All right. Good evening. Noting the time and the presence of a quorum, I'd like to call this February 23rd, 2026 meeting of the Act and Select Board to order. Uh this entire meeting will be virtual
uh due to the uh state of emergency and severe snowstorm situation we've got going on. Uh couple of things. It'll be a little bit different. Uh we haven't done one of these uh since we got out of CO, so I might be a little bit rusty, but I
will be try to be as careful as possible. I'll be relying heavily on the town clerk to call roles for uh a lot of the votes. Uh we will be uh getting through as much of the agenda as we possibly can. There'll probably as
there always is there'll probably be a few things that are going to be continued to a subsequent meeting and we'll deal with that as we go through. Uh as is our custom, we're going to limit public comment to 3
minutes and the clerk will be keeping an eye on that. And with that, I will open this. Uh have the clerk please call the role. I'm not sure that's necessary, but let's handle it anyway.
>> Okay. Uh, Mr. Snider Grant >> here. >> Uh, Mr. Charter here. >> Uh, Miss Arsenal >> here. >> Miss Nickel >> here. >> And David Martin is also here.
>> Thank you. Uh, we'll begin uh with resident concerns. If anyone has any uh concerns they'd like to bring up, that's right. not in the agenda. Uh please raise your hand. We'll try to get to you.
>> There are two hands up. >> Neanar. >> Yeah. Hi. Um two things. I I may not be able to stay for the meeting. So, I just want to say I noticed in the agenda that there's um the 27 and 2A roundabout u
discussion and I live close to 27 and 2A and I think we need roundabouts in different parts of the town but not there. The the smart lights are working really well. There's no backup. I I use that intersection almost all the time. Uh so I don't know why who suggested
that whatever but I don't I think that's the wrong place to have a roundabout. Now there might be roundabouts needed by U Hayward or near Actton Medical or even somebody suggested uh uh where Harris uh Street meets uh Great Road. Those are
good places for where it's hard to take a left turn. A roundabout may be, you know, worth discussing, but please don't put a roundabout at 27 and 2A. That intersection with the new smart lights are working great and the backups are minimal to none. And so don't uh that's
like a that's like solving a problem that doesn't exist. Uh secondly, on the DPW thing um when you come up with it, I don't know if you're going to present a baseline so we can compare how much extra cost the electrification is going to take so we at least know or at least
the town know citizens know how much extra money they're going to pay um you know for the the the the climate agenda basically. So they can make a decision whether it's worth their tax money or not to pay X amount. If it's a small amount, I don't think anybody cares. But
if it's a large amount, then we need to know if uh it's worth investing all this money for um for climate ideology. So thank you. >> Thank you, Nan. Okay, next.
>> Cody. >> Hi folks. Do I have audio? Yes, you do, Glenn. >> All right. Thank you. Good to see you all. Um, happy to be on my first virtual Zoom select board thing. I've been out in the snow for a bit, so I'll be just
reading some prepared remarks, so forgive the stiff delivery. Uh, so school committee, we have of course had budget Monday recently. Um, Dillinger is uh is a consultant we've hired. They gave the committee a first highle look
at how geography based enrollment, the enrollment model could work in practice, including what it would look like to draw boundaries, keep things balanced over time, and reduce confusion for families. The presentation focused on the big picture, building a system that
is predictable, fair, and easier to manage year after year, while also being thoughtful about community connections and student experience. The workshop reviewed the fiscal year 2027 preliminary budget of I'll just say a
little over 122 million. Um a 4.55% increase along with proposed assessments of a little about 82.83 million in change for Actton. That's 3.75
uh% increase. and um 17.7 million plus some change for Box Bro, that's 5.57. Uh the biggest cost pressures are fixed and hard to control, especially health insurance. That's a big one. Budgeted up
14.4% to 14.8 million, including a 70 74100,000 retiree increase and out of district special education tuitions. And um I'll I think for the for the purposes of not
overwhelming with details, I'll just I'll send these remarks later for the more technical details. Um on staffing, the personal budget is about 7 75.7 million up 2.96, let's just call it three. while still showing major
reshaping tied to reorganization. The plan reduces positions uh like elementary school classroom educators, three unified arts, and certain admin roles while adding targeted supports for two elementary counselors, a lab special
educator, BCBA capacity, and other additional special education assistants, nursing coverage shifts by converting one registered nurse into >> two LPN. You have 30 seconds. On the revenue side, the budget assumes 20.2
million in state aid, including 17.5 chapter 70, using a conservative 75 per pupil minimum aid assumption. It also uses 1 million in one-time access and deficiency for transition costs, offsetting expenses without raising
assessments and reduces the OPEB contribution by uh 550,000 or so to manage short-term pressure. And that's everything that that was a pretty dense one. So, I'll just go ahead and email that to um uh what's the best email for
the select board? Oh, I can find that on the website. Um but I think that's all I got. I'm happy to answer questions. Um, my cell is around and my email is to school both school committee and I'm sure I'll see some of you at Trader Joe's. >> Thank you very much. Do we have anyone
else, David? >> No, that's it. >> Okay. Um, let's see. Chair update. Uh, I don't have anything in particular. I'm sure that it's going to lost time to talk
about the storm and our response to it and we do have a fairly packed agenda. So, I will dispense with my comments. I'll go right to the town manager. >> Thank you. Uh yeah, so we are uh we had to close all the town buildings. The schools were closed as well. Uh as you
know, we had pretty good amount of snow. I'm happy to report I just checked the Ever Source website. Uh earlier today, we had, you know, 5% of the town without power. uh at as of right now that says fewer than two households are without power. So not great for that one
household, but good news overall uh that most of the town has been restored and hopefully I know there's some wind gust coming, but hopefully hopefully that stays that way. Uh and thanks to the DPW who was out uh starting yesterday getting ready and then throughout the night and uh they'll be going pretty strong um throughout the night tonight
as well. And um thanks to everyone else who contributed and uh keep people safe. Thanks for folks for staying off the roads like you all and attendees tonight. We're meeting virtually which that's about 30 or 40 less cars on the road tonight. So, thank you. And um
that's all I had. U look forward to getting into some other things in the agenda tonight. >> Okay. Thank you. Um comments from my colleagues. >> Alyssa. >> Thanks. I just have one announcement
tonight. The Actton Water District annual meeting is scheduled for March 18th at 6 PM and that's going to be at the public safety facility on Main Street. And any registered voter, regardless of whether you are a water
taker, um you are eligible to attend that meeting. >> Thank you, David. Also, just one one thing. Um on Wednesday at uh six o'clock in town hall is a um uh a forum on um uh
uh a safety audit at Parker Street and possibly putting sidewalks on Parker Street. And so if you go to model u room 204 um uh at 6 o'clock Wednesday, if you're interested in finding out more and and giving your opinion,
Thank you, Jim. >> Um, thanks. Um, see, the volunteer coordinating committee has not met for almost 3 months because of some health issues. Um, the committee is now moving forward with a temporary reorganization to allow it to set a meeting in March
and bring some long delayed applicants through the process. So if you're a leison on to committees that have been waiting um it seems like the the log jab is opening up now. Um I may be bringing a proposal to the next select board meeting to change the composition of the committee to make
quorum easier to meet uh three three full-time members instead of five uh and an additional associate position. Also at a select board meeting in the near future, uh a review of the reappoint process with some key adjustments proposed to make the process simpler,
more accurate, and more complete. Um and also Alyssa and I have been exchanging ideas about the longer term volunteer goal. And we we may have a proposal for you soon about a survey of existing committee members. Hm. Um, the Commission on Disabilities
is preparing for an event during April Vacation Week in which people who want to learn about using the MBTA commuter rail, especially people with disabilities, can take a trip together. Uh, publicity will be coming out soon, including a way to sign up beforehand.
Um, so look for that. Um, tomorrow night, Tuesday, at 7 p.m. in the First Parish Church of Stow and Actton in Stowe, I'll be on a panel with climate activists from Stow, Hudson, and Maynard, reflecting on what our towns have been able to do about climate over
the last 10 years and what's next. Um, finally, I've told Dean about the handful of things I'd like to work with the board on before I leave. Um, here's the list in case uh any one person uh select board member wants to talk to me about them beforehand. of course, not
two folks to avoid OML issues. Um, first an update and possibly a proposal about how we can work with National Grid on the transition from natural gas to electricity. I've been looking through records of repairs, replacements, and new gas services and Andrea Bacera of
the sustainability department has been having productive meetings with National Grid. Um, next I have a straightforward proposal to take the new cross-sectional method of evaluating replacement tree requirements from last year's tree clearing bylaw and applying it to the uh
the scenic street tree policy. Um, and finally presenting the town bounds report for your review and approval. So hopefully over the next two months um we'll be doing those three things. Thanks.
Thank you, Ryan. Do you have anything? Nope. Okay, I'll let you shut up. >> I just wanted to add on to David's announcement about the Parker Street or Forum that's happening on Wednesday night, just so folks have managed
expectations. The the the scope is from the railroad track to High Street. So, if you're on the railroad track to School Street, then it's not going to cover that area um at this at this point in time. So, just so folks are aware of
what's being discussed on Wednesday night. Thank you. All right. Uh we'll move along. Um new and special business. Item three, approve request by Boston area Gleaners to wave construction permitting fees
associated with construction of storage shed at 91 Martin Street. John, >> thank you. Uh, this is a project that I think received some uh, earmark funding from the state and they're moving forward with it. They've been working with the building department. They have everything they need from the building
department, but one of the things that they've requested is a waiver on some of the fees associated with the cost of the project. Uh there's some information in the packet about the project uh which is some storage facility for the uh farm operations and there are representatives
there may be representatives here tonight. There are uh if you have questions about it or if they want to is it okay if they speak briefly to the request? >> Certainly. Yep. >> You should be able to speak now. >> Hi, can you hear me?
>> Yes. >> Good evening everyone. This is Usha Chakrar. the executive director. I know you all anyway. I'm the executive director at Boston Area Gleaners. Thank you for considering this request. Um I did send along a couple of page description um of the project. Um I
think most of you were aware that this is a project we've been hoping to complete for a number of years. Um our current cold storage is sort of a mix of containers and old trucks and old trailers. And we were fortunate enough to receive um two sets of funding from
the state. one through Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, food security infrastructure program and then um an ear mark that um Senator Eldridge was able to secure for us. Um we're on a little bit of a tight timeline because both of those sets of
funds follow the state budget and have to be expended by the end of June. Um we are through the permitting process. Ironically, we were hoping to at least start construction today. That didn't happen. Um but um we were hoping for a
fee reduction on the on the building permit fee. The portal spit out a fee of a little over $20,000 and for an organization of our size, that's a that's a heavy lift and um obviously we understand there are costs associated with this, but if there was any opportunity to lower that fee, we would
appreciate it. >> Okay. Thank you. Uh John comments. So, the board is um the board has received requests like this in the last few years from local nonprofits, and there's been a few that the board has approved uh partial waiverss for
building permit fees and other things related to some of the uh overhead costs for for projects that support a community good like this. Um Ed Mullen, our building commissioner, reviewed it and he's comfortable with with with whatever the board is comfortable with
waving. He thinks that the project is pretty well controlled. They have a third party person doing some work. Um, and he's comfortable with some type of fee waver if the board is willing to do it. >> Okay. Thank you, Fran.
You're muted, Fran. >> Sorry. Um, I was curious what we decided. Um, someone might be able to remember more than I would. Uh, the fees we
um allowed for the actton food pantry. I know. Um, does anyone else remember? Did we wave fees for them? I I believe I remember that we wave fees for them and for a number of other projects as well, but John might have a
>> Yeah, Lisa did some uh research to in case that question came up and u I had it on my desk ready to uh discuss. Hold on, I got to try to find it. Um, it was a partial waiver for the >> I thought so too. Yeah.
>> I I don't remember the exact amount, but it wasn't the complete wave. >> Um, is um Ed, are you here? I think I thought I saw Ed Mullen here. >> You mind chiming in? Can you folks hear me?
>> Yes, we can. >> Yes. Um, for the, uh, food pantry, I believe you guys, uh, wave the fee a half to about 50%. Um, which did cover the cost for the inspections. Um, typically, you know, the estimated cost to send an
inspector out with a uh town vehicle and the time and the uh services provided, it's roughly around $100 per inspection. Um, I don't think we'll need the the full amount that was uh stated in open gov for this project, but a 50% I think
or even less would we'd be okay with it. We'd be able to cover the cost of the work provided and the services provided. >> Okay. Thank you, Ed. Alicia, >> um I would love to hear from Ed if he's
willing to to tell us what a little less would would be comfortable. Um you know, a range like are we talking between 10 and 50% or are we talking between 30 and 50%. A little guidance I think would help the board.
>> Yeah, I would think between 30 and 50%. Um, I did some quick math on it and I figured it would be close to pro. It's a quick timeline, so I anticipate a lot of site visits in the beginning and throughout the project, but we'll we'll deliver them as quick as possible so
they can move fast. And uh, buddy, plumbing, electrical, and then the building, you know, where we have to do excavation and concrete inspections to get them out of the ground. And then the full frame, when it comes to frame, it's a steel structure, so it should go up fairly quickly. Um, so somewhere between
30 and 50% I think would be a reasonable >> Is there a way since it's on a quick timeline to to say that we would um cover the the real costs to the town
staff and then no no more beyond that because I think that's where we got our percentages before. Um, if I may, Ed, can you remind me what the estimated building fee uh was or is
>> the the fee was 20 for this one is 20,000 and change, the permit fee. And >> so if if the board were to weigh 50,000, it would limit them to 10,000 uh in fees. Uh I think the I just found the information from the food pantry. It
looks like the board capped building permit fees at 4,000 for the food pantry. Does that does that uh sound right, Ed? >> It does. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Hey, David. >> Yes. So, I'm I'm in favor of reducing
the fees. I'm not in favor of eliminating them because uh you know, we we fund fire protection out of this fund and and other things. Um but um if people wanted uh you know I'd be happy to make a motion to limit the fees to
5,000 or $7,500. Uh just a quick calculation of 20,400 is about 6,000. So that sounds like a the right range you have. David. >> Yeah, it was $20,434 is what Zenushia's letter.
