Westborough meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Westborough Select Board Appoints Daniel Hehir as Fire Chief

The Westborough Select Board unanimously appointed Captain Daniel Hehir as the town's new Fire Chief at its Aug. 11 meeting. The 5-0 vote is contingent on Hehir passing a drug screening, background check, and physical examination, and on contract negotiations. The board also entered executive session to prepare for those negotiations.

Other Select Board Business

At its Aug. 18 meeting, the Select Board reviewed a site plan for an Amazon drone delivery service at 64 Otis Street, discussed a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes program, and considered a school/town efficiency study bid award. The board also discussed an intermunicipal agreement with Walpole and other municipalities on solid waste contract negotiations and a draft warrant for the October Town Meeting, including a proposed amendment to Section 2-8 of the Town Charter. No votes were taken on these items.

Design Review Board

On Aug. 11, the Design Review Board reviewed a gut renovation of the Metrowest Emergency Communication Center at 20 Phillips Street, including an elevator shaft addition, and a fire restoration project at 22 South Street that would reconstruct the fire-damaged structure and replace siding with the same make and model. The board also held an open forum and approved minutes from its July 14 meeting.

Conservation Commission

Also on Aug. 11, the Conservation Commission held public hearings on a partial Certificate of Compliance for a completed subdivision and multifamily development at 11 Quick Farm Rd (38 single-family lots and a 100-unit multifamily facility), continued hearings on a warehouse at 5 Technology Dr, a stream restoration at Jackstraw Brook, and a stormwater design amendment at 9 Otis St, and opened a new hearing on a sewage disposal system replacement at 62 Hopkinton Rd.

Treatment Plant Board

At its Aug. 12 meeting, the Treatment Plant Board reviewed outstanding invoices totaling $59,988.99, including $46,889.82 to National Grid and $13,099.17 to Kearsarge. It also reviewed payroll for the administrator at $2,809.74 and invoices from Tighe & Bond totaling $8,561.63. The board discussed the Headworks and Rotor Replacement projects and a vehicle disposal item.

Affordable Housing Trust

On Aug. 13, the Affordable Housing Trust voted to recommend Carla Cook for appointment to the Trust, discussed a community workshop contract with JM Goldson for the HB Cottages project, received an update on the Rogers Road project, and discussed a potential Fall Town Meeting warrant article.

Active Transportation & Safety Committee

On Aug. 17, the committee reviewed a site plan for the Amazon Distribution Center at 64 Otis Street, discussed a proposed 25 mph townwide speed limit, and received updates on the Ruggles Street sewer project, Fisher Street, East Main, and a downtown plan/rotary discussion. A Walk Audit Training is scheduled for Aug. 28.

Library Building Committee

On Aug. 18, the Library Building Committee voted on pending construction change directives and received a report on the construction schedule status. The meeting was held remotely via Zoom.

Sustainable Westborough

On Aug. 19, Sustainable Westborough discussed district heating, an emission inventory assessment, and an EV Expo update, and reviewed minutes from its July 8 meeting.

Advisory Finance Committee

On Aug. 20, the Advisory Finance Committee held its first meeting of FY2027, welcomed a new member, and planned for the upcoming Fall Town Meeting, including milestones and meeting scheduling. It approved minutes from its June 22, 2026 meeting.

Coming up

• **School Committee** (Aug. 24, virtual): Vote on corrected 2026-2027 school calendar; discussion of Hastings parking lot.
• **Westborough Housing Authority** (Aug. 25): Vote on CBIZ contract for FY27; discussion of site drainage improvement project.
• **Public Art Committee** (Aug. 25): Discuss Civic Plaza window panels project and Art Walk 2027 funding.
• **Worcester Regional Transit Authority** (Aug. 27): Vote on FY27 Administrator Goals; updates on ADA services and grants.
• **Planning Board** (Sept. 1): Public hearing on earth-moving special permit for 0, 19, and 21 Gleason Street, with 9,600 cubic yards of material to be moved across about 200,000 square feet.

Westborough boards take up fire chief finalists, business grants, and housing

Westborough town boards met over the past two weeks on a range of items, including the selection of a new fire chief, business assistance grants, and housing initiatives. All meetings were held as scheduled, but minutes have not yet been published; the following summaries are based on published agendas.

