June 8–14, 2026

The Southborough School Committee recognized ten retiring district staff members and received end-of-year school updates from principals. Officials reported that bids for the Neary Elementary School roof replacement came in at roughly $2.8 million, substantially below the $4.5 million appropriation, with construction beginning in late June. The committee also discussed a newly executed $165,000 feasibility study contract with Tappé Architects for elementary facilities planning, reviewed a proposed four-year lease for staff MacBooks, and approved year-end budget transfers.

• Recognition of district retirees

  Schools. Watch at 0:21

  The superintendent and committee recognized ten retiring district educators and support professionals, representing over 200 collective years of service to Southborough public schools. Honorees included Finn School Principal Clayton Ryan and Neary Elementary Principal Kathleen Valenti, along with several longtime classroom teachers and educational support personnel.

  • Finn School Principal Clayton Ryan retired after serving the district since 1999 and as school administrator since 2012.
  • Neary Elementary School Principal Kathleen Valenti retired after leading the school since 2014.
  • Other recognized retirees included teachers Julie Perrault and Katrina Foley, tutor Jody Baum, and educational support professionals Lori Caccavaro, Diana Posk, Kathleen Riley, Maureen Sullivan-Alves, and Lorraine Muench.
  • The committee recessed briefly to celebrate with the retirees.

  Outcome: Informational recognition; no formal action taken.

• Principals end-of-year reports

  Schools. Watch at 14:48

  Principals from Finn, Woodward, Neary, and Trottier schools presented highlights from end-of-year activities across the district. Highlights included the annual Algonquin Senior Stroll visiting elementary classrooms, expanding school therapy dog programs, spring concerts, middle school fine arts events, and student STEM initiatives.

  • Finn School held its Grade 1 concert and celebrated over a dozen community seniors who volunteer regularly in classrooms.
  • Woodward School welcomed Archie, a trained therapy dog partnered with a staff member, and hosted a Memorial Day concert with Southborough veterans.
  • Neary School engaged 196 students across bands, chorus, and orchestra, and hosted a fourth-grade STEM unit with the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Center.
  • Trottier Middle School held Greek and Roman Day, recorded its Big Band at WICN in Worcester, and hosted a multicultural fair representing 34 international flags.

  Outcome: Reports received.

• Elementary School Building Committee update

  Schools. Watch at 35:40 Neary School building project · 16 meetings

  The chair of the Elementary School Building Committee reported that a $165,000 contract with Tappé Architects was officially executed to lead the feasibility study and schematic design phase for elementary school facilities. School Committee members stressed the need to adhere to tight timelines to present options to voters at a potential fall Special Town Meeting and emphasized keeping district administration actively involved in committee meetings.

  • A $165,000 feasibility and schematic design contract with Tappé Architects was executed on June 10.
  • The building committee plans to schedule its initial working meetings with Tappé Architects within the next one to two weeks.
  • Committee members discussed targeting the fall Special Town Meeting to present building options to the town.
  • School Committee member Roger Challen raised concern over district administration attendance at recent building committee sessions and urged tight coordination.
  • School Committee Chair Chelsea Malinowski noted that the Select Board must soon establish the fall Town Meeting date to avoid scheduling conflicts.

  Outcome: Update accepted; initial meetings with architects planned for mid-to-late June.

  Why it matters: The feasibility study evaluates future elementary school construction and renovation options that will ultimately go before town voters for major capital funding.

• Staff technology four-year lease proposal

  Schools. Watch at 48:50

  The superintendent presented a plan recommended by the technology director to enter a four-year lease for approximately 103 to 105 staff Apple MacBooks. The district's current teacher laptops are six to eight years old and were purchased refurbished, leading to mounting maintenance issues.

  • The proposal covers 103 to 105 new Apple laptops for teachers and professional staff.
  • The lease costs roughly $20,000 annually over four years, fitting within the district's existing $25,000 annual technology line item without increasing the budget.
  • The agreement includes four years of technical support, device management, and warranty coverage.
  • At lease end, the district can buy out the devices for $1 each or use Apple's trade-in buyback program.
  • Older devices that remain functional will be redeployed to support personnel and students.

