Ashland's main governing board. Sets town policy, approves major contracts, and makes key appointments.
256 items across 23 meetings.
July 15, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Routine opening of the July 15 hybrid meeting at Town Hall, 101 Main Street.
• Status unclear
Open public comment period.
📋 Proposed
Board will discuss adding a surcharge to the existing inspection fee schedule — could raise costs for homeowners pulling permits.
💰 Fee amount TBD
💬 Discussed
Status update on the town's Open Space & Recreation Plan.
📋 Proposed
Board will accept a donated Little Library and self-sustaining garden at Kidspot park from Howie Axelrod in memory of Nancy Axelrod.
📍 Kidspot
💬 Discussed
Discussion of the state DOT project to replace the Cordaville Road bridge — expect potential road impacts and construction disruption.
📍 Cordaville Road
📋 Proposed
Board will consider a citizen group's request to send a letter to the Middlesex Pension Fund regarding ethical procurement practices.
💬 Discussed
Discussion of a feasibility study to evaluate district facility and program needs at Keefe Regional Technical School, which could affect assessments to member towns.
📋 Proposed
Board will set the August Select Board meeting schedule and a date for the Finance Budget Workshop.
📋 Proposed
Routine vote to sign and post the official warrant for the 2026 State Primary election.
💬 Discussed
Status update on the parcel at 0 Cross Street; details not specified in agenda.
📍 0 Cross Street
📋 Proposed
Board will discuss and vote on a regional collaboration letter and which communities to include in its distribution.
💬 Discussed
Update on a parking problem at Douglas Road and Greenhalge — details not specified in the agenda.
📍 Douglas Road / Greenhalge
💬 Discussed
Discussion of the Kidde-Fenwal Car Show event on September 12 and potential town sponsorship.
💰 Sponsorship amount TBD
💬 Discussed
Liaison report on the Upper Charles Trail.
📋 Proposed
Routine approval of prior meeting minutes.
📋 Proposed
Town Manager's appointment of Anthony Bott as Firefighter Paramedic accepted by the board.
📋 Proposed
Re-appointment of Angel Khazadian as Associate Member of the Planning Board through 6/30/27.
📋 Proposed
Appointment of Amy Bergeron to the Affordable Housing Trust through 8/31/27.
📋 Proposed
Accept $250 from Middlesex Savings Bank to cover lunch and refreshments for Village Burial Ground volunteers.
💰 $250 donation
📋 Proposed
$23,000 awarded to Musicologie at 90 Chestnut Street — $10K rent reimbursement, $10K equipment, $3K signage/facade — from the Economic Development Advisory Committee.
💰 $23,000 grant
📍 90 Chestnut Street
📋 Proposed
Accept $1,095 in donations on behalf of the Ashland Food Pantry.
💰 $1,095 in donations
💬 Discussed
Status update on improvements to the Community Center.
💬 Discussed
Status update on the town's banner program.
• Status unclear
Meeting adjourned.
June 17, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Routine meeting opening and public comment period.
📋 Proposed
Board will recognize Gretchen Bravacos and the Ashland Garden Club at 7:10 PM.
📋 Proposed
Board will evaluate Town Counsel performance and vote on reappointment.
📋 Proposed
Board considers accepting a ~28-acre land donation contingent on payment of back taxes, with a conservation restriction held by The Trustees of Reservations.
📋 Proposed
Board will discuss and vote on year-end transfers to close out the fiscal year budget.
📋 Proposed
Board discusses the Building and Grounds Department — scope unclear from agenda.
📋 Proposed
Board votes on continuing Ashland's MWRA (Massachusetts Water Resources Authority) water supply arrangement.
📋 Proposed
Board receives an update on regional collaboration efforts — details not specified in agenda.
📋 Proposed
Board will announce recipients of Select Board scholarships.
📋 Proposed
Board discusses and votes on awarding Spring 2026 BAA and Community Grant funds — dollar amounts not listed.
📋 Proposed
Board discusses a parking and public safety problem at Douglas Road and Greenhelge Road.
📋 Proposed
Board members report out from the Community Preservation Committee and Sustainability Committee.
📋 Proposed
Routine approval of prior meeting minutes.
📋 Proposed
Town Manager appoints Bryan Olson as Light Equipment Operator for the Water and Sewer Department, with a request to waive the standard 15-day posting period.