Fire Chief Selection

The most consequential item on the agendas was the fire chief search. The Select Board met Aug. 11 to interview two finalists, Roger Busha and Daniel Hehir, and considered an appointment. The board also held an executive session to prepare for contract negotiations with the new fire chief. Earlier, on Aug. 6, the Fire Chief Search Committee met and entered executive session to consider applicants for the position.

Business and Economic Development

The Economic Development Committee met Aug. 4 and was scheduled to vote on business assistance grant applications from three local businesses: Live Action Escapes (276 Turnpike Rd.), Sen Acupuncture and Wellness LLC, and Star Dog Grooming (3 Union St.). The committee also received a report from Lara Crawford on community development and EDC activities.

The Design Review Board met Aug. 11 and reviewed two applications: a gut renovation of the Metrowest Emergency Communication Center at 20 Phillips Street, including an elevator shaft addition, and a fire restoration at 22 South Street, which would reconstruct a fire-damaged structure and replace siding with the same make and model.

Infrastructure and Development

The Planning Board held hearings Aug. 4 on four continued applications: a definitive subdivision at 228 Ruggles Street, a full site plan review at 5 Technology Drive, and special permit applications at 220 Turnpike Road and 161 Milk Street.

The Conservation Commission met Aug. 11 and held hearings on a partial certificate of compliance for 11 Quick Farm Rd (38 single-family lots and a 100-unit multifamily facility), a warehouse at 5 Technology Dr, Jackstraw Brook restoration, stormwater amendments at 9 Otis St, and a sewage disposal system replacement at 62 Hopkinton Rd.

The Library Building Committee met Aug. 4 and was scheduled to vote on pending Construction Change Directives for the library repair project.

The Treatment Plant Board met Aug. 12 and reviewed outstanding invoices totaling $59,988.99, including $46,889.82 to National Grid and $13,099.17 to Kearsarge. The board also discussed the Headworks and Rotor Replacement projects and vehicle disposal.

Housing and Community

The Affordable Housing Trust met Aug. 13 and voted to recommend Carla Cook for appointment to the trust. The agenda also included Kate Storm's reappointment, a community workshop contract with JM Goldson for HB Cottages, an update on the Rogers Road project, and discussion of a potential Fall Town Meeting warrant article.

The Central Massachusetts Veterans' Services District met Aug. 3 and discussed creating a paid or unpaid administrative internship position, VSO versus Veteran Agent job titles, the CH115 housing crisis, and a multi-generational outreach project.

Other Meetings

The Cultural Council met Aug. 4 to plan Porchfest, including signage, scheduling, and volunteer recruitment. The Library Board of Trustees met Aug. 4 to discuss the timing of the library director's evaluation.

Coming Up

• **Aug. 17** – Active Transportation & Safety Committee: review site plan for Amazon Distribution Center at 64 Otis Street, walk audit training, Ruggles Street sewer project, and a proposed 25 mph townwide speed limit.
• **Aug. 18** – Library Building Committee: vote on construction change directives and receive a schedule status report.
• **Aug. 19** – Sustainable Westborough: discuss district heating, emission inventory assessment, and EV Expo update.
• **Aug. 27** – Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board: approve July minutes and receive the Administrator's Report.

Westborough boards meet on grants, housing, and planning; no decisions finalized

Over the past two weeks, Westborough boards and committees held meetings on a range of items, from business grants to housing repairs and planning hearings. None of the meetings produced final decisions; all agendas were published without minutes, meaning votes and outcomes are pending.

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee met on August 4 to consider business assistance grants for three local businesses: Live Action Escapes (276 Turnpike Rd.), Sen Acupuncture and Wellness LLC, and Star Dog Grooming (3 Union St.). The committee also discussed an awards discussion and received a monthly report from Lara Crawford. No votes were recorded in the agenda.

Housing Authority

The Westborough Housing Authority met on July 28 to vote on the 2027 Capital Improvement Plan and an annual plan hearing. The board also considered a roof, fascia board, and gutter replacement for FISH 328067, and reviewed a collection loss for ch705 in the amount of $3,473.02. An Affirmative Action Goal for FY26 was also on the agenda.

