August 31 – September 6, 2026

The Select Board met to review town survey findings from the Municipal Technology Committee and discussed parking design options for Fay Memorial Park renovations. The board voted to remain in a 35-community consortium negotiating waste disposal with WIN Waste in Millbury. Members also approved emergency repairs for a recurrent sinkhole over a town-connected drainage pipe on a private driveway on Constitution Drive, and reviewed draft warrant articles for the upcoming Special Town Meeting.

• Municipal Technology Committee survey results and strategy

  Governance & committees. Watch at 10:34

  The Municipal Technology Committee presented the results of its 2025 Resident Satisfaction Survey and town employee business process survey. Community ratings remained largely positive for public safety, library services, and quality of life, but lower for street maintenance, transparency, and value for tax dollars. The committee proposed a 90-day action plan focusing on land use and permitting diagnostics, website enhancements, and DPW service request tools.

  • 284 residents responded to the 2025 survey wave
  • Over 85 percent satisfaction with town safety, fire, EMS, and library services
  • Public feedback highlighted concerns with road conditions and tax value
  • Recommended four initial pilot areas including DPW service ticketing and transfer station permitting

  Outcome: Board endorsed the prioritization framework and agreed to designate liaisons and department heads for each project track.

• Fay Memorial Park parking and renovation planning

  Parks, trails & recreation. Watch at 49:08

  The Recreation Commission updated the board on the Fay Memorial Park project, noting the larger capital renovation article has been postponed to the spring Annual Town Meeting to allow parking issues to be resolved first. The commission recommended Option 2, an angled street parking design along Central Street creating 19 spots alongside 12 deeded spaces across the street and accessible spots, rather than paving green space inside the park. Discussion touched on site lines, vehicle buffer safety, and an impending federal grant announcement in October.

  • Capital renovation article delayed to spring Annual Town Meeting
  • Recommended Option 2 provides 33 to 37 total parking spaces using angled parking on Central Street
  • Avoids encroaching on tree footprint within the 2.5-acre park
  • Town expects news on a major federal park grant in October

  Outcome: No formal vote taken; the board provided feedback and requested additional engineering and design details.

• Cemetery Expansion Committee progress report

  Governance & committees. Watch at 1:58:45

  The Cemetery Expansion Committee presented an update on future cemetery capacity, reporting that the Rural Cemetery is sold out and Middle Road Cemetery has 458 plots remaining. At an average rate of 50 plots sold per year, Middle Road is projected to reach capacity around 2035 or 2036. The committee reviewed 58 potential town and private parcels of 5 acres or more and is finalizing an evaluation matrix to screen candidate properties.

  • 458 plots remain at Middle Road Cemetery
  • Current sales trend projects full capacity by 2035 to 2036
  • Existing columbarium has only 25 to 30 of 192 niches occupied
  • Committee is vetting 58 candidate parcels of five or more acres

  Outcome: Informational update; the committee expects to present final site recommendations before June.

• Regional municipal waste disposal contract renewal

  Roads, water & infrastructure. Watch at 2:15:40

  DPW Director Bill Cundiff briefed the board on negotiations for the town's refuse disposal agreement with WIN Waste (formerly Wheelabrator) in Millbury, which expires on December 31, 2027. Southborough has participated in a 35-town collaborative led by Walpole since 2006 to negotiate bulk disposal rates. The board evaluated town counsel concerns regarding shared representation versus the pricing power of the regional group and voted to remain in the consortium for the upcoming contract cycle.

  • Current disposal contract with WIN Waste in Millbury expires December 31, 2027
  • Consortium includes 35 communities, including Worcester
  • Estimated legal cost share for consortium negotiations is approximately $2,500
  • The board retains the right to review and execute its individual contract terms

  Outcome: Voted unanimously to continue participating in the 35-member municipal consortium.

  Why it matters: Trash and municipal refuse disposal terms directly impact solid waste management costs and the operation of the town transfer station.

