Harvard
Upcoming
Park & Recreation Commission
The Park & Recreation Commission will hold a virtual meeting to discuss program updates and vote on a motorized bike issue affecting fields. They will also review beach operations with the harbormaster and receive updates on tracks, trails, tennis, ski, and PG. Public comment and approval of previous minutes are on the agenda.
- Vote on motorized bike issue at fields
- Discussion of beach operations with Harbormaster Ben
- Update on fields, tracks, trails, tennis, ski, and PG
- Approval of June 3, 2025 minutes
Planning Board
The Harvard Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a proposed 1,938-square-foot expansion at 256 Ayer Road. Members will also discuss updates to the 2026 Master Plan, a Rural Life Preservation bylaw, and solar energy regulations. Additionally, the board will approve a $2,239.35 membership invoice and authorize staff to sign routine planning documents.
- Public hearing for 256 Ayer Road site plan review and special permit for a 1,938-square-foot building expansion.
- Approval of a $2,239.35 invoice for the Montachusett Regional Planning Commission FY2027 membership.
- Updates on the 2026 Master Plan, Rural Life Preservation bylaw, and Town Center Overlay District.
- Review and potential adoption of new bylaws for solar photovoltaic and battery energy storage systems.
- Approval of an Approval Not Required plan to divide property at 57 Old Mill Road.
Land Stewardship Subcommittee
The Land Stewardship Subcommittee will review and discuss various land management topics including trail maintenance, invasive species control plans for 2026, and mowing practices. They will also consider updates to trail standards, property line postings, and new committee appointments, welcoming Staci Donahue as a new member.
- Approve meeting minutes
- Summer mowing of BHWS path and Hermann Orchard
- Invasive species removal: Ailanthus at Hermann Orchard and Sturdy, Black locust at Shaker Reservoir, buckthorn on Powell and Williams
- Dancing Grounds Boy Scout project
- Welcome new member Staci Donahue; recognize longest-serving member Pam
Open Space Committee
The Open Space Committee will elect officers and discuss committee composition. They will consider approving the final draft of the Chapter 61 removal process for submission to the Select Board. Updates to Open Space maps on Axis GIS and a review of the committee's mission are also on the agenda.
- Elect committee officers
- Discuss committee composition and representatives
- Implementation of OSRC
- Chapter 61 removal process approval of final draft for Select Board consideration
- Update OSC maps on Axis GIS
Board of Health
The Board of Health will select a new chair and welcome a new member. They will discuss the Climate Committee's request to contact trash haulers about food waste bans. Updates on PFAS contamination in private wells and at the Transfer Station will be given. They will also consider a MassDEP technical assistance grant application.
- Select new Board Chair and welcome Sarah Birse
- Discuss Climate Committee request to contact trash haulers on food waste bans
- Update on PFAS contamination in Warren Ave area private wells
- Discuss MassDEP Technical Assistance Grant for Transfer Station and Warren Ave projects
- Update on Town Beach water quality and drought
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee will meet to review and vote on the allocation of end-of-year budget transfers. They will also approve the minutes from the June 16 meeting.
- Vote on End of Year Transfers
Select Board
The Select Board will meet virtually to conduct a single primary piece of business. The board is scheduled to vote on year-end financial transfers.
- Vote on year-end transfers
Regional Meetings
The Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School Policy Subcommittee will meet to review and potentially adopt policy JKAA on time-out, seclusion, and physical restraint of students. They will also review prior meeting minutes and a working spreadsheet.
- Review of policy JKAA on time-out, seclusion, and physical restraint of students
- Adoption of meeting minutes from April 8, 2026
- Review of working spreadsheet on policy status
Last 30 days
Harvard - Devens Jurisdiction Committee
The Harvard-Devens Jurisdiction Committee will hear a report on planning for the town to resume jurisdiction over Devens and discuss options for Devens Utilities. They will also approve minutes from June and take public comment.
