NORTHBOROUGH – The annual Town Meeting is around the corner. In total, there are 51 articles on the warrant, including reports.
Among the articles, voters will decide whether to change the name of the Board of Selectmen to Select Board and remove the residency requirement for the town administrator.
Athletic complex
One of the articles before voters is the Algonquin Regional High School athletic complex. Specifically, the article 25 asks whether voters will authorize $7.96 million in borrowing that has been approved by the Regional School Committee.
The project will include a new track, an artificial turf stadium, artificial turf multipurpose field, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant stands and a new concession stand, tennis court, press box, stadium lighting, landscaping and amphitheater.
Northborough’s estimate under the regional agreement is projected to be $4.96 million. Southborough voters approved the project during their Town Meeting in March.
Capital Improvement Program
Ten of the articles on the warrant cover items under the Capital Improvement Program.
The Northborough Police Department is seeking three new police vehicles and repairs to and painting of the exterior of the station; the Department of Public Works (DPW) is proposing to use funds for road improvements, a 20-ton dump truck, a one-ton truck, 15-ton dump truck and to complete the final phase of the supervisory control and data acquisition project; and the schools are seeking funds to repair the rear entrance of Zeh Elementary School.
Two of the articles were originally brought before the Board of Selectmen for the consideration of using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) — a fire engine and DPW highway garage tight tank.
Community Preservation Act
Six of the articles deal with projects to be funded through the Community Preservation Act.
One of the articles would cover debt service for White Cliffs, a second article would use funds to construct ADA-compliant trials at the Northborough Senior Center and a third would appropriate funds to purchase and install a historic marker for the Northborough Free Library.
Another article seeks $347,500 for the construction of a dog park. The town is proposing to build a dog park on a site off Boundary Street. Last year, voters approved using CPA funds to go toward the initial assessment and site survey of up to five locations for a potential dog park.
Town Meeting will take place on April 24 at 6 p.m. in the Algonquin Regional High School auditorium. The warrant can be found online at https://tinyurl.com/3a75sh4w.
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