  Outcome: Discussion only; proposed lease will be funded through already approved operating funds.

  Why it matters: Ensures school faculty have functional modern technology while establishing a predictable four-year replacement cycle within existing taxpayer-funded operating budgets.

• Neary School roof project update

  Schools. Watch at 54:14 Neary School roof replacement · 4 meetings

  The assistant superintendent presented results from the competitive bidding process for the Neary Elementary School roof replacement. Combined low bids totaled approximately $2.8 million, well below the $4.5 million appropriation approved at Town Meeting, with construction slated to begin in late June.

  • Total low bids for general contracting and filed sub-bids (plumbing, HVAC, and electrical) totaled approximately $2.8 million.
  • Voters previously authorized borrowing of up to $4.5 million for the project.
  • A pre-construction meeting with the general contractor, subcontractors, and school administration is scheduled for Friday morning.
  • Work is targeted to begin in late June, with 85% to 90% completion anticipated before school opens in late August.
  • The district plans informational updates to incoming fourth- and fifth-grade families in mid-July and around August 1.

  Outcome: Project moving into construction late June; contract includes a change order contingency reserve.

  Why it matters: A major capital roofing project is proceeding nearly $1.7 million under its authorized appropriation while minimizing disruption to returning elementary students.

• Relocation of Summer Extended Day Program

  Schools. Watch at 59:22 Neary School roof replacement · 4 meetings

  Due to construction on the Neary Elementary roof over the summer, the Southborough Extended Day Program (SEDP) summer program is relocating to Finn Elementary School. Administration noted that adjustments have been made to accommodate older children and all enrolled families have been informed.

  • SEDP Summer Fun program relocated from Neary School to Finn School for the summer.
  • Programming begins after the July 4 holiday.

  Outcome: Relocation finalized.

• FY26 budget transfers and year-end financial report

  Schools. Watch at 1:01:43

  The director of finance and operations presented the May 31 general fund budget report showing district expenditures of just over $19 million and encumbrances of $5.29 million, leaving a balance of $147,000 (0.59% of the operational budget). The committee approved line-item budget transfers to cover over-expended function codes in administrative technology, athletics, and custodial salaries driven by substitute staffing, utilities, and collaborative tuition pressures.

  • District had an available balance of $147,000 as of May 31.
  • Available balance dropped by $74,000 from the prior month due to year-end substitute staffing, utilities, and collaborative tuition costs.
  • Budget transfers were required to rebalance overages in Administrative Technology, Athletics, and Custodial Salaries.

  Outcome: The committee voted 5-0 to approve the FY26 line-item transfers and accept the monthly General Fund report until audited.

• Revolving accounts update

  Schools. Watch at 1:04:26

  Finance staff presented projected year-end fund balances across the district's revolving accounts, noting that all four programs remain financially stable. Staff also explained that the preschool revolving account will split from the Northborough-Southborough regional account into independent town accounts starting in the upcoming fiscal year.

  • Projected year-end balances include Food Services at $112,000, Facility Rentals at $23,000, Extended Day at $563,000, and Preschool at $102,000.
  • Facility rental revenues will be replenished next fiscal year by leases from Assabet Valley Collaborative, Northborough, and the regional district.
  • An estimated $85,000 spent prior to town meeting approval could not be charged back to the facility revolving fund.
  • Northborough and Southborough preschool revolving funds are officially separating for the upcoming school year.

  Outcome: Report accepted.

Routine business (2 items)

• Superintendent enrollment report

  Schools. Watch at 1:00:14

  Superintendent Martineau reviewed current enrollment projections, clarifying that Finn School will run seven sections of kindergarten and seven sections of first grade next school year. The district is currently in the process of hiring a kindergarten teacher and fourth-grade teacher.

  • Finn School will have seven sections of kindergarten and seven sections of grade one.
  • Postings for open elementary teaching roles are underway with strong candidate pools.

  Outcome: Report received.

• Routine business

  Schools. Watch at 1:03:39

  The committee reviewed routine administrative items including May warrants and payrolls, the personnel report, open meeting minutes, and the public release of past executive session minutes before entering executive session.

