The Board of Selectmen met on July 19 and the full meeting can be viewed on YouTube on Northborough Remote Meetings. Highlights are below:
- The Board approved the Intermunicipal Agreement for Public Health Services as presented by Health Agent Kristin Black. The agreement is related to the recent three-year grant issued by Massachusetts Department of Health. Northborough, Southborough, Westborough and Boylston are part of this agreement with Northborough being the lead. The agreement outlines how the towns will work together and execute the grant. There is no cost to the towns, but will increase Health Agent hours and contracted nursing services, and update inspection software and other equipment. The ability to share positions across the four towns will enable the towns to better coordinate services and be more efficient.
- Diversity and Inclusion Committee Chair Tim Kaelin presented an update on the work of the committee including survey results and the collaboration and discussions had so far with other town committees and departments. Education programming in the community is key, and a social media platform for outreach and awareness is a priority. The final report with recommendations of the Committee will be shared in December before budgets are finalized, as some of the recommendations may have budget impact. The most recent committee meeting can be viewed on YouTube
- Traffic issues were discussed and Selectmen Kristen Wixted and Julianne Hirsh would like to see this topic regularly on the agenda. The bylaw passed at Town Meeting in May to set fines for Amazon trucks taking a left onto Barlett Street towards route 20 instead of a right cannot be enforced until the Attorney General reviews and approves the bylaws. The Department of Public Works continue to update their transportation safety link on the website page.
- Selectmen Julianne Hirsh inquired about the Master Plan Implementation Committee meeting status. The Committee has not yet met. A consultant needs to be hired before proceeding with meetings and there is not set timeframe on that yet.
- Selectmen Scott Rogers reported that there are 23 vacancies on town committees and boards and encourages residents to consider applying for those vacancies.
- Selectmen Leslie Rutan asked for an update on the downtown construction. Department of Public Works Director Scott Charpentier said it is near completion.