>> I I favor 7,000, but it's David's motion to make. >> Okay. Um, I I I I I move that we um uh limit the uh building permit fees um to $6,000 on the the gleaners uh
refrigerated storage project. >> I get a second. >> Second. >> Moved and seconded. Uh would the clerk please call the role? >> Uh Mr. Snder Grant. >> Yes.
>> Uh Mr. Charter >> I >> um Miss Arsenal >> I >> Miss Nickel >> yes >> and I also say I so that's unanimous. >> Okay. Thank you.
>> Thank you all. >> Thanks. >> We will move on to uh item four. Discuss and consider great road route 2827 conceptual design for roundabout option. So, as as the board knows, we've been
working on some design with the state in collaboration with the state with some state funding to do many intersections over along Great Road. Uh the one uh this one in particular is getting some momentum uh on the tip, which is the the
long-term planning and funding uh process for to get the state to pay for big infrastructure projects like Kelly's Corner. In any event, uh we got pretty far into the design process and we had already discussed the idea of a roundabout and thought it wasn't going to work here for various reasons. Um but
the state has asked us to take a second look at it uh before they'll advance our project into the design process. So, uh, Cory did some outreach to some businesses, uh, that are in that intersection, you know, over Acorn
Plaza, which is, um, where CVS and Blackbird Cafe are. And, um, also talked to some other stakeholders, including the gas station owners and the, um, recreation commission cuz there's a ball field over there. And some of the
feedback that he received from all those folks is in the packet. Uh overall, it seemed like there'd be a lot of land that would have to be taken from those properties I just mentioned, and it seemed like it would be uh create some challenges for how we how that area
operates right now. So, we we want to bring it to the board. If there's interest in talking about a roundabout, we'll we'll talk about it, but if you're ready to move on from the idea, we would just need to hear that from from you all. >> Okay. Thank you, John. Um, I'll I'll
lead off on this one. Um, so I up in the Maritimes I go around a lot of roundabouts and it seems to me that they work pretty well if you don't have heavy traffic. But I think at 2A and 27 where there's so much traffic. Um, I just can't
imagine how this would work and not create gridlock. Um, so basically what it would do is it would might relieve some of the gridlock at the conquered rotary because everybody be stuck at 2A and 27.
Um, but I'm I'm ready to move on. I don't I see nothing in favor of this, but I will defer to my colleagues. Alicia, >> I'm inclined to not consider a
roundabout because I've reviewed the GPI. Sorry, I don't remember what that stands for. Um, but they were the engineers um the engineering firm who conducted the complete streets survey for Great Road and they did not
recommend a roundabout at this intersection. And it seems as also as if um since you know the data that they used was the most recently available data in terms of pedestrian and bicycle traffic and crash data and it seems that
since then we have um improved the intersection um first of all with the sidewalk extension and then it sounds like a resident is noting that there's now a responsive traffic light um which is which is good.
Um, so I I think that all of that indicates that there isn't a need for a roundabout here. >> Thank you. Other comments, >> David?
>> Uh, yes. Um, several several things. Um, so um uh you're absolutely right, Dean, that uh uh roundabouts work better in light and even traffic. In other words, one road doesn't dominate the other and and fairly fairly light traffic. Um but
um a couple of things uh uh roundabouts are generally safer for cars because um the uh angle of an accident is um not either a T-bone or head-on and
um that's that's a a good thing. Also the speeds are are lower. However, it's a mixed bag for uh pedestrians and bicycles. Um for pedestrians, uh like in
this case where uh what would be proposed would be to have refuge islands between every roadway. Um you you'd have four crossings to go across, right? and we'd need maybe flashing beacons, eight
eight sets of flashing beacons to get get to get through. Um, and uh, so the the good thing for pedestrians is that the crossing distances are shorter. But the bad thing, especially for young people, is young people don't have our
instincts for driving. You have to learn as you're crossing each segment to look first left over your shoulder then right then left over your shoulder then right or if you're going uh clockwise you have to do that the other way. Right? So um and
kids do not have that instinct yet as to where the car is coming from um at at an intersection. And so that makes it more dangerous. And for bicycles, the um the safety record for roundabouts is
decidedly mixed, right? Um people don't stop. They don't expect to stop. Um and when a bicycle is continuing through the roundabout at a slower speed, um there's a much better chance of um an accident.
And the round the the slower speeds that are in a roundabout really don't matter to a bicycle, right? You're you're still going to get, you know, you don't have any protection around you. So, um I I don't really consider except in
really uh in in certain situations that a um uh a roundabout is is best for complete streets. Um uh also and and and finally roundabouts and we saw see this in this design generally take more land
area right so more area is paved um to accommodate the roundabout than with a traditional just cross intersection. So um there are some intersections in town I think we could have a roundabout. Um I agree with others that say this is not
the best of those. >> Thank you. other comments. Okay. Uh Fran, >> I I'll agree with what has been said. Um I was curious too referring to Alyssa's
mention of the GPI um study that was done that I I think it was from Conquered Road to maybe it was from Conquered Road to Nog. I'm not positive, but um they did mention having
roundabouts at Harris, which I thought was a great idea just to slow traffic. Um I think this is such a busy intersection um that that I I don't know if this is a great idea, but um we'll see how this
develops. >> Okay. Thank you. All right, John, would you like a uh a vote to uh >> Yeah, we we would need a vote to report to the state that we've considered it and and what you've came what you decided when you did that.
>> Okay, Alicia. >> Um can I just ask John, you said that um things are moving on this intersection. Is there anything besides the extension of the sidewalk that is planned for this intersection?
because it when I looked at the complete streets um report it looked like what had been planned and recommended by GPI was already done but I I I could be missing something. >> Yeah, I think that they looked at our the state did some work on it,
you know, line work and and easy things a few years ago consistent with what the design that we're trying to move forward. I don't know if how much more would change other than they try to make it more perpendicular when they can and um >> okay >> things like that we I can recirculate
that design um or where you know with the stage it's at right now I don't I don't have it in front of me. >> Okay. Um, so I guess I would move um I don't know
to reject the roundabout concept at the intersection of 119 and 27. >> Second. >> Okay. Moved and seconded. Any further
discussion? Would the clerk please call the role? >> Mr. Snider Grant. Yes. >> Uh, Mr. Charter. >> I uh, Miss Arsenal. >> I, >> Miss Nickel.
>> Yes. >> And I also say I. So that's um unanimous. Okay. Thank you. So next we have a site plan special permit. and I will read the notice.
The actton select board will hold a public hearing on February 23rd, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. in the Francis Faulner hearing room 204 at the town hall 472 Main Street Actton and virtually actmma
ma.gov/meingb gov/meing/sb on the application of Primrose Schools franchising company for a site plan special permit under zoning bylaw section 10.4 at 457 Mass A. The applicant proposes to
construct a twostory 14,134 square ft childc care facility. Application materials and how to participate remotely are available online at Actton Town Hall at
doc.acttonma.gov/deb/view/collection-19896 and Alyssa is the liaison on this project so I will uh let her lead off. Thank you. Um, so I just met with planning staff this morning virtually.
Um, I wanted to provide just a tiny bit of background. Uh 457 Massav is currently owned by Common Ground Development and back in 2023 they had presented plans for a 37 unit affordable
housing project that had a 12,425 ft footprint and associated parking lot of 31 spaces and retention of the mid 19th century historic house on the property.
that um they were proposing to use for office and mail space for the residential building. Um that did not move forward um because there was insufficient sewer discharge capacity remaining at the time um as it was allotted to some other housing
developments. Um the applicant before us tonight is um Primrose Schools and they are proposing the demolition of the historic home and the barn. Um
and I will point out that uh the proposal um removes almost all of the trees on the site and there is significant earthworks required to level the site. Um which is basically removing a lot of soil and then back filling um
near the street uh to level the site. Um and that would require the installation of retaining walls on both the south and the north. um portion of the property. Um the building that's being proposed is
a 14,000 square foot building but two stories. So the footprint is about 7,000 square ft and then the associated parking lot um which is required to be 47 spaces and then um outdoor play
spaces. So the the home because it's a mid-9th century historic property is on our cultural resource list and so the historical commission um imposed a demolition delay on demolishing the
house and that expires this November. And I also want to point out that the intent of the bylaw is for an applicant to exert a good faith effort to incorporate the structure into their plans, if not the entire structure, at least the front facade, um, or find a
buyer and relocate the house. Um, and it's been reported by the historical commission that there hasn't been any effort made to that end as of yet. Um, also I got the chair's permission today just to provide a brief summary of some
of the legal notes that we have received as a board. Um, just so folks I mean the board members are aware. Um, but just for folks in the public because we have received a couple of requests um for us to outright reject
this plan. um the proposed use the child care facility is allowed even though this is in a residential district per um legislation at the state level the dober amendment. So the town cannot deny the
use outright or impose conditions that would effectively deny it. meaning that we we can't impose conditions that would make it impossible or impractical for the applicant to use it as intended as a
childcare facility. Um, we received the most recently published guidance from the attorney general's office um, forwarded to us by councel that explains the site plan review that we're doing right now allows for the board to impose
reasonable dimensional requirements in one of eight categories listed in the statute. um bulk and height of structures, yard sizes, lot area, setbacks, open space, parking, and building coverage. Um
the memo from the attorney general's office states that regardless of the local procedure, a municipality seeking to impose conditions on a do protected use should be specific and transparent in its decision-making and should make
clear how in imposing conditions on the use the municipality has struck a balance between preventing local discrimination against an educational use and legit legitimate municipal goals advanced by reasonable zoning
regulations. Um, town council further notes that the burden is on the applicant to prove any of these local requirements that we might choose to impose to advance the town's legitimate concerns um are unreasonable. Um, so any
any interest that the board identifies during the site plan review process needs to be specifically named and explained and then council would be able to review those. Um, I will note that the third party engineering review was
just sent to planning today. So the applicant has not had time to review and respond to it. Um, just a couple of notes. Um GCG, our third party engineering review suggested um the
driveway have a posted no left turn onto Massachusetts Avenue. Um snow storage locations need to be drawn on the plans. They suggested um reconsidering the dumpster location, noting that a sidewalk along the entire
frontage is required and that's not in the plans right now. Um also noting that the slope of the parking lot exceeds ADA requirements so that that can be adjusted. And they also noted that um
the natural gas use that's proposed would require a waiver. Um the act and water district also sent in um comments noting that um because there's an irrigation system proposed that
plantings need to be native and drought tolerant and the proposed increase to the size of the water pipe needs to be um justified in the water impact report that the applicant submits. Okay,
thank you. Well, that kind of sets the uh the tone. Uh is the applicant here to make a presentation? >> Yep. I'm going to um promote Jonathan Silverman, Alan Drake,
and I believe that's it for the applicants who are in the waiting room. Jonathan Silverstein. Sorry, Jonathan. >> Oh, that's fine. Good evening. >> Oh, and Josh Klein.
Uh with your permission um I'll uh lead things off. Uh I'm Jonathan Silverstein and Silverstein um with an office in West Conquer on behalf of the applicant. Uh as uh was indicated uh this is a
proposed over amendment project for a daycare uh and we have sought waiverss from certain of the dimensional requirements contained in the bylaw. Um I'm happy to review them specifically
but I'm happy to uh also just give a broad overview and answer questions that the board may have. Uh we uh feel that this is uh an appropriate location. It supports um
prospect to public school. Uh it's uh in a heavily trafficked area. Uh we don't anticipate and our traffic analysis does not indicate that there's going to be any significant traffic impact and the
peer review analysis not seem to confess that. As indicated earlier, we just received the traffic uh uh the peerreview report today. So, we haven't of course had a chance to prepare a written response. We're prepared to and
will do so. There's nothing in the report that seems uh difficult to resolve. uh and um when Josh uh or Adam speaks to the specifics of the uh civil designs, I'm sure they can touch on that
briefly, but again, we won't plan to try to resol uh resolve or address those comments specifically today since we just received them. Um we have adequate parking under the bylaw. We comply with
required setbacks as indicated there is some relief. we uh need from open space and from the maximum net floor area allowed under bylaw and I will defer to the memorandum
you've received from both town council and the planning director on that issue but we do feel that that release is warranted and appropriate. Um the
uh trees were prepared to uh engage in robust landscaping uh within the limitations of the site and and our landscaping plan does show that. So we don't feel that uh anything is prohibitive in terms of compliance with
the pre bylaw. Um, we did request a waiver of the parking landscaping requirement. Uh, pretty minor waiver, but we did ask for
that as well. Uh, you may recall we uh negotiated with the board last year a memorandum of agreement with respect to sewer uh flow. Um so that is already
resolved. And in terms of the uh storm water design uh maybe depth accessibility and some of the other issues that were addressed in the two review report I will defer to Adam. Uh at this time I think it would be helpful
for board to get a quick run through of the site plans and the architectural. So, I would send it over to Adam and let's uh do you have any questions for me at this point? >> No, that's fine. Let's uh let's see the presentation. >> Yeah, thank you, Jonathan. Uh good
evening. My name is Adam Drake. I'm with Stonefield Engineering and Design based out of 120 Washington Street in Salem, Mass. We're the site civil as well as the traffic engineer on the project. Um let me share the site plans here.
uh let me know and you can all see that. >> Good. >> Um yeah, so I'd like to start by giving some background on Primrose Schools as a company. So Primrose operates about 14 locations in the northeast, half a dozen of those being within an hour drive of
this proposed location. And beyond that, Primrose operates over 500 locations nationwide. So they have a long due diligence and site selection process to ensure the site can support the proposed use from a operational a traffic as well
as a environmental perspective. Uh Primrose is really looking to make an investment in the community and bring a much needed use to this town. So the existing parcel is 1.4 acres and it's located within the residence 2 zoning
district. Um, while this is a do protected use, it's also a permitted use within the residents 2 zoning district. Now, the site is currently developed with a single family home, a detached garage, as well as a swimming pool. Um, I'd also like to note that the property
has 264 ft of frontage along Massachusetts Avenue. Um, now Massachusetts Avenue is a mass DOT road, meaning we'll have to get a separate access permit through them. We'll also have to go through a separate review with Mass Dot while they're um where
they will review our proposed plans as well as the traffic report that we submitted. Um now the existing property has a substantial grade change. It rises about 20 ft from the road up to that rear property line there. Um now moving
into the proposed development. Um we've spent a long time in this site selection process. We really want to ensure we're giving the community a high quality product. Um, we tried to set the Dover amendment aside and make sure the proposed development conforms with all
the local bulk regulations. Now, the proposed building has 7,000 ft footprint and a little over 10,000 square ft of net floor area. Um, now let me pull up a architectural rendering that can help
you kind of visualize the proposed building here. Um, now I would like to note there is more proposed landscaping than this shows. This is really a visual aid to kind of demonstrate the proposed building. Um, and now I can pull this up
later, but I wanted to hop back to the site plans here. Um, so you can see we're proposing 8,000 square ft of play area well above the state requirement. There's a larger 7,000 ft play area to the south and then a smaller 1,000 ft
play area to the north which is designated for infants. We like to separate these out so the infants can be cighted closer to their means of egress which is along the northern exterior of the building. Now, all the play areas as well as the walking paths to the play
areas are fully enclosed with fencing to ensure child safety. Now, looking towards the entrance of the site, we have a proposed monument sign. It's been designed with similar building materials as the main structure to help blend in
with the character of the site. Um, we're proposing one full movement driveway off of Massachusetts Avenue. And then moving up to the parking area, we have 46 parking spaces proposed in compliance with the local requirements.