📋 Proposed
Board accepts $2,343 in donations on behalf of the Community Center.
📋 Proposed
Seasonal one-day alcohol licenses for Rushford and Sons Brewhouse at the Farmer's Market, June through October 2026.
📋 Proposed
One-day alcohol license for Clover Road Brewing at CultureFest, June 20, 4–7 PM at the Corner Spot.
📋 Proposed
EDAG recommends awarding Fitness Together at 12 Pond Street $10,000 in rental reimbursement and a $10,000 interest-free loan.
💰 $10,000 rental reimbursement + $10,000 interest-free loan
📍 12 Pond Street
📋 Proposed
Board votes to approve a Home Rule Petition seeking 10 additional all-alcoholic beverage on-premises licenses from the state legislature.
📋 Proposed
Approve annual flag hoisting ceremony at Stone Park, August 15, 7:30–8:00 AM.
📍 Stone Park
📋 Proposed
Approve Ashland Lions toll road at Main Street and Union Street intersection, September 26, 9 AM–1 PM (rain date October 3).
📍 Main Street & Union Street
📋 Proposed
Accept resignation of Zack Fey from the Sustainability Committee, effective June 10, 2026.
📋 Proposed
Update on the Community Center Improvement Project — status details not specified.
📋 Proposed
Update on the ongoing Downtown Project — details not specified in agenda.
📋 Proposed
Update on the Ashland Arboretum, Bark Park, and YMCA — scope unclear from agenda.
📋 Proposed
Routine adjournment; next Select Board meeting is July 15, 2026.
June 3, 2026 · minutes
💬 Discussed
Residents pressed the board about delays in Town Counsel's response on the 10-60 Main Street 40B (affordable-housing) developer application and asked for a reexamination.
📍 10-60 Main Street
💬 Discussed
Town Counsel walked through the 40B permit process; three 40B projects remain active, with a report on 10-60 Main Street title issues expected within a week.
💬 Discussed
Town dipped into savings due to a structural budget imbalance—$2.2M transferred out leaving $8.3M, with another $1.8M coming out for FY27; funds to be replenished at Fall Town Meeting.
💰 $2.2M withdrawn (balance $8.3M); $1.8M more for FY27
💬 Discussed
Board set summer meetings for July 15, August 5 (August 26 if needed) and added October 10; a poll will pick a finance session and retreat date.
💬 Discussed
Board discussed improving how board/committee members are reappointed, including using Select Board liaisons to identify inactive members and engage interested residents.
💬 Discussed
Town Manager reported cordial but unresolved conversations with the 0 Cross Street property owner, Conservation Commission, and Agilitas; no resolution yet.
📍 0 Cross Street
✅ Approved
Approved May 20 minutes and confirmed appointment of Patrick Rose as Light Equipment Operator for Water/Sewer, waiving the 15-day waiting period.
💬 Discussed
Food Pantry moving back in, Human Services relocating week of June 22, patio project starting soon; a $10,000 grant and a $100,000 State earmark help fund the $470,000 project.
💰 $470,000 project; $100,000 State earmark, $10,000 grant
📍 Community Center
💬 Discussed
Ashland's Halloween Trick-or-Treat event was chosen for display at the Library of Congress as part of a public-administration celebration.
💬 Discussed
Liaison updates covered the Olive Street affordable-housing RFP (4-6 units), Vision Zero safe-streets survey, 9 Olive Street beyond repair, and various community events.
✅ Approved
Meeting adjourned at 9:47 PM.
June 3, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Routine opening and public comment period.
📋 Proposed
Board discusses management of 40B (affordable-housing law) comprehensive permit process — could affect density and development across town.
💬 Discussed
Board receives an update on the Stabilization Fund balance and use — affects the town's financial cushion and future tax/fee decisions.
📋 Proposed
Board sets its summer meeting calendar and plans a retreat.
📋 Proposed
Board discusses the procedure for re-appointing members to town boards and committees.
💬 Discussed
Status update on the town-owned parcel at 0 Cross Street — nature of the issue not specified in agenda.
📍 0 Cross Street, Ashland MA
📋 Proposed
Approve May 20 regular session minutes and confirm Patrick Rose as Light Equipment Operator in the Water/Sewer Department, waiving the 15-day waiting period.
💬 Discussed
Town Manager updates the board on the status of the Community Center improvement project.
