MassVoter.com← Boxborough Select BoardBoxborough Select Board · 2022–2023 Board · Regular meeting
February 27, 2023
26 recorded votes, 4 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
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approve the meeting minutes of February 4, 2023, as presented
Chair Lipari moved to approve the meeting minutes of February 4, 2023, as presented. Seconded by Member Markiewicz. Approved: 3-0-1 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "abstain," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye."
Yes: Fowlks, Lipari, MarkiewiczAbstained: Fox
From the minutes
“Chair Lipari moved to approve the meeting minutes of February 4, 2023, as presented. Seconded by Member Markiewicz. Approved: 3-0-1 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "abstain," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye.".” (Motion: Lipari, second: Markiewicz)
Approve the meeting minutes of February 13, 2023, as presented
Chair Lipari moved to approve the meeting minutes of February 13, 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 meeting minutes of February 13, 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)
b. Action: Memorandum of Understanding Between Conservation Commission & Agricultural Commission
Accept the Memorandum of Understanding between the Conservation Commission and the Agricultural Commission regarding the monitoring and management of the 95/105 Sargent Road property
Chair Lipari moved to accept the Memorandum of Understanding between the Conservation Commission and the Agricultural Commission regarding the monitoring and management of the 95/105 Sargent Road property. Seconded by Member Fox. Approved: 3-0-1 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "abstain," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye." a.
Yes: Fowlks, Fox, LipariAbstained: Markiewicz
From the minutes
“Chair Lipari moved to accept the Memorandum of Understanding between the Conservation Commission and the Agricultural Commission regarding the monitoring and management of the 95/105 Sargent Road property. Seconded by Member Fox. Approved: 3-0-1 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "abstain," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye." a..” (Motion: Lipari, second: Fox)
a. Discussion & Possible Vote: Citizens' Academy
Accept the concept of the Citizen's Academy and authorize the Town Administrator's Office to proceed with the implementation of the program
Chair Lipari moved to accept the concept of the Citizen's Academy and authorize the Town Administrator's Office to proceed with the implementation of the program. Seconded by Member Fowlks. Discussion: The Board discussed possible age limits for the program. The Board agreed for the program to be for those 16+ years. Chair Lipari amended her motion to accept the concept of the Citizen's Academy, for those 16+ years of age, and to authorize the Town Administrator's Office to proceed with the implementation of the program. Seconded by Member Fox. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye."
From the minutes
“Chair Lipari moved to accept the concept of the Citizen's Academy and authorize the Town Administrator's Office to proceed with the implementation of the program. Seconded by Member Fowlks. Discussion: The Board discussed possible age limits for the program. The Board agreed for the program to be for those 16+ years. Chair Lipari amended her motion to accept the concept of the Citizen's Academy, for those 16+ years of age, and to authorize the Town Administrator's Office to proceed with the implementation of the program. Seconded by Member Fox. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye.".” (Motion: Lipari, second: Fowlks)
c. Action: Amending the Select Board Charge for the Boxborough Building Committee
Approve the revision of the charter of the Boxborough Building Committee as presented and amended
Chair Lipari moved to approve the revision of the charter of the Boxborough Building Committee as presented and amended. Seconded by Member Fowlks. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye." d.
