Sherborn's main governing board. Sets town policy, approves major contracts, and makes key appointments.
153 items across 21 meetings.
June 11, 2026 · agenda
📋 Proposed
Board meets with Town Counsel in closed session to discuss active Middlesex Superior Court lawsuit (No. 2181CV01004) and privileged communications under the Public Records Law.
📋 Proposed
Board will vote in closed session on whether to release or keep confidential executive session minutes from 2020 through 2026, per Open Meeting Law.
📋 Proposed
Up to 20 appointments and reappointments proposed across 14 bodies, including the ZBA (Zachary McBride), Board of Assessors (Kevin Rudden), and a new Agricultural Commission member (Alessandra Ferzoco); most terms expire June 15, 2029.
📋 Proposed
Finance Director Deb Siefring presents transfers moving funds between departments within the current fiscal year budget.
💰 Amounts not specified in agenda
📋 Proposed
Sustainability Manager Amelia Landau presents a town decarbonization plan, a policy to prioritize zero-emissions vehicles in municipal purchases, and a state climate certification.
📋 Proposed
Board will consider leasing out space within the Sherborn Public Library; details on tenant and terms not specified in the agenda.
📍 Sherborn Public Library
📋 Proposed
Routine approvals: Town Administrator payroll warrant, a one-day pouring license for Pauline Bownes on June 16, 2026, and May 14, 2026 draft minutes.
📋 Proposed
Standing end-of-meeting reports from board members and the Town Administrator.
May 28, 2026 · agenda
📋 Proposed
Routine opening: agenda approval and public comment opportunity.
📋 Proposed
Art Schnure presents a guide to walking routes in Sherborn.
📋 Proposed
Fire Chief Zach Ward brings grant opportunities for the Fire Department for board consideration; amounts not specified.
💰 Amount(s) not specified
📋 Proposed
MAPC's Martin Pillsbury updates the board on Sherborn's Hazard Mitigation Plan, which guides emergency preparedness and resilience investments.
📋 Proposed
Finance Director Deb Siefring reviews where FY26 spending stands and any end-of-year budget transfers needed.
💰 FY26 budget transfers; amounts not specified
📋 Proposed
Board discusses potential changes to how the Transfer Station operates; could affect resident drop-off rules, hours, or fees.
📋 Proposed
Board discusses composition or appointments for the Land Acquisition Committee.
📋 Proposed
Board considers sending a formal comment to the Planning Board on the Special Permit application for Meadowbrook Commons development.
📍 Meadowbrook Commons, Sherborn
📋 Proposed
Routine town administrator payroll warrant for approval.
📋 Proposed
Four one-day alcohol pouring licenses: SCCF Annual Meeting at 1858 House (Jun 1), Farm-A-Palooza at Silverwood Farm (Jun 7), Dudley Fest at Unity Farm (Jun 13), and a private party at 1858 House.
📍 1858 House; Silverwood Farm; Unity Farm
📋 Proposed
Board members share updates.
📋 Proposed
Town Administrator provides updates.
May 14, 2026 · minutes
💬 Discussed
Board entered executive session to discuss Police Union contract negotiations, library space lease proposals, and a third-party contract strategy session.
✅ Approved
Steven Tsai re-appointed Chair, Dan Sichel appointed Vice Chair, and Jeffrey Waldron appointed Clerk for the coming year.
🔄 Postponed
Ratification of the Sherborn Police Association (Local 158, AFL-CIO) contract was postponed to a future meeting.
✅ Approved
Board unanimously voted to request a free MA Division of Local Services financial management review of town government; Sherborn's last review was in 2012.
💰 No cost to town
💬 Discussed
New 30-month electricity supply contract takes effect in June; new pricing information has been mailed to all residents.
💰 New pricing mailed to residents; amounts not specified
💬 Discussed
HomeWorks Energy and the Energy & Sustainability Committee agreed on targeted outreach and technical assistance for residents seeking home energy improvements.
✅ Approved
MassDEP accepted the town's Environmentally Preferable Procurement policy, taking effect FY27.