The 13 or sorry, the rear parking spaces um kind of these 13 in the back here are intended to be for employees only. That'll allow the spaces closest to the building to be used for parent drop off and pickup. Um just to really ensure
smoother operations. Now, in that northeast corner, um towards the employee spaces I was referring to earlier, uh we have a trash enclosure. This is going to be fully screened with landscaping just to ensure none of the abutters or any of the public driving
along Mass Avenue can see the garbage area. Um we've also submitted a comprehensive landscaping plan proposing over 20 trees and over n sorry, and over 100 shrubs. These are all native species.
Now, moving on to lighting. All of the proposed fixtures are dark sky compliant LEDs. Uh we've oriented them to all point inwards and down onto the parking area to avoid spillover onto the abuing properties. The goal is to provide just
enough lighting to ensure safe operations and nothing more that might disturb abutters uh or drivers on Massachusetts Avenue. Now lastly, I'd like to go over some of the subsurface infrastructure that's proposed. So under existing conditions, all of the runoff
from the site flows overland to Mass A. With the proposed storm water system, we're looking to capture all of the imperous surfaces. Um those will get captured with three subsurface infiltration systems. All that runoff will then be pre-treated to meet mass DP
requirements. uh it will then be recharged into the groundwater. Uh now before opening things up to questions, we would just like to note that we did receive the peerreview letter from GCG Associates this morning. We have
conducted kind of an initial review and didn't find any major concerns. Um our plan is to update the site plans based on their peer review as well as any feedback we receive tonight. Um and then we'll issue kind of a revised set of
plans as well as a comment response letter. Uh now if you guys have any questions, you know, we would be happy to go over them. >> Okay. Thank you. >> I'll ask my colleagues if uh anyone has any questions.
David, >> hi. Uh thank you. Thank you for the presentation. Um I have several uh things. Um, you you mentioned about your lighting and are are you aware that Actton has a lighting bylaw? >> Yeah, so we did review the lighting
bylaw. I actually saw in the peer review letter there was a comment about one of the fixtures um being a little too high and too close to the property line. So, we'll we'll give that a second review and make sure that the revised site
plans meet all of those requirements. There's also a color standard in our bylaw. >> Okay. Yeah. No, we'll we'll double check all that and make sure it's in compliance. We appreciate you bringing that up. >> Um my second thing is um you you
mentioned 46 spaces required uh uh by by Actton for this this development. How many spaces do you think you need? >> I mean if if with no limit up or down. >> Yeah. >> How many? >> No. So >> yeah. No, that's a good question.
Historically, primrose operate efficiently at about 42 spaces. So, we feel that 46 is adequate and provides, you know, a couple extra spaces just for a buffer. >> So, you could go less if we wanted. >> Um, yeah, theoretically, I believe we
could operate with a few less spaces. Um, we were just kind of working in compliance with the local ordinance. >> Yes, I I understand that. I just will say that as part of this, it's at least it's my understanding, uh, Nate or someone can correct me if I'm wrong. Um,
but as part of this process, um, we can modify the the parking requirements. Um, if if we want to do that. Um, and my the the the final thing which I think is very important to this and especially in where the discharge is is in this area
of uh, Massav which gets very complicated in the morning. I believe that you all should um negotiate an easement with the school district in order to be able to have a connection between your parking lot and their
driveway. Um in in in many parts of the country, I'm sure you if you do this for many parts of the country, they require interconnection of back parking lots as part of their um zoning or other uh laws. Uh uh but in in this case um I I
think that um uh you know I think it's going to be very common for people to go from here uh to the Parker Damon building or vice versa. Um and to have uh um a left and a
left is is problematic. Um um I and in fact, you know, there was a recommendation uh I heard that that they uh for not for having a no uh left turn sign out of this.
I'm not sure I agree with that. I mean, that that would make nightmarish roundabout uh uh circulation in this area uh and increase traffic. So, I'm not sure I agree with that, but I would very very much like to see an interconnection
between and you negotiate an easement with the school district to have an inter um uh an interconnection between your parking lot and the school driveway. >> That's I appreciate kind of the comment there. Um I do remember that coming up
in kind of some of our initial discussions. Uh we did kind of preliminary preliminarily review that and we did find some conflicts just between the grading um of that access and our parking lot. Um so just the
grading challenges as well as kind of operationally um you know the traffic in similar time periods um we just felt that not to be kind of the best approach. Um maybe Jonathan can hop in um and speak a
little more clearly to kind of that requirement being imposed on the project. >> Yeah. Uh thanks Adam. I didn't hear a suggestion that this would be a requirement more that that would be a
good way maybe to uh avoid conflict on that tab and to um acknowledge that there might be parents dropping children off at both locations around the same time and that
makes a lot of sense. I understand the suggestance uh you know I don't think it could be imposed at the requirements if for no other reason then we don't have the ability to do this unilaterally.
That being said, I certainly have no issue reaching out to the district to have that discussion, just knowing the uh the complexity of negotiating um
easements with government entities. Um I'm not sure how that will would coincide with uh this permitting process. And I guess the more fundamental question is whether it would work logistically. Uh but I I'm
certainly happy to um have us take another look at that um from an engineering standpoint because I think that's the first threshold issue is whether it would work from a civil
design standpoint. >> Okay. Thank you. Um, other comments from select board and I can't see everyone on my screen. So, if there's somebody on the select board that wants to speak, I uh call
out. >> Um, this is Alyssa. I have more questions, but I'm happy to wait until Fran and Jim ask their questions if they'd like to. Brian B, you're muted.
>> Is are we finished with the presentation? >> I believe we are. Yes. >> Oh, sorry. Okay. Um, I have really no questions at this time. Um, I know that,
um, there's been a swell of folks writing, uh, about, you know, incorporating the existing historic home wi with the project. Um, I I was curious if there if there was a
way to make the the actual project smaller in square footage because it seems oversized for that lot. Um, and I also have a letter written by the
historical commission if I could read it. If not, I I believe it might be in the packet. Yeah, if you want to read it in case the uh the applicant hasn't heard seen the letter yet. >> Okay. Um and this was uh dated February
17th, 2026 uh to the select board. The Actton Historical Commission imposed an 18-month delay on the de demolition of 457 Massachusetts A at our hearing on May 14th, 2025. The house at 457 Massab
is included in Actton's cultural resource list and the commission found the present building to be historically and culture culturally significant. The commission also found that the demolition of the building would be detrimental to the historic heritage and
resources of the town of Actton. Please refer to Anne Forb's letter to the select board dated um February 14th 26 for additional information. Before the hearing, the house was examined by the historical commission, an architect
familiar with historical structures, and an owner's representative. The architect found the structure to be in good condition for a building of that age, and stated that a renovation or relocation of the structure to be reasonable options. At the hearing on
May 14th, 2025, the commission encouraged the applicant to renovate or relocate the current structure on site and stated that the commission would be willing to lift the demolition delay upon review of satisfactory development
plans. The applicant did not express any interest in working with the commission at the time or any time since. The house under consideration is a highly visible and familiar structure on Massachusetts A. It sits prominently at
the end of Prospect Street and marks the beginning of a series of residential structures. Its location provides an edge between the residential area and Actton Cent's commercial and school districts. The removal of the house and replacement with a parking lot would
extend the commercial feel into the residential area. Actton prides itself for its place in American history, and that feeling is reinforced by an abundance of historic structures, districts, and monuments. With the removal of each antique house,
stonewall, or monument, a bit of Actton's history is taken, and the town's legacy is diminished. With each demolition, Actton slips closer to being just another anonymous suburban community. We recommend that the select board requests that the owners of 457
Massachusetts A practice adaptive reuse and look for ways to renovate or relocate the original house to both suit their needs and preserve a bit of the Actton's history. And that signed respectfully submitted William Dickinson
chair Actton Historical Commission. >> Okay. Thank you. U do you have other comments Fran? >> Uh not at the moment. I I I think I said what I had to say. Um I'd like to see a
smaller structure and an incorporation of of the house. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Uh >> yeah, thanks. Thanks Fran. If you want me to just touch on kind of the incorporation and the size of the project. >> Sure. Um so just incorporating the
existing structure um from a site perspective would just be difficult to maintain kind of safe ADA compliant grades given that kind of exaggerated change in grade I discussed earlier. Um and then from kind of a size perspective
you know there's a certain square footage that Primrose really requires to make the best daycare services that they possibly can. um you know to fill a certain number of seats and to operate you know at that high quality fashion.
Um and you know our job from a site engineering perspective is to really see you know can we do that safely? Can we do it efficiently? And you know based on kind of the materials we provided as well as the initial peer review we've received you know we feel that we can
operate you know safely efficiently on this site. >> Okay. Thank you. Comments from other members of the board. >> Uh Jim, >> Jim, go ahead. >> Yeah. Um I get two two questions. Um so
during the demolition delay um what what the applicants um supposed to be doing during that time is either doing the incorporation of the uh you know either the entire building or the facade into the project or uh find um you know a
buyer who can relocate the building. Um I think we've heard about uh the first one which was I would summarize as um we don't uh we wouldn't we wouldn't make enough um uh
money to provide the kind of you know the kind of extra expenses that go along with doing highquality uh daycare. Um if and and of course the site issues which I think is even a more compelling argument. But I was wondering about the
progress on um finding an alternate uh finding an alternate buyer uh who could move the building. >> Uh so I'll speak to that quickly. Um, so my understanding generally demolition delay bylaws and my reading to bylaw is
that if we want the commission to visit the demolition delay, those are the sorts of things we need to do to convince them to lift the demolition delay early. Um, we don't expect the commission to lift the
demolition delay early. And so I I don't actually think there's a legal requirement to do that. And I I just say that just for clarity, not to be um to to suggest in any way we're not willing we're not interested or willing to try
to cooperate on this. So Adam spoke to just the logistical um impediments to incorporating it on set. It just it just doesn't work. Um I did uh have a conversation uh during a project meeting earlier. We
did discuss um doing some outreach. We we still obviously have um nine months to um before the demolition delay expires. and we are happy to um put out
some ads, consult with the town uh with the commission, any uh anyone that can be we can be pointed to to see if anyone's interested in moving the structure. I will say from it's my
understanding um that there isn't a great deal left of this building that's actually very historic. Uh, and so I don't know what the likelihood is of someone going
to the expense of trying to move it uh, and put it back together and um, find a location that could be used for other development. So that's only by way of managing expectations, but we are happy to to do that outreach and see if
we can find anyone who is interested in doing that. >> Thanks. Um, what one more question, Dean? >> Yep. >> Okay. Um, we'll get into this further uh if there's a a fossil fuel uh variance
requested. Um, but I was wondering uh as a as a as a sort of point of information first, is there something um unique you're doing that would require uh natural gas? I mean with with the uh
with the majority of building types in Actton um it seems like you know either air source heat pumps or ground source heat pumps are a perfectly good solution for heating and cooling. Um and that um
taking keeping natural gas out of the building for uses like uh cooking or whatever is just a matter of uh you know safety and health. Um, so and you might have said something about the waiver during the earlier part of the presentation that I missed. So just
wanted to get your initial thoughts on uh on that. >> Yeah. No, we can we can touch base with the team and get together with the architect um as well as the MEPs to kind of discuss that further um and then get back to the board with kind of a better answer for you.
>> Great. Thanks. That's all my questions. >> Okay. Thank you, Jim. Uh >> uh Dean, I have a couple more questions unless you want to ask yours first. >> No, no, I'm I think most of my points are being covered, so go ahead, Melissa.
>> Okay. Um so, first I just wanted to touch on um David's comment about the complexity of traffic circulation. if there would be a no left turn from this driveway
um related to folks who might be dropping off students at a a school on the nearby campus or the adjacent campus rather. Um, I have a serious concern about safety for those two driveways.