From the minutes
“Chair Lipari moved to approve the revision of the charter of the Boxborough Building Committee as presented and amended. Seconded by Member Fowlks. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye." d..” (Motion: Lipari, second: Fowlks)
d. Action: Boxborough Field Permit Application Fee Waiver (AB Youth Soccer) & RE: Town Administrator Authority
Waive the field permit fee for the Acton Boxborough Youth Soccer, as presented
Chair Lipari moved to waive the field permit fee for the Acton Boxborough Youth Soccer, 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 waive the field permit fee for the Acton Boxborough Youth Soccer, 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)
e. Discussion & Possible Vote: Adoption of Local Option MGL Ch 269, Acts 2022
Accept Chapter 269 of the Acts of 2022, the one-time COLA adjustment for retirees, as presented
Chair Lipari moved to accept Chapter 269 of the Acts of 2022, the one-time COLA adjustment for retirees, as presented. Seconded by Member Fowlks. Discussion: Town Administrator Johns explained that Chapter 269 of the Acts of 2022 is a piece of legislature passed last year in regard to a one time increase in the cost-of-living allowance (COLA) for retirees. The COLA for retirees is 3%, based on the first $16,000 of their salary. This proposal would increase that COLA from 3% in 2022, to 5%; a 2% one-time only increase. There are approximately 6,500 retirees currently getting their pensions from the Middlesex County Retirement System, of which 47 are Boxborough residents. To implement this proposal, the Middlesex County Retirement Board voted in favor, and now 2/3 of the municipalities within that County Retirement System also have to vote in favor. 20230227 2 Chair Lipari noted that 5% is higher than what the Town employees are receiving, however employees are receiving steps where retirees are not. Also, while only a one-time increase, COLAs continue to build on amounts from prior years, so this will be built in for the lifetime. Member Fox asked what this means for the contribution requirement from the Town budget. Town Administrator Johns explained that the County will decide when the increase is actuarially determined, and it appears the increase may begin in 2026. Member Fowlks stated that he attended the School Committee meeting where the budget was discussed. The initia
Yes: Fowlks, Fox, LipariAbstained: Markiewicz
From the minutes
“Chair Lipari moved to accept Chapter 269 of the Acts of 2022, the one-time COLA adjustment for retirees, as presented. Seconded by Member Fowlks. Discussion: Town Administrator Johns explained that Chapter 269 of the Acts of 2022 is a piece of legislature passed last year in regard to a one time increase in the cost-of-living allowance (COLA) for retirees. The COLA for retirees is 3%, based on the first $16,000 of their salary. This proposal would increase that COLA from 3% in 2022, to 5%; a 2% one-time only increase. There are approximately 6,500 retirees currently getting their pensions from the Middlesex County Retirement System, of which 47 are Boxborough residents. To implement this proposal, the Middlesex County Retirement Board voted in favor, and now 2/3 of the municipalities within that County Retirement System also have to vote in favor. 20230227 2 Chair Lipari noted that 5% is higher than what the Town employees are receiving, however employees are receiving steps where retirees are not. Also, while only a one-time increase, COLAs continue to build on amounts from prior years, so this will be built in for the lifetime. Member Fox asked what this means for the contribution requirement from the Town budget. Town Administrator Johns explained that the County will decide when the increase is actuarially determined, and it appears the increase may begin in 2026. Member Fowlks stated that he attended the School Committee meeting where the budget was discussed. The initial agreement gradually shifted the onus from Acton to Boxborough to take its fair share, based on the percentage of students attending. The current projections put Boxborough in assessment in the next few years up $2M, which will be close to the levy limit. Maria Neyland noted that this is being proposed on a three-year rolling average, based on actual attendance. Town Administrator Johns stated that it appears other communities have been approving this. Maria Neyland noted that there was a recent presentation that within the next few years pensions will be the largest budget driver for towns. Approved: 3-0-1 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "abstain," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye." h..” (Motion: Lipari, second: Fowlks)
h. Discussion & Possible Vote: Authorize Chair to Send Remote Meeting Letter to State Reps
Authorize the Chair to send a letter to State reps on behalf of the Board to extend the current option for remote meetings
Chair Lipari moved to authorize the Chair to send a letter to State reps on behalf of the Board to extend the current option for remote meetings. Seconded by Member Markiewicz. Discussion: Member Fox stated that he would like for there to be the option, while still encouraging people to meet in person. There was discussion regarding how multiple in person meetings occurring at the same time for the Town would work. Chair Lipari stated that remote meeting have increased citizen and volunteer participation. She stated that she will send a draft of the letter to Town Administrator Johns for distribution. If there are any questions or comments, the Board can discuss it at their Wednesday meeting. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye." f.
From the minutes
“Chair Lipari moved to authorize the Chair to send a letter to State reps on behalf of the Board to extend the current option for remote meetings. Seconded by Member Markiewicz. Discussion: Member Fox stated that he would like for there to be the option, while still encouraging people to meet in person. There was discussion regarding how multiple in person meetings occurring at the same time for the Town would work. Chair Lipari stated that remote meeting have increased citizen and volunteer participation. She stated that she will send a draft of the letter to Town Administrator Johns for distribution. If there are any questions or comments, the Board can discuss it at their Wednesday meeting. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye." f..” (Motion: Lipari, second: Markiewicz)
g. Discussion & Possible Vote: Annual Town Meeting Draft Warrant
Recommend the Sargent Road bond anticipation note repayment
Member Fowlks moved to recommend the Sargent Road bond anticipation note repayment. Seconded by Member Fox. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye."