  • Approved accounts payable warrants and two payroll runs for the month of May.
  • Personnel report noted appointments, retirements, and the resignation of a Woodward art teacher.
  • Approved open meeting minutes from May 13, 2026.
  • Approved the public release of executive session minutes from September 17, 2024; August 7, 2025; September 10, 2025; October 8, 2025; and November 12, 2025.
  • Voted by roll call to enter executive session regarding collective bargaining strategy and security personnel/devices, not to reconvene in open session.

  Outcome: All routine motions approved unanimously.

Votes

Next steps and dates mentioned

• Friday, June 12, 2026: Pre-construction meeting with general contractor and subcontractors for Neary roof replacement
• Mid-to-late June 2026: Elementary School Building Committee initial working meeting with Tappé Architects
• Mid-July and August 1, 2026: Informational communications to incoming Neary fourth- and fifth-grade families regarding roof construction
• Late August 2026: Substantial completion target (85-90%) for Neary roof replacement

Following an executive session, the Board of Health approved an employment contract renewal for the town sanitary inspector. The board received a report on an inter-agency meeting regarding ongoing odor issues from the Brox asphalt plant and reviewed state environmental findings. Members also authorized constable delivery of a cease-and-desist order to an unlicensed body art establishment on Turnpike Road, adopted revised body art regulations, and completed the annual performance evaluation and salary adjustment for the public health director.

• Brox asphalt plant odor and mitigation follow-up

  Health & human services. Watch at 2:19 Brox asphalt plant complaints · 2 meetings

  Health department staff and board members reported on a recent informational meeting with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, Marlborough Board of Health, Brox plant leadership, and local residents concerning persistent asphalt odor complaints. Brox recently installed a closed-loop system intended to cycle exhaust back into the burner, in addition to existing EcoSorb and mister systems, though Southborough residents continue to report odors. MassDEP reported that existing emissions testing meets federal standards and that current operations pose no known health hazard, but officials stressed that residents must submit detailed real-time logs to help identify operational patterns.

  • Brox installed a closed-loop burner exhaust system before Memorial Day weekend to mitigate odor
  • A similar mitigation system in Ipswich reportedly reduced resident complaints from 165 down to zero
  • MassDEP confirmed Brox operates within state and EPA permit standards and poses no known direct health threat
  • Residents are requested to log specific odor descriptors, intensity levels, durations, and symptoms directly to MassDEP

  Outcome: Discussion only; health staff will continue sharing state data and tracking resident reports

  Why it matters: Residents near the Marlborough border continue to report pervasive asphalt odors that affect quality of life, though state regulators report the plant remains compliant with environmental laws.

• Enforcement order for Turnpike Road body art business

  Health & human services. Watch at 17:54 7 Turnpike Road bodywork compliance · 3 meetings

  Health department staff informed the board that a certified cease-and-desist letter mailed to an unlicensed body art business on Turnpike Road was returned as undeliverable. Staff recommended utilizing a town constable to personally serve the order. The business has repeatedly failed to apply for required establishment and practitioner licenses.

  • Business location is on Turnpike Road
  • Certified mailing returned undeliverable on the day of the meeting
  • Enforcement will proceed with in-person service by a constable

  Outcome: Staff directed to arrange service of the cease-and-desist notice through a constable

• Body art regulations revisions

  Health & human services. Watch at 19:15 Board of Health body art regulations

  The board reviewed proposed modifications to the local body art regulations to align more closely with state model language and update local operating standards. Changes include restoring requirements for practitioner training in CPR, first aid, bloodborne pathogens, and anatomy, establishing clear standards for apprenticeships, and explicitly adding vaping to the list of prohibited activities in procedure areas.

  • Apprentices must meet training requirements before performing skin piercings
  • Section 6 Item 14 was updated to prohibit vaping alongside smoking, eating, and drinking in procedure areas
  • Clarified that Southborough regulations are enforceable rules rather than state guidance models

  Outcome: Approved unanimously with the vaping amendment

• Public Health Director annual evaluation and compensation

  Staffing & operations. Watch at 22:46

  The board reviewed and approved the compiled annual performance evaluation for the public health director at the end of her second year in the combined regional role. The evaluation was strongly positive, highlighting team leadership and department management, and the board approved a 5% salary increase aligned with town Salary Administration Plan guidelines for FY27.

