Harvard meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Harvard boards review zoning, schools, and environment; no decisions yet

Harvard's town boards and committees held a series of meetings over the past two weeks, covering zoning changes, school projects, and environmental initiatives. No minutes have been published yet, so no official decisions are reported. The most consequential items on the agendas include a proposed Clean Energy Facilities Bylaw, a review of fall Town Meeting warrant articles, and an update on the Bromfield HVAC project.

Zoning and Planning

The Planning Board held a public hearing on proposed amendments to the town's Protective Bylaw (Chapter 125) for the Fall Special Town Meeting on October 20, 2026. The amendments include updates to conform with state zoning law changes, a new Clean Energy Facilities Bylaw for solar and battery storage, consolidated use and dimensional regulations, and clarifications to the MBTA Communities overlay district. The board also reviewed an invoice for $784.00 to the Housing Consortium.

The Select Board reviewed the proposed fall Town Meeting warrant articles from the Planning Board and received an update on options for the Transfer Station/DPW facility. The board also voted on a revised out-of-state travel policy, a one-day liquor license for Dirigible Brewing, and the appointment of election workers.

Schools

The School Committee met on August 10 to hear reports from the superintendent and assistant superintendent, receive an update on the Bromfield HVAC project, review a policy with a possible vote, and discuss drafting goals. The committee is scheduled to meet again on August 24 to vote on the district handbook, a Monty Tech representative candidate, a Special Town Meeting warrant, a CPIC application for the Bromfield HVAC project, and committee goals.

The Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School Policy Subcommittee reviewed 16 policies, including universal free school meals, non-discrimination, medication administration, and curriculum research.

Environment and Energy

The Energy Advisory Committee reviewed the status of FY26 goals, including municipal and community decarbonization plans, building electrification (Bromfield School, Library HVAC), vehicle electrification, and renewable electricity projects. The committee also discussed DOER grants, including $150,000 in technical assistance for Bromfield HVAC design.

The Harvard Climate Initiative Committee discussed the MVP 2.0 grant, the Cooling Corridor Grant, and updates to the Master Plan and Select Board goals.

The Bare Hill Pond Watershed Management Committee discussed education and best practice grant plans and responded to comments regarding the pond level.

Housing and Community

The Municipal Affordable Housing Trust reviewed town-owned land parcels (Gravel Pit and 13 Ayer Road), a consultant RFP, and status updates on affordable unit lotteries for Robin Lane (80% AMI) and Emerson Green (100% AMI). The trust also discussed a Habitat for Humanity repair program.

The Commission on Disabilities considered recommending that the Select Board hire consultants for an ADA evaluation of the Senior Center, and discussed polling accommodations and Minister's Path accessibility.

Regional Meetings

Regional boards met on several fronts. The combined MEDD, MRCEDS, and Brownfields Group reviewed the final Regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) and considered using EPA-MRPC Brownfields grant funds for Phase One Environmental Site Assessments at two properties in Baldwinville: 17 State Road (est. $7,200) and 25 Central Street (est. $5,900). They also received updates on previously approved brownfield sites, including a Phase II ESA at 0 Airport Road, Fitchburg and 260 Falulah Road, Lunenburg ($138,450).

The Montachusett Joint Transportation Committee discussed an Age-Friendly Plan and nominated officers. The Metropolitan Planning Organization reviewed TIP amendments and an overview of the Regional Transportation Plan.

Coming up

• **School Committee** – Aug. 24, hybrid meeting: votes on district handbook, Monty Tech representative, STM warrant, CPIC application for Bromfield HVAC, and goals.
• **Town Clerk** – Aug. 24, 10 a.m., Upper Town Hall: public test of voting equipment for the Sept. 1 State Primary.
• **Commission on Disabilities** – Aug. 25: ADA evaluation of Senior Center, polling accommodations, election of officers.
• **Harvard-Devens Jurisdiction Committee** – Aug. 25: personnel bylaw amendments.
• **Personnel Board** – Aug. 25: personnel bylaw amendments.
• **Land Stewardship Subcommittee** – Sept. 1: trails, mowing, invasive species, dog policies.
• **Harvard-Devens Jurisdiction Committee** – Sept. 3: review engagement schedule.