From the minutes
“Member Fowlks moved to recommend the Sargent Road bond anticipation note repayment. Seconded by Member Fox. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye.".” (Motion: Fowlks, second: Fox)
Recommend Article 2
Member Fox moved to recommend Article 2. Seconded by Member Markiewicz. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye."
From the minutes
“Member Fox moved to recommend Article 2. Seconded by Member Markiewicz. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye.".” (Motion: Fox, second: Markiewicz)
Recommend Article 3
Member Markiewicz moved to recommend Article 3. Seconded by Member Fowlks. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye."
From the minutes
“Member Markiewicz moved to recommend Article 3. Seconded by Member Fowlks. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye.".” (Motion: Markiewicz, second: Fowlks)
Recommend Article 1 of Annual Town Meeting
Member Markiewicz moved to recommend Article 1 of Annual Town Meeting. 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 recommend Article 1 of Annual Town Meeting. Seconded by Member Fox. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye..” (Motion: Markiewicz, second: Fox)
Recommend Article 2
Chair Lipari moved to recommend Article 2. Seconded by Member Fox. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye.
From the minutes
“Chair Lipari moved to recommend Article 2. Seconded by Member Fox. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye..” (Motion: Lipari, second: Fox)
Recommend Article 6; Fall Town Meeting establishment and general bylaws and to raise and appropriate $5,900 for this item
Member Markiewicz moved to recommend Article 6; Fall Town Meeting establishment and general bylaws and to raise and appropriate $5,900 for this item. 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 recommend Article 6; Fall Town Meeting establishment and general bylaws and to raise and appropriate $5,900 for this item. Seconded by Member Fox. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye..” (Motion: Markiewicz, second: Fox)
Recommend the Article regarding the Fire Department addition to staff, including benefits
Member Fox moved to recommend the Article regarding the Fire Department addition to staff, including benefits. Seconded by Member Markiewicz. Approved: 3-1-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "nay.
Yes: Fowlks, Fox, MarkiewiczNo: Lipari
From the minutes
“Member Fox moved to recommend the Article regarding the Fire Department addition to staff, including benefits. Seconded by Member Markiewicz. Approved: 3-1-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "nay..” (Motion: Fox, second: Markiewicz)
Recommend the Article regarding the Upgrade and Redesign of the Town website
Member Markiewicz moved to recommend the Article regarding the Upgrade and Redesign of the Town website. 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 recommend the Article regarding the Upgrade and Redesign of the Town website. Seconded by Member Fox. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye..” (Motion: Markiewicz, second: Fox)
Recommend the Article regarding the Transfer to Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Trust Fund, $3,000 from Free Cash
Chair Lipari moved to recommend the Article regarding the Transfer to Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Trust Fund, $3,000 from Free Cash. Seconded by Member Fox. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye.
From the minutes
“Chair Lipari moved to recommend the Article regarding the Transfer to Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Trust Fund, $3,000 from Free Cash. Seconded by Member Fox. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye..” (Motion: Lipari, second: Fox)
Raise and appropriate $30,000 and recommend the Article regarding the Assessor's Cyclical Revaluation
Chair Lipari moved to raise and appropriate $30,000 and recommend the Article regarding the Assessor's Cyclical Revaluation. 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 raise and appropriate $30,000 and recommend the Article regarding the Assessor's Cyclical Revaluation. Seconded by Member Markiewicz. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye..” (Motion: Lipari, second: Markiewicz)
Raise and appropriate $13,727 from Free Cash and recommend the Article regarding the Survey of Recreation Commission property - Summer Road
Chair Lipari moved to raise and appropriate $13,727 from Free Cash and recommend the Article regarding the Survey of Recreation Commission property - Summer Road. Seconded by Member Fox. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye.
