April 6–12, 2026

The Southborough School Committee conducted a public hearing and voted to withdraw from the state's interdistrict school choice program for the upcoming academic year due to funding shortfalls and capacity limits. Members approved a 3% tuition increase for preschool and updated financial assistance guidelines for preschool and extended day programs. The committee also reviewed preparations for Annual Town Meeting warrant articles, including school capital requests and the Trottier Middle School roof replacement, and received updates on the Neary school building project and roof repairs.

• School choice public hearing

  Schools. Watch at 1:42 Interdistrict school choice participation

  The committee opened a required annual public hearing on whether to participate in the Massachusetts interdistrict school choice program. The superintendent recommended opting out, noting the state reimbursement of $5,000 per student is substantially below the district's per-pupil operating costs and that current class sizes remain near policy limits.

  • State tuition reimbursement is set at $5,000 per student.
  • District per-pupil expenditure was cited as $23,911.
  • School committee class size guidelines leave little excess capacity.

  Outcome: Hearing closed; formal vote held later in the meeting.

• Food service operations update

  Schools. Watch at 17:21 School food service contract renewal · 3 meetings

  The assistant superintendent provided an update on the district's first year contracting food service management with Whitsons. The district completed a state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education administrative review with minimal corrective action required, navigated a midyear management change, and is gathering staff and parent feedback ahead of a contract renewal recommendation in May.

  • Contract with Whitsons must be renewed annually up to a five-year maximum.
  • DESE administrative audit was completed with minimal corrective action required.
  • Linda St. Hilaire took over as food service director after Thanksgiving.
  • Surveys of staff, students, and parents are informing program evaluation.
  • Recommendation on contract extension will come before the committee in May.

  Outcome: Discussion held; recommendation expected in May.

• Elementary School Building Committee appointments

  Schools. Watch at 26:48 Neary School building project · 26 meetings

  The superintendent reported that all five members of the newly established Elementary School Building Committee have been appointed following a joint interview session with the Select Board. The school committee appointed Heather MacLeod and Craig Williams to represent the committee on the building group.

  • Select Board appointed three members; School Committee appointed two members.
  • Heather MacLeod and Craig Williams appointed by the School Committee.
  • The building committee's first meeting was scheduled for the same evening at 8:00 p.m.

  Outcome: Appointments finalized.

• Architectural designer bids for Neary building project

  Schools. Watch at 28:03 Neary School building project · 26 meetings

  Five architectural designer proposals were received in response to the request for services for the Neary building project. The submissions were forwarded to the Elementary School Building Committee for scoring and evaluation.

  • Five architectural firms submitted proposals: Arrowstreet, RGB Architects, Socotec AE Consulting, The Galante Architectural Studio, and Tappe Architects.
  • Proposals will be scored against established criteria by the Elementary School Building Committee.

  Outcome: Proposals referred to the building committee for evaluation.

• Preschool tuition rate increase

  Schools. Watch at 29:02 Public preschool tuition and financial assistance

  The committee approved a recommended 3% tuition increase for the district preschool program for the upcoming academic year. The administration stated that the modest increase is necessary to offset rising costs for labor, health insurance, and operations, noting that rates had not been adjusted since FY22.

  • Approved a 3% tuition increase for the upcoming school year.
  • Preschool rates were previously adjusted by 3% in FY22.
  • Revenues support rising staff and operational expenses in the revolving fund.

  Outcome: Approved unanimously.

  Why it matters: Increases tuition costs by 3% for Southborough families with children enrolled in the public preschool program.

• Preschool and extended day financial assistance guidelines

  Schools. Watch at 30:46 Public preschool tuition and financial assistance

  The committee reviewed and approved revised financial assistance guidelines for preschool and extended day programs. Assistance is capped at 10% of annual program tuition revenue, awarded first come, first served, offering up to a 90% tuition reduction for families at or below 130% of the federal poverty level and up to 60% for families at or below 185%.

  • Assistance total is capped at 10% of annual program tuition revenue.
  • Families at or below 130% of federal poverty level qualify for up to 90% tuition reduction.
  • Families at or below 185% of federal poverty level qualify for up to 60% tuition reduction.
  • Historically, up to four families per year have required financial assistance in the district.

  Outcome: Approved unanimously.