Planning Board

The Planning Board held public hearings on August 4 for four continued applications: a definitive subdivision at 228 Ruggles Street, a full site plan review at 5 Technology Drive, and special permit applications at 220 Turnpike Road and 161 Milk Street. The board also reviewed minutes from its July 7 meeting.

School Committee

The Facilities and Long-Term Capital Planning Subcommittee met on July 29 to receive updates on school projects, including the WHS roof, GMS Field House, Hastings Parking Lot/Playground, and WHS floor plank options. The subcommittee also discussed long-term HVAC needs and project bundling for potential reimbursements.

Other meetings

• **Public Art Committee** (July 28): Discussed a proposed mural at Civic Plaza, planning for Art Walk 2027, a potential Local Cultural Council grant application, and creation of a public art collection inventory.
• **Central Massachusetts Veterans' Services District** (August 3): Discussed creating a paid or unpaid administrative internship position, reviewed VSO versus Veteran Agent job titles, and addressed the CH115 housing crisis and EOVS Secretary Budget.
• **Library Board of Trustees** (August 4): Met remotely to discuss the timing of the library director evaluation; no substantive decisions were scheduled.
• **Library Building Committee** (August 4): Scheduled a vote on pending Construction Change Directives for the library repair project.
• **Cultural Council** (August 4): Reviewed Porchfest logistics, including signage, scheduling, social media, and volunteer recruitment, plus a treasurer update.
• **Fire Chief Search Committee** (August 6): Approved minutes from July 21 and entered executive session to consider applicants for the Fire Chief position.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are listed in the next 14 days.

Westborough boards tackled housing, library repairs, and fire chief search; minutes not yet public

Westborough's boards and committees held a busy stretch of meetings from July 20 through July 29, but minutes have not yet been published for any of them. That means no outcomes, votes, or dollar figures can be confirmed from the public record this week. What follows is what each body was scheduled to take up, based on agendas only.

Housing Authority set to vote on 2027 capital plan

The Westborough Housing Authority met July 28 with plans to vote on a 2027 Capital Improvement Plan and hold an Annual Plan Hearing. The agenda also listed a roof, fascia board, and gutter replacement for FISH 328067, a collection loss for ch705 in the amount of $3,473.02, and an Affirmative Action Goal for FY26. Outcomes are not yet available.

Select Board had full agenda for July 21

The Select Board scheduled a public hearing on the transfer of an all-alcohol beverages liquor license for Baskin LLC DBA Aavino Wine and Spirits at 1300 Union Street, Suite G-104. The board also planned to discuss the East Main Street Corridor Transportation Improvement Project, review on-street parking near driveways in the downtown area, and consider the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) program. A Community Center discussion was also listed.

Library repair project change directives on the table

The Library Building Committee met July 21 and was scheduled to vote on pending Construction Change Directives for the repair project and review the project schedule. The committee is set to take up the same vote item again on August 4, suggesting the July 21 vote may not have concluded — though minutes are not yet public to confirm.

School facilities subcommittee reviewed projects

The Facilities and Long-Term Capital Planning Subcommittee met July 29 to receive updates on the Westborough High School roof, the Gibbons Middle School field house, the Hastings parking lot and playground, WHS floor plank options, and long-term HVAC needs and priorities.

Fire Chief Search Committee screening applicants

The Fire Chief Search Committee met July 21 to discuss candidate interview questions and enter executive session for preliminary screening of applicants. The committee is scheduled to meet again August 6 to approve July 21 minutes and hold another executive session to consider applicants.

Other meetings held

• **Council on Aging Board** (July 20): Scheduled elections for Chair and Vice Chair, a community center update from Director Kendra Faldetta, and a cable TV update from member Carolynn.
• **Historical Commission** (July 22): Listed approval of June 3 minutes, consideration of Kris Allen's resignation, an accession/deaccession policy, plaques and MACRIS entries for historic witness houses, and a Midland Cemetery project status update.
• **Library Board of Trustees** (July 22): Held a remote meeting with a public forum, director's report and building update, treasurer's and secretary's reports, and a Friends & Foundation update. Next meeting was set for August 26.
• **MetroWest RECC** (July 23): Discussed a 2027 9-1-1 Development Grant Award and borrowing options, TGAS amendments, legal and accounting services contracts, and an RF licensing risk. No final votes were indicated.
• **Public Art Committee** (July 28): Discussed a proposed Civic Plaza mural, planning for Art Walk 2027, a potential Local Cultural Council grant application, and a public art collection inventory.

