Thomas Laflamme

The meeting focused on several key updates, beginning with congratulations on the 217th birthday of the Town of Tyngsborough. The town manager provided an extensive update on the response to a major snowstorm, noting that over 40 pieces of equipment were deployed and roads were being cleared despite significant wind drift, with crews expected to work through the evening to ensure roads are clear for the next morning commute. It was noted that the town fared relatively well with minimal serious incidents, though a short power outage occurred. The DPW facilities division was working to clear municipal buildings. Updates were provided on zoning board and planning board applications concerning a proposed 3,500 square foot addition and a 1,600 square foot patio for the building next to the old town hall, which intends to become a small tavern, noting that the board previously granted liquor licenses for that site. The DPW is applying for a Cooling Corridor grant to install new tree canopy at Ironwood Park, which does not require a municipal match. The Sewer Commission announced a public hearing for a proposed rate increase for sewer services. On capital projects, the DPW received the cabin chassis for a new dump truck and decided to outfit it using the dump body from a truck that was retired, significantly speeding up deployment. Staffing updates included closing applications for the Veteran Service Office administrative assistant position, with six candidates selected for interviews for the shared position with Dracut. Upcoming events mentioned included Canasta lessons and a Memory Cafe event focusing on decorating memory boxes, as well as a special election scheduled for March 3rd. Finally, it was reported that a liquor license and common victualer license were surrendered by Bahama Breeze Holdings LLC, making that license available for reassignment by the Select Board.

The meeting included discussion and approval of previous minutes from October 22, 2025. Key funding requests reviewed were for the Historical Commission's document scanning project, with a motion approved to allocate $5,000 from administrative expenses, aiming for public digital access within approximately two years. The committee also discussed funding for weed treatment at Lake McCuppetic, requesting $10,000 for town meeting consideration, noting that last year $44,000 was spent. A separate funding request of $3,500 for weed treatment at Lake Massipog was also approved for town meeting consideration. Discussions also covered the ongoing weed control costs and the multi-town jurisdiction regarding lake maintenance funding and enforcement authority for fines.

The meeting commenced with procedural announcements regarding remote conduct and speaking order due to storm conditions. Key discussions included an update on storm recovery efforts, noting that most roads were cleared, though snow drift remains a challenge, and expressing gratitude to public works crews. A resident, John Murphy, formally announced his candidacy for the select board, detailing his background and philosophy on financial responsibility. The Town Manager reported on the 217th anniversary of the town. Other significant updates covered pending requests for comment on a proposed addition and tavern conversion for the old town hall property, the DPW's application for a cooling corridor grant to install new tree canopy at Ironwood Park, and an upcoming sewer commission public hearing regarding a rate increase. Capital updates included the DPW taking possession of a new dump truck chassis and plans for the Veteran Service Office administrative assistant interviews.

The meeting addressed multiple agenda items involving permit applications and continued items related to wetland protection and stormwater management. Key discussions included the continuation of an application for raising an existing structure and building a new dwelling at 137 Proctor Boulevard, and the continuation of an application for replacing a dock at 212 Master Park Road. A major stormwater management permit application for developing five new house lots at 52 Patriot Road was continued, as was an application for a seven-lot subdivision at 25 Engles Road, which involved canal construction. For the Rivermill Storage LLC application at 406 Middle Sex Road regarding a battery energy storage system, the commission approved the major stormwater management permit with conditions, including the submission of a final SWPP report prior to land disturbance and conducting additional test pits witnessed by the town engineer to document bedrock depth. The final agenda item involved an application at 16 Gloria Avenue for construction additions, septic system upgrades, and grading, which included significant discussion regarding the property's failing foundation requiring hydraulic and helical piles for support. The application involved flood zone compensation grading and the proposal of a rain garden to manage driveway runoff.

This public information session, hosted by the Tyngsborough Fire Station Building Committee, details the ongoing project to construct a new fire station. It highlights the deficiencies of the existing Station One, the comprehensive site selection process for 250 Middle Sex Road, and the progress of the schematic design phase. The session also addresses project funding via a debt exclusion, the planned demolition of the Winslow School with integration of its historic architectural elements into the new design, and the overall objective of delivering a modern, safe, and efficient facility for the community.