MassVoter.com← Boxborough Select BoardBoxborough Select Board · 2022–2023 Board · Regular meeting
February 13, 2023
15 recorded votes, 1 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda
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Present: Diana Lipari, Wesley Fowlks, Leslie Fox, John Markiewicz
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
Enter into the Public Hearing
Member Markiewicz moved to enter into the Public Hearing. Seconded by Member Fox. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye."
From the minutes
“Member Markiewicz moved to enter into the Public Hearing. Seconded by Member Fox. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye.".” (Motion: Markiewicz, second: Fox)
Opt out of the vote by mail for the local election, as presented
Chair Lipari moved to opt out of the vote by mail for the local election, as presented. Seconded by Member Fox. Failed: 1-3-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "nay," Fox "aye," Fowlks "nay," Lipari "nay."
Yes: FoxNo: Fowlks, Lipari, Markiewicz
From the minutes
“Chair Lipari moved to opt out of the vote by mail for the local election, as presented. Seconded by Member Fox. Failed: 1-3-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "nay," Fox "aye," Fowlks "nay," Lipari "nay.".” (Motion: Lipari, second: Fox)
Exit the Public Hearing
Member Fowlks moved to exit the Public Hearing. Seconded by Member Markiewicz. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye."
From the minutes
“Member Fowlks moved to exit the Public Hearing. Seconded by Member Markiewicz. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye.".” (Motion: Fowlks, second: Markiewicz)
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approve the regular session meeting minutes of December 28, 2022; January 9, 2023; and January 23, 2023, as presented
Chair Lipari moved to approve the regular session meeting minutes of December 28, 2022; January 9, 2023; and January 23, 2023, as presented. Seconded by Member Markiewicz. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye."
From the minutes
“Chair Lipari moved to approve the regular session meeting minutes of December 28, 2022; January 9, 2023; and January 23, 2023, as presented. Seconded by Member Markiewicz. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye.".” (Motion: Lipari, second: Markiewicz)
NEW BUSINESS
Appoint Ellen Hickey to the Personnel Board for a term ending June 30, 2026
Chair Lipari moved to appoint Ellen Hickey to the Personnel Board for a term ending June 30, 2026. Seconded by Member Markiewicz. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye." c.
From the minutes
“Chair Lipari moved to appoint Ellen Hickey to the Personnel Board for a term ending June 30, 2026. Seconded by Member Markiewicz. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye." c..” (Motion: Lipari, second: Markiewicz)
Accept the resignation of Bill Litant from the Boxborough Personnel Board, with a letter of thanks and appreciation for his service
Chair Lipari moved to accept the resignation of Bill Litant from the Boxborough Personnel Board, with a letter of thanks and appreciation for his service. Seconded by Member Fox. 20230213 2 Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye." d.
From the minutes
“Chair Lipari moved to accept the resignation of Bill Litant from the Boxborough Personnel Board, with a letter of thanks and appreciation for his service. Seconded by Member Fox. 20230213 2 Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye." d..” (Motion: Lipari, second: Fox)
Accept the Student Awareness of Fire Education (S.A.F.E.) Grant in the amount of $3,784.00 for the purpose stated therein
Chair Lipari moved to accept the Student Awareness of Fire Education (S.A.F.E.) Grant in the amount of $3,784.00 for the purpose stated therein. Seconded by Member Fowlks. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye."
From the minutes
“Chair Lipari moved to accept the Student Awareness of Fire Education (S.A.F.E.) Grant in the amount of $3,784.00 for the purpose stated therein. Seconded by Member Fowlks. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye.".” (Motion: Lipari, second: Fowlks)
Accept the Senior SAFE Grant in the amount of $2,077.00, for the purpose stated therein
Chair Lipari moved to accept the Senior SAFE Grant in the amount of $2,077.00, for the purpose stated therein. Seconded by Member Fowlks. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye." f.
From the minutes
“Chair Lipari moved to accept the Senior SAFE Grant in the amount of $2,077.00, for the purpose stated therein. Seconded by Member Fowlks. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye." f..” (Motion: Lipari, second: Fowlks)
l. Action: Vote to Authorize Town Administrator to Negotiate Waterline Extension IMA
Authorize the Town Administrator to negotiate with the Town of Littleton LELWD to enter into an intermunicipal agreement for the water line extension project and return with a draft for the Select...
