Holden public meetings in 2025
423 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Town Clerk
The Holden Beach MBTA Communities Act Working Group will meet on Dec. 30, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. The agenda includes a review of the previous meeting's minutes, brief updates from the group, a discussion of community outreach efforts, any additional items, and a wrap‑up. No specific decisions or contracts are listed on the agenda.
Stormwater Committee
The Stormwater Committee will review land disturbance permit applications for five specific properties. The committee will also elect officers and approve meeting minutes.
- Land Disturbance Permit LD-2023-10: 430 Bailey Road
- Land Disturbance Permit LD-2025-3: 440 Bailey Road
- Land Disturbance Permit LD-2025-10: 836 Salisbury Street
- Land Disturbance Permit LD-2025-9: 889 Salisbury Street
- Land Disturbance Permit LD-2025-11: 321 Bryant Road
Town Clerk
The Town Clerk's MBTA Communities Act Working Group will meet on December 18, 2025 at 6:30 pm by Zoom. The agenda lists a review of minutes, brief updates, community outreach, additional items, and a wrap‑up. No specific resolutions, contracts, or ordinance changes are identified in the agenda. The meeting link and passcode are provided for public participation.
Town Clerk
The Holden Housing Authority Board will meet to approve November 2025 financials, receive reports on operations and snow removal, and consider resolutions for HUD civil rights certification and a window replacement change order.
- Approval of November 2025 financials
- Resolution 2025-20 HUD Civil Rights Certification & Annual Plan
- Resolution 2025-21 Window Replacement Project Change Order
- State-Aided Housing Report
- Leased Housing Report
Board of Assessors
The Board will accept the minutes from the October 28, 2025 meeting. It will discuss motor vehicle excise commitments and abatements for 2024 and 2025. It will also review fiscal year 2026 real estate and personal property tax billing, the supplemental real estate tax for FY2026‑1, and Chapter Land FY2027 applications due December 1, 2025, along with FY2027 status.
- Accept minutes from October 28, 2025
- Review motor vehicle excise commitments and abatements for 2024‑2025
- Examine FY2026 real estate and personal property tax billing
- Consider supplemental real estate tax for FY2026‑1
- Discuss Chapter Land FY2027 applications due December 1, 2025
The Board of Assessors approved the minutes of the October 28, 2025 meeting. The meeting also reviewed motor vehicle excise data, FY 26 tax totals, staff updates, chapter land applications, and FY 2027 budget proposals, but no further actions were decided. The next meeting date will be set later.
- Approved October 28, 2025 meeting minutes
Planning Board
The Holden Planning Board will hold a public hearing to decide on a special permit for a fast food restaurant operating as part of a children's play café at 1146 Main Street. The board will also consider a request to release a surety and insurance bond for Westminster Place and review the minutes from the December 9, 2025 meeting.
- Special permit hearing for a fast food restaurant/children's play café at 1146 Main Street
- Request to release surety and insurance bond for Westminster Place
- Review and approval of minutes from the December 9, 2025 meeting
The board voted 3‑0‑0 to release the Westminster Place surety and insurance bond in its entirety. It also voted 3‑0‑0 to continue the public hearing for 1146 Main Street until January 13, 2026. The December 9, 2025 minutes were approved 3‑0‑0 and the meeting was adjourned at 8:50 pm.
- Release Westminster Place surety and insurance bond in entirety (3-0-0)
- Continue 1146 Main Street public hearing until Jan 13, 2026 (3-0-0)
- Approve December 9, 2025 Planning Board minutes (3-0-0)
- Adjourn meeting at 8:50 pm (3-0-0)
Health Department/Board of Health
The Board approved the minutes from the October 21 and November 18, 2025 meetings. It voted unanimously to add Richard Greene and Laura Tupper as health inspectors. No other motions were decided; Kratom regulation information was only presented for review.
- Approved October 21, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
- Approved November 18, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
- Approved addition of Richard Greene as inspector (unanimous)
- Approved addition of Laura Tupper as inspector (unanimous)
Water Sewer Advisory Board
The Water & Sewer Advisory Board will review updates on water and sewer operations, including iron and manganese issues in the Jefferson area and the ECC site. It will discuss the Fisher Road sewer extension and proposed sewer rules and regulations. The board will also receive an update on the City of Worcester DCR sewer rate court case and set topics for future meetings and the next meeting date.
- Fisher Road Sewer Extension Discussion
- Sewer Rules and Regulations
- Iron and Manganese‑Jefferson Area Interim Fe/Mn Mitigation Efforts Discussion
- City of Worcester – DCR Sewer Rate Court Case Update
- ECC site Update
Town Clerk
The MBTA Communities Act Working Group is meeting via Zoom to review minutes and discuss community outreach. The agenda consists of brief updates and general wrap-up items.
- Review of minutes
- Community outreach discussion
Town Clerk
The Holden Water & Sewer Advisory Board will receive updates on water and sewer operations, including iron and manganese issues in the Jefferson area and a court case involving Worcester's sewer rates. The board will discuss a proposed sewer extension on Fisher Road and review the town's sewer rules and regulations. It will also consider updates on the ECC site and set topics for future meetings.
- Iron and Manganese – Jefferson Area Updates
- City of Worcester – DCR Sewer Rate Court Case Update
- Fisher Road Sewer Extension Discussion
- Sewer Rules and Regulations
- ECC site Update
Town Clerk
The Holden Cultural Council will meet via Zoom to review grant applications for fiscal year 2026.
- Review of FY26 grant applications
Town Clerk
The Board of Directors will meet virtually to conduct organizational business. The agenda includes the election of officers and the Board Chairman.
- Election of Officers
- Election of Chairman
- Approval of November 24, 2025 meeting minutes
- Executive session to discuss trade secrets and confidential corporate-sensitive information
Planning Board
The Planning Board will hold a public hearing regarding zoning bylaw and zoning map amendments related to the MBTA Communities Act. The board will also consider a lot creation request and review previous meeting minutes.
- Public hearing on MBTA Communities Act zoning bylaw and zoning map amendments
- Request for 35 Chapin Road to create 2 lots from 1 lot
- Review and approval of November 18, 2025 minutes
The board voted unanimously to approve the creation of two lots from one at 35 Chapin Road. It also voted unanimously to reject the MBTA Communities Act article and to approve the November 18, 2025 minutes. The meeting was adjourned at 7:16 p.m. by a unanimous vote.
- Approved two‑lot subdivision at 35 Chapin Road (4-0-0)
- Rejected MBTA Communities Act article (4-0-0)
- Approved November 18, 2025 Planning Board minutes (4-0-0)
- Adjourned meeting at 7:16 p.m. (4-0-0)
Town Clerk
The MBTACA Working Group will meet via Zoom on December 4, 2025, to review minutes, discuss updates, and address follow-up items from the Board of Selectman.
- Review of meeting minutes
- Updates and follow-up to Board of Selectman discussion
- Community outreach planning
- Additional items discussion
- Meeting via Zoom
Finance Committee
The Holden Finance Committee will receive an update from the Town Manager. It will review the manager's financial forecasts and consider a proposed budget override. The committee will also address miscellaneous items, set the next meeting date, approve the minutes, and then adjourn.
- Town Manager update
- Review Town Manager forecasts and override proposal
- Finance Committee miscellaneous items
- Set next meeting date
- Approve minutes
The committee discussed a proposed 2 ½% tax override for fiscal year 2027. A motion to not recommend the override to the Board of Selectmen was made, seconded, and passed unanimously. No other actions were taken during the meeting.
- Did not recommend 2 ½% override to Board of Selectmen (unanimous)
Conservation Commission
The Holden Beach Conservation Commission will discuss construction updates for several single‑family homes and septic systems that fall within 100‑foot regulatory buffers, including projects on 71 Sterling Rd, 889 Salisbury St, and Bryant Road. It will consider an enforcement order for unauthorized work at 130 Manning St. The commission will also receive requests for final certificates of compliance for properties on 55 and 47 Muschopague Rd.
- Notice of Intent – 71 Sterling Rd (single‑family home, septic, driveway extension in 200‑foot Riverfront Area, grading in 100‑foot wetland buffer)
- Notice of Intent – 889 Salisbury St (three single‑family homes, septic systems, utilities, grading in 100‑foot wetland buffer)
- Notice of Intent – Lot 2 Bryant Rd (single‑family home, septic, site work in 100‑foot wetland buffer)
- Enforcement Order – 130 Manning St (unauthorized work in regulatory buffer)
- Requests for Final Certificate of Compliance – 55 Muschopague Rd and 47 Muschopague Rd (single‑family homes and septic systems in 100‑foot buffer)
Council on Aging
The Holden Beach Council on Aging will hold a meeting on December 3, 2025 at 8 AM in the Senior Center. Members will accept the October 1 and November 5, 2025 meeting minutes and hear a series of reports, including the Chairman’s report, Friends report, Help at H.O.M.E. data, Board of Elder Services, Director’s report, Age and Dementia Committee, and MBTA communities information. The agenda also includes old business, new business, a citizens’ address, and adjournment.
- Chairman’s report – acceptance of October 1 and November 5, 2025 minutes
- Help at H.O.M.E. – review of October data and information from Susie Marsh
- Board of Elder Services report
- Director’s report by Karen Phillips
- Age and Dementia Committee report
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen will meet to discuss a Proposition 2 ½ Override and MBTA Communities. The agenda includes two public hearings regarding dog complaints and the processing of licenses and permits.
- Proposition 2 ½ Override discussion
- MBTA Communities discussion
- Common Victualer license for Sip ‘n’ Sprout (Jessica Shaw)
- Dog complaint hearing for Marisa Smithers, 46 January Lane
- Dog complaint hearing for Janice Toole, 318 Wachusett Street
The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved Jessica Shaw’s Sip ‘n’ Sprout license, setting operating hours from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The Board also confirmed that it had previously voted to adopt the MBTA zoning amendment, though no vote tally was recorded. No final decision was made on how to handle the Bailey Road parcel restriction, and a Planning Board hearing is scheduled for December 9.
- Approved Sip ‘n’ Sprout license with hours 8:30 a.m.–9:00 p.m. (unanimous)
- Confirmed adoption of the MBTA zoning amendment (vote not recorded)
- Scheduled Planning Board hearing for December 9
Water Sewer Advisory Board
The Water & Sewer Advisory Board will receive updates on water and sewer operations, including iron and manganese issues in the Jefferson area and the Advanced Metering Infrastructure meter replacement program. The board will also receive an update on the City of Worcester DCR sewer rate court case and an ECC site update. A key agenda item is the discussion, review, and recommendation on the use of Tucker Road sewer easements #47H and #48W. The meeting will conclude with scheduling the next meeting.
- Iron and Manganese – Jefferson Area Updates
- Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Meter Replacement Program Discussion
- ECC site Update
- City of Worcester – DCR Sewer Rate Court Case Update
- Discussion, review, and recommendations regarding the use of Tucker Road sewer easements #47H & #48W
The Water & Sewer Advisory Board voted unanimously to recommend approval of Mr. Holden’s request for the Tucker Road sewer easements #47H and #48W. The board also set the next meeting for December 11, 2025 at 5:30 PM. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent.
- Recommend approval of Tucker Road sewer easements #47H & #48W (unanimous)
- Schedule next meeting for Dec 11, 2025 at 5:30 PM
- Adjourn meeting (unanimous)
Town Clerk
The MBTACA Working Group will meet via Zoom to review minutes, provide updates, and discuss a response to the Board of Selectman's recent discussion and decision. The meeting is scheduled for November 20, 2025.
- Review of meeting minutes
- Updates on MBTACA Working Group activities
- Response to Board of Selectman discussion and decision
- Community outreach planning
- Meeting via Zoom
Holden Community Garden Committee
The Holden Community Garden Committee will meet to review the minutes from the October 8, 2025 meeting and to evaluate the recent Fall Clean Up event. Committee members will consider the 2026 garden application, the seed library, and planned school and Scout projects, as well as a community harvest. The agenda also includes old and new business items before adjourning.
- Review of previous minutes (October 8, 2025)
- Fall Clean Up Event review and follow‑up
- 2026 garden application
- Seed library discussion
- School and Scout projects
Town Clerk
The Municipal Electric Power Advisory Board is meeting to present the CY2026 budget and provide financial and operations updates.
- CY2026 Budget Presentation
- Financial Update
- Operations Update
Help at H.O.M.E. (Holden Outreach Managing Emergencies)
The Holden Outreach Managing Emergencies (H.O.M.E.) board will approve the minutes from the October 14, 2025 meeting, hear reports from the chair, treasurer, and committee members, and discuss drafting committee guidelines in place of formal bylaws. The board will also consider setting the next meeting date for January 13.
- Approve minutes of October 14, 2025
- Treasurer’s report and update on spring business fundraiser
- Report of the Chair on thank‑you letters and sharing guidelines
- New business: write up committee guidelines/duties, in lieu of bylaws
- Set next meeting date, time, place – January 13?
The committee approved the minutes from the October 14, 2025 meeting. No other formal actions were taken; members discussed reports, a Facebook posting schedule, and upcoming projects.
- Approved minutes of October 14, 2025 (no vote tally recorded)
Planning Board
The board will consider an ANR to divide the property at 576 Reservoir Street into two lots. It will review and approve a written decision for 1116 Wachusett Street. An update on the MBTA Communities Act will be presented. The board will also review and approve the minutes from the October 28, 2025 meeting.
- ANR to split 576 Reservoir Street into two lots
- Review and approve written decision for 1116 Wachusett Street
- Update on MBTA Communities Act
- Review and approve minutes from October 28, 2025 meeting
The Planning Board endorsed the creation of two lots from the existing lot at 576 Reservoir Street with a 3-0-0 vote. It also authorized the decision for file SPR-02251116 Wachusett Street to be signed, again 3-0-0. The board approved the October 28, 2025 meeting minutes and adjourned the meeting at 7:26 pm, each with a 3-0-0 vote.
- Endorsed ANR-576 Reservoir Street lot split into two lots (3-0-0)
- Authorized signing of decision for file SPR-02251116 Wachusett Street (3-0-0)
- Approved October 28, 2025 Planning Board minutes (3-0-0)
- Adjourned meeting at 7:26 pm (3-0-0)
Health Department/Board of Health
The Holden Beach Board of Health will approve the minutes from September 23 and October 21, 2025. It will confirm that Title V inspections at 263 Muschopauge Road and 1348 Main Street passed. The board will discuss installation and repair of sewage systems at several locations, including D‑box and pipe repairs at 37 Driftwood Drive and a full system replacement at 601 Wachusett Street. Additional items include reviews of properties on 71 Miles Avenue and 7 Wildwood, and an overview of the Holden CARES program.
- Approve minutes for September 23 and October 21, 2025
- Title V inspections passed at 263 Muschopauge Rd and 1348 Main St
- Septic system work: D‑box & pipe repair at 37 Driftwood Dr; decommission at 47 Chapel St; full system replacement at 601 Wachusett St
- Review of 71 Miles Ave and 7 Wildwood properties
- Holden CARES program overview and local upgrade approval for 601 Wachusett St
The Board approved the minutes from September 23, 2025. It extended the Order to Correct for 7 Wildwood Rd until December 2. The Board approved the septic system upgrade at 601 Wachusett Street and gave the Health Director authority to approve future local septic upgrades without board review.
- Approved September 23, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
- Extended Order to Correct for 7 Wildwood Rd to Dec 2 (vote passed)
- Approved septic upgrade at 601 Wachusett St (vote passed)
- Authorized Health Director to approve local septic upgrades without board review (vote passed)
Agricultural Commission
The Holden Beach Agricultural Commission will consider appointments and re‑appointments of members and the contact status of a potential new member. The commission will review and accept the minutes from the October 25 meeting. Old business includes an update on Chapter 61 parcel scoring and its posting on GIS. New business covers updates to the Open Space and Recreation Plan, Central Mass Grown, the Central Mass Agricultural Roundtable, Chapter 61 and 61B, and forest management.
- Appointment and re‑appointment of commission members
- Review and acceptance of October 25 meeting minutes
- Chapter 61 parcel scoring update and GIS posting
- Open Space and Recreation Plan update
- Central Mass Agricultural Roundtable review
Town Clerk
The Town Clerk will review the October 14 minutes and hear reports from the Chair, Treasurer, and various committees. Updates include the HCOA report, a promotional video status, and a spring fundraiser follow‑up. The board will consider drafting committee guidelines to replace bylaws. The meeting will also set the date for the next session.
- Approve minutes of October 14, 2025
- Treasurer’s report – spring business fundraiser follow‑up
- HCOA update (Kelly)
- Promotional video status (Marty)
- Draft committee guidelines/duties in lieu of bylaws
Town Clerk
The trustees will review minutes from the Oct 21 and Oct 28 meetings, hear reports from the chair, director, and committees, and discuss library items such as the Children’s Room renovation, seed catalog, community art show, and the upcoming override election. A public forum will be held, and the next meeting will be scheduled for Dec 16.
- Review minutes from Oct 21 & Oct 28 meetings
- Library tour on Nov 22 at 10 am
- Children’s Room renovation (Director’s Report)
- Community Art Show (Director’s Report)
- Override election (Director’s Report)
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen will hear a citizen address, receive a presentation from MBTA Communities, and get an update from the Town Manager. They will review the Selectmen minutes, discuss miscellaneous items, and assign committee assignments. No specific policy decisions are listed on the agenda.
- Citizen Address
- MBTA Communities Presentation
- Town Manager’s Update
- Selectmen Minutes Review
- Committee Assignments
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen will meet to discuss a presentation on MBTA Communities. The agenda also includes time for citizen addresses, appointments, and town manager updates.
- MBTA Communities Presentation
- Appointments, Licenses, and Permits
- Town Manager’s Update
- Committee Assignments
Agricultural Commission
The Holden Beach Agricultural Commission will review updates to the Open Space and Recreation Plan and discuss the latest Chapter 61 parcel scoring information. Additional topics include updates on Central Mass Grown, the Red Barn project, and the Central Mass Ag Roundtable. The meeting will also consider potential educational presentations on Chapter 61 and forest management.
- Chapter 61 parcel scoring update
- Open Space and Recreation Plan update
- Central Mass Grown update
- Red Barn update
- Central Mass Ag Roundtable review
Town Clerk
The Holden Beach Town Committee meeting on November 13, 2025 will review the previous meeting minutes. Committee members will give brief updates, discuss maps and parcels, and outline a timeline for upcoming projects. Additional agenda items include community outreach and a wrap‑up.
Town Clerk
The committee will review the previous meeting's minutes. It will receive brief updates from members. The agenda includes a review of maps and parcels, any additional items, and a wrap‑up. No specific decisions or actions are listed in the agenda.
Conservation Commission
The Holden Conservation Commission will consider several Notice of Intent applications and requests for final certificates of compliance for single‑family homes and associated site work. Many of the projects are located within 100‑foot regulatory buffers or a 200‑foot Riverfront Area, triggering wetland and buffer reviews. The agenda also includes updates on ongoing projects and other business items such as habitat‑management grants.
- Notice of Intent – 71 STERLING RD (Map 16, Parcel 7, DEP File #183-0xxx): single‑family home, septic and driveway extension within the 200‑foot Riverfront Area and 100‑foot wetland buffer.
- Notice of Intent – LOT 2 BRYANT ROAD (Map 56, Parcel 9/10, DEP File #183-0xxx): single‑family home, septic within the 100‑foot regulatory buffer.
- Request for Final Certificate of Compliance – 55 MUSCHOPAGUE ROAD (Lot 2R, Map 84, Parcel 5, DEP File #183-0709): home and septic system within the 100‑foot buffer.
- Request for Final Certificate of Compliance – 60 DEANNA DRIVE (Lot 48R, DEP File #183-0667): common driveway within the vernal pool resource area with temporary impacts and restoration.
- Request for Final Certificate of Compliance – MALDEN STREET LOT (Donna Ripley, Map 174, Parcel 32, DEP File #183-0327): construction of a single‑family home and driveway; work never started, OOC dated 5‑2‑2001.
Town Clerk
The council will consider and vote to accept the minutes from the October 1, 2025 meeting. It will also hear reports from the Chairman, Friends, HELP at H.O.M.E., Board of Elder Services, Director, and the Age and Dementia Committee. The meeting includes old business, new business, and a citizens’ address from the Council on Aging. The session is scheduled for November 5, 2025 at 8 AM in the Senior Center.
- Acceptance of October 1, 2025 minutes (Chairman's Report)
- Friends Report
- HELP at H.O.M.E. September data (Susan Sullivan)
- Board of Elder Services Report (Rick Mansfield)
- Director’s Report (Karen Phillips)
Town Clerk
The Holden Beach Conservation Commission will consider a series of requests for final certificates of compliance for single‑family homes and septic systems at various addresses. The agenda also includes construction updates for the Greenwood Estates Subdivision Phase II and notices of intent for new development at 71 Sterling Road, Lot 2 Bryant Road, and Lot 3 Bryant Road. Additional items are project updates for several town projects and other business such as a habitat‑management grant and culvert assessments.
- Request for Final Certificate of Compliance – 55 Muschopague Road (Lot 2R) – James Harrity, Simac Realty Trust
- Request for Final Certificate of Compliance – 47 Muschopague Road (Lot 4R) – James Harrity, Simac Realty Trust
- Request for Final Certificate of Compliance – 60 Deanna Drive (Lot 48R) – Greenwood Estates, Jackson Woods Investments, LLC
- Notice of Intent – 71 Sterling Road – single‑family home, septic and driveway extension within 200‑foot Riverfront Area (Jay Finlay, Finlay Engineering; Paul McManus, Eco‑Tec, Inc; Andrew Meader, owner)
- Greenwood Estates Subdivision Construction Update, Phase II, Grace’s Way, Restoration Areas, Drainage
Board of Selectmen
The Board appointed William (Ralph) Morse to the Agricultural Commission for a three‑year term and reappointed Maleah Gustafson despite one dissenting vote. They unanimously approved signing a letter urging state leaders to support the Mass Central Rail Trail project. The Board adopted a residential tax factor of 1, passing the motion 4‑1. Additional actions included granting a non‑emergency staff day off on Nov 28, scheduling a dog‑dangerousness hearing for Dec 1, and directing the Town Manager to prepare a one‑year Proposition 2½ override proposal.
- William (Ralph) Morse appointed to Agricultural Commission (unanimous)
- Maleah Gustafson reappointed to Agricultural Commission (4–1)
- Signed letter supporting Mass Central Rail Trail (unanimous)
- Adopted residential tax factor of 1 (4–1)
- Approved non‑emergency staff day off on Nov 28 (aye vote)
- Scheduled dog dangerousness hearing for Dec 1 (unanimous)
- Directed Town Manager to prepare one‑year Prop 2½ override proposal (consensus)
- Adjourned meeting (unanimous)
Town Clerk
The Board of Selectmen will hold its regular meeting with updates from the Town Manager and Town Clerk, and will discuss a special town election, a special town meeting, and a Proposition 2½ tax‑override. Additional agenda items include appointments to the Agricultural Commission, a presentation on the Wachusett Greenways Mass Central Rail Trail, a tax classification hearing, and setting a public hearing date for dog complaints.
- Agricultural Commission Appointment – William Morse (11/3/25‑11/3/28)
- Agricultural Commission Reappointment – Maleah Gustafson (11/2/25‑11/2/28)
- Wachusett Greenways presentation by Colleen Abrams, Mass Central Rail Trail
- Tax Classification Hearing
- Proposition 2½ Override Discussion
Town Clerk
The Holden Beach MBTA Communities Act Working Group will meet to review maps, timeline items, and public input. The meeting is held via Zoom.
- Review of Maps
- Timeline for MBTA Communities Act
- Public Input session
- Information from Other Committees
Town Clerk
The Holden Beach MBTA Communities Act Working Group will meet to review maps, timeline, and public input. The meeting is held via Zoom.
- Review of maps
- Timeline and public input
- Information from other committees
Board of Assessors
The Board will accept the minutes from its September 23, 2025 meeting. It will review motor vehicle excise commitments and abatement totals for 2024 and 2025. The board will discuss fiscal year 2026 real estate and personal property matters, including a classification hearing scheduled for November 3 and a recommendation for a residential factor. Personal exemption applications and chapter land applications will also be addressed.
- Acceptance of minutes from September 23, 2025
- Review of motor vehicle excise commitments and abatement totals for 2024 and 2025
- Discussion of fiscal year 2026 real estate and personal property matters
- Classification hearing scheduled for November 3 at Town Hall
- Recommendation for residential factor
The Board of Assessors accepted the minutes from the September 23, 2025 meeting. No new motor‑vehicle excise commitments were issued, and abatements for prior years were listed. The board noted upcoming items for Fiscal Year 2026, staff inspections, and Chapter Land application returns. No other formal actions were taken.
- Approved September 23, 2025 meeting minutes
Planning Board
The Planning Board will conduct a site plan review for a commercial building expansion and discuss roadway improvements for a subdivision. The board will also review minutes from the October 14, 2025, meeting.
- Site plan review for commercial building expansion at 1116 Wachusett Street
- Roadway improvements update for Greenwood Estates II subdivision at Union Street/Highland Street
The board closed the hearing on 1116 Wachusett Street and approved the site‑plan review to allow the commercial building expansion, subject to conditions, with a 4‑0‑0 vote. The October 14, 2025 meeting minutes were also approved unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 7:13 pm.
- Closed hearing on 1116 Wachusett Street (4-0-0)
- Granted site‑plan review for expansion at 1116 Wachusett Street, subject to conditions (4-0-0)
- Approved October 14, 2025 Planning Board minutes (4-0-0)
- Adjourned meeting at 7:13 pm (4-0-0)
Planning Board
The Planning Board will review a site plan for a commercial building expansion and discuss roadway updates for a subdivision. The board will also review minutes from the October 14, 2025, meeting.
- Site plan review for commercial building expansion at 1116 Wachusett Street
- Roadway improvements update for Greenwood Estates II subdivision at Union Street/Highland Street
The Planning Board closed the hearing on 1116 Wachusett Street and approved the site‑plan review to allow the commercial building expansion, subject to conditions. The board also approved the October 14, 2025 minutes and adjourned the meeting at 7:13 p.m.
- Closed hearing on 1116 Wachusett Street (4-0-0)
- Granted site‑plan review for expansion of 1116 Wachusett Street commercial building, subject to conditions (4-0-0)
- Approved October 14, 2025 Planning Board minutes (4-0-0)
- Adjourned meeting at 7:13 p.m. (4-0-0)
Town Clerk
The Planning Board will review the site plan for a commercial building expansion at 1116 Wachusett Street, receive an update on roadway improvements for the Greenwood Estates II subdivision at Union and Highland Streets, and consider approval of the October 14, 2025 meeting minutes.
- 1116 Wachusett Street – site plan review for commercial building expansion (postponed from 10/14/25)
- Union Street/Highland Street – update on roadway improvements for Greenwood Estates II subdivision
- Review and approve minutes from the October 14, 2025 meeting
Town Clerk
The Board of Assessors will accept the minutes from the September 23, 2025 meeting. It will review motor vehicle excise commitments and abatements for 2024 and 2025 and discuss real estate and personal property matters for fiscal year 2026. The agenda also includes a classification hearing scheduled for November 3 at Town Hall, a recommendation on the residential factor, and updates on personal exemption and Chapter Land applications. Employee updates on cyclical inspections will be noted.
- Motor Vehicle Excise – 2024 and 2025 commitments/abatement totals
- Fiscal Year 2026: Real Estate and Personal Property matters
- Classification Hearing scheduled for November 3, Town Hall
- Recommendation for Residential Factor
- Personal exemption applications being returned
Trustees of Damon Memorial Library
The Trustees of Damon Memorial Library will meet to review the Director's report and committee updates. The meeting includes a discussion on the financing and status of the Children’s Room renovation.
- Children’s Room renovation update and financing
- Library tour scheduled for Oct 25 at 10 am
Recreation Committee
The Recreation Committee will meet to discuss the start of B&A Programs and review policy and procedures. The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 6:00 pm in the Recreation Department Conference Room.
- Review of policy and procedures
- Update on start of B&A Programs
- Set next meeting date
- Meeting held at Recreation Department- Conference Room
- Meeting starts at 6:00 pm
Agricultural Commission
The Holden Beach Agricultural Commission will meet to review past minutes, discuss updates to Chapter 61 parcel scoring, and introduce a potential new member. The agenda includes items regarding farmland of local importance, a farmer's market banner, and meeting schedules.
- Review/Accept Past Meeting Minutes
- Farmland of Local Importance
- Chapter 61 Parcel Scoring Update
- Introduction of potential new member
- Farmer's Market Banner
Health Department/Board of Health
The Board of Health will approve minutes from August 19 and September 23, 2025. It will review Title V inspection outcomes for three properties and discuss ongoing septic system installations, abandonments, and repairs. A health director report will be presented covering a DEP site visit, water department concerns, an FDA grant update, and Narcan training. The meeting will also consider the MDPH Municipal Grant Program.
