May 18–24, 2026

The Select Board voted 4-1 to authorize the MetroWest Regional Emergency Communication Center to issue up to $12.5 million in temporary borrowing to cover construction cash flow between state grants. The board also appointed two student police officers, agreed to re-advertise a vacancy on the Elementary School Building Committee, and continued a utility pole petition hearing to June 2. Concluding the meeting, the board reorganized for the coming year, electing member Kathy Cook as chair and member Michael Baff as vice chair.

• Parkerville Road utility pole petition hearing

  Roads, water & infrastructure. Watch at 4:38 Parkerville Road utility pole petition · 5 meetings

  National Grid and Verizon petitioned to install an additional intermediate utility pole between existing poles 101 and 102 on Parkerville Road as part of a system automation and reliability upgrade. An abutting property owner raised concerns about pole proliferation, aesthetics, and unaddressed damage to existing utility infrastructure. The board voted to continue the hearing to allow the property owner, utility engineers, and a board member to confer on potential alternative configurations.

  • Petition filed jointly by Massachusetts Electric Company (National Grid) and Verizon New England.
  • Proposed intermediate pole is located between poles 101 and 102 along Parkerville Road near Main Street.
  • The upgrade supports automated reclosers to isolate power outages and shorten outage durations.
  • Abutter noted an existing damaged double pole across the street has remained unaddressed.

  Outcome: Hearing continued to June 2, 2026, at 6:30 PM.

• Appointment of police student officers

  Public safety. Watch at 14:35

  The police chief recommended appointing two candidates as student officers to attend the upcoming Marlborough Police Academy. Both candidates successfully passed background checks, medical screenings, and psychological evaluations. Following the board vote, Town Clerk Jim Hegarty administered their oaths of office.

  • Candidates appointed: Connor Emberg of Charlton and Matthew Hebert of Paxton.
  • Both hold bachelor degrees in criminal justice.
  • The Marlborough Police Academy session begins June 1, 2026, and runs for six months.
  • Following a 12-week field training program, both officers are anticipated to begin solo patrol duty in March 2027.
  • One remaining police department vacancy is expected to come before the board on June 2, 2026.

  Outcome: Connor Emberg and Matthew Hebert were appointed as student officers effective June 1, 2026.

• Chair and member updates

  Governance & committees. Watch at 22:52

  Board members reviewed several town updates, including an award for a local police officer, Memorial Day ceremonies, and the state Department of Energy Resources clean energy project siting rules. Members also received updates on the Costco project timeline, state liquor license legislation, and town health insurance enrollment figures.

  • Officer Cleve Davis was recognized by Mothers Against Drunk Driving as an OUI Enforcement Officer of the Year.
  • Memorial Day observances include grave decoration on May 22 at 6:00 PM and the parade on May 25 at 9:00 AM.
  • Costco opening is delayed toward late 2027 due to state requirements for an updated traffic study.
  • Special legislation for an additional liquor license is pending before the state Legislature via Representative Kate Donaghue's office.
  • Enrollment in the new high-deductible health plan reached only about one-third of expectations, leaving a projected budget gap next fiscal year.

  Outcome: Informational updates only; no formal action taken.

• MetroWest Regional Emergency Communication Center borrowing authorization

  Public safety. Watch at 35:25 MetroWest RECC borrowing authorization

  The town administrator presented a request on behalf of the MetroWest Regional Emergency Communication Center to approve up to $12.5 million in borrowing authority. The short-term borrowing acts as a bridge loan to ensure construction contracts can proceed on schedule without pausing between state 911 development grant disbursements. One board member opposed, arguing the town should not accept borrowing risk on behalf of the regional district, while other members noted neighboring member towns Grafton and Westborough had already approved the measure.

  • Borrowing authorized up to $12.5 million in short-term notes or bond anticipation notes.
  • Total estimated cost of the regional dispatch facility project is approximately $25 million.
  • The district has received roughly $13 million in state grant funding to date.
  • Grafton approved the authorization on May 5, 2026, and Westborough approved on May 12, 2026.
  • A resident voiced concerns during public comment about potential municipal exposure to lease, legal, and insurance costs.

  Outcome: Approved 4-1, with member Tim Fling opposed.

  Why it matters: Authorizes the regional emergency dispatch district to issue up to $12.5 million in debt backed by member towns if state grant reimbursements fail to cover project costs.

