June 1–7, 2026

The Southborough Select Board opened by recognizing six local high school recipients of town scholarships alongside State Representative Kate Donaghue. The board approved the contract with Tappe Architects for the Neary School Building feasibility study, appointed Mark Davis to the school building committee, and awarded a $70,500 base bid contract to Kneeland Construction to restore the Town Common fence. Members also celebrated receiving nearly $3.9 million in state culvert grants, processed annual committee appointments, and set plans for an upcoming FY27 goal-setting retreat.

• Board updates, Memorial Day, and S&P bond rating

  Budget & taxes. Watch at 24:18

  The chair and members delivered administrative updates covering municipal finances, community events, and departmental activities. Standard and Poor's renewed Southborough's AAA rating on general obligation bonds, though the rating agency warned of shrinking levy capacity and low reserves compared to peer municipalities.

  • S&P renewed the town's AAA general obligation bond rating and top short-term note rating, but noted low reserve levels.
  • The hearing room audio-visual upgrades were completed using cable PEG capital funds from Verizon, Charter, and Comcast.
  • Members reported on the Memorial Day ceremonies held indoors at the senior center and the newly debuted fire department honor guard.
  • A board member presented photos from live high-heat structural burn training attended with the fire department.
  • The town held a productive coordination meeting regarding the Hopkinton water connection project, with hopes to execute an Intermunicipal Agreement over the summer.

  Outcome: Informational updates accepted.

• Continued public hearing on Parkerville Road utility pole

  Roads, water & infrastructure. Watch at 33:16 Parkerville Road utility pole petition · 5 meetings

  The board reviewed a petition by National Grid for a new utility pole on Parkerville Road. A board member, the DPW superintendent, and an abutting resident conducted a site walk and agreed on an alternate location over the culvert where no immediate abutters are affected.

  • National Grid proposed installing a new utility pole on Parkerville Road.
  • A site walk identified an alternate location across a culvert in the woods away from nearby homes.
  • National Grid had not yet formally responded to the newly agreed site.

  Outcome: Public hearing continued to June 16, 2026 at 6:30 PM.

• State culvert grant and One Stop grant updates

  Roads, water & infrastructure. Watch at 34:40 Culvert infrastructure replacements · 2 meetings

  The board announced Southborough received nearly $3.9 million from the Massachusetts Community Culvert Grant Program for culvert infrastructure replacements. Because Town Meeting previously approved $3.9 million in borrowing for the work, the grant funding will allow the town to avoid taking on new debt.

  • Southborough was awarded $3,891,000 out of $35 million in statewide construction grants (roughly 10 percent of all construction funds distributed).
  • Town Meeting previously authorized $3.9 million in borrowing that can now eventually be rescinded.
  • The town is submitting a follow-up One Stop grant application for wayfinding signage design and development, as well as a $1 million grant application for water infrastructure in Southville and Cordaville.

  Outcome: Grant award reported; follow-up applications underway.

  Why it matters: The $3.9 million grant relieves taxpayers from having to borrow funds to finance major culvert replacements.

• Elementary school building committee feasibility study contract

  Schools. Watch at 43:10 Neary School building project · 16 meetings

  The board reviewed and approved the contract with Tappe Architects for the Neary Elementary School feasibility study. Members clarified that the designer must objectively study both options approved by Town Meeting without eliminating either before Town Meeting gets to decide.

  • The contract retains Tappe Architects for feasibility and schematic design work for the Neary school project.
  • Board members debated contract language adapted from standard MSBA boilerplates to ensure both Town Meeting options receive full cost analysis and drawings.
  • The architect will prepare equal cost evaluations and preliminary designs for both options ahead of Town Meeting.

  Outcome: Contract approved 5-0.

  Why it matters: The architectural feasibility study determines the options and costs presented to voters for modernizing or rebuilding the town's elementary school facilities.