Member Fowlks moved authorize the Town Administrator to negotiate with the Town of Littleton LELWD to enter into an intermunicipal agreement for the water line extension project and return with a draft for the Select Board to review. Seconded by Member Markiewicz. Discussion: Member Fowlks stated that he supports the Town Administrator and how his early negotiations have been regarding this intermunicipal agreement (IMA). Chair Lipari stated that she believes there needs to be more details and input for these details. She would like to see definite sign-ons from the associated 11 communities. She would like to know the total costs for each entity, including connection and betterment fees. She asked if betterment fees are the best way to structure this agreement. Janet Connolly stated that it would be helpful for people to know what an IMA is and the scope of this agreement, specific to a waterline. She asked if the Town is considering the entire lifetime of this project or simply trying to get to the construction phase. Jim Syiek, Harvard Ridge Condominiums, stated that, over the longer term, displacing the public water supply onto a water utility would be a great benefit to the associated condominiums. He stated that he is happy to work with any of the associated communities on this item. Member Markiewicz stated that he would like more information regarding the buy-in of various stakeholders in this process. There needs to be enough buy-in for this to work. He would like to
From the minutes
“Member Fowlks moved authorize the Town Administrator to negotiate with the Town of Littleton LELWD to enter into an intermunicipal agreement for the water line extension project and return with a draft for the Select Board to review. Seconded by Member Markiewicz. Discussion: Member Fowlks stated that he supports the Town Administrator and how his early negotiations have been regarding this intermunicipal agreement (IMA). Chair Lipari stated that she believes there needs to be more details and input for these details. She would like to see definite sign-ons from the associated 11 communities. She would like to know the total costs for each entity, including connection and betterment fees. She asked if betterment fees are the best way to structure this agreement. Janet Connolly stated that it would be helpful for people to know what an IMA is and the scope of this agreement, specific to a waterline. She asked if the Town is considering the entire lifetime of this project or simply trying to get to the construction phase. Jim Syiek, Harvard Ridge Condominiums, stated that, over the longer term, displacing the public water supply onto a water utility would be a great benefit to the associated condominiums. He stated that he is happy to work with any of the associated communities on this item. Member Markiewicz stated that he would like more information regarding the buy-in of various stakeholders in this process. There needs to be enough buy-in for this to work. He would like to see a roadmap of considerations for this project, with one being the stakeholders. Chair Lipari stated that she is not adverse to giving the Town Administrator authorization to enter into negotiations, but there are still so many unanswered questions at this time which she would like answers to before voting on this item. She feels that the Board is being asked to move forward quickly without a lot of the necessary details. Robert Johnson, Leverett House, stated that back in 2007 there was discussion regarding concerns around blasting and chemicals. This seems to still be a concern that has not gone away. Chair Lipari suggested that an ad hoc advisory committee could be formed to work with the Town Administrator through this negotiation process. This could involve members of the Planning Board, Water Resources Committee, etc. She is concerned that the public has not had enough input into this process. Town Administrator Johns stated that an IMA sets forth the ground rules as to how all the participants will interact, along with bounds for the agreement. He stated that he believes the IMA will cover the entire process from borrowing, through construction, through the lifetime of the participating parties. 20230213 6 Member Fox noted that a couple of public participation information sessions, including a webinar have been held, with fairly good participation. Letters of support have been sent to the Select Board on this item, which are being collated by Town staff. The time is opportune to pursue this project and the risk to Boxborough is very low. This project will leverage the capabilities of neighboring communities. Member Markiewicz suggested that this process move forward, with the Board requiring regular updates from the Town Administrator and from Mr. Syiek regarding discussions with the associations. Delaying negotiations will not help this issue in any way. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye.".” (Motion: Fowlks, second: Markiewicz)
m. Action: Reopen Annual Town Meeting Warrant
Reopen the Annual Town Meeting Warrant for May 2023
Member Fowlks moved to reopen the Annual Town Meeting Warrant for May 2023. Seconded by Member Markiewicz. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye." n.