• Elementary School Building Committee vacancy

  Schools. Watch at 1:03:45

  Following the resignation of committee member Bob Moss due to personal reasons, the board considered how to fill the vacancy. While one member suggested immediately appointing resident Mark Davis due to his regular attendance and construction knowledge, other members felt the seat should be advertised specifically to recruit candidates with professional construction or building experience who were not part of the prior Neary Building Committee.

  • Vacancy created by the resignation of Bob Moss.
  • Board discussed appointing Mark Davis versus re-advertising the position.
  • Members emphasized the critical need for hands-on commercial construction and bidding experience on the committee.
  • Members expressed desire to avoid optics concerns regarding overlap with prior building committees.

  Outcome: The board directed staff to re-advertise the vacancy with an emphasis on construction experience and consider candidates on June 2, 2026.

• Select Board reorganization

  Governance & committees. Watch at 1:09:03

  Outgoing Chair Andrew Dennington concluded his term leading the board and reflected on the completion of three successful town meetings during the prior year. The board conducted nominations and elected Kathy Cook as chair and Michael Baff as vice chair for the upcoming year.

  • Andrew Dennington stepped down after serving one year as chair.
  • Kathy Cook was nominated and elected as chair.
  • Michael Baff was nominated and elected as vice chair.

  Outcome: Kathy Cook was elected chair and Michael Baff was elected vice chair by unanimous vote (5-0).

Routine business (3 items)

• Routine business

  Governance & committees. Watch at 31:01

  The board approved minutes from April 28 and May 5, approved routine consent agenda items, appointed Marguerite Landry to the Cemetery Expansion Committee, and approved a letter of support for a Regional One-Stop grant application.

  • Approved open session minutes of April 28, 2026 (4-0-1, Baff abstaining).
  • Approved open session minutes of May 5, 2026, as amended (5-0).
  • Approved consent agenda items B, D, E, F, H, and J (5-0).
  • Appointed Marguerite Landry to the Cemetery Expansion Committee (5-0).
  • Approved Regional One-Stop grant support letter as amended (5-0).

  Outcome: Routine motions and consent items approved.

• Committee review and wastewater committee appointments

  Governance & committees. Watch at 55:10

  The board discussed annual committee reappointments expiring June 30, with members suggesting that consolidating committees be made a board goal. To ensure immediate continuity on the Wastewater Treatment Committee, the board made two appointments ahead of the general cycle.

  • Annual committee appointments expire June 30.
  • The board discussed evaluating and consolidating existing town committees during its June goal-setting session.
  • Al Hamilton was designated as an at-large member of the Wastewater Treatment Committee.
  • Board member Sam Stivers was designated as the Select Board representative to the Wastewater Treatment Committee.

  Outcome: Approved 5-0.

• Summer meeting schedule and fall town meeting planning

  Governance & committees. Watch at 58:32

  The board scheduled upcoming meetings for the summer and fall. Members set a goal-setting session for June 8, 2026, and agreed to adjust regular meeting dates to avoid election conflicts in September and November.

  • Next regular meeting scheduled for June 2, 2026, at 6:30 PM.
  • Board goal-setting meeting scheduled for Monday, June 8, 2026, at 6:00 PM.
  • Summer regular meetings scheduled for July 7 and August 11, 2026.
  • Fall meetings moved to Wednesdays, September 2 and November 4, to avoid election dates.

  Outcome: Meeting dates agreed upon by consensus.

Votes

Public comment

• A resident of Main Street spoke regarding an ongoing drainage and invasive species issue on his property related to a town stormwater retention basin easement on Parkerville Road, stating that mowing crews have spread invasive weeds onto his land and the town has not fulfilled its maintenance agreement. 2:30
• A resident questioned whether the town would face liability for non-reimbursable costs under the MetroWest Regional Emergency Communication Center lease agreement, citing concerns over leasehold improvements, insurance, and legal expenses, and urged the town to post financial agreements publicly on the town website. 42:15

Next steps and dates mentioned

• June 2, 2026, at 6:30 PM: Continued public hearing on Parkerville Road utility pole petition
• June 2, 2026, at 6:30 PM: Next regular Select Board meeting
• June 8, 2026, at 6:00 PM: Select Board annual goal-setting session
• June 16, 2026, at 6:30 PM: Select Board regular meeting

The Community Preservation Committee met to receive project updates regarding the Audubon International management plan at the Southborough Golf Club and public feedback on the Fayville Memorial Park proposal, including parking and splash pad placement. The committee also evaluated the Phase 1 closeout and potential Phase 2 scope for the Peninsula Trail, which faces escalating construction costs. Members reviewed standard CPA project signage and updated their presentation slides for the annual public forum, which was scheduled for June 11, 2026.