• Annual board and committee reappointments

  Governance & committees. Watch at 51:50

  The Select Board considered the annual slate of reappointments for town boards and committees whose terms expire June 30. Members voted to reappoint all incumbents seeking reappointment, holding two specific seats for discussion at the upcoming goal-setting session, and later appointed two new members to the Cultural Arts Council.

  • Reappointments across town committees were approved 5-0.
  • Reappointments for Freddie Gillespie (Open Space and Stewardship) and Kelly O'Brien (Historical Commission) were held pending the board's retreat.
  • Karen Trachtenberg and Martha Bruehl were appointed to the Southborough Cultural Arts Council for three-year terms ending June 30, 2029.

  Outcome: Slate of committee reappointments approved 5-0; two new Cultural Arts Council members appointed 5-0.

• Elementary school building committee appointment: Mark Davis

  Schools. Watch at 59:33 Neary School building project · 16 meetings

  The board interviewed resident Mark Davis for an open position on the Elementary School Building Committee. Davis emphasized his real estate and construction background with the MBTA and stated his commitment to objectively gathering facts on both Town Meeting options.

  • Mark Davis previously served on the Neary Building Committee and finance subcommittees.
  • Davis noted that timing makes it unlikely to bring final school proposals to a fall 2026 Special Town Meeting.
  • Member Tim Fling voted against the appointment following previous disagreements on committee direction.

  Outcome: Mark Davis appointed to the Elementary School Building Committee 4-1.

• Town Common fence and railing bid award

  Parks, trails & recreation. Watch at 1:06:16 Town Common fence restoration

  DPW Superintendent Bill Cundiff joined the board to present bids for the Town Common fence and railing restoration project, which was funded with $120,000 in Community Preservation Act funds. The board voted to award the base bid to Kneeland Construction to repair and restore the existing fence.

  • Kneeland Construction submitted the lowest eligible base bid at $70,500.
  • Additional engineering and construction oversight will bring the base project cost to roughly $82,000 to $83,000.
  • Procurement rules prevented skipping Alternate 1 (full replacement, over budget) to award Alternate 2 (replacing a section lost during a state highway project).
  • The town will separately pursue MassDOT to replace or fund the missing fence section, or issue a separate bid later.

  Outcome: Base bid awarded to Kneeland Construction 4-1 (Fling opposed).

  Why it matters: The vote commits CPA historic preservation funds to restore the deteriorated railing and fencing surrounding the Town Common.

• FY27 goal setting retreat planning and office hours

  Governance & committees. Watch at 1:17:18

  The board discussed logistical preparations and goal submissions for its upcoming FY27 goal-setting retreat. Members agreed to submit up to 10 prioritized goals each by Thursday morning for compilation into a master spreadsheet.

  • The goal-setting retreat is scheduled for Monday, June 8, 2026, at 6:00 PM at the Public Safety Building.
  • Each member will submit no more than 10 goals by Thursday morning to avoid overburdening the agenda.
  • Members discussed tracking multi-year carryover priorities including wastewater planning and commercial tax base expansion.
  • Select Board office hours are planned for Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 6:00 PM.

  Outcome: Goal submission deadline set for Thursday morning.

Votes

Next steps and dates mentioned

• June 8, 2026 at 6:00 PM: Select Board goal-setting retreat at Public Safety Building
• June 9, 2026 at 6:00 PM: Select Board office hours
• June 16, 2026 at 6:30 PM: Continued public hearing on National Grid Parkerville Road utility pole
• June 16, 2026: Regular Select Board meeting

The Southborough Conservation Commission reviewed a Notice of Intent for a proposed 32-unit Chapter 40B townhouse rental development at 250 Turnpike Road, focusing on vernal pool protections and local bylaw waivers before continuing the hearing to June 25. Commissioners also reviewed utility pole replacements along Parkerville and Lynbrook roads and continued a hearing for an apartment project on Southville Road. The commission approved a Certificate of Compliance for 170 Woodland Road and agreed on a resolution for 229 Parkerville Road to remove garden encroachments while preserving an existing fence. In other business, members recommended Cori Gould for appointment to the board and received enforcement updates from the conservation agent.