Um, creating conflict with vehicles at drop off and pickup. Um, because folks that are leaving the junior high driveway may be wanting to uh turn right on Massav, while folks leaving the
proposed driveway from from the site at 457 might be wanting to turn left. So you've got um two driveways very close together where cars might be um turning in the opposite direction. So I think that that comment from GCG is is a
really um prudent one to to have no left turn allowed. And I do agree with David that it would be wonderful to have an easement with the district and um I suggested that when the applicant was before the board for the sewer units um
last summer to have the the driveway for the junior high be a shared one and have the entrance to the parking um be at the top. One of the things that was mentioned in the design review board memo was the incredible investment that
the town and the state has made in the Kelly's Corner infrastructure project to improve pedestrian accessibility and safety and to have a driveway um that
families who live in nearby neighborhoods cannot walk up easily um you know pushing a stroller to drop their kids off um is is really a lost opportunity. There's a crosswalk on the east side of the junior high driveway
that can be used. Um students walk up that sidewalk. Um it's a it's a an easy grade. So I I think that that is is definitely worth pursuing um an easement with the school district. Um, I would like to see I know there was
a note about needing a confidentiality agreement in order to share this, but I would like to see the proforma the financials um for the applicant to prove that a site sorry a center this size is
necessary for viability. Um, I I have not seen a purchase and sale agreement, so I don't know what the purchase price that has been negotiated with Common Ground is, but the the property is currently assessed at just over
$600,000. Um, and I note that in 2024, Rimrose purchased a property in Sudbury for 2.6 six million and there was a synagogue on site that they retrofitted to create a
daycare center rather than demolishing the synagogue and building new and that building is only 10,000 square ft. So I think it's really important for the board to have um that proforma information with whatever confidentiality agreements go along with
it. Um I just have a couple questions about the play area that I hope the applicant could answer. Um, so you mentioned that the northerly play area that's reserved for infants um has a an
access that's from the exterior rather than from a doorway. And I think that's true for the Southerntherly one as well. Yeah, it's at the bottom of the ramp. Um I did not see um except from the ramp in the
southerntherly area, I didn't see a gate that would allow um students and staff to exit in case of an emergency. um if there was a fire at the building and and they needed to, you know, exit
this play area to go across the street. I think that having a gate in that fence um just to have make sure that there's, you know, you've got lots of egresses for the building, you need at least two for for safety. And I think that um the
play area fencing is the same. Um, it would be great to have a second way in and out of that. Um, so that's really a comment, not a question, unless I missed it. And then I did notice that there was
artificial turf and I'm wondering what material that is because I saw some renderings and photos of centers and it looked like it was green um, actual artificial turf or is is this proposed to be engineered wood chips?
or some or some other um surface. >> Yeah. So, kind of starting with the question on the turf. Um so, we did provide a detail in the site plans provided, but this is going to be an artificial turf. Um it is made by Xgrass. So, it's um it's been third
party tested to ensure that there's no um POS or any other um kind of harmful material. And then the infill they use for this um it is it's not your typical kind of athletic black pellets. Um it's
called Envirroll. It's a kind of a coarse sand that's coated in a polymer to prevent like bacteria and compaction. Um and then kind of circling back to your second means of egress. Um, so on other projects we have kind of
coordinated with the kind of fire department on implementing kind of a second means of egress. So we'd be happy to work with ACT and fire um to come up with a safe play area for them. >> Okay, thanks for the detail on the um
artificial turf. Um although polymer doesn't sound great to me. >> Yeah, we have plastic in the world. I gotcha. No, we'd be happy to provide all of the spec sheets. This is um the safest kind of we found in the
industry. Um but we'd be happy to provide more cut sheets and those third party testing results. >> Okay, that'd be great. Um and one other thing that I would love um to have the board provided um is additional elevations and that was mentioned in the
GCG review. um the one that you showed earlier um of the building and the parking lot. Um not this one, but the other one that's sort of more of a street view. It Yeah, it doesn't it
doesn't look like this isn't an actual realistic view because there's trees added on the left hand side that look like they're they're in the middle of the road. Um, so I think we need an elevation that shows the detail of the retaining wall so that people can get a
better understanding of what the street view will be. Um, and also I know that there are some street trees that are proposed to be removed. So it so I'd love to see the elevations, the spec sheets on the materials for the
artificial turf um and also um the proforma And and I would also like like Fran, I would love to see the the house um incorporated into the structure and I understand what you're saying about the
the grading and that makes it challenging. Um but we have so many adoptive reuse examples here in Actton including a child care center on Central Street infant toddler children's center and there's one next door in Boxboro the Taylor School which is right off of
Massav. So, they're modern additions that have been added um directly connecting to the historic homes. Um but the project that I mentioned earlier by Common Ground Development, the current owner, that was a retention of the
historic home but not attached to the new structure, um the housing. So, it was the home being used for offices and then a parking lot and then the building at the back of the property. And maybe that could be shifted um so that the
building is in the middle and the parking is is behind and that might give you some more flexibility, you know, with the dumpster location and and um access to the parking lot um and the grading that's required for ADA. So,
I just I would love to see a little more creative um thinking around, you know, working in partnership with the town to to really hone in on the town's commitment to preserving our very few
remaining historic structures and also the importance of the pedestrian accessibility um that the town values um especially with the Kelly's Corner project, the infrastructure improvement project. >> Okay, thanks for the feedback, Alyssa.
Um, just kind of circling back to the pedestrian access. Um, we are happy to provide kind of sidewalks along Massachusetts Avenue here. I'm not sure if that's what you were getting towards um or if there's something a little more specific you were looking for.
um that that absolutely a sidewalk um extension in front of the property, but also I'm thinking of all of the families who live close by who might want to walk to the center, you know, pushing their kids in strollers and to be able to to walk up that driveway, especially if
there's no sidewalk on the driveway. It's, you know, they're going to have to navigate the vehicles coming in and out, but also the steep grade, which is why I think that an easement and a shared sharing the driveway with the junior high would really be ideal.
>> Okay. Yeah, we'll get together with the team and kind of review your feedback. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Any other comments from select board members? If not, um, David, do we have anybody
waiting in the wings that wants to make comments? >> There there is one hand raised. >> Okay, let's let that person in. >> Ron Lachland, you're able to unmute now. >> Great. Thank you. Appreciate it. >> Uh, can you hear me?
>> Yes, we can. >> Great. Um, so I'm in a butter and I sit directly behind this lot. So, if you look at the map you were just displaying, you go to the top of the map on the north side. Um, I is that black
dotted line in the picture there. Is that the lot line? >> That's the property line. Correct. >> Property line. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. So, my property goes all the way to the left. It's a 2 1.92 acres. It goes all the way to the left. I own the barn.
It's not showing up in your uh Oh, there it is. Okay. There you got. So, don't move there. Um, if you look, uh, let me see. Uh, yeah, there it is. That's it. That's my house. My barn is right by the hand there. Um, there's a a
path that goes right along that the the the project site, and all the neighborhood kids actually come up my driveway and walk to the junior high school to that curve there. So, um, my my biggest concern is, and there's been
expansion several times in the 31 years I've lived in my house. I built the house that the trees will be cleared to the lot line. Um and uh the the junior high school did it. The parking lot there on the top um used to be a lot deeper with trees, but they cleared
almost to the lot line. And also that house to the left there that's got no trees around it. Same thing. He he did kind of a clear cut right to the lot line. So my ask and my concern is that all the trees will be gone along my lot
line. There's a classic property line of, you know, stone, rock, um, that that goes along that whole distance. Is the plan to cut all the trees right to the lot line? >> Yeah. So, the plan is, you can see
better here on the demolition plan, the trees to be removed. Um, so there are a few kind of along this lot line that are to be remained. I'm looking at the top >> kind of everything within this limit of disturbance is proposed to be removed. >> Are the ones I'm sorry. Are the ones
along the top with the X's are those all supposed to be taken out? >> Correct. >> Oh, wow. So, it's all the trees right to the lot line. Oh, man. Yeah, cuz that that's Yeah, that's right
behind my yard and right behind my barn basically. That top corner is Yeah. So it looks like every tree along the lot line is going to be taken down. Yeah. Just so acknowledging that you're kind of the immediate butter. Um you
know, we would be happy to kind of work with you to try to beef up the kind of landscaping around that property line there. >> Um that's something we'd be happy to kind of discuss further after this. >> That'd be great. I' I'd love to discuss that if possible. And you also mentioned
the lighting. Is the idea that the lights stay on all through the night or do they come off at some point? >> No. So, typically the lighting turns off about an hour after operations end. >> Understood. Okay, that that's fine. If we could talk more about, you know, the
actual lot line itself, that'd be great. I'd really appreciate that. Mr. >> Chair, I just want to let you know it's been more than three minutes. >> Okay. All right. Um, do you have any other questions, Mr. Lachland, or are you going to hook up
with the architects and have some discussions? I guess we've lost them. Okay. Do we have anyone else, David, online waiting to speak? >> No hands raised, Mr. Chair. >> Mr. Sure. I just brought Ron Lachin back in to answer your question.
>> Okay. >> Sorry. My my quick question was timing on this. Um when is the the actual proposed construction time? Do you know? >> So the demolition delay ends late November, I believe. >> Um so I I would have to discuss with the
team to, you know, confirm, but I would imagine springtime is kind of when we would start moving. >> Okay. >> Springtime. >> It' be great if we could we could talk about the lot line itself, though. I really appreciate your offer. Thank you. >> Okay. Um
well, I think at this point, um unless there's any other comments, I know we want to give the uh the applicant time to review our third party review point. I know we've raised a number of issues. Um, I think we're
definitely going to have to continue this to a subsequent meeting uh to give the applicant time to uh to respond. And I will ask the uh the development team, how quickly do you think you'll be ready to respond and come back to see us
again? >> I imagine within a few weeks will you'd be able to get revised materials over to your team. Um, I'm not sure if that would give you guys enough time to kind of review. I don't know if you'd prefer um, you know, giving your peer reviewer
enough time to follow up again. >> Yeah, let me uh let me check and see what our schedule is like when we could be able to get you back in. Anyway, we're we're fast approaching town meeting, so things are getting a little
right now. Yeah, we can. We've been coordinating with the planning department. We can kind of follow up with them after this hearing. >> Okay. >> I think we need to have a date certain though to continue this hearing. Mr. Chair, >> yes, we do.
>> I was also going to suggest, Mr. Chair, that um Nate's here from planning and I didn't know if there was anything that he wanted to address that we may have missed. >> Good point. and also he could help with the the timeline.
>> Okay, good point, Nate. >> Sure. Um I think there was just one item um from the planning division memo that the board might want to um consider tonight since the applicant will be revising all the plans and that was um
one of the waivers uh or anticipated waivers which was um a parking proof plan. Um, if you'd like me to get into that and what that is, I'd certainly be happy to. >> Yes, why don't you do that, Nate?
>> Sure. So, one of the requirements that they um are unable to meet is the um separation of parking cells. Our bylaw requires um any parking lot over 40 spaces um to be divided up into two
cells um which looks to be pretty infeasible on this site. Um, and so in that case, the parking proof plan just wouldn't work. They wouldn't be able to prove that they could do that. Um, and so we've asked if the select board can
consider waving it. >> Okay. Thank you. Um, reaction from my colleagues about a waiver of the parking proof plan. My reaction is I'm wondering how a
removal of some of the spaces that we talked about right at the beginning um you know operationally they can manage with 42 spaces if that's going to impact it and also um considering
maybe a rearrangement of where the building and the parking lot and the play area is on the site plan if the applicant would consider retaining that home. Which reminds me, I would like to um address Mr. Silverstein's um
suggestion that his understanding was that there's not much of historical significance remaining in that home. The historical commission does not ever impose a demo delay on a building that's not significant. Um and they were, you
know, it was in good shape. the the architects, the historic architects on the commission felt that it could be renovated. Um, obviously it would need some some money put into it. Um, you know, but their finding was that the
demolition of the building would be detrimental to the historical heritage and resources of the town of Actton. So, there is absolutely historic value of that structure. >> Mr. Sure. If I could just um really
quickly uh I didn't mean to suggest that I didn't make that statement in the context of suggesting the building or trying to save it. I I made it in the context of of trying to find someone
willing to um undertake the effort and expense of moving it. Um, and just in my experience that have been involved in projects where that has happened and the entities that I'm familiar with that
tend to be willing to take those projects on look for just in my experience um uh buildings that uh have had fewer alterations made over time. So
I didn't in any way mean to suggest that that um my understanding of the current condition of the building uh undermines its significance just the likelihood of finding someone really is that on >> thank thanks for that. That's definitely
a a distinction that I didn't catch. I appreciate that. >> Uh Fran, I see you've got your hand raised. I just wanted to say that I'm I'm not ready to vote on a waiver tonight. I'd like to see the project come back um
with with dimensions tweaked perhaps. Um and it says on the building here it's 47 parking spaces and I think there there we're saying 46 parking spaces. So I would like to to see this come back. So I'm I'm not ready to vote for that
tonight. Okay, David. >> Yeah. Um, I that I would be willing I doesn't have to be tonight, but I'd be willing to wave the parking proof plan, but I'm seeing based on what I've heard tonight, my my own feelings is that I'm
seeing two conditions on the uh at least two conditions on the uh slight pam special permit. one is a walkway from the sidewalk to the building and um and the second is the interconnection to the um the uh school driveway. Um uh so um
those are those are ind both indirectly um uh related to the parking lot. So um uh you know for different reasons. I agree with Fran. I think we're not ready to consider that tonight. Um, you know, I I want to see a plan um or at least an
agreement to the the condition that we have the walkway from the the sidewalk uh to the building and that we have an interconnection to the school. >> Okay. Thank you. Um so Nate,
with those thoughts in mind, I think you know we're not going to be voting on a waiver at tonight. Um, what do you think is a reasonable time frame to get this back uh to continue the hearing until
>> I believe uh we could turn it around in two to 3 weeks. That would give you guys, you know, one to two weeks to review. Um I believe the next hearing is March 16th. Um I think that would give us kind of enough time to make our revisions and then recirculate it with
you guys to review yourselves. >> Okay. Thank you. Um, John or Lisa or Tom, what do our schedule look like for the 16th or do we need to push it off further?
>> Uh, on the 16th, um, it looks like we have time at 6:45 to continue the hearing. >> Okay. >> Um, I move to continue this public hearing to March 16th at 6:45 p.m.
>> Second. >> Second. Okay. Moved and seconded to continue until uh 6:45 on March whatever >> 16th. >> 16th. Yep.