• Annual Town Meeting warrant preparations

  Town Meeting & elections. Watch at 35:54 FY27 school operating budget · 6 meetings

  The committee reviewed school-related articles on the upcoming Annual Town Meeting warrant, including the school operating budget (Article 6), capital requests for security, interactive whiteboards, and Finn flooring, and the Trottier Middle School roof project (Article 15). The Trottier roof requires a two-thirds majority at Town Meeting and approval on the town election ballot, with the MSBA covering 41% of eligible costs.

  • Town Meeting is scheduled for Saturday with the school committee meeting at 9:15 a.m.
  • School capital article includes security upgrades, smartboards, and Finn School flooring.
  • Trottier roof project under Article 15 requires a two-thirds vote at Town Meeting and ballot approval.
  • MSBA reimbursement rate for the Trottier roof project is 41%.
  • Town must act within a 60-day window to preserve MSBA grant funding if any vote fails.

  Outcome: Discussion completed in preparation for Town Meeting presentations.

  Why it matters: Involves school operating budgets and major capital spending, including roof replacement borrowing that requires resident approval at Town Meeting and on the local ballot.

• Neary School roof repair status

  Schools. Watch at 41:40 Neary School roof replacement · 5 meetings

  The administration reported that design documents for repairs to the existing Neary School roof are approximately 90% complete, with bids expected to be solicited in late April and due by May 21. If approved on the town ballot on May 12, work is targeted for completion during the summer before teachers return in late August.

  • Bid documents are 90% complete with solicitation targeted for April 29.
  • Bids are expected to be due no later than May 21, contingent on ballot approval May 12.
  • Problem roof areas are currently ballasted with weighted buckets to prevent leaks.
  • Target completion date is before teachers return August 27 and students return September 2.

  Outcome: Information presented.

• School choice participation vote

  Schools. Watch at 46:55 Interdistrict school choice participation

  Following the earlier public hearing, the committee took a formal vote to opt out of the state interdistrict school choice program for the upcoming school year.

  • Committee voted to withdraw from interdistrict school choice for the upcoming academic year.
  • Decision maintains Southborough enrollment exclusively for town residents.

  Outcome: Voted unanimously to opt out.

• Kindergarten and district enrollment report

  Schools. Watch at 47:18

  The superintendent reported that kindergarten enrollment reached 117 students following outreach to census households. Class sizes across schools remain within established school committee policy guidelines.

  • Kindergarten enrollment reached 117 students.
  • Staff conducted phone outreach to all census households not yet registered.
  • Class size totals remain within policy guidelines.

  Outcome: Report accepted.

• Monthly budget report and line item transfers

  Schools. Watch at 49:15 FY27 school operating budget · 6 meetings

  The committee reviewed the General Fund budget report through the third quarter and approved required line item transfers. Deficits were reported in heating projections and special education teaching costs, which were offset by surplus funds in teacher salary lines.

  • Total expenditures reached $15,815,452.74 with $9,225,557.76 encumbered through Q3.
  • Projected year-end heating budget deficit of $38,751.57.
  • Special education instruction deficit increased by $41,607.37 due to education support professional needs for a new student.
  • Transfers included $1,140.42 for SPED teaching and $1,266.75 for translation services from teacher salary lines.

  Outcome: Approved unanimously.

  Why it matters: Authorizes budget transfers to keep operational accounts balanced and accommodate unanticipated special education staffing and heating costs.

• Capital plan and revolving accounts review

  Schools. Watch at 52:45 Neary School roof replacement · 5 meetings

  The committee examined updated capital plan sheets and revolving account balances. The facilities rental fund balance dropped to $22,773.77 after funding an $85,000 engineering and architectural assessment for the Neary roof, while food service and extended day revolving accounts maintained healthy reserve balances.

  • Food services revolving fund anticipated year-end balance is $175,506.25.
  • Facilities rental account balance is $22,773.77, the lowest in years after paying $85,000 for the Neary roof assessment.
  • Extended Day anticipated balance is $662,835.26.
  • Preschool revolving fund balance is projected at $106,442.67.

  Outcome: Discussion held; preschool separation accounting update planned for next meeting.