• Constitution Drive drainage sinkhole and street acceptance

  Roads, water & infrastructure. Watch at 2:29:40

  The DPW director presented findings on a recurring sinkhole in a private residential driveway at 11 Constitution Drive located above a 17.5-foot-deep town storm drainage pipe. An investigation revealed that although Town Meeting approved the road and easements in the past, final deeds were never recorded, leaving the street and drainage easements legally unaccepted. The board approved expending an estimated $5,000 for a one-time DPW repair with a signed homeowner hold-harmless agreement, and directed staff to investigate legal steps to clear the title and easements.

  • Driveway sinkhole sits over a 17.5-foot-deep town drainage culvert
  • Town previously repaired a settlement issue at the site in 2013
  • Estimated repair cost is $5,000 including $2,000 for materials
  • Constitution Drive and its easements were never formally recorded by deed

  Outcome: Approved two motions: authorizing the one-time driveway repair with a hold-harmless agreement, and directing staff to investigate rectifying the street and easement acceptance.

• Special Town Meeting warrant review and administrative updates

  Governance & committees. Watch at 2:44:02

  The board reviewed upcoming administration business and draft warrant articles for the October Special Town Meeting. Updates included Costco submitting a site plan package to the Southborough Planning Board and an upcoming special meeting to appoint an interim town clerk. The board reviewed warrant articles including appointed town clerk transition rules, two-family zoning amendments, CPA project extensions, a stormwater enterprise fund placeholder, rescission of unissued debt for Breakneck Hill and Neary projects, and $242,000 from the water fund to connect two Parkerville Road properties to municipal water.

  • Costco site plan package officially submitted to Southborough Planning Board
  • Special Select Board meeting scheduled for Friday at 9:00 a.m. to appoint interim town clerk
  • Proposed water fund appropriation of $242,000 for two Parkerville Road home water connections
  • Select Board agreed to place a placeholder article establishing a stormwater enterprise fund

  Outcome: Board approved warrant adjustments and scheduled final warrant signing for September 15.

  Why it matters: These warrant articles include appropriations, debt rescissions, and structural bylaws that will be voted on by Southborough voters at Special Town Meeting.

Routine business (3 items)

• Rotary Club one-day liquor license for Oktoberfest

  Governance & committees. Watch at 7:45

  The Southborough Rotary Club requested a one-day liquor license for its annual Oktoberfest event near the gazebo on Main Street. Organizers noted the event will feature food trucks, a two-officer police detail, and beer served by Owen O'Leary's.

  • Event location near the Main Street gazebo
  • Two-officer police detail assigned
  • Beer provided by Owen O'Leary's
  • Expected attendance of over 200 adults

  Outcome: Approved unanimously.

• Algonquin gymnastics state championship commemorative signs

  Governance & committees. Watch at 2:11:50

  A representative of the 1988 and 1989 Algonquin Regional High School boys gymnastics state championship teams requested permission to erect commemorative championship signs on town property. Funding for the signs will be raised privately, and the DPW will coordinate installation.

  • Recognizes back-to-back state championships from 1988 and 1989
  • Privately funded signs with no municipal expense
  • Installation to be coordinated with DPW along town roadways

  Outcome: Approved unanimously.

• Routine business

  Governance & committees. Watch at 2:51:15

  The board processed routine administrative business, including approving minutes, accepting a grant, extending an existing management contract, and approving an amended town policy.

  • Approved August 11 meeting minutes as amended
  • Accepted a $4,998.90 Choate Fund grant for Heritage Park outdoor games and tables
  • Approved a one-year contract extension for St. Mark's Golf Club Inc. through December 31, 2027
  • Approved the updated Senior Tax Work-off policy requiring CORI background checks and clarifying benefit exclusions

  Outcome: All routine motions approved unanimously.

Votes

Public comment

• A resident called in by phone following a Zoom outage to oppose angled parking on Central Street, arguing that Central Street has faster traffic than downtown Westborough and creates blind spots. She also suggested using an existing access road near the baseball field to place parking near the railroad tracks rather than overcrowding the park. 1:54:25

Next steps and dates mentioned

• Friday, September 4, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.: Special Select Board Zoom meeting to consider recommendation and appointment of an interim town clerk
• September 15, 2026: Select Board meeting to hear presentations and finalize and sign the Special Town Meeting warrant
• October 17, 2026: Special Town Meeting

Note on the recording: Between 1:38:15 and 1:54:20 of the recording, the Zoom feed experienced technical difficulties, freezing the screen and creating audio echo. A participating resident had to deliver her public comments via telephone on speakerphone.