All meetings are open to the public; check town announcements for access details.

Harvard boards meet, but decisions pending; zoning hearing and warrant review ahead

Harvard town boards held a series of meetings over the past two weeks, but none of the agendas have been approved as minutes yet, so no official decisions are confirmed. The most significant upcoming action is the Planning Board's public hearing on major zoning bylaw amendments for the Fall Special Town Meeting, and the Select Board will review proposed warrant articles and transfer station options.

Recent meeting agendas

All recent meetings were agenda-only, with minutes not yet published. Key items on those agendas included:

• **Municipal Affordable Housing Trust** (Aug. 4 and Aug. 13): The trust considered closing documents for Emerson Green Residences at 77 Grant Road, including an assignment of the grant agreement to 77 Grant Rd LLC and a collateral assignment to Florence Bank. It also reviewed town-owned land parcels (Gravel Pit and 13 Ayer Road), a consultant RFP, and lotteries for affordable units.
• **Select Board** (Aug. 4): Agendas included a special event request for the Livestrong Bike Ride (250 riders on Eldridge, Stow, Westcott, and East Bare Hill Roads), a renewable energy revenue opportunity for Agilitas Energy's Williamsburg Solar Project, a letter of support for preserving a microgrid exemption (MA Senate amendment S.3166), a thank-you letter for Senator Jamie Eldridge, and a Lions Club Fall Festival one-day liquor license.
• **Planning Board** (Aug. 3): The board reviewed zoning bylaw revisions, master plan updates, and an invoice for $784.00 to the Housing Consortium.
• **Energy Advisory Committee** (Aug. 12): The committee reviewed FY26 goals, including decarbonization plans, building electrification (Bromfield School, Library HVAC), and renewable electricity projects. It noted a $150,000 DOER Climate Leaders grant for Bromfield HVAC design.
• **Regional meetings** (Aug. 6 and Aug. 11): The Montachusett Regional Planning Commission considered adoption of the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). A combined regional board discussed using EPA-MRPC Brownfields grant funds for Phase One Environmental Site Assessments at 17 State Road, Baldwinville (est. $7,200) and 25 Central Street, Baldwinville (est. $5,900), and received updates on a Phase II ESA at 0 Airport Road, Fitchburg and 260 Falulah Road, Lunenburg ($138,450).
• **Other meetings** included the Board of Health (rooster noise complaint at 92 Tahanto Trail, water quality, PFAS in a private well), the School Committee (Bromfield HVAC update, policy review), and the Historical Commission (public hearing on sculptures at 7 Fairbank Street).

Upcoming decisions

• **Planning Board public hearing** (Aug. 17, 7:30 p.m.): The board will hold a public hearing on proposed amendments to the Protective Bylaw (Chapter 125) for the Fall Special Town Meeting on Oct. 20. Amendments include updates to conform with state zoning law changes, a new Clean Energy Facilities Bylaw for solar and battery storage, consolidated use and dimensional regulations, and clarifications to the MBTA Communities overlay district.
• **Select Board** (Aug. 18): The board will review proposed fall town meeting warrant articles from the Planning Board, receive an update on Transfer Station/DPW facility options, and vote on a revised out-of-state travel policy, a one-day liquor license for Dirigible Brewing at Alpaca Rance, and appointment of election workers.
• **Commission on Disabilities** (Aug. 19): The commission will consider recommending that the Select Board hire consultants for an ADA evaluation of the Senior Center, and discuss polling accommodations and Minister's Path accessibility.
• **Personnel Board and Harvard-Devens Jurisdiction Committee** (Aug. 25): Both will consider personnel bylaw amendments.