• Audubon International golf course management plan

  Environment & conservation. Watch at 0:10 Southborough Golf Club Audubon management plan · 5 meetings

  Representatives from the Golf Course Committee and Open Space Preservation Commission provided an update on drafting a request for proposals to hire a consultant for the Audubon International certification management plan. The consultant will establish environmental guidelines for managing and maintaining the Southborough Golf Club.

  • The RFP is being drafted with assistance from the Conservation Commission.
  • The Golf Course Committee expects to review the outline in early June.
  • The committee aims to award the contract and begin work by mid-June 2026.
  • The management framework is intended to be in place prior to construction work on the golf course irrigation project.

  Outcome: Draft RFP requirements will be finalized with the Conservation Commission and reviewed by the Golf Course Committee.

• Fayville Memorial Park redesign and parking updates

  Parks, trails & recreation. Watch at 5:13 Fayville Memorial Park improvements · 10 meetings

  Recreation department officials shared community feedback on proposed renovations to Fayville Memorial Park following two public forums and outreach at Touch-a-Truck. Discussions focused heavily on resolving neighborhood parking concerns and finalizing park layout options.

  • Public feedback favored a design placing the splash pad adjacent to the playground rather than in the center, preserving green space and winter sledding areas.
  • The splash pad footprint has been reduced from an initial 8,000 square feet to 2,000 square feet.
  • A formal parking study conducted with landscape architect Activitas is expected within a week to assess street parking along Central Street and options near Fayville Hall.
  • Recreation officials are seeking a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant that could reimburse up to 50 percent of eligible project costs.
  • A finalized revised CPC application with precise parking counts and project costs is due by June 30, 2026.

  Outcome: The Recreation Commission will finalize parking options and submit a revised application by the June 30 deadline.

  Why it matters: The project represents a substantial town park renovation requiring significant CPA and grant funding while addressing neighborhood safety and parking capacity.

• Peninsula Trail Phase 1 closeout and Phase 2 scope

  Parks, trails & recreation. Watch at 44:30 Peninsula Trail Phase 2 · 22 meetings

  The Trails Committee discussed the closeout of Peninsula Trail Phase 1 and options for Phase 2 construction across wetlands. Phase 2 costs have risen significantly, prompting discussion about whether to build both a bridge and a boardwalk or scale back to a bridge with an upland workaround trail.

  • Phase 1 has roughly $40,000 in unspent funds that will be returned to the general CPA fund balance upon closeout.
  • Prior contractor bids for the combined bridge and boardwalk came in between $427,600 and $448,000, which with inflation and contingencies could exceed $600,000.
  • Phase 2 currently has $211,000 allocated, leaving a potential funding gap of over $350,000 for the full design.
  • Trails Committee volunteers have scheduled trail work in June to explore an upland walking route around the wetland as an alternative to the boardwalk.
  • Committee members discussed whether the Department of Public Works or the Town Engineer should assist volunteer boards with technical project oversight.

  Outcome: The Trails Committee will consult its full membership on project scope and return to the CPC with recommended next steps.

  Why it matters: Funding the full Phase 2 trail design could require asking Town Meeting for hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional funding or settling for a less accessible upland trail.

• Annual Public Forum presentation and date setting

  Governance & committees. Watch at 1:44:40

  Members walked through the slide deck for the upcoming annual CPA public forum. The committee updated financial figures to reflect the latest tax rate, surcharge estimates, reserve balances, and completed project lists, and agreed on a date for the forum.

  • Based on an average single-family home value of $957,500 and a tax rate of $14.36 per thousand, the average annual CPA surcharge is estimated at $127.95.
  • The presentation clarifies that recreation projects are funded from the undesignated or general unreserved CPA fund balance rather than a dedicated statutory bucket.
  • The committee selected Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 7:00 PM for the annual public forum.