The Elementary School Building Committee met to review the committee charge, designer scope of work, and updated design options for Neary Elementary School. District leaders presented an educational heat map evaluating how each layout serves programming needs, showing that larger renovation and addition concepts significantly outperform minimal maintenance options. The committee examined detailed floor plans for Options 2, 3, and 4, which feature varying approaches to gymnasium space, outdoor courtyard reuse, and classroom breakout areas. Cost estimators will price the options ahead of the committee's September 24 meeting and an early October joint meeting with town boards.

• Committee charge and designer scope of work

  Schools. Watch at 2:26

  The chair and project architects reviewed the committee charge and designer work plan for evaluating Neary Elementary School. The work requires evaluating existing conditions, educational programming, and deferred maintenance while developing both comprehensive renovation and capital improvement alternatives. Architects outlined ongoing site and systems analyses scheduled to inform recommendations for Town Meeting.

  • Committee charge requires at least two distinct approaches: comprehensive renovation versus deferred maintenance extension.
  • Tappe Architects is performing building systems analysis and site evaluations.
  • Goal is providing clear options and cost estimates to guide future town decision-making.

  Outcome: Discussion only.

• Educational heat map and programming review

  Schools. Watch at 6:25

  District administrators presented an educational evaluation matrix rating four building options against district educational goals. The assessment showed that Options 1 and 2 fail to adequately support critical educational needs such as specialized special education classrooms, appropriate physical education space, and dedicated music and art areas. Options 3 and 4 were rated much more favorably for meeting district educational goals and improving staff collaboration space.

  • Neary serves grades 4 and 5 with planned class sizes of 16 to 22 students across 14 to 16 sections.
  • Options 1 and 2 require substantial educational trade-offs and do not support desired programming.
  • Options 3 and 4 meet requirements for dedicated spaces for art, music, band, world languages, and special education.
  • Staff dining, teacher planning areas, and kitchen upgrades are prioritized educational needs.

  Outcome: District will update the matrix based on minor committee clarifications.

  Why it matters: The educational suitability evaluation will guide which renovation options the town advances and funds for Neary Elementary School.

• Review of Neary Elementary design options 2, 3, and 4

  Schools. Watch at 18:50

  Architects presented detailed schematic floor plans for Options 2, 3, and 4. Option 2 focuses on interior renovations, removing a gym dividing wall, and converting the existing courtyard into structured outdoor learning and fitness space. Option 3 encloses the courtyard to create a full-size gymnasium seating 400 people for schoolwide events, reconfigures administrative offices with a new front entry, and creates open corridor breakout learning spaces. Option 4 proposes building an exterior gym addition, but architects warned that 8 to 10 feet of unsuitable soils and high groundwater on the site would make an exterior addition significantly more complex and costly.

  • Option 2 keeps gym footprint inside existing building and reprograms the courtyard for an outdoor classroom, track, and gardens.
  • Option 3 infills the courtyard for a regulation elementary gym with seating for 400 spectators.
  • Option 3 adds a raised roofline vestibule, relocated administration suite, and teacher planning spaces.
  • Option 4 exterior addition faces 8 to 10 feet of unsuitable soils requiring extensive excavation or deep foundations.
  • The tiered concrete band room risers present accessibility challenges under review for potential leveling.

  Outcome: Design plans will be submitted to cost estimators to produce order-of-magnitude price comparisons.

  Why it matters: Design choices directly dictate project construction costs, accessibility compliance, and whether Neary can host full-school assemblies without traveling off site.

• Project schedule and upcoming joint meetings

  Schools. Watch at 57:45

  The committee reviewed the project schedule leading into October Town Meeting milestones. A site meeting with public safety officials and the Department of Public Works is set for September 9, followed by cost estimating results due before the next committee meeting. Members agreed to coordinate a joint meeting in early October with the Select Board, School Committee, Capital Committee, and Recreation Commission.

