Milford meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Milford boards review IT overhaul, housing payments, and zoning requests

This week's Milford government meetings were all agenda-only, with no final decisions recorded. The most consequential items under consideration include a proposed reorganization of the town's IT department, a liquor license upgrade for a local restaurant, and a $125,674.14 payment for a housing authority stove conversion project.

Select Board

The Select Board met twice this week. On Aug. 5, it reviewed a proposed IT department reorganization and an expansion of the outside services contract for IT services. On Aug. 10, it held a public hearing on Nestera Brunch & Tap's request to upgrade its wine and malt license to a full all-alcohol restaurant license (ABCC #109735-RS-0706). The board also considered a police chief's request for a "No Right Turn" sign at Exchange and Main streets due to a blind line of sight and four crosswalks, and a Special Olympics permit to obstruct a public way for a road race on Sept. 14, 2026, starting at 8 a.m. The board also approved prior meeting minutes.

Housing Authority

The Milford Housing Authority held a public hearing on a five-year capital improvement plan for Maher Court (2026-2030). It then considered a payment request of $125,674.14 for the Master Meter gas-to-electric stove conversion project (EOHLC#185089), along with change orders: a credit of $29,466.72, and amounts of $6,441.92 and $7,974.96. The board also considered warrants for months ending June 30 and July 31, 2026, and a request for 20 additional sick leave bank days for an employee on medical leave.

Planning Board

The Planning Board continued its review of a site plan and stormwater permit for a contractor's yard at 225 West Street (Alpine Place LLC), originally continued from July 14. It also discussed amended site plans for a freestanding sign at 240 Fortune Blvd and a multi-use proposal at 380 E Main Street. The board reviewed ongoing zoning bylaw amendments on data centers, fitness service use, and food trucks.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The ZBA held a public hearing on two petitions: a variance request for 294 West Street to construct a 40 ft. by 80 ft. vehicular service and storage building, and a special permit request for 1 Esther Drive to keep up to five dogs as residential animals.

Other meetings

• The Youth Commission approved warrants totaling $9,663.97 across revolving and town accounts. It also heard updates on outdoor drainage construction starting Aug. 17, gym floor maintenance on Aug. 18, and a fall appreciation event with CraftRoots on Sept. 11.
• The Board of Assessors voted to release the overlay and considered tax abatements for 196 East Main Street and 74 Medway Road for fiscal year 2025, plus assessing condo present interests for fiscal year 2027.
• The Historical Commission planned to sponsor Antique Appraisal Day in October and discussed opening the N.P. Schoolhouse on Oct. 23 (rain date Oct. 30) as part of the town's 250th anniversary.
• The Personnel Board reviewed a by-law change proposal from Financial Analyst Paul Abbondanza and Section 5.8A of the Personnel By-laws.
• The Vernon Grove Cemetery Trustees discussed the pond and reviewed consultant documents.
• The Milford High School Building Committee reviewed draft building footprint options and a draft presentation for a community meeting.

All these meetings were agenda-only; minutes have not yet been published.

Coming up

Upcoming meetings in the next two weeks include:

• Aug. 18: Retirement Board – routine approvals and discussion of a board member vacancy.
• Aug. 19: Board of Registrars – election machinery test.
• Aug. 19: Milford High School Building Committee – budget update, design options, and construction logistics.
• Aug. 19: Water Commission – budget review and water ban enforcement rules.
• Aug. 20: Geriatric Authority of Milford – financial review.
• Aug. 20: Blackstone Valley Regional School District – votes on FY26 audit, donations, and FY27 goals.

Milford boards weigh TIF, IT overhaul, school building options

Milford's Select Board met three times in the past two weeks, but minutes have not yet been published, so no official decisions are confirmed. The board's agendas included a potential tax agreement with Waters Technologies, an IT department reorganization, and a police union certification petition. Other town boards also met to review school building plans and cemetery maintenance.

