The meeting also delved into updates on Chelmsford’s infrastructure, particularly the town’s ongoing paving and sidewalk projects. The Director of Public Works presented an overview of the town’s road management strategy, highlighting recent improvements and future plans. The town’s road rating has seen an increase from 76.9 to 79.5 over the past two years, attributed to efficient fund allocation, including $1.5 million from Chapter 90 state funding. The town paved nearly 10 miles of roadway last year at a cost of around $3.3 million, with plans to continue this momentum by investing in road maintenance to keep roads in good condition. A pilot micro-sealing program, which has shown promising results, is set to receive annual investments of $50,000 to $100,000, targeting roads with a Pavement Condition Index in the 80s to prevent deterioration.

The sidewalk master plan was another focal point, with an inventory revealing 46.12 miles of sidewalks and 756 curb ramp locations in need of attention. The backlog for repairs stands at approximately $22 million, with curb ramp updates requiring an additional $2.1 million to meet ADA compliance. Recent projects have focused on connecting missing sections, notably near schools and commercial areas, with a total of 1.8 miles of sidewalks installed last year at a cost of $810,000. Looking ahead to 2025, significant projects include a $350,000 grant for extending sidewalks on Parkerville Road and a $500,000 Complete Streets Grant for Turnpike Road.

The meeting also addressed larger projects, such as the Main Street reconstruction, estimated at $1.6 million, with an emphasis on traffic calming and pedestrian safety. Discussions included potential road diets and roundabouts, though concerns were raised about their effectiveness in enhancing safety.

The board reviewed progress on the Chelmsford Street 110 design project. The potential for a watershed study was mentioned.

In addition to infrastructure, the board discussed the allocation and monitoring of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, with all funds earmarked for projects needing completion by December 2026. The snow and ice budget was another concern, with recent storms pushing costs close to the $1.15 million annual allocation. The board was mindful of the need for careful budget management to ensure sufficient resources for future weather events.

The meeting included the finalization of the spring town meeting warrant, with a motion to sign the warrant for the April 28th meeting approved unanimously. The board also explored the appointment process for Town Council members, proposing a streamlined procedure to address previous inefficiencies and discussing the possibility of extending council terms to reduce turnover.

Volunteer recognition was another topic, with plans for an acknowledgment ceremony during the upcoming volunteer fair. The board expressed the importance of recognizing community contributions and encouraging new volunteer engagement.

Updates on various grant opportunities were shared, including successful funding for traffic improvements and police cruiser upgrades. The board noted ongoing legislative funding opportunities and labor union negotiations, particularly with police unions.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on cybersecurity initiatives, highlighting a grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Safe Technology Services and Security. The project aims to enhance cybersecurity practices, particularly for remote work scenarios.