Coming up

• **August 3 — Central Massachusetts Veterans' Services District**: Discussion of a new administrative or internship position, VSO versus Veteran Agent job titles, and the CH115 housing crisis.
• **August 4 — Economic Development Committee**: Scheduled vote on business assistance grant applications for Live Action Escapes (276 Turnpike Rd.), Sen Acupuncture and Wellness LLC, and Star Dog Grooming (3 Union St.). Meeting at 8:00 AM in Memorial Hall at Town Hall.
• **August 4 — Planning Board**: Public hearings on a definitive subdivision at 228 Ruggles Street, full site plan review at 5 Technology Drive, and special permit applications at 220 Turnpike Road and 161 Milk Street.
• **August 4 — Cultural Council**: Porchfest planning, including signage, scheduling, and volunteer recruitment.
• **August 6 — Fire Chief Search Committee**: Executive session to consider Fire Chief employment applicants.

Westborough Weekly Meeting Roundup: Transit Routes, Treatment Plant Invoices, and Development Reviews Dominate July Agenda

Treatment Plant Board Reviews Over $137,000 in Invoices

The Westborough Treatment Plant Board met July 8 and was scheduled to approve invoices totaling more than $137,000. The agenda listed $57,887.57 in outstanding invoices, $11,467.00 to Veolia for June septage, $46,420.57 to National Grid for June, $4,741.15 to AECOM for Task Order #9, and $72,973.00 for MIIA FY27 renewal. The Administrator's Report included updates on the Headworks Project, FY26 closeout, vehicle disposal, and rotor replacement. The board also planned to enter executive session to review a confidential communication from legal counsel. Minutes have not yet been published.

Regional Transit Authority May Vote to Eliminate Routes A and B

The Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board met July 16 and was scheduled to consider a roll call vote to eliminate WRTA Routes A and B, following public meeting results. The board also planned to vote on appointing FY27 Advisory Board officers and receive an update on route changes scheduled for August 31, 2026. Administrator updates on the lobby and Your Access Advocates were also listed. Minutes have not yet been published.

CMMPO Considers $1.6M Cost Increase for Worcester Intersection

The Central Massachusetts Metropolitan Planning Organization held public meetings July 7 and July 15 regarding Amendment #9 to the 2026-2030 Transportation Improvement Program. The amendment includes a cost increase of $1,645,731 for Chandler Street and May Street intersection improvements in Worcester, bringing the total to $10,121,005. It also proposes moving the Leicester Road bridge replacement over the French River in Oxford from 2027 to 2026, with a total cost of $4,594,106. The July 15 agenda included a staff recommendation to remove a Worcester project from the FFY 2026 listing. Minutes have not yet been published.

Planning Board Reviews Multiple Development Projects

The Planning Board met July 7 to vote on a new Open Forum Policy and continue discussions on several projects. Items included a Definitive Subdivision request for 228 Ruggles Street, Site Plan Review for 5 Technology Drive, and Special Permit Applications for 220 Turnpike Road and 161 Milk Street. Minutes have not yet been published.

Conservation Commission Hears Warehouse, Subdivision, and Restoration Items

The Conservation Commission met July 14 to review Certificate of Compliance requests for 161 Milk Street (former Westborough Skating Rink redevelopment) and 15 Chauncy Street (garage replacement). Continued hearings included a new 50,000 sqft warehouse at 165 Flanders Road, warehouse construction at 5 Technology Drive, a 3-lot subdivision at 228 Ruggles Street, stormwater design amendments at 9 Otis Street, and Jackstraw Brook restoration at Hopkinton Road, Morse Street, and Upton Road. A new hearing was scheduled for a pervious walkway at 29 Olde Coach Road. Minutes have not yet been published.

Select Board Appoints Fire Chief Search Committee

The Select Board met July 6 to appoint members to the Fire Chief Search Committee and review intermunicipal agreements including the Emerald Isle Agreement and Animal Control Intermunicipal Agreement. The board also planned to reappoint Betheda Shuman to the Cultural Council and hold executive sessions on litigation strategy regarding CarMax Auto Superstores, Inc. v. Town of Westborough, labor negotiations, and real property at 20 Phillips Street. Minutes have not yet been published.