Select Board

The Select Board held public hearings on July 27 regarding several business license requests and utility pole locations. The board also met with Waters Technologies Corporation to discuss a Tax Increment Financing Agreement. Specific items on the agenda included:

• Transfer of Common Victualler All Alcohol Beverages License, New Common Victualler License, and Live Entertainment License for Nuovo Sorrento, LLC
• Amendment to Package Store Wine and Malt Beverages License for Central Gas and Market, Inc.
• Pole Location on West Street for National Grid and Verizon New England
• Amendments to Common Victualler Wine and Malt with Cordials License for Noble Brazil, Inc. DBA Brazilian Flame BBQ
• Tax Increment Financing Agreement with Waters Technologies Corporation

On July 29, the board met in executive session to discuss a DLR Petition for Certification regarding Police Lieutenants and Deputy Chiefs. The item was scheduled for executive session to discuss collective bargaining or litigation strategy.

On August 5, the board reviewed and considered a reorganization of the IT Department and an expansion of the outside services contract for IT services. This was a scheduled appointment with the Town Administrator.

Milford High School Building Committee

The MHS School Building Committee Working Group Sub-Committee met on August 5 to receive updates from the OPM and design team. The committee reviewed draft building footprint options and a draft presentation for a community meeting.

Trustees of Vernon Grove Cemetery

The Trustees of Vernon Grove Cemetery met on August 5 to review consultant documents and discuss the pond at the cemetery. The agenda also included a Cemetery Administrator Report.

Coming up

• **Historical Commission** – August 12, 6:00 p.m. at Memorial Hall, 30 School Street. The agenda includes approving previous minutes, a budget report, sponsoring Antique Appraisal Day in October, museum display updates, a DOT-sponsored reading in Draper Park, and a Free Press article on Milford's Revolutionary War role. New business includes ideas to increase museum attendance, celebrating the town's 250th anniversary, proposing an annual school-grade visit, and opening the N.P. Schoolhouse on Oct. 23 (rain date Oct. 30).
• **Zoning Board of Appeals** – August 13. Public hearing on two petitions: a variance request for 294 West Street to construct a 40 ft. by 80 ft. vehicular service and storage building, and a special permit request for 1 Esther Drive to keep up to 5 dogs as Residential Animals.

Milford Retirement Board approves over $1.1 million in payroll warrants; Select Board addresses litigation, licenses

The Milford Retirement Board approved more than $1.1 million in payroll and expense warrants at its July 21 meeting, the largest financial action among recent town government meetings. The board also reviewed the Administrator's report, which included a list of member deaths.

Retirement Board Warrants

The Retirement Board approved the April 2026 Treasurer's Report and five warrants:

• **Payroll Warrant #06302026RP** — annuities and pensions totaling **$1,044,474.02**
• **Warrant #06222026SS** — staff salaries and benefits of **$100,000.00**
• **Warrant #06302026AP** — reimbursements to other systems and W.B. Mason Co., Inc. totaling **$111,612.81**
• **Warrant #06252026R** — payments to four individuals totaling **$3,339.20**
• **Warrant #06052026T** — travel reimbursements totaling **$792.84**

A separate Retirement Board agenda from the same date listed approval of May 2026 Treasurer Reports, review of payroll and expense warrants, and an executive session regarding an accidental disability application. Minutes for both sessions have not yet been published.

Select Board

The Select Board held three meetings between July 20 and July 29.

On July 20, the board entered executive session to receive attorney-client communications about anticipated litigation in Maguire v Town of Milford (Worcester Superior Court Civil Action No. 2285CV01140D). No other agenda items were listed.