• NOI: Parkerville Road and Lynbrook Road utility poles

  Roads, water & infrastructure. Watch at 10:05 Parkerville Road utility pole petition · 5 meetings

  Massachusetts Electric Company requested approval to replace three existing utility poles and install two new mid-span poles within the right-of-way of Parkerville and Lynbrook roads. Portions of the work are located within bordering vegetated wetland buffer zones and riverfront areas. The hearing was continued pending issuance of a state Department of Environmental Protection file number and narrative updates regarding Japanese knotweed management.

  • Project includes two new mid-span poles and three replacement poles along Parkerville and Lynbrook roads.
  • Work falls within bordering vegetated wetland buffer zones and bordering land subject to flooding.
  • The commission requested an updated narrative outlining proper disposal of soils contaminated with Japanese knotweed near pole 102.
  • The project is still awaiting a Department of Environmental Protection file number.

  Outcome: Hearing continued to June 25, 2026.

• NOI: 250 Turnpike Road 32-unit 40B townhouse development

  Housing. Watch at 19:24 250 Turnpike Road 40B development · 9 meetings

  Expedited Engineering presented a Notice of Intent on behalf of FD 250 Turnpike LLC for a Chapter 40B comprehensive permit project consisting of 32 townhouse-style rental units. Approximately 3.5 acres of the 5.2-acre parcel will be altered, involving work within the 100-foot buffer zone and the local 20-foot no-disturb zone. Discussion centered on wildlife passage for salamanders near an onsite vernal pool, waiver of local town bylaws under Chapter 40B, and proposed native buffer plantings.

  • Address: 250 Turnpike Road and 0 Parkerville Road, Map 27, Lots 46 and 2A.
  • Proposal includes 32 rental townhomes, with eight units designated affordable, allowing all 32 to count toward the town housing inventory.
  • Plans incorporate a 4-foot-wide by 2-foot-high critter culvert under the roadway for amphibian migration between wetland areas.
  • Local wetlands and stormwater bylaws were waived by the Zoning Board of Appeals under Chapter 40B, but state Wetlands Protection Act requirements still apply.
  • Awaiting formal peer review from Lucas Environmental and town counsel advice regarding whether waivers cover access parcel Lot 2A.

  Outcome: Hearing continued to June 25, 2026.

  Why it matters: The proposed 32-unit development adds rental and affordable housing near Route 9 while seeking waivers from local wetland bylaws near sensitive wetland resources.

• Certificate of Compliance: 229 Parkerville Road

  Environment & conservation. Watch at 52:29 229 Parkerville Road Certificate of Compliance · 2 meetings

  The commission reviewed an outstanding Certificate of Compliance request under DEP file number 290-1024. The property owner and the commission reached an agreement to resolve non-compliance in the 20-foot buffer zone by allowing an existing split-rail fence to stay in place as the permanent work limit while requiring the removal of gardening trellises located beyond the fence.

  • Address: 229 Parkerville Road, DEP file number 290-1024.
  • A garden area and trellises extended past the split-rail fence into the 20-foot no-disturb buffer zone.
  • The owner agreed to dismantle trellises beyond the fence and allow the area to naturally revegetate.
  • The commission agreed the existing fence does not need to be moved.
  • The agent will conduct a final site visit in the fall before the certificate is officially issued.

  Outcome: Action deferred pending a site visit in the fall.

• Tree clearing inquiry: Cordaville Road triangle parcel

  Environment & conservation. Watch at 1:04:55

  The conservation agent reported on a site inspection with the owner of an unbuilt triangular parcel on Cordaville Road where unauthorized tree cutting occurred. The parcel is non-conforming, sits over an MWRA water pipeline, and contains wetland resources with an unlikelihood of passing Title 5 septic requirements. The owner ceased cutting and agreed that if the lot proves unbuildable within six to twelve months, he will install mitigation plantings.