From the minutes
“Member Fowlks moved to reopen the Annual Town Meeting Warrant for May 2023. Seconded by Member Markiewicz. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye." n..” (Motion: Fowlks, second: Markiewicz)
n. Discussion: Additional Warrant Articles
Add the additional warrant articles to the Annual Town Meeting Warrant, as proposed within
Chair Lipari moved to add the additional warrant articles to the Annual Town Meeting Warrant, as proposed within. Seconded by Member Fowlks. Discussion: Town Administrator Johns explained that the additional warrant articles include repairs to the Library fire alarm system, $17,500; maximum limits for revolving funds; appropriating money received from the Town to cable services; a citizen petition for $20,000 to review the cost of investigations; paying off the Sargent Road item; $10,000 from free cash to transform Steele Farm into a museum; and a potential item for the road acceptance as discussed earlier this evening. Member Fowlks stated that he has additional new items that could be included. One includes getting a general sense of the meeting regarding competing and/or different ideas for the Public Safety building. This could consider all alternatives being proposed. Chair Lipari stated that there is already a placeholder for a Boxborough Building Committee warrant article, which could be converted to deal with this item. Member Fowlks stated that he would like to see this proposed as one or more sense of the meeting articles. Member Fox noted that there is no placeholder article proposed at this time from the Building Committee. Member Fowlks stated that he would like to suggest up to three placeholder proposals for the planned space and to bring people's awareness to the fact that these parcels are still relevant to the discussions regarding Boxborough Meadows. Two id
From the minutes
“Chair Lipari moved to add the additional warrant articles to the Annual Town Meeting Warrant, as proposed within. Seconded by Member Fowlks. Discussion: Town Administrator Johns explained that the additional warrant articles include repairs to the Library fire alarm system, $17,500; maximum limits for revolving funds; appropriating money received from the Town to cable services; a citizen petition for $20,000 to review the cost of investigations; paying off the Sargent Road item; $10,000 from free cash to transform Steele Farm into a museum; and a potential item for the road acceptance as discussed earlier this evening. Member Fowlks stated that he has additional new items that could be included. One includes getting a general sense of the meeting regarding competing and/or different ideas for the Public Safety building. This could consider all alternatives being proposed. Chair Lipari stated that there is already a placeholder for a Boxborough Building Committee warrant article, which could be converted to deal with this item. Member Fowlks stated that he would like to see this proposed as one or more sense of the meeting articles. Member Fox noted that there is no placeholder article proposed at this time from the Building Committee. Member Fowlks stated that he would like to suggest up to three placeholder proposals for the planned space and to bring people's awareness to the fact that these parcels are still relevant to the discussions regarding Boxborough Meadows. Two ideas were presented to the Building Committee. He would like for those to have placeholders, along with an additional sense of the meeting article that could include additional suggestions or ideas. The Board agreed to add three additional public safety building option articles to the warrant. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye.".” (Motion: Lipari, second: Fowlks)
Place a warrant article on Annual Town Meeting for acceptance of three roads in Boxborough Meadows: Joyce Lane, Loring Avenue, and MacLeod Way
Member Fox moved to place a warrant article on Annual Town Meeting for acceptance of three roads in Boxborough Meadows: Joyce Lane, Loring Avenue, and MacLeod Way. Seconded by Member Fowlks. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye."
From the minutes
“Member Fox moved to place a warrant article on Annual Town Meeting for acceptance of three roads in Boxborough Meadows: Joyce Lane, Loring Avenue, and MacLeod Way. Seconded by Member Fowlks. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye.".” (Motion: Fox, second: Fowlks)
Add ten warrant articles to the 2023 Annual Town Meeting warrant, as stated therein
Chair Lipari moved to add ten warrant articles to the 2023 Annual Town Meeting warrant, as stated therein. Seconded by Member Fowlks. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye."
From the minutes
“Chair Lipari moved to add ten warrant articles to the 2023 Annual Town Meeting warrant, as stated therein. Seconded by Member Fowlks. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye.".” (Motion: Lipari, second: Fowlks)
o. Action: Close Annual Town Meeting Warrant
Close the 2023 Annual Town Meeting Warrant for
Chair Lipari moved to close the 2023 Annual Town Meeting Warrant for. Seconded by Member Markiewicz. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye." p.
From the minutes
“Chair Lipari moved to close the 2023 Annual Town Meeting Warrant for. Seconded by Member Markiewicz. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye." p..” (Motion: Lipari, second: Markiewicz)
ADJOURN
Adjourn
Member Fowlks moved to adjourn the meeting at 11:35 p.m. Seconded by Member Markiewicz. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye."
From the minutes
“Member Fowlks moved to adjourn the meeting at 11:35 p.m. Seconded by Member Markiewicz. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye.".” (Motion: Fowlks, second: Markiewicz)
From the Boxborough Select Board’s official minutes, posted in the town’s Agenda Center (Select Board). We check every vote against the Select Board members present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Photos: Town of Boxborough Select Board page (named group photo, LCTV) — Sam Anderson, Priya Sundaram, Wes Fowlks, Bob Stemple and Kristin Hilberg. Cropped by MassVoter. Former members show initials.
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