Routine business (4 items)

• Recognition of departing committee member

  Governance & committees. Watch at 4:40

  The committee and administration honored member Denise Eddy at her final meeting after serving a one-year appointment filling a vacancy. Citations of appreciation from the Massachusetts State Senate and House of Representatives were presented.

  • Denise Eddy concluded one year of service filling a vacant committee seat.
  • Citations were presented from the State Senate and House of Representatives.

  Outcome: Recognition completed.

• Principals' reports and school highlights

  Schools. Watch at 8:11

  The committee reviewed monthly updates and student activities across Southborough public schools. Highlights included Community Read Day and an Eagle Scout garden fence project at Finn School, STEM lessons and March Mathness at Woodward School, a visiting author and custodian appreciation day at Neary School, and science fair honors and an upcoming WICN radio recording for Trottier Middle School's big band.

  • Eagle Scout James Henneberry designed and built a protective garden fence at Finn School.
  • Woodward students completed 104,951 math puzzles during March Mathness.
  • Neary recognized head custodian Mike Dagle on Mr. Dagle Day.
  • Trottier sixth grader Emma Lee placed second at the Worcester Regional Science Fair.
  • Trottier Big Band was invited to record a session with WICN radio's Emerging Artist series.

  Outcome: Information presented.

• Routine business

  Staffing & operations. Watch at 35:21

  The committee completed routine administrative items including accepting an $85 gift donation to the Southborough Extended Day Program, approving warrant and payroll commitments, approving meeting minutes from five previous sessions, and adjourning.

  • Accepted an $85 donation from the American Online Giving Foundation for Southborough Extended Day.
  • Approved warrants and payroll commitments as presented.
  • Approved open session meeting minutes for February 23, March 3, March 11, March 17, and March 24.
  • Adjourned at 7:27 p.m.

  Outcome: All routine motions approved.

• Personnel appointments and resignations

  Staffing & operations. Watch at 55:01

  The superintendent noted that new principals Deb Lemieux (Finn School) and Thomas Millett (Neary School) have begun transition activities and hiring involvement. Resignations were reported for a Trottier Middle School administrative office assistant and an Extended Day group leader.

  • Deb Lemieux appointed principal of Finn School.
  • Thomas Millett appointed principal of Neary School.
  • Nancy Langway resigned from Trottier Middle School office to take a position in Fayville.
  • Search is underway for the Trottier office vacancy.

  Outcome: Report received.

Votes

Next steps and dates mentioned

• Saturday: Southborough Annual Town Meeting (school committee meets at 9:15 a.m.)
• May 12: Annual town election ballot vote on Neary and Trottier roof projects
• April 29: Neary roof bid solicitation date
• May 21: Neary roof bids due
• next meeting in May: Food service contract renewal recommendation and preschool accounting update

At its April 7 meeting, the Select Board received Southborough's FY25 independent audit, which issued a clean opinion and reported $7.1 million in reserves while highlighting rising OPEB and county pension liabilities. The board adopted five municipal financial policies and assigned members to revise policies regarding grant oversight and the senior tax work-off program. Members also revoted 4-0-1 to recommend Town Meeting Article 13 for $25 million in road borrowing, and unanimously placed debt exclusion questions on the May 12 election ballot.

• FY25 independent financial audit presentation

  Budget & taxes. Watch at 5:41 OPEB liability funding strategy · 3 meetings

  Tony Roselli of Roselli, Clark & Associates presented the town's FY25 audit, issuing an unmodified clean opinion for the fifth consecutive year. Southborough's reserve balances rose from 9.4 percent to 11.7 percent of general fund expenditures, helping preserve the town's AAA bond rating. Roselli cautioned that long-term liabilities pose significant future pressure, specifically an $11.4 million surge in the other postemployment benefits (OPEB) liability and an underfunded Worcester County pension system.

  • Reserves reached $7.1 million (11.7 percent of expenditures), exceeding the state average of 10 percent and supporting Southborough's AAA rating.
  • FY25 local receipts beat revenue projections by $2.2 million and departmental spending came in $1.8 million under budget, balanced against $3.3 million in planned free cash use.
  • Total OPEB liability jumped by $11.4 million to $54.4 million due to medical premium inflation, census adjustments, and retiree longevity, while the OPEB trust fund holds $4.6 million.
  • The Worcester County pension system is only 52.7 percent funded, likely triggering annual assessment increases of 10 percent to 11.7 percent or more to meet state full-funding mandates.
  • Roselli recommended the town consider establishing a dedicated pension stabilization fund to cushion anticipated assessment increases.