  • Director completed her second year managing the regionalized department
  • Board approved a 5 percent compensation increase for FY27 aligned with SAP personnel adjustments

  Outcome: Approved unanimously

• Draft updates to septic and well regulations

  Health & human services. Watch at 25:09 Well and septic regulation amendments · 2 meetings

  Staff provided an update on drafting revisions to Southborough's local septic and private well regulations. The proposed updates incorporate minor adjustments to septic rules and more extensive updates to private well regulations based on established Northborough practices. The board will hold a public hearing on the proposed regulatory changes at an upcoming meeting.

  • Revisions will affect both local septic bylaws and private well regulations
  • Language will be circulated to board members with strike-throughs and highlighted changes
  • Changes require a formal public hearing before adoption

  Outcome: Public hearing to be scheduled for the next regular meeting

Routine business (2 items)

• Sanitary inspector contract renewal

  Staffing & operations. Watch at 1:21

  After convening in executive session to discuss non-union contract negotiations, the board returned to open session to vote on the sanitary inspector agreement. The board approved the contract renewal for fiscal year 2027.

  • Contract renewal covers the town sanitary inspector for FY27
  • Executive session held under M.G.L. Chapter 30A Section 21(a)(2)

  Outcome: Approved unanimously

• Routine business

  Governance & committees. Watch at 1:56

  The board conducted routine business, including approving meeting minutes from April 7, 2026, and May 5, 2026. Following annual town elections, the board also reorganized its officers, re-electing Chelsea Malinowski as chair, Safdar Medina as vice chair, and Elizabeth Zulick as secretary, and set its July meeting date.

  • Approved minutes of April 7, 2026 and May 5, 2026
  • Chelsea Malinowski re-elected Chair
  • Safdar Medina elected Vice Chair
  • Elizabeth Zulick elected Secretary
  • Next meeting scheduled for July 7, 2026 at 11:00 AM

  Outcome: Minutes approved; board officers elected unanimously

Votes

Next steps and dates mentioned

• July 7, 2026 at 11:00 AM: Board of Health meeting with scheduled public hearing on septic and well regulations

The Community Preservation Committee held its annual public forum to review Community Preservation Act funding, historical town allocations, and the upcoming application cycle. The committee discussed several pending projects being prepared for the Fall Special Town Meeting, focusing heavily on a cost-engineered irrigation system for the Southborough Golf Course estimated at $900,000 and parking solutions for Fay Memorial Park. Members also reviewed standardized signage designs to recognize CPA-funded town projects and deferred voting on the updated application handbook to an upcoming meeting.

• Annual CPA public forum and program overview

  Budget & taxes. Watch at 2:00

  The committee presented its annual overview of the Community Preservation Act in Southborough, covering governance, local surcharge revenues, state matches, and statutory funding allocations. Since adoption in 2003, the town has collected approximately $6.6 million locally with $2.5 million in state matches. Members outlined the minimum 10 percent statutory buckets for open space, historic preservation, and community housing, along with the September 15 application deadline for next spring's Annual Town Meeting.

  • Southborough voters adopted a 1 percent CPA property tax surcharge in 2003, with exemptions for qualifying seniors and low-income homeowners.
  • The surcharge costs the average single-family home assessed at $991,000 approximately $127.95 per year.
  • Total CPA funds collected to date exceed $9.1 million, including over $2.5 million from the state trust fund match.
  • Annual revenue is divided into open space (10 percent), historic preservation (10 percent), community housing (10 percent), administration (up to 5 percent), and budgeted reserve (65 percent).
  • The deadline for applications seeking funding at the 2027 Annual Town Meeting is September 15.

  Outcome: Information presented and discussed with attendees.

