Thomas Begin

This Hazard Mitigation Plan outlines proactive efforts to reduce dangers to life and property from natural hazard events, including flooding, high winds, winter storms, brush fire, geologic hazards, extreme temperatures, and drought. Key priorities include preventing losses, mitigating flood hazards, integrating planning across municipal departments, protecting public infrastructure, engaging community stakeholders, fostering regional cooperation, ensuring hazard-resistant future development, and educating the public. The plan also explicitly incorporates climate sustainability and resiliency into hazard mitigation planning.

Key discussions included actions taken during the Board of Selectman's review of the Design Review Board (DRB) charter. The board planned to hold a public Visual Preference Survey covering municipal, multi-family, and commercial properties, with plans to display study boards at the public library, Oktoberfest, a Special Meeting, and the Senior Center. The board also discussed seeking a new member and extending an invitation to the developers of the Spruce-Arlington Development to discuss their project at an upcoming meeting.

The public hearing concerned the petition by 99 Parker Street LLC for approval of a Comprehensive Permit for five single-family dwelling units, two of which would be affordable. Discussion centered on outstanding issues raised by the Fire Chief and Town Engineer, including vehicle turning radius, groundwater certification, guardrail design sufficiency, as-built plans, and maintenance agreements for the private way. The Planning Department's memo comments regarding porch enclosure, front yard setback waiver, financial contribution, and groundwater recharge documentation were also addressed. Despite requests to close the hearing, some members favored conditions related to documentation approval from the Fire Department and review of condominium documents by Town Counsel. Ultimately, the Board voted to close the hearing and unanimously approved the 40B Comprehensive Permit application, subject to the submission of plans approved by the Engineering, Planning, and Fire Departments, and incorporating specific departmental memo requirements.

The Select Board meeting agenda included resident concerns, updates from the Chair, Town Manager, and Members. A public hearing was scheduled for a request by NSTAR Electric Company d/b/a Eversource Energy to install guy wire infrastructure. New business involved discussing committee support and volunteer recruitment, and reviewing a proposed conservation restriction for Spring Hill Farm. Consent items covered the approval of several one-day alcoholic beverage licenses for various organizations and individuals, the appointment of a Constable, and appointments to the Public Works Facility Building Committee. Additionally, the Board addressed the approval of a request for the use of Town roads and Gardner Field by the Kulanu Group, and the allocation of $5,000 from the Energy Efficiency Fund to review economics for solar energy projects. An executive session was planned to discuss the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property at 549 Main Street.

This document presents the Town Manager's Recommended Fiscal Year 2027 Municipal Operating Budget and Capital Plan for the Town of Acton, Massachusetts. It details the proposed FY27 municipal spending and outlines a ten-year Capital Improvement Plan for FY2027-FY2036. Key strategic priorities include investments in critical infrastructure, addressing climate change, enhancing public safety, fostering economic development, promoting sustainability, and improving technology infrastructure and public facilities.