- Approve minutes from August 19, 2025 and September 23, 2025
- Title V inspections: 75 Nelson St – passes; 37 Driftwood Dr – conditionally passes; 156 Newell Rd – conditionally passes
- Septic projects: abandonment at 246 Doyle Rd and 264 Brattle St; repair at 576 Reservoir St; D‑Box replacement at 156 Newell Rd
- Health Director report: DEP site visit at 61 Miles Ave, Worcester Water Dept concerns, FDA grant update, Narcan training
- Discuss MDPH Municipal Grant Program
The Holden Board of Health approved the minutes from the August 19, 2025 meeting. No other formal actions were taken; the board received reports on Title V inspections, septic system work, food and septic inspections, a DEP site visit, an E‑Coli investigation, an FDA grant update, and upcoming Narcan training. Members also discussed the MDPH Municipal Grant Program and future substance‑abuse support. The next meeting is set for November 18, 2025.
- Approved August 19, 2025 meeting minutes
Town Clerk
The Holden Beach Recreation Committee will meet on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at 6:00 pm in the Recreation Department conference room. The agenda includes a call to order, an update on the start of B&A Programs, a review of policy and procedures, setting the next meeting date, and adjournment. No specific decisions beyond scheduling are indicated.
- Update on start of B&A Programs
- Review of policy and procedures
- Set next meeting date
Town Clerk
The committee will introduce a potential new member and review the prior meeting minutes. It will discuss old‑business items, including farmland of local importance and a Chapter 61 parcel scoring update. The meeting will also consider new‑business items such as a farmer’s market banner, the upcoming meeting schedule, and a proposed idea for fall/winter activities.
- Farmland of Local Importance
- Chapter 61 Parcel Scoring Update
- Farmer’s Market Banner
- Meeting schedule
- One Big Idea for Fall/Winter
Town Clerk
The Board of Health will review Title V inspection results and septic system repairs for several properties. The meeting includes a report from Health Director Trevor Bruso regarding site visits and grants.
- Title V inspections for 75 Nelson Street, 37 Driftwood Drive, and 156 Newell Road
- Septic abandonment at 246 Doyle Road and 264 Brattle Street
- Septic system repair at 576 Reservoir Street
- DEP Site Visit at 61 Miles Ave
- Discussion of MDPH Municipal Grant Program
Dawson Recreation Complex Committee
The Dawson Recreational Complex Committee will conduct routine business, including signing payment requisitions and meeting minutes. No substantive agenda items are listed. The meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 20, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. at the construction site on Industrial Drive.
- Open payment requisitions to be signed
- Meeting minutes to be signed
Town Clerk
The Board of Selectmen will meet to discuss a Proposition 2½ Override. The agenda also includes a permit review for Colony Retirement Homes and a Town Manager's update.
- Common Victualer permit for Colony Retirement Homes (10/18/25)
- Discussion of Proposition 2½ Override
Town Clerk
The Dawson Recreational Complex Committee will conduct routine business, including signing payment requisitions and meeting minutes. No substantive policy decisions or projects are on the agenda. The meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 20, 2025 at 6:30 pm at the construction site on Industrial Drive.
- Open payment requisitions to be signed
- Meeting minutes to be signed
- Any other matters before the committee
- Call to order
- Adjourn
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen will meet to discuss a Proposition 2½ Override. The agenda also includes a review of a common victualer license for Colony Retirement Homes.
- Common Victualer license for Colony Retirement Homes
- Discussion of Proposition 2½ Override
The board voted unanimously to approve the license for the Colonial Victualer and Colony Retirement Homes event on October 18, 2025. It also unanimously approved the official Halloween trick‑or‑treat hours as recommended by the police chief. No other actions were decided; the proposed Proposition 2½ tax override was only discussed.
- Approved license for Colonial Victualer/Colony Retirement Homes event (unanimous)
- Approved Halloween trick‑or‑treat hours as recommended (unanimous)
Finance Committee
The Holden Beach Finance Committee is scheduled to discuss a potential Proposition 2 1/2 override for Fiscal Year 2027. The meeting is set to take place at Town Hall on October 15, 2025.
- Discussion of FY27 Proposition 2 1/2 override
- Finance Committee meeting at Town Hall
The Finance Committee held a joint meeting with the Board of Selectmen and the WRSD, delivering a televised presentation on the proposed Proposition 2½ Override for FY 2027. Committee members answered audience questions, and the meeting adjourned without any motions, votes, or approvals recorded.
Town Clerk
The Holden Beach Finance Committee will meet on October 15, 2025 at 6:30 PM in Town Hall, Memorial Hall, 1196 Main Street. The committee’s agenda includes a discussion of a potential FY27 Proposition 2½ tax override. No other agenda items are listed.
- Potential FY27 Proposition 2½ tax override – discussion
Town Clerk
The Board of Selectmen will meet on October 15, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in Memorial Hall, 1196 Main Street, Holden. The agenda includes discussion of a potential FY27 Proposition 2 1/2 override. No other items are listed.
- Discuss potential FY27 Proposition 2 1/2 override
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen will meet on October 15, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in Memorial Hall, 1196 Main Street, Holden. The agenda includes discussion of a potential FY27 Proposition 2½ tax override. No other agenda items are listed.
- Potential FY27 Proposition 2½ tax override
Town Clerk
The Holden Housing Authority Board will vote on several resolutions, including a union contract, a 2026 utility allowance schedule, and acceptance of an administrative plan for the HUD Section 8 HCV program. The board will also approve September financials and receive reports on modernization, state‑aided housing, and leased housing. Additional items include FY2026 budget guidelines, a search for a chief administrative and financial officer, and amendments to 760 CMR 5.00.
- Resolution 2025-17 – Union Contract
- Resolution 2025-18 – 2026 Utility Allowance Schedule
- Resolution 2025-19 – Acceptance of Administrative Plan for HUD Section 8 HCV Program
- Approval of September financials
- Seeking pre‑qualified candidates for Chief Administrative and Financial Officer (CAFO)
Help at H.O.M.E. (Holden Outreach Managing Emergencies)
The Holden Beach Help at H.O.M.E. board will discuss revised H@H guidelines and an update from the Holden Community Outreach Association. A video promotion for HCTV will be reviewed. The meeting includes routine reports, a treasurer’s update on the spring fundraiser, and a decision on the next meeting date.
- Revised H@H guidelines / HCOA update
- Video promotion for HCTV – review
- Treasurer’s report, including spring business fundraiser update
- Committee reports (including Facebook posts)
- Set next meeting date, time, place – November 18?
Help at H.O.M.E. (Holden Outreach Managing Emergencies)
The H.O.M.E. committee approved updated guidelines for the 2025 outreach program with a procedural change to the maximum assistance amount. The group also discussed plans for a promotional video and fundraising efforts.
- Approved revised H@H guidelines with a $1 increase to the maximum assistance amount
- Discussed plans for a promotional video to recruit new members
- Treasurer reported no updated numbers due to the fiscal year end
- Marty will take over social media posts following Amy Curran's resignation
- Fundraising letter will be sent in HMLD mailings in batches
Planning Board
The Holden Beach Planning Board will review and approve the September 23, 2025 minutes. It will discuss a site‑plan review for a commercial building expansion at 1116 Wachusett Street. The board will consider adopting electronic signatures under M.G.L. c. 110G. A discussion and member appointment for the MBTA Communities Act Working Group is also on the agenda.
- 520 Manning Street – notice that approval is not required for creation of two lots under the subdivision control act
- 1116 Wachusett Street – site‑plan review for commercial building expansion
- MBTA Communities Act Working Group – discussion and member appointment
- Electronic Signatures – discussion of possible adoption of M.G.L. c. 110G
- Minutes – review and approval of September 23, 2025 meeting minutes
Planning Board
The Holden Beach Planning Board will meet remotely on October 14, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. The board will review a site plan for a commercial building expansion at 1116 Wachusett Street. It will consider a proposal to adopt electronic signatures under M.G.L. c. 110G, referencing Amendment 13‑7 to the Massachusetts Deed Indexing Standards 2018. The agenda also includes discussion of MBTA Communities Act Working Group appointments, a non‑required approval for a two‑lot creation at 520 Manning Street, and approval of the September 23, 2025 minutes.
- Review site plan for commercial building expansion at 1116 Wachusett Street
- Discuss and possibly adopt electronic signatures under M.G.L. c. 110G (Amendment 13‑7 to 2018 Deed Indexing Standards)
- Discuss MBTA Communities Act Working Group member appointment
- Review and approve September 23, 2025 meeting minutes
- 520 Manning Street lot creation noted as not requiring board approval (ANR)
The board endorsed an ANR under the Subdivision Control Act to create two lots at 520 Manning Street. It postponed the site‑plan review for the commercial expansion at 1116 Wachusett Street until the applicant can attend. The board adopted the use of electronic signatures for its documents, approved the September 23, 2025 minutes, and adjourned the meeting.
- Endorsed ANR for 520 Manning Street creation of two lots (4-0-0)
- Postponed site‑plan review for 1116 Wachusett Street commercial expansion (4-0-0)
- Recognized and accepted M.G.L. c. 110G electronic signatures for board documents (4-0-0)
- Approved September 23, 2025 Planning Board meeting minutes (4-0-0)
- Adjourned the meeting at 7:22 pm (4-0-0)
Town Clerk
The Holden Beach Planning Board will review a subdivision plan for 520 Manning Street that creates two lots and does not require approval. It will conduct a site plan review for a commercial building expansion at 1116 Wachusett Street. The board will discuss the MBTA Communities Act Working Group member appointment and consider adopting electronic signatures under M.G.L. c. 110G. Finally, the board will review and approve the September 23, 2025 minutes.
- 520 Manning Street – approval not required (ANR) for creation of two lots
- 1116 Wachusett Street – site plan review for commercial building expansion
- MBTA Communities Act Working Group – discussion and member appointment
- Electronic Signatures – discussion and possible adoption of M.G.L. c. 110G
- Minutes – review and approve September 23, 2025 meeting minutes
Town Clerk
The Town Council will approve the minutes from the September 16, 2025 meeting. It will hear reports from the chair and treasurer, including an update on a spring business fundraiser. The council will discuss revised H@H guidelines and an HCOA update, review a video promotion for HCTV, and set the date for the next meeting.
- Approve minutes of September 16, 2025 meeting
- Treasurer’s report and spring business fundraiser update
- Revised H@H guidelines / HCOA update
- Review video promotion for HCTV
- Set date, time, place for November 18 meeting
Holden Community Garden Committee
The committee approved the minutes from the July 16, 2025 meeting. It approved a Yoga in the Garden event on Saturday, September 13 with a rain date of September 20, and authorized covering the $10 participation cost for garden members from the donation account. The Fall Clean‑up was scheduled for November 1, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. with a tree‑pruning demonstration at 11 a.m., and plans were set for surplus harvest collection for the Holden Senior Center.
- Approved July 16, 2025 meeting minutes (Motion #1)
- Approved Yoga in the Garden event for Sat. Sep 13, rain date Sep 20 (Motion #2)
- Approved covering yoga participation cost for garden members $10 per person from donation account (Motion #3)
- Approved Fall Clean‑up date Nov 1, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. with tree‑pruning demo at 11 a.m. (Motion #4)
- Michael will collect surplus garden harvests for donation to Holden Senior Center, placing a cooler near Water Tower 2 and delivering Thursday mornings
- Committee members will assist Lillian and Christopher Lindberg with tomato plant staking and trellising
Help at H.O.M.E. (Holden Outreach Managing Emergencies)
The meeting will approve the September 16, 2025 minutes and hear the Chair's outreach report. Committee reports include the Treasurer's update on a spring business fundraiser and social media activity. The board will discuss revised H@H guidelines and a Home Care Outreach Association update, and review a video promotion for HCTV. The next meeting date will be set for November 18.
- Approve minutes of September 16, 2025
- Treasurer’s report on spring business fundraiser email follow‑up and Facebook posts
- Revised H@H guidelines / HCOA update
- Review video promotion for HCTV
- Set next meeting date for November 18
Holden Community Garden Committee
The Holden Community Garden Committee will review the September 10, 2025 minutes and consider any amendments. Members will discuss follow‑up plans for a yoga event, compost program updates, and a grant opportunity for a school garden club. Additional topics include a perennial garden, scout projects, and a community harvest. The meeting will conclude with old and new business before adjourning.
- Review of previous minutes (September 10, 2025) and motions to approve or amend
- Discussion of yoga event follow‑up and clean‑up plans
- Compost program updates
- Discussion of Garden Club grant opportunity for schools
- Planning of perennial garden, scout projects, and community harvest
Town Clerk
The Holden Beach Town Council will review the September 10, 2025 meeting minutes. It will discuss plans for a yoga event and cleanup, provide updates on the town compost program, consider a Garden Club grant opportunity, and address a perennial garden project along with other community activities. The council will also handle any old or new business before adjourning.
- Review of previous minutes (September 10, 2025)
- Event discussion/planning: yoga followup and clean up plans
- Compost updates
- School followup – discussion of Garden Club grant opportunity
- Perennial Garden
Board of Selectmen
The Holden Board of Selectmen will hold a regular meeting on October 6, 2025, at Memorial Hall. The agenda includes a discussion on Ripple Fiber and a report from the MBTA Communities Act Working Group. The board is also scheduled to accept a $3,200 donation from Pepsi for an AED.
- Discussion of Ripple Fiber
- MBTA Communities Act Working Group report
- Acceptance of $3,200 donation from Pepsi for AED
The Selectmen voted to add James Sakorafos to the MBTA Communities Working Group, passing the motion 4‑1. They then unanimously approved three additional members—Mary Jude Pigsley, Elizabeth Brennan, and Victor Panak—bringing the group to four members. No other substantive actions were decided at this meeting.
- Appointed James Sakorafos to MBTA Communities Working Group (4 in favor, 1 opposed)
- Appointed Mary Jude Pigsley to MBTA Communities Working Group (unanimous)
- Appointed Elizabeth Brennan to MBTA Communities Working Group (unanimous)
- Appointed Victor Panak to MBTA Communities Working Group (unanimous)
Town Clerk
The Board of Selectmen will hold its regular meeting on October 6, 2025. The agenda includes a citizen address, discussion of appointments, licenses and permits, a Ripple Fiber item, and the acceptance of a $3,200 Pepsi donation for an automated external defibrillator. Additional selectmen business such as minutes, miscellaneous items, and committee assignments will also be addressed.
- Citizen address
- Appointments, licenses, permits
- Ripple Fiber discussion
- Acceptance of $3,200 Pepsi donation for AED
- Selectmen minutes and miscellaneous business
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen will meet to discuss a potential FY27 Proposition 2 1/2 override. No other substantive items are listed on the agenda.
- Discussion of potential FY27 Proposition 2 1/2 override
Town Clerk
The Berkshire Wind Power Cooperative Corporation membership will meet virtually on Oct. 3, 2025. The meeting will approve minutes from the November 15, 2024 membership and executive sessions, elect a director to fill a vacancy, and receive an operations/status report. Additional items may be discussed before adjournment.
- Approve minutes from the Nov. 15, 2024 membership session
- Approve minutes from the Nov. 15, 2024 executive session
- Election of a director to fill a vacancy
- Operations/status report
- Other items as may arise
Conservation Commission
The Commission is reviewing several requests for determinations of applicability and certificates of compliance for residential work. The body will also discuss a forest cutting plan and the MA DOT 2025 Invasive Plant Management Plan.
- Request to replace underground storage tank with above-ground tank at 55 Moy Ranch Road
- Landscaping and upland conversion request at 120 Moscow Road
- Certificates of compliance for homes and septic systems at 47 and 55 Muschopague Road
- Chapter 132-DCR forest cutting plan for 34 acres off Mason Road
- Emergency certifications for 3 and 67 Twinbrooke Drive
Town Clerk
The Conservation Commission will discuss construction updates for Greenwood Estates and review several requests for determinations of applicability and certificates of compliance. The body will also consider a forest cutting plan and the 2025 invasive plant management plan.
- Request to replace underground storage tank with above-ground tank at 55 Moy Ranch Road
- Landscaping and backyard conversion request at 120 Moscow Road
- Certificates of compliance for single family homes and septic systems at 47 and 55 Muschopague Road
- Forest cutting plan for 34 acres off Mason Road
- Discussion of Bylaw Fees and MBTA Communities Act Working Group
Town Clerk
The Council on Aging is meeting to elect a Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary. The body will also review reports from the Director, Board of Elder Services, and Help at H.O.M.E.
- Election of Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary
- Acceptance of September 3, 2025 minutes
- Review of August data from Help at H.O.M.E.
Dementia Friendly Community Committee
The committee will discuss recommendations from UMASS Town Studies. Members will also set the dates and times for dementia information sessions intended for town employees and citizens.
- Review of UMASS Town Studies and recommendations
- Scheduling of dementia information sessions for employees and citizens
- Approval of September 9th meeting minutes
Town Clerk
The Holden Dementia and Age Friendly Committee will accept the minutes from the September 9 meeting. Members will discuss comments on the UMASS Town Studies and related recommendations. The committee will also set dates and times for dementia information sessions for town employees and citizens.
- Accept minutes from September 9 meeting
- Discuss comments and recommendations from UMASS Town Studies
- Set dates and times for dementia information sessions for employees and citizens
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee will discuss the town’s five‑year budget forecast. The meeting will consider projected revenues and expenditures for upcoming years. No other agenda items are listed.
- Review 5‑Year Budget Forecast
Town Clerk
The Finance Committee is meeting to review the 5-year budget forecast. This is the only substantive item listed on the agenda.
- Review of 5 Year Budget Forecast
Board of Assessors
The Board of Assessors will review 2024 and 2025 motor vehicle excise totals, finalize Fiscal Year 2026 real estate and personal property values, and address forestry plan applications. The board will also welcome a new member and set the date for the next meeting.
- Finalize Fiscal Year 2026 residential, commercial, and industrial property values
- Review Fiscal Year 2026 personal property values
- Review new and renewal Chapter 61 forestry plan applications
- Welcome new board member Sean Xenos
- Set date for next Board of Assessors meeting
The board approved the minutes from the July 29, 2025 meeting. It also approved Chapter 61 forestry plans: a renewal for Harrison on South Road and a new plan for Somerset on Main St/Cannon Rd. No other decisions were recorded.
- Approved July 29, 2025 meeting minutes
- Approved Chapter 61 forestry plan renewal for Harrison – South Road
- Approved Chapter 61 forestry plan new for Somerset – Main St/Cannon Rd
Planning Board
The Planning Board will consider a lot creation plan and a special permit for a common driveway. The board will also discuss member appointments for the MBTA Communities Act Working Group.
- 128 Lovell Road: approval not required (ANR) plan for creation of two lots
- 94 Wachusett Street: special permit common driveway decision
- MBTA Communities Act Working Group: member appointment discussion
Planning Board
The Holden Beach Planning Board will meet remotely on September 23, 2025. The board will review and approve the minutes from the September 9, 2025 meeting. It will consider a special permit for a common driveway at 94 Wachusett Street. It will also note that an amendment not required (ANR) for 128 Lovell Road will be recorded.
- 128 Lovell Road – amendment not required (ANR) for creation of two lots under the Subdivision Control Act
- 94 Wachusett Street – special permit for a common driveway, to be reviewed and approved
- MBTA Communities Act Working Group – discussion and member appointment
- Review and approval of September 9, 2025 minutes
The board approved an ANR for 128 Lovell Road, contingent on a complete plan showing the new lot dimensions relative to setbacks. It also approved the special‑permit decision for a common driveway on 94 Wachusett Street and ratified the September 9, 2025 meeting minutes. Members voted to postpone appointing a member to the MBTA Communities Act Working Group until further details are released.
- Approved ANR for 128 Lovell Road, subject to complete lot‑dimension plan (4-0-0)
- Approved special‑permit decision for common driveway on 94 Wachusett Street (4-0-0)
- Approved September 9, 2025 Planning Board meeting minutes (4-0-0)
- Decided to postpone appointment to MBTA Communities Act Working Group (no vote recorded)
- Adjourned meeting at 7:25 p.m. (4-0-0)
Town Clerk
The Planning Board will review and approve a subdivision plan for 128 Lovell Road and a special permit for a common driveway at 94 Wachusett Street. The board will also discuss the MBTA Communities Act Working Group and approve minutes from September 9, 2025.
- Review and approve 128 Lovell Road subdivision plan
- Review and approve 94 Wachusett Street special permit
- MBTA Communities Act Working Group discussion
- Approve September 9, 2025 minutes
- Remote meeting via Zoom
Town Clerk
The Board of Assessors will accept the minutes from the July 29, 2025 meeting. It will review motor vehicle excise commitments and abatements for 2024 and 2025, and discuss the supplemental real estate tax bills issued on September 15 for FY2025. The board will consider finalizing residential, commercial, industrial, and personal property values for FY2026, including reviewing new and renewal Chapter 61 forestry plan applications.
- Accept minutes from July 29, 2025 meeting
- Review motor vehicle excise commitments/abatements for 2024‑2025
- Discuss FY2025 supplemental real estate tax bills issued Sep 15
- Consider FY2026 residential, commercial, industrial, and personal property values
- Review new and renewal Chapter 61 forestry plan applications
Town Clerk
The Holden Beach Board of Health will report Title V septic inspection results for three properties. It will discuss the replacement, abandonment, or upgrade of several septic systems at listed addresses. The board will consider a variance request for 125 Moscow Rd and receive updates on a DEP site visit, an FDA grant, and Narcan training. Minutes from the August 19, 2025 meeting will also be approved.
- Title V inspections: 246 Doyle Rd (fails), 216 River St (passes), 61 Old Broad St (passes)
- Septic projects: 108 Howard St (tank replacement), 54 Putnam Ln (abandonment), 139 North St (abandonment and upgrade), 430 Bailey Rd (new system)
- 125 Moscow Rd variance request
- Approve minutes from Aug 19, 2025
- Discussion of DEP site visit, FDA grant, and Narcan training
Health Department/Board of Health
The Board of Health will review Title V water inspection results for 246 Doyle Road (fails) and for 216 River Street and 61 Old Broad Street (passes). It will discuss several septic system projects, including a replacement at 108 Howard Street, abandonments at 54 Putnam Lane and 139 North Street, an upgrade at 139 North Street, and a new system at 430 Bailey Road. The board will also consider a variance request for 125 Moscow Rd, approve the minutes from the August 19, 2025 meeting, and receive updates on an FDA grant and Narcan training.
- Title V inspections: 246 Doyle Rd (fails), 216 River St (passes), 61 Old Broad St (passes)
- Septic work: replacement at 108 Howard St; abandonment at 54 Putnam Ln and 139 North St; upgrade at 139 North St; new system at 430 Bailey Rd
- Approve minutes from Aug 19, 2025 meeting
- Variance request for 125 Moscow Rd
- FDA grant and Narcan training
The Holden Board of Health voted unanimously (3‑0) to deny the Title 5 variance request for a septic system at 125 Moscow Road. Board members cited the risk to the public drinking water supply and the requirement for a 100‑foot setback from wetlands. The board also announced that Narcan overdose‑reversal training is scheduled for October 2 in Barre, with plans for additional training in town. The meeting adjourned at 7:04 p.m.
- Denied 125 Moscow Road septic variance request (3‑0)
- Scheduled Narcan overdose‑reversal training for Oct 2 in Barre
Board of Selectmen
The Holden Beach Board of Selectmen will conduct its regular meeting, including a citizen address and updates from the DPW director and town manager. The board will formally accept a $3,200 donation from Oriol Healthcare for an automated external defibrillator. Additional agenda items include discussion of the MBTACA Committee, response to the citizen address, and assignment of committee roles.
- Acceptance of $3,200 donation from Oriol Healthcare for an AED
- Introduction of DPW Director Nick Schwartz
- Town Manager’s update
- MBTACA Committee discussion
- Committee assignments
The Selectmen unanimously approved a $3,200 donation from Oriol Healthcare for AED devices. They also unanimously accepted the September 8, 2025 meeting minutes as written. A unanimous motion directed the Town Manager to draft the charge for the new MBTA committee.
- Accepted $3,200 Oriol Healthcare AED donation (unanimous)
- Accepted September 8, 2025 meeting minutes as written (unanimous)
- Directed Town Manager to outline charge for MBTA committee (unanimous)
Town Clerk
The Board of Selectmen meeting on September 22, 2025 will hear a citizen address, review appointments, licenses and permits, receive an introduction from DPW Director Nick Schwartz, accept a $3,200 donation from Oriol Healthcare for an AED, receive a Town Manager update, and discuss the MBTACA Committee. No specific decisions are noted beyond the agenda items.
- Acceptance of donation from Oriol Healthcare, $3,200 for an AED
- Citizens address
- Appointments, licenses, permits
- Town Manager’s update
- MBTACA Committee discussion
Municipal Electric Power Advisory Board
The board unanimously approved the September 4, 2025 minutes. It recommended the 2026 operating budget of $20,775,820 and the 2026 capital budget of $3,679,625.34 to the Board of Commissioners. The board also approved the revised street‑lighting rate for calendar year 2026.
- Approved September 4, 2025 minutes (all in favor)
- Recommended 2026 Operating Budget $20,775,820 to Board of Commissioners (all in favor)
- Recommended 2026 Capital Budget $3,679,625.34 to Board of Commissioners (all in favor)
- Approved street‑lighting rate adjustment for 2026 (all in favor)
Finance Committee
The Holden Beach Finance Committee will discuss a re-organization of its structure. It will receive an update from the Town Manager and review new guidance on open meeting law compliance. The committee will also consider discussion topics from the June 25, 2025 meeting, decide whether to accept or reject them, and approve the minutes from that meeting.
- Committee re-organization
- Town Manager update
- New guidance on open meeting law compliance
- Review and decision on discussion topics from 6-25-25 meeting
- Approve minutes from 6-25-25
Town Clerk
The Holden Beach Finance Committee will meet on September 17, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. at the Senior Center. The committee will consider several items including a re‑organization, an update from the Town Manager, new guidance on open‑meeting law compliance, and planning for upcoming fall meetings. A key decision will be whether to accept or reject the discussion topics that were presented at the June 25, 2025 meeting. The committee will also approve the minutes from that June meeting before adjourning.
- Committee re‑organization
- Town Manager update
- New guidance on open‑meeting law compliance
- Decision on discussion topics from 6‑25‑25 meeting
- Approve minutes from 6‑25‑25
Town Clerk
The Holden Housing Authority Board will approve the minutes from the 8/20/2025 meeting, review executive director reports, and adopt the July and August financial statements. Administration reports on modernization, state‑aided housing, and leased housing will be discussed. New Business includes Resolution 2025-16, which sets payment standards for 2026. The meeting will also include a tenant organization report and correspondence on FY2026 budget guidelines.
- Approval of 8/20/2025 regular meeting minutes
- Approval of July and August financial statements
- Executive Director report items: election of officers, personnel changes, heat pump meeting review, LTO, Sea Crest Re‑Cap
- Resolution 2025-16 approval of 2026 payment standards
- EOHLC PHN 2025-11 FY2026 budget guidelines correspondence
Help at H.O.M.E. (Holden Outreach Managing Emergencies)
The meeting will begin with a call to order and approval of the August 12, 2025 minutes. Reports will be given by the chair, treasurer, and on the spring business fundraiser and Facebook posts. The committee will review revised H@H guidelines and an HCOA update, and consider a video promotion for HCTV. The session will close by setting the next meeting date and adjourning.
- Approve minutes of August 12, 2025
- Treasurer’s report
- Update on spring business fundraiser
- Revised H@H guidelines / HCOA update
- Video promotion for HCTV
The council approved the August 12 minutes as read. It decided not to proceed with a fundraiser appeal that would use census data due to potential ethics violations. An email for the spring fundraiser was approved pending technical resolution. The next meeting was scheduled for October 14, 2025.
- Approved August 12 minutes (as read)
- Decided not to proceed with census-based fundraiser appeal
- Approved spring fundraiser email to be sent once technical issue resolved
- Set next meeting for Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at 4 pm
- Planned HCTV video filming on Oct 20 at 7 pm
- Assigned Susie to investigate story opportunity with Wachusett Free Press
Town Clerk
The Holden Beach Board of Commissioners will convene to approve previous meeting minutes, review committee reports including a spring fundraiser update, and discuss census options and Home@Home guidelines.
- Approval of August 12, 2025 minutes
- Treasurer's report and spring business fundraiser update
- Discussion on census options
- Review of Revised H@H guidelines
- HCTV video promotion
Conservation Commission
The Conservation Commission will consider a Notice of Intent to repair a failed retaining wall behind homes at 34, 38, 40 Vista Circle and 37 Steppingstone Drive. The proposed work includes creating a stabilized fill slope, part of which lies within the 100‑foot buffer to the BVW and Riverfront Area. The agenda also includes enforcement matters at 259 Salisbury Street and 305 Bryant Road.
- Notice of Intent – Vista Circle retaining wall repair (34,38,40 Vista Circle; 37 Steppingstone Drive)
- Stabilized fill slope work within 100‑foot buffer to BVW and Riverfront Area
- DEP File #183-0721 referenced for the project
- Enforcement issue at 259 Salisbury Street
- Enforcement issue at 305 Bryant Road
Holden Community Garden Committee
The Holden Community Garden Committee will review previous minutes, discuss composting, and plan for upcoming community events and school grants. The group will also address upkeep for the perennial garden and scout projects.
- Review of previous minutes (August 2025)
- Compost discussion
- School followup: discussion of Garden Club grants
- Perennial Garden and common area upkeep
- Scout projects
Town Clerk
The Conservation Commission is meeting to discuss a notice of intent for stabilized fill slope creation at Vista Circle and Steppingstone Drive. The body will also address enforcement matters for two properties.