On July 27, the board scheduled public hearings on several license requests:

• **Nuovo Sorrento, LLC**: Transfer of Common Victualler All Alcohol Beverages License, New Common Victualler License, and Live Entertainment License
• **Central Gas and Market, Inc.**: Amendment to Package Store Wine and Malt Beverages License
• **Noble Brazil, Inc. DBA Brazilian Flame BBQ**: Amendments to Common Victualler Wine and Malt with Cordials License

The board also planned a hearing on National Grid and Verizon New England pole locations on West Street and a meeting with Waters Technologies Corporation regarding a Tax Increment Financing Agreement.

On July 29, the board entered executive session to discuss a DLR Petition for Certification regarding Police Lieutenants and Deputy Chiefs, related to collective bargaining or litigation strategy.

School Committee

The Milford School Committee was scheduled to vote on the superintendent's summative evaluation for the 2025–26 school year on July 23. The agenda also included a vote on the MPS/MC2 MOU, adoption of non-discrimination policies (Files AC, ACA, ACAB, ACAB-1, ACF, ACF-1), an MSBA Project Update, and an FY2027 Budget Update from the School Business Administrator.

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission planned public hearings and enforcement actions for July 23, including a public hearing on a Notice of Intent at 12 Lawrence St, enforcement orders for Country Club Lane and 141 Beaver St, and an amended Order of Conditions at 31 Beaver St.

Other Boards

The Board of Health met July 23 to discuss mobile food establishments and inspection updates. The Cultural Council met July 21 for annual officer elections and to welcome new member Jenny Lyons. Minutes for all recent meetings have not yet been published.

Coming Up

• **Aug. 5 — Milford High School Building Committee**: Review of draft building footprint options and a draft community meeting presentation.
• **Aug. 5 — Trustees of Vernon Grove Cemetery**: Review of consultant documents and discussion of the cemetery pond.
• **Aug. 12 — Historical Commission** (Memorial Hall, 30 School Street): Planning for 250th anniversary events, including opening the N.P. Schoolhouse on Oct. 23 (rain date Oct. 30).
• **Aug. 13 — Zoning Board of Appeals**: Public hearings on a variance request for **294 West Street** to construct a 40 ft. by 80 ft. vehicular service and storage building, and a special permit request for **1 Esther Drive** to keep up to 5 dogs as residential animals.

Milford boards weigh housing permits, zoning changes, and budgets in busy mid-July stretch

Milford's boards and commissions held a packed schedule of meetings July 8–16, covering housing proposals, zoning amendments, sewer connections, and budget reviews. All recent meetings listed below are agenda-only — minutes have not yet been published, so no outcomes or vote tallies are confirmed. Residents should check official minutes once posted for final decisions.

Zoning Board of Appeals: Three-Unit Apartment Proposal at 53-55 Congress Street

The Zoning Board of Appeals was scheduled to consider a special permit application for the property at the intersection of Spruce Street and Congress Street. The applicant seeks relief to use the .15-acre parcel for three apartment units. No decision has been confirmed, as minutes have not been published.

Planning Board: Site Plans, Subdivision Extension, and Zoning Bylaw Amendments

The Planning Board agenda included several land-use items:

• **Amended Site Plan** for 179 Fortune Blvd — storage tank replacement
• **Definitive Subdivision Contract Extension Request** for Angela Drive
• **Site Plan Application & Stormwater Permit** for 225 West Street — contractor's yard
• **ZBA Referral** for 294 West Street
• **Zoning Bylaw Amendments** covering a data center moratorium, lot widths/wetlands, and food truck bylaws

The zoning bylaw discussions could affect future development rules town-wide, but no votes are confirmed.

Select Board: Liquor Licenses and Utility Pole Locations

The Select Board was set to conduct public hearings on the transfer of All Alcohol Beverages, Common Victualler, and Live Entertainment licenses for Nuovo Sorrento, LLC. The board also planned to discuss pole locations involving National Grid and Verizon New England on West Street.

Youth Commission: Warrants, Reappointments, and Grant Submission

The Youth Commission agenda included approval of four revolving account warrants totaling $13,883.48, board reappointments for six members through June 30, 2029, and gym floor maintenance scheduled for August 18 and August 26–28. The commission also planned to submit a BJ's Charitable Foundation Grant invitation and noted a Rail Trail check presentation on July 16, 2026.