💬 Discussed
Meeting dates adjusted to avoid Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve in November and December.
✅ Approved
Routine payroll warrant and April 9 draft minutes approved.
💬 Discussed
The most recent state Senate budget includes a $50,000 earmark toward Pine Hill's water tank replacement project.
💰 $50,000 state earmark
📍 Pine Hill
💬 Discussed
Owner of the Hunting Lane cell tower has submitted a proposal to add Verizon as a carrier; under review by Town Administrator.
📍 Hunting Lane
💬 Discussed
Town Hall switches to summer hours starting July 1.
📍 Town Hall
💬 Discussed
Trees on the Town Hall campus were assessed by an arborist through the MA Arborists Association Arbor Day of Service.
📍 Town Hall campus
💬 Discussed
Parade and ceremony begins at the DPW at 10 am on May 25th.
📍 DPW
✅ Approved
Meeting adjourned at 8:22 pm.
May 14, 2026 · agenda
📋 Proposed
Closed-session discussion of contract negotiations with Sherborn Police Association, Local 158 (AFL-CIO).
📋 Proposed
Closed-session review of proposals submitted to lease space in Sherborn Public Library.
📋 Proposed
Closed-session strategy discussion for upcoming contract negotiations with third party Ruane & Father.
📋 Proposed
Board will reorganize, likely reassigning officer roles such as Chair, Vice Chair, and Clerk.
📋 Proposed
Vote to ratify the negotiated union contract with Sherborn Police Association, Local 158.
📋 Proposed
Board considers requesting the MA Division of Local Services to conduct a formal financial management review of Sherborn town government.
📋 Proposed
Updates from Sustainability Manager Amelia Landau on town sustainability and recycling programs.
📋 Proposed
Board reviews and sets its meeting schedule for the second half of 2026.
📋 Proposed
Routine approval of a payroll warrant and prior meeting minutes.
📋 Proposed
Select Board members share updates.
📋 Proposed
Town Administrator provides updates to the Board.
April 9, 2026 · minutes
💬 Discussed
Board recessed to discuss Winn Waste and Ruane/Father contract negotiations, health insurance bargaining, and the Thompson v. Town of Sherborn lawsuit (Middlesex Superior Court, 2181 CV 01004).
✅ Approved
Board approved MOA with the Public Employee Committee and directed a side letter offering a High-Deductible health plan option.
✅ Approved
Warrant for the May 12, 2026 Annual Town Election approved for posting.
✅ Approved
Friends of the Sherborn Library approved to hold the fair May 9, 2026 at Town Hall, with signage at multiple locations and Rt 16/27 banner April 20–May 9; Promoter License fee waived.
💰 Promoter license fee waived
📍 Town Hall grounds; Rt 16/27 split
✅ Approved
Board approved four appointments: Dan Wolf (Elder Housing Committee), Mark Sennot (Affordable Housing Trust), Judith Fledderjohn (Board of Registrars, renewal), and Dave Welch (Open Space Committee).
✅ Approved
Approved shim and double stone emulsion chip seal for Goulding Street East ($139,675) and Forest Street from Rt 27 to Lake Street ($118,250).
💰 $257,925 total
📍 Goulding Street East; Forest Street (Rt 27 to Lake Street)
❌ Denied
Motion to hire an engineer to study pumping costs for connecting nearby properties to the Coolidge Street developer-built sewer system failed 3–2 (Tsai, Sichel, Neutra opposed).
📍 Coolidge Street, North Sherborn
✅ Approved
Approved payroll warrant, prior meeting minutes, four one-day liquor licenses, and a DS Youth Baseball & Softball Parade permit (May 2, 2026).
💬 Discussed
Woodhaven water system project received an award from the state DEP (Department of Environmental Protection).
April 9, 2026 · agenda
📋 Proposed
Closed-session strategy for contract negotiations with Ruane and Father; open meeting deemed detrimental to bargaining position.
📋 Proposed
Closed-session strategy to prepare for negotiations with Winn Waste, the town's trash hauler; outcome could affect residential trash costs.
