Daniel Berube

The meeting commenced with an announcement that the Still River Select Board of Selectmen and the School Committee would not be participating. The primary agenda item involved an update and discussion regarding the EMT Squad Car driver/chaperone situation for high school students participating in the program. Concerns were raised that the necessary chaperones were not available, as current union contracts do not mandate this role, and the School District suggested using the School Resource Officer (SRO), which was deemed undesirable due to the SRO's primary safety function at the high school. Alternative solutions discussed included funding a new, non-benefited position, potentially filled by retired or soon-to-retire firefighters/EMTs, or paying additional fees like a shift differential. The legal framework governing the program, an existing Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Town and the School District, was referenced. Further discussion touched upon the ambulance revenue generation for the Town of Bolton (approximately $150,000 annually) and the staffing levels of full-time firefighters responding to calls. One committee member clarified that the concerns expressed by the Bolton Selectmen were focused on maintaining the integrity and training value of the 32-year-old program, not on saving money for medical coverage.

The meeting commenced with the review and acceptance, as amended, of the minutes from the February 3rd meeting. Key discussions included correspondence items and amendments to the subsidized housing inventory submitted by the Executive Office of Housing and Communities, incorporating recent permits. A significant discussion centered on clarifying the intent behind proposed amendments to the bylaw concerning development, specifically regarding whether suggestions must proceed through the Planning Board before Town Meeting. The board also addressed an appeal to a decision from Land Court, which was noted as requiring discussion in executive session but was not on the agenda for this meeting. Additionally, the board reviewed a draft policy intended to provide informal guidance on conforming vs. non-conforming lot distinctions and setback measurements, noting that the formal rules supersede this policy. A separate agenda item concerning the Harvard Road walkway plan submission was discussed, where the board determined that since the presented plan differed from the original permit requirements (specifically regarding material and grading), no vote to approve the submitted plan was warranted, concluding the matter without a formal vote.

The special meeting focused on New Business related to the MSBA (Massachusetts School Building Authority) enrollment numbers and the introduction of legal counsel Peter Mello from Murphy Toomey and Legend, who specializes in assisting with the MSBA project. The committee discussed the process of finalizing the enrollment certification number, noting that the number provided by MSBA was considered too low initially, prompting an extra meeting and submission of additional data. The main action item was a motion to accept the MSBA design enrollment certification and authorize the Committee Chairperson and Superintendent to execute the document, which was unanimously approved. Following this, under Unfinished Business, the committee addressed recommendations from the Personnel Subcommittee regarding the composition of the Superintendent Search Screening Committee, which included specific representation quotas for teachers, administrators, principals, parents, a Town Administrator, and School Committee members.

The meeting commenced with public comment guidelines, limiting speakers to two minutes, followed by board member updates. Key discussions included the status of the comprehensive plan and the Green Advisory Committee's work on single-use plastic reduction. A board member provided feedback on the MBTA Communities Forum concerning district zoning adjustments related to dense housing allowances. The board received a report from the Town Administrator regarding RSVPs for the Battle of Lexington anniversary, thanks to DPW staff for managing recent weather events, and updates on new open positions for a driver laborer and a department assistant. The board approved a certificate recognizing Stow's oldest resident, An Torta, who is 101, for receiving the Boston Post Cane. Appointments were confirmed for Maria McFarland to the Agricultural Commission and Brooke Keski to the Recreation Commission. Additionally, Marcy Ekle was appointed as a trustee for the Hail High School Trust Fund and to the Cultural Council. A special event permit was approved for the annual Stow Town Cleanup, including a waiver of the insurance certificate requirement. Significant time was dedicated to reviewing updates and reapprovals of Police Policies and Procedures, a monumental undertaking related to meeting certification and accreditation standards. Finally, the Planning Board initiatives and updates were presented.

This session was the third, long-delayed session of the annual town meeting, addressing seven remaining articles, only one of which was substantive. Key discussions involved funding for roadway improvements to a portion of Route 117 in the lower village, totaling $1,886,000, sourced from borrowing, free cash, and the stabilization fund. Technical presentations covered necessary roadway grading corrections to meet MassDOT standards, addressing issues like ponding, icing, and ensuring proper pavement drainage and snow removal. Drainage system capacity was reviewed, necessitating an expanded infiltration system and pipe upgrades to meet the 10-year storm standard, addressing safety concerns like hydroplaning. Further analysis focused on restoring abutting properties to correct steep slopes, driveway access, and parking stall dimensions affected by the previous design. Finally, a peer review of the traffic analysis confirmed the overall traffic flow design, with proposed curb line modifications at White Pond Road and intersection reviews at Red Acre to improve turning movements.