will also include both Public Hearings for 242-244 Adams Place and 1414 Massachusetts Avenue.
Micca23 group

Blanchard Elementary Concert Band Earns MICCA Gold Medal

BOXBOROUGH: The Blanchard Elementary School Concert Band under the direction of Chris Baird earned a gold medal at the Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductor’s Association Concert (MICCA) Festival on April 1. The band returned to the festival this year after missing three years due to COVID. The award marked the 13th consecutive (14th overall) gold medal earned by the band in 16 festival appearances.

The festival is open to elementary, middle and high school choral, band, and orchestral ensembles throughout Massachusetts and was held at six venues during the weekend of March 31-April 2. Groups performing at the festival are evaluated by a panel of three judges. Blanchard performed three pieces: Activity March by Harold Bennett, arranged by Larry Clark, A Song for Friends by Larry Daehn, and Majestica by Brian Balmages.

The band is composed of mostly fifth and sixth grade students that have played their instruments for at least one year. The band also received a significant contribution from a first year percussionist and the tuba section made up of three fourth grade students.

Asked about the band’s gold medal performance, Band Director Chris Baird commented, “Having just come out of the pandemic, earning a gold medal is quite an accomplishment for the Blanchard Band program. Special thanks to Percussion Director Cesar Garde for his wonderful teaching and support as well as the Blanchard Band Parents Organization led by Jessica Torgerson.”

After earning their gold medal, the Blanchard Band performed at the MICCA Gold Medal Showcase at Groton Hill Music Center on April 15.
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Countdown to Fifer’s Day 2023

BOXBOROUGH: Boxborough will gather to celebrate the 55th Annual Fifer’s Day 2023 at Flerra Meadows June 17. The event is jointly sponsored by the Boxborough District Minutemen Company and the Town of Boxborough's Public Celebrations and Ceremonies Committee. Here’s what to expect:

Road Race: The Fifer’s Four Mile Road Race begins at 9:30am at the entrance to Flerra Meadows on Stow Road. The wheel-measured course will cover a four mile flat run through Boxborough. Trophies will be awarded to female and male runners in each of seven age divisions. A free Fifer’s Day T-shirt will be given to the first 100 entrants. Individual registration fee is $15 by June 16 and $20 on the day of the race (maximum payment per family is $50). 

Parade: The parade begins at 11am at the Blanchard School and ends at Flerra Meadows, the location of the day’s fair and volleyball tournament. At the end of the parade, the Golden Fife Award will be presented to a Boxborough resident who has demonstrated long-term volunteer service to the town.

Volleyball Tournament: The tournament will start at 12:30pm. This year, there will be three co-ed brackets: Open, Players, and Backyard. The Open bracket is intended for teams of "serious" volleyball players who play or compete on a regular basis. The Players bracket is for teams with some volleyball experience, who may be or have been competing in volleyball league play. Backyard bracket is intended for teams of neighbors and friends who do not regularly play or compete in volleyball. 

Fair: Starting at noon, hamburgers, hot dogs, BBQ chicken, soft drinks, beer and wine will be available for purchase. Enjoy live music by The Rocky Woods Express (12:30-2:30pm) and Final Mile (3:30pm-5:30pm.). Peruse more than fifty booths and exhibits by both commercial and non-profit organizations. Kids’ activities will include bouncy castles and a dunk tank. 
  For more information or to register for the race or volleyball tournament go to http://fifersday.org.
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Schoolhouse #2 Will Open to the Public on June 11

BOXBOROUGH: On June 11, Boxborough’s “Schoolhouse #2” will be open to visitors between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Located at 339 Picnic Street at the intersection with Hill Road, Schoolhouse #2 was built in 1857 and served continuously as one of Boxborough’s four one-room schoolhouses until 1949.  

The school house will be open to the public for the first time since Spring 2021. Visitors will be able to tour the building, view exhibits, and speak with Nancy (Robinson) Morrison, one of the co-owners, and with members of the Boxborough Historical Society.