Coming up

• **Aug. 17** – Planning Board public hearing (zoning amendments); Cultural Council (virtual).
• **Aug. 18** – Council on Aging Board of Directors (annual planning); Select Board (virtual).
• **Aug. 19** – Regional school policy subcommittee; MPO meeting; Commission on Disabilities.
• **Aug. 24** – Town Clerk public test of voting equipment for the Sept. 1 state primary (10 a.m., Upper Town Hall).
• **Aug. 25** – Harvard-Devens Jurisdiction Committee; Personnel Board; Warner Free Lecture Trustees (6 p.m., Council on Aging).

Harvard boards weigh library repairs, housing, and zoning in recent agendas

Harvard town boards met over the past two weeks on agendas covering library repairs, affordable housing, zoning changes, and more. Minutes from these meetings have not yet been published, so no votes or decisions are confirmed. The items below were on the agendas and are scheduled for discussion or possible action.

Select Board weighs library repairs and energy projects

The Select Board met July 27 and was scheduled to vote on using the public buildings account for asbestos remediation and carpeting at the old library. At an Aug. 4 meeting, the board had votes on a special event request for the Livestrong Bike Ride (250 riders on Eldridge, Stow, Westcott, and East Bare Hill Roads), a renewable energy revenue opportunity for Agilitas Energy’s Williamsburg Solar Project, a letter of support for preserving the government and critical-facility microgrid exemption (MA State Senate amendment S.3166), a thank-you letter for Senator Jamie Eldridge, and a Lions Club Fall Festival entertainment and one-day liquor license.

Planning Board reviews zoning and master plan

The Planning Board held a strategic planning session July 27 to elect officers and discuss MGL Chapter 40A revisions, the Protective Bylaw vision, and priorities for fall and 2027 Town Meetings. On Aug. 3, the board was scheduled to approve minutes from July 20, approve a Housing Consortium invoice for $784.00, review 2026 Master Planning updates, and discuss zoning bylaw revisions including reformatting, Table of Uses, and Dimensional Controls. The board also considered the Clean Energy Bylaw, MBTA Communities Bylaw, and Solar PV/Battery Energy Storage System bylaws.

Affordable housing trust to consider Emerson Green closing

The Municipal Affordable Housing Trust met Aug. 4 and had possible votes on closing documents for Emerson Green Residences (77 Grant Road), approval of an assignment of the grant agreement to 77 Grant Rd LLC, and a collateral assignment of the grant agreement to Florence Bank.

Other recent meetings

• **Cemetery Commissioners** (July 27): discussed walkways around Center Cemetery, paving lower roads in Bellevue, stone cleaning policy, and website regulations.
• **School Committee** (July 27): held a strategic planning retreat to elect officers for 2026-27, review policies, and draft joint goals for the upcoming school year.
• **Devens Enterprise Commission** (July 28): reviewed a request for a minor modification to a permit for an 11,325 gross square foot addition at 8 Charlestown Street, plus updates on the Devens Village Green 46-unit multi-family project and housing group recommendations.
• **Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School subcommittee** (July 29): considered a 5-year lease with Icon for a new telephone system, FY26 budget closing, and athletic field renovations.
• **Deer Management Subcommittee** (Aug. 3): discussed pre-season preparation, hunter qualification, and hunting notice signs.
• **Board of Health** (Aug. 3): welcomed a new member, selected a chair, discussed a rooster noise complaint at 92 Tahanto Trail, reviewed water quality at the Town Beach, and considered a MassDEP Technical Assistance Grant for Transfer Station and Warren Avenue projects. The board also reviewed an invoice for $180 for drought ad publishing and an update on PFAS in a private well in the Warren Ave area.
• **Historical Commission** (Aug. 5): held a public hearing for 7 Fairbank Street (Five Sparks) regarding sculptures on the grounds of the Old Library, and discussed FY27 priorities and design guidelines.
• **Addiction Abatement Fund Working Group** (Aug. 7): reviewed two new proposals (Addiction Referral Center and Warner Free Lecture), discussed appointing Dana Labb to replace Linda Dwight, and approved minutes from 6/26/2026.