  Outcome: Audit presentation accepted; board requested town staff coordinate with the Worcester County actuary for a follow-up discussion on April 28.

  Why it matters: The audit affirms the town's top credit rating and fiscal reserves, but warns of mounting pension and retiree healthcare liabilities that will increase future budget assessments.

• Downtown wayfinding signage survey update

  Roads, water & infrastructure. Watch at 53:08 Downtown Southborough Wayfinding Plan · 3 meetings

  Staff reported on a state One Stop grant funding a downtown wayfinding signage study conducted with consultant Stantec. A public survey is open online, and paper copies are being distributed at key town locations. Staff requested an extension on the survey deadline from the consultant to gather more public input.

  • The current grant funds the study, design, and branding process, but does not cover sign fabrication or installation.
  • Paper copies of the survey are being delivered to the Senior Center, Colonial Gardens, and the Southborough Library.
  • Staff requested an extension on the public survey beyond the initial end-of-week cutoff.
  • Survey results will be compiled and made available to the public and the board once completed.

  Outcome: Update received; survey distribution ongoing.

• Municipal financial policies review and adoption

  Governance & committees. Watch at 56:49 Municipal financial policies adoption · 2 meetings

  The board reviewed proposed financial policies formulated in response to state Division of Local Services recommendations. Members voted to formally adopt five uncontested policies while holding three policies for additional editing and committee feedback.

  • Voted 5-0 to approve policies for investments, ambulance receivables, anti-fraud controls, reconciliations, and revenue turnover.
  • Held the Annual Budget Process policy to await input from the Advisory Committee regarding committee sponsorship of the budget article and wording on free cash reliance.
  • Discussed the Grants Management policy, focusing on adding safeguards before applying for grants that carry recurring personnel or equipment replacement obligations.
  • Discussed amending the Senior Tax Work-Off policy to align household income limits with other town assistance programs ($60,000) and expanding available slots from 30 to 40 or 50.
  • Marguerite Landry agreed to lead redrafting for the grants policy, and Al Hamilton agreed to redraft the senior tax work-off policy.

  Outcome: Five policies approved 5-0; budget, grant, and senior tax work-off policies held for further revision and scheduled to return April 28.

• Annual Town Meeting Article 13 recommendation revote

  Roads, water & infrastructure. Watch at 1:40:30 Multi-year road and sidewalk borrowing · 5 meetings

  The board revisited its position on Annual Town Meeting Article 13, which authorizes borrowing up to $25 million across multiple years for comprehensive town road maintenance. The board had previously split 3-2 in support of the article, but revoted after clarifying member positions regarding operational versus capital budget lines.

  • Article 13 authorizes borrowing up to $25 million to fund town-wide roadway and pavement management.
  • A board member who previously opposed the recommendation changed her vote to support the article, citing the critical necessity of road repairs.
  • Board member Al Hamilton voted to abstain, stating he supports presenting the $25 million borrowing to Town Meeting for debate but does not endorse the article language as written.
  • The board discussed making the 2026 pavement management implementation plan handout publicly available ahead of Town Meeting.

  Outcome: Select Board voted 4-0-1 to recommend approval of Article 13 at Annual Town Meeting.

  Why it matters: The board endorsed a $25 million multi-year borrowing plan to repair and resurface Southborough roads, which must pass both Town Meeting and the ballot box.

• May 12 annual election debt exclusion ballot questions

  Budget & taxes. Watch at 1:46:00 Multi-year road and sidewalk borrowing · 5 meetings

  The board voted to place debt exclusion questions on the ballot for the May 12 Annual Town Election. The questions allow voters to decide whether to exclude debt service for major capital projects, including road borrowing, from the constraints of Proposition 2 1/2.

  • Ballot question language was drafted and reviewed by Town Counsel Jay Talerman and bond counsel.
  • The questions correlate directly to capital warrant articles presented at Town Meeting.
  • Officials noted that the Neary School borrowing was previously approved at Town Meeting regardless of exclusion, while other debt authorizations depend on ballot exclusion.
  • Board members discussed the cumulative tax impact of recurring debt exclusions outside the tax cap.