>> Uh would the clerk please call the role? >> Uh yes. >> Mr. Snder Grant. >> Yes. >> Uh Mr. Charter. >> I. Miss. Arsenal. >> I. >> Miss. Nickel. >> Yes. >> And I also say I. So, we're we're agreed
unanimously on the continuence. >> Okay. Very good. >> I'd like to thank the applicant for coming in. Uh and we'll see you in a few weeks. >> All right. Thank you everyone. >> Thank you. So, um
moving ahead, we have a 7 o'clock Hearing for common virtual license and I will read the legal notice. The Actton Select Board will hold a public hearing on February 23rd, 2026 at
7 p.m. in the Francis Faulner Hearing Room 204 Town Hall, 472 Main Street, Actton, and virtually on the application of Orange Door Hospitality LLC, DBA Actton Coffee, located at 525
Massachusetts A, Unit 103, Actton, Mass, under Chapter 140 of the Massachusetts General Laws for Common Vitual License. The application can be expected at town hall during normal business hours. Login instructions for computers can be
found here. From a computer, please click on the link to join the public meeting. www.acttonmma.gov/meingb. or telephone dial 646876-9923 and enter webinar ID number 503-918-785. Telephone users may dial star9 to request to speak after joining the
meeting. Computer and app users may use the raise hand feature to request to speak. So is the applicant present and our apologies for being a half hour delayed. Mr. Chair, uh, I'll promote Chris
Powell. Chris, you should be able to speak and unmute yourself. Okay. Hello. >> Hello, Chris. Yeah. Again, our apologies for uh >> No worries. Lisa warned me that it might run a little late, so I was hanging on
and I was interested in the conversation. So, all good. >> So, tell us about your project. >> Sure. Um, so my wife Meredith and I purchased Acton Coffee from the previous owners in November of this past year and I've been running it since in the same
form and function largely as it existed before. Um, we previously operated owned and operated Orange Door Kitchen in Actton that closed during CO sadly. Um, and we've been kind of looking for the next uh brickandmortar uh food business ever since. We are Actton residents. We live on Arnold Street in West Actton.
Um, the plans for the coffee shop are to largely operate as it always has. We're going to be doing a renovation in the coming months just to kind of spruce up the interior. Think paint and furniture. Nothing too um structural, anything like that. And we are going to be expanding some food offerings to the extent that
we can and um and things like that. So nothing dramatically different. If you all have been into acting coffee before, um it has not not going to change too too much. Um but there will be some kind of new fun and exciting things, but that's largely the extent of it.
>> Okay. Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Um questions from select board members. I think everybody likes your operation because it's a great place to hang out. I've met with constituents there quite a bit, especially during the warmer
months. >> Yes. Yes. Uh we are hoping to make it even more comfortable for that in the future. >> Great. Uh David, I think I saw you start to raise your hand. >> Yes. Um I'm prepared to make a motion if you're ready, Mr. Chair. >> We're ready.
>> Okay. I I move to approve the common viddler license uh for orange door kitchen operating as uh acting coffee house at 525 mass. >> Second. >> Okay, moved and seconded. Any other comments?
>> I just want to make a request to maintain the scones on your menu when you make those menu changes. >> We will. I'm gonna if anything it'll replace something better, nothing worse. Okay, >> thank you.
Would the uh clerk please call the role? >> Uh yes. Uh Mr. Mr. Snder Grant. >> Yes. >> Uh Mr. Charter. >> Hi. >> Uh Miss Arsenal. >> Hi. >> Miss Nickel. >> Yes.
>> And I also say yes. So that's unanimous. Awesome. >> Thank you all very much for your time. >> Okay. Thank you. And hopefully you'll be continue to be successful. >> Thank you all. All right. Item six, discuss proposed DPW building facility project and vote
on concept to bring to annual town meeting. >> John or Tom? >> Sure. So I thank you, Mr. Chair. I'd like to start and then I' I'd ask for support from uh deputy town manager and and from yourself in um in discussing this concept that um we're now
recommending. Um the DPW project, as you know, uh we worked pretty hard to develop the design for what we thought we needed. Uh town meeting didn't support it or didn't seem like they're going to support it last year. And so instead, we did some design work and
some study work to see alternatives. Arrow Street did some some really interesting analysis and determined that a few options. Ultimately, the board selected the option which has been referred to as 4B. 4B was to create a a
smaller version of um some of the main components of the new building next to the existing building and then to renovate the existing building um for use as vehicle storage. This was seen as a compromise. This was seen as a way to
um advance new construction of some very critical components that we're deficient in right now, but also provide an opportunity for increased vehicle storage, which was one of the concerns that our operations team has. Excuse me.
So, that's there's been a lot of support for that and I think that's that's the right move. I think one thing that we're asking the board to consider in how we advance this project is to first is to break it into phases. Uh when it came back to us from Arrow Street and when
it's been presented by the DPW building committee and through any budget meetings up until just tonight, it's been discussed as a package. We would build a new building and at the same time design and renovate the existing building. And to me and to many of us,
uh, we feel like it'd be more advantageous to focus on just the building right now, the new building, and to break the project in phases and to have phase one be to build the new building uh, which would be on the same
site next to the existing building and have it uh, be constructed and then let let the community let let us let the decision makers decide exactly what the renovation for the existing building would look like because it can go you can do it, you know, very minimally and
you can do it very extensively and in the end it's going to be the same footprint which and it's a pretty big investment. So rather than jumping into what that uh renovation looks like, I think the real need is to get the people
and some of those support uh spaces into new facilities. And so the the approach here would be use the funding that we have in the proposed capital plan to get to complete design of the new building and bidding
and be prepared to bring that to a town meeting that that you're ready to uh whether it be next annual or or something sooner. Uh likely next annual uh but I guess I I can rely on you both for for strategy on that one. So that's
the concept. Um, I think some of the benefits of this new uh concept that we're recommending is a it's better focused on something that there seems to be pretty good consensus on what we need. We need better facilities for the staffing and the people that work in
this operation and better facilities for the equipment mechanics that that are critical to keeping the systems going. Um, and it kind of sets aside a part of the project that continues to be discussed
and debated, I think, more than than the other, which is the vehicle storage. We could still use the existing building. I think as part of phase one, what we would do is go all in on the new building and then say and and hey, hey architects and structural engineers,
what are the critical life safety improvements that we need to make to that structure so it doesn't fall down and they may say here's a few things you can add to the big project. Uh but not a full big renovation which is what I think was envisioned in part of 4B. So
that's the concept. Um, we have been working with Weston and Samson on what the new building would look like, uh, based on the 4B concept, and I think it's it's advanced pretty well. Um, it's going to meet the needs of of the department now and in the future. Um,
and, uh, I think we have a shot at moving this thing forward. So, that's my, uh, presentation, and I'm happy to be supported by my colleagues or answer any questions. Tom, would you like to make any comments?
>> Um, yeah, sure. The only thing I would add um to to what John had said is um John had shared a floor plan earlier and that's something that's been worked on with the DPW director to try to maximize the potential of what 4B would look like uh to ensure that the operational needs
are met inside the building. And it seems like those discussions are going pretty well um to the point where uh we're pretty confident that what is in 4B will be able to carry on operations moving forward and support the entire uh
DPW um outside of course of the proper vehicle storage. Um we are working with Weston Samson to get um cost estimates for the final design and we're pretty confident as well that that will be covered in the capital amount that's requested. Okay, thank you, Tom.
Uh, let me weigh in just a bit on this. Uh, you know, we've had a working group going, uh, sort of simultaneous to all of this. Um, and I've attended most of those meetings. Uh, we've gone over and sort of tweaked everything as carefully
as we can. I think the plan that John sent out to you today is that looks like the latest that uh we kind of went over last week. U you know certainly there might be some some minor changes but I think you know the the major elements
are there. Uh, I think this is a building that although it certainly doesn't answer all of our needs for the long term, uh, because we still have some unressed needs obviously with long-term vehicle storage of, you know, larger equipment,
but this gets us a good chunk of the way there. I think the something that everyone has agreed on, including most of the finance committee, is that it's most important to provide adequate work space for all all of our employees,
and this does that. Um, the existing building is in tough shape, but frankly, until we get some kind of communitywide consensus as to which way we're going, I I'd hate to spend a few million dollars into a building that,
you know, maybe in 5 to 10 years we might want to tear down. So, I think it's let's focus on what we know we need and what I think we've got a lot of consensus on from everyone.
Uh this final design and this concept of basically putting all of our eggs in one basket on this building is not something that has been reviewed by the building committee at this point. But I
they have been very much in favor of the whole concept of 4B. And since we're basically going to stick with the 4B concept, it's just a phrasing matter. Um, and looking at budgetary issues, I I think I'll get their support as well.
Um, I would propose after we get some resolution tonight, Tom and I will set up a meeting with the building committee and go over it and this will give them a chance to see the the the latest tweaks on the uh on the plan for the new
building. But I think it's a uh it's a reasonable path forward. The longer we delay on this, the more expensive the building is going to be. And we keep making the building smaller and keeps getting more expensive on a
square foot basis just because that's the nature of construction. So I I'd like to move ahead quickly with this. U the existing building can be used in its present configuration. There's probably some minor tweaks and structural changes
that can be made that might give us a little few better options for storing a few more vehicles inside, but um those are kind of minor items from my point of view. And one of the other things that I know
we were very disappointed with our earlier plans that we kind of backed away from having a a formal wash bay in any of the buildings. I think by delaying this and eventually we're going to end up having to do
something with a big parking facility for all of our equipment and that would be probably a good time to be able to add in that wash bay in that whatever the new structure is going to be uh for the storage of the heavy equipment.
And obviously the uh the new building um for equipment, not the building that we're talking about right now, um could be a fairly simple structure um with fairly straightforward
HVAC concerns and that sort of thing. So it could be a a pretty good operation. And um so that's where I am on this. Uh, I would be happy to hear any comments
from uh my colleagues. Alissa, >> thank you. Um, I just want to say that I'm really really happy with this proposal. Um, uh, kudos to the brains that came up with it. Um because I was a
little disappointed thinking about the wisdom um and the responsibility of of spending, you know, even if it was a just a few million dollars on renovating the existing building for for fleet storage. And like you said, Dean, you
know, a building that would need to be um torn down later or or we would be, you know, stuck with something that's that continues to be um inadequate for our needs. So, I think that um focusing
the project on the office and crew and mechanic spaces is a good one. I I do have um well, let me just finish that thought by saying um back in 2021 when the
original feasibility study was done or maybe I can't even call it original because there may have been one even before that but you know the the different options of renovating the the building or adding on to it or demolishing and building new those were
already looked at and it was determined that it was not going to be coste effective to renovate the existing building. Um just not a wise use of taxpayer dollars. So I think that this brings us back to that finding. Um but
in terms of what Mr. Datar mentioned at the beginning of a cost impact to taxpayers. I I know he was referring to the difference between um natural gas and an airsource heat
pump that cost difference to communicate to taxpayers. But I'm also thinking about the tax impact. What we're bringing to town meeting this year is just design money for the project. Um, and while we might have a
cost estimate for the total project cost, I don't think that back in 2023 when we got the 1.225 million for the design that we brought to the ballot and town meeting last year, we had the tax
impact. Is that something that we want to consider or do we just want to focus on the design cost and getting that passed at town meeting and focus on a tax impact once we have the 40% design
and and and a more accurate cost estimate? So, I think um the the proposal that we have before that's going to be that's on the warrant, the draft warrant is to is to use $900,000 to complete a design.
It's it was initially we were initially thinking 40 to 50% cuz we were trying to uh plan our renovation at the same time. And I so that's why I said focusing on the new building allows us to get more out of this 900,000 and and get it potentially all the way to full design.
I don't think I don't but I don't think however that before uh April we would have any additional cost estimate information to be able to use to to make a tax impact analysis available. I mean Tom is that do we're not expecting any additional cost cost outs are we
>> uh not at this time not anything that would be um concrete. Okay. Then I would just say um in the warrant summary, it would be helpful I think for taxpayers um for voters who
come to town meeting to understand um exactly what that 900,000 gets, if it's more than 40%, if it's 75%. Um, and also a note saying that we'll have accurate cost estimates later if we
don't have them at that point when the warrant goes to print. Just so that question is anticipated. We pro we provide an answer um so people don't have to be left wondering about that because they're definitely going to wonder about the tax impact since we've
already um communicated the tax impact of the previous proposal. So that's my opinion. Okay, thank you. >> Thank you, David. >> Uh, yes. Uh, a couple things. I think uh
this is a good plan. It shows a a best effort to reduce cost at this time uh by separating the uh project into phases. And also unlike some phase designs, I don't think this really increases the overall cost except for the normal
year-to-year delay of the second second piece of of this. Um I also will note that this gives us further time you know the others have mentioned this but I'll just it's a little bit I'm going to mention it in a little bit different way to evaluate the pros and cons of
renovating the existing building which might last 10 or 15 years versus building a new garage. I'm talking purely in the garage side, right? um it gives us more time to decide whether to renovate the existing garage or build a new garage. There are
some on the finance committee that have proposed to make a pre uh that we have a prefab metal garage which is an easy structure to erect, right? And and that kind of thing. And that probably would last 50 years as opposed to 10 to 15
years. And you know this gives us you know after we complete the the the proposed building that gives us time after that to um decide how to proceed for the the garage part of the the the project which which I think is is uh
good. Um I also think that for town meeting and I'm I'm a little confused now as to what we're putting in the in the warrant summary. I think that there needs to be in either the presentation
or the summary, maybe both, an estimate of where we started in terms of cost. Um like the the proposal that that uh we were going to bring last year and town meeting was not in favor of. Um and then
um where we were with 4B and where we are with the building without a garage with no garage improvements. So I think you know we we don't need exact numbers and exact tax impact but I think we need uh to be able to present a town meeting a ballpark estimates of what what the
town is is designing. >> Okay. Thank you. Other comments? Okay. Uh Alissa, >> um as usual, what David said makes me um think about something else.