Coming up

• **Bare Hill Pond Watershed Management Committee** – Aug. 10 (today), virtual: secretary’s and treasurer’s reports, education and best practice grant plans, and discussion of pond level comments.
• **Energy Advisory Committee** – Aug. 12, virtual: review of FY26 goals including decarbonization, building electrification (Bromfield School, Library HVAC), vehicle charging, and renewable electricity projects. The committee will also discuss DOER grants, including $150k technical assistance for Bromfield HVAC design.

Harvard boards set fall Town Meeting warrant, library repairs, and zoning reviews in busy July stretch

Harvard's boards and committees covered a wide range of business in late July, from opening the October Town Meeting warrant to considering asbestos remediation at the old library. Because minutes have not yet been published for any of the recent meetings, the items below reflect what was on each agenda — not confirmed outcomes.

Select Board

The Select Board had two meetings on its July calendar. On July 21, the board was scheduled to vote to open the Town Meeting warrant for Tuesday, October 20, approve a one-day liquor license for Loyal Foe Brewing at Westward Orchards, and authorize a road closure for a memorial service on July 25. Additional agenda items included signing a letter of intent regarding the Arnold property and a thank-you letter to Rep. Danilla Sena. The board was also set to meet with DPW Director Eric Ryder for a landfill options briefing.\n

On July 27, the board was scheduled to vote on using the public buildings account for asbestos remediation and for carpeting at the old library.

Planning Board

The Planning Board met July 20 to review old business including the 2026 Master Plan, the Town Center Overlay District, the Rural Life Preservation Bylaw, and solar PV and battery energy storage system (BESS) bylaws.

A second session on July 27 was set as a strategic planning meeting, with elections for Chair, Vice Chair, and Clerk on the agenda. The board planned to discuss MGL Chapter 40A revisions, review the 2026 Master Plan Supplement, and set priorities for the fall and 2027 Town Meetings.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The ZBA met virtually July 22 solely to enter executive session under MGL c.30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss litigation strategy in *The Normandin Group at Trail Ridge, LLC v. Fairways Partners, LLC et al.*, Worcester Superior Court C.A. No. 2185CV00693. No public hearings or other business were listed.

Devens Enterprise Commission

The DEC Executive Committee met July 22 to review staff performance and discuss salary increases. On July 28, the full commission was scheduled to consider a request for a minor modification to Unified Permit D24-022 for an 11,325 gross square foot addition at 8 Charlestown Street. The commission also planned updates on the Devens Village Green 46-unit multi-family project and the Devens Housing Working Group recommendations.

School Committee and Regional Meetings

The Harvard School Committee held a strategic planning retreat July 27, with votes scheduled to elect officers for 2026-27 and review policies. Members also planned to draft joint goals with the superintendent for the upcoming school year.

The Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School Policy Subcommittee met July 21 to review policy JKAA on time-out, seclusion, and physical restraint of students. A second regional subcommittee meeting on July 29 was set to approve minutes, a five-year lease with Icon for a new telephone system, and receive updates on FY26 budget closing and athletic field renovations.

Other boards

The Cemetery Commission met July 27 to discuss walkways around Center Cemetery, paving lower roads in Bellevue, and cemetery policies on stone cleaning and website regulations.

The Community Media Access Committee met July 23 to discuss streaming law S.2556, review FY26 final and FY27 budgets, and nominate officers.

