2026-06-23 - Select Board

Summary

Built from official meeting minutes.

Swearing in of Corporal Anthony and introduction of new police officers
Approval of: amended Open Forum Policy, amended Active Transportation And Safety Committee Guidelines guidelines, Climate Leaders Decarbonization Roadmap
Multiple board and committee appointments for fiscal year 2027
Updates on Otis Street, block party street safety planning (June 26), ARPA funding review, and 250th anniversary spending
Declining option to extend alcohol service hours (World Cup pilot program); no requests received locally

Police Department Promotional Swearing-In

Corporal Anthony sworn in; new officers Daniel Farrell, Timothy Goddard, Samuel Hansom, Hannah Lima, and Ian Flerra introduced

Otis Street Project

Public Works Director Chris Payant presented comprehensive update on scope, timeline, pedestrian and traffic improvements, and resident impacts
Discussion included enforcement needs on Fisher Street and Art Street due to expected traffic changes; board recommended town newsletter and social media notifications for residents about closures and updates

Block Party Street Safety (June 26)

Committee Chair Roberta Sylvester Brown and police leadership (Chief Minardi, Lieutenant Luce) outlined operational focus: pedestrian safety, traffic control, parking restrictions, and public viewing areas
Most police department staff on duty; specific block-offs and detail officers assigned; fireworks location confirmed

Decarbonization Roadmap

Approved 4-0.

Sustainability Coordinator Ahmed presented Climate Leader Municipal Decarbonization Roadmap
Covers municipal and school facilities with "zero over time" approach aligned to equipment replacement and capital planning
Approval qualifies town for significant state grant opportunities including technical support and implementation funding for electrification, energy efficiency, and renewable energy

ARPA Funding Review

About $5.7 million in ARPA funds plus interest received; 29 approved projects supported
Unspent balances from completed projects reallocated to lead service line replacement to meet federal deadline (end of 2026)
Transition of certain operational expenses off ARPA to operating budget to avoid ongoing reliance on one-time funds
Reporting requirements completed with consultant support

Committee Guidelines Update

Approved 4-0.

Revised mission clarifying advisory role under Select Board, removing Planning Board references, reinforcing coordination with town departments
Board emphasized all active transportation projects and grant applications require Select Board approval, with committee providing recommendations

Interdepartmental Budget Transfers (6:39 PM)

Approved 4-0.

Transfers totaling approximately $150,000 reallocating funds between departments
From Library Salary & Wages: $15,000 to Police Expenses
From Finance Salary & Wages: $10,000 to Finance Expenses, $10,000 to Legal Expenses
From Board of Health Expenses: $6,000 to Veteran's Services Expenses
From various Salary & Wages (Board of Health $19k, Community Development $20k, Library $25k, Town Manager $25k): $89,000 total to Insurance Expenses
Transfers due to vacancies, retirements, and grant-related adjustments; insurance account experienced higher-than-usual unemployment expenses

Appointments/Reappointments

All approved 4-0 unless noted:

Betheda Shuman (Cultural Council; term ends June 30, 2029)
Julie Squires, Don Burn (Active Transportation & Safety Committee; terms July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2029)
Beth Ann Travis (Recreation Commission; term July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2029)
Bradbury Huff (Veterans Advisory Board; term July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027)
Kate Storm (Affordable Housing Trust; term July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2028)
Sandra Coker (Economic Development Committee; term July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2029)
Barbara Walls (Treasurer/Collector; term July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2029)
Maureen Johnson (Cultural Council; term July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2029; approved 3-0-1, with Johnson recused as appointee is his wife)
Kameron Coffman, Victoria Njuguna (Youth Commission as Student Members; term ends June 30, 2027)

Open Forum Policy Amendment

Approved 4-0.

Revised to clarify policy applies to all town boards and committees appointed by Select Board or Town Manager
Updated references from "Select Board" to "board" and revised referral language for consistent applicability across public bodies

Town Manager Report

Harry's Restaurant 80th anniversary
Civic Leadership Academy participation
Recent motor vehicle break-ins
Ongoing public works projects
Drought conditions
Discussion on information sharing and community engagement

Board Updates (7:49 PM)

Congratulations to Westborough High School Boys Tennis Team on state championship
Safe summer wishes to students
High school roof work starting
Massachusetts Housing Leadership Academy participation
Library Building Project on schedule and within budget for early September completion
Fourth of July wishes

Sources

Select Board Meeting Minutes, June 23, 2026: https://ma-westborough.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_06232026-2416

Open Forum (6:13 PM)

Joanne Aramini (7 Meadow Road) requested clarification on town's Open Forum Policy, noting concerns that not all boards and committees consistently provide public comment opportunities. She referenced prior Town Counsel opinion and noted Planning Board did not include open forum on its agenda; requested update on policy implementation and consistency.