Select Board approves routine business, moves forward on capital and goal‑setting calendar

The Acton Select Board handled routine business and set the calendar for its annual goal‑setting process at its May 18 meeting.

Among the actions the board approved unanimously were the consent agenda items accepting several donations to support summer events and community assistance funds and the acceptance of a donated Ralph Waldo Emerson bus. The board also voted to issue a statement of uniqueness for the town’s planned acquisition of 46 Taylor Road to comply with Massachusetts procurement rules and Chapter 61 procedures.

Staff gave a progress update on the board’s 2025 goals. Town Hall HVAC funding and design are secured, a grant‑funded outreach position (partnership with utility companies) was added for energy and communications work, and the DPW facility design was advanced with town meeting support. The Collins Center draft report on a fire/EMS deployment pilot was delivered in draft form; staff said the pilot showed a three‑station deployment can improve second‑alarm staffing levels but that capital decisions about station replacements or upgrades will require more study and funding.

The board set a goal‑setting schedule: a public listening session during the June 1 meeting, a board workshop on June 8 (deadline that morning to submit proposed goals), and anticipated final approval of priorities on June 15. Board members discussed voting methods for prioritization and asked staff to prepare materials ahead of the workshop. Proponents of a proposed tree protection bylaw (Green Acton) signaled they will present at the June 1 listening session.

What’s next: Staff will publish the goal submission spreadsheet and planning materials ahead of the June 8 workshop; proponents of the tree bylaw and other community stakeholders were invited to speak at the June 1 listening session.