- Notice of Intent for retaining wall repair at 34, 38, 40 Vista Circle and 37 Steppingstone Drive
- Enforcement action for 259 Salisbury Street
- Enforcement action for 305 Bryant Road
Town Clerk
The Holden Beach Town Council will review the August 2025 meeting minutes, plan upcoming garden events, and discuss compost initiatives. The council will also follow up on Garden Club grant matters and consider upkeep plans for the perennial garden and common areas. No final decisions are noted in the agenda.
- Review of August 2025 meeting minutes
- Event planning for the community garden
- Discussion of compost program
- Follow‑up on Garden Club grant applications
- Plans for perennial garden and common area upkeep
Recreation Committee
The Recreation Committee will meet to discuss the start of B&A Programs and review policy and procedures. The meeting is scheduled for September 9, 2025, at 6:00 pm in the Recreation Department Conference Room.
- Review of policy and procedures
- Update on start of B&A Programs
- Set next meeting date
Dementia Friendly Community Committee
The Holden Beach Dementia Friendly Community Committee will consider accepting the minutes from the June and July meetings. It will review a recent UMASS survey conducted in other communities. The committee will also discuss its Action Plan.
- Accept minutes from June and July meetings
- Review recent UMASS survey data from other communities
- Review Action Plan
Planning Board
The Holden Beach Planning Board will consider two subdivision control act plan items that do not require approval, hold a public hearing on a special permit for a common driveway at 94 Wachusett Street, and review and approve the minutes from the August 26, 2025 meeting.
- 40 Princeton Street – approval not required (ANR) under the subdivision control act plan
- 94 Wachusett Street – approval not required (ANR) under the subdivision control act plan
- 94 Wachusett Street – public hearing on a special permit for a common driveway
- Review and approve minutes from the August 26, 2025 Planning Board meeting
Planning Board
The Planning Board will hold a public hearing regarding a special permit for a common driveway. The board will also review two subdivision control act plans where approval is not required.
- Public hearing for special permit common driveway at 94 Wachusett Street
- Approval not required (ANR) subdivision plan for 40 Princeton Street
- Approval not required (ANR) subdivision plan for 94 Wachusett Street
- Review and approval of August 26, 2025 minutes
The board approved the amendment‑in‑regulation (ANR) for 40 Princeton Street by a 4‑0‑0 vote. It also approved an ANR for 94 Wachusett Street and a special‑permit common driveway for the same property, each by 4‑0‑0 votes. The meeting minutes from August 26, 2025 were approved, and the meeting was adjourned.
- Approved ANR for 40 Princeton Street (4-0-0)
- Approved ANR for 94 Wachusett Street (4-0-0)
- Approved special‑permit common driveway for 94 Wachusett Street (4-0-0)
- Approved August 26, 2025 Planning Board minutes (4-0-0)
- Adjourned meeting at 7:33 pm (4-0-0)
Town Clerk
The town meeting will accept the minutes from the June and July sessions. It will review recent UMASS survey data from other communities and an Action Plan. The meeting will also discuss matters of the Holden Dementia and Age Friendly Committee.
- Accept minutes from June and July
- Review recent UMASS survey data from other communities
- Review Action Plan
- Discuss Holden Dementia and Age Friendly Committee
Town Clerk
The Holden Beach Planning Board will review and approve the August 26, 2025 meeting minutes. It will note that no approval is required for the subdivision control act plans at 40 Princeton Street and 94 Wachusett Street. The board will conduct a public hearing on a special permit for a common driveway at 94 Wachusett Street.
- Review and approve minutes from August 26, 2025
- Note that 40 Princeton Street ANR does not require approval under the subdivision control act plan
- Note that 94 Wachusett Street ANR does not require approval under the subdivision control act plan
- Public hearing on a special permit for a common driveway at 94 Wachusett Street
Town Clerk
The Recreation Committee is meeting to receive an update on the start of B&A Programs. The body will also review policies and procedures.
- Update on start of B&A Programs
- Review of policy and procedures
Board of Selectmen
The Holden Board of Selectmen will meet to handle routine appointments, permits, and updates including a wine license application, a parade permit, and a community event license. They will also receive an MBTA Communities compliance update and a town manager report.
- One Day Wine and Malt License for Elms Café & Catering LLC
- Parade Permit for Holden Crop Hunger Walk on 10/19/25
- Common Victualer License for Mayo PTA on 10/4/25
The Board amended the proposed MBTA Communities Act Working Group motion to make the Town Manager and staff ex‑officio members, passing the amendment 3‑2‑0. A separate amendment to change resident selection from Board vote to Town Manager appointment was rejected 2‑3‑0. Several permits for local events were approved unanimously. The August 4, 2025 minutes were accepted unanimously.
- Amendment to make Town Manager ex‑officio members of MBTA Working Group passed (3-2-0)
- Amendment to have residents appointed by Town Manager instead of Board vote failed (2-3-0)
- One‑day wine and malt event at Summit Wynds Farm approved (unanimous)
- Wedding with 100 guests at Stone House approved pending departmental approval (unanimous)
- Parade permit for Holden Crop Hunger Walk approved (unanimous)
- Mayo PTA common victualer license approved (unanimous)
- Acceptance of August 4, 2025 minutes as written approved (unanimous)
Town Clerk
The Holden Board of Selectmen will hold a public meeting on September 8, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at the Senior Center. The agenda includes routine procedural items, permit approvals, an MBTA Communities update, and a town manager’s report. No major decisions are listed for this session.
Municipal Electric Power Advisory Board
The Municipal Electric Power Advisory Board approved the May 29, 2025 minutes with all members in favor. The board then moved into an executive session to discuss confidential information and adjourned. The financial report noted a $0.01 per kWh PCA increase effective September 1 and provided July load, outage, and revenue details.
- Approved May 29, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
- Entered executive session and adjourned (motion passed)
Town Clerk
The Municipal Electric Power Advisory Board will meet to receive financial and operations updates. The board will also hold an executive session to discuss proprietary or competitively-sensitive information.
- Financial update
- Operations update
- Executive session regarding trade secrets or confidential information
Town Clerk
The Council on Aging is meeting to elect a Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary. The body will also review reports from the Board of Elder Services and the Age and Dementia Committee.
- Election of Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary
- Acceptance of June 4, 2025 minutes
- Review of April data from Help at H.O.M.E.
Town Clerk
The Council on Aging will meet to elect a Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary. The body will also review reports from the Friends, Help at H.O.M.E., the Board of Elder Services, and the Age and Dementia Committee.
- Election of Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary
- Review of April data from Help at H.O.M.E.
- Acceptance of June 4, 2025 minutes
Town Clerk
The Holden Workforce Subcommittee will meet to approve past meeting minutes, review proposed superintendent goals for 2025-2026, and hold an executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategy with two teachers unions. No other substantive items are listed on the agenda.
- Review and approve August 7, 2025 meeting minutes
- Review proposed superintendent goals for 2025-2026
- Executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategy with Montachusett Regional Teachers Association and paraprofessional/cafeteria workers union
Town Clerk
The Holden Stormwater Committee will meet to review and approve meeting minutes, elect officers, and discuss land disturbance permit applications for four projects. The committee will also set the date for the next meeting.
- LD-2025-1 and LD-2025-2: Land disturbance permits for 305 Bryant Road lots
- LD-2025-3: Land disturbance permit for 430 and 440 Bailey Road lots
- LD-2025-4: Land disturbance permit for Pine Tree Subdivision
- Review and approval of meeting minutes
Planning Board
The Planning Board will review a time extension request and plan modifications for Greenwood Estates. The board will also receive an update and a tentative bond request for Pine Tree Estates.
- Greenwood Estates: extension of time request and plan modifications
- Pine Tree Estates: update and tentative bond request
- Approval of minutes from June 24, August 5, and August 12, 2025
The Planning Board approved a $4,372,778 bond for the Pine Tree Estates project, authorizing Wingspan Properties to post the full amount pending town counsel review. The board also approved the Greenwood Estates plan extension and all pending meeting minutes. The meeting was adjourned at 7:24 p.m.
- Approved Greenwood Estates extension of time and plan modifications (4-0-0)
- Authorized Wingspan Properties to post a $4,372,778 bond for Pine Tree Estates, subject to town counsel review (4-0-0)
- Approved June 24, 2025 Planning Board minutes (4-0-0)
- Approved August 5, 2025 Planning Board minutes as amended (3-1-0)
- Approved August 12, 2025 Planning Board minutes (4-0-0)
- Adjourned the meeting at 7:24 p.m. (4-0-0)
Planning Board
The Holden Beach Planning Board will meet to review and approve minutes from previous meetings, consider a request to extend time for Greenwood Estates, and discuss a tentative bond request for Pine Tree Estates.
- Review and approve minutes from June 24, August 5, and August 12, 2025
- Greenwood Estates: review and approve decision— extension of time request
- Pine Tree Estates: update, bond request (tentative)
Town Clerk
The Holden Planning Board will hold a remote meeting to review and potentially approve an extension request and plan modifications for Greenwood Estates, and receive a tentative bond request update for Pine Tree Estates. The board will also review and approve minutes from previous meetings.
- Greenwood Estates: review and approve extension of time request and plan modifications
- Pine Tree Estates: receive tentative bond request update
- Review and approve minutes from June 24, 2025, August 5, 2025, and August 12, 2025
Conservation Commission
The Holden Conservation Commission will review construction updates for Greenwood Estates and process wetland permits for a new home on Moscow Road and a retaining wall repair on Vista Circle. The agenda also includes a request to cross wetlands on North Street for septic testing and a three-year extension for a DCR water quality monitoring weir on Mason Road. Enforcement actions are listed for four addresses, and project updates cover the Jefferson Mill and other local sites.
- Notice of Intent: Retaining wall repair at 34, 38, 40 Vista Circle and 37 Steppingstone Drive (DEP File #183-0721)
- Notice of Intent: Single family home and septic system at 125 Moscow Road (Map 42 Parcel 9)
- Request for Determination of Applicability: Cross approx. 65 linear feet of BVW on North Street (Map 35, Parcel 1) for septic testing
- Request for 3-year extension on orders for DCR weir at 480 Mason Road (DEP File #183-0663)
- Enforcement actions listed for 259 Salisbury Street, 440 Bailey Road, 305 Bryant Road, and Cutler Road
Town Clerk
The Holden Housing Authority Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting to approve minutes from June 2025, review executive director reports, and discuss administrative updates. No unfinished business is listed, and no major decisions are scheduled beyond routine approvals.
- Approval of June and July 2025 financial reports
- Resolution 2025-15 for Window Replacement Project #134075 (CSC & CFC)
- State-Aided Housing Report and Leased Housing Report
Town Clerk
The Holden Conservation Commission meets to review ongoing wetland-related permits, including drainage work at Greenwood Estates, retaining wall repairs on Vista Circle, and septic testing on North Street. The body also considers a 3-year extension for a water-quality weir and receives project updates from local developments.
- Greenwood Estates Subdivision Phase II drainage and restoration updates at 64 and 56 Deanna Drive
- Vista Circle retaining wall repair at 34, 38, 40 Vista Circle and 37 Steppingstone Drive (DEP File #183-0721)
- Septic suitability testing request for 65 linear feet of Bordering Vegetated Wetland on North Street
- 3-year extension request for DCR weir at 480 Mason Road (DEP File #183-0663)
- Jefferson Mill plan revisions at 1665 Main Street and Newell Road properties
Town Clerk
The Policy Subcommittee is meeting to review and adopt meeting minutes and evaluate several school policies. The body will discuss policies regarding admissions, English language fluency, competency determination, and travel.
- Review of Proposed Admissions Policy - JF
- Review of English Language Fluency and Literacy – IHBEA
- Review of Competency Determination Policy – IKF
- Review of Travel Policy - BIDA
- Adoption of March 26, 2025 meeting minutes
Health Department/Board of Health
The Board of Health will conduct a public hearing regarding septic regulations. The body will also review Title V inspection results and system installations for several local addresses.
- Public hearing on Septic Regulations
- Title V inspection results for 13 properties, including failures at 128 Lovell Rd and 400 Reservoir St
- Septic system installations or repairs at 128 Lovell Rd, 16 Stanjoy Rd, 33 Thorny Lea, 382 Malden St, and 24 St Mary’s Dr
- Appointment of Chris Wilson and Emily Wittaker-Smith as health agents/inspectors
- Follow-up on LRPHC Tick-borne Disease Report
The Board approved the June 17, 2025 meeting minutes. It unanimously adopted the proposed amendments to the septic regulations after a public hearing. The Board also approved the appointment of health agents Chris Wilson and Emily Wittaker‑Smith and added MHOA to conduct tobacco inspections in Holden.
- Approved June 17, 2025 minutes (approved)
- Approved amended septic regulations (unanimously approved)
- Closed public hearing on septic regulations (unanimously approved)
- Approved appointment of health agents Chris Wilson and Emily Wittaker‑Smith (approved)
- Approved addition of MHOA to perform tobacco inspections (approved)
Town Clerk
The Board of Health will conduct a public hearing regarding septic regulations. The board will also review Title V inspection results for 13 properties and discuss the appointment of two health agents.
- Public hearing on septic regulations
- Title V inspection results for properties including 120 Newell Rd, 128 Lovell Rd, and 2334 Main St
- Septic system installations or repairs at 128 Lovell Rd, 16 Stanjoy Rd, 33 Thorny Lea, 382 Malden St, and 24 St Mary’s Dr
- Appointment of Chris Wilson and Emily Wittaker-Smith as health agents/inspectors
- Follow-up on LRPHC Tick-borne Disease Report
Town Clerk
The Dawson Recreational Complex Committee will meet at the Industrial Drive construction site. The body will review project updates and discuss a dedication ceremony.
- Review of project progress and updates
- Signing of open payment requisitions
- Discussion of the dedication ceremony
Town Clerk
The Holden Beach Recreation Committee will meet to receive updates on the transition of the Recreation Director, summer programs, and a review of policies and procedures. The committee will also set the next meeting date.
Town Clerk
The Holden Community Garden committee is meeting to review previous minutes and discuss garden maintenance. The body will address pest control, perennial garden upkeep, and upcoming community events.
- Review of July 16, 2025 minutes
- Pest control discussion
- Event planning and Community Harvest
- Perennial Garden and common area upkeep
- Scout projects
Holden Community Garden Committee
The committee is meeting to review previous minutes and discuss garden maintenance. Agenda items include pest control, perennial garden upkeep, and coordination with schools and scouts.
- Review of July 16, 2025 minutes
- Pest control and weed management
- Event planning and Community Harvest
- School and Scout project follow-ups
- Perennial Garden and common area upkeep
Help at H.O.M.E. (Holden Outreach Managing Emergencies)
The Help at H.O.M.E. group will meet to review the spring business fundraiser and discuss revised guidelines. The body will also consider a video promotion for HCTV.
- Update on spring business fundraiser
- Discussion of revised H@H guidelines / HCOA update
- Discussion of video promotion for HCTV
The board approved the minutes from July 8, 2025. The next regular meeting was scheduled for September 16, 2025 at 4 pm in the Starbard Building. Committee members were assigned follow‑up tasks: Colleen will draft a fundraising follow‑up email, Marty will prepare interview questions for an HCTV video, and the video recording is planned for October 20, 2025 at 7 pm at Chaffin Church.
- Approved July 8, 2025 minutes (as read)
- Scheduled next meeting for Sept 16, 2025, 4 pm, Starbard Building
- Assigned Colleen to draft fundraiser follow‑up email (pending Peter Lukes approval)
- Assigned Marty to write HCTV interview questions for next meeting
- Set HCTV video recording for Oct 20, 2025, 7 pm at Chaffin Church
Planning Board
The Planning Board will hold a continued public hearing regarding the Greenwood Estates project. The board will also receive updates on Westminster Place and review minutes from June 24, 2025.
- Greenwood Estates: request for extension of time
- Greenwood Estates: plan modification requests for subdivision sidewalks
- Greenwood Estates: roadway improvements for Highland Street and Union Street
- Westminster Place: project updates
The board closed the Greenwood Estates hearing and approved a two‑year time extension for the project. It denied a request to reduce sidewalks and kept the original plan, and it approved the revised Highland Street/Union Street roadway plan pending DPW engineering approval. Public comment was closed, the June 24 minutes were postponed for later review, and the meeting was adjourned at 8:22 pm.
- Closed Greenwood Estates hearing (4-0-0)
- Approved two-year time extension for Greenwood Estates (3-1-0)
- Denied sidewalk reduction request, kept original plan (4-0-0)
- Approved revised Highland Street/Union Street roadway plan, subject to DPW engineering approval (4-0-0)
- Closed public comment period (4-0-0)
- Postponed approval of June 24, 2025 minutes to August 26, 2025
- Adjourned meeting at 8:22 pm (4-0-0)
Planning Board
The Holden Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a time-extension request and plan modifications for the Greenwood Estates subdivision, including sidewalk placement and roadway improvements at Highland Street and Union Street. The board will also review and approve the June 24, 2025 meeting minutes and receive updates on the postponed Westminster Place item.
- Greenwood Estates public hearing: time extension request and plan modifications (sidewalk, Highland/Union Street roadway improvements)
- Westminster Place updates (postponed from 8/5/25)
- Review and approval of June 24, 2025 meeting minutes
Town Clerk
The Town Clerk will meet to review the treasurer's report and the spring business fundraiser. The body will also discuss revised H@H guidelines and a video promotion for HCTV.
- Revised H@H guidelines / HCOA update
- Video promotion for HCTV
- Spring business fundraiser update
Town Clerk
The Planning Board is meeting to conduct a continued public hearing regarding Greenwood Estates. The board will also receive updates on Westminster Place and review minutes from June 24, 2025.
- Greenwood Estates: request for extension of time and plan modifications for sidewalks and Highland Street/Union Street roadway improvements
- Westminster Place: project updates
- Review and approval of June 24, 2025 minutes
Town Clerk
The Workforce Subcommittee is meeting to approve previous minutes and hold an executive session. The meeting consists primarily of procedural items.
- Approval of June 4, 2025, meeting minutes
- Executive session to discuss collective bargaining or litigation strategy
Planning Board
The Planning Board will meet to discuss a lot division at 601 Wachusett Street and a time extension and plan modification request for Greenwood Estates. The board will also receive updates on Westminster Place.
- 601 Wachusett Street ANR: request to divide one lot into two
- Greenwood Estates: public hearing for extension of time and plan modifications
- Westminster Place: project updates
- Review and approval of June 24, 2025 minutes
The Planning Board voted 3‑0 to endorse the ANR plan for 601 Wachusett Street, creating two conforming house lots. No vote was taken on the Greenwood Estates roadway plan, and the Board will seek the Town Engineer’s attendance at the next meeting. Westminster Place updates and approval of the June 24 minutes were postponed. The meeting was suspended after a remote‑meeting hack and will be continued at a later date.
- Endorsed 601 Wachusett Street ANR plan (3-0)
- Postponed decision on Greenwood Estates roadway plan
- Postponed Westminster Place updates
- Postponed approval of June 24, 2025 minutes
- Meeting suspended due to remote‑meeting hack; continuation pending
Planning Board
The Planning Board will consider a request to divide a lot at 601 Wachusett Street and hold a public hearing regarding plan modifications and a time extension for Greenwood Estates. The board will also receive updates on Westminster Place.
- 601 Wachusett Street ANR: request to divide one lot into two
- Greenwood Estates: public hearing for plan modifications and extension of time request
- Westminster Place: project updates
Town Clerk
The Planning Board is meeting to discuss land use and development updates. The body will consider a lot division and a request for a time extension and plan modifications.
- 601 Wachusett Street ANR: proposal to divide one lot into two lots
- Greenwood Estates: public hearing for extension of time request and plan modifications
- Westminster Place: project updates
- Review and approval of June 24, 2025 minutes
The meeting agenda listed items such as a lot split at 601 Wachusett Street, a time extension request for Greenwood Estates, updates on Westminster Place, and a review of the June 24 minutes. No votes, approvals, or denials were recorded in the minutes. The meeting was adjourned.
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen will hold a public hearing regarding a kennel license and accept a donation for medical equipment. The meeting also includes several commission and officer appointments.
- Public hearing for kennel license: Marvin Molina, 105 Bailey Road
- Acceptance of $6,030.00 donation from Holden Youth Soccer for 2 AEDs for Dawson Fields
- Parade permit for 5K Dragon Dash on 10/26/25
- Constable reappointment for Matthew Atanian
- Appointments to Historical and Conservation Commissions
The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved a non‑commercial kennel license for Marvin Molina (105 Bailey Road) to keep up to four dogs. They also unanimously approved the 5K Dragon Dash parade permit, reappointed Constable Matthew Atamian, and accepted a donation of AED devices for Dawson Field. Minutes from June 20 and July 7 were adopted with recorded vote tallies.
- Approved non‑commercial kennel license for up to four dogs (unanimous)
- Approved 5K Dragon Dash parade permit for 10/26/25 (unanimous)
- Reappointed Constable Matthew Atamian (8/4/25‑8/4/28) (unanimous)
- Appointed election officers for 9/1/25‑8/31/26 (unanimous)
- Appointed members to Holden Historical Commission (unanimous)
- Appointed Denise Lindberg to Conservation Commission (unanimous)
- Accepted donation of 2 AEDs for Dawson Field (unanimous)
- Adopted June 20, 2025 minutes (3‑0‑2) and July 7, 2025 minutes (4‑0‑1)
Town Clerk
The Board of Selectmen will meet to appoint election officers and commission members. The body will also hold a public hearing regarding a kennel license and accept a donation for medical equipment.
- Public hearing for kennel license: Marvin Molina, 105 Bailey Rd
- Acceptance of $6,030.00 donation from Holden Youth Soccer for 2 AEDs for Dawson Fields
- Parade permit for 5K Dragon Dash on 10/26/25
- Constable reappointment for Matthew Atanian
- Appointments for Historical Commission and Conservation Commission
Zoning / Zoning Board of Appeals
The Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously (4‑0) to approve a variance for Graeme and Wendy Elliott at 94 Wachusett St. The approval is conditional on the Planning Board granting a Special Permit for the common driveway and an Approval Not Required (ANR) for lot‑line adjustments. The motion was made by A. Galonzka and seconded by B. Parry.
- Approved variance for 94 Wachusett St with condition of Planning Board Special Permit and ANR (4‑0)
- Motion to approve variance made by A. Galonzka, seconded by B. Parry
Town Clerk
The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold public hearings regarding two property requests. The board will consider a special permit and variance for duplexes and a variance for a new home.
- Public hearing for Robert Jacobsen: variance and special permit for two duplexes at Map 211 / Parcel 77 Main St
- Public hearing for Graeme Elliott: variance for frontage and lot width for a new home at 94 Wachusett St
Board of Assessors
The Board of Assessors will discuss preliminary tax bills and real estate and personal property for Fiscal Year 2026. The meeting includes reviews of motor vehicle excise commitments and sales analysis updates.
- 2024 and 2025 motor vehicle excise commitments and abatement totals
- Fiscal Year 2026 preliminary tax bills
- Fiscal Year 2026 real estate and personal property
- Vision sales analysis and adjustment updates
- Fiscal Year 2026 personal exemption applications mailed July 1, 2025
The Board of Assessors approved the minutes from the April 22, 2025 meeting. The rest of the agenda covered reports on motor vehicle excise commitments, Fiscal Year 26 tax totals, staff training activities, and classified land applications, with no further actions taken.
- Approved minutes of April 22, 2025 meeting
Town Clerk
The Board of Assessors is meeting to review tax billing and property assessments for Fiscal Year 2026. The body will also discuss motor vehicle excise commitments and abatement totals for 2024 and 2025.
- Motor Vehicle Excise 2024 and 2025 commitments and abatement totals
- Issuance of preliminary tax bills for Fiscal Year 2026
- Real Estate and Personal Property for Fiscal Year 2026
- Vision sales analysis and adjustment updates
- RRC inspections scheduled for July 14th
Town Clerk
The Holden Dementia and Age Friendly Committee is meeting to plan the rollout of training for town leaders and employees. The group will also discuss strategies for informing civic groups, health agencies, faith groups, and merchants.
- Strategy for Town Leaders Training
- Strategy for Town Employees training
- Strategy for Town Civic Groups rollout
- Strategy for Town Health Agencies
- Strategy for Town Faith Groups and Merchants
Town Clerk
The Dawson Recreational Complex Committee is meeting at the Industrial Drive construction site. The body will review project updates and discuss the dedication.
- Review of project progress and updates
- Signing of open payment requisitions
- Discussion of the dedication
Help at H.O.M.E. (Holden Outreach Managing Emergencies)
The committee reviewed the H@H policy draft and discussed various concerns but did not adopt any changes. They also examined the application form and cover letter. Susan (Susie) was assigned to send an updated PDF of the cover letter to Outreach Workers for feedback. No votes were recorded on any proposals.
- Susie to send updated PDF of application cover letter to Outreach Workers for feedback (assigned)
Town Clerk
The Trustees of Damon Memorial / Gale Free Library will meet to discuss library facility updates and administrative reports. The body will review a memo regarding Trustee powers and duties.
- Windows Project update
- Children’s Room renovation update
- Review of memo on Trustee powers & duties from Planning & Policy
Holden Community Garden Committee
The committee will meet to review previous minutes and discuss operational matters for the community garden. Topics include pest control, watering, and the maintenance of the perennial garden.
- Pests and watering
- Event planning
- School followup
- Perennial Garden Upkeep and Plans
- Scout projects
The committee approved the minutes from the June 18, 2025 meeting. Members expressed a preference for hand watering rather than ground irrigation. Michael will collect surplus plot harvests for donation to the Holden Senior Center, and volunteers will assist the Lindbergs with tomato staking. Alison Grady installed signage for the “Nature Nook” project.
- Approved June 18, 2025 meeting minutes (motion passed)
- Preferred hand watering over ground irrigation (consensus of participants)
- Michael to collect surplus garden harvests for senior center, cooler to be placed near Water Tower 2
- Committee members to assist Lillian and Christopher Lindberg with tomato staking and trellising
- Alison Grady installed signage for “Nature Nook” project at Punny Path
- Wayne and Michael to coordinate weed pulling and apply natural weed‑killer in perennial paths
Town Clerk
The Holden Community Garden committee is meeting to review previous minutes and discuss operational maintenance. The group will address pest control, watering, and the upkeep of the perennial garden.
- Review of June 18, 2025 minutes
- Pests and watering
- Event planning
- Perennial Garden upkeep (plants, trees, weeds)
- Scout projects
Conservation Commission
The Conservation Commission will review several notices of intent and requests for determination of applicability regarding property work near wetlands. The body will also address enforcement orders for six properties and provide project updates.
- Notice of Intent for a single family home and septic system at 125 Moscow Road
- Notice of Intent for retaining wall repair at 34, 38, 40 Vista Circle and 37 Steppingstone Drive
- Request for Determination of Applicability for boulder wall repair at 28 Lexington Circle
- Request for Determination of Applicability for removal of 20 cubic yards of petroleum-contaminated soil at 945 Main Street
- Enforcement orders for 259 Salisbury Street, 59 Fisher Road, Fisher Road Lot, 440 Bailey Road, 305 Bryant Road, and 247 Wachusett Street
The Conservation Commission unanimously voted to continue the Vista Circle retaining wall repair notice of intent to the August 20, 2025 meeting. It also deferred the 125 Moscow Road development notice of intent to the same date. Negative determinations were issued for the 28 Lexington Circle and 945 Main Street requests, with conditions attached to the former. The enforcement order for 59 Fisher Road was closed.
- Continue Vista Circle retaining wall repair NOI (DEP #183-0721) to Aug 20, 2025 (5-0-0)
- Continue 125 Moscow Road development NOI to Aug 20, 2025 (5-0-0)
- Issue negative 3 determination for 28 Lexington Circle RDA with erosion‑control conditions (5-0-0)
- Issue negative 3 determination for 945 Main Street RDA with no special conditions (5-0-0)
- Close enforcement order for 59 Fisher Road (5-0-0)
Town Clerk
The Conservation Commission is meeting to review several notices of intent and requests for determination of applicability. These items involve construction and repairs located within protected wetland buffers.
- Retaining wall repair at 34, 38, 40 Vista Circle and 37 Steppingstone Drive
- Single family home and septic system construction at 125 Moscow Road
- Boulder wall repair at 28 Lexington Circle
- Removal of 20 cubic yards of petroleum-contaminated soil at 945 Main Street
- Enforcement orders for 259 Salisbury Street, 59 Fisher Road, Fisher Road Lot, 440 Bailey Road, 305 Bryant Road, and 247 Wachusett Street
Help at H.O.M.E. (Holden Outreach Managing Emergencies)
The Help at H.O.M.E. group will meet to review revised organizational guidelines. The body will also discuss the Spring business fundraiser and Holden Days.
- Discussion of revised H@H guidelines
- Spring business fundraiser
- Holden Days planning
- Treasurer's report
The committee approved the June 10 minutes as read. A unanimous vote was taken to cancel the August 23 Holden Days event and consider a Christmas Tree event instead. The group scheduled a meeting on July 23 to discuss revisions to the H@H policy based on feedback. Additional plans include recording an HCTV interview for an October broadcast.
- Approved June 10 minutes as read (unanimous)
- Unanimously decided to skip Holden Days on Aug 23
- Scheduled July 23 meeting to discuss H@H policy revisions
- Planned HCTV interview recording for October airing
Town Clerk
The Town Clerk will meet to review committee reports and discuss the Spring business fundraiser. The body will also discuss revised H@H guidelines and Holden Days.