  Outcome: Approved 5-0 to place the debt exclusion questions on the May 12, 2026 town election ballot.

  Why it matters: Approval places major capital borrowing questions on the May ballot, giving voters the final decision on whether to exempt projects from Proposition 2 1/2 tax limits.

Routine business (1 item)

• Routine business

  Governance & committees. Watch at 50:54

  The board handled administrative announcements, upcoming meeting scheduling, and the consent agenda. Members agreed to adjust the start time of the May 19 meeting to accommodate remote participation for a traveling member.

  • Announced the annual town employee breakfast scheduled for Monday at 7:30 AM, with approximately 60 RSVPs.
  • Agreed to move the start time of the May 19 Select Board meeting up to 6:00 PM to accommodate a member traveling in Europe.
  • Approved the single-item consent agenda by unanimous vote.
  • Adjourned at the conclusion of the agenda.

  Outcome: Consent agenda approved 5-0; May 19 meeting rescheduled to 6:00 PM; meeting adjourned.

Votes

Public comment

• A resident of Woodland Road urged the town to build a centralized grant-tracking database to monitor grant expiration dates, equipment lifecycles, and future operational budget impacts rather than reacting after grants end. 1:26:03
• A resident of Woodland Road suggested removing the income cap on the senior tax work-off program unless slots are oversubscribed, arguing that skilled seniors above the limit could provide valuable professional services to town departments. 1:38:09

Next steps and dates mentioned

• Saturday at 9:30 AM: Pre-Town Meeting and Annual Town Meeting at the school
• April 28: Select Board meeting with review of actuarial OPEB and pension data and revised financial policies
• May 12, 2026: Annual Town Election with debt exclusion ballot questions
• May 19, 2026 at 6:00 PM: Select Board meeting

Ahead of Annual Town Meeting, the Advisory Committee reviewed and voted on several warrant articles, voting 2-5 against Article 29, which would allow accessory dwelling units up to 1,200 square feet by right, and 0-7 against Article 34, a citizen petition banning non-reusable plastic bags. Members chose not to take a formal vote on Article 33, a citizen petition proposing a separate finance and audit committee, until after hearing the presentation at Town Meeting. The committee also refined its Town Meeting advisory report, including long-term budget forecasts and road bond commentary, and approved vice chair Andrew Pfaff serving on the Neary School Building Committee.

• Article 29: Accessory Dwelling Units zoning bylaw amendment

  Zoning & development. Watch at 1:38 Accessory Dwelling Units zoning amendment · 4 meetings

  Zoning Board of Appeals member Doris Cahill presented Article 29, which would remove the special permit requirement for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and allow them by right up to 1,200 square feet. Cahill explained the change aims to eliminate the existing 50 percent gross floor area cap, which prevents smaller homes from building a practical ADU. Committee members expressed concern that 1,200 square feet is excessive without special permit oversight, effectively allowing two standalone houses on single residential lots.

  • State baseline allows ADUs up to 900 square feet by right, while the proposal expands that to 1,200 square feet by right in Southborough.
  • Town assessor records show approximately 34 registered accessory units currently in town, mostly built on larger properties.
  • Cahill noted that handicapped-accessible two-bedroom units typically need between 1,000 and 1,300 square feet.
  • Members voiced concerns about neighborhood density, impacts on town services, and schools.
  • A motion to recommend approval of Article 29 failed in a 2-5 vote.

  Outcome: Failed 2-5; committee recommends disapproval.

  Why it matters: Zoning changes for accessory dwellings affect town density, housing stock, neighborhood character, and whether homeowners can build secondary living units without a Zoning Board of Appeals special permit.

• Article 33: Citizen petition for separate finance and audit committee

  Town Meeting & elections. Watch at 39:55 Independent finance committee citizen petition

  The committee discussed Article 33, a citizen petition submitted by Jack Baron proposing to establish an independent finance committee to conduct audits and fiscal oversight. Members noted the petitioner was absent and raised legal and practical concerns regarding the proposed committee structure, which called for representatives from existing boards. Members felt auditing authority rests with state bodies or independent external firms rather than an unspecialized volunteer committee.

