The board approved a special town meeting to discuss the South Row Elementary School partial roof replacement, a project estimated at $4.5 million. The need for this undertaking was emphasized due to the deterioration of the existing roof system, initially installed in the 1960s. The project involves removing two sections of the roof down to the steel decking, addressing complex layers of built-up roofing materials. The removal process is further complicated by the presence of 800 solar panels, which are about 10 years old. Although reinstalling the panels is covered by the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), acquiring new panels is not. The proposal includes replacing the existing panels with 500 new, more efficient ones, costing between $200,000 to $300,000. Additional costs will arise from necessary ADA compliance upgrades, increasing the total estimated expenditure.

The board also reviewed financial reports, noting a positive fiscal outlook with a revenue collection rate exceeding expectations. The town’s fiscal health was bolstered by motor vehicle excise tax and hotel and meals tax revenues. However, the end of a state sheltering program in hotels is expected to decrease future hotel tax revenue, prompting cautious budgeting for the upcoming year. The finance director highlighted the robust performance of interest earnings and projected a favorable financial position for the fiscal year.

In a gesture of community spirit, the board accepted a bequest of $13,654 from the estate of Angela Matthews for the Chelmsford Public Library. This donation was graciously acknowledged, with plans for the library trustees to utilize the funds per the bequest’s terms. The board also ratified a new collective bargaining agreement with the library employees’ union, which includes updated staffing levels and vacation policies. The agreement outlines a 3% wage increase for the next fiscal year, followed by 3.25% increases in subsequent years, pending funding approval at the upcoming town meeting.

The meeting also touched on a concern regarding water district consolidation. The town manager discussed the challenges faced by the East Chelmsford Water District, which is considering a $4 million treatment system. He suggested exploring consolidation with other districts as a potential solution. This idea is supported by historical precedent but faces reluctance from the districts, largely due to funding concerns. The town manager stressed the importance of a cooperative approach to ensure equitable water distribution and financial sustainability.

Further discussions involved the town’s fiscal year 2026 goals, with board members debating the inclusion of specific items on the goals list, such as “grant opportunities” and “legislative funding.” The consensus was to streamline the list, focusing on critical priorities while maintaining transparency in revenue generation efforts.

The board also addressed upcoming meetings with the town’s state legislative delegation, emphasizing topics such as elderly property tax exemptions, motor vehicle excise taxes, and environmental initiatives. The need for legislative action on these issues was highlighted, alongside the ongoing challenge of double pole enforcement, which remains a concern due to delays in pole removal by third-party carriers.

In other matters, the board discussed bids for parking lot improvements, approving a bid of $700,755 for projects including the police department and McCarthy School parking lots. The importance of early bidding to secure favorable pricing was noted. The board also confirmed appointments to various town committees and acknowledged community events and achievements, including a memorial dedication and new business openings.