- Report on planning for resumption of jurisdiction by Harvard
- Discussion of options for Devens Utilities
- Approval of minutes from June 4, 2026
Historical Commission
The Harvard Historical Commission will hold public hearings on replacing patio stones at 1 Still River Road and removing two windows at 16 Ayer Road. They will also discuss a new application for sculptures at 7 Fairbank Street (Old Library). Other business includes following up on old certificates, drafting a letter to district residents, and addressing town center lighting.
- New application: Five Sparks sculptures on grounds of Old Library (7 Fairbank St)
- Public hearing: Replace patio stones with pavers at 1 Still River Road (Town of Harvard)
- Public hearing: Remove two windows at 16 Ayer Road
- Discussion of emails to residents with certificates older than two years
- Discussion of a letter to district residents about commission role and regulations
Select Board
The Select Board will meet to decide on FY27 goals, the Town Administrator's contract, and a solar credit purchase agreement. The board will also discuss potential land options for relocating the Department of Public Works.
- Vote on Town Administrator contract
- Vote on Harvard Solar Credit Purchase Agreement
- Discussion of land options for DPW relocation
- Vote on using Rantoul Trust Fund for a gravel pit appraisal
- Appointment of Alice Miles and Nicholas Roose as full Historical Commission members
Regional Meetings
The Nashoba Opioid Abatement Collaborative will discuss its establishment and personnel updates, then move to executive session to discuss and vote on proposals. The meeting is virtual and includes public input period.
- Discussion of NOAC establishment and personnel updates
- Move to executive session to discuss and vote on proposals
School Committee
This is a procedural meeting of the Harvard School Committee Policy Subcommittee. They will approve minutes from previous meetings, conduct a policy review, and recap the 2025-2026 school year. No major decisions or public hearings are scheduled.
- Approve minutes from May 29th and June 12th
- Policy review discussion
- 2025-2026 school year recap
Addiction Abatement Fund Working Group
The Addiction Abatement Fund Working Group will hear updates on the BLOOM proposal, including feedback from a technical advisor on use of grant funds and the Town of Peabody's engagement. They will also consider approving minutes from the previous meeting.
- Follow-up on BLOOM proposal: technical advisor feedback on grant fund use
- Town of Peabody's engagement with BLOOM
- Review and approval of minutes from June 12, 2026
Harvard Climate Initiative Committee
The Harvard Climate Initiative Committee is meeting remotely to attend the Conservation Commission meeting on June 25, 2026. No other business is on the agenda.
- Attend Conservation Commission meeting of June 25, 2026
Conservation Commission
The provided agenda contains only procedural boilerplate and meeting time. There are no specific discussion items or decisions listed in the text.
Charter Review Committee
The committee will hear input from the Town Administrator and receive member reports from previous topics. No specific votes or decisions are listed on the agenda. This meeting appears to be primarily procedural.
- Town Administrator input and Q&A
- Member reports from previous meeting topics
- Public comment periods (two sessions)
Zoning Board of Appeals
The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on a special permit request to reconstruct a non-conforming structure at 228 Old Littleton Road. The board will also discuss the status of the Pine Hill Village affordable housing project and approve previous meeting minutes.
- Public Hearing: Special permit for 228 Old Littleton Road barn reconstruction
- Pine Hill Village: Final as-built drawings and status of affordable unit release
- Approval of March 4, 2026 ZBA meeting minutes
- Discussion of 2026 ZBA meeting schedule
Select Board
The Select Board will hold a public hearing regarding a dangerous dog complaint at 91 Warren Ave. This is the only substantive item on the agenda; the rest is procedural.
- Dangerous dog hearing – Stevenson – 91 Warren Ave
Historical Commission
This meeting is largely procedural, with no applications, public hearings, or ongoing business. The main action is the election of new officers for the commission.
- Election of new officers
Elderly & Disabled Taxation Aid Committee
The Elderly & Disabled Taxation Assistance Committee is meeting to review and approve minutes from two recent meetings. No other business is on the agenda.