  • Site review with first responders and DPW scheduled for September 9 at 10:00 AM.
  • Cost estimates for all options expected in mid-September from PM&C estimators.
  • Next Elementary School Building Committee meeting set for September 24.
  • Joint board meeting targeted around October 6 prior to the October 17 Town Meeting.

  Outcome: The superintendent and committee members will coordinate scheduling for the early October joint session.

Next steps and dates mentioned

• September 9, 2026 at 10:00 AM: Site review meeting with first responders and Department of Public Works
• September 24, 2026: Elementary School Building Committee meeting to review cost estimates
• Early October 2026 (tentatively October 6): Joint meeting with Select Board, School Committee, Capital Committee, and Recreation Commission

The Southborough Wastewater Study Committee met to discuss updated modeling and potential phasing for a Route 9 wastewater collection and treatment system. Members reviewed a joint $150,000 One Stop grant application submitted with Westborough, which requires a $7,500 local match if awarded in October. The committee also discussed environmental permitting hurdles with MassDEP, development pauses at the Dell property pending Costco approvals, and pushed any potential Town Meeting proposals to spring 2027.

• Route 9 wastewater capacity modeling and phased layout

  Roads, water & infrastructure. Watch at 2:34

  Members examined revised measurements and capacity models for a potential sewer line along Route 9, scaling down prior estimates. Discussion focused on whether to build a modular system in phases, starting along the south side of Route 9 between the Dell property and Cordaville Road, to keep initial costs lower and match realistic wastewater demand.

  • Usable development corridor along Route 9 was remeasured at 3.75 miles, with roughly 1.5 miles restricted by wetlands and reservoirs.
  • Revised daily capacity modeling suggested 100,000 to 250,000 gallons per day, down from an earlier rough estimate of 500,000 gallons per day.
  • Total ballpark capital cost for a smaller system was estimated between $30 million and $40 million, roughly half of which would be collection pipes.
  • A proposed Phase 1 would run exclusively along the south side of Route 9 from the Dell area east toward Cordaville Road and nearby office parks.
  • Phase 2 could later extend farther east toward the Framingham town line if development justifies expansion.

  Outcome: The committee agreed to focus planning on a modular, expandable facility and collection design along the south side of Route 9.

  Why it matters: A Route 9 sewer system could unlock major commercial development and new property tax revenue, but it carries construction estimates in the tens of millions of dollars.

• State environmental permitting and MassDEP consultation

  Environment & conservation. Watch at 12:52

  The committee discussed regulatory challenges related to wastewater discharge sites and state environmental permitting through the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. Key issues include restrictions in Zone C water supply protection areas, nitrogen removal requirements, and potential interbasin water transfer regulations.

  • The chair initiated contact with MassDEP representative Dan Carpasko to request an informal consultation.
  • Portions of Route 9 near the Dell property sit outside Zone C, whereas areas farther east enter protected water resource zones.
  • Discharging treated effluent into ground basins after drawing MWRA water from Quabbin Reservoir may trigger interbasin transfer reviews.
  • Members noted that state environmental cleanup priorities may help secure competitive grant funding for wastewater treatment.

  Outcome: The chair will arrange a remote informational meeting with MassDEP officials later in September.

• Inter-municipal sewer study and One Stop grant with Westborough

  Budget & taxes. Watch at 41:15

  Members reviewed the status of a joint application submitted under the state Community One Stop for Growth grant program in partnership with Westborough. The grant would fund a formal engineering and planning study of regional wastewater solutions along the Route 9 corridor.

  • The joint application requests a $150,000 state planning grant, with total project costs listed at $165,000.
  • The required local cash match is $15,000, split evenly at $7,500 each between Southborough and Westborough.
  • The application includes letters of support from the Select Board and Planning Board.
  • Grant award decisions from the state are expected in October 2026.

  Outcome: The committee decided to wait for grant award announcements in October before retaining engineering consultants or holding further full meetings.

• Dell property and Costco site permitting status

  Zoning & development. Watch at 1:00:30

  The committee discussed how pending commercial developments on Route 9, specifically the Costco project and adjacent Dell property, impact wastewater planning. Ownership of the Dell property has reportedly paused new proposals until Costco secures final site plan approvals and traffic mitigation agreements with MassDOT.

