Select Board — June 1, 2026
The meeting featured spirited public testimony regarding neighborhood safety and property rights, though the board remained focused on procedural requirements.
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At the June 1 Select Board meeting, several neighborhood issues reached a critical point, leaving many residents wondering if their concerns are being effectively addressed.
On School Street, the board unanimously awarded the utility improvement construction contract to Jamco Excavators LLC. While the bid was 24% below estimate, the decision was met with scrutiny from residents who raised concerns about the contractor's previous performance. The board’s plan to mitigate risks is to employ a resident project representative to monitor the work and its impact on the neighborhood.
Meanwhile, the debate over Cass Street continues. A proposed no-parking zone near the intersection is being met with heavy opposition from neighbors who view it as an encroachment on their property. Proponents argue the zone is vital for the safety of children and seniors. A third reading is scheduled for June 15.
Lastly, Wadleigh Street residents are still pushing for immediate traffic calming due to speeding and increased truck traffic. The board is currently looking into the feasibility of temporary speed tables. Residents should attend the next meeting on June 15 to follow these developments closely.
Public impact
Potential loss of parking for approximately 170 feet near an intersection.
The public hearing was closed following testimony.
A third reading is scheduled for June 15, 2026.
Large-scale construction and engineering for utility improvements.
The board unanimously awarded the construction and engineering contracts.
A neighborhood pre-construction meeting will be held.
Topics discussed
The Select Board officially introduced the new Town Manager, Paul Cohen, and Assistant Town Manager, Melissa Roy.
The new management team was formally introduced to the board and the public.
The board reviewed two bids received for the Pine Street roundabout project.
The board moved to refer the bids to the Public Works Director for a formal recommendation.
The Public Works Director will make a recommendation to the Select Board.
A second reading of a public hearing regarding proposed changes to parking regulations on Cass Street.
The public hearing was opened for testimony and subsequently closed.
A third reading is scheduled for June 15, 2026.
A second reading of a public hearing regarding proposed traffic control signage on Wadleigh Street at Forest Street.
The public hearing was closed.
A third reading is scheduled for June 15, 2026; the town will also explore the feasibility of temporary speed tables to present at the next hearing.
The Town Moderator provided an update on upcoming primary and general election deadlines, requirements, absentee ballot rules, identification requirements, and voter accessibility.
Voters were informed of upcoming deadlines and the importance of checking the town website for updates. The board provided information to the public regarding upcoming primary and general election procedures.
Residents are encouraged to check the town clerk's website for the most up-to-date information.
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An update on energy rates, the gap between community power and utility costs, and the benefits of the program.
The board received the update and heard the committee's recommendation to remain in the coalition.
A 'power hour' session is scheduled for the 16th to help residents understand rates and the opt-out/opt-in process.
Proposal to contract Revision Energy for the management of the Crossroad Landfill solar array.
The board approved the authorization of the contract.
Approval of grants for a community planning event (Sharet) regarding the Lincoln Street train station corridor.
The board accepted the awards and authorized the use of the town logo for event marketing.
The event will take place on August 7th and 8th.
Discussion on supporting a resolution to allow non-assessable health insurance risk pools.
The board voted to support the resolution. The Select Board voted unanimously to support the resolution.
Formalizing the authority of the new Town Manager to execute documents and contracts.
The board approved the authorization. The board unanimously authorized Town Manager Paul Cohen to sign all necessary documents and contracts.
Review and approval of several property tax abatements for Map 110, Lot 2, Unit 77 across multiple tax years.
All presented abatement motions were carried unanimously.
Awarding construction and engineering contracts for the School Street area utility improvements.
The board unanimously awarded the construction contract to Jamco Excavators LLC and the engineering services contract to CMA Engineers Inc.
A neighborhood pre-construction meeting will be held to address resident concerns.
Approval of a contract amendment with AECOM for additional engineering and planning services.
The contract amendment with AECOM was approved.
Acceptance of two specific donations for the Summer Adventure Camp.
Both gift acceptances were approved unanimously.
Updates on municipal operations, personnel, public safety, and upcoming projects.
Information sharing only.
The Town Manager may bring a proposal regarding evening hours for town offices at the next meeting.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
Cass Street Parking Regulations
Wadleigh Street Traffic Control
Split votes
Community vs. board tension
Public comment
Decisions logged
Action items
Member positions
Positions marked ~ are inferred from context and may not reflect the member's explicitly stated position. UNCLEAR means the vote was split but the record did not name how this member voted — it is not a “yes.”
From the meeting
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grok-4.3, gemma-4-26b, grok-4.20-0309-reasoning · analyzed 2026-06-07.
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