• Fay Memorial Park improvements update

  Parks, trails & recreation. Watch at 49:40 Fayville Memorial Park improvements · 10 meetings

  The vice chair presented an update on the Recreation Commission's proposal to repurpose Fay Memorial Park to add a dog park and a children's splash pad. Parking remains the primary neighborhood concern, and the project engineer recently delivered a traffic and parking study outlining potential layout expansions and dedicated park spaces. The Recreation Commission intends to submit a revised application by June 30 for consideration at the Fall Special Town Meeting.

  • Proposed park enhancements include a dog park and splash pad.
  • A parking study completed with engineering consultant Activitas provides options to expand and protect parking spaces for park visitors.
  • The Recreation Commission will coordinate with the DPW and the Select Board regarding parking utilization and agreements near the Historical Society.
  • The committee reiterated that revised applications for the Fall Special Town Meeting must be submitted by June 30.

  Outcome: Discussion only; revised proposal expected by June 30.

  Why it matters: The project would introduce a new dog park and water recreation amenity in town while addressing ongoing parking and traffic concerns for adjacent residents.

• Rural Cemetery stone water tower restoration

  Parks, trails & recreation. Watch at 54:40 Rural Cemetery stone water tower restoration · 3 meetings

  The Historical Commission representative provided an update on the proposed restoration of the historic stone water tower in the Rural Cemetery. Discussions remain largely stalled due to pending structural and cost consultant evaluations, as well as jurisdiction and coordination issues with the Rural Cemetery Committee. Proponents may withdraw the application from the fall warrant if alternative non-CPA solutions or independent plans proceed.

  • The project seeks to restore the historic stone water tower located inside the Rural Cemetery.
  • A consultant conducted an initial inspection and rough estimate, but a full cost report has not been completed.
  • Overlapping jurisdiction between the Historical Commission and the Cemetery Committee has delayed finalizing a CPA scope.
  • The application may be formally withdrawn if a viable submission cannot be completed.

  Outcome: Update received; project status remains pending.

• Southborough Golf Course irrigation replacement

  Parks, trails & recreation. Watch at 56:22 Southborough Golf Club irrigation replacement · 16 meetings

  The DPW superintendent and Golf Course Committee members discussed a revised funding plan for the golf course irrigation system after initial construction bids substantially exceeded available funds. Value engineering identified approximately $160,000 in scope reductions, but engineers determined a necessary booster pump station will add roughly $200,000, bringing total project estimates to about $900,000. Proponents are reviewing how much to contribute from the golf course revolving fund, which has about $200,000 available but faces a statutory annual spending limit of $75,000 without Select Board and Advisory Committee approval.

  • Original construction bids came in well over the appropriated budget, triggering value engineering efforts.
  • Proposed cost reductions shaved roughly $160,000, but a newly required booster pump station adds approximately $200,000.
  • Preliminary revised total cost estimate for the irrigation project is approximately $900,000.
  • The golf course revolving fund has approximately $200,985 in uncommitted funds, but town policy caps annual revolving expenditures at $75,000 unless joint approval is granted.
  • The DPW and Golf Course Committee plan to submit a revised application and schedule by June 30, with the option to postpone to Spring Town Meeting if loose ends remain.

  Outcome: Discussion only; revised application package due by June 30.

  Why it matters: Replacing the failing irrigation system requires significant capital funding, potentially drawing hundreds of thousands of dollars from CPA reserves and municipal revolving funds.

• Standardized CPA recognition signage

  Governance & committees. Watch at 1:24:05

  The committee reviewed efforts to install permanent signs acknowledging CPA funding at completed projects across town. Members examined sample PVC and bronze sign mockups for the library facade, the library interior local history collection, and the golf course. Discussion centered on specific wording choices, including whether to credit 'residents', 'citizens', or 'taxpayers', and selecting standard dimensions to maintain consistency while avoiding sign clutter.

  • Samples presented included 12-by-16 inch PVC signs estimated at $100 each and larger versions at $150 each from Signarama.
  • Cast bronze signs for prominent historic structures like the library exterior and water tower range from $500 to $1,500.
  • The Library Trustees favored crediting the 'residents' of Southborough, while public comment urged using 'taxpayers'.
  • Sign mounting locations will be tailored per site, using fence mounts, posts, or building facades.

  Outcome: Wording and final sizes will be voted on at the next meeting.