📋 Proposed
Closed-session discussion of health insurance collective bargaining strategy; impacts town employee costs and budget.
📋 Proposed
Closed session with defense and town counsel on Middlesex Superior Court Civil Action 2181CV01004 (Richard Thompson v. Town of Sherborn).
📋 Proposed
Board to sign MOA with the Public Employee Committee covering employee health insurance terms under MGL c. 32B.
📋 Proposed
Board to sign the 2026 Annual Election Warrant; presented by Town Clerk John Doyle.
📋 Proposed
Approval of promotors license for the 54th Annual Arts and Craft Fair; co-chaired by Megan Hermida Lu and Jaclyn Fogelman.
📋 Proposed
New and renewed appointments: Dan Wolf (Elder Housing Committee, to 6/15/2029), Mark Sennot (Affordable Housing Trust, to 6/15/2028), Judith Fledderjon (Board of Registrars, renew to 6/15/2029), Dave Welch (Open Space Committee, to 6/15/2029).
📋 Proposed
DPW Director Sean Killeen to present roadwork items for board consideration; specific projects not yet detailed in agenda.
📋 Proposed
Discussion of sewer infrastructure needs in the North Sherborn Water and Sewer District, presented by Bob Murchison; may affect district ratepayers.
📍 North Sherborn Water and Sewer District
📋 Proposed
Routine approvals: TA payroll warrant, four prior meeting minutes, four one-day liquor licenses (Silverwood Farms 4/24, 1858 Town House 5/2, 5/15, 5/16), and Dover Sherborn Youth Baseball & Softball Parade (5/2/2026, 3 PM).
📋 Proposed
Routine board member reports and Town Administrator updates.
March 26, 2026 · minutes
✅ Approved
Agenda amended to add Jane Branch's appointment to the Historic District Commission.
✅ Approved
First fee change since 2010: Business Certificates rise to $50, Certified Copies to $15, Marriage Intentions drop to $25; dog license fees decrease slightly, effective November 23, 2026.
💰 Business Certificates: $40→$50; Certified Copies: $10→$15; Dog Licenses (N/S): $20→$15; Dog Licenses (I): $30→$25; Marriage Intention: $40→$25
✅ Approved
Jane Branch reappointed to both the Historical Commission and Historic District Commission, term expiring June 26, 2028.
✅ Approved
Consent agenda approved unanimously.
💬 Discussed
State TIP (transportation funding program) Amendment 3 would add $850,000 to the existing $900,000 grant for Village Center design; Select Board to write a support letter within 2–3 weeks.
💰 $850,000 additional; total would reach $1,750,000 for Village Center design
📍 Village Center / Town Center
💬 Discussed
Congressional earmark application submitted to Rep. Auchincloss for design and construction at Lake St./Rte. 16, identified as the town's second-worst accident intersection; outreach to Sen. Markey's office planned.
📍 Lake Street / Route 16 intersection
✅ Approved
Meeting adjourned at 7:35 PM.
March 26, 2026 · agenda
📋 Proposed
Closed-door session with Town Counsel on potential litigation and privileged communications regarding the Sherborn Public Library.
📍 Sherborn Public Library
📋 Proposed
Town Clerk John Doyle presents proposed updates to the Town Clerk fee schedule.
💰 Fee changes TBD
📋 Proposed
Reappointment of Jane Branch to the Historical Commission for a term expiring June 15, 2028.
📋 Proposed
Routine approval of a Town Administrator payroll warrant.
📋 Proposed
Approval of draft minutes from the February 26, 2026 Select Board meeting.
📋 Proposed
One-day liquor license requested for a Friends of the Sherborn Library Trivia Night on April 11, 2026, hosted by Pauline Bownes.
📋 Proposed
Sherborn Community Center Foundation requests approval to replace the second-floor air conditioning system in the historic 1858 Town House.
📍 1858 Town House
📋 Proposed
Standing reports from Select Board members.
📋 Proposed
Standing updates from the Town Administrator.
March 23, 2026 · agenda
📋 Proposed
Meeting opens at 7:00 PM, hybrid format at Town Hall (19 Washington St., 2nd floor) and Zoom.