David, I just because you've stated um and it's part of the public record now that we might consider a pre uh FAB building. I just want to make clear that whether or not that is actually a
possibility in this meeting. Um because what I have heard when it's come up in the past is um that we cannot use such a simple to erect and cost effective building
because the public works is an emergency function and needs to have that specific building code which um I don't know I just remember the number four building code or
>> I heard I heard Tom mention it at the last um finance committee meeting where they were discussing this. >> Right. Right. I I guess I shouldn't have maybe mentioned a solution. I was just trying to note that one member of the finance committee especially was talking
about a prefab structure. Certainly a metalshelled building can meet that code. Whether it it depends on what you mean by prefab, right? and whether the the side panels come and you bolt them together or whether there's more assembly done in a factory and and we're
we're obviously getting way ahead of ourselves here. So, I shouldn't I shouldn't have I shouldn't have said prefab. I I do I did want to point out that at least one member of the finance committee was suggesting that if for a
garage only replacement there could be um a simpler design. >> Yeah, it's worth clarifying that the the proposal that I brought forward was to continue with 4B but just to do it in two phases,
>> right? Okay. Um, unless there's any other comments. Um, oh, Fran, >> sorry. I, um, well, you know where my loyalty lies, but I'm ready to join my
colleagues and and accepting, uh, this design. So, um, hoping for the future that, uh, it won't be hard to add 18 more parking spots in a wash bay.
Okay. >> Thank you. Okay. Um, so I I will actually propose a a motion. I would move that the select board support the concept plan that
the town manager has circulated today, showing that we focus our work initially on the construction of the 4B portion of the the portion of the 4B project
uh that focuses on workshop space uh admin and support services and that we did not focus on
the uh storage area. I don't know if that gives you the right latitude, John, or not. >> I think I think supporting the concept of breaking into two phases would would would be helpful to include. >> Okay. that we break the project into two
phases and we focus our our our work initially is on the uh the new building and we delay work on the second portion of the building the uh equipment storage area.
>> I'll second that. >> Moved and seconded. Uh would the clerk please call the role? >> Yes. Uh Mr. Snider Grant. >> Yes. >> Mr. Charter. >> I, >> Miss Arsenal. >> I, >> Miss Nickel.
>> Yes. >> And I also say I. So, we're unanimous on this. Okay. Great. We'll be uh advancing that. I'll keep people appraised as to any more information that we generate in
the next couple of weeks. Moving ahead to item seven, discuss town manager's revised recommended budget and capital plan and vote to transmit to finance committee. John, >> thank you. So the the required process
under the town charter is that the town managers uh town manager presents a budget uh some number of days before town meeting and that the select board review it um sign off on it or adopt it or formally transmit it uh with their
support to the finance committee. And you have to do that 60 days before town meeting. Um so you have you have until I think the second week of March or so to do that. maybe the first week of March. Uh we're I'm proposing that you do it tonight. U I think that we've we started
talking about the FY27 budget in August and we've been providing some pretty detailed data about the work that we did to prepare for the budget. Uh we got some really valuable feedback from all the board members uh throughout the months leading up to the dis to the
January 5th presentation or of the budget and we got some feedback at the time since. There are two changes to the budget uh that we published today as a revised budget. Uh and I wanted to walk you through those.
I think that they are uh helping with some important um priorities that we weren't able to address in the initial publishing of the budget. Uh the first is health insurance. uh we did some analysis and we determined that we wouldn't need to increase our health
insurance budget because we've been budgeting very conservatively in the previous two to three years. Uh we also hadn't received our health insurance estimate yet from Maya. We did get that uh at the beginning of February and it came in just over 10%.
Which is a little bit less than we were projecting. So that's that's good news. And as a result, we are able to reduce the health insurance line item by $100,000 uh and still be able to fund health insurance uh for employees next year and retirees.
Uh so that's $100,000 savings right there. Uh with that, there is a $15,000 uh cost item that I kind of I kind of said no. I said no to a lot of staffing requests this year. and and this and there was one in particular that I said
no, but I think we can figure out a different way to pay for it and we've been working on that and it's it's complicated. So, I think it's it'd be much easier if we could use the $15,000 from the hundred that we just saved to fund this position. And it the position is just some staffing for the
conservation office uh to help with maintenance and and uh upkeep at the arburitum. Uh the arburetum is a very big uh project. It is maintained uh I don't know the
percentage but I would say more than 80% by volunteers uh maybe more than that. Um and that's not sustainable necessarily for the long term. It's certainly very valuable that and people take pride in in volunteering and keeping that property up.
having a part-time position that works in town hall or wherever they work and has it's their job to kind of help out with things that are going on over there. It's something we've been trying to fit into the budget for the f past few years. Uh it's relatively short money at $15,000
and doesn't it's not going to incur any new benefit costs or any new uh overhead that a full-time position would. So, the two changes are net out to about an $85,000 decrease in the budget. Um, and those changes are reflected in the
published document that we put online today. There's a couple little minor adjustments to uh some of the narratives. Um, and we updated some of the information in the opening pages just to reflect the new number. Uh there was m one minor adjustment in the nursing budget where
we are calculating the the offset from Littleton differently. So we fixed that. Not nothing that stuff that anyone would notice, but I just wanted to mention it in case you did. Um, and in in any event, the new recommended town manager's budget is
$85,000 less than uh the one that was presented on January 5th, and I'd ask for the board to consider adopting that and transmitting to the finance committee. >> All right. Well, thank you, John. You've
continued to work on this. Um, and it seems like you've pulled it off once again. um comments from uh select board members. >> Jim, >> um I've spent a lot of time in the
arboritum back in the land stewardship committee days and there was always a gap between um what the arboritum really needed in the especially in the formal parts um and what could be provided. Um,
so there were always things being left undone because, you know, volunteers can only do so much and they can only, you know, they're only able to take on a certain level of, you know, planning capability um and and direct, you know, daytoday making sure things get done.
The friends of the Octon Arboritum do an amazing job in planning and volunteering. Um but there's still um there is a gap there that has been filled in the past by you know an amazing set of uh you know occasional volunteers and occasional staff but we
don't have that right now. Um and it's such a gem. I'm very much in favor of um this is very short money and uh it'll really help with uh helping the arboritum uh live up to its promise. Okay,
other comments. Uh, Alyssa, >> I just want to say that I'm very happy that our health insurance rates did not increase as much as we expected them to. >> I support this these changes.
>> All right. Can we have a motion? David, >> I move to uh uh transmit the revised town managers budget published today um to the finance committee. >> Second.
>> Moved and seconded. Any other comments? Okay. The clerk, please call the role. >> Uh Mr. Snder Grant. >> Yes. >> Mr. Charter, >> I miss Arsenal. >> Hi, >> Miss Nickel. Yes.
>> And I also say yes, we're unanimous again. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. We appreciate it. >> Nice thing to have off your desk a little bit, Sean. >> Uh item eight, acting leadership group discussion.
>> Okay. Well, uh the last time we had an ALG meeting, I think the deficit was about $130,000. Um I just mentioned that the town managers or that the the board just transmitted a budget to the finance committee that knocks $85,000 from that deficit. So um we also heard from the
minute man uh regional school district that their budget had been adjusted after the state aid numbers came out. I think it reduced by another 25,000. So the deficit at this point um I think we'll be able to resolve it before the
next meeting which is scheduled for um early March. We have a meeting this week but we're not going to talk about the ALG plan. So I think overall it's pretty good news uh in terms of the deficit. We also did some work based on the finance committee's request or or
some of the members of the finance committee on kind of forecasting out years for the town and the school did the same. school district the same thing. And we always try to use round numbers when we're projecting out future years cuz
there's so much planning that goes into every budget year that to try to plan what FY30 is going to look like. It's hard to spend a lot of time doing that. But uh it does make sense to forecast big big numbers that we can health insurance, pension, debt, certain things
we can project even salaries to some degree. So, we did that. Uh, and I think I've shared it with the finest committee. I think they like it. Um, we'll see. Um, but I think in terms of ALG plan, uh, that's where we're at. Um,
I'm hoping that this year that there's a consensus on the whole plan and we can, um, bring it forward to town meeting. Um, were there any other matters from ALG that were held over from last meeting that we're going to discuss tonight?
Not that I can think of. Uh the one uh point that I of curiosity uh Mr. Cotay gave his presentation at the beginning of our meeting talking about the school's budget and told us that they're still looking at a 14% increase in their
health care costs. M >> um and I'd be interested to see if that's based on a quote that they got that's similar to the one that we've got or what. Um, I know that's not something that you can
weigh in on particularly, John, but I think it's certainly an item that I intend to raise at the uh ALG meeting to see, you know, if if we're down a 10% increase, it would make sense to me that the school district would be somewhat similar.
>> They they are, but their original um projection was 18. So coming down to 14 is a similar reduction which they shared at the the budget Monday. If I'm if I'm David, do you remember are those the right numbers that they were
told to expect an 18% increase and that it came in at 14? >> Um that's appro I don't remember exactly that's correctly. >> Yes. Um and um I will say that there are numbers don't uh mirror ours
exactly. um in terms of the numbers of retirees and and other things that they they have. And I do know from uh that we heard on uh budget Monday and in other times that Maya had told them that their premiums in recent premium uh previous
years that since we converted from uh the the trust um did not cover their outlays. So, uh, Maya told them that their reductions were not going to be as much. So, um, anyway,
uh, but that's certainly something you could ask again at ALG. Uh, both Sher and, um, and Peter should be able to answer that. >> Okay, great. Um, I don't have any other any other questions or comments about
ALG unless somebody else does. Okay, we'll move on. Item nine, review and take positions on town meeting articles. Um, John, do you this want to put this on the screen or you want me to just
read them off? >> Yeah, let me just um Tom, are you still uh locked out of the uh or can you bring that up? >> Uh, I'll try one more time. >> Okay. I think um so as mentioned we're
we're we're getting a jump on the warrant this year uh both to to make it to make these meetings more more effective and productive in knock knocking warrant articles out but also for the finance community to give them an earlier look at all the different articles are being proposed. As of right
now we have 40 articles uh with a couple placeholders that are empty uh in there but 40 uh all in. Uh and tonight we're bringing forward um a handful that are ready. Um this is pretty early for articles to be ready,
but we feel these are ready. Excuse me. And I think I did we did provide the cont the text of the articles in the packet. Um they're mostly are consent items um that you'll recognize and I
could go through them. So article 29 is the article that the board or that the town looks at every year to authorize select board to enter into ements as it relates to uh utility projects. Article 30 is authorizing the town to accept the
highway reimbursement program money from chapter 90. Article 31 is to appropriate insurance receipts insurance proceeds that we may receive throughout the year. Article 32 is to accept
um authorized acceptance of federal reimbursement aid. That's another standard one. Article 33, authorize appropriation of performance bonds. Standard one. Uh 34, authorized sale forclosed properties again every
year. And then the next three are new. So, um, number 35 is to authorize the long-term agreement with Actton TV. So, if you recall, um, Actton TV has an MO A to
operate and they use the PEG revenue that we get as a town. We give it to them and they run Actton TV. They do a great job. U, the the agreement expired at the end of this fiscal year. we renegotiate a new agreement and because of some um things that we've un understood more
recently than we maybe understood in the past. Uh we learned that we had to bring this agreement to town meeting because it was longer than 3 years. >> So what we did was we authorized a three-year agreement which was um
subject to approval from town meeting for the full duration which was meant intended to be 10 years. So, this is really just asking a town meeting, hey, town meeting, would you authorize the select board to have a 10-year agreement with Act and TV instead of a three-year? Um, and and so that's what that would
do. Article 37 is there's a lot of different things in Mass General Laws and we have a handful that we're going to bring forward to you. Uh, we have two two tonight. There's a lot of things that that Mass General laws requires you to adopt from town meeting before you can implement in
your community and there's several that we're going to do. The first one we're proposing is chapter uh 258 section 9 which allows the town to end indemnify municipal employees. uh any anyone that works for the town,
including including you all, um are indemnified for things that you do um in certain situations uh as as a municipal official, but you're not individually indemnified if someone decides to take
that path. And so just to help with recruitment and retention of both staff and volunteers uh but primarily for staff uh we're asking in the town to adopt this section which would allow the select board to indemnify municipal
employees. Article 38. This is does anyone know what tailings are? >> They're uh the leftover expenses. they're leftover. So, we we write a bunch of, you know, Patrick
McIntyre, our treasure collector, talked about how he's doing taking some different approaches to managing our the money that we spend and and how we keep it. Every month, we write dozens or maybe hundreds of checks to different vendors, whether it's for new pens or a
consulting service. Every once in a while, those vendors just never cashed a check for some reason. And um this allows us to do something with those >> keep it I suppose. Tom, do you have do
you remember what that what that does? >> I Yes. Um so this gives the the town the mechanism to be able to reclaim those checks after a period of time. There's a couple different things you have to do to meet that. You have to post them. You have to notify or attempt to notify the
individuals who have the outstanding checks. You have to have posted on the website. um you have to put it in a local newspaper or uh I think act exchange would qualify as a local news source. Um it's typically a 60-day windows and then it continues on and
then at the end of that period um you're able to then cancel the catch and re uh cancel the check and then rec reclaim the cash and that goes into your next year's free cash um free cash um
review from the state. So, this would give the town that opportunity. Uh, there's about $26,000 that are outstanding um that would be subject to potentially being reclaimed through this process. So, those are the articles that we have
ready for you. They are written out in in the packet if you wanted to review the language u tonight or if you're comfortable. Uh what what we're asking you to do is tell us any questions you have about these articles. uh but more importantly asking you to take a vote to
recommend or not recommend them which would then go in the warrant which says the select board recommends this 5 to zero or or 4 to one or what whatever you decide. >> Okay. Um questions
>> I have a question about a few of them. Um the first one I noticed article 35 the language is not about act and TV what's included in the meeting packet. It's about foreclosed properties. So I'm
comfortable with the amendment to the memorandum of agreement that we have or sorry the long-term agreement that we have with ACT and TV. I just wanted to to point out that the language and the summary is not related to acting TV.