Other Meetings

The Active Transportation & Safety Committee met July 6 to vote on downtown and rotary safety recommendations, review the East Main Street TIP project, and evaluate 25 mph speed safety zones. The Cultural Council met July 7 to plan Porchfest logistics. Sustainable Westborough met July 8 to discuss decarbonization, the Climate Leader Application, and criteria for the EDC Sustainability Award. The Fire Chief Search Committee met July 9 to discuss its search process. The School Committee Policy Subcommittee met July 10 to review the Anti-Bullying Policy (JICFB) and Policy Section G on Personnel. The School Committee Finance Subcommittee met July 13 to review the FY28 budget calendar draft and FY26 end-of-year finances. The Design Review Board met July 14 to consider signage and exterior changes at 116 East Main Street (Century Family Dental) and 9 Milk Street (Nabina's Threading & Spa). The Recreation Commission's July 14 meeting was cancelled due to lack of quorum.

Coming Up

• **July 20 — Council on Aging Board:** Elections for Chair and Vice Chair, plus a community center update from Director Kendra Faldetta.
• **July 21 — Select Board:** Public hearing on transferring an all-alcohol beverage license to Baskin LLC (Aavino Wine and Spirits, 1300 Union Street, Suite G-104), plus discussion of the East Main Street Corridor TIP project, downtown on-street parking, and the PILOT program.
• **July 21 — Fire Chief Search Committee:** Candidate interview questions discussion and executive session for preliminary screening of applicants.
• **July 21 — Library Building Committee:** Vote on pending Construction Change Directives for the repair project and schedule status report.
• **July 22 — Historical Commission:** Midland Cemetery project status update, consideration of Kris Allen's resignation, and discussion of historic witness house plaques.

Westborough Roundup: Anniversary Committee Approves $26,000 Fireworks Payment; Boards Take Up Tobacco, Development, and Transit

The 250th American Revolution Anniversary Committee unanimously approved a $26,000 payment to American Thunder for fireworks and $400 to Lessons on Liberty at its June 29 meeting, making it the only body with finalized votes on the record this week. All other meetings listed below were agenda-only; minutes have not yet been published, so no outcomes are reported.

Anniversary Committee Votes (June 29)

The committee voted 4-0 on each of five items:

• Approved meeting minutes of June 15, 2026.
• Authorized payment of $26,000 to American Thunder and $400 to Lessons on Liberty.
• Authorized the chair to pay all outstanding portable restroom and personnel costs for DPW, Police, and Fire details.
• Authorized the chair to review and approve final meeting minutes.
• Voted to recommend transferring remaining event funds to the Fourth of July Block Party account, subject to Town Meeting approval.

Select Board (June 29 and July 6)

The June 29 agenda listed an open forum and executive session to discuss litigation strategy in CarMax Auto Superstores, Inc. v. Town of Westborough, plus approval of June 5 executive session minutes. Minutes are not yet published.

The July 6 agenda included appointments to the Fire Chief Search Committee, review of the Emerald Isle Agreement and an Animal Control Intermunicipal Agreement, reappointment of Betheda Shuman to the Cultural Council, and further CarMax litigation discussion. No outcomes are available.

Board of Health (June 30)

A public hearing was scheduled on OM Smoke Shop at 166 Milk St. for selling flavored tobacco in violation of tobacco regulations. The agenda also included signing a public health emergency preparedness letter and directors' issues. Minutes are not yet published.

School Committee Subcommittees (July 1 and July 10)

The Facilities and Long-Term Capital Planning Subcommittee was set to review updates on the Westborough High School roof replacement, the Grammar School field house project, final reimbursement for the Fales School geothermal repair, and the district's long-term capital plan.

The Policy Subcommittee (July 10) was scheduled to review Anti-Bullying Policy JICFB against the MASC Model and discuss Policy Section G on Personnel.

Planning Board (July 7)

Agenda items included adoption of an Open Forum Policy, a request to continue the Definitive Subdivision at 228 Ruggles Street, Site Plan Review for 5 Technology Drive, and Special Permit Applications for 220 Turnpike Road and 161 Milk Street.