  • Parcel located at the corner of Cordaville Road and Mt. Vickery Road.
  • Site is constrained by wetlands, previous DEP determinations, and an underground 30-inch MWRA water line.
  • Trees were hand-sawn at waist height and are already resprouting.
  • The owner agreed to stop further work while exploring whether a house and septic can legally be engineered.

  Outcome: Property owner agreed to halt cutting and plant mitigation if the lot cannot be developed.

• Conservation agent report and enforcement updates

  Environment & conservation. Watch at 1:13:01

  The conservation agent provided updates on several ongoing town matters, including court proceedings regarding 200 Southville Road where the town is seeking a formal injunction following lack of response from the property owner. Updates were also provided on utility trench mitigation at Valvoline, open pit remediation at 45 Southville Road, upcoming Eagle Scout trail bridge filings, and recent Select Board reappointments.

  • Town counsel is preparing a formal injunction filing against the owner of 200 Southville Road for non-compliance and unpaid fines.
  • Valvoline is coordinating required mitigation plantings for tree removal and utility trench work in the buffer zone.
  • Work at 45 Southville Road is underway to address a safety concern regarding an open septic pit.
  • Upcoming filings include an accessory dwelling unit on Newton Street and two Eagle Scout footbridge projects.
  • Commissioners discussed a recurring proposal to potentially merge the Open Space Preservation Commission and the Stewardship Committee.

  Outcome: Discussed ongoing court action and upcoming filings.

Votes

Next steps and dates mentioned

• June 25, 2026: Next scheduled Conservation Commission meeting and continued public hearings
• Fall 2026: Conservation agent follow-up site visit for Certificate of Compliance at 229 Parkerville Road

The Southborough Trails Committee met to finalize plans for a Community Preservation Act application ahead of the June 30 deadline for Fall Town Meeting. Members agreed to scale back the project to fund only a trail bridge, estimated at roughly $410,000 with contingencies, rather than pursuing a combined bridge and boardwalk package that would cost an estimated $630,000. The committee also planned end-of-fiscal-year budget expenditures for event equipment and maintenance supplies, reviewed boardwalk wood specifications with the Conservation Commission, and confirmed upcoming trail work parties and events.

• CPA application strategy for trail bridge and boardwalk

  Parks, trails & recreation. Watch at 1:50 Peninsula Trail Phase 2 · 22 meetings

  The committee discussed its Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding request due June 30 for Fall Town Meeting. Bids received in December revealed that constructing both the bridge and boardwalk would cost approximately $630,000 with escalations and contingencies, exceeding available funds. The committee reached consensus to apply only for the bridge portion, which requires roughly $145,000 to $189,000 in additional funds above the town's existing commitments.

  • The project has $211,000 committed from Phase 2 and approximately $44,000 remaining from Phase 1.
  • Total bridge construction is estimated at $410,000 after factoring in a 40% buffer for cost escalation and contingency.
  • A full bridge and boardwalk project was estimated to cost around $630,000.
  • Members decided to pursue bridge funding alone and plan to seek MassTrails grant funding to offset local costs.
  • Letters of support will be requested from the Recreation Commission, MWRA, and the Appalachian Mountain Club/Bay Circuit Trail.

  Outcome: Consensus reached to submit a CPA application for the bridge only by the June 30 deadline.

  Why it matters: The decision determines the scope and dollar amount of the Community Preservation Act funding request presented to voters at Fall Town Meeting.

• Interpretive signage and June 13 volunteer work party

  Parks, trails & recreation. Watch at 28:33 Peninsula Trail Phase 2 · 22 meetings

  Members discussed content for an additional interpretive sign and coordinated details for an upcoming volunteer work day. The committee will partner with Appalachian Mountain Club and Bay Circuit Trail volunteers to clear and construct trail around the planned boardwalk section.

