Chris D'Aveta

The Select Board addressed several agenda items, beginning with the unanimous approval of encroachment license agreements for multiple properties on Ayer Road related to a TIP project. The Board also voted unanimously to support the Municipal Affordable Housing Trust's application to designate Harvard as a Rural and Small-Town Housing Choice Community. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the preliminary FY27 budget, which currently shows a deficit of $396,754 after initial cost-cutting measures. Discussions focused on managing volatile health insurance costs, which saw an increase of 6.65% for FY27. Proposed budget cuts were brainstormed, including reductions in funding for the Finance Receptionist, Planner hours, public buildings expenses, Police cruiser funding, Tree Warden services, and Board of Health administrative hours. The Board debated the merits of maintaining or adjusting funding for the Receptionist vacancy, the Economic Development Role, and the Ambulance Enterprise Fund subsidy. Tax override scenarios, estimated to impact the average taxpayer by approximately $192 to $312 annually, were reviewed, emphasizing the need for clear communication regarding service consequences if the override fails. Future action items include meetings regarding tree budget consolidation and staffing models.

The meeting included the acceptance of the Executive Summary for the 2025 Deer Management Program and the continuation of two Notice of Intent Hearings: one for the Harvard Fire Department regarding Stow Road, which was continued to March 19, 2026, and another for the Town of Harvard Parks & Recreation regarding Harvard Park, which concluded with the issuance of an Order of Conditions. The Commission reviewed the Draft Conservation Restriction for Farwell Quarry, discussing excavation prohibitions and future trail/gazebo construction plans, requiring final review by Town Counsel. Annual appointments for commission members whose terms expire on June 30, 2026, were discussed. The Conservation Agent reported seven infractions at 21 Bolton Road related to missing erosion control barriers, resulting in the recommendation of a $2,100 fine. Discussions also covered updating regulations regarding dogs on conservation land, following the lead of the Bolton Conservation Commission, and addressing a resolved error concerning the Planning Boards Protective Bylaw Amendment map.

Key discussions included a public communication regarding Harvard's green bag system and transfer station operations, noting a 47% reduction in solid waste since 2019. The Community Preservation Committee (CPC) reviewed its budget and recommended funding for tennis court renovations, an ADA-compliant water fountain, conservation efforts, and archive digitization. An update on the solar project proposed two options: a ground-mounted system with battery storage or a microgrid program with NextGen Energy. The board unanimously approved the amended Volunteer Handbook. Additionally, the board confirmed the order of taking for the Arnold land on Old Mill Road and approved the Letter of Intent for the solar farm at the gravel pit. The board also scheduled their second February meeting to focus on the FY27 budget, the Town Planner/Economic Development Director position, and Transfer Station operations. Reports from various committees and departments covered topics such as updating land priority lists, wellness fairs, Devens discussions, rising electric costs for the Bare Hill Pond Committee, and the Hildreth Elementary School recognition.

The meeting covered various topics including updates on the budget process at the town level and library activities such as circulation figures and HVAC issues. Discussions centered on programming requests, including live music at the pavilion, and proposals for six scheduled library programs with associated costs. Key items for discussion involved the Teen Advisor update, reviewing and voting to accept revised concept drawings for small construction projects (including specific changes for the Teen Room, Harris Room, Staff Room, Kitchen, Maker Space, and Quiet Rooms), and a Publicity Committee report regarding the newsletter's PDF format and website upgrade proposals (Drupal 11 vs. Word Press). Action items included working with students on making advertising signs and an email vote regarding the website upgrade by February 4th.

The meeting addressed several key items, including public hearings concerning proposed changes to Planning Board Regulations regarding the Fee Schedule, Definitive Subdivisions 185, 187, and 203 Ayer Road, and a Special Permit with Site Plan Review for 320 Ayer Road. The Board approved invoices, including payment for peer review services related to the 320 Ayer Road project. Discussions on Old Business covered updates from the MRPC, Transportation Advisory, and CPC, with significant allocation approvals noted for the Harvard Public Library restoration and conservation restrictions. Master Plan updates were reviewed, with assignments made for chapters such as Harvard Economy, Cultural Resources, and Devens Chapter. New Business included a discussion regarding the Annual Report deadline extension. The hearing for 320 Ayer Road involved extensive deliberation on conditions related to HVAC screening, driveway design, ADA compliance, and pedestrian walkways, ultimately leading to a motion to continue that specific hearing.