In 1949, after serving as a schoolhouse for more than 90 years, Schoolhouse #2 was sold at public auction for $900 to Wallace (Wally) Robinson who sought to preserve the schoolhouse for educational and historical purposes. In 1967, Wally’s son, George Robinson, bought the schoolhouse from his mother and restored it as a museum. In 1989 the town supported the efforts of George and Barbara Robinson and granted them a property tax exemption on the conditions that the property be preserved as a one room schoolhouse historically significant to the Town and continue to be accessible to the Town citizens at no cost for educational and historic purposes. Schoolhouse #2 and its original privies out back are now owned by George and Barbara Robinson’s daughters, Morrison and Jane Sawisch.
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Agricultural Commission May 30 Meeting Recap

BOXBOROUGH: The Agricultural Commission (Ag Com) met on May 30 to discuss a number of matters to promote, enhance, and sustain agriculture and farming-related activities in town. The Commission discussed a compost workshop sponsored by Middlesex Conservation District, to be held at the Sargent Memorial Library on Thursday, June 22 at 1:30pm. The workshop will be taught by Gretel Anspach, a Massachusetts Horticultural Society trustee, and a Lifetime Master Gardener with the Massachusetts Master Gardener Association. Gretel established and maintains a 20,000 square foot food production garden that provides fresh produce to the Marlborough and Maynard food pantries.

Other items discussed at the meeting included a recap of the tree bylaw approved at annual town meeting. While the bylaw was approved at town meeting, there was general agreement that it was not perfect and needed to be amended. Ag Com plans to follow the discussions to amend the bylaw and provide input on possible changes.

The Ag Com also discussed developing a system of identifying, reporting, and educating residents about invasive species; approved the “Existing Conditions and Land Management Plan” for the Sargent Road land purchase, which is in the care, custody, and control of both Ag Com and the Conservation Commission; and approved, with comments, Ag Com’s perspective on the new Open Space and Recreation Plan.
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Select Board May 30 Meeting Recap

BOXBOROUGH: At their meeting on May 30, the Select Board first discussed whether to hold a special election to fill the vacancy left by the recent resignation of Diana Lipari, who had one year remaining in her term. The Board considered the time and resources that would be required to conduct a special election and onboard a new Board member, as well as the Select Board’s current workload and the “strong Town Administrator” model. The Board concluded that a special election is not needed given these circumstances. 

The majority of the meeting concerned the hiring of a new fire chief to succeed current Chief Paul Fillebrown when he retires in June. Select Board Chair Kristin Hilberg invited the two captains of the Boxborough Fire Department to address the Board. The Board decided to interview the top two candidates on Monday, June 5. 

The Board’s agenda also included a proposed change to the Senior Tax Work-Off Policy to address a discrepancy with Massachusetts law with respect to the maximum allowable credit. After addressing a concern communicated to the Board by a resident, the Board voted to amend the language of the policy to state that participants may be credited with “up to the limit specified in MGL Ch. 59, Sec. 5K (as of 5/30/2023 the limit is $1,500) at the current state minimum wage.”

At the end of the meeting, TA Johns congratulated and thanked Jennette Kollmann and the Public Celebrations and Ceremonies Committee for a “phenomenal job” on the Memorial Day parade and ceremonies. 
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Planning Board June 5 Meeting Recap

BOXBOROUGH: At their meeting on June 5, the Planning Board was scheduled to conduct two public hearings. The first was for site plan approval at 100 Codman Hill Road. The owners, French Brothers Boxborough, LLC  wish to construct a 3-unit trade shop building. The applicant requested a continuation, and the Planning Board unanimously granted the request and scheduled the hearing for July 10 at 7:05pm.

The second public hearing was a continuation to review an application for a Definitive Subdivision Plan submitted by Nitsch Engineering on behalf of Lincoln Property Company at 1414 Mass Ave. The applicant’s engineer, Sandra Brock, discussed the peer review comments from Places Associates, an engineering consulting firm working for the Town, and addressed questions and comments from the Board, as well. Extensive revisions to the plans are needed. The applicant will return for a continued hearing on July 31 at 7:05pm.  

Town Planner Alec Wade announced that the first of the Planning Board public forums will take place at the library on June 28. Participants will have the opportunity to give feedback on the library’s interior renovation plan and can contribute ideas on how the space should be reconfigured.

Reorganization of the Board was deferred until the next meeting, June 26. Questions and concerns were raised by members Kathleen Vorce and Mark White regarding the roles of the chair and clerk, as well as the flow of information from the chair to other members of the Board.
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Town Planner Announces Updated Open Space, Recreation Plan

BOXBOROUGH: On June 1, Boxborough Town Planner Alec Wade announced the final approval of the town's updated Open Space and Recreation Plan for 2022-2027. The OSRP was prepared for the town by Comprehensive Environmental Inc. with the help of the Boxborough Open Space and Recreation Plan Working Group.   According to the OSRP Introduction, the OSRP “is a comprehensive planning document that assesses the adequacy of existing open lands and recreation facilities, determines where and what types of land and facilities are needed, and establishes an action plan for land acquisition, land management, and recreation programming to guide Town agencies for the next five years.”