Sewer Commission: Connection Applications and License Renewals

The Board of Sewer Commissioners, meeting at the Milford Wastewater Treatment Plant, was scheduled to review a connection application for #140 & 142 Purchase Street, a drain layer license application for J. Kelly Landscape & Excavation Services, LLC, and drain layer license renewal letters. The agenda also included FY2026 reimbursement and abatement requests for July 2026.

High School Building Committee: Construction Manager and Design Updates

The Milford High School Building Committee planned to receive updates on construction manager selection and contract status, the owner project manager budget, and the design team's progress on the PDP submission and F-Wing matters. Additional updates on the C74 program and School Committee were also listed.

Commission on Disability: FY27 Budget Review

The Commission on Disability agenda included a treasurer's report showing $19,078.26 in the Handicapped Fines Account (Fund 26830), $206.59 remaining in miscellaneous expenses (549-5780), and $25.40 in the Commission on Disability fund (24550). The commission also planned to review FY27 budget updates.

Other Meetings

The Finance Committee Executive Subcommittee was scheduled to hear from the Finance Director on budget and reconciliation issues. The Board of Library Trustees planned to approve June 11 minutes, executive session records, warrants, and review an FY26 budget update, with new business concerning Library Director Harmony Birch. The Housing Authority was set to consider approving 20 days from the Sick Leave Bank for an employee on medical leave. The Geriatric Authority (Countryside Health Care of Milford) planned to review a year-to-date revenue and expense report through June 30, 2026.

Coming Up

• **July 20 — Select Board**: Executive session to receive attorney-client communication regarding Maguire v Town of Milford (Worcester Superior Court Civil Action No. 2285CV01140D).
• **July 21 — Cultural Council**: Annual officer elections and welcome of new member Jenny Lyons.
• **July 21 — Retirement Board**: Review of payroll and expense warrants, including a pension and annuity warrant totaling $1,044,474.02, plus an executive session on an accidental disability application.
• **July 23 — Board of Health**: Discussion of mobile food establishments (food trucks) and inspection updates, 4:30 p.m. in Milford Town Hall, Room 14.

Milford roundup: Boards heard licenses, zoning, budgets; no minutes published yet

Several Milford boards and committees met over the past two weeks, but minutes have not yet been published for any of the recent sessions, so no outcomes, votes, or dollar approvals can be confirmed from the available record. The summaries below reflect what was on each agenda.

Select Board (June 29)

The Select Board scheduled public hearings on three alcohol and food service license matters: transfer of an Innholder All Alcohol and Common Victualler License to 10 Milford Hospitality LLC for Sonesta Select at 10 Fortune Blvd; a Package Store All Alcohol Beverages License transfer to YUGD, LLC for Liquor Outlet of Milford; and an amendment to a Common Victualler Wine and Malt with Cordials License for 140 Bar & Grill, Inc. (140 Grill). The agenda also listed a Town Administrator report on relocating Town Hall offices to the Water Department facility, plus appointments and reappointments to the Cultural Council. Minutes are not yet available.

Finance Committee (July 8)

The Finance Committee Executive Subcommittee was set to hear from the Finance Director on budget and reconciliation issues and take up unspecified new business. The agenda was brief and procedural in nature. No specific dollar figures or votes were listed. Minutes are not yet available.

Board of Library Trustees (July 9)

The Library Trustees were scheduled to approve minutes from June 11, 2026, and executive sessions on April 9, May 2, and May 20, 2026, plus payment warrants. Trustees also planned to review an FY26 budget update and take up new business involving Library Director Harmony Birch. Staff and director reports were listed. No public hearings or major policy votes were on the agenda. Minutes are not yet available.