Treatment Plant Board (July 8)

The agenda listed invoices totaling more than $137,000, including $57,887.57 in outstanding invoices, $11,467.00 to Veolia Septage (June), $46,420.57 to National Grid (June), $4,741.15 to AECOM Task Order #9, and $72,973.00 for MIIA FY27 Renewal. The Administrator's Report covered the Headworks Project, FY26 closeout, vehicle disposal, and rotor replacement.

Other Meetings

The Active Transportation & Safety Committee (July 6) was scheduled to vote on downtown and rotary safety recommendations, review the East Main Street TIP project, and evaluate 25 mph speed safety zones. The CMMPO (July 7) was set to discuss Amendment #9 to the 2026-2030 TIP, including a $1,645,731 cost increase for Chandler Street and May Street intersection improvements in Worcester (total: $10,121,005) and moving the Leicester Road bridge replacement in Oxford from 2027 to 2026 (total: $4,594,106). The Cultural Council discussed Porchfest logistics. Sustainable Westborough reviewed a decarbonization presentation and the EDC Sustainability Award criteria. The Fire Chief Search Committee met July 9 to discuss process.

Coming Up

• **July 13 — School Committee Finance Subcommittee:** FY28 budget calendar draft and FY26 end-of-year update.
• **July 14 — Design Review Board:** Signage and exterior changes at 116 East Main St. and 9 Milk St.
• **July 14 — Recreation Commission:** Votes on a Westborough Connects one-day liquor license letter and naming Chauncy Beach and its parking lot.
• **July 14 — Conservation Commission:** Certificate of Compliance requests and continued hearings on warehouse, subdivision, and brook restoration projects.
• **July 15 — CMMPO:** Consideration of TIP Amendment #9, including Oxford bridge changes and possible removal of a Worcester project.
• **July 16 — WRTA Advisory Board:** Potential roll call vote to eliminate Routes A and B; FY27 officer appointments.
• **July 21 — Select Board:** Public hearing on transfer of an all-alcohol beverage license for Aavino Wine and Spirits at 1300 Union Street, Suite G-104.

Westborough Roundup: Anniversary Committee Approves $26,000 Fireworks Payment; Select Board, Planning Board Meet This Week

The 250th American Revolution Anniversary Committee unanimously approved a $26,000 payment for fireworks and voted to recommend transferring remaining event funds to the Fourth of July Block Party account, pending Town Meeting approval.

Anniversary Committee Approves Event Costs

On June 29, the committee voted 4-0 on several items related to recent event costs. Members authorized payment of $26,000 to American Thunder for fireworks and $400 to Lessons on Liberty. The chair was authorized to pay all outstanding portable restroom and personnel costs for Department of Public Works, Police, and Fire details. The committee also voted 4-0 to recommend transferring remaining event funds to the Fourth of July Block Party account, subject to Town Meeting approval. Meeting minutes from June 15, 2026 were approved 4-0.

Recent Meetings: Agendas Without Published Minutes

Most other meetings in the past two weeks have agendas available but no published minutes, so outcomes are not yet confirmed.

The Select Board met June 23 and June 29 to discuss a summer 2026 pilot program for temporary expansion of alcohol service hours, an Otis Street project update, and a RECC lease agreement review. Both meetings included executive sessions on litigation strategy for CarMax Auto Superstores, Inc. v. Town of Westborough.

The Westborough Housing Authority agenda for June 22 listed votes on several capital improvement projects, including fire alarm completion (FISH 328061), site drainage improvement (FISH 328057), bathroom modification bid (FISH 328062), and roof, fascia board, and gutter replacement (FISH 328067). The board also planned to discuss hiring a new administrative assistant.

The Board of Health scheduled a June 30 public hearing on OM Smoke Shop at 166 Milk St. regarding a flavored tobacco violation. The agenda also included consideration of signing a public health emergency preparedness letter.

The School Committee's Facilities and Long-Term Capital Planning Subcommittee met July 1 to review updates on the Westborough High School roof replacement, the Grammar School field house project, and the final reimbursement request for Fales School geothermal repair.

The Select Board held public hearings June 23 on three pole petitions from National Grid and Verizon, including a new 40-foot pole on Longmeadow Drive for an EV station at 82 Turnpike Road and approximately 200 feet of underground conduit on Jasper Street for greenhouse service.

