Westford meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Westford Select Board approves Town Manager search, grants, and contracts

The Westford Select Board on Aug. 11 approved a search for a new town manager, accepted a $125,000 state grant for the Cameron Senior Center, and approved purchase orders and contracts totaling more than $140,000. The board also approved appointments to the Community Behavioral and Mental Health Committee.

Select Board actions

The board approved a search process and a request for proposals for an executive search firm to replace Town Manager Kristen Las, who resigns effective Sept. 30. It accepted a $125,000 Green Communities Grant for Cameron Senior Center improvements. Purchase orders approved included $30,000 for perchlorate testing, $26,509.20 for public safety communications, and $10,936.56 for the FY27 Community Assessment, totaling $67,445.76. Contracts approved were $51,300 for an MRC Coordinator and $24,900 for Westford Academy wastewater treatment plant engineering. The board also approved appointments to the Community Behavioral and Mental Health Committee.

Library construction payments on agenda

The J.V. Fletcher Library Board of Trustees and the Permanent Town Building Committee met Aug. 10 to review the library construction project. The agenda included a vote on payments totaling $1,175,068.41, including $1,045,164.60 to Hutter Construction Corporation, and a proposed change order for chimney reconstruction at $48,308.00. The boards also considered approving a new Robinson School Building Committee member and a thank-you letter for a $50,000 legislative earmark. No minutes have been published, so the outcome of these votes is not yet known.

Other meetings

• The Parks & Recreation Commission heard updates on the Roudenbush Tennis Court, the Graniteville Ballfield Safety Improvement project, and a DPW capital planning presentation.
• The Board of Health discussed allocating PFAS settlement funds, a potential rodenticide ban, and battery energy storage system regulations.
• The Agricultural Commission discussed the Hill Orchard and Day Field RFP, the 66-68 Boston Road property, and agricultural land availability.
• The Conservation Commission held a public hearing on a project at 5 Technology Park Drive and discussed a draft license agreement for Hill Orchard.
• The Zoning Board of Appeals heard a special permit for auto repair at 31 North Street, among other items.
• The Health Insurance Trust Fund reviewed renewal rates and potential plan design changes for 2027.

Coming up

• **Aug. 24** – Community Behavioral and Mental Health Committee will welcome new members and discuss its structure and charge.
• **Aug. 25** – Select Board will discuss billboard zoning at 5 Makepeace Road, an all-way stop request, and consider appointing an interim town manager. The board will also consider a $150,000 MassDOT bridge grant.
• **Aug. 26** – Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing on a request for determination of applicability for 77 and 87 Concord Road.
• **Sept. 1** – Board of Registrars will read precinct tally tapes for the State Primary Election.

Westford Select Board approves town manager search, $125K grant, and contracts

The Westford Select Board approved a $125,000 state grant for senior center improvements, authorized a search for a new town manager, and approved several contracts and purchase orders at its Aug. 11 meeting. The board also approved appointments to a mental health committee and a resolution supporting paint stewardship.

Select Board actions

The board accepted a $125,000 Green Communities Grant for improvements to the Cameron Senior Center. It approved purchase orders totaling $67,445.76, including $30,000 for perchlorate testing, $26,509.20 for public safety communications, and $10,936.56 for the FY27 Community Assessment. Contracts approved include $51,300 for an MRC Coordinator and $24,900 for engineering at the Westford Academy wastewater treatment plant.

Following Town Manager Kristen Las' resignation effective Sept. 30, 2026, the board approved a search committee and authorized a request for proposals for an executive search firm. It also appointed members to the Community Behavioral and Mental Health Committee.

Other recent meetings

Several boards met during the past two weeks, though most agendas were published without minutes yet available.

• The Affordable Housing Trust discussed combining WRAP and WERAP funding pools into a single allocation and considered appointing an advisory group for the Housing Production Plan.
• The Finance Committee discussed a reserve fund transfer for the Westford Academy Wastewater Treatment Plant to meet a state Department of Environmental Protection compliance deadline.
• The Board of Health discussed allocating PFAS settlement funds, a potential rodenticide ban, and battery energy storage system regulations.
• The Conservation Commission held a public hearing on a project at 5 Technology Park Drive and reviewed a draft license agreement for Hill Orchard.
• The Parks & Recreation Commission received updates on the Roudenbush Tennis Court and the Graniteville Ballfield Safety Improvement project.
• The Library Trustees and Permanent Town Building Committee met to consider payments totaling $1,175,068.41 for the library construction project, including $1,045,164.60 to Hutter Construction Corporation, and a proposed $48,308 change order for chimney reconstruction.
• The Agricultural Commission discussed the Hill Orchard and Day Field RFP and the 66-68 Boston Road property.
• The Board of Cemetery Commissioners reviewed operations, budget, and burial deeds.
• The Clean Energy & Sustainability Committee discussed solar and battery zoning and progress on Massachusetts Climate Leader status.
• The Housing Authority met to consider a $5,001 financial assistance contract.