- Spring business fundraiser
- Revised H@H guidelines discussion
- Holden Days planning
- HCOA update
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen will consider several permits and licenses for upcoming events and one board appointment. The meeting includes reports from the Town Manager and HMLD DPU.
- Parade Permit for Be Like Brit on 11/27/25
- Parade Permit for Holden Days on 8/23/25
- Public Entertainment License for Holden Days on 8/23/25
- Common Victualer license for Holden Days on 8/23/25
- ZBA Alternate appointment for Bryan Diehl expiring 1/22/2028
The Selectmen appointed Bryan Diehl to the ZPA voting seat, with the term ending 1/22/28. They also approved two parade permits, a public entertainment license, and a common victualer for Holden Days, all unanimously. The June 2, 2025 meeting minutes were accepted and the June 20 Zoom minutes were tabled. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.
- Appointed Bryan Diehl as ZPA voting member (term expires 1/22/28) – unanimous
- Approved Parade Permit – Be Like Brit – 11/27/25 – unanimous
- Approved Parade Permit – Holden Days – 8/23/25 – unanimous
- Approved Public Entertainment License – Holden Days – 8/23/25 – unanimous
- Approved Common Victualer – Holden Days – 8/23/25 – unanimous
- Accepted June 2, 2025 meeting minutes as written – unanimous
- Tabled June 20, 2025 Zoom call minutes until August meeting – no vote
- Adjourned meeting – unanimous
Town Clerk
The Board of Selectmen will meet to consider several permits and licenses for upcoming events. The body will also review an appointment for the Zoning Board of Appeals.
- Parade Permit for Be Like Brit on 11/27/25
- Parade Permit for Holden Days on 8/23/25
- Public Entertainment License for Holden Days on 8/23/25
- Common Victualer license for Holden Days on 8/23/25
- ZBA Alternate appointment for Bryan Diehl expiring 1/22/2028
Dawson Recreation Complex Committee
The committee will meet at the construction site on Industrial Drive to review project updates. Members will discuss the project dedication and sign any open payment requisitions.
- Review of project progress and updates
- Signing of open payment requisitions
- Discussion of the dedication
Town Clerk
The Dawson Recreational Complex Committee is meeting at the Industrial Drive construction site. The body will review project updates and discuss the dedication.
- Review of project progress and updates
- Signing of open payment requisitions
- Discussion of the dedication
Town Clerk
The Finance Committee is meeting to review the previous budget cycle and plan for the next one. The body will also address miscellaneous items and approve minutes from May 19, 2025.
- Review of past budget cycle
- Planning for next budget cycle
- Approval of May 19, 2025 minutes
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee will review the previous budget cycle and plan for the upcoming one. The body will also address miscellaneous items and approve minutes from May 19, 2025.
- Review of past budget cycle
- Planning for next budget cycle
- Approval of May 19, 2025 minutes
Planning Board
The Planning Board will hold a continued public hearing regarding updates to fee regulations and rules for pre-application conferences and site plan reviews. The board will also review a lot line adjustment for a property on Wachusett Street.
- Lot line adjustment for 1009 Wachusett Street
- Public hearing on fee regulation updates
- Regulation updates for pre-application conferences and site plan review
Planning Board
The Planning Board will conduct a continued public hearing regarding updates to fee regulations and rules for site plan reviews and pre-application conferences. The board will also review a lot line adjustment for a property on Wachusett Street.
- Lot line adjustment for 1009 Wachusett Street
- Public hearing on fee regulation updates
- Regulation updates for pre-application conferences and site plan review
The Planning Board endorsed an Administrative Notice of Rezoning to adjust the lot lines for 1009 Wachusett Street, voting 3‑0‑0. It adopted new regulations governing fees, pre‑application meetings, site‑plan reviews and waivers, voting 4‑0‑0. The board approved the minutes from the June 10, 2025 meeting with a 3‑1‑0 vote (one abstention). Member Anthony Veloso resigned, creating a vacancy on the board.
- Endorsed ANR to adjust lot lines at 1009 Wachusett St (3-0-0)
- Adopted fee, pre‑application, site‑plan review and waiver regulations (4-0-0)
- Approved June 10, 2025 meeting minutes (3-1-0)
- Recorded resignation of Anthony Veloso (no vote)
Dementia Friendly Community Committee
The Holden Dementia and Age Friendly Committee will meet to hear a presentation from guest speaker Hayley Wood of the MCOA.
- Presentation by Hayley Wood (MCOA Guest Speaker)
Town Clerk
The Holden Dementia and Age Friendly Committee is meeting to hear a presentation from guest speaker Hayley Wood of the MCOA.
- Presentation by Hayley Wood (MCOA Guest Speaker)
Town Clerk
The Planning Board is holding a continued public hearing regarding updates to fee regulations and rules for pre-application conferences and site plan reviews. The board will also review a lot line adjustment for a property on Wachusett Street.
- Lot line adjustment for 1009 Wachusett Street
- Public hearing on fee regulation updates
- Regulation updates for pre-application conferences and site plan review
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen will meet via Zoom to conduct a single vote regarding the HMLD Bond.
- Vote on HMLD Bond
The Board voted to approve a $4.4 million obligation bond for the Holden Municipal Light Department, with a 2.99% interest rate and a ten‑year term. Fidelity Capital Markets was selected as the bond bidder. The motion passed unanimously.
- Approved $4.4 M bond for municipal light department (unanimous)
- Selected Fidelity Capital Markets as bond bidder (unanimous)
Town Clerk
The Board of Selectmen is meeting via Zoom to conduct a single vote regarding the HMLD Bond.
- Vote on HMLD Bond
Holden Community Garden Committee
The committee is meeting to review previous minutes and discuss various garden-related initiatives. The agenda includes planning for perennial garden maintenance and coordinating with local groups.
- Holden Garden Club tour
- 10 year history posting and sharing
- Senior Center Plants follow-up
- School follow-up
- Perennial Garden upkeep plans for plants, trees, and weeds
The Holden Community Garden Committee approved the minutes from the May 28 meeting, authorized finalizing and distributing the garden's 10‑year history, and gave the town permission to host a public pruning demonstration with a local arborist. They also approved Michael and Wayne's use of a natural spray for weed eradication in the perennial area. All motions were voted and approved.
- Approved May 28, 2025 meeting minutes (motion #1)
- Approved finalizing and distributing 10‑year history (motion #2)
- Approved town approval for arborist training event (motion #3)
- Approved natural spray weed‑eradication experiment (motion #4)
- Water spigots to be turned on this week (old business)
- Wayne to continue monitoring senior‑center plant relocation
- Gina to reach out to scout troop leaders for Punny Path rock repainting
- Jessica to connect Julie and Rebecca via email for weeding guidance
Town Clerk
The Holden Community Garden Committee will meet to review previous minutes and discuss garden maintenance. The body will also address plant coordination with the Senior Center and local schools.
- Holden Garden Club tour
- 10 year history posting and sharing
- Senior Center and school plant follow-ups
- Perennial Garden upkeep plans for plants, trees, and weeds
- Scout projects
Town Clerk
The Holden Housing Authority Board of Commissioners will meet to review financial reports and personnel changes. The board will consider a resolution to approve a third signatory to execute CFAs on behalf of board members.
- Resolution 2025-6: Approval of Third Signatory to execute CFAs on Behalf of Board Members
- Approval of May 2025 financials
- Election of Officers
- EOHLC PHN 2025-6 Preventive Maintenance Planning Year Criteria
Town Clerk
The Board of Health will review the Health Director's report on Title V inspections and system installations. The board will also discuss proposed Title V regulations and other new business.
- Title V inspection results for 10 properties, including a failure at 47 Chapel Street
- System installations or repairs at 10 properties, including sewer connections at 1220 Wachusett Street, 1202 Wachusett Street, 130 Doyle Road, and 227 Princeton Street
- Discussion of proposed Title V Regulations
- Discussion of permitting software
- Tobacco Control with MHOA
Town Clerk
The Trustees of Damon Memorial / Gale Free Library will meet to discuss library operations and reports. The agenda includes updates on facility projects and summer programming.
- Windows Project update
- Children’s Room renovation update
- Summer Reading report
- Planning & Policy committee report
- Discussion on rescheduling the July 15 meeting
Town Clerk
The Historic District Commission is meeting to discuss a Certificate of Appropriateness application for Beautify Holden. The commission will also consider the approval of minutes from the May 14, 2025 meeting.
- Beautify Holden application for Certificate of Appropriateness
- Approval of May 14, 2025 minutes
Dawson Recreation Complex Committee
The committee will meet to receive a construction update and review pending change orders. The meeting also includes a review of previous minutes and general project discussions.
- Construction update
- Pending change orders
Agricultural Commission
The Agricultural Commission is meeting to review past minutes and discuss ongoing business regarding local farmland. The body will also consider new items including a farmer's market banner and prospective members.
- Farmland of Local Importance
- Chapter 61 Parcel Scoring Update
- Farmer’s Market Banner
- Interested prospective members
Town Clerk
The Agricultural Commission will meet to review past meeting minutes and discuss updates to Chapter 61 Parcel Scoring for farmland of local importance. The body will also address a farmer's market banner and prospective member participation.
- Chapter 61 Parcel Scoring Update for Farmland of Local Importance
- Farmer’s Market Banner
- Prospective member participation
Town Clerk
The Dawson Recreation Complex Committee is meeting to review construction progress and pending change orders. The body will also review previous meeting minutes and hold project-related discussions.
- Construction update
- Pending change orders
- Review of minutes
- Project related discussions
Town Clerk
The Holden Conservation Commission will hold an on-site meeting to review site conditions and proposed work. The discussion concerns a June 4, 2025, NOI filing for repairing a collapsed retaining wall.
- Review of proposed repair for collapsed retaining wall behind 34, 38, and 40 Vista Circle
- Review of NOI filing submitted by James Tetreault, P.E., Expedited Engineering LLC
Conservation Commission
The Conservation Commission will hold an on-site meeting to review site conditions and proposed work. The discussion concerns a June 4, 2025, NOI filing for the repair of a collapsed retaining wall.
- Review of NOI filing by James Tetreault, P.E., Expedited Engineering LLC
- Proposed repair of collapsed retaining wall behind 34, 38, and 40 Vista Circle
Economic Development Commission
The commission is meeting to discuss feedback from restaurants and plan logistics for Taste of Holden week. The body will also review May minutes and set the August agenda.
- Review of May minutes
- Feedback from restaurants for Taste of Holden week
- Ordering banners, signs, and balloons for Taste of Holden week
- Marketing plan for Taste of Holden week
Planning Board
The Planning Board will conduct a public hearing regarding updates to fee regulations and pre-application conferences. The board will also review a lot line adjustment and zoning matters from the 2025 Annual Town Meeting.
- Public hearing on fee regulation and pre-application conference regulation updates
- Lot line adjustment for 263 Muschopague Road (2 lots)
- Review of zoning matters from the 2025 Annual Town Meeting
Planning Board
The Planning Board will hold a public hearing regarding updates to fee regulations and pre-application conferences. The board will also review a lot line adjustment and zoning matters from the 2025 Annual Town Meeting.
- Public hearing on fee regulation and pre-application conference regulation updates
- Lot line adjustment for house lot and remaining land at 263 Muschopague Road
- Review of zoning matters from the 2025 Annual Town Meeting
The board voted 3‑0‑0 to endorse the ANR that shifts and merges two lots on 263 Muschopague Road, creating easements for lawn, septic and drive access. It also approved moving the planning‑board fee‑regulation public hearing to the June 24, 2025 meeting (3‑0‑0). The May 13, 2025 meeting minutes were approved (3‑0‑0) and the meeting was adjourned at 7:31 pm (3‑0‑0).
- Approved ANR to adjust lot lines at 263 Muschopague Road (3-0-0)
- Approved continuation of planning board regulations public hearing on June 24, 2025 (3-0-0)
- Approved May 13, 2025 meeting minutes (3-0-0)
- Approved adjournment of meeting at 7:31 pm (3-0-0)
Town Clerk
The Planning Board is meeting to discuss lot line adjustments and review zoning matters from the 2025 Annual Town Meeting. The body will also hold a public hearing regarding updates to fee regulations and pre-application conferences.
- Lot line adjustments for 263 Muschopague Road
- Public hearing on fee regulation and pre-application conference regulations
- Review of zoning matters from the 2025 Annual Town Meeting
Town Clerk
The Economic Development Committee is meeting to discuss feedback and planning for Taste of Holden week. The body will also review May minutes and set the August agenda.
- Review of May minutes
- Feedback from restaurants regarding Taste of Holden week
- Planning for Taste of Holden marketing and supplies (banners, signs, balloons)
- Establishment of August meeting agenda
Town Clerk
The Help@Home group is meeting to review committee reports and a fundraiser. The body will discuss how Help@Home funds can be spent.
- Spring business fundraiser
- Discussion on Help@Home fund expenditures
- HCOA update
Help at H.O.M.E. (Holden Outreach Managing Emergencies)
The Help at H.O.M.E. group is meeting to review committee reports and a spring business fundraiser. The body will discuss how H@H funds can be spent.
- Spring business fundraiser
- Discussion on how H@H funds can be spent
- HCOA update
Town Clerk
The Trustees of Damon Memorial Planning & Policy Committee will meet to establish the committee's purpose and review its statutory framework. The group will also discuss a board leadership plan and determine next steps.
- Review of statutory framework
- Discussion of board leadership plan
Town Clerk
The Conservation Commission is meeting to discuss sediment control for Greenwood Estates and retaining wall repairs on Vista Circle and Steppingstone Drive. The body will also review enforcement orders for six properties and requests for final Certificates of Compliance.
- Retaining wall repair and stabilized fill slope at 34, 38, 40 Vista Circle and 37 Steppingstone Drive
- Enforcement orders for 259 Salisbury Street, 122 Jackson Street, 59 Fisher Road, Fisher Road Lot (Tupper), 440 Bailey Road, and 305 Bryant Road
- Final COC requests for a home, driveway, and garage at 32 Erins Way
- Providence & Worcester Railroad 2025 Vegetation Control Plan
- Discussion of Bylaw Fees
Town Clerk
The Council on Aging will meet to review reports from the Chairman, Friends, and the Board of Elder Services. The body will also discuss April data from Help at H.O.M.E. and a report from the Age and Dementia Committee.
- Acceptance of May 7, 2025 minutes
- Review of April data for Help at H.O.M.E.
- Age and Dementia Committee report
Conservation Commission
The Conservation Commission will discuss sediment and erosion control for the Greenwood Estates subdivision and a retaining wall repair on Vista Circle. The body will also review enforcement orders for six properties and requests for final Certificates of Compliance.
- Greenwood Estates subdivision sediment and erosion control and Phase II progress
- Retaining wall repair at 34, 38, 40 Vista Circle and 37 Steppingstone Drive
- Enforcement orders for 259 Salisbury Street, 122 Jackson Street, 59 Fisher Road, Fisher Road Lot (Tupper), 440 Bailey Road, and 305 Bryant Road
- Final COC requests for a home, driveway, and garage at 32 Erins Way
- Providence & Worcester Railroad 2025 Vegetation Control Plan
The Conservation Commission voted 6-0-0 to issue the final Certificates of Completion for 32 Erins Way (DEP files 183-0450 and 183-0589). It also voted 6-0-0 to continue the Vista Circle retaining‑wall notice of intent to the July 9 meeting. Additional actions included approval of a planting plan for 59 Fisher Road and issuance of enforcement orders for unauthorized clearing at 259 Salisbury Street and 305 Bryant Road.
- Approved final COCs for 32 Erins Way (DEP 183-0450 & 183-0589) – vote 6-0-0
- Approved motion to continue Vista Circle retaining‑wall notice of intent to July 9 – vote 6-0-0
- Approved planting plan for 59 Fisher Road (native white spruce, invasive vine removal)
- Issued enforcement order to 259 Salisbury Street owner for unauthorized tree removal, requiring restoration plan
- Issued enforcement order to 305 Bryant Road owner for unauthorized clearing, requiring restoration plan
Dawson Recreation Complex Committee
The committee is meeting at the Industrial Drive construction site to receive reports from the chair and Weston and Sampson. The body will also review payment requisitions for April and May.
- Report from Weston and Sampson
- April/May payment requisitions
- Review of March, April, and May 2025 meeting minutes
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen will hold a public hearing regarding a kennel license at 260 River Street. The body will also consider Intermunicipal Agreements (IMAs) with Shrewsbury for the Central Mass Regional Stormwater Coalition for FY25 through FY30.
- Public hearing for kennel license at 260 River Street
- Central Mass Regional Stormwater Coalition IMAs with Shrewsbury for FY25-FY30
- Parade permit for Central Mass Striders 5 K on 7/27/2025
- Appointments to the Cultural Council and Historic District Commission
- ZBA reappointment of Roy Fraser
The Board approved a parade permit for the Central MA Striders and unanimously appointed members to the Cultural Council, Historic District Commission, and ZBA. It also approved a special permit and a non‑commercial kennel license for 260 River Street after a public hearing. A motion to have the Town Manager prepare plain‑language summaries of warrant articles was rejected with a 2‑2‑1 vote.
- Approved Central MA Striders parade permit (unanimous)
- Appointed Cultural Council members Andrew Caruso, Melissa Cuthberston, Philip Johnson (unanimous)
- Appointed Historic District Commission member Christopher Collette (unanimous)
- Reappointed ZBA member Roy Fraser (unanimous)
- Approved special permit for 260 River Street kennel (unanimous)
- Approved non‑commercial Kennel license for 260 River Street (unanimous)
- Rejected policy to require Town Manager to prepare plain‑language warrant summaries (2 Yay, 2 Nay, 1 Abstention)
Town Clerk
The Dawson Recreational Complex Committee will meet to receive reports from the chair and Weston and Sampson. The committee will also review payment requisitions for April and May.
- Report from Weston and Sampson
- April/May payment requisitions
- Review of March, April, and May 2025 meeting minutes
Town Clerk
The Board of Selectmen will meet to vote on several board appointments and a parade permit. The meeting includes a public hearing regarding a kennel license and a discussion on stormwater coalition agreements.
- Parade Permit for Central Mass Striders 5K on 7/27/2025
- Cultural Council appointments for Andrew Caruso, Melissa Cuthberston, and Philip Johnson
- Historic District Commission appointment for Christopher Collette
- ZBA reappointment for Roy Fraser
- Public Hearing for Kennel License at 260 River Street
Town Clerk
The Municipal Electric Power Advisory Board will meet to receive a presentation on the CY2024 audit. The board will also receive financial and operations updates.
- CY2024 Audit Presentation
- Financial Update
- Operations Update
Holden Community Garden Committee
The Holden Community Garden Committee will convene at 6:15 pm in the Starbard Building (1204 Main St.) to review the April 30 minutes, discuss 2025 applications, plan a May clean-up event, and consider compost system improvements. The group will also follow up on a DH fence project and school outreach.
- Review 2025 garden applications
- Plan May clean-up event and next steps
- Discuss compost system improvements
- Follow up on DH fence project and school outreach
The committee approved the previous meeting minutes and awarded a raised bed to Wayne. It deferred a plant sale to the fall and agreed to consider the garden as a site for relocating Senior Center plants, pending DPW and Town Manager approval. Participants will receive a reminder not to leave weeds on paths or in compost bins, and volunteers will clean up signage and restart a watering sign‑up.
- Approved April 30, 2025 meeting minutes (Motion #1)
- Awarded a raised bed to Wayne for sharing with another participant
- Deferred plant‑sale consideration to the fall (raised beds left as is)
- Agreed to consider the garden for relocating Senior Center plants, pending DPW and Town Manager approval and Garden Club responsibility
- Decided to send a reminder to participants about weed removal and compost rules
- Joe and Katye removed the kiosk sign and will attempt to stain or paint it
- Katye will contact Christina Dale about educational signs
- Jessica, Gina, and Katye will restart a watering sign‑up for the garden
Town Clerk
The Holden Community Garden Committee is meeting to discuss garden maintenance and administrative updates. The body will review a May cleanup event and plan improvements for the compost system.
- Review of May cleanup event and next steps
- Compost system improvements
- School followup regarding DH fence and invitations
- 2025 Application Update
Dementia Friendly Community Committee
The Holden Dementia and Age Friendly Committee will meet to review current progress. The body will also establish short-term objectives.
- Review of progress to date
- Setting of short-term objectives
Town Clerk
The Holden Dementia and Age Friendly Committee will gather at the Holden Senior Center to review progress made so far and establish short-term objectives. This is a procedural meeting with no formal decisions scheduled.
Town Clerk
The Holden Housing Authority Board of Commissioners will meet to approve the FY2026 budget and 2025 year-end financials. The board will also consider several resolutions regarding contracts and program amendments.
- Approval of FY2026 Budget (Resolution 2025-6)
- Resolution 2025-8 Accounting Services Contract
- Resolution 2025-9 Low Bid Project 134079
- Resolution 2025-4 Fire Alarm CSC and CFC
- Resolution 2025-7 Wage Match for State Housing Program Tenant
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen will meet to handle appointments, licenses, and permits. The meeting will then recess to the Annual Town Meeting.
- Parade Permit for Memorial Day Parade on 5/26/25
Town Clerk
The Planning Board is scheduled to meet for the 2025 Annual Town Meeting. The agenda does not list specific discussion items or decisions.
Town Clerk
The Trustees of Damon Memorial / Gale Free Library will meet to vote for officers and determine committee assignments. The body will also preview the library budget for the Town Meeting.
- Vote for officers and committee assignments
- Library budget preview
- Director evaluation
- Library tour scheduled for Saturday, June 28 at 9:30 am
- Discussion regarding Damon portrait
Town Clerk
The Board of Selectmen will meet to address appointments, licenses, and permits. The meeting will then recess to the Annual Town Meeting.
- Parade Permit for Memorial Day Parade on 5/26/25
Town Clerk
The Finance Committee is meeting to revote several budget line items to reflect updated balances. The body will also consider the establishment of revolving and stabilization funds and a firefighter pension buyback.
- Revote Recreation fund balance of $1,382,650
- Revote Retirement (Gen Fund Treasurer’s office) balance of $2,849,243
- Revote Excluded Municipal debt of $4,229,074 and Non-excluded debt of $237,824
- Revote Vocational education balance of $2,154,635
- Proposed establishment of rec field, Wetlands conservation, and WRSD capital stabilization funds
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee will review amended votes-to-take for various funds and departments. The body will also consider the establishment of revolving and stabilization funds before recessing to the Annual Town Meeting.
- Revote Recreation fund balance of $1,382,650
- Revote Retirement (Gen Fund Treasurer’s office) balance of $2,849,243
- Revote Excluded Municipal debt of $4,229,074 and Non-excluded debt of $237,824
- Revote Vocational education balance of $2,154,635
- Proposed establishment of rec field, Wetlands conservation, and WRSD capital stabilization funds
Town Clerk
The Holden Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on May 15, 2025, to consider a variance for Cassie and Jim Gevry's property at 32 Oregon Trail, seeking relief from side-yard setback requirements for an addition. Following the hearing, the board will conduct new business, including election of officers.
- Public hearing for variance at 32 Oregon Trail – side-yard setback relief for an addition
- Election of Zoning Board officers
Zoning / Zoning Board of Appeals
The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on a variance request from Cassie and Jim Gevry for property at 32 Oregon Trail, seeking relief from side-yard setback requirements for an addition. The board will also elect officers.
- Public hearing for variance at 32 Oregon Trail (Cassie and Jim Gevry) regarding side-yard setback for an addition
- Election of officers for the Zoning Board of Appeals
The Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously approved a variance for Cassie and Jim Gevry to relieve side‑yard setback requirements at 32 Oregon Trail. The Board also elected J. Deignan as Chair and R. Fraser as Clerk, both unanimously. R. Spakauskas resigned from a full‑member seat to become an alternate, and B. Diehl moved up to a full‑member position with Spakauskas taking the 2nd alternate spot.
- Approved variance for 32 Oregon Trail side‑yard setback (5-0 unanimous)
- Elected J. Deignan as Chair of the Zoning Board (unanimous)
- Elected R. Fraser as Clerk of the Zoning Board (unanimous)
- Accepted resignation of R. Spakauskas from full board to become alternate
- Appointed B. Diehl to full board member (replacing Spakauskas)
- Appointed R. Spakauskas as 2nd alternate member
Town Clerk
The Holden Historic District Commission will review applications for Certificates of Appropriateness for two properties on Boyden Road. The commission will also hold an informational session for potential new members and approve the minutes from the March 12, 2025 meeting.
- Benjamin Coughlin, 12 Boyden Rd – Application for Certificate of Appropriateness
- Robert Dio, 28 Boyden Rd – Adjustment to Application for Certificate of Appropriateness
- Informational opportunity for potential new Historic District Commission members
- Approval of March 12, 2025 minutes
Recreation Committee
The committee approved the minutes from the April 9, 2024 meeting. No other substantive actions or approvals were taken. A motion to adjourn was made and seconded, ending the meeting at 7:55 pm.
- Approved minutes of April 9, 2024
- Adjourned meeting at 7:55 pm
Economic Development Commission
The Board of Selectmen will hold a reorganization of officers and then take a position on warrant articles for the upcoming town meeting. No specific articles or dollar amounts are listed in the agenda.
- Reorganization of officers
- Taking a position on Town Meeting warrant articles (no details provided)
Board of Selectmen
The Holden Beach Board of Selectmen will hold a short meeting to reorganize officers and then discuss and take positions on town meeting warrant articles, including setting a speakers list. No other substantive business is on the agenda.
- Reorganization of officers
- Take position on Town Meeting Warrant Articles and Speakers List
Planning Board
The Planning Board will hold a public hearing, postponed from April 29, on zoning bylaw and map amendments to create an MBTA Communities Multi-family Overlay District. The board will also discuss updates to the Holden Pine Tree Estates and Sunshine Ridge developments, review town meeting reports on rezonings, and consider a zoning relief request for 32 Oregon Trail. Minutes from prior meetings will be approved.
- Public hearing on zoning amendments to create an MBTA Communities Multi-family Overlay District (postponed from April 29)
- Update on Holden Pine Tree Estates: covenant and plan endorsement
- Sunshine Ridge: Home Owner’s Association Trust, operations plan, release of covenant for Lots 1-7
- Town meeting reports and recommendations: Zoning Recodification and rezoning of 32 Mayo Drive and 52-64 Boyden Road
- ZBA hearing on side yard setback relief for addition at 32 Oregon Trail
The Planning Board voted 4-1 to recommend that the Town Meeting approve the MBTA Communities Multi‑family Overlay District so the town can meet state housing requirements and qualify for grant funding. The Board also approved several covenant and trust documents, closed the public hearing on the overlay, and adjourned the meeting. Minutes from the April 22 meeting were approved, while the April 29 minutes could not be approved due to lack of quorum.
- Closed public hearing on MBTA overlay district – Approved 5-0-0
- Recommend Town Meeting approve MBTA overlay district – Approved 4-1-0
- Accept applicant’s covenant and endorse MYLARS for Pine Tree Estates – Approved 5-0-0
- Accept HOA trust and operation plan, release covenant for Sunshine Ridge lots 1‑7 – Approved 5-0-0
- Declare Oregon Trail hearing has no Zoning Board significance – Approved 4-0-1 (1 abstention)
- Approve April 22, 2025 minutes – Approved 4-0-1 (1 abstention)
- April 29, 2025 minutes not approved due to lack of quorum – No vote
- Adjourn meeting – Approved 4-0-0
Planning Board
The Planning Board will hold a public hearing to consider creating an MBTA Communities Multi-family Overlay District and associated bylaw amendments. The board will also review rezoning requests for 32 Mayo Drive and 52-64 Boyden Road.
- Public hearing on MBTA Communities Multi-family Overlay District and Zoning Bylaw amendments
- Rezoning of land at 32 Mayo Drive and 52-64 Boyden Road
- Zoning relief request for side yard setback at 32 Oregon Trail
- Holden Pine Tree Estates update, covenant, and plan endorsement
- Sunshine Ridge HOA Trust operations and management plan and release of covenant for Lots 1-7
Town Clerk
The Holden Planning Board will hold a public hearing on proposed zoning amendments to create an MBTA Communities Multi-family Overlay District, postponed from April 29. The board will also discuss updates on Holden Pine Tree Estates and Sunshine Ridge subdivisions, and review recommendations for Town Meeting including a zoning recodification and rezoning of 32 Mayo Drive and 52-64 Boyden Road. Additionally, a ZBA hearing for 32 Oregon Trail seeking a side-yard setback variance is on the agenda.
- Public hearing on Zoning Bylaw and Map amendments to establish MBTA Communities Multi-family Overlay District
- Update on Holden Pine Tree Estates: covenant, plan endorsement
- Sunshine Ridge: Home Owner's Association Trust, Operations and Management Plan, release of covenants for Lots 1-7
- Town Meeting reports and recommendations: Zoning Recodification and rezoning of 32 Mayo Drive and 52-64 Boyden Road
- ZBA hearing for 32 Oregon Trail: zoning relief from side yard setback requirement for addition
Town Clerk
The Board of Selectmen will hold a reorganizational meeting and then take positions on Town Meeting warrant articles and a speakers list. No other business is listed beyond procedural items and adjournment.