Coming Up

July 6 — Select Board: Appointments to the Fire Chief Search Committee, review of the Emerald Isle Agreement and Animal Control Intermunicipal Agreement, reappointment of Betheda Shuman to the Cultural Council, and executive session on CarMax litigation.

July 6 — Active Transportation & Safety Committee: Vote on downtown and rotary safety recommendations, East Main Street TIP project update, and review of 25 mph speed limit and safety zones.

July 7 — Planning Board: Vote on a new Open Forum Policy, site plan review for 5 Technology Drive, and special permit applications for 220 Turnpike Road and 161 Milk Street.

July 7 — Central Massachusetts Metropolitan Planning Organization: Public hearing on Amendment #9 to the 2026-2030 TIP, including a $1,645,731 cost increase for Chandler Street and May Street intersection improvements in Worcester and a schedule shift for the Leicester Road bridge replacement in Oxford.

July 8 — Treatment Plant Board: Review of outstanding invoices totaling $57,887.57, plus payments to Veolia ($11,467.00), National Grid ($46,420.57), AECOM ($4,741.15), and MIIA FY27 Renewal ($72,973.00).

Anniversary Committee OKs $26,000 fireworks bill; Select Board advances alcohol pilot, litigation

Westborough’s 250th American Revolution Anniversary Committee wrapped its business last week, approving a $26,000 payment for fireworks and recommending that leftover funds be moved to the Fourth of July Block Party account.

Anniversary Committee settles final bills

Meeting on June 29, the committee voted 4–0 to pay $26,000 to American Thunder for fireworks and $400 to Lessons on Liberty. Members also voted 4–0 to authorize the chair to pay all outstanding portable restroom and personnel costs for DPW, police and fire details, and to review and approve final meeting minutes. The group unanimously recommended transferring remaining event funds to the Fourth of July Block Party account, a step that requires Town Meeting approval.

Select Board eyes summer alcohol pilot, CarMax lawsuit

During its June 23 meeting, the Select Board discussed a Summer 2026 Pilot Program that would temporarily expand alcohol service hours and public consumption areas. The agenda also included updates on the Otis Street project, a RECC lease agreement, and annual reappointments for various town commissions. Board members later entered executive session to discuss legal strategy regarding CarMax Auto Superstores, Inc. v. Town of Westborough. A separate meeting on June 29 was held entirely in executive session on the same litigation. Minutes for both gatherings had not been published as of July 5.

Public hearings held on three pole petitions

On June 23 the Select Board opened public hearings on three pole petitions from National Grid and Verizon. Proposals include a new stub pole on West Main Street near Kay Street, about 200 feet of underground conduit on Jasper Street for a greenhouse, and a new 40-foot pole on Longmeadow Drive to serve an electric-vehicle station at 82 Turnpike Road.

Housing Authority reviews capital work

Meeting June 23, the Westborough Housing Authority planned votes on payables and capital projects: fire alarm completion, site drainage improvements, a bathroom modification bid, and roof, fascia board and gutter replacement. Members also discussed hiring a new administrative assistant. No vote results were available by press time.

Board of Health targets flavored tobacco sale

The Board of Health held a public hearing June 30 regarding OM Smoke Shop at 166 Milk St., which officials say violated town regulations by selling flavored tobacco. The board also was set to consider signing a letter on public health emergency preparedness.

Coming up

• **Select Board, July 6:** Appointments to the Fire Chief Search Committee, intermunicipal agreements for Emerald Isle and animal control, and executive sessions on CarMax litigation, labor negotiations and 20 Phillips Street.
• **Active Transportation & Safety Committee, July 6:** A vote on downtown and rotary safety recommendations and a review of the East Main Street TIP project.
• **Planning Board, July 7:** Adoption of an Open Forum Policy, plus site plan review for 5 Technology Drive and special permit applications for 220 Turnpike Road and 161 Milk Street.
• **Treatment Plant Board, July 8:** Review of invoices totaling over $137,000, including $57,887.57 in outstanding bills, a $46,420.57 National Grid payment, and a $72,973 MIIA renewal. An administrator’s report will touch on the Headworks Project and FY26 closeout.