📍 101 Main Street, Ashland MA 01721
💬 Discussed
Individual board members share updates.
• Status unclear
Meeting adjourns; next meeting June 17, 2026.
May 20, 2026 · minutes
✅ Approved
The $2.75M operational override passed 1,778-1,128; turnout was 2,914 of 13,163 voters (22.14%), and Claudia Bennett was re-elected to the Select Board for three years.
💰 $2.75M operational override (tax increase) approved
💬 Discussed
Town Counsel responded on the AUL for the 10-60 Main Street 40B (affordable-housing) project; a resident asked for a fuller answer and the board will put it on a future agenda.
📍 10-60 Main Street
✅ Approved
Brandi Kinsman elected Chair, Claudia Bennett Vice Chair, and Makeda Keegan Clerk for the coming year, all by 5-0 votes.
💬 Discussed
June 3 is the second night of Town Meeting, convening only to dissolve it (needs 25-person quorum); the regular Select Board meeting will still be held that night.
💬 Discussed
The budget voted at Town Meeting will move forward as approved, along with the planned transfer of Stabilization Funds.
💬 Discussed
Plan to spin off a stand-alone Buildings and Grounds Department from DPW, adding a director (~$145,000 salary) and a second maintenance technician; board wants more clarity before deciding.
💰 FY27 budget $932,864, up $258,700 (+38.4%); Director salary ~$145,000
💬 Discussed
Evaluation forms due June 3; counsel Lisa Mead comes in June 17 for legal update and review, with an RFP process available (4-5 months) if the board wants to change legal counsel.
✅ Approved
Board adopted a formal policy for donated memorial benches: donor pays $2,000-$4,000 for the bench plus a $1,500 DPW installation fee, with town-approved locations and vendors.
💰 Donor cost $2,000-$4,000 per bench plus $1,500 installation fee
💬 Discussed
Equipment and responsibility for athletic fields will transfer to the School Department effective July 1.
💬 Discussed
Thirteen applicants for two $2,000 scholarships awarded to Ashland students on June 5 Class Day.
💰 Two scholarships at $2,000 each
💬 Discussed
55 West Union Street 40B still in ZBA review (sewer line placement the key issue); 61 Waverly Street needs more DPW/Conservation documents; 10-60 Main Street facing contamination/flooding questions; town is in Safe Harbor.
📍 55 West Union St, 61 Waverly St, 10-60 Main St
💬 Discussed
Roadway Traffic and Safety Committee discussed eventually replacing a bridge on Cordaville Road, with concern about rerouting tractor-trailer truck traffic through neighborhoods.
📍 Cordaville Road
💬 Discussed
Historical Commission discussed the poor condition of 9 Olive Street; owners may restore or demolish it and are seeking a public hearing.
📍 9 Olive Street
💬 Discussed
ZBA backed DPW's recommendation for a gravity-feed sewer system rather than the applicant's pump station, which would have meant ongoing maintenance and recurring town costs.
💰 Avoids recurring town pump-station costs
📍 55 West Union Street
✅ Approved
Approved prior minutes, a public safety dispatcher appointment, Hazard Mitigation Plan adoption, and one-day Farmers Market liquor licenses for several wineries/distilleries; 5-0.
💬 Discussed
Community Center improvements progressing with Food Pantry returning June 4-5; Warren Barn (joint town/Framingham State project) undergoing plumbing, roof, and insulation work.
💬 Discussed
Arboretum ribbon cutting set for June 9 at 4:00 PM; Bark Park ribbon cutting expected by end of June 2026.
May 20, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Routine opening and public comment period.
💬 Discussed
Board reviews results of the May 19 town election, held the day before this meeting.
💬 Discussed
Board reorganizes roles and chair assignments following the election.
💬 Discussed
Preparation discussion for the upcoming annual Town Meeting on June 3.
💬 Discussed
Board discusses the Fiscal Year 2027 town budget ahead of Town Meeting.
💬 Discussed
Review of the Buildings and Grounds Department's operations or structure (details attached).
💬 Discussed
Board reviews the evaluation process and timeline for the town's legal counsel.
🗳️ Voted on
Board votes to adopt a policy governing donated benches on town property.
💬 Discussed
Board considers transferring control of athletic fields to the School Department.
💬 Discussed
Board discusses a town scholarship program (specifics not detailed in agenda).