Zoning Board of Appeals (July 9)

The ZBA was scheduled to consider a special permit application for 53-55 Congress Street, at the intersection of Spruce Street and Congress Street. The applicant sought relief to use the .15-acre parcel for three apartment units. Minutes are not yet available.

Coming up

• **Select Board, July 13:** Public hearings on transferring All Alcohol Beverages, Common Victualler, and Live Entertainment licenses for Nuovo Sorrento, LLC, plus a pole location discussion involving National Grid and Verizon New England on West Street.
• **Youth Commission, July 13:** Review of four revolving account warrants totaling $13,883.48; reappointments for six members through 6/30/29; gym floor maintenance scheduled for August 18 and August 26-28; BJ's Charitable Foundation Grant Invitation submission; and a Rail Trail check presentation on 7/16/26.
• **Housing Authority, July 14 (Microsoft Teams):** Consideration of approving 20 days from the Sick Leave Bank for an employee on medical leave.
• **Planning Board, July 14:** Amended Site Plan for 179 Fortune Blvd (storage tank replacement); Definitive Subdivision Contract Extension Request for Angela Drive; Site Plan Application and Stormwater Permit for 225 West Street (contractor's yard); ZBA Referral for 294 West Street; and zoning bylaw amendments covering a data center moratorium, lot widths/wetlands, and food truck bylaws.
• **Sewer Commission, July 14 (Milford Wastewater Treatment Plant):** Connection Application for #140 and 142 Purchase Street; Drain Layer License Application for J. Kelly Landscape & Excavation Services, LLC; drain layer license renewal letters; FY2026 reimbursement and abatement requests for July 2026.
• **Geriatric Authority of Milford (Countryside Health Care), July 15:** Reading of June 18, 2026 minutes; year-to-date revenue and expense report through June 30, 2026; Friends of GAM update; and public comment period.

Milford boards weighed licenses, school construction, and transit budget; minutes not yet published

Milford's boards and committees covered a wide range of business in the final week of June, from alcohol license transfers to construction manager interviews for the high school project. However, minutes have not yet been published for any of the recent meetings, so only agenda items — not final outcomes — can be confirmed as of this report.

Select Board: License transfers and Town Hall relocation

The Select Board scheduled public hearings on June 29 for three alcohol and food service license transfers. The agenda included transferring an Innholder All Alcohol and Common Victualler License to 10 Milford Hospitality LLC for Sonesta Select at 10 Fortune Blvd, a Package Store All Alcohol Beverages License transfer to YUGD, LLC for Liquor Outlet of Milford, and an amendment to a Common Victualler Wine and Malt with Cordials License for 140 Bar & Grill, Inc. (140 Grill). The board also planned to hear a Town Administrator report on relocating Town Hall offices to the Water Department facility, and to consider appointments and reappointments to the Cultural Council.

Metrowest Regional Transit Authority: FY27 budget and route redesign

The MWRTA Advisory Board agenda for June 23 included discussion and approval of the final FY27 budget, a fixed route network redesign, and an FY26 performance evaluation and optional bonus for the Administrator. The board also planned to set FY27 goals for the Administrator and Authority, and to hold an executive session on pending litigation strategy.

Milford High School Building Committee: Construction manager interviews

On June 24, the Building Committee was scheduled to interview two construction management firms — Consigli and Shawmut — and rank their proposals to select a partner for the high school project. The committee also planned to receive a School Committee update.

Water Commission: Budget, capital projects, and water ban policy

The Board of Water Commissioners met June 24 to review the budget, sources of supply, capital projects, and operational issues. The agenda included discussion of water ban enforcement and violation policies, plus an executive session on threatened litigation over a water line location.

Conservation Commission: Development hearings on West and Walnut streets

The Conservation Commission scheduled several public hearings for June 25, including a continued notice of intent for 225 West Street (Alpine Place LLC) and a determination of applicability for 26 West Walnut Street (Headwaters Development). Additional hearings covered a notice of intent for 12 Lawrence Street (Steven Sanchez) and an extension request at 27 Maple Street (Rentschler Biopharma Inc). The agenda also included an enforcement order for 122 Beaver Street (Paul Valenca).

