A major focus of the meeting was the discussion surrounding order number 25-1009478, a home rule petition proposed to tackle the issue of unaccepted private ways in Marlborough. City Engineer Tom Deersio outlined the ongoing problem of roads that were created under subdivision control law but never accepted as public ways. There are over 50 such roads in the city, many of which were constructed decades ago. The petition aims to establish a legal framework allowing the city council to accept these roads, thereby providing a resolution to a problem that has persisted due to developers being unavailable or defunct.

The committee explored the historical context of the subdivision control law, enacted in 1953 and adopted by Marlborough in the early 1960s. The law delineates the process for road acceptance, which involves a developer’s request to the city post-construction. However, the absence of original developers has complicated this process. The proposed petition seeks to streamline the acceptance process, granting the city council authority to accept these roads under specific criteria, similar to measures used by other Massachusetts communities.

Councilors expressed concerns about the condition of these roads and the costs associated with their acceptance. Many roads are in poor condition, raising questions about necessary repairs and ongoing maintenance. Deersio acknowledged that the city has undertaken repairs on these roads, particularly when public safety was at risk. Another concern was the implications of easements associated with these roads. Deersio assured that easements would be transferred to the city upon road acceptance, simplifying the process.

The conversation also covered the legal complexities of assuming ownership of roads whose developers are no longer available. The home rule petition is designed to allow the city to take ownership without identifying current owners, functioning similarly to eminent domain. Some councilors expressed support for the petition, noting that similar measures have been successful in other communities and could provide a viable solution for Marlborough.

Following the petition discussions, the committee tackled the financial aspects of maintaining older subdivisions and the costs associated with unaccepted roads. A transfer request related to a collective bargaining agreement with the Marlborough Municipal Employees Association (MMEA) was considered, involving $226,882.36 to fund the ratified agreement. This transfer is sourced from $130,388.80 from the reserve for salaries and $96,493.56 from free cash. The mayor highlighted the collaborative efforts leading to the agreement, despite discrepancies between budgeted amounts and the actual request due to the unpredictable nature of negotiations.

In another significant agenda item, the committee discussed the FY2026 capital bond request totaling $15,550,000. This funding is intended for various facility, utility, and street improvement projects managed by the Department of Public Works. The mayor emphasized the importance of maintaining and enhancing city infrastructure, outlining projects such as road paving, water and sewer main replacements, and upgrades to pumping stations.

The bond request prompted inquiries about specific projects, including a parking lot reconstruction project on William Street and the rehabilitation of the Court Street garage, which faces structural issues. The committee learned about the need for an emergency generator for Jar School, currently reliant on temporary measures during power outages. Funding sources for these projects were also scrutinized, with the mayor noting the remaining $2.6 million in free cash.

The session also included discussions on the city’s debt payment schedule and the implications of interest rates on future bonding. The committee approved a bond request of $9,650,000 for infrastructure projects and $3,500,000 for pumping station rehabilitation. A $1,400,000 bond for sewer main construction in Turner Ridge and another $1 million for water main replacements on Berlin Road were also approved, highlighting ongoing public interest and the need for infrastructure improvements.