💬 Discussed
Status update on active 40B (state affordable-housing law) developments in Ashland.
💬 Discussed
Board members report updates from committees including Conservation, ZBA, Open Space, Stormwater, and others.
📋 Proposed
Routine approval of prior meeting minutes.
📋 Proposed
Town Manager appoints Ellen Franco as Public Safety Dispatcher; board asked to waive the standard 15-day waiting period.
📋 Proposed
Chair authorized to sign and adopt the town's Hazard Mitigation Plan.
📋 Proposed
One-day licenses for 1634 Meadery LLC, Jammalo Craft Wines, Iemmallo Wine Cellars, and Spicy Water Distillery to sell at the Farmer's Market on 18 dates from June through October 2026.
💬 Discussed
Status update on ongoing improvements to the town community center.
💬 Discussed
Update on the Warren Barn project (details not specified in agenda).
💬 Discussed
Ribbon cutting for the Ashland Arboretum scheduled for June 9, 2026 at 4:00 PM.
💬 Discussed
Bark Park ribbon cutting expected at end of June 2026.
💬 Discussed
Recognition of town employee Laura Clifford.
💬 Discussed
Reminder that CultureFest runs May 30, 2026, 3:00–7:00 PM.
• Status unclear
Meeting adjourned; next Select Board meeting is June 17, 2026.
May 6, 2026 · minutes
💬 Discussed
Board debated whether to award two, three, or four $6,000 scholarships from the ~$300,000 fund (about $79,400 available); decision deferred to May 20 meeting.
💰 $6,000 per scholarship; ~$79,400 available
💬 Discussed
Town weighing taking ~11.4 acres at 41 Lincoln Road for Town Forest using up to $845,000 CPA funds plus $40,000 demolition; Board considered dropping eminent domain to negotiate with a prospective buyer, but owner rejected $610K and $700K offers.
💰 Up to $845,000 CPA funds + $40,000 demolition; potential $50,000–$100,000 legal fees
📍 41 Lincoln Road
✅ Approved
Approved 5-0-0.
📋 Proposed
Total all-funds budget of $101,134,007 (up 4.49%), including a $2.75M school override; a separate ballot question on the override goes to voters May 19.
💰 $101,134,007 total; $2.75M school override; school dept up 6.18% to $47.2M
📋 Proposed
FY27 charges to be raised through rates: water $3,935,500, sewer $6,395,000, rubbish $1,908,000, stormwater $450,000, cable $427,000, fields $5,000.
💰 Water $3.94M, sewer $6.4M, trash $1.91M, stormwater $450K
📋 Proposed
Transfer $1,640,256 from the rainy-day fund to support the FY27 budget; Finance Committee recommends approval.
💰 $1,640,256
📋 Proposed
Transfer $300,000 from the Special Education Stabilization Fund to the General Fund; recommended by Finance Committee.
💰 $300,000
📋 Proposed
Transfer $375,000 to the retiree benefits (OPEB) trust; recommended by Finance Committee.
💰 $375,000
📋 Proposed
Sets FY27 spending caps for revolving funds including ambulance ($900,000), recreation ($600,000), inspections ($200,000), and sidewalk construction ($50,000).
💰 Various caps; ambulance $900K, recreation $600K
📋 Proposed
CPA appropriations and bond payments for past land buys (Oak Street, H.S. fields, Warren Woods, Valentine Estate), plus reserves totaling over $1.4M.
💰 $68,298 admin + ~$1.37M reserves; bond payments $128,650–$284,200
📋 Proposed
New bylaw requiring homes with a 'secondary suite' (bedroom/bath/kitchen within a single-family home, not a separate ADU) to get a building permit and file notice at the Registry of Deeds.
📋 Proposed
Changes the Design Review Committee to a non-permanent body of 3-5 members appointed per application, reviewing site plans in downtown and Routes 135/126 corridors.
💬 Discussed
Status of three 40B (affordable-housing law) projects: 10-60 Main Street before Conservation, 61 Waverly Street passed Conservation, and 55 West Union Street still before the ZBA with hearing extended to May 12.
📍 10-60 Main St, 61 Waverly St, 55 West Union St
💬 Discussed
Resident raised Charles River pollution; areas behind Warren School, Warren Woods, and Nancy Drive drain to the river and the town will need remediation work, plus EPA-required MS4 stormwater reporting.
