Erica Hout

Key discussions scheduled for this meeting include a hearing to consider the transfer of an all-alcoholic beverages license from Boylston Beverages Inc. to Shree Krishna Krupa Inc. (doing business as Vinny C's). The Board plans to discuss the Town Accountant position and the Flagg House Roofing Project, with a vote to authorize the Town Administrator to issue an RFP for the latter. Other items include a discussion with the Hillside Restoration Project Committee, a review of Board of Selectmen Goals, an update on safety improvements at the intersection of Linden Street and Mile Hill Road, discussion on General Town Bylaw updates, the Treasurer/Collector's proposed merit plan, and discussion/possible votes regarding the structure of the Police Department Renovation Committee. Action items include voting to appoint members to the Affordable Housing Committee and the Police Department Renovation Committee, opening the 2026 Annual Town Meeting Warrant, voting on the 2025 Annual Town Report dedication, voting on two separate one-day liquor licenses (one for the Knights of Columbus and one for Elise Kamnang), and formally adopting the Hazard Mitigation Plan. The agenda also lists votes to approve the Volunteer to Serve Form and the Committee Appointment Policy. An executive session is scheduled to discuss contract negotiation strategy with nonunion personnel (Highway Superintendents Contract).

The meeting included reports from the Police Chief detailing 101 emergency responses in January, the Fire Chief reporting on sprinkler system breaks and efforts to secure funding for the Fire Station Building Committee, and the Highway Superintendent noting salt shortages and budget overruns due to extensive winter operations. Key scheduled items involved an update on safety improvements at the Linden Street and Mile Hill Road intersection, a detailed presentation on the Boylston Elementary School roof project, the decision to use a postcard survey to gauge interest in waste and recycling service changes, and an agreement to focus on cleanup efforts for the general bylaws update. Action items included the 2-1 appointment of Michael May to the Affordable Housing Committee, the unanimous appointment of Jessica Winders to the Parks and Recreation Commission, approval to overspend the snow and ice budget, unanimous approval of the sick bank policy for non-union employees, and approval of updates to the Buy Recycled Policy.

The committee reviewed the Project Program Document, which was presented as a work in progress and organized into sections covering staffing needs, parking requirements (both internal and external), a space needs summary, and detailed space descriptions. The committee engaged in detailed discussions of the draft program to identify potential changes or scope reductions aimed at mitigating projected costs. Context Architecture is scheduled to meet with the Fire Chief to further refine the Project Program. The committee also unanimously approved an invoice from Colliers Project Leaders (OPM) for $21,524.30.

The Town Administrator reported on receiving the $50,000 Earmark from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, the hiring of a new Town Planner and administrative assistant, and the start of budget season. The Treasurer/Collector discussed the potential reclassification of three administrative positions and the Prudent Investor Rule for investment diversification, alongside updates on payroll reporting and upcoming invoices. The Town Planner provided updates on Planning Board items, including a special permit request and subdivision bond. Key scheduled items included actions to improve safety at the Linden Street and Mile Hill Road intersection, where the Board voted to engage CMRPC and MassDOT for an All-Way Stop Control study and to investigate lowering the speed limit. The Board also reviewed and approved a project presentation for Manor Park improvements from the Parks & Recreation Commission, approved the Grant Management Policy and the Board of Selectmen's Annual Report, and voted to appoint two police officers pending examination completion. Lastly, the Board approved edits to the Volunteer to Serve Form and discussed progress on the General By-Law rewrite project.

The committee reviewed the Fee Proposal Worksheet submitted by Context Architecture, including a detailed discussion on potentially unnecessary services such as community outreach fees (since the project is already funded) and pre-qualification fees (if the project cost remains under $10 million). The committee also discussed the possible need for traffic light pre-emption for emergency vehicles. A motion was made and passed to recommend contracting Context Architecture for Design Services for the Fire Station Project at a cost of $1,375,150.00, with further review of additional services to follow. Additionally, the committee approved contracting Bradshaw's Trucking for excavating equipment to assist in Geological Survey test excavations, although these excavations were requested to be delayed for a few months. The committee reviewed and approved the draft report to be included in the 2025 Boylston Town Report.