>> Um Tom, if you if you unshare, I will I will share the full text of that. Um that's that's my bad for having the wrong one um in the packet. I'll do that right now. I mean, the the warrant the motion is
what we're voting to recommend, not the summary. So, I don't necessarily need to see this summary. >> Um, >> cuz the the motion is there >> about ACT and TV.
>> This is now showing both correctly. >> Mhm. >> Okay. >> Okay. Other questions? >> Um, yeah. So,
my understanding of article 37 is a little bit different than what you explained, John. I thought that the town indemnified municipal officers that are serving as volunteers
under section 13, but not yet employees. and that's why we wanted to make this change. But what you're saying is it's a difference between we're we're all >> covered now in our role,
>> but what we're adding with section 9 is as an individual. >> Is that is that accurate? >> Yeah. So, >> okay. >> It's it's indemnifying employees from suffering personal financial loss from legal actions brought against them as individuals for performing their
proficial duties. So if someone didn't like what I did as town manager, they decided to sue me personally, this would allow the board to endemnify me. >> And currently, right now, not even volunteers have that. Is that correct?
So this would be adding a protection to both paid employees and unpaid employees. >> That is um a distinction that I shouldn't have mentioned earlier cuz I'm not sure about it. Okay, maybe maybe
I could just get clarification on that. Um, and it's not an issue of whether I'm going to support it or not, just wanting to have accurate info. >> Mhm. Um, and the last one I had a question about article 38 and Tom may
have just answered it by by saying the act and exchange might be an acceptable news source cuz my question was whether it's similar to hearing notifications that need to be
in a print source or or if online is sufficient. Yeah, we'll we'll um we'll we'll follow whatever we're required to, but I think you know we try to do it the least expensive way. Uh I think did do action
unlimited for quite a while and it's worked out pretty well, >> but if we're allowed to do it online, we would do that certainly. >> All right. Thank you, >> Jim. >> Um select board assignments. Um, these seem
to be done based on last year where because Fran was the chair, she got a whole bunch of miscellaneous articles assigned to her. Uh, are we what is the point at which we're going to figure out select board assignments? Maybe that's a
question for Dean. >> So, I've uh I've thought about this for a couple of the, you know, major articles. Um, and I think, you know, at our meeting, uh, maybe as early as next Monday, we can
talk about it in more depth, but I, you know, I tend to point these things towards folks that are the subject matter experts. Um, you know, if it's a town hall HVAC thing, that's kind of got David's name on it. A lot of the
planning board stuff is kind of what I would point towards you, Jim. >> Yeah, >> I'm happy with the just hearing that. We'll talk about it next Monday. >> Yeah. Yeah. I think we'll we'll be able to John and Alyssa and I have a agenda
setting meeting tomorrow. Um so maybe we can come up with a list and we can start to check some of these things off >> just so you can start fixating on your presentations. >> Exactly. Yeah. If I'm going to be nervous, I like to have something specific to be nervous about.
>> Okay. Yeah. That free floating anxiety is never a good thing. >> Yeah. >> All right. Um so I would be willing to entertain a uh a motion to uh for these items. Uh we
might be able to do it all at once. I >> I think we can do it all at once only if it turns out that it's unanimous. Okay. So, um that that would be my preference because um otherwise I think that we you know we need to be able to say that
it's not unanimous and it's 4 to one or 3 to two or >> or recommended against. So, um uh uh in the hopes that it becomes uh uh unanimous, I would u move that we that
the select board recommend um town meeting articles uh 29 through uh 37 38 inclusive. >> Um David, sorry to interrupt. Uh would you be willing to consider just
referring to the ones that are listed on the posted agenda? Because the only thing that I wanted to be certain of is that there's a chance that article 37 might become 38 someday. And you know, I do my best not for that for that not to happen, but clear that we brought to you a package
and asking you to support them and if not, we can break them into pieces. >> No, that that that that sounds great. So um uh I I in the hopes that it would be unanimous, I would um move that we approve the set of warrant articles
listed um in the agenda today um uh for recommend recommend for recommendation from the select board. >> Second. >> Okay. Moved and seconded. Would the clerk please call the role? >> Uh Mr. Snder Grant. >> Yes.
>> Mr. Charter. >> Hi. Miss Arsenal. >> Hi. >> Miss Nickel. >> Yes. >> And I also say yes. So we are unanimous. >> Very good. >> 5.
>> Thank you. >> All right. Item 10. Approve suns setting of citizens library governance advisory committee. Um Alyssa. >> Thank you. Um, the last time I checked, I did not see
my memo in the packet. Is that still correct that it is absent? Cuz I just heard back from town council that everything is copacetic today. So, I can either read it, it's only one page,
or I could share if I have the ability to do that. What is your pleasure, Mr. Charter? >> You're muted. >> You're muted. >> It's not in the packet. >> Yeah, why don't why don't you mute it and then uh >> anybody listening will have the benefit
of it as well. >> Okay, that's perfect. All right. On February 3rd, at a meeting of the Citizens Library Governance Advisory Committee, members discussed the committee's prior work and
consideration to disband and eventuality conditioned on completing the task set to the committee established in its charge. members representing the Citizens Library Board of Trustees, the Memorial Library Board of Trustees, Library
Staff, the Select Board, and the Friends of Actton Libraries determined that the tasks set to the committee had been completed. The committee was charged with recommending a structural governance solution for the Citizens Library Board of Trustees, specifically
one that would quote enhance the library patron and staff experience and maintain a close and collaborative relationship between the two libraries. End quote. The recommendation of combining the trustee boards of the citizens library and active memorial library was reached
by consensus of the committee and presented to the select board on December 16th, 2024. This proposal was accepted by the select board as well as the two library trustee boards and brought to town meeting in the form of a home rule petition to
amend the special act of 1890 which created the memorial library board of trustees. The petition garnered an 84% positive vote at the annual town meeting on May 5th, 2025. The expansion of the memorial library
trustee board from 9 to 12 members, an act further regulating appointments to the actton memorial library was enacted by the legislature on December 15th, 2025 and signed by the governor on December 22nd, 2025.
This legislation, chapter 93 of the acts of 2025, sets forth that the citizens library trustees elected at Actton's annual town meeting are also trustees of the Actton Memorial Library Board of Trustees, resulting in a governance body
of Actton's library system that comports with the unified operations. The trustees are currently working to amend the act memorial library bylaws of the board of trustees such that the 12 trustees will function as a single board
governing the actton library system with distinct powers and duties related to the two libraries within. These bylaws can be amended at any time by the trustees should the need arise. The members of the Citizens Library Governance Advisory Committee present at
the February 3rd, 2026 meeting unanimously approved that the select board take action to disband the committee. And then attached to that letter is an image of the legislation that was signed by the governor and the
speaker of the house and the senate president. Great. Thank you. Uh Fran, >> I just wanted to thank you, Alyssa, for for spearheading that and seeing that through and it's just so heartwarming
and it took a lot longer than I thought. Um but thank you. Hearing you speak in front of the legislature was exciting as well, >> Jim. um what what Fran said, we started in on
this process back when I was chair um and I it was it's just great to see you have that you have taken this process and you know carefully, painstakingly patiently taking it through all these steps. Um
it's it's great and I look forward to uh you know yeah we're going to get a modified bylaws and so there's other steps that are coming but I agree that the the work of the government's government governance advisory committee is is uh is finally at an end.
>> Thank you for that. I will say that the committee members also thanked me for my leadership, but really I was steered by all of those members on the committee um
and their commitment and enthusiasm and optimism for a solution. um particularly the citizens library trustees um and there were some addition you know some folks moved off of the committee and and new
folks moved on so more than three of them but five of them. So I will I will um give credit where credit is due. >> And my only regret is that terrible name which Jim had trouble saying just now.
Well, >> can I make the motion? Oh, sorry. >> I was just going to say it's certainly nice to see it finally come to fruition. I mean, this is something that's been kicking around going back to as long ago was when I was a library trustee in West
Actton and and we were not the ones that initiated this, but it was a subject of discussion back then. I mean, so we're looking at, you know, nine or 10 years anyway that this has been >> hanging over everybody's head. So, thank
you for bringing it home, Melissa. >> You're welcome. I'm happy. I I think I already shared with you that when I got the news, I did a happy dance in my kitchen. >> Um, so I move to disband the Citizens Library Governance Advisory Committee.
Okay. moved and seconded. Would the clerk please call the role? >> Mr. Snider Grant, >> I. >> Uh, Mr. Charter, >> I. >> Uh, Miss Arsenal, >> I.
>> Miss Nickel, >> yes. >> And I also say I. >> So, that's unanimous also. >> Great. Thank you. Nice to have that done. Uh item 11, approve town manager
evaluation process and timeline. I think most of the information has been circulated to all the members. Um but I'll just check to make sure. Um John, do you want to update us on this?
>> Sure. Thank you. So the town manager's annual performance review is um part one of the most interesting parts of my job and uh I look forward to it again this year. Uh we have in the packet put forward the process that the
chair and I discussed for how it it would be implemented this year. Pretty tight turnaround um for you all, but hopefully u it's not something that is going to be too too much trouble. If it is, we can we can discuss, but um I will plan to get you all a memo by the end of
the month or hopefully sooner. uh it's that's 5 days um the end of the month and um with sort of uh feedback on what I would typically provide after a year to give my input and then almost like a
self assessment and then you would um report back to Mary Beth um with your scores and then she would work with the chair to compile those and then because of open meeting law and other things.
They can't be shared back to you all um until they're shared publicly and they can't be shared publicly until I get a look at them and I think I get to see them the day before or 2 days before. Um so we'll do that and then publish in the packet and then it'll be out to the
world and then um it'll be discussed at the meeting I think we had on the schedule. So if there's any questions about that I'm happy to answer them. Um, I'll do my best to get that information to you all uh soon. >> Okay, any um
naturally there are questions. I'll start with Jim. Um Dean, I I was wondering if in the process of coming up with the particular process this year, you guys made any sort of progress on the question of uh
how how we get information about how uh employees that work for John directly or indirectly are perceiving his leadership. >> Uh we've not had that discussion. Um but I think at our next meeting uh this
coming Monday, I'll certainly reach out uh as chair to all town employees uh at that meeting in public session and ask for if anybody has any particular input that they would like to provide um they can provide it to um any
member of the select board or to the chair. Um, I think that's probably the best way that we can do it in the past. Um, you I think I've got my finger on the pulse of a lot of town employees and
there has not been uh a lot of adverse comment that I've received from everyone, but um you never know and certainly it's it's important that we hear that. uh and it's important not only for hearp input from the
employees but also from the public. >> So I will make a formal statement at that meeting on uh on Monday night just to encourage folks to come forward. >> Okay. Yeah. I mean, my point of view is
that um uh as John continues his growth into being an amazing town manager, um it's helpful for us to be able to fine-tune the feedback about, you know, where where are the areas where, you
know, John's particularly exceeding and where John, you know, could use some support to, you know, live up to his full potential. And I think that sort of information might come from uh um you know the kind of the kind of uh you know
anonymous surveys that are in a lot of corporate America. Um but um I know that's been hard to put together. So and I haven't pushed for it. So I here's my last chance to say I think it's a good idea to get to it someday.
>> Okay. Thank you. Uh David, >> but just for clarity, um I think Dean, you said that we had a copy of this process. I haven't seen this process. So, um I just want to make sure that there isn't confusion and we will get a
copy of the or at least at least I need one. I don't know whether uh you know, anyway, I need one. Yeah, I uh I I've got one, but I think it was probably something that the manager shared with me at one of our agenda setting sessions. So, John, can you make sure
that >> it was u it was intended to be it was supposed to be in the packet. I'm surprised that it's not. >> Yeah, it goes right from 09 to 12. So, yeah, nothing in there for item 10. And and and speaking of the packet, can
Alyssa's memo be added to the packet >> just for historical reasons? >> Yeah, mine wasn't added um because uh I asked for town council to review it
first. >> Yeah, we was we didn't Yeah, it wasn't requested to be in the packet until tonight. So, >> okay, we'll make sure people get it. Thank you. All right. Um, item 12,
approve intermunicipal agreement between the town of Actton and the town of Boxford to share veteran services department. >> This is an arrangement that we forged or established um three
to five years ago. It's worked out really well. James McCrae is an excellent um provider of these services to the community in Actton and he does a great job in in Boxboro as well and he helps out people in in other communities as well. And um so this is a win-win for
Actton and Boxboro. Uh we allow it gives us opportunity to keep Jim busy. Uh it it gives Boxboro a point person and then Boxboro gives us some money to help pay for the service. So, it's worked out really well for for
a while. Uh, we have to renew it every 3 years and then we have to share it with the state department of veteran services to make sure that they're comfortable with it and I expect that they will be. Um, but we we have this before you tonight and then Voxboro is going to be looking at this I think at their next meeting Monday.
>> Okay. Any questions? >> I'll entertain a motion. David, >> I move to approve the intermunicipal agreement between the town of Actton and the town of Boxboro to share veteran services department that was included in
our packet. >> I got a second. >> Second. >> Moved and seconded. Uh would the clerk please call a role? >> U Mr. Snyder Grant. >> Yes. >> Mr. Charter, I. >> Miss Arsenal. Hi. >> Miss Nickel.
>> Yes. And I also say I. >> So that's unanimous. >> Very good. Thank you. Uh item 13. Now it's nomination process for the Colonel Francis Faulner Senior Exemplary Volunteer of the Year Award.
Uh that was in the packet. Uh Lisa put together a nice package. Um we're doing something a little bit different this year. We're going to have the awards ceremony uh at 17 Woodbury Lane. >> Nice.
>> Uh >> Oh, I'm so excited. >> Well, wait. Who's going to shovel? >> Who's going to shovel the path in? >> Yeah. Um I figure the way winter is going with no heat in that building, we might end up having to light a campfire
on the base floor. Um, so it's a small it's a small facility, but I think it'll be sufficient for this kind of group that we have for this award ceremony. Um, hopefully the snow will have melted by
April 15th. Um, so I think it'll be a great ceremony. You're all familiar with the process. Lisa did send out a uh a list there that of all the uh previous recipients.