Coming up

• **Aug. 3 — Planning Board** (virtual): Will review zoning bylaw revisions, including the Table of Uses and Dimensional Controls, and consider the Clean Energy Bylaw, MBTA Communities Bylaw, and Solar PV/BESS bylaws. Also on the agenda: a $784.00 Housing Consortium FY26-Q4 invoice.
• **Aug. 3 — Board of Health**: Will address a rooster noise complaint at 92 Tahanto Trail, review PFAS in a private well in the Warren Avenue area, and discuss a MassDEP Technical Assistance Grant application.
• **Aug. 4 — Municipal Affordable Housing Trust** (virtual): May vote on closing documents for Emerson Green Residences at 77 Grant Road, including assignment of the grant agreement to 77 Grant Rd LLC and collateral assignment to Florence Bank.
• **Aug. 4 — Select Board** (virtual): Scheduled votes include a special event request for the Livestrong Bike Ride (250 riders), a renewable energy revenue opportunity for the Agilitas Energy Williamsburg Solar Project, and a letter of support for preserving a microgrid exemption under MA State Senate amendment S.3166.
• **Aug. 5 — Historical Commission**: Public hearing at 7 Fairbank Street (Five Sparks) regarding sculptures on the grounds of the Old Library.
• **Aug. 7 — Addiction Abatement Fund Working Group** (virtual): Will review two new proposals and consider appointing Dana Labb to replace Linda Dwight.

Harvard boards set year-end transfers, public hearing on Ayer Road expansion in busy meeting week

Harvard's town boards and committees covered ground on finances, land use, public health, and climate goals during a packed two-week stretch. Because minutes have not yet been published for any of the recent meetings, the items below reflect what was on each agenda — not confirmed outcomes.

Year-end budget transfers on the agenda

Both the Finance Committee (July 13) and the Select Board (July 14) scheduled votes on year-end financial transfers. The Finance Committee agenda listed a single action item: a vote on end-of-year transfers, plus approval of minutes from its June 16 meeting. The Select Board's July 14 virtual meeting was set to conduct one primary piece of business — a vote on year-end transfers.

Planning Board: Ayer Road expansion hearing and $2,239.35 membership invoice

The Planning Board held a July 6 public hearing on a proposed 1,938-square-foot building expansion at 256 Ayer Road, part of a site plan review and special permit process. The board also planned to approve a $2,239.35 invoice for the Montachusett Regional Planning Commission FY2027 membership and to authorize staff to sign routine planning documents. Additional agenda items included updates on the 2026 Master Plan, a Rural Life Preservation bylaw, the Town Center Overlay District, and review of new bylaws for solar photovoltaic and battery energy storage systems. An Approval Not Required plan to divide property at 57 Old Mill Road was also listed.

Board of Health: PFAS updates and new chair

The Board of Health agenda for July 13 included selecting a new chair and welcoming new member Sarah Birse. Members were set to discuss a Climate Committee request to contact trash haulers about food waste bans, receive an update on PFAS contamination in Warren Avenue area private wells, and discuss a MassDEP Technical Assistance Grant for the Transfer Station and Warren Avenue projects. An update on Town Beach water quality and drought conditions was also scheduled.

Energy and climate committees review goals

The Energy Advisory Committee (July 15) planned to review FY26 goals including municipal and community decarbonization plans, building electrification projects at Bromfield and the Library, electric vehicle conversion and charging stations, and renewable electricity projects. The agenda listed a DOER Climate Leaders grant of $150,000 in technical assistance for Bromfield HVAC design, plus discussion of a solar PV Gravel Pit project and the Nextgen Microgrid program.

The Harvard Climate Initiative Committee (July 9) scheduled outreach discussions on solar options and the Bromfield heat pump, an Energy Revolving Loan Fund survey, and state advocacy regarding private jet expansion.

Land and recreation

The Park & Recreation Commission (July 6) planned a vote on a motorized bike issue affecting fields, a discussion of beach operations with Harbormaster Ben, and updates on fields, tracks, trails, tennis, ski, and PG.

The Land Stewardship Subcommittee (July 7) set invasive species removal plans for 2026 — Ailanthus at Hermann Orchard and Sturdy, black locust at Shaker Reservoir, and buckthorn on Powell and Williams. The agenda included welcoming new member Staci Donahue and recognizing longest-serving member Pam.

The Bare Hill Pond Watershed Management Committee (July 16) scheduled discussion of pond level data, education and best practice grant plans, and watershed monitoring updates.

