Lauren Cochran

This document provides an update to the Chelmsford DPW Paving and Sidewalk Master Plan. It outlines the current status of the town's pavement management system, details completed paving and sidewalk projects from 2025, and presents proposed plans for 2026. The update also includes progress on various roadway reconstruction projects, with some anticipated to extend through 2028, focusing on improving infrastructure condition, addressing maintenance backlogs, and enhancing accessibility for all users.

The key discussions during the special meeting involved the signing of the warrant for the upcoming April 7th Town Election and the April 27th Spring Annual Town Meeting. The Board also approved a One Day Beer and Wine License application submitted by St. John's Evangelist Church for an event scheduled on March 14, 2026.

The meeting addressed New Business concerning temporary signage for the Chelmsford Sub Shoppe, specifically a request to display a 2'x5' sign on a pole stand outside the premises for a two-week period in January and February 2026, which was unanimously approved under certain conditions, including submission of a revised application and fee. Discussions regarding the open sign at the Thai Restaurant and the Design Guidelines Review/Update/Discussion were continued to the subsequent meeting. Correspondence reviewed contained no new items. The vote to approve the December 1, 2025 minutes was tabled due to a lack of quorum.

The regular meeting included several public hearings and discussions. The Board approved a National Grid and Verizon pole installation petition on North Road. Two alcoholic beverage licenses were reviewed: one for House of Charoen, LLC DBA Udomsuk Thai Kitchen and Bar, which was approved contingent on ABCC review of the manager's citizenship status, and one for Kanissa Inc. DBA Chelmsford Wine and Spirits concerning an alteration of premises and pledge of license, approved contingent on departmental sign-offs. The Board unanimously approved renaming the food pantry in honor of Sandy Donovan, who founded the organization. Discussions were held regarding earmark requests for the State Delegation, including funding for Senior Center Food and Nutrition Programs, Freeman Lake Management, and Tree Canopy Restoration. A bid award for the Town Offices and Senior Center Elevator Modernization Project to Enterprise Equipment Company for $897,210 was approved. Town Manager reports included updates on the Attorney General's approval of Fall Annual Town Meeting Warrant Articles, the draft warrant for the 2026 Spring Town Meeting, and a review of the Fiscal Year 2027 Operating and Capital Budgets, noting pressure from inflation and healthcare cost increases. The Board also reviewed the Mass DEP superseding order for Freeman Lake aquatic management, bid results for the Southwell Boat Ramp Replacement Project, health insurance claims data, and the double pole report. Notification was received regarding the Police Chief's intent to retire effective June 1, 2026. The Board approved several Town Manager appointments to various committees, including the Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee and the Council on Aging Board. Finally, the minutes for the January 12, 2026, Select Board Regular Meeting were approved.

Key discussions included the status of the Concert on the Common, where a replacement stage banner needs to be ordered. Regarding bands, Flagship Drumline was confirmed for a fee of $4,800.00, while updates were pending from Rick Larrimore. The committee is awaiting confirmation regarding the availability of the Oscar Meyer Weinermobile and is planning to contact the Collinge Foundation for vehicle access for the parade. Participation forms are being prepared for a Cancer Research Group that wishes to participate with a float. Float applications need to be promoted, possibly utilizing town digital boards, alongside securing sponsorships. A Summer Banner design has been selected, and sales will commence, including special banners for the Parade Marshal and a retiring Chief. The committee is investigating the purchase of existing banner poles and hardware from Littleton Electric and considered incorporating the 250th anniversary into the current logo. Plans for the Post Parade Luncheon are being revisited with the venue, including a potential sponsorship inquiry. A large order of red, white, and blue balloons featuring the logo and 250th Anniversary was discussed for distribution along the parade route.