Board of Assessors: Abatement votes

The Board of Assessors planned a June 23 executive session to vote on tax abatements for Linear Retail Milford, LLC (FY2023–2025) and Quarry Square Owner LLC (FY2025). Routine business included approving minutes from May 20, 2026, reviewing bills, and setting future meeting dates.

Coming up

• **Finance Committee** — July 8: The Executive Subcommittee will hear from the Finance Director on budget and reconciliation issues, plus any new business.
• **Board of Library Trustees** — July 9: Routine agenda including an FY26 budget update, approval of June 11 minutes, and payment warrants.
• **Zoning Board of Appeals** — July 9: A special permit request for 53-55 Congress Street, where the applicant seeks to use the .15-acre parcel for three apartment units.

Residents seeking confirmed outcomes from the late June meetings should watch for posted minutes on the town's official meeting portal.

High School Manager Search Advances Amid License Hearings and Development Reviews

Milford boards moved forward on a major school construction project and set license-transfer hearings last week, with the high school committee ranking construction managers and the Select Board scheduling three alcohol-license hearings.

Milford High School Building Committee

The committee interviewed two construction management firms—Consigli and Shawmut—on June 24 and ranked their proposals. The ranking is part of the process to select a partner for the high school building project. No decision has been announced. The panel also received an update from the School Committee.

Select Board

The board held a meeting on June 29 that included public hearings on three license transfers. The hearings addressed:

• Transfer of an Innholder All Alcohol and Common Victualler License to 10 Milford Hospitality LLC for Sonesta Select at 10 Fortune Boulevard
• Transfer of a Package Store All Alcohol Beverages License to YUGD, LLC for Liquor Outlet of Milford
• Amendment of a Common Victualler Wine and Malt with Cordials License for 140 Bar & Grill, Inc. (140 Grill)

The Town Administrator also delivered a report on relocating Town Hall offices to the Water Department facility. Appointments and reappointments to the Cultural Council were scheduled.

Board of Assessors

During its June 23 meeting, the board planned to vote in executive session on tax abatements for two commercial properties: Linear Retail Milford, LLC (fiscal years 2023–2025) and Quarry Square Owner LLC (fiscal year 2025). The board also approved prior minutes and reviewed bills.

Metrowest Regional Transit Authority

The advisory board was set to vote on the final fiscal year 2027 budget and a redesign of the fixed route network. The same June 23 meeting included a performance evaluation of the administrator for fiscal year 2026, discussion of an optional bonus, and goals for the administrator and authority. An executive session on pending litigation strategy was also on the agenda.

Conservation Commission

The commission held public hearings on several projects June 25:

• An enforcement order for 122 Beaver Street (Paul Valenca)
• A request for extension at 27 Maple Street (Rentschler Biopharma Inc)
• A notice of intent for 12 Lawrence Street (Steven Sanchez)
• A continued notice of intent for 225 West Street (Alpine Place LLC)
• A determination of applicability for 26 West Walnut Street (Headwaters Development)

The meeting also included approval of minutes and certificates of compliance, plus a report from the Town Engineer.

Water Commission

On June 24, the Board of Water Commissioners reviewed its budget, sources of supply, capital projects, and operational issues. The panel discussed water ban enforcement and violation policies before entering executive session to address threatened litigation over a water line location.

Coming up

The Finance Committee meets July 8 to hear a presentation from the Finance Director on budget and reconciliation issues and to consider new business. On July 9, the Board of Library Trustees will review the fiscal year 2026 budget update, approve June 11 minutes, and approve payment warrants. Also July 9, the Zoning Board of Appeals will consider a special permit request for 53-55 Congress Street, where the applicant proposes three apartment units on a 0.15-acre parcel.