The OSRP is available here:
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News from the Water Resources Committee

BOXBOROUGH: At their meetings on May 3 and May 23, the WRC reviewed and discussed the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for Lincoln Properties’ proposed Mass. Ave. Research Campus (MARC) at 1414 Mass Ave. The committee discussed and made revisions to a draft comment letter that had been prepared by members Janet Keating-Connolly and Bryon Clemence. The letter was approved and sent to the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.

The focus of the Committee’s review was on impacts that the proposed development will have on water resources in the Town of Boxborough and in the neighboring town of Harvard, noting that the purpose of the Water Resources Committee is to ensure that Boxborough is prepared to meet future long-term water supply needs for everyone in the town. 

The letter addressed drinking water, fire suppression, wastewater, stormwater, groundwater, surface water, and habitat. Discussion focused on the nearby public water system (PWS) wells; the discharge of roof drainage to the vernal pool and the status of its certification; and the Aquifer Protection District boundary and wastewater discharge requirements. The Committee made editorial changes to the letter, and it added a request that the project proponent explain why the discharge to the vernal pool is not subject to the Wetlands Protection Act or the Town of Boxborough Wetlands Bylaw.
  In other business, the WRC is preparing a scope of work for an RFP to hire a consultant to advise how best to address several key goals: (1) Ensure that Boxborough is prepared to meet future, long-term water supply needs for everyone in the town, (2) Identify the town’s strategic needs for protecting and enhancing existing water supplies, aquifers, and other surface water and groundwater resources, and (3) Determine the best means for ensuring safe and reliable water supplies, using a planning horizon of 100 years, and considering cost, feasibility, and available alternatives.

The WRC invites public input on these topics and plans at their scheduled meetings or via an email to chair Les Fox  (lfox@boxborough-ma.gov).
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Select Board Votes to Appoint Lyle McKay as Next Fire Chief

BOXBOROUGH: On June 5, the Select Board interviewed two candidates to fill the position of fire chief after the retirement of Chief Paul Fillebrown later this month. After two votes and over an hour of deliberation, the Board voted 3 -1 to appoint Lyle McKay as Boxborough’s next fire chief. McKay currently serves as a Lieutenant, Paramedic, and EMS Director with the Marion Fire Department in Marion, MA. 

The meeting began at 6pm with a one-hour interview of the other candidate, Kevin Grebinar, a Shift Commander, Captain, and Paramedic with the Hudson Fire Department in Hudson, NH, followed by a one-hour interview of McKay. The candidates answered questions about their experience, leadership styles, management techniques, and strategic direction for the Boxborough Fire Department. Roughly fifteen people were in the audience, including several members of the Boxborough Fire Department. 

After the interviews concluded, the Board’s deliberations began. Characterizing the two candidates as “very different,” the Board contrasted Grebinar’s experience and communication style with McKay’s “analytical” approach and EMT focus. While agreeing that both candidates were highly qualified, Board members discussed the candidates’ management and communication styles, their resumes, and how they might fit into the culture of the Fire Department. The Board also discussed whether to post the position again and try to attract more candidates.

The Board’s first vote, after Select Board member David McKiernan moved to appoint Kevin Grebinar, was split 2 - 2, with McKiernan and Priya Sundaram voting in favor and Wes Fowlks and Chair Kristin Hilberg voting against. After the Board continued their discussion and asked TA Michael Johns to weigh in on the needs of the Fire Department, Sundaram indicated that she was ready to change her vote. Fowlks then moved to appoint Lyle McKay, with Fowlks, Sundaram and Hilberg voting in favor and McKiernan voting against. The Board then voted to move into executive session at 9:45pm. 
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Next Week at Boxborough Town Hall

BOXBOROUGH: Below is a list of Boxborough’s board and committee meetings scheduled to take place the June 12-16. Note that the information is gathered a week or more in advance. Meetings can be added to the calendar up to 48 hours before the meeting. Meeting agendas are posted on the Town website up to 48 hours in advance of the meeting. Consult the calendar on the homepage of the Town website for meeting agendas and up-to-date meeting information. For meetings on Zoom, the link to the meeting can be found on the agenda. 

Tuesday,  June 13:
  • Cemetery Commission, DPW, 10am.
  • Agricultural Commission, location TBD, 7:30pm.
  • Personnel Board, Town Hall, 5:30pm. 

Wednesday, June 14:
  • Sustainability Committee, via Zoom, 7pm.
  • Board of Health, Town Hall, 7:30pm.

