In a detailed deliberation, the board addressed a water and sewer abatement appeal from Gregory Heller, who reported an unusually high water bill that was estimated to be two and a half to three times higher than his usual usage. Heller, a long-time Natick resident, expressed concerns over the accuracy of his water meter and the lack of notifications from the town’s water usage alert system. Following a thorough discussion involving potential leaks and irrigation system checks, the board approved an abatement of $2,646.96 for Heller. The decision was based on the policy considering his highest water usage during the same quarter in previous years. The appeal drew attention to the importance of accurate communication from the Department of Public Works (DPW), especially regarding system transitions and notifications.

Meanwhile, the board also focused on fostering community engagement through the “Serve Natick” initiative. Scheduled for April 2nd at the Natick High School Auditorium, this event aims to connect volunteers with organizations in need. The event will feature speakers such as Daniel Shea, Executive Director at the Natick Service Council, and Rayd Shaw, CEO of the Metro West Chamber of Commerce, who will discuss community service and civic engagement. The board members expressed strong support for the initiative, underscoring its potential to bridge gaps in community participation and volunteerism.

In addition to “Serve Natick,” the “All Aboard” adaptive cycling program was presented by Josh Ostroff, president of the Friends of Natick Trails. This initiative, launching on April 12, 2025, will provide recreational cycling opportunities for individuals of all abilities. Supported by grants from the Metro West Health Foundation and the MathWorks Community Grant program, the program promises free participation for the community. Ostroff highlighted the need for volunteers and encouraged registration through the town’s website.

Further deliberations included the ongoing compliance issue with California Pizza Kitchen’s liquor license. The restaurant, having received a no-action notice from the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC) for being out of compliance, submitted a completed application, prompting the board to continue the hearing pending a police department review.

Another topic was the Route 9/27 interchange improvement project. The board discussed drafting letters to the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) office and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) seeking clarity on project exemptions and communication strategies. Concerns were raised about the impact on local businesses and the need for more effective communication channels, with board members advocating for a collaborative approach with state agencies.

Financial policies and practices were also scrutinized, particularly the need to update systems dating back to the 1990s. The board considered the implications of the budget adjustments related to Keefe Technical School and healthcare costs, which resulted in a budget reduction to 6 million.