Routine business (3 items)

• Peninsula Trail project update

  Parks, trails & recreation. Watch at 1:22:48 Peninsula Trail Phase 2 · 22 meetings

  The committee briefly addressed the Peninsula Trail project application. Discussion was deferred until the applicant and committee members can coordinate following a previously canceled meeting.

  • Project proponents will be invited to discuss the proposal at an upcoming committee meeting.

  Outcome: Discussion continued to the next meeting.

• FY27 application and handbook revisions

  Governance & committees. Watch at 1:55:18

  Members discussed updating the annual CPA application form and informational handbook. The committee agreed to provide editable Word document versions in addition to PDFs to avoid past issues with fillable forms, and agreed to review text changes and updated deadlines at the next meeting.

  • The committee will provide application forms in Microsoft Word format to simplify applicant submissions.
  • Updated dates and application instructions will be reviewed and finalized at the next session.

  Outcome: Handbook review deferred to the next meeting.

• Routine business

  Governance & committees. Watch at 1:58:20

  The committee approved past meeting minutes and discussed scheduling its next meeting before the end of June. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:09 p.m.

  • Approved meeting minutes from February 26, 2026 and May 20, 2026.
  • Members agreed to poll dates for the next meeting prior to June 30.

  Outcome: Minutes approved; next meeting date to be scheduled via poll.

Public comment

• The chair of the Master Plan Implementation Committee, speaking as a resident, asked how the Community Preservation Committee could collaborate to proactively advance priorities and recommendations identified in the town master plan. 24:17
• A resident of 1 Chestnut Hill Road inquired about the requirements, historic restrictions, and Massachusetts anti-aid amendment rules governing CPA funding for private historic structures. 41:33
• A resident of Woodbury Road recommended using the word 'taxpayers' rather than 'citizens' or 'residents' on CPA signs, noting that many property and business taxpayers contributing to the fund are non-residents. 1:30:54

Next steps and dates mentioned

• June 30, 2026: Deadline for revised applications for Fall Special Town Meeting articles
• Late June 2026: Next Community Preservation Committee meeting to finalize fall applications and sign wording
• September 15, 2026: Application deadline for funding consideration at 2027 Annual Town Meeting

The Southborough Zoning Board of Appeals met to address multiple property applications and zoning revisions. The board approved an applicant request to withdraw an application for 22 Newton Street without prejudice. Members also debated draft updates to the town two-family zoning bylaw to remove a two-year residency waiting period and refine dimensional requirements. Finally, the board approved a 1.3-foot side setback relief for 34 Turnpike Road after addressing septic proximity concerns and abutter objections regarding bedroom count and Title 5 compliance.

• 22 Newton Street withdrawal request

  Zoning & development. Watch at 0:20 22 Newton Street garage variance · 2 meetings

  The applicant for 22 Newton Street requested to withdraw their application without prejudice. The proposal previously involved constructing a two-car garage that blocked access to the backyard. The board voted to grant the withdrawal without prejudice so the homeowner can reconsider options.

  • Address: 22 Newton Street
  • Prior proposal involved constructing a two-car garage
  • Applicant requested withdrawal without prejudice

  Outcome: Application withdrawn without prejudice

• Two-family zoning bylaw update discussion

  Zoning & development. Watch at 2:30 Two-family dwelling zoning amendment · 11 meetings

  Board members reviewed draft revisions to the two-family zoning bylaw stemming from recent updates to accessory dwelling unit bylaws. Discussion focused on eliminating the requirement that a homeowner must reside in a newly constructed home for two years before converting it into a two-family dwelling. Members also discussed curb cut limitations, lot size rules, and harmonizing definitions with the Planning Board ahead of fall Town Meeting.