  Outcome: The presentation slides will be revised and posted online ahead of the public forum on June 11, 2026.

Routine business (3 items)

• Rural Cemetery tower and golf irrigation updates

  Parks, trails & recreation. Watch at 43:12

  The chair gave brief updates on the status of projects involving the Rural Cemetery water tower restoration and the Southborough Golf Club irrigation system. Both project proponents plan to attend the next committee meeting with further details.

  • Rural Cemetery representatives are exploring project alternatives and coordinating with the Select Board.
  • Golf course officials are evaluating whether revolving fund revenues can offset a portion of irrigation project costs.

  Outcome: Both project sponsors are scheduled to present updates at the committee's June meeting.

• Standardized CPA project signage

  Governance & committees. Watch at 1:30:25

  The committee reviewed sample templates and vendor quotes to establish standardized recognition signs for CPA-funded town projects. Members discussed sign dimensions, post materials, and whether to order blanks in bulk from Signarama.

  • Signarama estimated a cost of approximately $100 per 12-by-16-inch PVC sign.
  • The committee considered purchasing five to ten standard blanks to reduce per-unit costs.
  • Members agreed to review physical sign size samples and post pricing before placing an order.

  Outcome: Members will inspect size samples and review post options at an upcoming meeting.

• Routine business

  Governance & committees. Watch at 1:39:20

  The committee reviewed draft meeting minutes from February 26, 2026, and March 26, 2026. The February minutes were tabled for clarification on attendance and votes, while the March minutes were approved.

  • Action on the February 26, 2026 minutes was postponed to allow members to verify attendance records.
  • The committee approved the March 26, 2026 meeting minutes as amended.

  Outcome: March 26, 2026 minutes were approved; February 26, 2026 minutes were tabled.

Next steps and dates mentioned

• June 11, 2026 at 7:00 PM: Annual CPA Public Forum and regular meeting
• June 30, 2026: Deadline for revised and new CPA applications for the fall funding cycle
• July 31, 2026: Target deadline for the CPC to finalize warrant articles for fall Town Meeting
• September 15, 2026: Standard deadline for annual round CPA grant applications

The Southborough Planning Board met to review and approve a letter of support for a joint One Stop for Growth grant application with the town of Westborough. The proposed grant from the state Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities would fund a five-task planning study of the Route 9 and Interstate 495 corridor estimated at $150,000, split evenly between the two communities. Members amended the draft letter to ensure Southborough's Master Plan goals, residential neighborhood protections, and commercial tax base priorities were properly balanced against housing.

• 495/Route 9 Gateway Initiative grant application support letter

  Zoning & development. Watch from the start Route 9 and I-495 gateway corridor study · 3 meetings

  Board members reviewed a draft letter supporting an application to the state One Stop for Growth grant program for the joint 495/Route 9 Gateway Initiative with Westborough. The board discussed ensuring Southborough's distinct master plan goals and neighborhood buffers are reflected in the study scope, rather than duplicating Westborough's priorities. Members agreed to trim repetitive references to housing to maintain focus on commercial tax base opportunities before voting to endorse the amended letter.

  • The overall planning study is estimated to cost approximately $150,000, with Southborough's scope estimated at $75,000.
  • The study scope covers five tasks: kick-off and site visit, existing conditions, scenario building, strategies and recommendations, and a draft and final report.
  • The application is being submitted to the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) ahead of a June 3 deadline.
  • The board agreed that endorsing the grant application does not commit town funds or bind the town to future rezoning or development decisions.
  • Edits to the letter added language safeguarding adjacent residential neighborhoods against noise, traffic, and environmental impacts.

  Outcome: Approved 4-0 to endorse the amended letter of support.

  Why it matters: The joint initiative will shape future zoning, commercial development, and potential housing along the Route 9 corridor near Interstate 495.

Votes

Public comment

• A member of the Wastewater Study Committee noted that state One Stop grant programs strongly favor joint municipal initiatives and explained that background documentation on the scope and tax increment financing tools had been distributed to town staff in April. 25:12

Next steps and dates mentioned

• June 1, 2026: Next Planning Board meeting
• June 3, 2026: One Stop for Growth grant application deadline

The Wastewater Study Committee reviewed feedback from a presentation to the Planning Board regarding District Improvement Financing and Route 9 wastewater planning. Members discussed whether town meeting could designate a financing district area before completing a full project plan, noting that comprehensive financial modeling and voter outreach are necessary. The committee also agreed to submit a letter backing a joint One Stop grant application with Westborough for a Route 9 corridor study and discussed securing unused municipal economic development funds to begin preliminary financial modeling.