  • Petitioner requested a $20,000 budget to conduct independent financial reviews and audits.
  • Members noted volunteer audit committees lack statutory subpoena or investigative powers beyond normal public records requests.
  • The proposed committee composition improperly designated appointments from the Advisory Committee, Planning Board, and ZBA.
  • Members suggested mechanisms like an online open checkbook would provide better transparency.
  • The committee agreed not to take a vote and will evaluate the article after hearing the presentation on the Town Meeting floor.

  Outcome: No vote taken; action deferred to Town Meeting floor.

• Article 34: Citizen petition to ban non-reusable plastic checkout bags

  Town Meeting & elections. Watch at 54:14 Plastic bag ban citizen petition · 2 meetings

  The committee reviewed Article 34, a citizen petition submitted by local youth seeking to adopt a town general bylaw prohibiting non-reusable plastic checkout bags in certain retail situations effective January 1, 2027. While commending the students for their civic engagement, members noted the article was drafted as an advisory measure rather than an actionable, enforceable bylaw with clear definitions, penalties, and enforcement mechanisms.

  • Proposal targets retail checkout bags while exempting produce, meat, newspaper, and biodegradable bags.
  • Members pointed out the town has very few retail businesses that use plastic checkout bags, with Costco already not using them.
  • Town counsel and committee members noted the petition text lacked formal bylaw language and enforcement structure.
  • The committee voted unanimously against recommending the article as written.

  Outcome: Failed 0-7; committee recommends disapproval.

• Review of Advisory Committee Town Meeting report

  Budget & taxes. Watch at 1:01:40 FY27 operating budget · 7 meetings

  The committee reviewed and edited its draft booklet report to Town Meeting, detailing recommendations on the operating budget, capital articles, and warrant questions. Members agreed to highlight Article 13, a $25 million roadway and sidewalk improvement borrowing proposal, as a major standalone discussion. The report will also include multi-year budget forecast tables and warnings about structural deficits and the likelihood of a future Proposition 2 1/2 operational override.

  • Article 13 proposes $25 million in borrowing for town road and sidewalk infrastructure improvements.
  • Committee plans to include a long-term forecast highlighting town deficit trends, unfunded mandates, and lagging state aid.
  • Members will incorporate an updated table showing the average single-family tax bill impact.
  • Consent agenda articles will be clearly designated with parenthetical notes in the summary table.
  • Final edits will be compiled for printing and online publication ahead of Town Meeting.

  Outcome: Report revisions directed for final administrative compilation.

  Why it matters: The Advisory Committee's printed report provides Southborough voters with background information and official recommendations on all budget, capital, and borrowing articles at Town Meeting.

Routine business (1 item)

• Routine business: Minutes and appointments

  Schools. Watch at 1:16:30 Neary School building project · 26 meetings

  The committee approved vice chair Andrew Pfaff serving as an at-large member of the Neary Elementary School Building Committee following his selection by the Select Board. The committee also approved four sets of past meeting minutes and reviewed its post-Town Meeting calendar.

  • Pfaff's membership on the school building committee was approved 6-0 with Pfaff abstaining.
  • Minutes approved for January 13, 2026, January 24, 2026, February 4, 2026, and February 20, 2026.
  • The committee plans to recess after Town Meeting and reconvene in late May or early June 2026 to work on budget process policies and stormwater utility fees.

  Outcome: Appointment and four sets of minutes approved.

Votes

Next steps and dates mentioned

• April 11, 2026: Annual Town Meeting
• Late May or early June 2026: Next Advisory Committee meeting to review budget policy and stormwater fees

The Southborough Trails Committee met to welcome returning member Isabelle Murphy and address a significant budget shortfall for Phase 2 of the Peninsula Trail. Bids for the planned bridge and boardwalk across Stony Brook came in at roughly double the committee's available funds, leading members to explore constructing only the bridge and postponing the boardwalk. The committee also discussed closing out Phase 1, ongoing trail disruptions caused by National Grid power line construction, and approved funding for the summer Yoga on the Trails program.