  • Bylaw currently requires a two-year wait before adding a second unit in newly constructed homes
  • Current regulations require a minimum lot size of 15,000 square feet for two-family dwellings
  • Board plans to coordinate revised draft language with the Planning Board in July

  Outcome: Discussion held; staff and board members will refine draft language for the July 15 meeting

• 34 Turnpike Road setback relief and as-built modification

  Zoning & development. Watch at 16:15 34 Turnpike Road special permit · 2 meetings

  The board resumed a public hearing on an addition at 34 Turnpike Road where as-built construction deviated from permitted plans. To resolve an unauthorized foundation bump-out encroaching on septic system setbacks, the contractor proposed cutting back the foundation at grade, filling the void with flowable fill, and supporting the upper floor with an interior steel beam. The applicant also requested dimensional relief for the side setback, which measured 13.9 feet instead of the required 15 feet. After hearing abutter objections concerning overall house size and septic capacity, the board approved the 1.3-foot setback relief on the condition that the Board of Health reviews and certifies the septic capacity.

  • Address: 34 Turnpike Road
  • Foundation bump-out of approximately 5 by 10 feet encroached on septic system setbacks and must be removed at grade
  • Requested side setback relief for an as-built distance of 13.9 feet versus the required 15 feet (a 1.3-foot encroachment)
  • Approval is conditioned on explicit Board of Health confirmation that the septic capacity meets the dwelling bedroom count
  • Town planner noted a written decision will be filed within two weeks, initiating a 20-day appeal period

  Outcome: Relief approved with conditions

  Why it matters: The decision resolves a zoning non-conformity on an expanded home while ensuring the septic system is verified by health officials to protect neighborhood ground conditions.

Routine business (1 item)

• Routine business

  Governance & committees. Watch at 1:47

  The board reviewed and approved the draft meeting minutes from its previous meeting on May 6.

  • Approved minutes of the May 6 meeting with minor amendments

  Outcome: Minutes approved

Votes

Public comment

• A representative for the abutting property owner at 32 Turnpike Road objected to the expansion of 34 Turnpike Road, stating the lot historically housed a 750-square-foot dwelling with zero road frontage and argued that the current structure amounts to an unpermitted four-bedroom house. He urged the board to postpone granting zoning relief until the Board of Health formally reviews the septic system under Title 5. 31:24

Next steps and dates mentioned

• July 15, 2026: Next Zoning Board of Appeals meeting featuring three new hearings, including two variances and one special permit for Costco lighting and retaining walls
• August 12, 2026: Zoning Board of Appeals meeting
• September 16, 2026: Zoning Board of Appeals meeting

The Library Board of Trustees elected a new chair and vice chair following the resignation of the former chair, discussing potential term rotation practices. Public Works Department Director Bill Cundiff joined the board to clarify that repaving the library parking lot must proceed as a capital project request initiated by the trustees rather than DPW operations. Trustees also reviewed proposed Community Preservation Committee signage wording, authorized the use of trust funds for year-end book materials, and scheduled a joint meeting with the Select Board to appoint candidate Molly Schofield to the vacant trustee seat.

• Director's and expense reports

  Library, arts & community. Watch at 1:52

  The library director provided updates on year-end budget closeout, facility repairs, and technology upgrades. All public computers and the fax machine have been replaced, and plans are moving forward to safely remove a disruptive bird nest before upcoming concrete repairs. The director and trustees also discussed options and estimated costs for repairing antique clocks in the Judy Williams reading room.

  • Public computers and fax machine hardware upgrades were completed.
  • Concrete work near the entrance is being coordinated alongside a project at the Senior Center.
  • The library is contacting a clock museum in Grafton for estimates on repairing the entryway and grandfather clocks.
  • End-of-year funds may be directed toward high-demand digital audiobooks and e-books on Libby.

  Outcome: Reports accepted with no formal vote required.

• Election of board officers

  Governance & committees. Watch at 14:40

  Trustees debated whether the board should adopt an informal practice of rotating the chair role every one to two years, noting other town boards rotate regularly. Following the discussion, the board formally nominated and elected new officers to fill the leadership vacancy.

  • A member suggested rotating the chair role every two years to share leadership responsibility.
  • Trustee Jane Davis was nominated and elected as board chair.
  • Trustee Amy Yazdani was nominated and elected as vice chair.

  Outcome: Jane Davis elected chair and Amy Yazdani elected vice chair by unanimous roll call votes.