  • Costco has filed its site plan review with the Planning Board.
  • Traffic mitigation on Route 9 and the Crystal Pond road network remains a central focus of state highway and local board reviews.
  • Dell property owners are holding back on development concepts until Costco permitting is finalized.
  • A private sewer connection or onsite system at Dell could serve as an anchor for a wider Route 9 municipal system.

  Outcome: No action taken; the committee will monitor Planning Board hearings on the Costco site plan.

• District Improvement Financing and Town Meeting strategy

  Budget & taxes. Watch at 1:10:00

  The committee debated whether to pursue District Improvement Financing (DIF) to capture future tax revenue from Route 9 commercial growth to repay infrastructure borrowing. Members determined there is insufficient time and project detail to bring any warrant articles to the fall 2026 Special Town Meeting, opting to target Annual Town Meeting in spring 2027.

  • MassDevelopment representatives recommended exploring DIF to designate future commercial tax growth specifically for infrastructure.
  • DIF approval requires establishing a defined geographic district, which does not impose new taxes immediately but allocates incremental tax revenue.
  • Board members expressed skepticism that Southborough voters or the Select Board would approve a DIF district without fully developed engineering and cost numbers.
  • Setting the property assessment baseline at January 1, 2027 would capture tax growth from major developments completed in subsequent years.

  Outcome: The committee concluded it will not submit articles for the fall 2026 Special Town Meeting and will instead aim for the spring 2027 Annual Town Meeting.

Routine business (1 item)

• Routine business

  Governance & committees. Watch at 0:15

  The committee addressed regular procedural matters including the review and approval of prior meeting records.

  • The committee approved the minutes from the July 23, 2026 meeting.

  Outcome: Meeting minutes approved.

Next steps and dates mentioned

• Late September 2026: Informational consultation meeting between committee representatives and MassDEP
• October 2026: State announcement regarding the Community One Stop for Growth grant award
• October 2026: Next committee meeting to evaluate grant results and next steps

The Southborough Golf Committee discussed the proposed golf course irrigation project ahead of the October Special Town Meeting, noting the estimated cost is now approximately $1.05 million after raising the contingency to 15 percent. Members reviewed updates on Audubon International certification efforts and received status reports on tree planting, fence installation, and tee box renovations. The committee also agreed to advertise an open fifth seat by posting a notice in the clubhouse to recruit a resident golfer.

• Golf course irrigation project and CPC funding application

  Budget & taxes. Watch at 0:27

  The chair reported on meetings with the Community Preservation Committee regarding the golf course irrigation project. The project base cost is estimated by consultants at approximately $900,000, and the committee increased the budget contingency from 2.5 percent to 15 percent, bringing the total anticipated request to about $1.05 million. The proposal currently includes using $100,000 from the golf revolving fund, with the remainder sought through Community Preservation Act funds at the October Special Town Meeting.

  • Total estimated cost with 15 percent contingency is approximately $1.05 million.
  • The golf revolving fund is slated to contribute $100,000 toward the project.
  • The project will be put before voters on the Special Town Meeting warrant, tentatively scheduled for October 17.

  Outcome: Warrant article language is pending review by town officials and CPC.

  Why it matters: A multi-hundred-thousand to million-dollar project using Community Preservation Act funds requires town approval and directly affects municipal recreation assets and capital spending.

• Audubon International certification status

  Environment & conservation. Watch at 3:33

  The committee discussed the status of pursuing Audubon International certification for the golf course. Members noted that demonstrating progress on environmental stewardship will be important ahead of Town Meeting. A proposed timeline was submitted to the Community Preservation Committee, and work is underway to engage a consultant.

  • A project coordinator developed a timeline submitted to the CPC.
  • Annual membership dues will be put before the committee for payment once an invoice is received.
  • The committee plans to report at Town Meeting that certification efforts are actively in process.

  Outcome: Discussion only; waiting on consultant onboarding and dues billing.

