Billerica, Town of

This Stormwater Management Plan outlines activities and measures for the Town of Billerica to minimize stormwater impacts and meet the terms and conditions of EPA's Small MS4 General Permit. Key focus areas include Public Education and Outreach, Public Involvement and Participation, Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination, Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control, Post-Construction Stormwater Management, and Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping. The plan prioritizes protecting the quality of the town's water resources.

The meeting focused primarily on several Wetlands Hearings under the MA Wetlands Protection Act and Billerica Wetlands Protection Bylaw, including new hearings for 27 Baldwin Road and 33 Ox Road, and continued hearings for 70 & 76 Treble Cove Road, 129 Concord Road, 505 Boston Road, 2 Crest Road, and 315, 317, & 319 Treble Cove Road. Key issues discussed for the new hearings included requirements for plan revisions, impervious calculations, wetland delineation clarity, and necessary variances. Administrative matters included a discussion regarding a Request for Certificate of Compliance for 6 Abanaki Drive, requiring a notarized letter from an abutter concerning a swing set and fence encroachment, and approval for minor repairs to the gravel parking lot at Vietnams Veterans Park by the DPW.

The meeting featured an Open Microphone session where residents raised concerns regarding the Swanson Meadows development, ethics of individual meetings, sidewalk clearing priorities following recent storms, and community pantry statistics. Key actions included the adoption of the Consent Agenda, which covered routine items and the approval of 2025 meeting minutes. The Board adopted a resolution designating the Town of Billerica as a POW/MIA Community. New business involved the approval of an entertainment license for the Fiesta Shows carnival proposed by the Billerica Lions Club and the authorization for the Town Manager to sign the Title IV-E Transportation Reimbursement Memorandum of Understanding. The Board conducted second readings and subsequent votes on amending Select Board Policy 20.1 concerning inquiries to Town Counsel and adopted an interim moratorium policy (Policy 48) regarding Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to allow time for developing permanent regulations. Discussions also took place regarding the future recognition of local championships via a Champion Sign project, follow-up items from the Town Manager's report concerning traffic signals and Town Center project expenditures, the process for 2026 Community Funds Grant allocations, and proactive planning tools related to 'friendly' Chapter 40B developments and housing density. Finally, the Board approved the Cannabis Social Equity Policy to ensure compliance with Cannabis Control Commission mandates.

The meeting addressed public comments, primarily concerning the Request for Certificate of Compliance (RCOC) for 423 Middlesex Turnpike, which was noted as being under review with no formal action taken that evening due to ongoing litigation concerns. The agenda included multiple continued public hearings under the Wetlands Protection Act and Billerica Wetlands Protection Bylaw, specifically for projects at 505 High Street, 48 Buckingham Drive, 56 Dudley Road (Lots 2 and 3), and 223 Boston Road. New wetland hearings covered a Notice of Intent for 500 High Street, which was continued pending further plan revisions, including clarification on work within the 25-foot No Alteration Zone and the addition of a planting scheme. Several administrative matters involved Requests for Minor Modifications, including approval for work on the 2024 Roadway Management Program (Allen Road) and modifications for 36 Sachem Street (a patio and exterior elements). Requests for Certificates of Compliance were reviewed for several properties, with decisions ranging from approval (4 Sunset Road, 80 Keystone Lane) to neither approving nor denying to allow time for outstanding items like site stabilization (21 Woodside Road) or addressing required repairs (133 Pollard Street). An enforcement action regarding 143 Pollard Street resulted in granting a final one-year extension for tree planting compliance. The Commission also discussed the 2024 Open Space Recreation Plan update, supporting it while recommending clarification on a proposed boat launch facility goal.

The meeting commenced with two Executive Sessions to discuss strategy related to collective bargaining or litigation and strategy sessions for negotiations with nonunion personnel. During the Open Microphone session, residents raised concerns regarding Select Board member behavior and traffic calming measures. Key agenda items included reaffirming the appointment of the Acting Town Manager and issuing a proclamation for India Day 2024. Public hearings were held for licensing matters: one for Dee Kuen Dee Won Corporation (Satang Infinity) for restaurant and entertainment licenses, which was approved, and another for Standex International C/O Spincraft regarding a Hazardous Material Storage License for propane tanks, which was approved subject to conditions. A public hearing concerning National Grid and Verizon installing a new utility pole required discussion regarding the removal of existing double poles, with an approval conditioned on efforts to remove several poles. The Verizon Cable Television License renewal hearing was continued. The Board appointed Election Workers for FY25 and discussed the Swanson Meadows proposal for a 55+ development on the existing golf course, debating the implications of housing density and sewer infrastructure. The Board also discussed transferring a Housing Choice Grant, ultimately voting to transfer it to 250 Boston Road. Old Business included updates on Police Department promotions, the DPW building project coming in significantly under budget, progress on the Recreation Building and Old Ditson Park, and a detailed update on the Bike Path project delays due to archaeological findings. The Board approved the Order of Taking for Street Acceptance Roads authorized at the Spring Town Meeting, and approved several routine business licenses and permits.