📍 Warren School, Warren Woods, Nancy Drive area
✅ Approved
Approved two triathlons on May 17 and September 13, 2026; Board flagged safety since roads stay open during the events.
April 29, 2026 · agenda
📋 Proposed
Routine opening and public comment period at 7:00 PM, hybrid format at Town Hall, 101 Main Street.
📍 101 Main Street, Ashland MA 01721
📋 Proposed
Public hearing on transferring an existing liquor license to Hanuman Dada Corp. at 197 Main Street.
📍 197 Main Street, Ashland
📋 Proposed
Cultural Council presents the Traffic Box Project, which would add artwork to utility/traffic control boxes around town.
📋 Proposed
Board will vote on a program to paint or coordinate stormwater drain infrastructure, likely an aesthetic or awareness initiative.
📋 Proposed
Board will review and vote to accept the full FY27 municipal budget, which determines spending levels and tax impact for the coming fiscal year.
📋 Proposed
Board votes whether to place a $2.75 million Prop. 2½ override (permanent property-tax increase) on the ballot for the May 19 annual election.
💰 $2,750,000 operational override
📋 Proposed
Board reviews the town's existing debt obligations and repayment schedule.
📋 Proposed
Discussion of the Athletic Enterprise Fund, which may involve fees or funding for town athletic programs.
📋 Proposed
Board votes on a formal policy governing acceptance and placement of publicly donated benches on town property.
💬 Discussed
Early in-person voting available Saturday May 9 (10 AM–1 PM) and May 11–14 during regular business hours for the Annual Town Election.
📋 Proposed
Status update on pending 40B (state affordable-housing law) developments in Ashland.
📋 Proposed
Discussion of the town-owned parcel at 0 Cross Street; purpose or proposed use not specified in the agenda.
📍 0 Cross Street, Ashland
📋 Proposed
Board members report from assigned committees including Affordable Housing Trust, Conservation Commission, ZBA, and others.
📋 Proposed
Routine acceptance of Town Manager's appointments of Lucas Howard and Ryan Phelan as Firefighter/Paramedics.
📋 Proposed
Board accepts $9,782.80 in donations to Human Services.
💰 $9,782.80 in donations
📋 Proposed
Board accepts a $13,400 state grant for Emergency Medical Dispatch for FY25.
💰 $13,400 state grant
📋 Proposed
Update on downtown Ashland initiatives or projects; specifics not detailed in agenda.
📍 Downtown Ashland
📋 Proposed
Review of procedures and preparation for the upcoming Town Meeting.
📋 Proposed
Board will discuss a Boston Globe article; subject not specified in agenda.
📋 Proposed
Update on the Community Center Improvement Project's progress.
📋 Proposed
Update on the Warren Barn project; details not specified in agenda.
📋 Proposed
Discussion of proposed changes to MWRTA bus route design affecting Ashland service.
📋 Proposed
Next Select Board meeting scheduled for May 20, 2026.
April 29, 2026 · minutes
💬 Discussed
Residents asked about increased department appropriations (including Senior Center, to be paid via Stabilization Fund) and the donated bench policy.
✅ Approved
All-alcohol license for Main Street Wine & Spirits transferred to new owner Neel Patel (manager Pooja Patel); store operations stay the same, with hours 9:00 AM–9:30 PM.
💰 $1,950,000 total purchase (real estate, business, inventory)
📍 197 Main Street
🔄 Postponed
Discussion of a new policy for memorial benches (ADA compliance, sourcing, $1,500 DPW install fee) was tabled after a dispute over a Lions Club bench removed from the Arboretum.
💰 $1,500 DPW installation fee per bench; benches cost $2,000–$4,000
📍 Ashland Arboretum
✅ Approved
Approved letting volunteers paint decorated traffic boxes, starting at Front and Main Streets, themed on the area's history and nature.
💰 $1,835 project budget
📍 Front and Main Streets
✅ Approved
Approved a volunteer project to stencil/paint town storm drains under the MS-4 permit; school-property drains need School Department clearance.
✅ Approved
Board accepted the FY27 operational override budget including a $2.75M override; if it fails, the non-override budget cuts schools to $45,886,864 and pulls an extra $1.4M from the ~$8.1M Stabilization Fund.