• Peninsula Trail Phase 1 project closeout and funding

  Parks, trails & recreation. Watch at 2:16 Peninsula Trail Phase 1 closeout

  The committee reviewed progress on Phase 1 of the Peninsula Trail, which recently saw the installation of new trailhead kiosks, interpretive signs, and paved accessible parking off Route 30 and Central Street. Members discussed closing out the Phase 1 Community Preservation Act project by June so an unspent balance of $47,000 can potentially be repurposed for Phase 2 at a future Town Meeting. The committee also discussed parking access issues, noting that a crosswalk connecting to Sanofi parking was deemed too expensive and complex due to road geometry and ADA requirements.

  • Phase 1 MassTrails grant work was completed with six signs installed and five parking spaces paved.
  • An unspent $47,000 in CPA funds remains in the Phase 1 account.
  • Town counsel advised that Phase 1 must be formally closed out before asking Town Meeting to reallocate the remaining funds to Phase 2.
  • Plans for a crosswalk across Route 30 to Sanofi parking were abandoned due to prohibitive costs for three required crosswalks and ADA sidewalks.
  • The committee hopes to finalize closeout documentation and presentation materials by June.

  Outcome: The committee agreed to prepare a CPA sign, complete closeout paperwork, and prepare a presentation for the Community Preservation Committee.

• Peninsula Trail Phase 2 bid results and shortfall

  Parks, trails & recreation. Watch at 29:42 Peninsula Trail Phase 2 · 23 meetings

  Phase 2 construction bids for a bridge and boardwalk crossing Stony Brook to connect to the Bay Circuit Trail came in at $445,000 and $468,000, roughly double the available funding of about $211,000. Due to structural requirements, the bridge cannot be built from cheaper wood, so the committee discussed omitting the boardwalk and building only the bridge first. Because the scope and funding structure would change, the committee plans to ask voters at a Fall Special Town Meeting to modify the project approval and transfer the $47,000 from Phase 1, with plans to seek a MassTrails grant in February 2027.

  • Two bids were submitted for Phase 2 construction, ranging from $445,000 to $468,000.
  • The committee has approximately $211,000 available in CPA funds including contingency.
  • Cost estimates suggest the bridge represents about 65% of the total cost and the boardwalk about 35%.
  • A wooden bridge was ruled out because required abutment heights and engineering constraints make it unfeasible.
  • A planned volunteer trail-building day with AMC and Bay Circuit Trail volunteers on Earth Day was postponed due to a lack of signups.

  Outcome: The committee decided to explore bidding or pricing the bridge separately and prepare a proposal for the Fall Special Town Meeting.

  Why it matters: The bridge project is the key missing link connecting Southborough trails across Stony Brook to the regional Bay Circuit Trail, but cannot proceed without additional funding or scope reductions voted by Town Meeting.

• National Grid transmission line work and trail safety

  Parks, trails & recreation. Watch at 1:00:54

  National Grid is conducting extensive utility pole replacement work along Southborough trails, placing heavy timber mats that will remain in place for up to a year into early 2027. Following an incident where a trail user injured an ankle on the mats, the company agreed to provide 10 larger warning signs cautioning the public to travel at their own risk. The committee decided against closing the trails, planning instead to distribute safety flyers at Annual Town Meeting and provide public updates via social media.

  • National Grid pole replacement work will impact trail corridors across town through early 2027.
  • Timber construction mats may be removed temporarily in summer but could remain until November.
  • National Grid will install 10 warning signs along affected trails, and the committee will print safety notices for Town Meeting.
  • Temporary short-term trail closures of a day or two will occur when utility wires are actively being pulled.
  • The committee is asking whether National Grid can leave a gravel service road in place after construction to improve trail footing.

  Outcome: The committee agreed to post warning notices, coordinate signage with National Grid, and request advance notices of temporary wire-pulling closures.

Routine business (3 items)

• Routine business

  Governance & committees. Watch at 0:10

  The committee conducted opening roll call, welcomed Isabelle Murphy back to the committee following her re-appointment, deferred approval of meeting minutes, and adjourned at the end of the meeting.

  • All five committee members were present.
  • Isabelle Murphy was officially sworn in and welcomed back to the committee.
  • Approval of past meeting minutes was deferred to the next meeting.

  Outcome: Meeting called to order at 6:00 PM and adjourned at 7:39 PM.