• DPW communication and library parking lot

  Buildings & facilities. Watch at 27:06 Library parking lot repaving · 3 meetings

  The board discussed a communication letter drafted to the Department of Public Works regarding maintenance delays and the library parking lot. DPW Director Bill Cundiff joined the discussion to explain that full parking lot repaving is a capital project that requires a town meeting warrant article sponsored by the trustees rather than a DPW operational repair. Cundiff offered to assist the library with engineering contacts and project scoping to bring a capital request to Town Meeting.

  • DPW Director Bill Cundiff explained DPW staffing shortages and heavy focus on road reconstruction projects.
  • Parking lot repaving must be brought as a trustee-sponsored capital request to Town Meeting.
  • Cundiff provided engineer names, survey drawings, and CAD files to assist with project planning.
  • Board members agreed to meet and coordinate future maintenance communications directly with the DPW director.

  Outcome: Trustee leadership agreed to review correspondence and coordinate directly with DPW on capital scoping.

  Why it matters: Clarifies the funding and project management pathway required to repair the library parking lot at Town Meeting.

• Library director annual evaluation

  Staffing & operations. Watch at 57:06

  Trustees reviewed the final written evaluation document for Library Director Ryan Donovan. The board agreed to strike a line from the document regarding parking lot research before the chair signs the final certification form.

  • Trustees agreed to delete a sentence stating trustees agree the director does not need to research parking lot issues.
  • The chair will meet with the director offline to sign the town evaluation certification form.

  Outcome: Evaluation adjusted to strike the parking lot sentence; signing scheduled offline.

• Authorization of Mary Finn Fund

  Library, arts & community. Watch at 1:00:18

  The director requested standing authorization to utilize the town-managed Mary Finn Fund trust to cover book expenses if end-of-year collection invoices exceed the operating budget line item. The trust was established by a family bequest with the explicit stipulation that funds be spent on books.

  • The Mary Finn Fund is a town-managed trust fund restricted to purchasing books.
  • Authorization allows invoices received late in the fiscal year to be paid from the trust without exceeding the municipal operating budget.

  Outcome: Approved 5-0.

  Why it matters: Enables the library to cover fiscal year-end book purchasing overages using dedicated private bequest funds rather than general tax appropriations.

• Prospective trustee appointment

  Governance & committees. Watch at 1:01:42

  Resident Molly Schofield was introduced as an applicant to fill the vacant seat on the Board of Trustees through the next annual town election. Trustees reviewed the appointment procedure, which requires a joint meeting and vote with the Select Board.

  • Molly Schofield applied for the vacancy created by Marguerite Landry's resignation.
  • A joint meeting with the Select Board is scheduled for June 16, 2024, around 6:45 PM to vote on the appointment.
  • The appointee will serve until the spring 2025 town election, where the remainder of the term will be on the ballot.

  Outcome: Trustees agreed to attend the June 16 joint meeting with the Select Board.

Routine business (2 items)

• Routine business

  Governance & committees. Watch at 0:15

  The board approved the minutes from the May 11 meeting and adjourned the session.

  • Minutes of May 11 were approved unanimously.
  • Next regular board meeting scheduled for July 13, 2024 at 11:00 AM.

  Outcome: Meeting adjourned at 12:16 PM.

• Community Preservation Committee signage language

  Library, arts & community. Watch at 46:15

  The director presented proposed wording from the Community Preservation Committee for signs acknowledging CPA funding for facade restoration and archival preservation. Trustees evaluated proposed phrasing and unanimously preferred acknowledging 'residents' rather than 'citizens.'

  • Signs will acknowledge CPA funding for the facade restoration and the Southborough Library Local History Collection.
  • Trustees unanimously directed staff to ensure the text reads 'residents' instead of 'citizens'.
  • Trustees corrected the collection title from 'Material Archive' to 'Local History Collection'.
  • Proposed sign dimensions discussed were roughly 12 inches by 18 inches.

  Outcome: The director will convey the board's wording preferences to the Community Preservation Committee.

Votes

Next steps and dates mentioned

• June 16, 2024 at 6:45 PM: Joint meeting with the Select Board to appoint a trustee to fill the board vacancy
• July 13, 2024 at 11:00 AM: Next regular Library Board of Trustees meeting