Thursday, June 15:
  • Economic Development Committee, via Zoom, 7:30pm. Agenda includes: Status of the Small Business Grant Program, Plan for Town Center Revitalization Grant, and Business Pop Up Market
  • Well-Being Committee, via Zoom, 8am.
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NVTHS Craft Fair Seeks Vendors

WESTFORD: The Nashoba Valley Technical High School Foundation's 11th Annual Craft Fair will be held November 18 from 10am-3pm (set up 8am-9:30am) at NVTHS, 100 Littleton Road (Rt. 110). Register now for this well-attended event - only 100 spots available! Vendor fees are $75, which includes an 8' spot and 2 chairs. Bring your own table or display. Click HERE for more information and to complete the online registration/payment. Any questions, email NVTHSFoundation@nashobatech.net.
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Take the ABCC Community Survey

BOXBOROUGH: The Acton Boxborough Cultural Council is asking citizens to respond to a community survey to help the council set grant funding priorities for cultural programming in the two towns. The survey information will help the council determine which projects will receive money during the fall grant application season. The Massachusetts Cultural Council requires the survey which is due on August 20, 2023. Answer the questions in the survey HERE.  For more information about the Council, click HERE.
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Boxborough Celebrates Memorial Day with Annual Parade

BOXBOROUGH: On May 29, Boxborough celebrated Memorial Day with its annual parade. The parade started at Wetherbee Lane and ended at South Cemetery, stopping for ceremonies along the way at North Cemetery and Town Hall. People were sitting outside in front of their homes and gathered at major intersections as well as at the three stops. 

The marchers included active military and veterans, the Boxborough Minutemen Company, the town Select Board, Senator Jamie Eldridge, Representative Dan Sena, the Blanchard and Acton-Boxborough Junior High Marching Bands, the Boy and Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Brownies, Daisies, and the Police and Fire Departments.

At North Cemetery, Larry Wellington from UCC Boxborough spoke and explained how the date for Memorial Day was chosen. It was not the date of the end of any war, but rather a neutral date, so all soldiers would be honored equally. The Blanchard Band played the National Anthem, the Minutemen did a musket salute, and taps were played by Maddy Sojblom and John Qi from the AB Junior High Band. Representative Dan Sena also spoke, and Rick Barrett read out the names of veterans buried there.

At Town Hall, Senator Eldridge spoke about the importance of ensuring that our military families have the services they need. Wreaths were laid at the monuments, and the AB Junior High Band played the National Anthem.

At South Cemetery, the Blanchard Band again played the National Anthem. Select Board Chair Kristin Hilberg spoke about how this is a holiday for showing gratitude to our fallen heroes and thanking those who served for our freedoms. Select Board member Wes Fowlks also spoke about how we should never take freedom for granted. Rick Barrett again read the names of veterans buried there, the Minutemen did their musket salute, and taps were played by Eric Huang and Tarik Dole of the Blanchard Band.

The parade was organized by the Public Celebrations and Ceremonies Committee, which has all new members this year. Chair Jennette Kollmann said, “I grew up in a military family; my dad was in the service for 32 years, so Memorial Day and Veterans Day all really mean a lot to my family… these parades and observances mean a lot to me and stepping up to join the PCCC was an honor, and I'm glad to be asked to be chair and to help with my Boxborough community.”
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Boxborough Conservation Trust To Celebrate 25 Years with June 10th Concert

BOXBOROUGH: The Boxborough Conservation Trust will hold a 25th Anniversary Celebration on the lawn at Sargent Memorial Library on June 10 (rain date June 11) from 2-5pm. The celebration will include a performance by singer-songwriter Oen Kennedy, and True West beer will be available for purchase. After the concert, BCTrust board members will lead a nature-based scavenger hunt with prizes that you can plant in your yard. There will be guided trail walks, plenty of kids’ activities, and an ice cream truck. BYO picnicking is encouraged. The event is free and open to all. 

There will also be a series of exhibits inside the library. The community room will showcase nature-based art and science displays, a timeline of BCTrust’s accomplishments, a display by David Barnett about native plants, and a Thankfulness Tree where visitors can add messages of thanks for the BCTrust and the land they protect in town. The exhibits will remain at the library throughout the month of June. 

“We are excited to celebrate 25 years of land conservation with the entire community,” says BCTrust board member and community outreach coordinator Rebecca Harris. “And a huge thanks to Peishan Bartley and the library staff for opening their doors and grounds to us!” 

The Boxborough Conservation Trust was founded in 1997 to “preserve and protect Boxborough’s rural character and natural resources.”
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Volunteer Work Morning At Steele Farm

BOXBOROUGH: On June 3 from 9am-12pm, the Steele Farm Advisory Committee is sponsoring a volunteer work morning at Steele Farm. The major task will be to care for the 50 new Christmas tree saplings that were just planted and to remove the stumps of previously cut Christmas trees. Other tasks will include clearing the many trails on Steele Farm and cutting down bittersweet and other invasives. 

