Judith L. O'Connell

The board reviewed and approved treasury warrants and discussed upcoming logistics for a Special Town Meeting, including petition requirements and estimated costs. They voted to execute a collective bargaining agreement with the New England Police Benevolent Association, Local 101, for public safety dispatchers. Requests for promotional signage for a local fundraiser and Farmers Market Winery licenses for the upcoming winter season were approved. Public comment addressed concerns regarding the demolition schedule of the Buzzell School, legal opinions on warrant articles, and the implementation of the state Heroes Act regarding veterans' benefits. The board also noted perambulation efforts and recognized the military service of Airman 1st Class Leonard Whitford.

The meeting included an executive session regarding the release of past executive session minutes and strategies for litigation related to MBTA zoning legislation. The board authorized the signing of payroll and bills payable warrants and reviewed election staff appointments, polling location changes, and the schedule for early voting. Discussions were held on various warrant articles submitted by petition, including requests for a community garden feasibility study and a monument for Stephen Scanlon. The board reviewed communications from the Historical Commission regarding a property preservation campaign, membership in the Lowell Regional Transit Authority, and the naming of a high school athletic hall of fame. Additionally, the board approved the use of the Town Common for a summer concert series, continued a public hearing on alcohol license regulations, and authorized the issuance of bonds and notes for school and infrastructure projects. The board also appointed a member to the Economic Development Committee and recognized a local veteran for his service.

The Select Board held a meeting to discuss various town matters. Key topics included an executive session regarding collective bargaining with the police supervisors association, the signing of a local regulatory and use agreement for the Princeton Properties 40B housing development, and a proposal for town financial support of the Wilmington Farmers Market. The board issued a one-day alcohol license for a holiday program, held a salute to service for a veteran, discussed upcoming budget and finance committee meetings, and approved various easements and event requests for community organizations. Additionally, the board reviewed the renewal of several annual licenses, discussed the development of a formal policies and procedures handbook, addressed public comments regarding a proposed lithium battery site in a neighboring town, and reviewed reports on municipal property maintenance and upcoming community events.

The Select Board held a meeting that included an executive session regarding real property and litigation strategies. During the open session, the Board addressed administrative items such as the signing of treasury warrants and recognized a local resident with a moment of silence. A public hearing was conducted for a package store license application, which was subsequently approved. The Board deliberated and approved various requests, including one-day alcohol licenses for community events, the proclamation of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Period, the issuance of a hawk and peddler license, and the approval of multiple town common usage requests for school and library programs. Additionally, the Board discussed property tax exemption information for seniors and veterans, received updates on local fire operations and infrastructure projects, and reviewed a legislative audit matter. The meeting concluded with a salute to a service member.

The meeting included a presentation by the Town Manager regarding the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Proposal. The Board authorized the review and signing of payroll and bills payable warrants out of session. Approval was granted for the use of the Town Beach at Silver Lake and the Beach House for a Polar Plunge event. Public comments addressed concerns regarding the community's non-compliance with the MBTA Communities Zoning Act, associated lost grant funding, and potential legal costs. Additionally, the meeting included recognitions of public service, updates on recent storm response, bond ratings, and department relocations.