Coming up

• **Planning Board** (Aug. 17): Public hearings on a zoning amendment for small clean energy infrastructure, a special permit for a common driveway at Wright Lane, a sign variance at 174 Littleton Road, and modifications to the Kinloch Drive subdivision.
• **Health Insurance Trust Fund** (Aug. 18): Review of November renewal rates and potential plan design changes.
• **Zoning Board of Appeals** (Aug. 19): Public hearings for auto repair at 31 North Street, a farmers porch at 6 Robert Road, and an addition at 2 Beech Road.
• **Town Clerk** (Aug. 20): Public test of voting machines for the Sept. 1 state primary.
• **300th Anniversary Committee** (Aug. 20): Discussion of public forum ideas and budget.

Westford Select Board approves $195K road grant, contracts; committees tackle clean energy, housing

The Westford Select Board approved a $195,000 MassDOT grant for Flushing Pond Road reconstruction and several other contracts at its July 28 meeting. The board also discussed responses to recent anti-Semitic graffiti incidents and an update on the Stony Brook Conservation Area.

Select Board

At its July 28 meeting, the Select Board approved:

• $195,000 MassDOT grant for Flushing Pond Road reconstruction.
• $31,000 surveying contract for the Conservation Commission.
• $33,600 Economic Development Consulting contract.
• Appointments to the Zoning Board of Appeals and other commissions.
• Signing an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Westford Housing Authority for Town Fuel Depot use.

The board also discussed a response to recent anti-Semitic graffiti incidents and received an update on the Stony Brook Conservation Area.

Other boards and committees

Several other town boards and committees met over the past two weeks. Most meetings were agenda-only, with no final decisions recorded.

• **Planning Board** (July 27): Agenda included a public hearing on a proposed zoning amendment to add Section 6.6 for Small Clean Energy Infrastructure Facilities (SCEIF), including Battery Energy Storage Systems, to align with the MA 2024 Clean Energy Act. The board also discussed reorganization and appointments.
• **Finance Committee** (Aug 6): Agenda included discussion of a reserve fund transfer request for the Westford Academy Wastewater Treatment Plant to meet a DEP compliance deadline.
• **Affordable Housing Trust** (Aug 5): Discussed a proposal to combine WRAP and WERAP allocations into a single funding pool, and support for the Town Manager to appoint an Advisory Group for the Housing Production Plan.
• **Route 40 Corridor Study Advisory Committee** (Aug 4): Reviewed the Route 40 Corridor Study Report and prioritized proposed recommendations.
• **Health Insurance Trust Fund** (July 30): Reviewed fund balance, claims utilization, and potential plan design changes effective March 1, 2027.
• **Cultural Council** (July 30): Reviewed survey results and discussed finalizing guidelines and priorities for the FY26-27 grant cycle.
• **Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee** (July 29): Discussed upcoming events including the International Block Party & Diversity Festival on August 25 at Abbot Elementary School lawn, and reviewed the Select Board's response to anti-Semitic graffiti.
• **Community Behavioral and Mental Health Committee** (July 27): Reviewed the Select Board's approval of a committee restructure and discussed four volunteer activity forms.
• **Housing Authority** (Aug 6): Special meeting agenda included approval of a $5,001 Contract for Financial Assistance (CFA) #13. No decision was recorded in the agenda.

Coming up

• **Agricultural Commission** – Aug 10: Hill Orchard and Day Field RFP status, 66-68 Boston Road update, and agricultural land availability.
• **Parks & Recreation Commission** – Aug 10: Updates on Roudenbush Tennis Court, Graniteville Ballfield Safety Improvement project, and a DPW Capital Planning presentation.
• **300th Anniversary Committee** – Aug 20: Discussion of public forum ideas, budget, and a conversation with Groton.