• Yoga on the Trails program funding

  Parks, trails & recreation. Watch at 1:21:12

  The committee reviewed the community Yoga on the Trails program run by instructor Emma Bartolini. Because the Trails Committee annual operating budget will decrease from $4,250 to $1,750 in FY27 due to the removal of trail mowing costs, members voted to allocate $300 for four monthly sessions from July through October. Returning member Isabelle Murphy volunteered to manage the Eventbrite ticketing system.

  • The Trails Committee annual operating budget will drop to $1,750 for FY27.
  • Yoga on the Trails sessions cost $75 per session paid to the instructor.
  • The program is free to residents and held at the field on Parkerville Road.
  • The committee voted to authorize $300 to cover four sessions in the upcoming fiscal year.

  Outcome: The committee voted unanimously (5-0) to approve $300 from the FY27 budget for four Yoga on the Trails sessions.

• Potential 9/11 Field trail connector to Marlborough

  Parks, trails & recreation. Watch at 1:26:00

  A committee member proposed scouting a potential trail link from the existing 9/11 Field trail loop along a waterway to connect with Marlborough's trail network. The member will walk the path, map it using GPS tools, and determine whether the Department of Conservation and Recreation would permit formal trail establishment. The committee also discussed winter parking and plowing access at town trailheads.

  • Fishermen have already created an informal path leading toward Marlborough trails near an existing small bridge.
  • A committee member will scout and flag the proposed route and map it on AllTrails.
  • The committee will consult DCR regarding land permissions before any trail work begins.
  • Members discussed asking DPW to plow winter access for two or three key trailhead parking locations next winter.

  Outcome: The member will scout and map the route and report findings back to the committee at a future meeting.

Votes

Next steps and dates mentioned

• May 7, 2026 at 7:00 PM: Trails Committee regular meeting
• Fall 2026: Special Town Meeting consideration of Peninsula Trail Phase 2 scope and funding transfer
• February 1, 2027: Application deadline for MassTrails Grant

At its kickoff meeting, the Southborough Elementary School Building Committee elected Craig Williams as chair and Andrew Pfaff as vice chair. The committee reviewed five proposals submitted by architectural firms to conduct a feasibility study for the Neary School. Members established a schedule to deliberate on proposal scores on April 13, 2026, followed by interviews with shortlisted firms on April 15. The recommended design contract will ultimately require approval and execution by the Select Board.

• Neary School feasibility study architect selection

  Schools. Watch at 6:44 Neary School building project · 26 meetings

  The committee reviewed the procurement timeline and scoring rubric for five architectural proposals received for the Neary School feasibility study. Members agreed to review and score proposals individually before meeting to select finalists and conduct interviews. A brief member inquiry regarding an alternative pitched roof design for Neary School was stopped on a point of order because it was not on the posted agenda.

  • The district received five proposals following the March 18 Request for Services (RFS).
  • Scoring criteria allocate 40 percent to experience and qualifications, 35 percent to project schedule and availability, 25 percent to past work and references, and 5 percent to submission quality.
  • Committee members will review submissions individually and meet April 13, 2026, at 7:00 PM to compare scores and pick finalist firms.
  • Finalist interviews will take place virtually on April 15, 2026, starting at 7:00 PM.
  • Contract execution requires Select Board approval, which may necessitate a special Select Board meeting before its regular April 28 session.

  Outcome: The committee voted to set meetings for proposal deliberation on April 13 and virtual firm interviews on April 15.

  Why it matters: The selected architect will conduct the feasibility study that determines design options and long-term capital investments for the town's elementary school facilities.

Routine business (1 item)

• Routine business

  Schools. Watch from the start Neary School building project · 26 meetings

  The committee convened to organize its leadership and procedural structure. Members unanimously elected Craig Williams as chair and Andrew Pfaff as vice chair, and decided to alternate minute-taking duties using automated transcripts rather than naming a secretary.

  • Craig Williams was nominated and elected chair by a 5-0 vote.
  • Andrew Pfaff was nominated and elected vice chair by a 5-0 vote.
  • The committee opted against appointing a designated secretary and will alternate minute-taking responsibilities.

  Outcome: Craig Williams elected chair (5-0) and Andrew Pfaff elected vice chair (5-0).

Votes

Next steps and dates mentioned

• April 13, 2026, at 7:00 PM: Committee meeting to deliberate on proposal scores and select interview finalists
• April 15, 2026, at 7:00 PM: Architectural firm finalist interviews