• Planning Board presentation recap and outreach challenges

  Roads, water & infrastructure. Watch at 1:44 Route 9 wastewater infrastructure plan · 9 meetings

  Members reported on their May 11 presentation to the Planning Board regarding wastewater infrastructure and District Improvement Financing. The presentation was described as generally well-received, though planning board members emphasized the substantial challenge of educating voters. Committee members also addressed Planning Board questions regarding development potential, zoning changes, and the appropriate use of executive sessions when evaluating prospective wastewater facility sites.

  • A committee member and the chair presented to the Planning Board on May 11.
  • Planning Board members noted that parcel availability is limited and voter education will be difficult.
  • The committee reiterated advice from town counsel that executive sessions can properly be used to discuss potential site acquisitions with property owners.
  • Discussion touched on whether wastewater infrastructure might spur unwanted multi-family apartment development along Route 9.

  Outcome: The committee agreed to provide periodic updates to the Planning Board as planning progresses.

• District Improvement Financing strategy and financial modeling

  Budget & taxes. Watch at 10:07 Route 9 wastewater infrastructure plan · 9 meetings

  The committee evaluated options for implementing District Improvement Financing under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40Q. Members discussed whether town meeting could approve a DIF geographic boundary first, followed later by a detailed financial and project plan, or if both components must be approved simultaneously. The committee discussed conversations with the town assessor regarding tax increment mechanics and agreed on the necessity of hiring a consultant to build a rigorous financial model.

  • Town counsel was asked to clarify whether a DIF boundary and a DIF development plan can be voted at separate town meetings under Chapter 40Q.
  • If separated, adopting a boundary early would lock in base property valuations for future tax increment calculations.
  • A full DIF plan requires revenue projections, capital cost schedules, and allocation of tax increment percentages between debt service and the general fund.
  • A committee member noted that previous town public forums for major capital projects drew very low attendance, underscoring the challenge of voter communication.

  Outcome: Town counsel opinion on phased DIF adoption is pending, and members will seek to engage a financial modeling consultant.

  Why it matters: District Improvement Financing redirects future commercial tax growth within a designated area to fund public infrastructure rather than the general town budget.

• Joint Route 9 corridor study with Westborough and One Stop grant

  Zoning & development. Watch at 34:15 Route 9 and I-495 gateway corridor study · 3 meetings

  Members discussed an initiative led by the Westborough planning director to conduct a joint Route 9 and Interstate 495 gateway corridor study covering economic development, zoning, and infrastructure. Westborough is pursuing a state One Stop grant and has secured private developer interest to help fund the study, estimated at $150,000. The committee also debated attempting to encumber roughly $10,000 remaining in the town Economic Development Committee consulting budget before June 30 to begin wastewater financial modeling.

  • The corridor study would examine Route 9 from Route 85 in Southborough past Lyman Street in Westborough.
  • The study cost is estimated at $150,000, with an expected split between state grant funds, private developers, and municipal contributions.
  • The state One Stop grant application deadline is June 3.
  • A member suggested seeking approximately $10,000 in unused FY26 Economic Development Committee consulting funds to start financial modeling before the fiscal year ends.
  • The chair plans to coordinate with the Select Board chair ahead of their June 2 meeting.

  Outcome: The committee agreed by consensus to have the chair draft a letter of support for the joint One Stop grant application and pursue available FY26 consulting funds.

  Why it matters: A joint planning study could shape zoning, commercial development, and wastewater expansion along Southborough's primary commercial corridor on Route 9.

Routine business (1 item)

• Routine business

  Governance & committees. Watch at 0:43

  The committee approved past meeting minutes and handled administrative matters.

  • Approved minutes from the April 23 meeting.
  • Approved minutes from the April 28 meeting as amended to correct an attendance typo.

  Outcome: Minutes approved.

Next steps and dates mentioned

• June 2, 2026: Select Board meeting discussion regarding grant support and potential study funding
• June 3, 2026: Deadline for submission of the state One Stop grant application
• June 22, 2026: Next Wastewater Study Committee meeting