  • Draft interpretive sign content will be circulated to committee members ahead of the next meeting.
  • A volunteer trail-building work party is scheduled for Saturday, June 13, starting around 9:00 AM.
  • Work will focus on the trail section adjacent to where the boardwalk was originally planned.

  Outcome: Work party scheduled for June 13 at 9:00 AM.

• End-of-fiscal-year operating budget spending

  Budget & taxes. Watch at 30:58

  The committee reviewed plans to spend remaining FY26 operating budget funds before the June 30 fiscal year deadline. Planned purchases include safety gear, shed storage equipment, and event outreach materials.

  • Approximately $3,000 remains in the committee's operating budget to be spent before June 30.
  • Planned purchases include disposable Tyvek suits for clearing poison ivy, shed organizers, and tool hangers.
  • The committee will purchase a 10x10 pop-up tent with sidewalls, a 6-foot table, chairs, sandbags, and a branded feather flag banner for Heritage Day and community outreach.
  • The Recreation Director confirmed purchases can be routed through town accounts to ensure tax exemption.

  Outcome: The chair will assemble an itemized list and coordinates purchases with the Recreation Department.

• Wood treatment regulations for Town Forest boardwalk

  Parks, trails & recreation. Watch at 47:50

  The chair reported that the Conservation Commission indicated pressure-treated lumber cannot be used for an Eagle Scout boardwalk replacement project in the Town Forest, requesting heat-treated wood instead. The committee discussed wetland standards and agreed to gather technical specifications and consult regional conservation officials before making a final determination.

  • The Conservation Commission expressed concerns over chemical leaching near wetlands and a vernal pool.
  • Lumber currently stored meets American Wood Protection Association (AWPA) environmental standards for wetland use.
  • The chair will consult Marlborough's conservation agent, DCR, and MWRA regarding acceptable wood treatments for boardwalks in sensitive areas.

  Outcome: The chair will compile technical wood treatment data and consult conservation staff.

Next steps and dates mentioned

• June 2, 2026 at 7:00 PM: Recreation Commission meeting regarding letter of support
• June 11, 2026 at 6:30 PM: Trails Committee regular meeting
• June 13, 2026 at 9:00 AM: Trail volunteer work party
• June 30, 2026: Community Preservation Act funding application deadline
• October 2026: Fall Town Meeting

In a brief special meeting, the Southborough School Committee voted unanimously to appoint Daniel Mazur as the district director of student support services for grades K-8 following a recommendation from the superintendent. Mazur previously served as assistant director of special education in the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District and earlier worked at Hopkinton Middle School and the New England Center for Children. The superintendent will now negotiate an employment contract, targeting a start date around July 1, 2024.

• Appointment of director of student support services

  Schools. Watch at 0:43

  Superintendent Gregory Martineau recommended the appointment of Daniel Mazur as the Southborough K-8 director of student support services. The committee voted unanimously in favor of the appointment following a multi-district search process.

  • Daniel Mazur currently serves as assistant director of special education for the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District.
  • Mazur previously served as a special education team chair at Hopkinton Middle School and began his career at the New England Center for Children in Southborough.
  • School committee members met Mazur for questions during a screening session earlier in the week.
  • The superintendent and Mazur will negotiate a contract with a targeted start date around July 1, 2024, coordinating transition timing with Acton-Boxborough.
  • Southborough K-8 Extended School Year summer programming begins the Monday after the Fourth of July.

  Outcome: Appointment approved 5-0.

  Why it matters: The director of student support services oversees special education and related student support programming for all Southborough public elementary and middle school students.

Votes

Next steps and dates mentioned

• as soon as possible: Superintendent contract negotiations with Daniel Mazur
• July 1, 2024: Target start date for the director of student support services
• July 8, 2024: Extended School Year (ESY) program start

Note on the recording: The video title lists the year as 2026, but the on-screen timestamp and committee remarks confirm the meeting took place on June 4, 2024.