Please wear long pants, long sleeve shirts and bring gloves. Tools like loppers, hand saws, and hedge clippers will be provided. As an added attraction, volunteers will be able to see several pairs of Bob-O-Link birds that are nesting in the Steele Farm hay field. 

Come one, come all! No experience needed!
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Boxborough Minutemen Prepare for Fifer’s Day 2023

BOXBOROUGH: It’s June, and that means Fifer’s Day is just around the corner. Fifer’s Day 2023 will take place on June 17, at Flerra Meadows on Stow Road. The festivities start at 9:30am with the Fifer’s Four Mile Road Race, followed by a parade from the Blanchard School to Flerra Meadows at 11am and the presentation of the Golden Fife Award. 

Hamburgers, hot dogs, BBQ chicken, soft drinks, beer and wine will be available for purchase starting at noon, and a volleyball tournament will start at 1pm. Throughout the afternoon, there will be live music by The Rocky Woods Express and Final Mile, plenty of activities for kids, and more than 50 different booths and exhibits. The event is jointly sponsored by the Boxborough District Minutemen Company and the Town of Boxborough's Public Celebrations and Ceremonies Committee. 

The Fifer’s Day tradition goes back to 1967, when the newly-formed Boxborough Minutemen Company celebrated the first “Fifer’s Festival” to commemorate local contributions to the American Revolution. While the town of Boxborough did not exist during the American Revolution, namesake fifer Luther Blanchard lived in the portion of Littleton that later became Boxborough. Fifer’s Day has grown considerably since the 1960s, but it remains true to its roots: a parade, a cookout, activities for the kids… a quintessential small-town party.

Boxborough News spoke with Minuteman Captain Tony Newton about how the Minutemen prepare for Fifer’s Day. 

When do the Minutemen start planning? 
Newton: Planning starts in earnest in February with a kick -off planning meeting. The Fifer’s Day leader (also Boxborough Minuteman Lieutenant) organizes the meetings, assigns/gets volunteer leads for each of the major functions. The lead for 2023 is Lt. Bob Lucas.

How many volunteers are involved? 
Newton: Most of the [Minutemen] Company are involved in some way so at any time there are often 25-30 involved. Many more are engaged in the days ahead of and on the day of Fifer’s Day.

What’s the biggest planning task?
Newton: Major tasks are the kid activities, organizing booths, coordination with town and getting permits, beverage and food, finance, booking music, operations (rentals), promotion, designing the program, getting sponsorships, organizing the t-shirts, organizing the road race, organizing the volleyball tournament. Each has [its] own complexities and timeline. Each of these has a lead or sub-team working on [it].

What is the most fun part of planning?
Newton: Interacting with the local community, including other organizations, sponsors, advertisers, town committees, and many volunteers from outside the Minutemen Company. Fifer’s Day is a great way to meet and work with many different people and really enjoy being part of a small town.

Are you planning anything new this year? 
Newton: Not really new but lots of kid activities at the booths this year. Face painting, balloon animals, a treasure hunt, and others in planning.

And finally, you know we have to ask it… what color are the t-shirts?
Newton: I couldn’t possibly tell you. That is a closely guarded secret until Fifer’s Day!
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Future Softball Field in Boxborough

BOXBOROUGH: A year ago, Ruth Landry donated about 7.5 acres of land to Boxborough for recreational use, as stipulated at the May 2022 annual town meeting (Article 26).

The land at 144 Summer Road is across from Landry’s house. At the May 2023 annual town meeting, the Recreation Commission was given approval to survey the land as a possible site for a new softball field. The passage of Article 19 transferred $13,727 from free cash to do the survey, project design, and permitting for the field.

Recreation Commission Chair Megan Connor and Town Planner Alec Wade are working to move the project ahead. A few years ago, young softball players came to town meeting to plead for a softball field, a recreational facility the town has wanted for a long time.  

Landry received encouragement from Les Fox, Jeanne Kangas, and Connor to create the gift to the town. Landry stipulated that when either she or her horse passed away, the land would go to the town, so when her horse died last year, Landry donated the land to Boxborough.

Town Clerk Becky Harris painted a picture of the horse as a “thank you” gift to Landry. A photograph of the painting appears in the RecCom section of the town’s annual report.
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Building Committee Examines Possible Fire Station Site

BOXBOROUGH: In order to replace the town’s antiquated fire station, Boxborough’s Building Committee considered the suitability of a possible building site at 700 Mass. Ave. (Route 111) during the BBC’s virtual meeting on May 24.