• Ongoing course maintenance, fencing, and tee box projects

  Parks, trails & recreation. Watch at 8:48

  The committee reviewed pending maintenance and improvement projects across the course. Fencing behind the third green and planting six trees between the third and fourth fairways have been submitted to town administration. Members also discussed tee box renovations, future safety redesigns on hole 7 to prevent errant balls, and potential collaboration with Assabet Valley students to repair the maintenance barn sills.

  • Fencing quotes behind the third green and six replacement trees are under review by the town administrator.
  • Cost estimates have been received from the golf management company for tee box renovations.
  • Potential repair work on the maintenance barn sills may involve vocational students from Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School.

  Outcome: The committee will follow up with town administration to advance the tee box and fencing work.

• Recruitment for vacant fifth committee seat

  Governance & committees. Watch at 16:13

  Members discussed recruiting a fifth member to fill a vacancy on the Golf Committee. Rather than relying solely on town census data, the committee agreed to post a flyer in the golf clubhouse and pro shop to recruit an active Southborough resident golfer. A select board member also offered to mention the opening during upcoming board reports.

  • The committee seeks to fill an open fifth seat to ensure stable quorums.
  • A flyer will be posted at the course clubhouse inviting interested Southborough residents to apply.
  • The opening will also be mentioned at a future Select Board meeting.

  Outcome: Members will coordinate posting an informational flyer at the course.

Routine business (1 item)

• Routine business

  Governance & committees. Watch at 0:06

  The committee approved the minutes of the July 14 meeting.

  • Minutes of July 14 were approved without amendment.

  Outcome: Approved

Public comment

• A resident in attendance inquired about the total dollar amount being set aside for the irrigation project and historical attempts at course building maintenance and Audubon certification. 8:02

Next steps and dates mentioned

• October 6, 2026: Golf Committee regular meeting
• October 17, 2026: Special Town Meeting

In a special morning meeting, the Select Board appointed former Southborough deputy town clerk Amy Berry as interim town clerk, effective October 1, 2026, to succeed retiring clerk Jim Hegarty. The board also approved temporary staffing positions on the consent agenda, including short-term medical leave coverage at the Department of Public Works. Officials reviewed plans to present a measure at the October 17 Special Town Meeting to transition the town clerk role from elected to appointed.

• Appointment of interim town clerk and governance transition

  Governance & committees. Watch at 2:11

  The board voted unanimously to appoint Amy Berry as interim town clerk from October 1, 2026, through May 11, 2027, filling the vacancy created by Jim Hegarty's departure on September 30. Berry previously worked as Southborough deputy town clerk for six years and has served as town clerk in Grafton since February 2025. Officials also discussed warrant articles for the October 17 Special Town Meeting to change the town clerk position from elected to appointed, which would require voter approval at the May 11, 2027, annual town election.

  • Berry will serve as interim assistant town clerk from September 23 to September 30 for training, becoming interim town clerk on October 1.
  • Annualized compensation is set at $117,312 (equivalent to Grade 8, Step 6 at $56.40 per hour), covered within the existing FY27 budget.
  • Nine or ten candidates applied for the position, with three interviewed in the first round and two finalists.
  • The proposed transition of the town clerk from an elected to an appointed role will appear at the October 17 Special Town Meeting and May 11 town election.

  Outcome: Appointed Amy Berry as interim town clerk by a 5-0 vote.

  Why it matters: The town clerk oversees local and state elections, town meeting records, and vital statistics; voters will soon decide whether to make the role permanently appointed rather than elected.

Routine business (1 item)

• Consent agenda: DPW temporary coverage and intern appointment

  Governance & committees. Watch at 0:20

  The board reviewed and approved two consent agenda items after a member asked for clarification on a temporary position. The town administrator and chair explained that the position provides 4 to 5 weeks of temporary business administrator coverage at the Department of Public Works for an employee taking medical leave. The consent agenda also ratified an existing budgeted intern position.

  • Item A provides temporary DPW business administrator coverage for about 4 to 5 weeks.
  • Item B ratifies a recurring budgeted student intern position.
  • Both items were approved in a single roll call vote.

  Outcome: Approved 5-0.

Votes

Next steps and dates mentioned

• October 17, 2026: Special Town Meeting to vote on converting the town clerk role from elected to appointed
• May 11, 2027: Annual Town Election ballot question regarding the appointed town clerk position