💰 $2.75M override; non-override schools line $45,886,864; $1.4M additional Stabilization draw
✅ Approved
Board voted to formally support the $2.75M override for the Ashland Public Schools in the FY27 budget.
💰 $2.75M override
💬 Discussed
Reviewed the town's long-term debt schedule; figures may later show the cost to an average single-family homeowner.
💰 ~$84M outstanding long-term debt
💬 Discussed
Field maintenance and scheduling to shift back to the schools; $200,000 moved from Stabilization for capital purchases, with a future warrant article to dissolve the fund.
💰 $200,000 from Stabilization Fund
• Status unclear
In-person early voting Saturday May 9 (10 AM–1 PM) and during business hours May 11–14, ahead of the May 19 election.
💬 Discussed
Updates on affordable-housing developments: 10-60 Main Street (contamination/Conservation, hearing May 4), 61 Waverly Street (permit issued, includes 12-inch pipe/culvert work), and 55 West Union Street (Zoning Board, sewer-line placement issue).
📍 10-60 Main Street, 61 Waverly Street, 55 West Union Street
💬 Discussed
Town awaiting response from developer Agilitas; an applicant has a purchase agreement and applied for septic soil testing, while the original intent was to donate the land to Hopkinton Area Land Trust.
📍 0 Cross Street
💬 Discussed
CPC valued ~11.4 acres bisecting the Town Forest; Roadway committee discussed a planned High Street sidewalk and the state's Cordaville Road bridge replacement, which would close that area during work.
📍 Town Forest; High Street; Cordaville Road
✅ Approved
Approved two firefighter/paramedic appointments, $9,782.80 in Human Services donations, and a $13,400 FY25 Emergency Medical Dispatch grant.
💰 $9,782.80 donations; $13,400 state grant
💬 Discussed
Updates on downtown Eversource power-line undergrounding (pole removal early May), Community Center improvements, Warren Barn, the MWRTA bus route redesign serving downtown/train station, and Ashland's Boston Globe 'top spot to live' recognition.
📍 Downtown Ashland
✅ Approved
Meeting adjourned at 9:30 PM.
April 29, 2026 · agenda
📋 Proposed
Routine acceptance of annual town department reports.
📍 Town Hall, 101 Main Street
📋 Proposed
Proposed transfer out of the town's general savings reserve; no dollar amount listed in agenda.
💰 Amount not specified
📋 Proposed
Proposed use of the special-education reserve fund; no dollar amount specified.
💰 Amount not specified
📋 Proposed
Full town operating budget for fiscal year 2027 heads to Town Meeting for a vote.
💰 Full town budget — amount not listed in agenda
📋 Proposed
Funding the OPEB (Other Post-Employment Benefits, i.e., retiree health/benefits) trust; amount not specified.
💰 Amount not specified
📋 Proposed
Routine omnibus consent calendar of standard annual town actions.
📋 Proposed
Routine annual consent items from the Community Preservation Committee (CPC).
📋 Proposed
Community Preservation Act funds proposed for a project at 41 Lincoln Road; project details not described in agenda.
💰 Amount not specified
📍 41 Lincoln Road, Ashland
📋 Proposed
Proposed changes to the town's building construction bylaw; specifics not detailed in agenda.
📋 Proposed
Proposed amendment to Ch. 282 §9.6 governing design plan review; details not specified in agenda.
April 15, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Routine opening of the April 15, 2026 Select Board meeting.
• Status unclear
Open public comment period.
📋 Proposed
Board discusses the FY2027 budget and a potential operational override (tax-levy increase above Prop. 2½ limit) — coming up April 15.
📋 Proposed
Review of the town's rainy-day (stabilization) fund and enterprise funds, which cover water, sewer, and other self-funded services.
📋 Proposed
Board votes to finalize the warrant (list of articles) residents will vote on at the May 6 Annual Town Meeting.
📋 Proposed
Board votes to finalize the May 19 Annual Town Election warrant.
📋 Proposed
Board reviews a proposed policy governing acceptance and placement of donated benches on town property.
💬 Discussed
Early in-person voting available Saturday May 9 (10 am–1 pm) and May 11–14 during regular business hours at Town Hall.
📋 Proposed
Board discusses the Select Board scholarship program.
💬 Discussed
Status update on active 40B (state affordable-housing law) projects in Ashland.