Landowner representative Keith Lyons and the owner’s architect Greg Roy stated that the land should provide space and supporting systems for a new 24,000 square feet fire station. Recent BBC studies conclude that a fire station that size will serve the town’s needs for the next 30 years. 

Roy’s drawings of the building site, near the Route 111 construction entry to the Enclave at Boxborough, showed that the land could accommodate five fire-vehicle bays attached to a two-story space for offices, supplies, and living quarters for fire personnel.

The public is welcome to attend the next BBC virtual meeting on Wednesday, June 21, at 7:30 p.m., when Lyons and Roy will address questions about parking locations, turning radius for fire equipment, the entrance onto Route 111, a traffic study, the cost of a possible need to regrade a portion of Route 111, wastewater systems, wetland setbacks, and a formal document regarding the purchase price for the land. A drawing of how a 24,000 square feet building might fit the property may come at a later date. 

The BBC is also considering building sites at the location of the present fire station and at 70-72 Stow Road, which the Housing Board is also studying for possible low-cost housing or other development options.

The BBC is seeking information about the cost of renovating and enlarging the present police station. If such a plan is feasible and cost-effective, the BBC might propose building a stand-alone fire station, rather than a combined fire and police public safety building.
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Candidates Interviewed for Boxborough Fire Chief

BOXBOROUGH: Work is progressing towards hiring a new Boxborough fire chief to succeed current chief Paul Fillibrown who will retire in June. 

Town Administrator Michael Johns reports that a five-member screening panel representing the town’s public safety departments, administration, human resources, the Personnel Board and the general community, interviewed five fire chief candidates during the week of May 14. Two or three semi-finalists will be vetted via an assessment procedure conducted by Community Paradigm Associates, a Massachusetts non-profit organization that assists municipalities with such processes.

Johns, who referred to all interviewed candidates as “highly qualified and experienced,” said that he and Assistant Town Administrator Rajon Hudson will identify finalists, recommending “up to two individuals” for interviews with the Select Board by the first week of June. “Our plan is to have the new chief start in early July,” Johns said.
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Select Board Discusses Regional Dispatch Services

BOXBOROUGH: At its meeting on May 24, the Select Board unanimously authorized Town Administrator Michael Johns to move forward with regional dispatch service provided by Nashoba Valley Regional Dispatch in Devens. Due to dispatch staffing shortages, Nashoba has been handling the 9-1-1 calls for Boxborough for the past 30 days. All calls are dispatched to Boxborough police and fire, so residents will be assisted by local responders. Nashoba currently services Berlin, Bolton, Devens, Harvard, Lancaster and Lunenburg.
 

Representatives from Boxborough Police and Boxborough Fire Departments spoke about the advantages and disadvantages of regional dispatch services. Police Chief John Szewczyk spoke of “minor hiccups,” such as dispatchers’ knowledge of Boxborough properties (e.g. unit numbers, apartment numbers), but said that “the quality of the service was still there from a public safety standpoint.” Fire Chief Paul Fillebrown said, “Dispatch is the most vital part of our job.” He indicated that the 9-1-1 calls were handled very well by Nashoba, but urged the Select Board to slow down and make sure that all parties involved have “buy in.” Executive Director of Nashoba, Anne Camaro attended the meeting and answered questions from the Select Board and also responded to the chiefs’ comments and concerns, stating that joining the regional dispatch service is a long process.

The next steps are for TA Johns to begin working on an intermunicipal agreement to lay out the process for joining Nashoba. There are cost savings associated with joining the regional dispatch, mostly due to a grant from the state. Boxborough missed the deadline for the 2024 fiscal year, but if awarded the grant for fiscal year (FY) 2025, the state will cover 100% of the town’s assessment for FY 2026 and FY 2027. The next two fiscal years (2028 and 2029) are covered at 50% and 25%, respectively.  It is within the town’s budget to cover this year’s (FY 2024) cost of $200,000.
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Next Week at Boxborough Town Hall

BOXBOROUGH: Below is a list of Boxborough’s board and committee meetings scheduled to take place June 5-9. Note that the information is gathered a week or more in advance. Meetings can be added to the calendar up to 48 hours before the meeting. Meeting agendas are posted on the Town website up to 48 hours in advance of the meeting. Consult the calendar on the homepage of the Town website for meeting agendas and up-to-date meeting information. For meetings on Zoom, the link to the meeting can be found on the agenda. 

Monday, June 5:
  • Planning Board, via Zoom, 7:00 p.m.
  • Virtual Townhall on Eldercare: What to expect and what you need to know, 6-7:30pm.