- Reorganization of officers for the upcoming term
- Consideration of positions on Town Meeting warrant articles
- Speakers list for Town Meeting
Town Clerk
The Holden Economic Development Committee will meet to approve April minutes, discuss a categorized list of local businesses, and plan the Taste of Holden event including date selection and details to provide to businesses. They will also create the agenda for the June meeting.
- Review and approval of April meeting minutes
- Review/discuss list of businesses grouped by category
- Taste of Holden event: choose week and decide detailed information to give to businesses
- Create agenda for June meeting
Town Clerk
The Dawson Recreational Complex Committee is meeting to receive reports from the chair and Weston & Sampson, and to consider April payment requisitions. The agenda contains only routine procedural items with no major decisions or public hearings.
- Report from chair on recreational complex project
- Report from Weston & Sampson engineering firm
- April payment requisitions review
Town Clerk
The South Wachusett Regional Emergency Planning Committee will meet to discuss financials, reassign the chairman position, and update the regional HAZMAT plan. Key votes include adding the Town of Clinton, applying for an HMEP grant, and regionalizing CERT teams. Tier 2 reports will also be reviewed.
- Reassignment of SWREPC Chairman position
- Vote to add Town of Clinton to SWREPC
- Vote to apply for HMEP Grant
- Vote to regionalize CERT teams
- Regional HAZMAT Plan updates
Water Sewer Advisory Board
The Holden Water & Sewer Advisory Board will review updates on iron and manganese levels in the Jefferson area. The board will also discuss interim mitigation efforts and the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meter replacement program.
- Iron and Manganese-Jefferson Area updates and interim mitigation efforts
- Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Meter Replacement Program discussion
- ECC site update
- City of Worcester – DCR Sewer Rate Court Case update
The Water & Sewer Advisory Board met on May 8, 2025 and received updates on water projects, well repairs, and meter upgrades. No substantive actions were voted on; the only formal action was to adjourn the meeting, which passed unanimously. The next meeting is scheduled for June 12, 2025 at 6 PM.
- Adjourned meeting (unanimous)
Town Clerk
The Holden Water & Sewer Advisory Board will meet to receive updates on the ECC site and a sewer rate court case involving the City of Worcester. The board will discuss mitigation efforts for iron and manganese in the Jefferson Area and the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Meter Replacement Program.
- Iron and Manganese-Jefferson Area interim mitigation efforts
- Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Meter Replacement Program
- ECC site update
- City of Worcester – DCR Sewer Rate Court Case update
Town Clerk
The Conservation Commission is meeting to determine the applicability of regulations for four residential construction projects. The body will also review enforcement orders and project updates for local infrastructure. Discussions include potential bylaw fees.
- Determination of applicability for a modular dwelling at 49 Sunnyside Ave within a 100-foot wetland buffer
- Determination of applicability for a home at 67 Newell Road within a 200-foot vernal pool buffer
- Determination of applicability for a home at 77 Newell Road within a 200-foot vernal pool buffer
- Determination of applicability for a home at 123 Newell Road
- Review of enforcement orders for 59 Fisher Road, 243-20 Fisher Road, 247 Wachusett Street, 163-8 Bailey Road, and 305 Bryant Road
Conservation Commission
The Holden Conservation Commission will consider four Requests for Determination of Applicability for construction projects near wetland and vernal pool buffers, including a modular dwelling on Sunnyside Avenue and single-family homes on Newell Road. The agenda also includes enforcement orders for six properties, a progress update on Greenwood Estates subdivision sediment controls, and discussion of bylaw fees and a 2021 Open Space and Recreation Plan extension.
- Request for Determination for modular dwelling at 49 Sunnyside Ave within 100-foot wetland buffer (Jack Frain, owner)
- Three Requests for Determination for single-family homes at 67, 77, and 123 Newell Road near vernal pool buffers (Newell Road Realty, LLC)
- Enforcement orders for 59 Fisher Road, Fisher Road Lot, 247 Wachusett Street, Bailey Road Lot, and 305 Bryant Road
- Progress update on Greenwood Estates Subdivision Phase II sediment and erosion control measures
- Discussion of bylaw fees and 2021 Open Space and Recreation Plan extension
Conservation Commission
The Conservation Commission will consider requests for determination of applicability for several residential construction projects. The body will also review enforcement orders and provide updates on various culvert and recreation projects.
- Request for modular dwelling unit at 49 Sunnyside Ave within 100-foot wetland buffer
- Request for single-family home at 67 Newell Road (Lot 3) within 200-foot vernal pool buffer
- Request for single-family home at 77 Newell Road (Lot 2) within 200-foot vernal pool buffer
- Request for single-family home at 123 Newell Road (Lot 1) outside regulatory buffer
- Discussion of Bylaw Fees and 2021 OSRP Extension
The Conservation Commission voted unanimously to deny or condition four development requests: a modular ADU at 49 Sunnyside Ave and three lots on Newell Road. Enforcement orders were also approved for tree‑cutting violations at 59 Fisher Road and adjacent Lot 234‑17. The commission approved prior meeting minutes and formally closed the May 7, 2025 session.
- Negative 3‑determination for RDA, 49 Sunnyside Ave with vegetation‑recovery conditions (5‑0‑0)
- Negative 3‑determination for RDA, Lot 3 Newell Road with driveway and buffer conditions (5‑0‑0)
- Negative 3‑determination for RDA, Lot 2 Newell Road with survey and buffer conditions (5‑0‑0)
- Negative 1‑determination for RDA, Lot 1 Newell Road (5‑0‑0)
- Enforcement order for 59 Fisher Road requiring impact evaluation, wetland delineation and restoration plan
- Enforcement order for Fisher Road Lot 234‑17 requiring tree removal, impact assessment and restoration plan
- Approved minutes of the October 2, 2024 Conservation Commission meeting (3‑0‑0)
- Approved minutes of the November 6, 2024 Conservation Commission meeting (3‑0‑0)
Town Clerk
The Holden Beach Council on Aging is holding a regular meeting on May 7, 2025, to discuss chairperson's minutes, reports from Friends, Help at H.O.M.E., Board of Elder Services, Director, and Age and Dementia Committee, along with old and new business. No specific decisions or financial items are listed.
Town Clerk
The Town Clerk will meet to review committee reports and discuss unfinished business regarding a spring fundraiser. The agenda includes reports from the treasurer, clergy, and the HCOA.
- Review of WARF notes from town accountant
- Discussion of spring business fundraiser
- Discussion of Spot on HCTV
Help at H.O.M.E. (Holden Outreach Managing Emergencies)
The Help at H.O.M.E. committee will review March minutes, hear reports from the chair (including introduction of Cheryl Owoc and WARF notes), treasurer, clergy, selectboard liaison, and HCOA. They will also discuss unfinished business on a spring business fundraiser and new business for a spot on HCTV. The next meeting date is proposed for June 10, 2025.
- Introduction of Cheryl Owoc
- WARF notes from town accountant
- HCOA report – clarifying criteria
- Spring business fundraiser as unfinished business
- Proposed spot on HCTV
The Help at Home committee approved the minutes from the March 25, 2025 meeting. They scheduled the next meeting for Tuesday, June 10 at 4:45 p.m. Amy Curran was assigned to draft about five new Facebook posts for review and posting. No other motions were adopted.
- Approved March 25, 2025 minutes (as read)
- Scheduled next meeting for Tuesday, June 10 at 4:45 p.m.
- Tasked Amy Curran with preparing ~5 Facebook posts for review and posting
Eagle Lake Recreation Area Feasibility Study Committee
The Eagle Lake Recreation Area Feasibility Study Committee will meet via Zoom to discuss project updates. The body will review a specific scout project proposal and a feasibility study schedule.
- Review of Kaitlin McMillan Eagle Scout Project proposal for a Gaga Pit
- Update from Beals & Thomas regarding the feasibility study and project completion schedule
Town Clerk
The Eagle Lake Recreation Area Feasibility Study Committee will review a proposal from Eagle Scout candidate Kaitlin McMillan for a Gaga Pit project and receive an update from Beals & Thomas on the feasibility study schedule, including potential public presentations.
- Review of Kaitlin McMillan Eagle Scout Project proposal – Gaga Pit
- Update from Beals & Thomas on feasibility study schedule and public presentations
Town Clerk
The Registrars of Voters are meeting to handle the final day of voter registration for the May 12, 2025 Town Election and the May 19, 2025 Town Meeting. The meeting is scheduled for Friday, May 2, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Town Clerk's Office. This is a procedural item with no other business.
- Last day to register to vote for the May 12, 2025 Town Election and the May 19, 2025 Town Meeting
Holden Community Garden Committee
The Holden Community Garden Committee approved the March 26, 2025 meeting minutes and a revised statement for the town website committee page. It also approved the purchase and delivery of 10 yards of loam from Sterling Peat and Loam to improve soil depth in several plots. Participants agreed to rebuild the compost screen and to explore a two‑step compost system. A spring clean‑up is scheduled for May 18, 2025.
- Approved March 26, 2025 meeting minutes (Motion #1)
- Approved revised town webpage committee statement (Motion #2)
- Approved purchase and delivery of 10 yards of loam from Sterling Peat and Loam (Motion #3)
- Agreed Jessica will arrange loam delivery with DPW for the next work event
- Agreed to rebuild the compost screen; Wayne will handle reconstruction
- Agreed to explore a two‑step compost system and redesign the screen
- Scheduled spring clean‑up for May 18, 2025, 9 am‑12 pm
- Scheduled annual garden club plant sale for May 17, 2025
Town Clerk
The Holden Community Garden Committee is meeting to review 2025 applications and the seed library. The group will discuss soil depth, common area grounds, and a May clean-up date. Members will also follow up on school-related projects including fencing and signage.
- 2025 Application update and seed library
- Town Website Committee page update
- Discussion of soil depth and common area grounds
- Scheduling of May clean-up date
- School project follow-up regarding fence, signs, and plantings
Dementia Friendly Community Committee
The Holden Dementia and Age Friendly Committee is discussing ongoing initiatives including a presentation at the May Town Meeting, social media outreach, civic and church group presentations, an evening event at the Senior Center, cable PSAs, a presentation to the Selectmen, a survey, recruiting new members, and fundraising. No votes or specific decisions are indicated; the agenda is a planning discussion.
- Town Meeting presentation (May)
- Social media outreach strategy
- Civic and church group info presentations
- Evening info presentation at Senior Center
- Cable PSA announcements
Planning Board
The Planning Board is holding a public hearing to consider zoning bylaw and map amendments to establish an MBTA Communities Multi-family Overlay District, including new definitions and use regulations. The board will also review and approve the minutes from the April 22, 2025 meeting.
- Public hearing on Zoning Bylaw and Map Amendments for MBTA Communities Multi-family Overlay District
- Proposed amendment to Zoning Map to include overlay district as shown on plan 'Proposed MBTA Overlay Communities Multi-family District'
- Proposed new section 'MBTA Communities Multi-family Overlay District Bylaw' and related definition and use regulation changes
- Review and approval of minutes from April 22, 2025
Planning Board
The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on proposed zoning bylaw and map amendments to comply with the MBTA Communities Law, including creating a multi-family overlay district and updating definitions and use regulations. The board will also review and approve minutes from the April 22, 2025 meeting.
- Public hearing on Zoning Bylaw and Map Amendments for MBTA Communities Multi-family Overlay District
- Proposed amendment to Zoning Map to include the overlay district
- Proposed new Section for 'MBTA Communities Multi-family Overlay District Bylaw' with definitions and use regulation changes
- Review and approval of April 22, 2025 meeting minutes
The board lacked a quorum, so the meeting was postponed to May 13, 2025 at 7 p.m. A motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:05 p.m. was made by Frank Doyle, seconded by Anthony Veloso, and approved unanimously (2‑0). No other agenda items were acted upon.
- Adjourned meeting at 7:05 p.m. (2-0)
- Postponed meeting to May 13, 2025 at 7 p.m. (no vote recorded)
Town Clerk
The Planning Board will hold a public hearing to consider zoning bylaw and map amendments to establish an MBTA Communities Multi-family Overlay District. The amendments include adding a new section, updated definitions, and revised use regulations. No approvals under the Subdivision Control Law (ANR) are on the agenda.
- Public hearing on Zoning Bylaw and Map Amendments to create an MBTA Communities Multi-family Overlay District
- Proposed amendments include adding a new 'MBTA Communities Multi-family Overlay District Bylaw' section and updating definitions and use regulations
Town Clerk
The Holden Dementia and Age Friendly Committee is meeting to review current progress and plan presentations. Discussions include the use of social media, cable PSAs, and presentations for the Selectmen and senior center.
- Planning for a Town Meeting in May
- Discussion on fundraising
- Review of survey and inviting new members
- Civic and church information presentations
Dawson Recreation Complex Committee
The Dawson Recreational Complex Committee is meeting at the construction site on Industrial Drive. The agenda includes reports from the chair and the engineering firm Weston and Sampson, consideration of April payment requisitions, discussion of other matters, and approval of March meeting minutes. No specific dollar amounts or project details are provided in the notice.
- Report from engineering firm Weston and Sampson
- April payment requisitions to be considered
- Approval of minutes from March 31, 2025 meeting
- Meeting location is the construction site on Industrial Drive
Town Clerk
The Dawson Recreational Complex Committee will meet to hear reports from the chair and engineering firm Weston and Sampson, consider April payment requisitions for the construction project, and approve the minutes from the March 31 meeting. The meeting is procedural, focusing on project updates and financial approvals.
- Report from chair on recreational complex progress
- Report from engineering firm Weston and Sampson
- Review and approval of April payment requisitions
- Approval of minutes from March 31, 2025 meeting
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen will hold a public hearing on HMLD fees and updates, discuss the FY 2026 budget, consider fee schedule changes for the health department and building permits, and review the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan and Hazard Mitigation Plan. A parade permit for the Holden Baseball Program on May 3, 2025, is also on the agenda.
- Public Hearing: HMLD Fees and Updates
- FY 26 Budget Discussion
- Health Department Fee Schedule
- Building Permit Fees
- Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan
The Board of Selectmen approved several items, including a 0.0095 kWh distribution rate increase for the municipal light department effective May 1, 2025. They also adopted a new Health Department fee schedule, a new building‑permit fee structure, and a preservation restriction agreement for Town Hall. The Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan amendment and the annual parade permit were approved as well. All motions passed unanimously.
- Approved 0.0095 kWh distribution rate increase (unanimous)
- Adopted new Health Department fee schedule (unanimous)
- Adopted new building‑permit fee structure ($10 per $1,000 construction value) (unanimous)
- Approved preservation restriction agreement for Town Hall at 1196 Main Street (unanimous)
- Approved amendment to Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (unanimous)
- Approved annual parade permit for Holden Baseball Program on 5/3/25 (unanimous)
- Opened public hearing on HMLD fees and updates (unanimous)
- Approved minutes of the April 7, 2025 meeting (unanimous)
Planning Board
The Planning Board will hold public hearings to consider replacing the current Zoning Bylaw with a recodified version. The board will also consider two specific zoning map amendments for properties on Mayo Drive and Boyden Road.
- Public hearing to replace current Zoning Bylaw with Recodified Zoning Bylaw
- Proposed rezoning of 32 Mayo Drive (Parcel ID 160-62) to BO-P
- Proposed rezoning of 52-64 Boyden Road (Parcel ID 160-12) to BO-P
- Review and approval of April 8, 2025 minutes
The board closed the public hearing on the zoning recodification and instructed Town Planner David George to prepare a favorable recommendation for Draft #9 of the codified bylaws. It also closed the hearing on the rezoning request for 32 Mayo Drive and 52‑64 Boyden Road and adopted a recommendation for the town meeting to approve those parcels as BO‑P. All actions were approved unanimously (4‑0).
- Closed Zoning Recodification hearing (4-0)
- Instructed Town Planner David George to prepare a favorable recommendation for Draft #9 of the codified bylaws (4-0)
- Closed hearing on rezoning request for 32 Mayo Drive and 52-64 Boyden Road (4-0)
- Recommended town meeting approve rezoning of 32 Mayo Drive and 52-64 Boyden Road to BO-P (4-0)
- Adopted Planning Board’s favorable recommendation to town meeting for those parcels (4-0)
- Approved April 8, 2025 minutes as amended (4-0)
- Adjourned the meeting (4-0)
Planning Board
The Planning Board will hold public hearings on a proposed recodification of the Holden Zoning Bylaw, which would delete all existing sections (except the Zoning Map) and replace them with a new version. Also scheduled are hearings to rezone 32 Mayo Drive and 52-64 Boyden Road from mixed residential and commercial districts to entirely BO-P (Business Office-Professional). The board will also review and approve minutes from the April 8, 2025 meeting.
- Public hearing on zoning recodification to replace the entire Holden Zoning Bylaw except the Zoning Map
- Public hearing to rezone 32 Mayo Drive (parcel 160-62) from R-1, R-2, BO-P to entirely BO-P
- Public hearing to rezone 52-64 Boyden Road (parcel 160-12) from R-1, R-2, C, BO-P to entirely BO-P
- Review and approval of April 8, 2025 meeting minutes
Town Clerk
The Planning Board will hold a public hearing to consider replacing the current Holden Zoning Bylaw with a recodified version. The board will also consider two specific zoning map amendments for properties on Mayo Drive and Boyden Road.
- Public hearing to replace current Zoning Bylaw with Recodified Zoning Bylaw
- Public hearing to rezone 32 Mayo Drive (Parcel ID 160-62) to BO-P
- Public hearing to rezone 52-64 Boyden Road (Parcel ID 160-12) to BO-P
- Review and approval of April 8, 2025 minutes
Town Clerk
The Board of Assessors will meet to review real estate and personal property abatements and tax exemption totals. The board will also discuss preparations for Fiscal Year 2026 mailings and applications. The meeting includes a scheduled executive session for FY25 abatements.
- FY25 real estate and personal property abatements (executive session)
- Motor Vehicle Excise 2024 and 2025 commitments and abatement totals
- FY26 Income and Expense Mailing and application returns
- FY26 Charitable Organization exemption status
- FY2026 Budget Hearings
Town Clerk
The Board of Selectmen will discuss the FY 26 budget and hold a public hearing on HMLD fees. The board will also vote on a preservation and maintenance agreement for Town Hall at 1196 Main Street.
- Vote to authorize Town Manager to enter into a Preservation Restriction and maintenance agreement for Town Hall, 1196 Main Street
- Public Hearing: HMLD Fees and Updates
- FY 26 Budget Discussion
- Building Permit Fees
- Health Department Fee Schedule
Board of Assessors
The Board of Assessors will meet to approve minutes from February 25, 2025, and then enter executive session to discuss Fiscal Year 2025 real estate and personal property abatements. In open session, members will review exemption totals, motor vehicle excise commitments and abatements, and preparations for Fiscal Year 2026, including income/expense mailings, property status, and charitable organization exemptions. The meeting also covers employee updates and budget hearings for FY2026.
- Executive session for FY'25 real estate and personal property abatements
- Review of motor vehicle excise 2024 and 2025 commitments and abatement totals
- Fiscal Year 2026 income and expense mailing and return of forms
- FY2026 real estate and personal property status update
- FY2026 budget hearings mentioned for discussion
The board approved the minutes from the February 25, 2025 meeting. It reviewed abatement applications, granting none for personal property and denying the single real estate application.
- Approved minutes of February 25, 2025 meeting
- Denied 1 real estate abatement application
- No personal property abatements granted (0 applications reviewed)
Water Sewer Advisory Board
The Holden Water & Sewer Advisory Board will review the FY26 budget recommendation, annual statistical and consumer confidence reports, and receive updates on iron/manganese treatment projects, the ECC site, and the City of Worcester DCR sewer rate court case. The board will also approve minutes from the March meeting and hear public comment.
- FY26 Budget Recommendation
- Annual Statistical Report and Consumer Confidence Report Review
- Iron and Manganese-Jefferson Area Updates
- ECC Site Update
- City of Worcester – DCR Sewer Rate Court Case Update
The Water & Sewer Advisory Board voted unanimously to make a favorable FY26 budget recommendation to the Town Manager. The board also approved the March 13, 2025 meeting minutes with changes. Finally, the board adjourned the meeting at 6:58 PM by unanimous vote.
- Approved FY26 budget recommendation to Town Manager (unanimous)
- Approved March 13, 2025 meeting minutes with changes (unanimous)
- Adjourned meeting at 6:58 PM (unanimous)
Town Clerk
The Holden Finance Committee will hold a final discussion and vote on the FY26 budget recommendations. This is the sole substantive item on the agenda, with no other business listed.
- Final discussion and vote on FY26 Budget Recommendations
Town Clerk
The board will review and discuss the FY26 budget recommendation, annual statistical and consumer confidence reports, and updates on water quality projects including iron and manganese treatment in the Jefferson Area and the ECC site. They will also receive an update on the City of Worcester-DCR sewer rate court case. No final votes are scheduled, but the budget recommendation is likely the most consequential item.
- Review and approve minutes from March 13, 2025 meeting
- FY26 Budget Recommendation discussion
- Iron and Manganese – Jefferson Area updates
- ECC site update
- City of Worcester – DCR Sewer Rate Court Case Update
Town Clerk
The Stormwater Committee will meet to review Land Disturbance Permit Application LD-2023-9 for Union Street frontage lots, approve meeting minutes, and elect committee officers. Future meeting topics and the next meeting date will also be discussed.
- Land Disturbance Permit Application LD-2023-9 for Union Street frontage lots
- Review and approval of meeting minutes
- Election of committee officers
- Discussion of topics for future meetings
- Setting of next meeting date
Agricultural Commission
The Holden Beach Agricultural Commission will hold a regular meeting on April 15, 2025. Agenda items include an update on Chapter 61 parcel scoring, discussion of farmland of importance, and a review of zoning bylaws. The commission will also consider interested prospective members and handle other new business.
- Chapter 61 Parcel Scoring Update – Jim
- Farmland of Importance discussion
- Zoning Bylaw Review
- Interested prospective members
- Other new business as required
Health Department/Board of Health
The Holden Beach Board of Health will approve minutes from March 25, 2025, and review Title V inspection results for five properties: three passes, one conditional pass, and one fail. No systems are currently being installed or repaired. The Health Director will report on septic regulations and an FDA grant update. The board will discuss a proposed project from LRPHC under their RIZE Mosaic Municipal Matching Grant.
- Approval of minutes from March 25, 2025
- Title V inspections: 67 Moscow Road (pass), 410 Malden Street (pass), 35 Chapin Road (fail), 96 Paxton Road (conditionally pass), 18 Heather Circle (pass)
- No systems being installed or repaired
- Health Director's report on septic regulations and FDA grant update
- Discussion of LRPHC proposed project under RIZE Mosaic Municipal Matching Grant
The Board postponed approval of the March meeting minutes. It voted unanimously to fine each of three establishments $1,000 for selling tobacco to a minor and to suspend their tobacco sales for one day on May 7, 2025. The Board took no action on the Community Health Assessment presentation and noted a $5,000 FDA grant for a food‑standards self‑assessment. A review of the town’s septic regulations was proposed for the next meeting.
- Postponed approval of March meeting minutes (no vote recorded)
- Approved $1,000 fine and one‑day tobacco‑sales suspension for each of three violations (unanimous)
- No action taken on Community Health Assessment presentation
- Noted award of $5,000 FDA Flexible Funding Model grant (announcement)
- Proposed review and revision of septic regulations at next meeting
Town Clerk
The Agricultural Commission will meet to discuss land use and membership. The body is scheduled to review zoning bylaws and provide an update on Chapter 61 parcel scoring.
- Chapter 61 Parcel Scoring Update
- Zoning Bylaw Review
- Discussion on Farmland of Importance
- Review of interested prospective members
Town Clerk
The Holden Beach Board of Health meets to approve March minutes, review Title V septic system inspection results (three passes, one conditional pass, one failure at 35 Chapin Road), and receive the Health Director's report on septic regulations and an FDA grant update. New business includes discussion of a proposed project from the LRPHC's RIZE Mosaic Municipal Matching Grant. No new system installations or repairs are reported.
- Approval of minutes from March 25, 2025
- Title V inspection results: 67 Moscow Road (pass), 410 Malden Street (pass), 35 Chapin Road (fail), 96 Paxton Road (conditional pass), 18 Heather Circle (pass)
- Health Director Trevor Bruso's report on septic regulations and FDA grant update
- Discussion of LRPHC proposed project under the RIZE Mosaic Municipal Matching Grant
Town Clerk
The Holden Beach Board of Registrars will meet to reorganize the board and appoint assistant registrars. They will also authorize a registrar stamp, clarify the town clerk's role, handle omissions from the voting list, and approve previous meeting minutes. All items are procedural in nature, focusing on voter registration administration.
- Reorganization of the Board
- Appointment of Assistant Registrars
- Authorization of Registrars stamp
- Omission of Name from Voting List
- Acceptance of Minutes
Town Clerk
The Trustees of Damon Memorial / Gale Free Library will meet to review the FY26 budget and provide reports on the Windows Project and Children’s Room renovation. The body will also review minutes from the March 18 meeting.
- FY26 budget
- Windows Project
- Children’s Room renovation
Town Clerk
The Holden Finance Committee is meeting to hold final discussions and votes on the FY26 budget recommendations. This is the sole agenda item for the meeting.
- Final Discussions and Votes for FY26 Budget Recommendations
Finance Committee
The Holden Beach Finance Committee will hold a meeting on April 9, 2025, to conduct final discussions and votes on the FY26 budget recommendations. This is the primary agenda item for the meeting.
- Final discussions and votes for FY26 Budget Recommendations
The Finance Committee approved a $1,200,000 capital expense for exterior renovations of Town Hall, the Starbard Building, and a fire substation. It also approved a $13,000 transfer to the Veterans Budget, a $35,000 roof repair at Trout Brook, and a borrowing limit of up to $2,218,186 for town‑pool repairs. The WRSD budget of $40,090.813.00 was approved after an initial defeat, and several other budget items were adopted unanimously.
- Approved $13,000 transfer from Reserve Fund to Veterans Budget (unanimous)
- Approved $1,848,318 Solid Waste Enterprise Fund budget after contract renewal (unanimous)
- Approved $35,000 roof replacement at Trout Brook from Recreation Fund (unanimous)
- Approved borrowing limit up to $2,218,186 for town‑pool repairs (unanimous)
- Approved $40,090.813.00 WRSD Budget (6‑2)
- Approved $2,163,355 combined Montachusett Vocational and Norfork Vocational Budgets (unanimous)
- Approved $1,200,000 capital expense for exterior renovations of Town Hall, Starbard Building and substation (unanimous)
- Approved $65,000 for Eagle Lake (5‑3)
Economic Development Commission
The Holden Economic Development Committee will review March meeting minutes and discuss updates for Spotlight Social Media. The committee will set the 2025 calendar for events such as Taste of Holden and Holidays in Holden, and address a bus tracker initiative. This meeting focuses on planning and coordination rather than final decisions.
- Review and approval of minutes from March meeting
- Spotlight Social Media updates and planning for coming months
- Setting 2025 calendar for Taste of Holden and Holidays in Holden
- Bus tracker discussion
- Creating agenda for May meeting
Planning Board
The Planning Board will meet to discuss a lot reconfiguration and provide updates on zoning and community acts. The board will also review minutes from the March 25, 2025 meeting.
- Lot reconfiguration for 96 South Road to create a house lot
- MBTA Community Act update
- Zoning Recodification update
- Update regarding 32 Mayo Drive and 52-64 Boyden Road
- Review and approval of March 25, 2025 minutes
The board voted 4‑0‑0 to endorse the Administrative Notice of Reconfiguration (ANR) for 96 South Road, allowing the lot to be reconfigured as presented. The board also approved the March 25, 2025 meeting minutes by a 4‑0‑0 vote and adjourned the meeting at 7:23 pm with a 4‑0‑0 vote. No other substantive actions were taken.
- Endorsed ANR for 96 South Road lot reconfiguration (4-0-0)
- Approved March 25, 2025 meeting minutes (4-0-0)
- Adjourned meeting at 7:23 pm (4-0-0)
Town Clerk
The Planning Board is meeting to discuss a lot reconfiguration and provide updates on zoning and community acts. The board will also review minutes from the March 25, 2025 meeting.
- Lot reconfiguration at 96 South Road to create a house lot
- MBTA Community Act update
- Zoning Recodification update
- Update regarding 32 Mayo Drive and 52-64 Boyden Road
Town Clerk
The Recreation Committee is meeting to discuss programs, summer activities, and miscellaneous items. No public comment is permitted during this session.
- Discussion of programs
- Discussion of summer planning
Town Clerk
The Holden Economic Development Committee will review March minutes, discuss updates to Spotlight Social Media, and set the 2025 calendar for Taste of Holden and Holidays in Holden. The agenda also includes a bus tracker item and planning for the May meeting.
- Review/approval of minutes from March meeting
- Spotlight Social Media updates and planning for coming months
- Set 2025 calendar for Taste of Holden & Holidays in Holden
- Bus tracker discussion
- Create agenda for May meeting
Recreation Committee
The Recreation Committee will meet to discuss programs, summer planning, and miscellaneous items. No public comment is permitted during this session.
- Discussion of programs
- Discussion of summer planning
Board of Selectmen
The Holden Beach Board of Selectmen will consider reappointing two members to the Historic District, receive an update on the ALB Program, and handle procedural items including setting a town meeting warrant. The meeting includes standard actions like citizen address, manager's update, and committee assignments.