📍 19 Washington St., Sherborn (Town Hall, 2nd Floor)
📋 Proposed
Select Board attends the Advisory Committee's public hearing on the town budget — second night if the first was insufficient — and may cast votes.
📍 19 Washington St., Sherborn (Town Hall, 2nd Floor)
March 21, 2026 · minutes
✅ Approved
Board re-voted unanimously to support Article 14 after Dan Sichel rejoined the vote, having filed a disclosure clearing his prior recusal; changes clarify the committee's charge and expand membership.
✅ Approved
Board voted to formally endorse Sherborn's intersection project at Lake and Elliot Street, now on Congressman Auchincloss's short list of ~20 projects for federal earmark funding.
📍 Lake and Elliot Street
💬 Discussed
$300,000 to Snow/Ice and $90,000 to Legal, both from Free Cash, to cover current-year shortfalls.
💰 $300,000 Snow/Ice + $90,000 Legal from Free Cash
💬 Discussed
$100,000 from Free Cash to the retiree benefits (OPEB) trust fund.
💰 $100,000 from Free Cash
💬 Discussed
FY27 spending limits set for revolving funds totaling $1,345,000, including Ambulance ($205,000), Elder Housing ($500,000), and Parks and Recreation ($300,000).
💰 $1,345,000 total limit
💬 Discussed
$50,000 to General Stabilization and $400,000 to Capital Stabilization (from Free Cash, overlay release, and Library LEED certification).
💰 $450,000 to stabilization funds
💬 Discussed
Rescind $843,921 of unused 2015 library expansion borrowing and $25,000 of 2012 elder housing borrowing.
💰 Rescind $843,921 + $25,000 borrowing authority
✅ Approved
Board endorsed the FY27 town operating budget, described as balanced; state aid assumed at 1.8% but expected to rise, and next year flagged as challenging for budget makers.
✅ Approved
Board supported the FY27 capital plan: $1,356,250 in debt-funded projects (Pine Hill School water tank $506,250, Town Hall roof $400,000, roadway $275,000, recycling center $175,000), plus $500,000 Free Cash and $125,000 stabilization-funded items.
💰 $1,356,250 debt + $500,000 + $125,000
💬 Discussed
$90,240 in Free Cash for fire department needs: Engine 3 repairs, thermal imaging cameras, SCBA items, and hose/nozzle replacement.
💰 $90,240 from Free Cash
💬 Discussed
$672,551 (excluded debt) for high school roof and skylight replacement.
💰 $672,551 excluded debt
✅ Approved
Board unanimously supported the use of Free Cash article.
✅ Approved
Board supported a proposed bylaw governing stormwater and land disturbance management.
✅ Approved
Board supported proposed amendments to sections of the town zoning bylaws.
March 12, 2026 · minutes
💬 Discussed
Board recessed to discuss active litigation (Middlesex Superior Court Civil Action 2181 CV 01004) with defense counsel; DeRensis abstained from recess vote.
✅ Approved
Updated Buy Recycled Policy endorsed to keep the town eligible for grants.
💬 Discussed
Open volunteer positions will be advertised in the newspaper and on the town website to attract more applicants.
✅ Approved
New policy approved to centralize and log all legal requests, controlling costs and eliminating redundant legal advice.
✅ Approved
Board supported proposed changes modifying permit thresholds for stormwater and land disturbance management.
✅ Approved
Board supported proposed amendments to the Schedule of Uses in the zoning bylaws.
✅ Approved
Board supported routine consent articles; noted Article 8 (Cemetery Improvement) will require a specific motion at Annual Town Meeting.
🔄 Postponed
FY27 budget does not require an override currently; vote deferred until the Public Hearing while changes are still being made.
✅ Approved
Board supported capital articles except the Recreation Commission's sprinkler request, which was withheld pending further review.
✅ Approved
Board supported changes to the LAC's charge and membership structure; Tsai and Sichel abstained.
✅ Approved
Ballot questions reviewed by Bond Counsel were approved as presented.
