2026-08-04 - Select Board Workshop

Summary

Built from the official minutes only (no video found).

Workshop called to order by Garcia at 6:33 PM and adjourned 8:34 PM. Present: Richards, Sharma, Garcia and Flynn (virtual). No votes (workshop).
Reviewed preliminary FY26 results: about $730,000 unexpended, local receipts lower than FY25.
Reviewed delinquent property taxes and the tax title process.
Discussed land use priorities: tree preservation, data centers, drones, noise, battery storage; asked for a meeting with Amazon.
Asked for the Welcoming Community request to go on the August 25 agenda.

Salary and wages 99% expended; operating expenses similar; reserve fund and Town Meeting transfers reviewed.

Mizikar was unsure a fall Special Town Meeting would be needed before the November tax rate.

Flynn proposed recurring meetings with the School Committee, then the Finance Committee.

Request to adopt the DEIB Committee's statement discussed; item requested for August 25.

Tree Preservation Bylaw: draft needs further review.
Amazon Prime Air Drone Delivery: town cannot regulate flight but may regulate landing areas, noise, nuisance and privacy; meeting with Amazon requested.
Data Center Zoning Bylaw Update and Battery Energy Storage Zoning: Mizikar to speak with SELCO and Town Counsel.
Lake Street Town Farmland: discussion of value and neighbor concerns.
Short Term Rental Impact Fees: Garcia asked the town to explore.
Saxon Partners Town Land Request: all members voiced concern about selling town-owned land.

Agenda management spreadsheet and draft KPI dashboard; see Town Manager FY2027 Goals.