- Historic District reappointment of Michael Smith and Sarah Stebulis, terms to expire 4/1/2028
- ALB Program Update
- Open, set, and close Town Meeting Warrant
- Committee assignments
The Board unanimously reappointed Michael Smith and Sarah Stebulis to the Historic District Commission. It also approved the opening of the 2025 ATM warrant and made several amendments to the town meeting warrant, including striking the word “voluntary” from article 25, moving articles 26 and 27, and removing article 40. Additionally, the Finance Committee’s final vote approved all major department budgets.
- Reappointed Michael Smith to Historic District Commission (unanimous)
- Reappointed Sarah Stebulis to Historic District Commission (unanimous)
- Approved opening of 2025 ATM warrant (unanimous)
- Struck word “voluntary” from article #25 (unanimous)
- Moved articles #26 and #27 to end of warrant (unanimous)
- Struck article #40 (unanimous)
- Set 2025 annual town meeting warrant articles as amended (unanimous)
- Closed 2025 annual town meeting warrant (unanimous)
Town Clerk
The Board of Selectmen will meet for a largely procedural session including a citizen address period, an update on the ALB program, and the town manager's report. They will also set and close a town meeting warrant and consider reappointing two members to the Historic District Commission.
- Historic District reappointment of Michael Smith (term to 4/1/2028)
- Historic District reappointment of Sarah Stebulis (term to 4/1/2028)
- ALB Program Update
- Open, set, close town meeting warrant
Municipal Electric Power Advisory Board
The advisory board approved the February 27th minutes and voted to recommend a $0.0095 per kWh distribution rate increase for all customers starting May 1, 2025. It also approved support for two warrant articles to fund substation improvements and a land purchase, endorsed joining the ENE Transmission Cooperative with a $33,000 contribution, authorized up to $175,000 for GML’s hydroelectric project purchase, and supported discussions with the Princeton Municipal Light Department to become its sole electricity supplier.
- Approved February 27th minutes (unanimous)
- Recommended $0.0095/kWh distribution rate increase effective May 1, 2025 (all in favor)
- Supported two Annual Town Meeting warrant articles for substation and land acquisition (all in favor)
- Supported joining ENE Transmission Cooperative with $33,000 capital contribution (all in favor)
- Authorized up to $175,000 for GML hydroelectric project purchase (all in favor)
- Supported discussions with Princeton Municipal Light Department to become its sole supplier (all in favor)
Town Clerk
The Municipal Electric Power Advisory Board will meet to receive a presentation on a Cost of Service Study. The board will also review a financial update and an operations update.
- Cost of Service Study Presentation
- Financial Update
- Operations Update
Town Clerk
The Holden Beach Conservation Commission will discuss a Notice of Intent for septic system repair within the 200-foot riverfront area at 354 Malden Street. They will also receive updates on sediment and erosion control measures for Greenwood Estates Phase I and Phase II, and review project updates for several roads and lots. Other business includes bylaw fees and the commission's website.
- Notice of Intent for septic repair at 354 Malden Street by Darren Grady, PE on behalf of Christina Casali and Craig Herbert
- Sediment and Erosion Control Measures for Greenwood Estates Union Street, Phase I update and Phase II
- Union Street Lots (Map 132 Parcels 81, 82, 83, 84)
- Project updates for Dawson/Industrial Dr., Recreation Malden St Lot, Fisher Road Lots, Bailey Road Lots, 49 Sunnyside Ave., and Moscow Road Lot
- Discussion of bylaw fees and Conservation Commission website
Town Clerk
The Holden Beach Council on Aging is meeting to discuss routine reports including the Chairman's report with acceptance of March 5 minutes, an update from Friends group, Help at H.O.M.E. February data and committee discussion, Board of Elder Services report, Director's report, and Age and Dementia Committee report. Items also include old and new business and a citizens' address period.
- Acceptance of March 5, 2025 minutes
- Help at H.O.M.E. February data and committee discussion
- Director's report by Karen Phillips
- Age and Dementia Committee report
- Citizens' address period
Conservation Commission
The Conservation Commission will discuss sediment and erosion control measures for Greenwood Estates and a septic system repair at 354 Malden Street. The body will also review updates for several local lots and discuss bylaw fees and the commission website.
- Greenwood Estates – Union Street: Sediment and Erosion Control Measures, Phase I and Phase II update
- 354 Malden Street: Septic system repair within the 200-foot Riverfront Area
- Union Street Lots: Map 132 Parcels 81, 82, 83, 84
- Project updates for Dawson/Industrial Dr., Malden St, Fisher Road, Bailey Road, 49 Sunnyside Ave., and Moscow Road
- Discussion of Bylaw Fees and CC Website
The Conservation Commission voted 5-0-0 to close the public hearing for the septic system repair at 354 Malden Street. It also approved a standard order of conditions that mandates obtaining a DEP file number before any work can begin. Both actions were approved unanimously.
- Closed public hearing for 354 Malden Street septic repair (5-0-0)
- Issued standard order of conditions requiring file number before work (5-0-0)
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee will hold final discussions and vote on recommendations for the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. No other items are on the agenda.
- Final discussions and votes for FY26 Budget Recommendations
The Finance Committee unanimously approved multiple fund allocations and department budgets for FY 2026, including the $9,536,421 water & sewer enterprise fund and a $1,500,000 water & sewer capital borrowing. It also approved the Solid Waste Fund, police, fire‑EMS, and municipal debt budgets. The committee postponed a vote on the Recreation Fund capital borrowing pending revenue information. Discussions were held about regional school budget coordination and a potential WRSD override.
- Approved Water & Sewer Enterprise Fund $9,536,421 (unanimous)
- Approved Water & Sewer capital borrowing $1,500,000 (unanimous)
- Approved Solid Waste Fund $1,696,299 (unanimous)
- Approved Overlay Abatement expense $320,300 (unanimous)
- Approved Police Budget $2,957,125 (unanimous)
- Approved Fire and EMS Budget $3,082,541 (unanimous)
- Approved Municipal Debt excluded $4,244,101 (unanimous)
- Postponed Recreation Fund capital borrowing vote (no vote)
Town Clerk
The Holden Finance Committee will hold a meeting on April 2, 2025, to conduct final discussions and votes on the Fiscal Year 2026 budget recommendations. This is the only item on the agenda, and no other business is listed. The meeting is open to the public at the Holden Senior Center.
- Final discussions and votes on FY26 budget recommendations
Dawson Recreation Complex Committee
The committee is holding a routine meeting to receive reports from the chair and engineering firm Weston and Sampson, consider a payment requisition, and approve minutes from the previous meeting. No specific dollar amounts or decisions are detailed in the agenda.
- Report from chair
- Report from Weston and Sampson
- Payment requisition
- Approval of February 24, 2025 meeting minutes
Town Clerk
The Dawson Recreational Complex Committee will convene for a routine meeting to receive reports from the chair and Weston & Sampson, consider a payment requisition, and discuss other matters. The agenda is mostly procedural with no specific decisions or dollar amounts listed.
- Report from Weston and Sampson on construction progress
- Payment requisition to be reviewed
- Approval of February 24, 2025 meeting minutes
Town Clerk
The Holden Finance Committee will meet on March 27, 2025 at 6:30 PM at the Holden Senior Center. The agenda lists general categories (General Government, Planning/Inspections, Solid Waste, Savings) but includes no specific items for discussion or decision, making it a procedural meeting.
- Agenda contains only general category headings with no specific items listed
Town Clerk
The Holden Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on a variance request from Alan Mitchell and Deirdre O'Connor for property at 163 North St to maintain a pre-existing non-conformity of the side yard setback for constructing a new home. The board will also discuss and review proposed zoning bylaw revisions and elect officers for the coming year.
- Public hearing for variance at 163 North St by Alan Mitchell and Deirdre O'Connor
- Review of Zoning Bylaw Revision led by Town Planner David George
- Election of Zoning Board officers
Town Clerk
The Municipal Electric Power Advisory Board will meet to review a tentative Cost of Service Study presentation and receive financial and operations updates.
- Cost of Service Study Presentation (tentative)
- Financial Update
- Operations Update
Zoning / Zoning Board of Appeals
The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing for a variance to maintain a pre-existing non-conforming side yard setback for a new home at 163 North St. The board will also hear an update/review of the Zoning Bylaw from the Town Planner and elect officers.
- Public hearing for variance by Alan Mitchell and Deirdre O'Connor at 163 North St to keep non-conforming side yard setback
- Town Planner David George to present update/review of Zoning Bylaw Revision
- Election of Zoning Board of Appeals officers
The Zoning Board of Appeals voted 7‑0 to grant Deirdre and Alan Mitchell a variance for the property at 163 North St, allowing them to maintain the existing side‑yard setback on the condition that the current house be torn down. The board also agreed to postpone the election of its officers to the next meeting. No other actions were taken.
- Approved variance for 163 North St with condition existing home must be torn down (7-0)
- Postponed election of officers to next meeting (unanimous)
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee of Holden, Massachusetts, is holding a meeting on March 27, 2025, at 6:30 PM at the Holden Senior Center. The agenda lists only broad categories — General Government, Planning/Inspections, Solid Waste, and Savings — but includes no specific proposals or decisions. This appears to be a routine procedural meeting.
- General Government review (manager, board, finance, IT, insurance, etc.)
- Planning and Inspections discussion
- Solid Waste (trash) update
- Savings review
The Finance Committee approved the minutes of six prior meetings, each vote recorded as unanimous. Abstentions were noted for several motions. No other substantive actions or approvals were taken during the session.
- Approved minutes of March 3, 2025 (unanimous, abstentions: Al, Robert)
- Approved minutes of March 5, 2025 (unanimous)
- Approved minutes of March 12, 2025 (corrected) (unanimous, abstentions: Paul, Marilynn, Robert)
- Approved minutes of March 19, 2025 (corrected) (unanimous, abstention: Marilynn)
- Approved minutes of March 20, 2025 (unanimous, abstention: Marilynn)
- Approved minutes of March 24, 2025 (unanimous, abstentions: Al, Donna, Jane, Marilynn, Robert, Alex)
Holden Community Garden Committee
The Holden Community Garden Committee will review February minutes, discuss 2025 application outreach, and plan a cleanup of the garden site including kiosk, perennial plants, tools, shed, compost, and paths. They will also follow up with the school and discuss old business including seed library, scouts, and a private property discussion involving Hope and Red Barn. No budget or ordinance changes are on the agenda.
- Review and approval of February 26, 2025 meeting minutes
- 2025 application update and outreach efforts
- Clean up planning: kiosk, perennial plants, tool cleaning, shed/outdoor items, property plans, compost, path
- School followup regarding garden involvement
- Discussion of Hope, Red Barn, private property, seed library, and scouts
Town Clerk
The Holden Community Garden Committee will review minutes from February, discuss the 2025 application update, and plan a cleanup date covering kiosk, plants, tools, shed, compost, and path. The committee will also follow up on school-related matters and address old/new business including Hope/Red Barn private property, a seed library, and scouts.
- Review of previous minutes (February 26, 2025) and motions to approve or amend
- 2025 Application Update and outreach
- Clean Up date and plan: kiosk, perennial plants, tool cleaning, shed/outdoor items, property plans, compost, path
- School followup
- Old/New Business: Hope/Red Barn private property discussion, seed library, scouts
Town Clerk
The Holden Housing Authority Board of Commissioners will meet to review financial reports and administrative updates. The board will discuss a resolution regarding a change order for fire alarm replacement. The meeting also includes a period for tenant comments on building issues and applicant criteria.
- Resolution 2025-3 Change Order 134071 for fire alarm replacement
- Approval of February financials
- Tenant comments on smoking in buildings and applicant age ranges
- Election of a Tenant Board Seat
Health Department/Board of Health
The Board of Health will approve minutes from February 25, 2025, and discuss a failed Title V inspection at 7 Miles Ave. The property's cesspool is being abandoned to connect to the town sewer system. The Health Director will report on tobacco inspections and a specialty sandwich item.
- Approval of minutes from February 25, 2025
- 7 Miles Ave – Failed Title V inspection
- 7 Miles Ave – Abandonment of cesspool to connect to town sewer system
- Health Director’s report on tobacco inspections and specialty sandwich
The Board approved the minutes from the February 25, 2025 meeting. It reported that the Title V inspection at 7 Miles Avenue failed and that the cesspool at that address will be abandoned and connected to the town sewer system. No other actions were taken.
- Approved minutes of February 25, 2025
Planning Board
The Planning Board will meet remotely to discuss updates on the MBTA Community Act, zoning recodification, and remote participation. The main action is considering a rezoning petition for two properties (32 Mayo Drive and 52-64 Boyden Road) and potentially recommending a warrant article for town meeting. The board will also review and approve the minutes from March 11, 2025.
- Rezoning petition for 32 Mayo Drive and 52-64 Boyden Road with recommendation to place a warrant article
- Update on MBTA Community Act compliance
- Update on zoning recodification efforts
- Update on remote participation rules
- Approval of March 11, 2025 meeting minutes
Planning Board
The Holden Planning Board will discuss a rezoning petition for 32 Mayo Drive and 52-64 Boyden Road, with a recommendation to place a warrant article. The board will also receive updates on the MBTA Community Act, zoning recodification, and remote participation. They will review and approve the minutes from the March 11, 2025 meeting.
- Rezoning petition for 32 Mayo Drive and 52-64 Boyden Road; recommendation to place warrant article
- Update on MBTA Community Act compliance
- Update on zoning recodification process
- Remote participation policy update
- Review and approval of March 11, 2025 meeting minutes
The Planning Board voted to refer the rezoning petition for the former Holden District Hospital site (25.5 acres) to the Select Board so it can be placed on the annual Town Meeting warrant. The petition seeks to rezone the entire parcel to a business office professional zone. The Board also approved the March 11, 2025 meeting minutes and adjourned the session.
- Referred 25.5‑acre hospital site rezoning petition to Select Board for Town Meeting warrant (4-0-0)
- Approved March 11, 2025 meeting minutes (4-0-0)
- Adjourned meeting at 7:31 p.m. (4-0-0)
Town Clerk
The Planning Board will meet to discuss a rezoning petition for properties on Mayo Drive and Boyden Road. The board will also receive updates on zoning recodification and the MBTA Community Act.
- Rezoning petition for 32 Mayo Drive and 52-64 Boyden Road
- Zoning Recodification update
- MBTA Community Act update
- Review and approval of March 11, 2025 minutes
Town Clerk
This is a procedural meeting of the Town of Holden (appears to be a select board or town clerk meeting). The agenda includes approving previous minutes, receiving reports from the chair (WARF), treasurer, HCOA, clergy, and a select board liaison. Unfinished business covers a spring business fundraiser and a discussion of rebranding/website. No votes on ordinances, budgets, or contracts are scheduled.
- Spring business fundraiser discussed under unfinished business
- Rebranding and website redesign discussed
- Spot on HCTV considered under new business
- Reports from treasurer, HCOA, clergy, and select board liaison
Town Clerk
The Holden Beach Board of Health will meet on March 25, 2025, to discuss a failed Title V inspection at 7 Miles Ave and plans to abandon a cesspool to connect to the town sewer system. The agenda also includes approval of prior meeting minutes, the Health Director's report on tobacco inspections and a Specialty Sandwich establishment, and any new or other business.
- Approval of minutes from February 25, 2025
- Failed Title V inspection at 7 Miles Ave
- Abandonment of cesspool at 7 Miles Ave to connect to town sewer system
- Health Director's report on tobacco inspections
- Health Director's report on Specialty Sandwich
Help at H.O.M.E. (Holden Outreach Managing Emergencies)
This is a regular meeting of the Help at H.O.M.E. committee to approve prior minutes, receive reports from the chair, treasurer, clergy, and liaisons, and discuss unfinished business including a spring fundraiser and rebranding/website. No votes on ordinances, spending, or policy changes are on the agenda.
- Review and approve minutes from February 25, 2025
- Discussion of spring business fundraiser
- Discussion of rebranding/website
- New business: spot on HCTV
- Set next meeting date for April 29, 2025
The committee approved the minutes from the February 25, 2025 meeting, with amendments. No other formal actions were approved; the group discussed revisions to a spring fundraiser letter, branding and website changes, and a possible HCTV spot, assigning tasks but not voting on them.
- Approved February 25, 2025 minutes (as amended)
Board of Selectmen
This meeting is a joint session of the Holden Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee. The only agenda item is a presentation by the Finance Committee; no specific topics, proposals, or votes are detailed. The agenda is largely procedural with no substantive decisions listed.
- Finance Committee presentation (no details provided)
The Finance Committee decided not to pursue a property‑tax override for the 2025 budget. Instead, it approved drawing roughly $700,000 from the town’s savings to cover the school district’s funding shortfall. No formal vote tallies were recorded.
- Finance Committee decided not to seek a tax override this year
- Finance Committee approved taking about $700,000 from town savings to fund school costs
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen will vote on a bond and bond anticipation notes, consider conservation fees, and discuss a rezoning petition. They will also hear a presentation from the Holden Municipal Light Department on several topics, take action on the waste and recycling contract, and set the town meeting warrant. Executive sessions are scheduled for real property (30 Salisbury Street) and ongoing litigation.
- Vote on Bond and Bond Anticipation Notes (BAN)
- Consideration of Conservation Fees
- Holden Municipal Light Department: Ripple Fiber presentation, Pooled Loan Refinancing, Call for Capital, ENE-T
- Waste and Recycling Contract and Fees
- Rezoning Petition with Vote of Confidence to Planning Board
The Selectmen approved a $3,315,000 bond issuance, adopted a new trash‑fee increase schedule, and ratified an updated conservation fee schedule. They also authorized a warrant for refinancing the MMWEC pooled loan, approved up to $175,000 for a hydroelectric asset purchase, and voted to join ENE Transmission with a $33,000 capital contribution. All motions passed by unanimous roll‑call vote.
- Approved $3,315,000 bond sale (unanimous)
- Approved trash fee increase schedule (.50 now, .50 July, .50 Dec, no small tote raise, $1 overflow bag) (unanimous)
- Approved updated conservation fee schedule (unanimous)
- Approved MMWEC pooled loan refinancing warrant for ten‑year loan (unanimous)
- Approved HMLD capital contribution up to $175,000 for hydroelectric project purchase (unanimous)
- Approved HMLD membership in ENE Transmission with $33,000 contribution (unanimous)
- Approved meeting minutes with corrections (unanimous)
Town Clerk
The Holden Board of Selectmen will vote on a bond and bank anticipation note, set conservation fees, and decide on a waste and recycling contract. They will also consider a rezoning petition, open/set/close the Town Meeting warrant, and hold executive sessions for real property (30 Salisbury Street) and litigation (MBTACA). A presentation from Holden Light Department on Ripple Fiber and pooled loan refinancing is scheduled.
- Vote on Bond and Bank Anticipation Note (BAN)
- Conservation Fees
- Waste and Recycling Contract and Fees
- Rezoning Petition, Vote of Confidence to Planning Board
- Executive Session for 30 Salisbury Street property and MBTACA litigation
Town Clerk
The Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee will hold a joint meeting on March 24, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in Memorial Hall. The only listed agenda item is a presentation by the Finance Committee. No other business or decisions are stated.
- Finance Committee presentation
Finance Committee
The Holden Finance Committee is holding a joint meeting with the Board of Selectmen on March 24, 2025, for a presentation. No specific agenda items beyond the presentation are listed in the notice.
The Finance Committee recommended that Holden Beach not pursue a Proposition 2½ tax override for the 2025 budget. The Board of Selectmen expressed consensus that not seeking an override was the best course. No formal vote tally was recorded. A suggestion was made to consider a special town meeting in early February to discuss the issue further.
- Finance Committee recommended not seeking a Proposition 2½ override (no vote recorded)
- Board of Selectmen agreed not to seek a Proposition 2½ override (consensus, no vote tally)
Planning Board
The Planning Board will discuss a rezoning petition for 32 Mayo Drive and 52-64 Boyden Road, with a recommendation to place a warrant article. Updates will be provided on MBTA Community Act compliance, zoning recodification, and remote participation. The board will also review and approve the minutes from March 11, 2025. No ANR applications were submitted.
- Rezoning petition for 32 Mayo Drive and 52-64 Boyden Road to recommend warrant article
- Update on MBTA Community Act compliance
- Update on Zoning Recodification
- Update on Remote Participation policy
- Review and approval of March 11, 2025 meeting minutes
Town Clerk
The Holden Finance Committee will meet to discuss recommending an override to the Board of Selectmen, along with a Town Manager update and miscellaneous financial items. The meeting includes no public hearings or specific dollar amounts. The agenda is brief and procedural.
- Discussion on recommending an override to the Board of Selectmen
- Town Manager Update
- FinCom Miscellaneous discussion
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee will meet to receive an update from the Town Manager and discuss a potential override recommendation to the Board of Selectmen.
- Discussion on recommending an override to BOS
The committee voted unanimously not to recommend an override article for the upcoming Annual Town Meeting. The motion was made by Al Berg and seconded by Paul Challenger. The committee also agreed to begin early planning for a possible override next year and will work with town staff in the fall.
- Motion to not recommend an override article this year – passed unanimously
- Committee agreed to start early override planning next year – consensus
- Town Manager staff to assist committee in fall to prepare for next year's override effort – agreed
Town Clerk
The Finance Committee is meeting to discuss the WRSD School Budget. The meeting is scheduled for March 19, 2025, at the Holden Senior Center.
- Discussion of WRSD School Budget
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee is meeting to discuss the WRSD School Budget. This is the only substantive item listed on the agenda.
- WRSD School Budget
The Finance Committee met on March 19, 2025 at the Senior Center. The committee heard a presentation of the Wachusett Regional School District FY26 budget, which includes a 5.8% increase in member towns' assessments and a 7.6% increase in assessment due to state funding changes. No votes or actions were taken by the committee.
Town Clerk
The Trustees of Damon Memorial / Gale Free Library will review minutes, hear reports, and discuss the FY26 budget, a Windows Project, and Children's Room renovation. A public forum is scheduled. The meeting is largely procedural with no votes or concrete decisions listed.
- Discussion of FY26 budget
- Windows Project update
- Children's Room renovation update
- Public forum for community input
Town Clerk
The Holden Finance Committee will meet on March 20, 2025, at 6:30 PM at the Holden Senior Center. The agenda includes a Town Manager update, discussion on recommending an overrise to the Board of Selectmen, and miscellaneous finance committee items. The meeting is largely procedural with one substantive discussion item.
- Discussion on recommending an overrise to BOS (likely tax override or budget adjustment)
Water Sewer Advisory Board
The Water & Sewer Advisory Board reviewed a draft chlorination study from Tighe & Bond and discussed plans to use it to request rescinding two chemical addition retrofits from MassDEP. The board approved the February 20, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously. No formal votes were taken on the study or other substantive items; the meeting was primarily informational and discussion-based.
- Approved February 20, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Reviewed Tighe & Bond draft chlorination study memo
- Discussed presenting memo to MassDEP to rescind two chemical addition retrofits
- Discussed scheduling Maher Services to redevelop Jefferson well
- Set next meeting for April 17, 2025 at 6 PM
Water and Sewer Division
The Holden Water & Sewer Advisory Board will meet to discuss routine business including approval of minutes, updates from the superintendent, and several specific project updates. Key items include a draft chlorination practices memo from Tighe and Bond, an update on iron and manganese in the Jefferson area, and an update on the ECC site. The board will also hear an update on the City of Worcester's sewer rate court case involving the DCR. The meeting includes public comment and setting the next meeting date.
- Review draft Chlorination Practices Memo from Tighe and Bond
- Iron and Manganese updates for Jefferson Area
- ECC site update
- City of Worcester – DCR Sewer Rate Court Case Update
- Approve minutes from February 20, 2025 meeting
Town Clerk
The Holden Water & Sewer Advisory Board will review a draft chlorination practices memo from Tighe and Bond, receive updates on iron and manganese issues in the Jefferson area and the ECC site, and hear about the City of Worcester DCR sewer rate court case. The board will also approve minutes from February and set the next meeting date.
- Review of Tighe and Bond's Draft Chlorination Practices Memo
- Iron and Manganese Jefferson Area updates
- ECC site update
- City of Worcester – DCR Sewer Rate Court Case update
Finance Committee
The Holden Finance Committee reviewed proposed FY26 budgets for Veterans, Senior Center, Recreation, and Water & Sewer, but took no formal votes. Members noted concerns about missing revenue projections from new playing field leases and a potential $3M-$5M liability for sewer trunk capacity, which is not in the five-year plan. The Town Manager added debt service to the Water & Sewer budget after the meeting.
- Reviewed FY26 Veterans budget as proposed
- Reviewed FY26 Senior Center budget as presented
- Reviewed FY26 Recreation budget as presented
- Reviewed FY26 Water & Sewer budget as presented
- Noted $2.1M borrowed funds for Fields Project won by TD Bank at 3.2%
- Manager added debt service to Water & Sewer budget after meeting
Town Clerk
The Finance Committee is scheduled to meet on March 12, 2025. The agenda is procedural and does not list specific discussion items or decisions.
- Discussion of Water & Sewer/Capital
- Discussion of Recreation/Capital
- Discussion of Human Services/Capital
Town Clerk
The Holden Historic District Commission will review two applications for Certificates of Appropriateness: one for a property at 28 Boyden Rd and another for T-Mobile equipment at the First Congregational Church at 1180 Main Street. They will also discuss paint samples for the Gale Library window project. The commission will vote on the minutes from the February 12, 2025 meeting.
- Robert Dio, 28 Boyden Rd – Certificate of Appropriateness application
- T-Mobile, First Congregational Church, 1180 Main Street – Certificate of Appropriateness application
- Gale Library window project paint samples presented by Ryan Josti (DPW)
- Approval of February 12, 2025 minutes
Town Clerk
The Planning Board will meet to discuss a lot reconfiguration request and updates regarding the MBTA Community Act. The board will also review minutes from the February 25, 2025 meeting.
- Lot reconfiguration of 2234 and 2236 Main Street to create Lot A, Lot B, Lot C and remaining land
- MBTA Community Act update and appointment of 3A Core team member
Economic Development Commission
The Economic Development Commission will meet to review February minutes and plan the April agenda. The body will discuss social media updates for The Spotlight and coordinate details for a proposed Taste of Main Street event.
- Review of February meeting minutes
- Planning for Taste of Main Street event
- Social media updates for The Spotlight
The Economic Development Committee approved the February minutes and approved submitting information for the 2024 Town Report. They discussed and planned the 'Taste of Holden' food event scheduled for June 9-13, including potential restaurant participants, trolley costs, and marketing strategies. No formal votes were taken on the event; it remains a proposal to be finalized by April 4th.
- Approved January and February meeting minutes
- Approved EDC information for 2024 Town Report
- Discussed Taste of Holden event for June 9-13, with commitment deadline of April 4th
- Noted trolley costs: $250/hour for first 4 hours, $200/hour after
- Decided against trolley for Taste of Holden, using balloons as markers instead
- Planned to visit all potential restaurant participants by March 21st
Planning Board
The Planning Board will review an ANR (Approval Not Required) plan to reconfigure one lot at 2234 and 2236 Main Street into three lots and remaining land. The board will also receive an update on the MBTA Community Act and appoint a 3A Core team member. Minutes from the February 25 meeting are scheduled for approval.
- ANR plan for 2234 & 2236 Main Street – reconfigure one lot into Lot A, Lot B, Lot C, and remaining land
- Update on MBTA Community Act and appointment of a 3A Core team member
- Approval of minutes from February 25, 2025
The Planning Board unanimously approved an ANR plan to reconfigure one parcel at 2234 and 2236 Main Street into three buildable lots (Lot A, Lot B, Lot C) plus remaining land, with frontage on Cannon Road and Main Street. The board also discussed MBTA Community Act compliance, appointing Brynn Zawada as the Planning Board member to the 3A Core Team, and approved the February 25, 2025 meeting minutes. No other substantive decisions were made.
- Approved ANR endorsement for 2234/2236 Main Street (5-0)
- Appointed Brynn Zawada to 3A Core Team for MBTA Community Act compliance
- Approved February 25, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0)
Planning Board
The Planning Board will meet to discuss a lot reconfiguration at 2234 and 2236 Main Street. The board will also address the MBTA Community Act and appoint a 3A Core team member.
- Lot reconfiguration of 2234 and 2236 Main Street to create Lot A, Lot B, Lot C and remaining land
- MBTA Community Act update
- Appointment of 3A Core team member
Town Clerk
The Economic Development Committee of Holden, MA is meeting to review minutes from February, discuss updates to The Spotlight social media, and begin planning a potential 'Taste of Main Street' event. The agenda is largely procedural and focused on upcoming activities, with no formal votes or budget items.
- Review of minutes from February meeting
- Update on The Spotlight social media and monthly planning
- Discussion of Taste of Main Street event ideas, dates, and potential participants
- Planning for April agenda
Board of Selectmen
The Holden Board of Selectmen will consider appointments to the Board of Registrars and Historical Commission, discuss Conservation Commission fees, and review trash and recycling rates. A key discussion item is the MBTA Communities compliance requirement. The board will also hear a report on the Gale Free Library Window Committee.
