Government

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Police Chief James Cogan to retire after 42 years

February 28, 2026
Police Chief James Cogan announced his intention to retire from a more than 42-year career with the Acton Police Department on March 27, leaving a department that has grown by leaps and bounds since he first pinned on a badge. Chief Cogan took an oath and joined the Acton Police Department in 1984, when officers still carried billy clubs and used pen and paper to write reports. Billy clubs gave way to pepper spray and tasers over the decades. Chief Cogan never used any of them and never fired his firearm in the course of his duties. Instead, he relied…

Acton gets a foot, lends a hand

February 28, 2026
Mother nature has assisted in the digging out from Monday’s blizzard, by raising the temperature a bit. But for a while there, the winds were whipping up and so were the communications about closures from Town government and local entities such as Acton TV, trash pick-up services, and…

The Bulletin Board: Feb. 28, 2026

February 28, 2026
For volunteer opportunities and other announcements not tied to a single specific time and date, you are in the right place here at the Bulletin Board. Please email your Bulletin Board announcements to bulletinboard@actonexchange.org. (For what’s happening today or tomorrow or on any specific day, see the Calendar.…
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Select Board Notes: February 23, 2026

February 28, 2026
Opening remarks Revised Fiscal Year 2027 Recommended Budget Mr. Mangiaratti, noting the requirement for the Town Manager to transmit a budget to the Finance Committee before Annual Town Meeting, presented a revised Fiscal Year 2027 Recommended Budget and Capital Plan. In a Memo, and in remarks to the…

The Bulletin Board: Feb. 21, 2026

February 21, 2026
The Bulletin Board: Feb. 21, 2026 Reminder to readers: Our front page can’t hold all the news. To see all of this week’s new articles, go to the All News page. What’s the Bulletin Board? For volunteer opportunities and other announcements not tied to a single specific time…
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Select Board Notes: February 2, 2026

February 7, 2026
Opening remarks Fireworks over fireworks At the December 15, 2025 Select Board meeting the Board voted not to expend the $40,000 that was authorized for July 4, 2026 fireworks at the May 2025 Town Meeting. Board members spoke of strong public reactions to the decision, including an allegation…
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Select Board Notes: January 12, 2026

January 18, 2026
Opening remarks: Glenn Cote, School Committee liaison to the Select Board, called attention to the School Committee’s January 8 meeting and its discussion of district restructuring. The final vote on elementary school reorganization is scheduled for January 22, and public comments will continue to be reviewed until that…
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Planning Board notes: December 16, 2025

December 20, 2025
Habitat for All: Updates to Subdivision Rules and Regulations The Planning Board met in a hybrid meeting on Dec. 16, some members at Town Hall and others on zoom. They reviewed the Subdivision Rules and Regulations informed by the vote at the 2025 Annual Town Meeting to make…
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Select Board Notes: December 15, 2025

December 20, 2025
Opening remarks: Select Board Chair Dean Charter noted the passing of Ms. Carol Lake, recalling her role as the first director of the Acton Senior Center. Town Manager John Mangiaratti and Assistant Town Manager Thom Begin displayed two celebratory over-sized $25,000 checks, “earmarks” from the state legislature, for…
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Select Board Notes: December 1, 2025

December 6, 2025
Opening remarks Zoning and housing MBTA Inclusionary Zoning: The Planning Board and the Acton Community Housing Corporation (ACHC) joined the Select Board to discuss possible next steps in the MBTA overlay zone that was adopted at the May 2024 Town Meeting. Planning Director Kaila Sauer opened the discussion…
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Board of Health Notes: November 5, 2025

December 6, 2025
Environmental health At the November 5 meeting of the Board of Health (the Board), Acton Environmental Health Director Matthew Dow provided updates to the Board. With the end of year fast approaching, the Health Department (the Department) was trying its best to get all inspections completed, as well…
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