💬 Discussed
Town Administrator reviewed budget changes since the last Select Board meeting; no vote taken.
✅ Approved
Board signed the Intermunicipal Agreement for the high school roof and skylight replacement; Sherborn's share is $672,551 of the $1,437,075 total low bid.
💰 Total project $1,437,075; Sherborn's share $672,551
📍 Dover-Sherborn Regional High School
✅ Approved
Routine payroll warrant and prior meeting minutes approved.
💬 Discussed
Eversource will conduct a comprehensive building assessment of Pine Hill school.
📍 Pine Hill School
✅ Approved
Additional funds approved for the Village Center Transportation Survey.
📍 Village Center
March 12, 2026 · agenda
📋 Proposed
Closed session with defense and town counsel to discuss active Superior Court litigation (Case 2181CV01004) and related public records law obligations.
📋 Proposed
Board considers adopting an updated green purchasing policy replacing the existing Buy Recycled Policy.
📋 Proposed
Review of open seats on town boards and committees ahead of a June 15 appointment date.
📋 Proposed
Board considers a new policy governing how town departments and officials access town counsel.
📋 Proposed
Review and discussion of proposed warrant articles — the items residents will vote on at Annual Town Meeting.
📋 Proposed
Board considers what questions, if any, to place before voters on the 2026 town election ballot.
📋 Proposed
Board reviews the proposed FY2027 operating and capital budget ahead of Town Meeting.
📋 Proposed
Board reviews a roof restoration project for the Dover Sherborn Regional school and the related Intermunicipal Agreement (IMA) with Dover.
📋 Proposed
Routine approval of payroll warrant and prior meeting minutes.
📋 Proposed
Standing updates from board members and the Town Administrator.
February 26, 2026 · minutes
✅ Approved
Meeting called to order at 6:34 PM; agenda approved 4–0.
🗳️ Voted on
Board voted unanimously to keep the ATM quorum at 100, rejecting any reduction after a similar article failed at last year's ATM.
✅ Approved
Approved Eversource's request to install ~40 feet of conduit and one Splice Box 3738 to provide electric service to a new home at 36 Bogastow Brook Road.
📍 36 Bogastow Brook Road
✅ Approved
Matthew DiMartino appointed as full voting NSWSD member (filling a vacancy due to a member's passing), serving until a permanent commission is established.
✅ Approved
Board adopted the ATM Warrant with amendments; a proposed 'Rule Article' was deferred to a future ATM for better advance notice and public education.
💬 Discussed
Updated FY27 budget numbers presented; board directed departments not to cut services or staffing, and discussed formalizing a Town Counsel usage policy.
✅ Approved
TA payroll warrant and January 22 draft minutes approved 4–0.
💬 Discussed
Neutra presented the Land Acquisition Committee article to the Advisory Committee; Tsai noted teacher's union contract negotiations are ongoing.
💬 Discussed
Public works and public safety thanked for storm response; salt-use restrictions in Sherborn limit snow cleanup; Insurance Advisory Committee meeting and Sherborn History Center groundbreaking upcoming.
✅ Approved
Meeting adjourned at 8:42 PM.
February 26, 2026 · agenda
📋 Proposed
Routine opening: agenda approval and public comment period.
📋 Proposed
Board will discuss whether projected attendance meets quorum requirements for the 2026 Annual Town Meeting.
📋 Proposed
Hearing on Eversource's request to install or modify utility infrastructure at 36 Bogastow Brook Road.
📍 36 Bogastow Brook Road
📋 Proposed
Board considering Matthew DiMartino (current Associate Member) and Bob Murchison for interim seats on the NSWSD Commission until a permanent commission is established.
📋 Proposed
Board may vote to finalize the warrant — the official list of articles residents will vote on at Town Meeting.
📋 Proposed
Board will review the proposed fiscal year 2027 operating and capital budget, which sets town spending and tax impacts.
📋 Proposed
Routine approval of Town Administrator payroll warrant and January 22, 2026 meeting minutes.
📋 Proposed
Select Board member updates — topics not specified in advance.
📋 Proposed
Town Administrator updates — topics not specified in advance.