- Appointment of Lisa Cobb to the Board of Registrars (term ends March 31, 2028)
- Reappointment of Ida Nystrom to the Historical Commission (term ends 1/22/2028)
- Discussion of Conservation Commission fees
- Review of trash and recycling rates
- Discussion regarding MBTA Communities zoning compliance
The Board of Selectmen voted 4-1 to authorize the Town Manager to retain counsel to file an inquiry with the Division of Local Mandates, challenging the MBTA Communities Act as an unfunded mandate. The board also unanimously appointed Lisa Cobb to the Board of Registrars and reappointed Ida Nystrom to the Historic Commission. A motion to send a letter to legislative leaders about state underfunding of the Wachusett Regional School District was approved unanimously. The board tabled trash and recycling fee discussions and a vote on conservation fees pending further analysis.
- Authorized Town Manager to retain counsel to challenge MBTA Communities Act as unfunded mandate (4-1)
- Appointed Lisa Cobb to Board of Registrars, term to 3/31/28 (unanimous)
- Reappointed Ida Nystrom to Historic Commission, term to 1/22/28 (unanimous)
- Approved Town Manager to draft and sign letter on WRSD state funding shortfall (unanimous)
- Tabled trash and recycling fee increase discussion to next meeting
- Held off vote on conservation filing fees pending cost analysis
Town Clerk
The Holden Board of Selectmen will hold a regular meeting on March 10, 2025. Items for discussion include trash and recycling rates, Conservation Commission fees, and the MBTA Communities zoning mandate. The board will also consider appointments to the Board of Registrars and Historical Commission.
- Appointments: Lisa Cobb to Board of Registrars (term ends March 31, 2028) and Ida Nystrom to Historical Commission (reappointment, term ends 1/22/2028)
- Discussion of Gale Free Library Window Committee
- Discussion of Conservation Commission Fees
- Trash and Recycling Rates discussion
- MBTA Communities Discussion (state-mandated multi-family zoning plan)
Conservation Commission
The Holden Conservation Commission will consider a request for determination of applicability for a septic system repair at 354 Malden Street within the 200-foot Riverfront Area. They will also receive updates on Greenwood Estates subdivision Phase II and New England Power maintenance notifications. Project updates include Dawson Industrial Drive improvements and other sites. The commission will also review open space items and bylaw fees.
- Request for Determination of Applicability for septic repair at 354 Malden Street (Map 162, Parcel 51)
- Greenwood Estates Subdivision update – sediment and erosion control measures, Phase I and Phase II
- New England Power exempt maintenance notifications – replacement of overhead components and footer repair within RA, BVW, and 100-foot regulatory buffer
- Project updates: Dawson Industrial Dr Rec Improvements, 125 Moscow Road, Map 174 Parcel 32 Malden St, 724 Main Street
- Open Space: Spring Ledge Farm Forestry and Town Forest Stewardship Plan
The Conservation Commission voted 5-0 to require a Notice of Intent filing for the proposed septic system repair at 354 Malden Street, located within the Riverfront Area. The commission also reviewed updates on the Greenwood Estates subdivision, discussed exempt maintenance notifications from New England Power Company, and continued several project updates. No other substantive decisions were made; several items were continued to future meetings.
- Required Notice of Intent filing for septic repair at 354 Malden Street (5-0)
- Accepted July 17, 2024 meeting minutes as amended (4-1-0)
- Approved closing August 7, 2024 meeting at 8:46 PM (5-0)
Town Clerk
The Holden Beach Council on Aging holds a regular meeting to discuss reports from the chairman, Friends group, Help at H.O.M.E., Board of Elder Services, and the director. The agenda includes acceptance of previous minutes, committee updates, and old/new business. No significant decisions or proposals are listed.
- Acceptance of February 5, 2025 meeting minutes
- Help at H.O.M.E. January data report
- Board of Elder Services report by Rick Mansfield
- Director's report by Karen Phillips
- Age and Dementia Committee report
Town Clerk
The Holden Finance Committee is meeting on March 5, 2025, to discuss capital projects for the Department of Public Works and Water & Sewer. No additional details are provided on the agenda.
- Discussion of DPW/Capital projects
- Discussion of Water & Sewer/Capital projects
Town Clerk
The Holden Conservation Commission will consider a request for determination of applicability for a septic system repair within the 200-foot riverfront area at 354 Malden Street. They will also receive updates on the Greenwood Estates Subdivision's sediment and erosion control measures and Phase II. Other agenda items include exempt maintenance notifications from New England Power Company, project updates at several properties, and conservation land forestry plans.
- Request for Determination of Applicability at 354 Malden Street for septic system repair within the 200-foot Riverfront Area
- Greenwood Estates Subdivision: sediment and erosion control measures update for Phase I and Phase II
- Exempt maintenance notifications for New England Power Company: replacement of overhead components on transmission line A-53-B54 and footer repair on A-53 line
- Project updates for Dawson Industrial Dr. Rec Improvements, 125 Moscow Rd., Malden St Map 174 Parcel 32, and 724 Main Street
- Conservation Land: Spring Ledge Farm Forestry and Town Forest Stewardship Plan
Finance Committee
This is a procedural meeting notice for the Holden Finance Committee. The agenda lists two capital items for discussion: DPW/Capital and Water & Sewer/Capital, but no further details are provided. The meeting will be held March 5, 2025 at the Holden Senior Center.
- DPW/Capital item discussion
- Water & Sewer/Capital item discussion
The Finance Committee reviewed the DPW budget, noting potential fuel cost increases from a 10% tariff on Canadian imports and staffing challenges. They approved the minutes from February 26, 2025, and authorized a letter to the State Legislature about regional school funding. The committee also discussed transitioning vehicle purchases to the DPW Depreciation Fund, removing the FinCom from individual vehicle evaluations.
- Approved the minutes of February 26, 2025, unanimously (with one abstention).
- Authorized a letter to the State Legislature concerning regional school funding.
- Discussed the DPW budget, including fuel cost increases and staffing vacancies.
- Discussed transitioning to the DPW Depreciation Fund for vehicle purchases.
Dementia Friendly Community Committee
The Holden Dementia and Age Friendly Committee will hold a working meeting to review current progress and plan for 2025. Agenda items include introducing the new assistant town manager, discussing social media use, reviewing a survey, inviting new members, and fundraising with CMRPC. No votes or binding decisions are listed on the agenda.
- Introduce Kelly Dolan – New Assistant Town Manager
- Review where we are
- 2025 Planning
- Using Social Media / Survey
- Inviting New Members and Fund Raising CMRPC
Town Clerk
The Holden Dementia and Age Friendly Committee will meet to introduce the new Assistant Town Manager and review 2025 planning. The body will discuss social media use, a survey, member recruitment, and fundraising for CMRPC.
- Introduction of Assistant Town Manager Kelly Dolan
- 2025 Planning review
- Discussion on social media usage
- Review of survey and inviting new members
- Fundraising for CMRPC
Finance Committee
The Holden Finance Committee is meeting to receive a town manager update, review current revenue and a five-year financial forecast, discuss miscellaneous committee business, and approve prior meeting minutes. No specific funding decisions or contracts are on the agenda.
- Town Manager update
- Revenue review
- Five-year forecast review
- Approve minutes
The Finance Committee reviewed the HCTV budget and a five-year financial forecast, finding that an override will be required this year or next unless education assessments change significantly. The current FY26 budget is balanced using $7.5 million in free cash, which exhausts all available free cash. The committee approved the minutes of the February 19, 2025 meeting unanimously, with three abstentions.
- Approved minutes of February 19, 2025 (unanimous, 3 abstentions)
- Reviewed HCTV budget and discussed planned equipment upgrades
- Discussed five-year forecast and revenue projections; no formal action taken
Town Clerk
The Holden Finance Committee will meet to receive a Town Manager update, review revenue and the five-year forecast, discuss miscellaneous FinCom business, and approve prior meeting minutes. No specific votes, ordinances, or public hearings are listed.
- Town Manager update
- Revenue review
- Five-year forecast review
- FinCom miscellaneous business
- Approve minutes
Municipal Electric Power Advisory Board
The Municipal Electric Power Advisory Board approved the HMLD Meeting Room Policy, which sets guidelines for outside entities to use the meeting room. The board also approved the January 23, 2025 minutes and heard updates on finances, AMI meter installations, and the MassDOT project.
- Approved HMLD Meeting Room Policy (unanimous)
- Approved January 23, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
Town Clerk
The Municipal Electric Power Advisory Board of Holden, MA is meeting on February 27, 2025. The agenda consists of standard procedural items: determination of quorum, public comment, approval of minutes from January 23, financial update, manager's miscellaneous, operations update, and other business. No specific rezonings, contracts, or fee changes are listed.
Town Clerk
The Zoning Bylaw Review Board will hold a remote meeting to review a consultant's draft update to the zoning bylaw, specifically a new draft use table. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the item is for discussion only.
- Review consultant's draft zoning bylaw update and draft use table
Town Clerk
The Holden Housing Authority Board of Commissioners will meet on February 26, 2025, at 9 Flagler Drive, Holden, MA. The agenda includes approval of January 2025 financials and minutes from the January 22 meeting. Reports will be presented on modernization, state-aided housing, and leased housing. No new or unfinished business is scheduled.
- Approval of January 2025 financials
- Modernization/Work Order Report
- State-Aided Housing Report
- Leased Housing Report
- Correspondence from EOHLC: PHN 2025-1 (Vacant Unit Turnover Task Force) and PHN 2025-2 (Comprehensive Modernization NOFA)
Holden Community Garden Committee
The Holden Community Garden Committee will review January 2025 minutes, the 2024 annual report, and 2025 applications. They will also discuss a DPW collaboration request involving Hope, Red Barn, and private property, along with follow-ups on the Landmark Notice, seed library, school partnerships, and scout projects.
- Review of January 2025 minutes and approval
- 2024 Annual Report presentation
- DPW update and request to collaborate on Hope, Red Barn, and private property
- Landmark Notice and Seed Library followup
- School Partnership and Scout projects (lending library post) updates
Finance Committee
The Holden Finance Committee will hold a meeting on February 26, 2025 at 6:30 PM. The agenda lists three topics for discussion: Fire/EMS, Library, and Historical Commission, but provides no further details on specific actions or proposals. This is a procedural meeting notice with minimal substantive information.
- Fire/EMS discussion
- Library discussion
- Historical Commission discussion
The committee reviewed the Library and Fire Department budgets, noting the library's window project is fully funded and the fire department is fully staffed but facing high call volumes. They discussed the OPEB obligation, noting the General Fund is only about half funded, with a proposed $50,000 contribution. The committee also amended and approved the February 12, 2025 minutes.
- Amended minutes of February 12, 2025 to remove 'for less money' (unanimous)
- Approved amended minutes (unanimous)
Town Clerk
The Holden Beach Town Clerk committee will review January 2025 minutes, the 2024 annual report, and the 2025 application update. Notable discussions include a DPW update regarding collaboration on Hope and Red Barn private property, a Landmark Notice follow-up, Seed Library next steps, a school partnership update, and scout projects including a lending library post. The agenda is largely procedural and routine, with no major financial decisions or ordinances.
- Review of January 2025 minutes and 2024 annual report
- DPW update and request to collaborate on private property (Hope, Red Barn)
- Landmark Notice and Seed Library follow-up
- School partnership follow-up
- Scout projects including lending library post and food pantry collection
Town Clerk
This is a procedural meeting notice for the Holden Finance Committee. The agenda contains no discussion or decision items—only standard notification boilerplate. No public hearings, ordinances, or contracts are scheduled.
- No specific agenda items listed; meeting appears to be for procedural purposes only.
Town Clerk
The Holden Stormwater Committee is meeting to discuss and potentially decide on Land Disturbance Permit Application LD-2023-9 for Union Street frontage lots. The committee will also review and approve meeting minutes, discuss topics for future meetings, and set the next meeting date.
- Land Disturbance Permit Application LD-2023-9 for Union Street frontage lots
- Review and approval of meeting minutes
- Discussion of future meeting topics
- Setting next meeting date
Town Clerk
The Board of Assessors is meeting to review real estate and personal property abatements and tax billing. The body will also discuss preparations for Fiscal Year 2026 income and expense mailings and budget hearings.
- FY’25 real estate and personal property abatements (executive session)
- Supplemental Real Estate Tax billing – fy25-1
- Motor Vehicle Excise 2024 and 2025 commitments/abatement totals
- FY2026 Income and Expense Mailing and application returns
- FY2026 Budget Hearings
Town Clerk
The group is meeting to review committee reports and discuss unfinished business regarding a spring fundraiser. New business includes a query from outreach workers and plans for a website and HCTV spot.
- Spring business fundraiser
- Query from Karen Phillips regarding outreach workers
- Planning for a spot on HCTV
- Discussion of rebranding and website
Town Clerk
The Holden Beach Planning Board will hold a remote meeting on February 25, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. The board will elect officers for the year, receive updates on zoning recodification and the MBTA Community Act, and approve minutes from the previous meeting.
- Election of officers (vote to elect chair and other positions)
- Zoning Recodification update
- MBTA Community Act update
- Approval of January 28, 2025 meeting minutes
Town Clerk
The Holden Beach Board of Health meets to approve minutes from January 2024, review Title V inspections (including a failed inspection at 354 Malden Street), and discuss ongoing septic system installations and repairs at three properties. The Health Director will report, and new business includes appointments for a tobacco inspector and a health agent, review of Narcan training, and discussion of opioid treatment programs with LRPHC.
- Approval of minutes from January 21, 2024
- Title V inspection: 354 Malden Street – Failed
- Systems being installed/repaired: 139 North Street (complete replacement), 390 Bullard Street (replacement for addition), 354 Malden Street (new septic tank, pump chamber, leaching field)
- Health Director’s Report by Trevor Bruso REHS/RS
- New business: MOHA tobacco inspector appointment, Mishel Caisapanta as Health Agent, Narcan training review, discussion of Opioid Treatment Programs
Planning Board
The Holden Beach Planning Board will elect officers for the coming term, receive an update on zoning recodification, and discuss the MBTA Community Act. No ANR applications are pending.
- Election of officers (vote to elect officers)
- Zoning Recodification update
- MBTA Community Act update
- Approval of minutes from January 28, 2025
The Planning Board re-elected Scott Carlson as Chair, Frank Doyle as Vice-Chair, and Anthony Veloso as Clerk. The board received an update on the zoning recodification, which is about 85% complete, with a public hearing planned for April and a warrant article for the May 19 town meeting. No substantive decisions were made on zoning or the MBTA Community Act; these items were only discussed.
- Re-elected Scott Carlson as Chair (3-1-0, Carlson abstained)
- Elected Frank Doyle as Vice-Chair (4-0-0)
- Elected Anthony Veloso as Clerk (4-0-0)
- Approved January 28, 2025 meeting minutes (3-1-0, Carlson abstained)
Planning Board
The Planning Board will meet to elect its officers and receive updates on zoning recodification and the MBTA Community Act. The board will also review the minutes from the January 28, 2025, meeting.
- Election of officers
- Zoning Recodification update
- MBTA Community Act update
- Review of January 28, 2025 minutes
Health Department/Board of Health
The Board of Health will review Title V inspection results and septic system replacements. The body will also discuss health agent appointments and opioid treatment programs.
- Septic system replacement at 139 North Street
- Septic system replacement for house addition at 390 Bullard Street
- Septic system installation at 354 Malden Street following a failed inspection
- Appointment of MOHA inspector for tobacco inspections
- Appointment of Mishel Caisapanta of LRPHC as a Health Agent
The Holden Board of Health approved a Title V local upgrade for 2234 Main Street, reducing the groundwater requirement from 5 to 3 feet and allowing reduced bed square footage for a Presby system. The board also approved appointing MHOA as a tobacco inspector and Mishel Caisapanta as a health agent. A septic inspection at 354 Malden Street failed, and several septic system installations or repairs were reported.
- Approved Title V local upgrade at 2234 Main Street (reduced groundwater requirement to 3 ft)
- Approved MHOA as tobacco inspector
- Approved Mishel Caisapanta as health agent
- Approved minutes of January 21, 2025
Help at H.O.M.E. (Holden Outreach Managing Emergencies)
This is a regular procedural meeting of the HELP at H.O.M.E. committee (Holden Outreach Managing Emergencies). Members will approve previous minutes, hear reports from the chair and committees, discuss a spring fundraiser, and consider a rebranding/website update. No dollar amounts or binding decisions are recorded.
- Discussion of spring business fundraiser
- Query from Karen Phillips regarding outreach workers
- Planning a spot on HCTV
- Discussion of rebranding and website updates
The board approved the annual report draft and the January minutes as corrected. They discussed a possible handyman service extension, a spring fundraiser, and several items deferred to the March meeting, including FAQ wording changes and rebranding. No final decisions were made on these deferred items.
- Approved January 28, 2025 minutes as corrected
- Approved annual report draft
Board of Assessors
The Board of Assessors will meet to review real estate and personal property abatements for Fiscal Year 2025. The board will also discuss tax billing, exemption totals, and preparations for Fiscal Year 2026.
- FY’25 real estate and personal property abatements (executive session)
- Fiscal Year 2025 exemption totals to date
- Supplemental Real Estate Tax billing – fy25-1
- Motor Vehicle Excise 2024 and 2025 commitments/abatement totals
- Fiscal Year 2026 budget hearings
The Board of Assessors approved the minutes from December 17, 2024, and acted on abatement applications in executive session. For Fiscal Year 2025, they granted 4 personal property abatements and, for real estate, granted 6 and denied 12 of 18 applications. They also reviewed motor vehicle excise commitments and abatements, approved 132 personal exemptions totaling $117,781.43, and discussed plans for supplemental tax bills and staff training.
- Approved minutes of December 17, 2024 meeting
- Granted 4 personal property abatement applications
- Granted 6 real estate abatement applications
- Denied 12 real estate abatement applications
- Reviewed motor vehicle excise commitment #7 of 453 bills for $24,444.44
- Reviewed motor vehicle abatements for levies from 2022-2024
- Approved 132 personal exemptions totaling $117,781.43
- Planned to issue supplemental real estate tax bills FY2025-1 on March 10
Town Clerk
The Finance Committee is meeting to review specific budgets and revenue. The body will also examine the town's 5-year plan.
- Budget review for HCTV
- Budget review for Other post-retirement benefits (OPEB)
- Budget review for open space
- Revenue review
- Review of 5-year plan
Town Clerk
This committee is meeting to hear reports from the chair and consulting firm Weston and Sampson, consider a payment requisition, and approve minutes from previous meetings. The agenda is largely procedural with no major decisions listed.
- Report from chair
- Report from Weston and Sampson
- Payment requisition
- Minutes approval from December 2, 16, 2024 and February 3, 2025 meetings
Town Clerk
The Holden Board of Selectmen is meeting on February 24, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in Memorial Hall. The agenda includes citizen address, appointments, a discussion of Conservation Commission fees, and a Town Manager update. The remainder of the meeting is procedural.
- Discussion of Conservation Commission fees
Dawson Recreation Complex Committee
The committee will meet at the construction site to hear reports from the chair and engineering firm Weston and Sampson, consider a payment requisition, and approve minutes from prior meetings. No specific dollar amounts or decisions are detailed in the agenda.
- Report from chair on project status
- Report from Weston and Sampson on engineering matters
- Payment requisition (no amount specified)
- Approval of minutes from December 2 and 16, 2024, and February 3, 2025 meetings
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen will meet to discuss fees for the Conservation Commission. The agenda also includes items regarding the Gale Free Library Window Committee and various appointments and permits.
- Discussion of Conservation Commission Fees
- Gale Free Library Window Committee
- Appointments, Licenses, and Permits
Board of Selectmen
This is a largely procedural meeting with items including citizens address, appointments, a Gale Free Library Window Committee update, and the Town Manager's update. No major decisions or financial actions are on the agenda.
- Gale Free Library Window Committee update
- Town Manager's update
- Citizens address period
Finance Committee
The Holden Beach Finance Committee will review budgets for HCTV (town cable), other post-retirement benefits (OPEB), and open space, along with a general revenue review and the five-year financial plan. The meeting includes discussion of miscellaneous finance items and approval of prior minutes.
- Review of HCTV budget
- Review of other post-retirement benefits (OPEB) budget
- Review of open space budget
- Revenue review
- Review of five-year financial plan
Town Clerk
The Holden Beach Board of Health will meet to approve January 2024 minutes, review Title V inspection results including a failed test at 354 Malden Street, and discuss ongoing septic system installations at three properties. The health director will report, and the board will consider appointments for tobacco inspections and a health agent, as well as review Narcan training and opioid treatment program collaboration.
- Approval of minutes from January 21, 2024
- Title V inspection at 354 Malden Street – failed
- Complete septic system replacement at 139 North Street and 390 Bullard Street (the latter due to a bedroom addition)
- Detailed septic system installation at 354 Malden Street: removal of existing tank/S.A.S., installation of 1,500-gallon tank, pump chamber, D-Box, and leaching field
- Appointment of MOHA inspector for tobacco inspections and Mishel Caisapanta as health agent; review of Narcan training and opioid treatment program discussion with LRPHC
Water Sewer Advisory Board
The board will review the FY26 Operations & Maintenance and Capital budgets. Members will also discuss sewer rules and regulations and receive updates on the ECC site and the City of Worcester DCR sewer rate court case.
- Review of Sewer Rules and Regulations Article 2
- FY26 O&M Budget and Capital Budget presentation
- Iron and Manganese-Jefferson Area updates
- City of Worcester – DCR Sewer Rate Court Case update
- ECC site update
The Water & Sewer Advisory Board reviewed the FY2026 O&M and Capital budgets, noting total expenses up 4.6% and revenue up 22.6%, with water and sewer rates remaining unchanged. The board also discussed updates on the M36 water audit, a $75,000 Clean Water Trust grant for sewer station surveys, and the ongoing DCR sewer rate court case. No formal votes were taken on these items; the only action was unanimous approval of the January 16, 2025 meeting minutes.
- Approved January 16, 2025 meeting minutes as revised (unanimous)
- Reviewed FY2026 budget: expenses $9,536,421 (up 4.6%), revenue $9,785,777 (up 22.6%)
- Noted water and sewer rates will remain the same for FY2026
- Discussed sewer rules and regulations Article 2 (no action taken)
- Discussed FY26 capital requests totaling $2,222,500 (no action taken)
Town Clerk
The Holden Water & Sewer Advisory Board will discuss and review the FY26 operating and capital budget presentation, as well as proposed updates to sewer rules and regulations. Updates will be provided on the Iron and Manganese Jefferson Area project, ECC site, and the City of Worcester DCR sewer rate court case. The board will also approve minutes from January and take public comment.
- FY26 O&M and Capital Budget presentation
- Review of Article 2 of Sewer Rules and Regulations
- Iron and Manganese Jefferson Area updates
- City of Worcester – DCR Sewer Rate Court Case update
- ECC site update
Town Clerk
The Holden Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing for Alan Mitchell and Deirdre O’Connor seeking a variance for property at 163 North St to maintain a pre-existing non-conformity of side yard setback requirements to construct a new home. The board will also discuss a review of the zoning bylaw revision and elect officers.
- Public hearing for variance at 163 North St (Alan Mitchell and Deirdre O’Connor)
- Update/review of Zoning Bylaw Revision by Town Planner David George
- Election of Zoning Board officers
Zoning / Zoning Board of Appeals
The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on February 20, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. for Alan Mitchell and Deirdre O’Connor seeking a variance to maintain pre-existing non-conformity of side yard setback requirements to construct a new home at 163 North St. The board will also discuss an update/review of the Zoning Bylaw Revision by Town Planner David George and hold an election of officers.
- Public hearing for variance at 163 North St for side yard setback non-conformity
- Update/Review of Zoning Bylaw Revision by Town Planner David George
- Election of officers for the Zoning Board of Appeals
Finance Committee
The agenda contains only procedural boilerplate and a single line item, 'Police/Dispatch,' with no further details. No decisions, proposals, or financial figures are specified.
- Meeting notice for Finance Committee; no specific action items listed besides Police/Dispatch
The Holden Finance Committee reviewed the FY2026 budgets for the Police Department, Wachusett Regional Dispatch, and Animal Control. No formal votes were taken; the meeting was informational, with updates on a $170,000 higher Montachusett Regional School assessment and ongoing police contract negotiations.
- Reviewed Police Department budget; no changes voted
- Reviewed Wachusett Regional Dispatch budget; no changes voted
- Reviewed Animal Control budget; no changes voted
- Discussed potential tours of town buildings; to be arranged later
Town Clerk
The Holden Finance Committee is meeting on February 19, 2025, but the agenda contains only procedural boilerplate with no specific decisions, proposals, or discussions listed. The only item noted is "Police/Dispatch" without any further detail.
- No concrete items listed on the agenda
Town Clerk
This meeting of the Trustees of Damon Memorial / Gale Free Library includes discussion of the FY26 budget, a FinCom budget review scheduled for Feb 26, and updates on the Windows Project and Children's Room renovation. The board will also approve minutes, hear committee reports, and hold a public forum.
- FY26 budget discussion and FinCom review on Feb 26 at 6:30 pm at Senior Center
- Windows Project update
- Children's Room renovation update
- Approval of minutes from January 21 meeting
- Public Forum
Town Clerk
The Zoning Bylaw Review Board is meeting remotely to review Consultant’s Draft Zoning Bylaw Update Draft #6 and consider input from a recent public information session. No other business is scheduled.
- Review of Draft #6 of the zoning bylaw update
- Consideration of public input from recent information session
Town Clerk
The Stormwater Committee will consider a land disturbance permit application (LD-2023-5) for properties at 47-67 Muschopauge Road, Lots 1, 2, 4R. The meeting also includes approval of prior minutes and discussion of future meeting topics.
- Land Disturbance Permit Application LD-2023-5 for 47-67 Muschopauge Road, Lots 1, 2, 4R
- Review and approval of meeting minutes
- Topics to be discussed at future meetings
- Discussion of next meeting date
Town Clerk
The Historic District Commission will meet to discuss paint colors for window replacement and repair at the Gale Free Library. The commission will also review minutes and an end-of-year report.
- Paint colors for window replacement/repair at Gale Free Library, 23 Highland Street
- Approval of October 23, 2024 Minutes
- Approval of 2024 End of Year Report
Town Clerk
The Finance Committee is meeting to discuss the budget overview and revenue. The agenda also includes items regarding cable TV, open space, and OPEB.
- Budget Overview
- Revenue
- Holden Cable TV
- Open Space
- OPEB
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee will meet to discuss the budget overview and revenue. The agenda also includes items regarding cable TV, open space, and OPEB.
- Budget Overview
- Revenue
- Holden Cable TV
- Open Space
- OPEB
The Holden Finance Committee reviewed the FY26 budget presentation, including major unknowns like state budget, health insurance, and retirement increases. No formal decisions were made; the only vote was to approve the January 8, 2025 minutes. The committee will continue the agenda on February 20.
- Approved minutes of January 8, 2025 (unanimous)
- Reviewed FY26 budget overview and highlights
- Noted no new positions requested; health agent to remain town employee
- Scheduled February 20 meeting to complete agenda
Town Clerk
The Recreation Committee will meet to discuss programs, summer planning, and miscellaneous items. No public comment is permitted during this session.
- Discussion of programs
- Discussion of summer planning
Town Clerk
The Economic Development Committee will meet to approve January minutes and focus on developing a social media presence. They plan to create guidelines for EDC social media, craft a business announcement, design the SPOTLIGHT logo, choose the first post, and set the March agenda.
- Approve January meeting minutes
- Create guidelines for EDC social media
- Create announcement for businesses
- Discuss and design SPOTLIGHT logo
- Decide on first social media post
Economic Development Commission
The Economic Development Commission will meet to establish guidelines for social media and create a business announcement. The body will also discuss the design of a SPOTLIGHT logo and plan its March meeting agenda.
- Creation of EDC social media guidelines
- Development of a business announcement
- Design discussion for SPOTLIGHT logo
- Selection of the first social media post
The Economic Development Committee met and approved a logo for its Instagram and Facebook pages, with a potential launch date of Feb. 19. The first post will include a brief introduction and guidelines. Approval of January minutes was delayed until the next meeting. The committee also discussed 2025 events, including the return of fireworks, a possible new trolley company, and several trolley-related events.
- Approved logo for Instagram and Facebook
- Set potential social media launch date of Feb. 19
- Delayed approval of January minutes until next meeting
Recreation Committee
The Recreation Committee will meet to discuss programs, summer activities, and miscellaneous items. No public comment is permitted during this session.
- Discussion of programs
- Discussion of summer planning
- Miscellaneous items
Town Clerk
This is a routine procedural meeting of the Holden Beach Council on Aging. The agenda consists of standard reports from the chairman, Friends, HELP at H.O.M.E., Board of Elder Services, director, and the Age and Dementia Committee, along with old and new business and a citizens' address period. No substantive decisions, public hearings, or financial actions are listed.
- Chairman's report and acceptance of January 8, 2025 minutes
- Friends report by Wayne Howard
- HELP at H.O.M.E. report with December data
- Board of Elder Services report by Rick Mansfield
- Director's report by Karen Phillips
Town Clerk
The Holden Conservation Commission will meet on February 5, 2025, to discuss and potentially act on the Greenwood Estates subdivision's sediment and erosion control plan, including phase II cutting and lot permitting. The agenda also includes project updates for Dawson Industrial Drive recreation improvements, Quinapoxet culvert replication, and a DEP superseding decision on Malden Street. Enforcement orders at 2 Mark Circle and 515 Malden Street, along with open space stewardship at Spring Ledge Farm, will be addressed. The commission will also review local filing fees and minutes from the June 5, 2024 meeting.