Other meetings

The Open Space Committee (July 8) planned to elect officers and consider approving a final draft of the Chapter 61 removal process for Select Board consideration. The Library Trustees (July 13) scheduled a vote on a Pavilion Policy and updates on AV, locks, and technology decommissioning. The Commission on Disabilities (July 15) planned officer elections and discussion of 2026-2027 priorities. The Charter Review Committee (July 16) held a largely administrative meeting reviewing input from Town Counsel.

Coming up

• **Planning Board** — July 20, virtual. Continued discussion of 2026 Master Planning, the Rural Life Preservation Bylaw, Town Center Overlay District, and solar PV and BESS bylaws.
• **Select Board** — July 21. Scheduled votes include opening the October 20 Town Meeting warrant, a one-day liquor license for Loyal Foe Brewing at Westward Orchards, a July 25 road closure for a memorial service, and a letter of intent regarding the Arnold property. DPW Director Eric Ryder is set to brief the board on landfill options.
• **Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School Policy Subcommittee** — July 21. Review of policy JKAA on time-out, seclusion, and physical restraint of students.
• **Devens Enterprise Commission Executive Committee** — July 22, virtual. Staff performance reviews and salary increases.

Harvard boards weighed solar agreement, Town Administrator contract, and Devens jurisdiction in recent meetings

Harvard's Select Board was scheduled to vote on the Town Administrator's contract and a solar credit purchase agreement at its June 30 meeting, while the Planning Board held a public hearing on a proposed 1,938-square-foot building expansion at 256 Ayer Road on July 6. All recent meetings listed below are agenda-only — minutes have not yet been published, so outcomes of scheduled votes and discussions are not yet confirmed.

Select Board (June 30)

The Select Board's agenda included votes on the Town Administrator's contract, the Harvard Solar Credit Purchase Agreement, and use of the Rantoul Trust Fund for a gravel pit appraisal. Board members were also set to discuss land options for relocating the Department of Public Works and to appoint Alice Miles and Nicholas Roose as full members of the Historical Commission. FY27 goals were also on the agenda. Minutes have not been published.

Planning Board (July 6)

The Planning Board held a public hearing on a site plan review and special permit for a 1,938-square-foot building expansion at 256 Ayer Road. The board was scheduled to approve a $2,239.35 invoice for the Montachusett Regional Planning Commission FY2027 membership and an Approval Not Required plan to divide property at 57 Old Mill Road. Discussion items included updates to the 2026 Master Plan, a Rural Life Preservation bylaw, a Town Center Overlay District, and new bylaws for solar photovoltaic and battery energy storage systems. Minutes have not been published.

Harvard-Devens Jurisdiction Committee (July 2)

The committee was scheduled to hear a report on planning for Harvard to resume jurisdiction over Devens and discuss options for Devens Utilities. Approval of minutes from June 4, 2026, was also on the agenda. Minutes have not been published.

Historical Commission (July 1)

The commission held public hearings on replacing patio stones with pavers at 1 Still River Road and removing two windows at 16 Ayer Road. A new application for Five Sparks sculptures on the grounds of the Old Library at 7 Fairbank Street was listed for discussion. The agenda also included emails to residents with certificates older than two years and a letter to district residents about the commission's role and regulations. Minutes have not been published.

Park & Recreation Commission (July 6)

The commission was scheduled to vote on a motorized bike issue affecting fields and discuss beach operations with the Harbormaster. Updates on fields, tracks, trails, tennis, ski, and PG were listed, along with approval of June 3, 2025 minutes. Minutes have not been published.

Other committees

The Nashoba Opioid Abatement Collaborative met virtually June 29 to discuss its establishment and personnel updates before moving to executive session to discuss and vote on proposals. The Land Stewardship Subcommittee (July 7) listed invasive species removal at Hermann Orchard, Shaker Reservoir, Powell, and Williams properties, plus summer mowing of the BHWS path and Hermann Orchard. The Open Space Committee (July 8) was set to consider approving a final draft of the Chapter 61 removal process for Select Board consideration. The Harvard Climate Initiative Committee (July 9) listed discussions on solar options, the Energy Revolving Loan Fund survey, and state advocacy regarding private jet expansion. None of these meetings have published minutes.