Hosted by the Upper Middlesex Commission on the Status of Women
Register at tinyurl.com/June5ElderCare

Tuesday, June 6:
  • Finance Committee, Town Hall and Zoom, 7pm. Expected agenda items: Annual Town Meeting recap and year-end budget transfers

Wednesday, June 7:
  • Conservation Commission, Town Hall, 7:30pm.
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Boxborough Democrats to Hold Caucus, Elect Delegates to State Convention

BOXBOROUGH: On June 10 at 10am, Boxborough Democrats will convene in person at the Sargent Memorial Library meeting room, 427 Massachusetts Avenue, to elect 4 delegates and 4 alternates to represent Boxborough at the 2023 State Democratic Convention. Registration opens at 9:30am. Registered and pre-registered Democrats in Boxborough who are 16 years old by May 23, 2023 may vote and be elected as delegates or alternates during the caucus. Youth (age 16 to 35), people with disabilities, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ+ community not elected as delegates or alternates are encouraged to apply to be add-on delegates at the caucus or by visiting massdems.org/massdems-convention.

The 2023 Convention will be in person at the Tsongas Arena in Lowell on September 23. Delegates and alternates from across the state will gather at the convention to adopt a Party Agenda and/or Platform. Those interested in getting involved with the Boxborough Democratic Town Committee should contact Chairperson, Abby Reip at boxborough.dtc@gmail.com or (978) 490-5343. For additional information, visit boxboroughdems.org or facebook.com/BoxboroughDTC.
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BC Trust To Celebrate 25 Years with June 10th Concert

BOXBOROUGH: The Boxborough Conservation Trust will hold a 25th Anniversary Celebration on the lawn at Sargent Memorial Library on Saturday, June 10 (rain date June 11) from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The celebration will include a performance by singer-songwriter Oen Kennedy, and True West beer will be available for purchase. After the concert, BCTrust board members will lead a nature-based scavenger hunt with prizes that you can plant in your yard. There will be guided trail walks, plenty of kids’ activities, and an ice cream truck. BYO picnicking is encouraged. The event is free and open to all.
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Golden Fife and Parade Marshal Nominations Due June 1

BOXBOROUGH: Nomination forms are now available for the 2023 Golden Fife award and Parade Marshal. The Golden Fife is awarded to a Boxborough resident who has demonstrated long-term volunteer service to the town. The Parade Marshal is someone who has done something exceptional for the town, but not necessarily long-term or as a volunteer, and does not have to be a resident. Nominations are unlimited and a detailed reason for nomination is appreciated, as the winner is chosen not by number of nominations but by the Public Celebrations and Ceremonies Committee. Nomination forms are available at Town Hall and the Sargent Memorial Library and must be returned to the boxes at those locations by June 1.
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Boxborough's Annual Memorial Day Parade - May 29

BOXBOROUGH: Boxborough will once again have an annual Memorial Day Parade to honor fallen soldiers. The parade will begin at the corner of Hill Road and Wetherbee Lane on May 29. Participants will march, pausing for reflections at North Cemetery, Town Hall, and South Cemetery. The parade begins at 8:30am. Marchers are asked to meet by 8am. All town veterans are invited to join the parade as Grand Marshals by either marching or riding in a car available for veterans. The Boxborough Minutemen will conduct a musket salute at both cemeteries as the names of fallen soldiers are read. Three Blanchard 6th graders will read their original essays. Both the Blanchard Elementary Band and the R.J. Grey Junior High Band will provide patriotic music throughout the parade and local Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts will also march.
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Veterans Services District Director Now Holding Boxborough Office Hours

BOXBOROUGH: Acton and Boxborough Veterans Services District Director James R. MacRae has begun to hold office hours in Boxborough. MacRae will be available at United Church of Christ Boxborough at 723 Massachusetts Avenue on Tuesdays from 10am-2pm. As Veterans Services District Director, MacRae provides free services to veterans and their families in Acton and Boxborough, including assistance in obtaining State and Federal benefits. The Veterans Services Newsletter is available at https://tinyurl.com/BoxVets
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Volunteer Work Morning at Steele Farm

BOXBOROUGH: On June 3, from 9am-noon, the Steele Farm Advisory Committee is sponsoring a volunteer work morning at Steele Farm. The major task will be to care for the 50 new Christmas tree saplings that were just planted and to remove the stumps of previously cut Christmas trees. Other tasks will include clearing the many trails on Steele Farm and cutting down bittersweet and other invasives. Please wear long pants, long sleeve shirts and bring gloves. Tools like loppers, hand saws, and hedge clippers will be provided. As an added attraction, volunteers will be able to see several pairs of Bob-O-Link birds that are nesting in the Steele Farm hay field. Come one, come all to join us at the Steele Farm parking lot, 575 Middle Road, at 9am on June 3. No experience needed.
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Q&A with Newly Elected Select Board Members