- Greenwood Estates Subdivision – sediment and erosion control, Phase II cutting and lot permitting
- Malden Street – Ripley Lot (DEP Superseding Decision)
- Enforcement Orders: 2 Mark Circle and 515 Malden Street
- Spring Ledge Farm Stewardship (open space)
- Local Filing Fees discussion
Conservation Commission
The Holden Conservation Commission will discuss sediment and erosion control for Greenwood Estates Subdivision, including Phase II cutting and lot permitting. Project updates will be given for Dawson Industrial Drive improvements, Quinapoxet Culvert replication, Sunshine Ridge/Holmes Drive, and Malden Street – Ripley Lot. Enforcement orders at 2 Mark Circle and 515 Malden Street will be reviewed, and open space stewardship at Spring Ledge Farm will be addressed.
- Greenwood Estates Subdivision – Sediment and Erosion Control, Phase II Cutting and Lot Permitting
- Enforcement orders at 2 Mark Circle and 515 Malden Street
- Project updates: Dawson Industrial Dr. Rec Improvements, Quinapoxet Culvert Replication Areas, Sunshine Ridge/Holmes Drive, Malden Street – Ripley Lot
- Spring Ledge Farm Stewardship (open space)
- Discussion of wetland boundary markers and local filing fees
Conservation Commission
The Conservation Commission will discuss sediment and erosion control and lot permitting for Phase II of the Greenwood Estates subdivision. The body will also review project updates and enforcement orders for specific local sites.
- Greenwood Estates Subdivision Phase II cutting and lot permitting
- Enforcement orders for 2 Mark Circle and 515 Malden Street
- Project updates for Dawson Industrial Dr., Quinapoxet Culvert, and Sunshine Ridge/Holmes Drive
- Spring Ledge Farm Stewardship open space discussion
- Review of local filing fees
The Holden Conservation Commission met on February 5, 2025, and discussed several ongoing projects and enforcement matters. No formal decisions were made on substantive items; the only votes were to approve the June 5, 2024 minutes (3-1-0) and to close the meeting (6-0-0). The Commission reviewed a sediment and erosion control plan for Phase II of Greenwood Estates, discussed an enforcement case at 2 Mark Circle, and received updates on various projects including 515 Malden Street, Dawson Industrial Drive, and Quinapoxet Culvert. They also discussed local filing fees, which will require bylaw changes for Town Meeting approval.
- Approved minutes of June 5, 2024 meeting as amended (3-1-0)
- Closed January 8, 2025 meeting at 8:47 PM (6-0-0)
Town Clerk
The Dawson Recreational Complex Committee will meet at the construction site on Industrial Drive. The agenda includes a discussion on naming the field, a payment requisition, and reports from the chair and Weston and Sampson. The committee will also approve minutes from previous meetings.
- Discussion regarding naming the field
- Payment requisition item
- Report from Weston and Sampson
- Minutes of December 2 and 16, 2024 meetings
Town Clerk
This meeting of the Holden Board of Selectmen includes two public hearings: one on naming the Industrial Drive Recreation Complex and another on a kennel license at 93 Lovell Road. The board will also consider reappointments to the Agricultural Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals, and receive a Town Manager's update and MBTACA compliance letter.
- Public Hearing: Naming of Industrial Drive Recreation Complex
- Public Hearing: Kennel License at 93 Lovell Road
- Agricultural Commission reappointment of Wendy Somerset to expire 1/22/2028
- ZBA reappointments of James Deignan and Ronald Spakauskas to expire 1/22/2028
- MBTACA Compliance Letter discussion
Dawson Recreation Complex Committee
The committee will meet at the Industrial Drive construction site to receive a report from Weston and Sampson. Members will discuss the naming of the field and review a payment requisition.
- Report from Weston and Sampson
- Discussion regarding naming the field
- Payment requisition
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen will hold a public hearing to consider naming the Industrial Drive Recreation Complex. Other items include a public hearing for a kennel license at 93 Lovell Road, reappointments to the Agricultural Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals, and discussion of an MBTACA compliance letter.
- Public hearing to name the Industrial Drive Recreation Complex
- Public hearing for a kennel license at 93 Lovell Road
- Reappointment of Wendy Somerset to Agricultural Commission (term expiring 1/22/2028)
- Reappointments of James Deignan and Ronald Spakauskas to Zoning Board of Appeals (term expiring 1/22/2028)
- Discussion of MBTACA compliance letter
The Board voted unanimously to direct the Town Manager to submit a letter of intent to comply with the MBTA Communities Act by the February 13 deadline, reversing its previous opposition. The Board also approved naming the Industrial Drive recreational complex the 'Stephen Nowak Memorial Fields' and granted a kennel license for 93 Lovell Road. A motion to direct the Town Manager to submit specific comments on the law was defeated 1-4.
- Voted to submit MBTA Communities Act compliance letter (unanimous)
- Named recreational complex 'Stephen Nowak Memorial Fields' (unanimous)
- Granted kennel license for 93 Lovell Road (unanimous)
- Appointed Wendy Somerset to Agricultural Committee (unanimous)
- Appointed James Deignan and Ronald Spakauskas to ZBA (unanimous)
- Defeated motion to direct Town Manager to submit specific comments on MBTA law (1-4)
- Approved minutes for Jan 6, 2025; Dec 16, 2024; Sep 23, 2024; Sep 9, 2024; Feb 26, 2024 (various votes)
Town Clerk
The Planning Board will meet to discuss a lot division request and a new residential project. The board will also receive an update on zoning recodification.
- Request to divide one lot into two lots at 275 Fisher Road
- Zoning Recodification update
- ZBA matter regarding new residential construction at 163 North Street
Town Clerk
The Holden Dementia and Age Friendly Committee will meet to introduce the new Assistant Town Manager and review 2025 planning. The group will discuss social media use, surveys, membership, and fundraising for CMRPC.
- Introduction of Kelly Dolan, New Assistant Town Manager
- 2025 Planning review
- Discussion on social media use and surveys
- Fundraising for CMRPC
Town Clerk
The Holden Outreach Committee will discuss scheduling a joint meeting with the Chamber of Commerce, plan a spring business fundraiser, and consider rebranding social-media posts. The meeting includes standard reports and approval of prior minutes. No ordinances, spending, or resident-impacting decisions are on the agenda.
- Set date for meeting with Chamber of Commerce
- Make plan for spring business fundraiser
- Discuss rebranding / copy for Facebook posts
- Discuss testimonials
- Set next meeting date: February 11, 2025
Planning Board
The Planning Board will discuss a request to divide a lot at 275 Fisher Road and a new residential matter at 163 North Street. The board will also receive an update on zoning recodification.
- Request to divide one lot into two lots at 275 Fisher Road
- Zoning Recodification update
- ZBA matter regarding new residential at 163 North Street
Planning Board
The Holden Beach Planning Board will hold a remote meeting on January 28, 2025, to discuss an ANR request to divide a lot at 275 Fisher Road into two lots. The board will also receive an update on zoning recodification and consider a ZBA matter for new residential construction at 163 North Street. Minutes from the previous meeting on January 14, 2025, will be reviewed.
- ANR request to divide one lot into two at 275 Fisher Road
- Zoning Recodification update
- ZBA matter for new residential construction at 163 North Street
- Approval of minutes from January 14, 2025
The Planning Board approved an ANR plan to divide one lot at 275 Fisher Road into two lots, with each lot meeting area and frontage requirements. The board also discussed a zoning bylaw recodification update and reported to the ZBA that a new residential project at 163 North Street has no Planning Board significance. Minutes from January 14, 2025 were approved.
- Approved ANR to divide 275 Fisher Road into two lots (4-0)
- Approved January 14, 2025 meeting minutes (4-0)
- Reported no Planning Board significance for 163 North Street new residential
Dementia Friendly Community Committee
The Holden Dementia and Age Friendly Committee will review current status and plan for 2025. Items include introducing new Assistant Town Manager Kelly Dolan, discussing social media use, a survey, inviting new members, and fundraising with the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission (CMRPC). No votes or ordinances are on the agenda.
- Introduce Kelly Dolan – New Assistant Town Manager
- Review current status of committee projects
- 2025 planning for upcoming initiatives
- Discuss using social media for outreach
- Survey and fundraising with CMRPC
Help at H.O.M.E. (Holden Outreach Managing Emergencies)
The Help at H.O.M.E. (Holden Outreach Managing Emergencies) committee will discuss setting a meeting with the Chamber of Commerce, planning a spring business fundraiser, and updating Facebook content. The agenda also includes routine approval of minutes, treasurer’s report, and setting the next meeting date. No votes on ordinances, budgets, or policy changes are scheduled.
- Plan spring business fundraiser
- Set date for meeting with Chamber of Commerce
- Discuss rebranding and copy for Facebook posts
- Make plan for spot on HCTV
- Approve minutes of November 12, 2024
The meeting was largely procedural and planning-focused. Members approved the November minutes, reviewed financials showing $11,370 in revenue and $9,560.91 in expenses, and discussed several initiatives including distributing nonperishable food bags, promoting recurring donations, updating the website, and planning a spring fundraiser. No formal votes were taken on substantive policy matters.
- Approved November meeting minutes
- Colleen Clifford volunteered to check on nonperishable food bags at the Senior Center
- Colleen Clifford agreed to lead the Spring Business Fundraiser
- Amy Curran agreed to create social media slides
- Kelly Dolan will look into website updates
Town Clerk
This is a routine monthly meeting of the Municipal Electric Power Advisory Board with standard procedural items including quorum, public comment, approval of minutes, financial update, and operations update. The board will also hold an executive session to consider the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property, after which they will not reconvene in open session.
- Approval of minutes from October 22, 2024
- Financial update
- Executive session for real property negotiations
- No specific projects or dollar amounts mentioned
Municipal Electric Power Advisory Board
The Municipal Electric Power Advisory Board unanimously approved a policy allowing eligible full-time exempt salaried employees to receive payment for unused earned vacation time. The board also approved the October 22, 2024 minutes and entered executive session to discuss proprietary information. Staff reported on financials, operations, and the termination of MMWEC membership effective June 30.
- Approved Buy Back of Earned Vacation Time for Exempt (Salaried Personnel) Policy (unanimous)
- Approved October 22, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Entered executive session to discuss trade secrets or confidential information (roll call vote)
Town Clerk
The Holden Community Garden Committee will meet to review December 2024 minutes and provide updates on 2025 applications. The body will also discuss the seed library, annual report requests, and school partnerships.
- 2025 Application Update
- Seed Library followup
- Scout projects update including lending library photo
- Collection for food pantry
- School Partnerships and Projects
Holden Community Garden Committee
The meeting was largely procedural, covering agenda items such as reviewing December 2024 minutes, updating the 2025 application, and discussing follow-ups on the seed library, school partnerships, and scout projects. No substantive decisions or votes were recorded in the minutes.
Town Clerk
The Holden Housing Authority Board of Commissioners will meet to approve financial reports from late 2024 and discuss administrative reports. The board will consider two resolutions regarding HUD civil rights certification and housing plans.
- Resolution 2025-1 HUD 2007 CR Civil Rights Certification
- Resolution 2025-2 HUD HCV Annual and 5-Year Plan
- Approval of November and December 2024 financials
- Review of EOHLC funding availability for the Self-Sufficiency Program (SSP)
- Review of insurance for state-aided housing programs for period 11/17/24 to 11/17/25
Economic Development Commission
The Economic Development Commission will vote on leadership positions (chair, etc.) and discuss member time commitments. They will also review the Holidays in Holden 2024 event, sign thank-you notes to sponsors, vote on a name for the commission's social media pages, and establish posting guidelines. The agenda for the February meeting will be created.
- Voting for EDC positions (officers)
- Review of Holidays in Holden 2024 event
- Vote on EDC social media page name and discussion of posting guidelines
- Signing thank-you notes for HIH (Holidays in Holden) sponsors
- Create agenda for February meeting
Agricultural Commission
The Holden Beach Agricultural Commission will discuss updates to Chapter 61 parcel scoring, review the Farmland of Importance designation, and examine zoning bylaws. The meeting also includes approval of past minutes and consideration of prospective new members.
- Update on Chapter 61 parcel scoring
- Discussion of Farmland of Importance designation
- Zoning bylaw review
- Consideration of interested prospective members
- Approval of past meeting minutes
Health Department/Board of Health
The Board of Health will approve minutes from November 2024, review results of Title V inspections (eight passes, one conditional pass), and discuss systems installed or repaired at two properties. Items for discussion include a permit fee schedule, the Health Department's 2025 year plan and annual report, tobacco inspections, and norovirus prevalence information. A new Regional Health Director will be introduced.
- Approval of minutes from November 19, 2024
- Title V inspections: 275 Fisher Rd, 48 Heather Cir, 61 North St, 60 Wood St, 271 Bailey Rd (conditional pass), 100 Manning St, 4 Union St, 600 Manning St, 5 Ridgewood Rd
- Systems being installed/repaired: 7 Wendover Rd (abandon & connect to sewer), 271 Bailey Rd (replace distribution box)
- Introduction of Mishel Caisapanta, Regional Health Director, Leicester Regional Public Health Coalition
- Discussion of permit fee schedule, review of 2025 year plan and annual report
The Board of Health approved a new fee schedule for Health Department permits, moving it to the next implementation step. The board also approved the November 19, 2024 meeting minutes with corrections. Several Title V inspections were reported as passing, and the health director provided updates on housing issues, food inspections, and training.
- Approved new fee schedule for Health Department permits (motion by Tuomi, seconded by O'Rourke)
- Approved November 19, 2024 meeting minutes with corrections
Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen will meet to consider reappointments for the Agricultural Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals. The meeting also includes a citizens address and a town manager's update.
- Agricultural Commission reappointment: Wendy Somerset
- ZBA reappointments: James Deignan and Ronald Spakauskas
Town Clerk
The Trustees of Damon Memorial/Gale Free Library will hold a regular meeting on January 21, 2025. They will approve prior minutes, receive a Bailey Fund presentation from Bartholomew & Co., and hear a director's report covering the Windows Project, Children's Room renovation, and the FY26 budget. A public forum and committee reports are also scheduled.
- Bailey Fund presentation by Bartholomew & Co.
- Windows Project update
- Children's Room renovation discussion
- FY26 budget review
- Public Forum
Town Clerk
The Agricultural Commission is meeting to discuss the Chapter 61 Parcel Scoring Update and farmland of importance. The body will also conduct a review of zoning bylaws and discuss prospective members.
- Chapter 61 Parcel Scoring Update
- Farmland of Importance discussion
- Zoning Bylaw Review
Town Clerk
The Economic Development Committee will meet to vote on committee positions and social media naming. Members will discuss time commitments and establish posting guidelines for the committee and town businesses. The group will also review the 2024 Holidays in Holden event.
- Voting for EDC positions
- Review of Holidays in Holden 2024 event
- Vote on EDC social media page name
- Development of social media posting guidelines for EDC and town businesses
Town Clerk
The Holden Beach Board of Health will meet to approve minutes from November 2024 and review results of Title V inspections, all of which passed except one conditional pass. Discussion items include a permit fee schedule, the Health Department's 2025 year plan, and the annual report. The board will also discuss tobacco inspections and norovirus prevalence.
- Approval of minutes from November 19, 2024
- Title V inspection results: 8 passes, 1 conditional pass at 271 Bailey Road
- Discussion of permit fee schedule for health-related permits
- Review of Health Department’s 2025 year plan and annual report
- Introduction of Mishel Caisapanta as Regional Health Director
Town Clerk
The Holden Board of Selectmen is meeting to consider reappointments to the Agricultural Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals, receive a Town Manager update, and address citizen comments. Most items are routine procedural matters.
- Reappointment of Wendy Somerset to Agricultural Commission, term expiring 1/22/2028
- Reappointments of James Deignan and Ronald Spakauskas to ZBA, terms expiring 1/22/2028
- Citizens Address segment at 6:35 p.m.
- Town Manager’s Update at 7:00 p.m.
Trustees of Damon Memorial Library
The working group is meeting to review minutes, discuss community outreach, and receive brief updates. No specific votes or action items are listed on the agenda.
- No concrete items, rezonings, contracts, or ordinances are on the agenda.
Water Sewer Advisory Board
The board will review and approve prior meeting minutes, receive updates from the superintendent, and discuss specific topics including iron and manganese issues in the Jefferson Area, sewer rules and regulations (Article 2), the ECC site, and the ongoing DCR sewer rate court case with the City of Worcester. A discussion on reducing the number of board members is also on the agenda.
- Discussion to reduce the number of Water & Sewer Advisory Board members
- Update on City of Worcester – DCR Sewer Rate Court Case
- Review of Sewer Rules and Regulations Article 2
- Iron and Manganese updates for Jefferson Area
- ECC site update
The Holden Water & Sewer Advisory Board voted to recommend reducing its membership from seven to five members. The board also approved the December 12, 2024 meeting minutes, with one abstention. Updates were provided on water leaks, meter replacements, and the ongoing sewer rate court case, but no other formal decisions were made.
- Approved December 12, 2024 meeting minutes (motion passed, Michanowicz abstained)
- Recommended reducing board membership from seven to five (motion made and seconded)
Planning Board
The Zoning Bylaw Review Board will review Consultant's Draft Zoning Bylaw Update Draft #6 and the related use table, and gather input from a public information session. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the agenda is limited to discussion and public input.
- Review Consultant’s Draft Zoning Bylaw Update Draft #6 and related updated use table
- Public information session to gather input on the draft
Planning Board
The Planning Board will review Draft #6 of the Zoning Bylaw Update and the related use table, and gather input from the public information session. No other business is on the agenda.
- Review of Consultant’s Draft Zoning Bylaw Update – Draft #6 and updated use table
Town Clerk
The Zoning Bylaw Review Board is meeting to review Draft #6 and a related updated use table. The board will also gather input from a public information session.
- Review of Draft #6 of zoning bylaws
- Review of updated use table
- Discussion of public information session input
Town Clerk
The Holden Water & Sewer Advisory Board will hold a regular meeting to discuss updates on iron and manganese treatment in the Jefferson area, review Article 2 of the sewer rules and regulations, and receive an update on the City of Worcester DCR sewer rate court case. The board will also consider reducing its membership size.
- Iron and manganese treatment updates for Jefferson area
- Review of Article 2 of sewer rules and regulations
- Update on City of Worcester DCR sewer rate court case
- Discussion to reduce number of WSAB members
- ECC site update
Holden Community Garden Committee
The committee will consider approving minutes from November 19, 2025, and discuss updates to the 2026 application process. They will also welcome Nicholas Schwartz from the Department of Public Works and explore a seed library initiative, along with school and scout projects. The agenda is largely procedural with no new ordinances or financial decisions.
- Review and approval of November 19, 2025, meeting minutes
- Update on 2026 community garden applications
- Welcome of Nicholas Schwartz from DPW
- Discussion of a seed library project
- Plans for school and scout projects
Planning Board
The Planning Board will determine whether certain plan modifications at 788 Main Street are minor in nature and receive an update on the ongoing zoning recodification. The meeting also includes approval of prior minutes and an ANR report with no items.
- Determination of minor plan modifications at 788 Main Street
- Update on Zoning Recodification
Planning Board
The Holden Beach Planning Board will meet remotely to discuss a zoning recodification update and determine whether modifications to a plan at 788 Main Street are minor in nature. The board will also approve minutes from the December 10, 2024 meeting.
- 788 Main Street: determination that certain plan modifications are minor in nature
- Zoning recodification update
- Approval of December 10, 2024 meeting minutes
The Planning Board approved minor modifications to the previously approved site plan for 788 Main Street, including changes to parking, building size, and dumpster enclosure. The board also reviewed draft #6 of the zoning recodification, which will be presented to the public on January 16th. Minutes from the December 10, 2024 meeting were approved.
- Approved minor modifications to 788 Main Street site plan (4-0)
- Approved minutes of December 10, 2024 meeting (3-0)
Town Clerk
The Holden Beach Planning Board will meet remotely to consider a determination that modifications to plans for 788 Main Street are minor in nature, receive an update on the zoning recodification, and approve the minutes from December 10, 2024. No action is expected on ANRs.
- Determination that certain plan modifications for 788 Main Street are minor in nature
- Update on the Zoning Recodification process
- Approval of minutes from December 10, 2024
Town Clerk
The Recreation Committee will hold a meeting to discuss programs, summer activities, and miscellaneous items. No public comment is permitted. The agenda is procedural with no specific decisions or financial items listed.
- General discussion of programs
- Summer activities planning
- Miscellaneous items
Help at H.O.M.E. (Holden Outreach Managing Emergencies)
The Holden Outreach Managing Emergencies group holds a routine business meeting to approve prior minutes, hear committee reports, and discuss several planning items. New business includes setting a meeting with the Chamber of Commerce, planning a spot on HCTV, organizing a spring fundraiser, and discussing Facebook rebranding and testimonials. No ordinances, budgets, or high-impact decisions appear on the agenda.
- Set date for meeting with Chamber of Commerce
- Make plan for spot on HCTV
- Make plan for spring business fundraiser
- Discuss rebranding / copy for Facebook posts
- Discuss testimonials
Recreation Committee
The Holden Beach Recreation Committee is meeting to discuss general topics including programs, summer activities, and miscellaneous items. No public comment will be permitted. The agenda provides no specific proposals or financial details.
- Discussion of programs
- Discussion of summer activities
- Miscellaneous items
Town Clerk
This is a routine meeting of the Holden Outreach group, focused on managing emergencies and community aid. The agenda includes approving prior minutes, reports from officers and committees, and planning a meeting with the Chamber of Commerce, a spot on HCTV, a spring business fundraiser, and social media rebranding. No financial decisions or policy changes are on the table.
- Set date for meeting with Chamber of Commerce
- Make plan for spot on HCTV
- Make plan for spring business fundraiser
- Discuss rebranding / copy for Facebook posts
- Discuss testimonials
Conservation Commission
The Commission is reviewing several requests for residential construction, including homes and septic systems at 125 Moscow Road, 94 Wachusett Street, and 60 Muschopauge Road. The body will also discuss a forest cutting plan for 34 acres off Mason Road and the FY 26 CC Budget.
- Construction of a single family home and septic system at 125 Moscow Road
- Request for Determination of Applicability for a home and utilities at 94 Wachusett Street
- Request for Final COC for a single family home at 60 Muschopauge Road
- Forest cutting plan for 34 acres off Mason Road
- Discussion of Local Filing Fees and FY 26 CC Budget
The Holden Conservation Commission denied a Notice of Intent for a single-family home and septic system at 125 Moscow Road, citing failure to meet performance standards for bordering vegetated wetlands. The Commission also issued a negative determination for a home at 94 Wachusett Street with special conditions, and approved a Certificate of Compliance for 60 Muschopauge Road with a continuing condition. A motion to revise the wetland bylaw to include local filing fees was approved.
- Denied NOI for 125 Moscow Road single-family home and septic (4-0-2, Scott and Parry abstained)
- Issued negative determination for 94 Wachusett Street RDA with special conditions (6-0)
- Issued Certificate of Compliance for 60 Muschopauge Road with continuing condition (4-1-0, Parry abstained)
- Approved motion to revise wetland bylaw to include local filing fees (6-0)
- Approved minutes of May 8, 2024 meeting (5-0-0, Strom abstained)
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee will discuss reserve fund requests for a Davis Hill oil pipeline fix and wildfires. The body will also prepare for the FY26 budget season and review a Town Manager update.
- Reserve fund requests for Davis Hill oil pipeline fix
- Reserve fund requests for wildfires
- FY26 budget season preparation
- Approval of minutes from 9/25/24 and 12/4/24
The Holden Finance Committee unanimously approved transferring $46,765.45 from the Reserve Fund to the DPW budget to cover the higher-than-expected cost of repairing the Davis Hill heating system. The committee also discussed the FY26 budget, including ongoing contract negotiations, rising health and retirement costs, and the WRSD budget, but took no other formal votes. They decided not to televise meetings, opting instead for short videos and other outreach.
- Approved $46,765.45 transfer from Reserve Fund to DPW budget for Davis Hill heating repair (unanimous)
- Approved minutes of September 25, 2024 (unanimous, with abstentions)
- Approved minutes of December 4, 2024 (unanimous, with abstentions)
- Rejected televising meetings (no formal vote, decided against)
Town Clerk
The Holden Historic District Commission will consider a Certificate of Appropriateness application from T-Mobile for equipment at First Congregational Church, 1180 Main Street. The commission also plans to discuss potential new membership and approve the October 23, 2024 minutes and the 2024 End of Year Report.
- T-Mobile application for Certificate of Appropriateness at First Congregational Church, 1180 Main Street
- Potential new membership interest
- Approval of October 23, 2024 meeting minutes
- Approval of 2024 End of Year Report
Town Clerk
The MBTA Communities Act Working Group is meeting to review minutes, receive brief updates, and discuss community outreach. No specific votes or action items are listed on the agenda.
Town Clerk
The Holden Beach Council on Aging will review and accept December 2024 minutes, receive reports from committees and the director, and hear a description of the program coordinator position from Lisa DiCiero. The meeting covers routine updates from Friends, Help at H.O.M.E., Board of Elder Services, and the Age and Dementia Committee.
- Presentation by Lisa DiCiero on the program coordinator position
- Acceptance of December 4, 2024 minutes
- November data from Help at H.O.M.E.
- Director's report from Karen Phillips
- Board of Elder Services report
Town Clerk
The Finance Committee is meeting to review reserve fund requests for a pipeline fix and wildfires. The body will also begin preparations for the FY26 budget season.
- Reserve fund requests for Davis Hill oil pipeline fix
- Reserve fund requests for wildfires
- FY26 budget season preparation
- Approval of minutes from 9/25/24 and 12/4/24
Town Clerk
The Conservation Commission is reviewing several residential building projects and their impact on riverfront areas and wetland buffers. The body will also discuss project updates and enforcement actions for multiple properties. Other business includes the FY 26 budget and local filing fees.
- Notice of Intent for a single family home at 125 Moscow Road
- Request for Determination of Applicability for a home at 94 Wachusett Street
- Request for Final COC for a home and septic system at 60 Muschopauge Road
- Forest Cutting Plan for 34 acres off Mason Road
- Discussion of FY 26 CC Budget
Town Clerk
The Conservation Commission is reviewing notices of intent and requests for final certificates of compliance for several residential projects. These items involve construction and septic systems located within 100-foot regulatory buffers to bordering vegetated wetlands.
- Notice of Intent for three single-family homes at 889 Salisbury Street
- Notice of Intent for 7 single-family homes in Greenwood Estates (Deanna Dr and Grace’s Way)
- Request for Final COC for single-family homes at 55 and 47 Muschopague Rd
- Request for Final COC for an addition at 93 Winfield Rd
- Request for Final COC for a single-family home at 75 Nelson St
Dawson Recreation Complex Committee
The Dawson Recreational Complex Committee will hear reports from the chair and engineering firm Weston & Sampson, discuss the project budget and support building, and consider a payment requisition. The meeting is held at the construction site on Industrial Drive in Holden, MA.
- Report from Weston & Sampson on project status
- Budget discussion for the recreational complex
- Support Building discussion
- Payment requisition approval
Eagle Lake Recreation Area Feasibility Study Committee
The Eagle Lake Recreation Area Feasibility Study Committee will meet to review proposed designs. Members will discuss next steps and vote on community preferences.
- Review of proposed designs for Eagle Lake Recreation Area
- Vote on community preferences
Board of Selectmen
The Holden Beach Board of Selectmen will hold a regular meeting on January 6, 2025. Key items include voting on a name for the Dawson Recreation Complex and appointing Todd Numan to the Conservation Commission for a term expiring December 31, 2026. The meeting also includes police officer introductions, a town manager’s update, and committee assignments. No dollar amounts or ordinance changes are mentioned in this agenda.
- Appointment of Todd Numan to Conservation Commission (term to 12/31/2026)
- Dawson Recreation Complex naming decision
- Introduction of new police officers
- Town Manager’s Update (no details provided)
- Committee assignments for selectmen
The Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to open a 28-day public comment period on naming the Dawson Recreation Complex 'Steven Nowak Memorial Field' in honor of the late decorated Marine and longtime Holden resident. The decision follows a recommendation from the Recreation Committee and a discussion about following the town's naming policy. The Board also unanimously appointed Todd Newman to the Conservation Commission and introduced three new police officers.
- Opened 28-day public comment period on naming Dawson Recreation Complex 'Steven Nowak Memorial Field' (unanimous)
- Appointed Todd Newman to Conservation Commission term expiring end of 2026 (unanimous)
- Introduced three new police officers: Jarrod Locke, P.J. Somejy, Shaquile Ajay
Town Clerk
The Board of Selectmen will meet to discuss the naming of the Dawson Recreation Complex and review a commission appointment. The meeting also includes a town manager's update and a citizens address.
- Appointment of Todd Numan to the Conservation Commission for a term expiring 12/31/2026
- Naming of the Dawson Recreation Complex
- Introductions of police officers
Town Clerk
The Dawson Recreational Complex Committee is meeting at the Industrial Drive construction site. The body will review reports from Weston and Sampson and discuss the project budget and support building.
- Budget discussion
- Support Building discussion
- Payment requisition
- Report from Weston and Sampson
Town Clerk
The committee is meeting to review proposed designs for the Eagle Lake Recreation Area. Members will discuss next steps and vote on community preferences.
- Review of proposed designs
- Vote on community preferences