At Saturday’s Annual Town Meeting, voters will consider creating a new finance committee. Citizen Petition Article 33 is intended to provide independent oversight of the Town’s financial practices. The Article proposes establishing a committee charged with reviewing accounting procedures, purchasing compliance, and contract oversight. Read the full article → from Article 33: Citizen Petition for independent Finance Committee
Government
Article 13: $25M for Roads & Sidewalks (Updated)
If Town Meeting approves the Article, it will be the biggest borrowing request ever passed. Officials (mostly) support the Road Plan as necessary to improve crumbling roads and get back on track.
The Select Board is proposing the Town make a big investments in a strategy change to repair and extend the life of more Town roads, beyond simply patching potholes and cracks. Read the full article → from Article 13: $25M for Roads & Sidewalks (Updated)
Annual Town Meeting: Amending Articles
If you have a pre-planned motion to amend, submitting a form in advance will help the meeting run smoother and faster.
Is there an Article headed to Annual Town Meeting this Saturday that you know you would like to propose an amendment to?
Town Clerk Jim Hegarty is asking voters to plan ahead and complete and submit an amendment form in advance. Read the full article → from Annual Town Meeting: Amending Articles
Letter: The debt we never talk about.
My Southborough accepts signed letters to the editor submitted by Southborough residents. Letters may be emailed to mysouthborough@gmail.com. Read the full article → from Letter: The debt we never talk about.
Youth Volunteer Fair — May 12
Organizers are asking 6th-12th graders to Save the Date. And area organizations are invited to recruit volunteers at the fair.
The Towns of Northborough and Southborough are organizing a volunteer fair for next month. It’s a chance for tweens/teens in grades 6-12 to learn about volunteer opportunities.
It’s also a chance for area non-profits, community groups and other organizations to promote their volunteer opportunities. Read the full article → from Youth Volunteer Fair — May 12
Annual Town Meeting Article 29: Expanding by-right ADU use (Updated)
Raising the size and proportion caps on Accessory Dwelling Units property owners can add to or alongside their homes
The Attorney General’s office issued its finding on the Town’s bylaws allowing, but limiting, the by-right use of Accessory Dwelling Units. The version overwhelmingly passed by Town Meeting voters last fall is only “partially” approved as complying with state laws. Read the full article → from Annual Town Meeting Article 29: Expanding by-right ADU use (Updated)
The week in government
Southborough Elementary School Building Committee's first meeting; Select Board on FY25 Audit; Southborough School Committee; Annual Town Meeting; and more
Here is a selection of the committee and board meetings for the week along with my selected highlights from the agendas. Read the full article → from The week in government
Community invited to engage in discussions about Fayville Park (Updated)
Learn about proposed improvements (including a Dog Park and Splash Pad in place of the T-ball diamond) and share feedback. Virtual Meetings will be held April 14th & May 20th.
As I’ve shared in the past, Southborough Recreation is pursuing a project to make major improvements to Fayville Park.
Next week, the Rec Commission is seeking to get more community engagement and feedback on the proposal. Read the full article → from Community invited to engage in discussions about Fayville Park (Updated)
“Build a Legacy Through Local Education Funds”
The Southborough Scholarship Committee is promoting the importance of supporting the Town's scholarship funds.
Last month, the Scholarship Advisory Committee announced this year’s application window for scholarships administered by the Town. Now, they are reaching out to the community to seek donations that make the annual opportunity possible. Read the full article → from “Build a Legacy Through Local Education Funds”
Survey seeks info to help Downtown “Wayfinding” project
Help determine the kinds of signage needed to help visitors navigate downtown destinations
Last fall, I shared news that the Town received a $30,000 grant for technical assistance with a downtown Branding & Wayfinding project. This week, the Town issued a Wayfinding survey announcement on its website.
The contracted consultant is seeking feedback by a week from Sunday. Read the full article → from Survey seeks info to help Downtown “Wayfinding” project
Letter: Ruined Roads or the Road to Ruin
[Ed note: My Southborough accepts signed letters to the editor submitted by Southborough residents. Letters may be emailed to mysouthborough@gmail.com.
The following letter is from Al Hamilton.] Read the full article → from Letter: Ruined Roads or the Road to Ruin
SYFS Spotlights “Spring Cleaning” & Public Health (Updated)
In March, I shared news about Southborough Youth & Family Services’ March & April newsletter. At that time, I focused on the March “Spotlights”. Now that it’s April, I want to highlight the initiatives the agency is focusing on this month. Read the full article → from SYFS Spotlights “Spring Cleaning” & Public Health (Updated)
ATM Article 17: Updating Industrial Park zoning
A look at the proposed modernized uses and new protections
For over a year, the Planning Board has been working on zoning updates to attract more business revenue, while still protecting residents and conservation areas from negative impacts.
The result is Annual Town Meeting Article 17. On April 11th, voters will be asked to approve modernized and expanded uses, along with new restrictions, for Southborough’s Industrial Park Zone. Read the full article → from ATM Article 17: Updating Industrial Park zoning
Overview of April 11th Annual Town Meeting (Updated)
Zoning Articles, Trottier roof, $25M for road & sidewalks fund, and more
The Town’s legislative branch, Town Meeting, will convene a week from Saturday to approve spending, possibly increase budgets, amend local bylaws, and “advise” officials.
I’ll be digging into some of the Warrant Articles leading up to Annual Town Meeting. For now, I’m providing a general overview, including the hot topics on the Warrant most likely to spark debate. Read the full article → from Overview of April 11th Annual Town Meeting (Updated)