- Approve minutes of June 17, 2026 meeting
- Approve minutes of June 24, 2026 meeting
The committee approved the minutes from June 17 and June 24, 2026, with unanimous votes. No other substantive decisions were made.
- Approved minutes of June 17, 2026 (unanimous)
- Approved minutes of June 24, 2026 (unanimous)
Community Preservation Committee
The committee will meet to discuss off-cycle funding applications and review the current financial report. Members will also receive a presentation from the Commission on Disabilities Chair and recap the Town Meeting results regarding the P&R Tennis Courts.
- Presentation from the Commission on Disabilities Chair
- Update on P&R Tennis Courts following Town Meeting
- Review of off-cycle grant applications
- Treasurer's report and financial review
- Planning for FY 28 application timing
Water & Sewer Commissions
The Harvard Water and Sewer Commissions will continue discussions on updating water and sewer regulations and setting new rates for the upcoming year. They will also approve minutes from the previous meeting and take public comment.
- Continue discussion on Water & Sewer Regulations
- Continue discussion on water & sewer rates
- Approve minutes from May 13, 2026
- Public comment period
Cemetery Commissioners
The Cemetery Commission will review a request for an oversize monument and discuss the condition of headstones at Center Cemetery. They will also approve previous meeting minutes and review year-to-date finances.
- Review oversize monument request
- Discuss Center Cemetery stone condition
- Approve May 18 meeting minutes
- Review year-to-date finance numbers
Board of Health
The Board of Health will discuss the Town of Harvard Master Plan 2026 supplement, with a June 30 deadline. They will also review variance and ADU requests for two properties, follow up on a MassDEP Technical Assistance Grant for the Transfer Station and Warren Avenue projects, and receive updates on PFAS contamination in private wells. Administrative items include approving a $600 invoice for Styrofoam collection.
- 7 East Bare Hill Road – local upgrade and variance request
- 18 Pinnacle Road – ADU and deed restriction approval
- Discuss Master Plan 2026 Supplement (deadline 6/30)
- Follow-up on MassDEP TAG Grant for Transfer Station and Warren Avenue
- PFAS update including private well on Warren Ave area
Select Board
The Select Board will convene virtually to conduct an executive session regarding a legal matter involving The Normandin Group at Trail Ridge, LLC vs. Fairway Partners, LLC, followed by the adjournment of the regular meeting.
- Executive session on litigation: Normandin Group at Trail Ridge, LLC vs. Fairway Partners, LLC
- Meeting held virtually via Zoom
- Public participation via Zoom link
Community Media Access Committee
The Community Media Access Committee will meet to approve the contract renewal for Station Manager Brittany Blaney-Anderson. The committee will also discuss FY26 year-end financial forecasts and plan a September open house.
- Contract renewal for Station Manager Brittany Blaney-Anderson
- FY26 year-end financial forecast and expenses
- Selection of Chair, Vice-chair, and Secretary for FY27
- Planning for September inauguration party/open house
- Review of studio equipment unpacking and school program status
Regional Meetings
The Montachusett Metropolitan Planning Organization will review amendments to the 2026-2030 Transportation Improvement Program and vote to endorse the 2027 Unified Planning Work Program. The meeting also covers updates from MassDOT and the regional transit committee.
- Approval of May 21, 2026 Minutes
- Review FFY 2026-2030 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) amendments
- MPO Action: Endorse FFY 2027 Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP)
- Review Tentative MPO Meeting Schedule Through End of Calendar Year
- Updates from MassDOT Highway Division and Transit
Elderly & Disabled Taxation Aid Committee
The committee will review applications and decide how much aid to distribute this year. They will also hear the treasurer's report and discuss gift amounts received in 2026.
- Review meeting policies and procedures
- Treasurer's report
- Report on number and amount of gifts in 2026
- Discussion of applications and determination of distribution amounts
The committee reviewed applications and supporting documentation for elderly and disabled tax assistance. Three of the four applicants were found to qualify for a percentage reduction of their property tax bills.