From the minutes
“Chair Lipari moved to raise and appropriate $13,727 from Free Cash and recommend the Article regarding the Survey of Recreation Commission property - Summer Road. Seconded by Member Fox. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye..” (Motion: Lipari, second: Fox)
Recommend the Article regarding the MS-4 Permitting, Year 5 and raise and appropriate $30,000 for that purpose
Chair Lipari moved to recommend the Article regarding the MS-4 Permitting, Year 5 and raise and appropriate $30,000 for that purpose. 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 recommend the Article regarding the MS-4 Permitting, Year 5 and raise and appropriate $30,000 for that purpose. Seconded by Member Markiewicz. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye..” (Motion: Lipari, second: Markiewicz)
Recommend the Article regarding the DPW backhoe, with the appropriation of $150,000 from free cash
Chair Lipari moved to recommend the Article regarding the DPW backhoe, with the appropriation of $150,000 from free cash. 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 recommend the Article regarding the DPW backhoe, with the appropriation of $150,000 from free cash. Seconded by Member Markiewicz. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye..” (Motion: Lipari, second: Markiewicz)
Recommend the Article regarding the DPW leaf vacuum, with the appropriation of $12,000 from free cash
Chair Lipari moved to recommend the Article regarding the DPW leaf vacuum, with the appropriation of $12,000 from free cash. 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 recommend the Article regarding the DPW leaf vacuum, with the appropriation of $12,000 from free cash. Seconded by Member Markiewicz. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye..” (Motion: Lipari, second: Markiewicz)
Recommend the Article regarding the DPW Hager Well permanent chlorine system, with the appropriation of $20,000 from free cash
Chair Lipari moved to recommend the Article regarding the DPW Hager Well permanent chlorine system, with the appropriation of $20,000 from free cash. Seconded by Member Fox. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye.
From the minutes
“Chair Lipari moved to recommend the Article regarding the DPW Hager Well permanent chlorine system, with the appropriation of $20,000 from free cash. Seconded by Member Fox. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye..” (Motion: Lipari, second: Fox)
Recommend the Article regarding the DPW Tree Health Survey, with the appropriation of $3,000 from free cash
Chair Lipari moved to recommend the Article regarding the DPW Tree Health Survey, with the appropriation of $3,000 from free cash. 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 recommend the Article regarding the DPW Tree Health Survey, with the appropriation of $3,000 from free cash. Seconded by Member Markiewicz. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye..” (Motion: Lipari, second: Markiewicz)
Recommend the Articles regarding the Police Department Bulletproof Vests; Police Vehicle Marked Cruiser; Replacement of the Fire Department Command Vehicle; Replacement of Personal Protective...
Member Fowlks moved to recommend the Articles regarding the Police Department Bulletproof Vests; Police Vehicle Marked Cruiser; Replacement of the Fire Department Command Vehicle; Replacement of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE); CPC Report and Establish FY24 Reserves; CPC Open Space Conservation Trust Fund; CPC - Community Housing; Regional Housing Services, CPC - Community Housing; Boxborough Rental Assistance Program, CPC - Historic Resources; Cemetery Restorations; Evaluation of Future Uses of the Boxborough Museum, Steele Farm House, and Steele Farm Barn; CPC - Historic Resources; Preservation of the Steele Farm House; Green Community Renewable Energy Trust Fund Surcharge. Seconded by Member Fox. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye.
From the minutes
“Member Fowlks moved to recommend the Articles regarding the Police Department Bulletproof Vests; Police Vehicle Marked Cruiser; Replacement of the Fire Department Command Vehicle; Replacement of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE); CPC Report and Establish FY24 Reserves; CPC Open Space Conservation Trust Fund; CPC - Community Housing; Regional Housing Services, CPC - Community Housing; Boxborough Rental Assistance Program, CPC - Historic Resources; Cemetery Restorations; Evaluation of Future Uses of the Boxborough Museum, Steele Farm House, and Steele Farm Barn; CPC - Historic Resources; Preservation of the Steele Farm House; Green Community Renewable Energy Trust Fund Surcharge. Seconded by Member Fox. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye..” (Motion: Fowlks, second: Fox)
ADJOURN
Adjourn
Member Fox moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:18 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 Fox moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:18 p.m. Seconded by Member Markiewicz. Approved: 4-0-0 by Roll Call Markiewicz, "aye," Fox "aye," Fowlks "aye," Lipari "aye.".” (Motion: Fox, 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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