Westford Roundup: Select Board Targets Road Grant, Bridge Contract; Robinson School Design Program Heads to MSBA Vote

Westford's boards and committees covered school construction, road repairs, water policy, and zoning for clean energy in a busy two-week stretch. Most meetings were held on agenda only, with minutes not yet published — meaning several expected votes are not yet confirmed in the public record.

Robinson School Project Reaches Key Milestone

Four town bodies — the Robinson School Building Committee, Select Board, School Committee, and Finance Committee — met jointly on July 21 to review the Preliminary Design Program (PDP) for the Robinson School project. The agenda included a schedule overview, key PDP components, and evaluation of preliminary options with conceptual cost estimates. A vote was expected on whether to authorize submission of the PDP to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA). Public comment was limited to two minutes per speaker. Minutes have not yet been published, so the outcome of the vote is not confirmed.

Select Board: Grants, Contracts, and Appointments

The Select Board's July 28 agenda included several financial items: accepting a $195,000 MassDOT grant for Flushing Pond Road reconstruction, approving a $90,972.19 contract with WSP USA for a Townwide Bridge Asset Management Plan, and signing an Order of Taking for the Stony Brook Bridge Rehabilitation Project. The board also planned to appoint members to the Zoning Board of Appeals, with five candidates for three seats.

A second July 28 Select Board summary — also marked as agenda only with minutes not yet published — listed approvals of the $195,000 MassDOT grant, a $31,000 surveying contract for the Conservation Commission, a $33,600 Economic Development Consulting contract, and an intergovernmental agreement with the Westford Housing Authority for Town Fuel Depot use. Because minutes are not yet published, these outcomes should be treated as unconfirmed.

The board also discussed a response to recent anti-Semitic graffiti incidents in town and heard an update on the Stony Brook Conservation Area.

School Committee: Superintendent Contract Vote

The School Committee met online on July 22 with a vote expected on a new contract for Superintendent Dr. Chris Chew. Minutes are not yet published.

Conservation Commission: Demolition Discussion and Enforcement

On July 22, the Conservation Commission discussed a proposed demolition at 5 Technology Park Drive with The Gutierrez Company. The agenda also included Certificate of Compliance requests for properties at 7 Tenney Road and 14 Frances Hill Road, enforcement monitoring at eight properties, and Community Preservation Act-funded projects at Nashoba Brook Conservation Area and Freedom Park.

Water Commissioners Discuss Demand Study and Restrictions

The Board of Water Commissioners met July 23 to discuss a water demand study for 219 Littleton Road, enforcement of outdoor water use restrictions, and identification of a new water source.

Planning Board: Clean Energy Zoning Hearing

The Planning Board held a public hearing July 27 on a proposed zoning amendment (PB 2612 ZNG) to add Section 6.6 for Small Clean Energy Infrastructure Facilities, including Battery Energy Storage Systems, to align with the MA 2024 Clean Energy Act. The board also planned reorganization and appointments to several committees.

Health Insurance Discussions Continue

The Select Board held a health insurance listening session on July 23 for employees, retirees, and the public. On July 30, the Health Insurance Trust Fund Trustees reviewed the fund balance, claims utilization, and potential plan design changes effective March 1, 2027.

Other Meetings

• **Community Behavioral and Mental Health Committee** (July 27): Reviewed the Select Board's approval of a committee restructure and planned for September's Suicide Prevention Month.
• **DEI Committee** (July 29): Discussed upcoming community events including an International Block Party on August 25 and reviewed the Select Board's response to anti-Semitic graffiti.
• **Cultural Council** (July 30): Finalized FY26-27 grant guidelines and priorities and held officer elections.

Coming Up

• **Aug. 4 — Route 40 Corridor Study Advisory Committee**: Reviews the study report and prioritizes recommendations.
• **Aug. 5 — Affordable Housing Trust**: Discusses combining WRAP and WERAP funding pools and housing production updates for Town Farm Rd, 37 Powers Road, and 219 Littleton Road.
• **Aug. 6 — Finance Committee**: Considers a reserve fund transfer for the Westford Academy Wastewater Treatment Plant to meet a DEP compliance deadline.
• **Aug. 10 — Parks & Recreation Commission**: Updates on Roudenbush Tennis Court, Graniteville Ballfield Safety Improvement project, and DPW capital planning.