- Approved tax assistance for 3 out of 4 applicants
Commission on Disabilities
The Harvard Commission on Disabilities will follow up on Senior Center concerns, including handicap parking and a recommendation to the Select Board for a building evaluation. They will also discuss polling accommodations, Master Plan Supplement input, and welcome a new member.
- Follow up on Senior Center concerns: handicap parking and recommendation for consultant evaluation
- Discussion of General Store patio accessibility
- Input on Master Plan Supplement Chapters 10 and 11
- Polling accommodations recommendations
- Welcome of new member Jamie Allard
Select Board
The Select Board unanimously appointed Dawn Dunbar as Harvard's next Town Administrator and authorized contract negotiations. In a split vote (3-2), the board approved removing two public shade trees on Ayer Road for a construction project. The board also approved a USPS easement agreement, extended the Fivesparks lease to 2028, and made multiple board appointments.
- Appointed Dawn Dunbar as Town Administrator (5-0)
- Approved removal of two Ayer Rd trees (3-2)
- Extended Fivesparks lease to May 2028 (5-0)
- Approved one-day liquor license for Lost Shoe Brewing (5-0)
- Approved USPS Consent and Construction Agreement (5-0)
- Approved letter to state delegation re Devens/Chapter 498 (5-0)
- Appointed five individuals to COA, COD, Conservation Commission, Cultural Council, Media Access Committee (all 5-0)
- Approved annual reappointments listing (5-0)
Select Board
The Select Board interviewed interim Town Administrator Dawn Dunbar for the permanent position but took no vote on the appointment. The board then voted unanimously to enter executive session for strategy on negotiations with nonunion personnel and to approve prior session minutes. The public meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
- Entered executive session per MGL Ch. 30A, s. 21(a)2&7 (unanimous 5-0)
Tree Warden
The Tree Warden approved the removal of seven public shade trees on Ayer Road. One oak at 335 Ayer Rd was rejected after the property owner objected, and the decision to remove will be heard by the SelectBoard. The DPW is responsible for removal costs.
- Approved removal of Oak (18") at 203 Ayer Rd
- Approved removal of Oak (21") at 203 Ayer Rd
- Approved removal of Ash (19") at 256 Ayer Rd
- Approved removal of Maple (12") at 304 Ayer Rd
- Approved removal of Maple (14") at 304 Ayer Rd
- Approved removal of Maple (15") at 304 Ayer Rd
- Approved removal of Catalpa (46") at 310 Ayer Rd
- Rejected removal of Oak (33") at 335 Ayer Rd (referred to SelectBoard)
Select Board
The Select Board decided to oppose proposed structural changes to Chapter 498 regarding Devens governance, voting to send a strong letter of opposition to Senator Eldridge and the Governor's Office, and to pursue a community petition and increased public outreach ahead of the anticipated June 30th vote. The board also reorganized leadership, electing SusanMary Redinger as Chair, Ahmet Corapcioglu as Vice Chair, and Eve Wittenberg as Clerk, all unanimously. They reviewed FY26 goals and set FY27 priorities, assigning pairs to develop SMART goals on six topics.
- Opposed Chapter 498 changes, sending letter of opposition and exploring community petition (unanimous)
- Elected SusanMary Redinger as Chair (5-0)
- Elected Ahmet Corapcioglu as Vice Chair (5-0)
- Elected Eve Wittenberg as Clerk (5-0)
- Continued finance subcommittee, refined by Ahmet and Eric
- Revised liaison assignments: Ahmet to Harvard Devens Jurisdiction Committee, Eric to Water/Sewer Commission
- Set summer meeting schedule: June 30, July 21, August 4 & 18
- Scheduled Fall Town Meeting for either Oct 6 or Oct 20, Spring Town Meeting for Apr 27 or May 1