💬 Discussed
Board liaisons report from Community Preservation, Conservation, Council on Aging, Cultural Council, Roadway Traffic Safety, Sustainability, Town Forest, Upper Charles Trails, and Zoning Board.
📋 Proposed
Routine approval of prior TriBoard meeting minutes.
📋 Proposed
Routine approval of prior joint meeting minutes.
📋 Proposed
Routine approval of two prior Select Board meeting minutes.
📋 Proposed
Town Manager appointed Ellen Franco as Public Safety Dispatcher; board asked to waive the standard 15-day waiting period.
📋 Proposed
Approve one-day licenses for two vendors to sell at the Farmer's Market on multiple Saturdays, June–October 2026.
📋 Proposed
Appointment of Elham Arabi to the Cultural Council through April 15, 2029.
📋 Proposed
Accept resignation of William E. Pickett, Jr., effective April 1, 2026, with thanks for his service.
📋 Proposed
Max Performance Race Director Tim Richmond requests approval to hold triathlons on May 17 and September 13, coordinated with DPW, Fire, and Police.
📋 Proposed
Close the one-way section of Cherry Street (Pleasant Street to Town Hall) Sunday April 26, noon–3 pm for Earth Day.
💬 Discussed
Town Manager reports on the status of the Community Center improvement project.
💬 Discussed
Town Manager provides a status update on the Warren Barn project.
💬 Discussed
Select Board members share updates from their activities.
• Status unclear
Next meeting scheduled for April 29, 2026.
• Status unclear
Meeting adjourned.
March 26, 2026 · minutes
💬 Discussed
Two budget options presented: a 6.18% operational override to stabilize finances long-term, or a 3.25% no-override budget; both eliminate 13.2 FTE positions (10.2 via attrition, 3.0 programmatic cuts), driven by rising insurance, retirement, school assessment, and debt costs.
💰 6.18% override option vs. 3.25% no-override option; 79% of expenditures are salaries/benefits
📍 101 Main Street, Ashland MA 01721
💬 Discussed
Town Meeting is May 6, 2026; Town Election is May 19, 2026 — both will determine the override outcome.
✅ Approved
Meeting adjourned at 9:01 PM, 5-0-0.
March 18, 2026 · agenda
• Status unclear
Routine opening of the March 18, 2026 Select Board meeting at 7:00 PM.
• Status unclear
Open public comment period.
📋 Proposed
State legislative representatives will address the board at 7:10 PM.
📋 Proposed
Board reviews the FY2027 budget and discusses a potential operational override — a tax-levy increase above Prop 2½ limits.
📋 Proposed
Board discusses the town's General Stabilization Fund reserve balance and potential uses.
📋 Proposed
Board may vote to adopt the town's Housing Production Plan, which guides affordable-housing goals and can affect 40B project vulnerability.
📋 Proposed
Early voting proposed for Saturday May 9 (10 AM–1 PM) and May 11–14 during regular business hours.
📋 Proposed
Board may vote on the exact wording that will appear on the ballot for the proposed operational override.
📋 Proposed
Board reviews the process and schedule for evaluating Town Manager Michael Herbert.
📋 Proposed
Board may authorize Town Manager Michael Herbert to sign a multi-year intermunicipal stormwater management agreement.
📋 Proposed
Board previews the articles headed to Annual Town Meeting for resident vote.
📋 Proposed
Status update on active 40B (affordable-housing law) developments in town.
📋 Proposed
Board may reschedule its April 1 meeting.
📋 Proposed
Board members report from Conservation Commission, Council on Aging, Historical Commission, Town Forest Committee, and Zoning Board of Appeals.
📋 Proposed
Economic Development Advisory Group recommends awarding NY Pizza at 1 West Union $5,500 in rental assistance and $5,000 for equipment.
💰 $10,500 total ($5,500 rental assistance + $5,000 equipment)
📍 1 West Union, Ashland
📋 Proposed
Appointment of Elham Arabi to the Cultural Council through August 31, 2026.
📋 Proposed
TJ's Fine Food and Spirits requests extended outdoor liquor license for Marathon Day, April 20, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
📋 Proposed
Town Manager provides a progress update on the Community Center improvement project.
📋 Proposed
Town Manager provides a status update on the Warren Barn project.
• Status unclear
Meeting adjourned; next Select Board meeting is April 15, 2026.