Tom Desimone

The meeting included a discussion and input session regarding the Master Plan with a consultant. Key public hearings involved a continued Notice of Intent (NOI) for 35 Shay Road, where conditions were set for issuing an Order of Conditions contingent upon submitting a revised plan showing the Wellhead Protection Zone and a stormwater checklist, as well as requirements for long-term maintenance and monitoring of restoration plantings and a rain garden. Another NOI hearing for 1 Annie Terrace Drive was continued to a later date. For the 0 Washington Street RDA, the commission voted to issue a Positive 2a determination regarding a wetland delineation that occurred in wintery conditions. Administrative business included interviewing potential new members, approving a contract for trail design improvements at Danforth Falls Conservation Land, selecting representatives for the Fort Meadow Working Group, and requesting the Select Board to appoint new members to the Commission.

The meeting involved several public hearings regarding development proposals. For 325 Central Street, there was extensive discussion regarding a DEP appeal concerning the lining of a drainage trench near a Bordering Vegetated Wetland (BVW), ultimately resulting in approval with conditions related to stone placement and maintenance. For 47 Cherry Street, the hearing was closed, and an Order of Conditions was issued following revisions addressing compensatory flood storage, with special conditions for signage and rain garden maintenance in perpetuity. Hearings for 35 Shay Road and 1 Annie Terrace Drive were continued to a later date. For 0 Washington Street, concerns were raised about identifying a land feature as an intermittent stream and ensuring the stream's buffer zone was properly displayed, leading to the continuation of the hearing. Administrative matters included a proposal to establish an informal Trails Committee to coordinate trail management and signage across the Town, a discussion about landscaping plans for Centennial Beach requiring boulders to be moved through upland areas, and a request for sample plans regarding the Danforth Trail design to address flooding. An existing Certificate of Compliance (COC) for 7 Old North Road was re-issued.

The Select Board meeting agenda includes several key actions. The board will consider issuing a new Common Victualler license for Julienne's Afternoon Tea Experience. Personnel actions involve approving appointments to the Conservation Commission for Lauren Marshall and Sam Belanger, and confirming the appointments of Kathy Frechette and Kayla Currin as full-time Lobby Receptionists for the Police Department, effective February 16, 2026. Contract considerations include awarding an $18,000 contract for an engineering survey of the Taylor Memorial Bridge and approving snow plowing and hauling bids for the 2025-2026 winter season. General business covers approving a draft Audit Committee General Bylaw for the Annual Town Meeting Warrant, reclassifying the Treasurer & Collector position, and authorizing the Fire Department to apply for two grants (Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant Program up to $19,000 and MIIA Public Safety Wellness Grant up to $15,000). The board will also receive an update on the Finance Operations Action Plan and review the Town Manager's FY27 Capital Project Recommendation, alongside departmental budget requests.

The meeting continued the public hearing for 75 Reed Road, focusing specifically on traffic and circulation. The developer's team presented a new Transportation Impact Assessment (TIA) conducted by VHB, noting that methodologies were consistent with standards and the proposed land use would generate significantly less traffic than the former Intel manufacturing plant. Mitigation proposals included driveway improvements at Reed Road and Marlboro Street to meet ADA standards, and concepts to realign Westridge Road due to safety concerns. The Town's peer reviewer, Bowman, provided feedback, noting several areas for clarification in the TIA data and analysis, such as accounting for background projects. Public testimony raised significant concerns regarding anticipated truck traffic volume, queueing, engine breaking, and sightline limitations at several intersections, particularly near Westridge Road and the Marlboro Street/Reed Road intersection. The Board moved to continue the public hearing to February 25 at 7 p.m.

The meeting agenda included the approval of the agenda itself, the review and approval of the Treasurer's Report, and various reports from the Director, Outreach Programs, and Bus Drivers. Old Business involved an update on the roof and deck project, while New Business considered a possible Eagle Scout Project. Correspondence was also scheduled for acknowledgment and review.