And uh unless there's any questions, I think what I'd like to do is have folks come back with um with their recommendations. I would say u for the meeting on March 16th.
I think that should give everybody enough time. We probably all got some nominees in mind anyway. So, unless there's any other questions, Jim, um I I had a moment of panic looking at the list and and noticing that the
person I nominated last year, John Watlington, uh was missing a G from his last name. So, I I got worried that the plaque, you know, was was written wrong and I the check. So, uh, someone could get back to me who's actually gets to
town hall in the next two or three days and tell me that the name is spelled correctly on the black, I'll I'll I'll rest easier. >> Okay. I'll have to take a look at that. Thank you. Any other I It's
a great motivator. I really enjoy doing this every year that uh you know we've got such an amazing set of volunteers that you know it's a simple enough thank you. Um but I think it means a lot to the volunteers that you know in future
years they walk by and see their names whether they're spelled correctly or not. Um any questions or comments? Okay. Consent item 14, approve meeting minutes from
January 12th, January 20th, January 21st, January 29th, February 2nd, 2026. 15. Approve a 1-day entertainment license with live music for Wonder at 145 Great Road on March 5th, 2026.
Item 16, approve a one-day malt and wine license for Wonder at 145 Great Road on March 5th, 2026. Approve item 17. Approve a one-day malt and wine license for Pepper's Artful Events at the Discovery Museum at 177
Main Street, March 28th, 2026. Item 18, approve request to close Spruce Street for Silver Unicorn Bookstore, Kids Graphic Novel Festival on May 2nd, 2026 and authorized town manager to sign
lease agreement. License agreement. Item 19, approve 2026 acting box farmers market license agreement. >> Hold. Item 20, accept donation towards the veteran service gift account. David
Carry for $100 in memory of Robert Rhodess, Nancy Best for $200, and Orion Industries for $1,000. Item 21, approved letter of support for conservation division application for
the 2026 AARP community challenge grant to approve three trail sections at the act and arboritum. >> I move to approve consent items 14 through 18 inclusive and items 20 and
21. >> Second. >> Second. >> Okay. Moved and seconded. Will the clerk please call the role? >> Uh, yes. Uh, Mr. Snder Grant, >> yes. >> Mr. Charter, >> I.
>> Uh, Ms. Arsenal. >> I miss Nickel. >> Yes. >> And I also say I. So that's also unanimous. >> Okay. Um, item 19. >> Um, thanks. Um so I was in conversation
with um with Debbie Andelle who's actually in in the audience in case she has something in addition but the issue that I understand about this is in the use purpose term area uh point 2 um it
says a certain portion of the parking spaces will be reserved for the use of the court courts and the concern that that raised was that the the actual parking spaces right around the tennis courts are all filled by vendors. There's no there's not a way for cars to
suddenly come in there and, you know, park next to someone who's selling fruit. Um, so the thought was that that meant parking spaces over like in the faculty parking area would be reserved. Um, but I we thought we should get clear
on this before um it gets it gets approved. >> Okay. Um Tom, I think you were working on negotiating this. >> Um, so I had um I think John would have a little bit more information, but I can
provide what I do know. I think that the um intent is to provide uh usage at the courts. Um, there hasn't, in speaking with Tim, the new recreation and parks director today, there hasn't been an identification on exactly where those
spots would be to allow access to the courts. Um, and I think that that's open up, but that's open for further conversation. >> Yeah, I I see actually has raised their hands is uh David Garrett, who's also
works on the farmers market in case it might be helpful to call him in on this conversation. Okay. Um, John, do you have any input on this or should we just >> uh Yeah, I think so. and Tim um and I
met with with Dave Debbie and David um a few weeks ago and um we talked about the the goal of the changes that were in this license this year different from last year was for allow for the ongoing
use of the recreation facility for for tennis or pickle ball tennis etc. And um so I don't I don't know that there's a specific parking space identified or a number of parking spaces. Perhaps there should have been in this document would
it would have been better. Um it's something that we can work on and bring back or or we can get some direction from you and and make make that be uh what's in there before I sign it and rather than come back again. I think you
know I don't know I can't remember how many spots there are. If there's if the ones right next to the courts are for are being used by the vendors, aren't there aren't there ones that aren't right next to the courts that are still part of that parking lot? >> Not really. Um,
>> not really. >> Okay. >> Would it be okay to call them in? Um, >> yeah. Let's uh cheer from the uh the bucket. >> I have a quick question. Do folks actually play tennis while the farmers
market is going on? Would anyone know the answer to that? >> I've seen that. >> Well, last year I think and last year the courts were um closed during the farmers market for >> Okay. >> reserved by the farmers market for
farmers market purposes. >> Yeah. >> Farmers market weren't playing tennis, but they just weren't having anyone anyone else play tennis during that period. I I think you know one of the points that I think is really important about this is that you know the taxpayers and
CPC um appropriated a considerable amount of money to rehab those tennis courts and to have them basically closed for every Sunday from May until October doesn't seem
reasonable to me. So I think it's important to make sure that you know eventually I think farmers market probably should move to some other location that's more appropriate but at least as a stop gap for this year
at least we should allow folks the taxpayers to be able to use the tennis courts that they paid for on Sundays. But uh let's let's hear from the uh uh David.
>> So I guess I have a different point of view here. Um it seems reasonable to me to close the tennis courts for 4 hours on Sunday. Um uh the uh the farmers market has become a fixture um in town
and is visited during those four hours by many many more people than play tennis during those four hours than would play tennis during those four hours. And mostly those people are acting residents, right? So I'm not saying there's no one there from Boxboro or anything, but um most of those people
are acting residents. So, uh, and they're not walking on the resurfacing of the tennis courts, right? So, there's no vendor that sets up on the courts themselves. And so, I I think this is a good use of this recreational facility for the town. And I think it's
incompatible to have people park there. Um, I don't mind people parking where the farmers market people park, which is in one of the school parking lots, um, and then they walk down. That's fine. Um, I think it would not work to have people driving around in front of the
vendors um there. Um, I mean, I I just don't don't see this and why it's important to have tennis people park on next to the tennis courts during the the the four hours, including the setup and the t takedown of of the
farmers market. >> Well, actually, David, I I agree with you on that. Um, I I would think that uh the tennis or pickle ball players could certainly park down on the school department parking lot and walk down um
and limber up on their way down, pull off on their way back. So, I I would agree with you there. Um but I do think it's important that the tennis courts be available for use. But I I certainly agree with you that it's it doesn't make
much sense to introduce a bunch of cars into the area that's being used by vendors. I can see that where that would be a problem. Um so I think uh we've got someone there there's a person in the audience who would like to speak to this.
>> Yeah, that would be David Garrett. He's got his hand up. David, do you just have to unmute? >> Yep, I'm here. Can you hear me? >> Yep, we can. >> Uh, first I just wanted to I'm a board member and have been a volunteer for the
market from uh day one. Um, first of all, I just want to say thank you to the town. Um, over the years, the town has been remarkably generous and uh, very collaborative and uh, you know, we we look forward to doing that. Just to clarify a couple things. Uh at the
meeting we had um with uh Tim and John on February 5th, we did discuss this and although we would have preferred there not to be pickle ball mo mostly just because it's very loud um um we uh
agreed with them that um uh that was fine. You know continue. We had no objection at that point to having the pickle ball or tennis whatever was going to be played there. Uh we did talk about parking and there was never any mention
at that time uh of the town requesting uh that some space be held out and frankly had that request been made we would have said the same thing that we're going to say now is that um and your that point has already been made by some of you that it's impractical. First
of all uh we have contracts already with uh roughly 20 vendors in that contract there's a certain amount of space allocated to them. Uh there are contracts that are out with several others. At this point it would be really impractical
um and frankly you know uh almost inappropriate to sort of resend you know to take away something from um the vendors that we've already made uh commitments to. So, you know, we're
frankly not thrilled with the fact that they've taken the parking away from in front of the courts where people both um vendors never park there, but some of our people do and and some of the shoppers do, but we again we agreed. It wasn't our choice, but we agreed to, you
know, say, "Well, sure, fine. We understand that." So, we gave up our preference um uh not to have pickle balls. who gave up the prefer preference to have the parking that was in front of there. And again, no mention was ever made until we saw a contract today for
the first time. Um that there was some hope that some of those parking spaces will be put aside. So we never we had a very hurried email exchange this evening because again we'd never heard of this request u or or I don't know whether it's a a request of demand. It wasn't
clear to me and it didn't and and John, as you were saying, it didn't specify anything. It just said some spaces would need to be provided or something like that. I didn't I've never even seen the language because I didn't have the opportunity to read it in advance. So,
um it sounds like you all not everyone has spoken, but it sounds like you all would support um given the fact that we frankly need all that space. Um, and and because this very in all likelihood is the last year
that we will be at this location. That's the other thing that we talked to John and Tim about was that, you know, the impracticalities so that we will hopefully get together really early and collaborate, you know, get together with town folks and talk about what our needs
are. Um, and talk about um, you know, finding that place that could be a permanent home because that's really what we want. But for this year, we very strongly um uh advise uh not giving up parking
spaces because frankly, I don't even know how you would manage it. How how would a pickle ball user have access to a space that a market goer wouldn't because certainly we wouldn't be policing it. Um I don't know how how one
would how one would make that assessment. So, I'm happy to answer questions if you have any. >> Okay. Thank you. Um Alicia, >> um so I agree with everyone that it's
not a good idea to have folks driving into the parking lot during the farmers market. Um there's two entrances that are blocked off with stansions. Um and and I think uh limbering up and cooling
down on a walk to and from the from and to the parking lot um the staff parking lot for the boardwalk campus is appropriate and um those spaces can be set aside for folks that want to use the
courts. I do have a question though. Um, I have seen vehicles on Elm Street that are adjacent to the courts and I assumed that those were were farmers market um
volunteers and or folks that need accessible parking. So, I'm just curious where folks who need an accessible spot will park. And I guess maybe that the
farmers market already has designated spaces um in the parking lot for for folks who need to park their car if they have a with if they have a placard. >> Okay, David, I think you got your hand
raised. >> Yep. Am I am I still Yeah, there we are. Um yes, we have two allocated uh spaces uh for handicap parking. um just as you enter the the ring where their manager's table is. There's two spots there and
the reason that they're near us is frankly to help maneuver the cars at times and so that there's no uh no issues with um you know uh foot traffic. So th those will remain. We still have those two and those would remain as handicap spaces.
>> Okay, great. So, I guess I'm wondering if we can um approve this agreement just by removing that one sentence about setting aside parking spaces or alternatively clarifying it that the
spaces will be at the school lot. >> Um yeah, I'm I'm inclined to do that, but I see that Jim has his hand raised. >> Um thanks. Um I had a question for David. Um, sometimes writing contracts
is not really a great thing to do between, you know, five select board members after 9 at night. Um, so I'm wondering what would be the impact of getting this agreement signed on March 2nd rather than tonight? that would
allow uh the farmers market and the the manager team to um you know have have the little communications that'll be necessary to you know have have language that works for for everybody. Well, um, when we met with John and Tim,
you know, we we had, you know, it was a it was we understand that there's a process and whatever, but at that time there was, you know, there was sort of a a handshake on on the agreement that we had and even that was late for us. Um,
uh, so ideally I I would agree with you that, you know, we I mean, we could just keep moving along. We we can't stop our process. We have to keep moving. I know it doesn't seem that way given that the market starts in June, but we have a very very sort of fixed process and
timeline. And some of them have to do with applying for um our SNAP program requires an address, a legal address, and you can't apply for that until you until that contract is signed. So given
that I don't hear any objections from any of you, I'm wondering if we could just simply, >> you know, if if one of you objects, of course, if you wanted to wait till then, what can we do? But I would I would ask since I'm not hearing an objection, if that could be h if that could happen
tonight. Yeah, I think I think Alyssa was pretty close to uh making a motion that would have modified the uh the proposed license agreement and take that one section out.
>> Do do we want to do that and not have parking spaces reserved for the court? I I don't even know if we would be able to do that on a property that doesn't belong to the town. I'm sure the district would be amendable to that, but
is that a necessity or can we just let people park where they find a space? >> Uh John, >> so I think the the issues that we discussed last a few weeks ago uh when we were discussing this license was
there was concern about people parking on Elm Street and we didn't want that to happen anymore. Uh and there was a concern about having the tennis courts being closed. We didn't talk much about where people playing tennis would park. Um, and I think that was probably just added just to
say that the people that play tennis need to park somewhere. But I think they could probably figure that out. Um, if if they had to. >> So that would be an easy change if that's all we're talking about is to just move that one line. I think we can keep moving.
>> Okay. So then I would move to approve the license or consent item number what number is it? 19 18 >> 19 >> sorry 19. I have the license I have the contract open. Um but delete
the sentence that refers to parking spaces reserved for use of the courts. >> Mhm. >> Second. Moved and seconded. The clerk, please call the role. >> Yes. Uh, Mr. Snder Grant,
>> yes. >> Mr. Charter, >> I. >> Miss Arsenal. >> Hi. >> Miss Nickel. >> Yes. >> And I also say yes. So that's unanimous. >> Okay. All right. I think we've got a a
good solution to the problem. >> Can I can I make just make two quick comments? >> Certainly. So perhaps the farmers market could say uh on the signs that say um uh uh farmers market parking, they could just say antennas parking just to just
to facilitate that. And secondly, for the um uh discussions that uh about where the farmers market would go in future years, I believe that we cannot start those too early. um uh uh they
they really need to to be done and I think that the members of the board need to get a preview or uh a consult in the middle of those discussions cuz uh you know we've had long discussions about this in the past and so um anyway that's
just if if you wait till this time next year it's not getting done. >> Very good. I will take one more motion. I move to >> second.
>> Okay. Moved and seconded. The clerk, please call the role. >> Uh, Mr. Snder Grant. >> Yes. >> Mr. Charter. >> Hi. >> Miss Arsenal. >> Hi. >> Miss. Nickel. >> Yes. >> And I also say yes. So, good night all.
>> Good night all. Thank you very much. >> Time. Well done. >> A step back in time. Thank you.