Coming up

• **Board of Health** (July 13): Selects a new chair, welcomes Sarah Birse, and discusses PFAS contamination in Warren Avenue area private wells, a MassDEP technical assistance grant, and food waste bans.
• **Finance Committee** (July 13): Votes on end-of-year budget transfers.
• **Library Trustees** (July 13): Votes on a Pavilion Policy and reviews 2025–2026 goals.
• **Select Board** (July 14): Votes on year-end transfers.
• **Energy Advisory Committee** (July 15): Reviews FY26 goals including Bromfield electrification, EV charging stations, and a $150,000 DOER Climate Leaders grant for Bromfield HVAC design.
• **Bare Hill Pond Watershed Management** (July 16): Discusses pond level data and education grant plans.
• **Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School Policy Subcommittee** (July 21): Reviews policy JKAA on time-out, seclusion, and physical restraint of students.

Harvard boards wrap up June with busy agenda; most outcomes pending minutes

Harvard boards and committees held a dense round of meetings in late June, but with minutes not yet published for nearly all of them, only one confirmed decision is on the record: the Elderly & Disabled Taxation Aid Committee unanimously approved minutes from its June 17 and June 24, 2026 meetings. Several boards, including the Select Board, had consequential votes scheduled, but outcomes cannot be confirmed from the available agendas.

Select Board

The Select Board met June 24 and June 30. The June 24 agenda listed a single substantive item: a dangerous dog hearing at 91 Warren Ave (Stevenson). The June 30 agenda included scheduled votes on the Town Administrator's contract, a Harvard Solar Credit Purchase Agreement, and use of the Rantoul Trust Fund for a gravel pit appraisal, plus discussion of land options for relocating the Department of Public Works and the appointment of Alice Miles and Nicholas Roose as full Historical Commission members. Minutes are not yet published.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The ZBA scheduled a public hearing on a special permit to reconstruct a non-conforming barn at 228 Old Littleton Road. The agenda also included a status update on the Pine Hill Village affordable housing project, including final as-built drawings and the release of affordable units, approval of March 4, 2026 minutes, and discussion of the 2026 meeting schedule.

Board of Health

The June 22 agenda covered a local upgrade and variance request for 7 East Bare Hill Road, an ADU and deed restriction approval for 18 Pinnacle Road, discussion of the Master Plan 2026 Supplement (with a June 30 deadline), follow-up on a MassDEP Technical Assistance Grant for the Transfer Station and Warren Avenue projects, and an update on PFAS contamination in private wells. A $600 invoice for Styrofoam collection was listed for approval.

Community Preservation Committee

The CPC was scheduled to hear a presentation from the Commission on Disabilities Chair, review off-cycle grant applications and the treasurer's report, recap Town Meeting results on the P&R Tennis Courts, and plan FY28 application timing.

Other meetings

• **Cemetery Commissioners:** review of an oversize monument request and Center Cemetery stone condition.
• **Water & Sewer Commissions:** continued discussion on regulations and rates.
• **Historical Commission:** election of new officers (June 24); public hearings July 1 on patio stone replacement at 1 Still River Road and window removal at 16 Ayer Road, plus a new application for Five Sparks sculptures at 7 Fairbank Street (Old Library).
• **Bare Hill Pond Watershed Management and Harvard Climate Initiative Committee:** both met remotely to attend the Conservation Commission's June 25 discussion of pond water level.
• **Addiction Abatement Fund Working Group:** follow-up on the BLOOM proposal, including technical advisor feedback and the Town of Peabody's engagement.
• **School Committee Policy Subcommittee:** minutes approval, policy review, and 2025-2026 year recap.
• **Harvard-Devens Jurisdiction Committee:** report on planning for Harvard to resume jurisdiction over Devens and discussion of Devens Utilities options.