BOXBOROUGH: On Tuesday, May 16, Boxborough voters elected three new Select Board members: Kristin Hilberg (3-year term), Priya Sundaram (3-year term), and David McKiernan (1-year term). Boxborough News team asked each a few questions about their new role: 

What are you most looking forward to about your new role?
Kristin: Getting to know all of the volunteers on the various boards and commissions and learning about their hopes and dreams for Boxborough, then working together to make them come true.
Priya: Learning about my duties and responsibilities and working collaboratively with all our Town Departments, Boards and Committees.
David: Getting to know, and working with, the amazing Boxborough residents who volunteer their time and efforts on the many committees and boards in the town.

What do you see as our town's biggest challenge right now?
Kristin: Refocusing our energy on the business of running the town.
Priya: Protecting our Water Resources, as many of our valuable aquifers are close to the commercial zoning districts, and being able to ensure clean water supply to all our residents. 
David: Arriving at the best possible solution for the 1414 Mass Ave. development project by Lincoln Properties.

What is one specific goal that you would like to accomplish during your tenure?
Kristin: I’d like to see a formal reevaluation of all properties so that everybody is paying the appropriate and fair amount of property taxes. Many are paying too much, many are paying too little.
Priya: Finalize and bring clean drinking water to residents west of 495 through Inter-Municipal Agreement with Littleton and Littleton Water Department. 
David: Increased communication and satisfaction with the residents and town government. (I’m also hearing that there’s a demand for a local coffee shop.)
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Board of Health Disapproves 1414 Mass. Ave. Subdivision

BOXBOROUGH: Lincoln Property’s application for a subdivision at 1414 Mass. Ave. failed to receive approval from the Boxborough Board of Health at the board’s May 17 public meeting at Sargent Memorial Library.

In response to a Boxborough Planning Board request for BOH review, the three-member BOH decided that the subdivision plan presented health problems because of a proposed well within 400 feet of a hazardous waste site and a proposed road’s proximity to both an existing well and wetlands.

The BOH decision and recommendations now go to the Planning Board for its consideration of the subdivision, which would be located on land near Routes 495 and 111.

Lincoln Property’s engineer, Sandra Brock, explained that it is not unusual for a developer to apply for a subdivision, not necessarily to build the subdivision, but to “freeze” the use of zoning restrictions not yet officially in place. Subdivision approval would allow for a larger development on the site.

Mark Barbadoro, former member of the Planning Board, explained that because the state has not accepted zoning restrictions passed at Boxborough’s 2022 special town meeting, approval of the subdivision would allow Lincoln Property to avoid those zoning restrictions on that site for eight years.
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Boxborough Hires New Treasurer/ Collector

BOXBOROUGH: The Town hired Naomi Quansah as the new Treasurer/Collector, replacing Jarred Aponte who resigned to take a position in the private sector. The Treasure/Collector is responsible for the collection of taxes, the recording, expenditure, and custody of municipal funds, the borrowing and investment of funds, and the payment of all financial obligations including employee payroll and benefits programs, accounts payable, and debt obligations. Prior to joining Boxborough on May 1, Quansah worked as the Assistant Treasurer/Collector for four years in West Brookfield (pop. 3,800) and was responsible for the collection of all real estate, personal property, and excise taxes for the community. As a member of the finance team, she also handled all payroll and accounts payable.
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State Tells Lincoln Property to Revise Environmental Plan 

BOXBOROUGH: On May 17, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs issued a certificate to Lincoln Property Company (LPC) saying that Lincoln Property’s Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for developing 1414 Mass. Ave. in Boxborough “does not adequately and properly comply with MEPA” (Massachusetts Environmental Protection Act).

The document notifies LPC that the failure to comply “requires the filing of a Supplemental DEIR” because “Agencies have identified significant concerns related to traffic, water supply, wastewater disposal, and rare species that require further information and analysis and appropriate mitigation.”

The property is located near the junction of Routes 111 and 495. MEPA describes the development as consisting of three new buildings for research and light manufacturing, with 35 loading docks, and 1157 new parking spaces.

The 200-page certificate includes 25 pages describing the findings of the Environmental Affairs office and 175 pages of letters from over 90 interested residents of Boxborough and neighboring towns, and from Boxborough committees and regional environmental groups. To see the certificate, go to bit.ly/3Wr6eLa and click on “Environmental Impact Reports.”