Coming up

• **July 6 — Park & Recreation Commission (virtual):** vote on motorized bike issue at fields; beach operations discussion with Harbormaster Ben.
• **July 6 — Planning Board:** public hearing on a 1,938-square-foot expansion at 256 Ayer Road; approval of a $2,239.35 Montachusett Regional Planning Commission FY2027 membership invoice; review of solar photovoltaic and battery energy storage bylaws.
• **July 7 — Land Stewardship Subcommittee:** trail maintenance, invasive species removal plans, welcome of new member Staci Donahue.
• **July 8 — Open Space Committee:** vote on final draft of Chapter 61 removal process for Select Board consideration; election of officers.
• **July 13 — Board of Health:** select new chair, welcome Sarah Birse; PFAS update; MassDEP grant discussion.
• **July 13 — Finance Committee:** vote on end-of-year transfers.
• **July 14 — Select Board (virtual):** vote on year-end transfers.

Year‑End Fiscal Votes, PFAS Tracking Headline Busy Week Ahead for Harvard Boards

In the only formal decision recorded in the past two weeks, the Elderly & Disabled Taxation Aid Committee unanimously approved minutes from its June 17 and June 24 meetings. No other town board published official minutes during the period, but several upcoming meetings are poised to move money, land-use decisions, and public-health actions.

Recent Meeting Highlights

While formal votes were scarce, agendas show activity across Harvard government:

• **Select Board (June 24):** A dangerous‑dog hearing for 91 Warren Ave. was the sole substantive item.
• **Zoning Board of Appeals (June 24):** A public hearing was scheduled on a special permit to reconstruct a non‑conforming barn at 228 Old Littleton Road, and the board planned to discuss final as‑built drawings for the Pine Hill Village affordable housing project.
• **Board of Health (June 22):** Members were set to weigh the 2026 Master Plan supplement, a $600 invoice for Styrofoam collection, and updates on PFAS contamination in private wells near Warren Avenue.
• **Select Board (June 30):** An agenda called for votes on the Town Administrator’s contract, a Harvard Solar Credit Purchase Agreement, use of Rantoul Trust Fund money for a gravel pit appraisal, and discussion of land options for relocating the Department of Public Works.
• **Historical Commission (July 1):** Public hearings were listed for replacing patio stones at 1 Still River Road, removing windows at 16 Ayer Road, and a new application for sculptures on the Old Library grounds at 7 Fairbank Street.

Minutes for all these meetings have not yet been published, so no final actions are confirmed.

What’s Coming Up

Several boards will act on fiscal and policy matters in the next two weeks.

Year‑end budget transfers will be voted on by the Finance Committee on July 13 and again by the Select Board on July 14. Both meetings are the final steps to close the fiscal year’s books.

Planning Board (July 6): A public hearing will consider a 1,938‑square‑foot expansion at 256 Ayer Road. The board will also vote on a $2,239.35 membership invoice for the Montachusett Regional Planning Commission and review updated solar and battery‑storage bylaws.

Park & Recreation Commission (July 6): Commissioners will vote on a policy addressing motorized bikes on fields and discuss beach operations with Harbormaster Ben.

Open Space Committee (July 8): The panel plans to elect officers and send a final draft of the Chapter 61 land‑removal process to the Select Board for consideration.

Board of Health (July 13): New member Sarah Birse will be welcomed and a new chair selected. The agenda also includes a discussion with the Climate Committee about contacting trash haulers on a food waste ban, updates on PFAS contamination in Warren Avenue private wells, and a MassDEP technical assistance grant application for the Transfer Station.

Land Stewardship Subcommittee (July 7) will welcome new member Staci Donahue and review summer mowing, invasive species removal at several conservation properties, and a Boy Scout project at Dancing Grounds.

Residents can find meeting agendas and access information at the town website. All listed dates are tentative and subject to change.