Opening remarks: Select Board vice-chair Alissa Nicol provided an update from the Acton Water District, stating that two new bedrock wells on the recently acquired 549 Main Street parcel are operational and will come online pending Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection approval.
Transitions: Town Manager John Mangiaratti announced the retirement of Marianne Fleckner, Director of Administration and Finance, after 17 years of exceptional service to the Town of Acton. Mr. Mangiaratti praised Ms. Fleckner’s leadership since joining the Town in 2008, highlighting her role in navigating health care reforms, COVID-19 challenges, and rebuilding of the Finance Department. Ms. Fleckner reflected on her career with gratitude, describing her years in Acton as “the best job in the world” and thanking her colleagues and the community. Select Board Chair Dean Charter commended her tireless dedication, noting her deep involvement across the organization and her remarkable willingness to work “around the clock” when needed. Two rounds of applause celebrated Ms. Fleckner’s lasting impact on the Town.
McManus Manor construction update
Nancy Kolb, chair of the Acton Housing Authority (AHA); Melissa Bible, AHA Executive Director; and Kelley Cronin, AHA Development Director reported that construction at McManus Manor remains on schedule despite unexpected challenges. Significant unanticipated costs included the removal of ledge in areas planned for parking, roads, and plumbing, as well as cleanup of debris left on the property. These issues required additional testing, off-site disposal, and the purchase of new soil, which have consumed a large portion of the project’s contingency funds.
The project is funded through town contributions, state credits, private construction loans, ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act of 2021) funds, and federal tax credits. Substantial completion is expected in May 2026, with the development meeting ambitious sustainability goals, including passive house certification, rooftop solar panels, EV chargers, and all-electric systems. Applications for the tenant lottery are expected to open shortly after the new year, with occupancy planned soon after construction concludes.
Finance and budgets
Electric vehicle charging station rates: Sustainability director Andrea Beccera presented rates for town-operated electric vehicle charging stations. Although the cost of power (price per kilowatt-hour) was mentioned, the discussion focused on “idle” time – the period a vehicle remains at a station after charging is complete, preventing others from accessing it. The Board approved fees dependent on the station type: level two chargers, $2.40 an hour after 12 hours of idle; fast chargers, $6 an hour after 30 minutes of idle, with a maximum $50 fee.
Fiscal Year 2027 budget preview: At this second Select Board meeting of Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Town Manager John Mangiaratti kicked off budget season with a Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Preview (see the year-ago 2026 Preview) first reviewing images of FY2025, highlighting community events and achievements. Budget Director Ellie Anderson presented FY25 revenue results, noting that conservative initial estimates were exceeded. Property taxes, with a roughly 99% collection rate, accounted for about 89% of revenue, while local receipts exceeded estimates by $1.2 million, bolstering free cash holdings.
Mr. Mangiaratti reviewed FY25 expenses, highlighting savings from unfilled positions ($1.1 million in salaries, $700,000 in benefits), though overspending occurred for legal services and other costs. For FY27, he outlined five key budget challenges: health insurance (retiree costs may rise 40%), pensions, debt management, school assessments, and infrastructure. The presentation concluded with proposed budget priorities, including focusing on existing capital projects, replenishing stabilization funds, and pursuing efficiencies and grants. Board members supported the emphasis on completing existing projects and discussed timing of town and school capital projects to avoid simultaneous large debt exclusions, judicious use of the stabilization fund, and concern about rising retiree health insurance costs, noting retirees’ lack of bargaining power compared to active employees, and their facing higher costs on fixed pensions.
Primrose School update: The Acton Exchange reported earlier on a proposal by national daycare operator Primrose Schools to develop a daycare center at 457 Massachusetts Avenue, the site of a designated historic building. Earlier discussions were focused on sewer connections and the fate of the existing house. A revised Memorandum Of Agreement (MOA), reportedly received two hours before the meeting, shifted focus. Sewer connections received little attention, but the house’s fate and broader economic issues sparked heated discussion. The availability of daycare in Acton, the absence of Primrose representatives, and again the fate of the historic house, were mentioned. The Board voted 3 “Aye” and 2 “Nay” to authorize the Town Manager to sign the revised MOA.
Ongoing Projects Update: Assistant Town Manager Thom Begin presented Brief Updates on Ongoing Projects, even more briefly described here.
- Kelly’s Corner construction continues – paving, sidewalks, and curb installation is ongoing and the long-shrouded traffic lights at the future Caroll Spinney Way are working.
- The detour that facilitates Powder Mill Road construction is anticipated to remain for at least two weeks while utilities installation continues.
- The Prospect and Main Streets reconfiguration is complete; drivers have adapted; safety and appearance are both improved.
- Renovations at the Acton Food Pantry are underway. Interior upgrades including elevator installation are in progress; as are parking and traffic flow reconfiguration.
- River Street Park is entering its final phase. There is still no pedestrian access while construction continues, but walkways, parking, and shade trees are planned. Full public use is likely in the spring of 2026.
- At 17 Woodbury Lane, construction is well along, with a new pavilion, siding, and interior work progressing while preserving historic features.
- Preparatory work on the Robbins Mill Dam breach project is moving forward, with surveys complete and preliminary design now underway.
Briefly noted:
A resident inquired about “No Trespassing” signs on the Bay Circuit Trail Easement at Robbins Brook. Board member Jim Snyder-Grant clarified that pedestrians and bicycles are allowed but not general-public automobiles; updated signage reflecting this is in progress.
The Board discussed a proposed meeting with the Acton Finance Committee and Acton-Boxborough School Committee. tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, September 3 at 7:00 p.m.
DPW (Department of Public Works) Building status: The DPW building project received $150,000 for further design studies. Consulting firm Arrowstreet, which has consulted on other town projects, is reviewing the Weston & Sampson plans. Discussions included comparison of DPW buildings in area towns, alternative layout scenarios, concerns about potential delays, escalating costs, phased funding risks, and aligning capital projects with the School District’s needs.
Hearings: Another hearing for a Site Plan Special Permit and two Use Special Permits for Marcus Lewis Racquet Club (506 – 45 Nagog Park 504 – 45 Nagog Park 494 – 45 Nagog Park) was held. Various topics were discussed with incremental progress; the matter will return after a meeting with the Building Commissioner.
A hearing for a Use Special Permit (USP) for Morin-Cameron Group, Inc. 60 Powder Mill Road parking lot was continued to October 6, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.
Site Plan Special Permit (SPSP) for Hawthorne Realty Company to combine the properties at 471, 465-469 Great Road. The proposal involves demolishing an existing convenience store to construct utility space for other businesses. A call-in resident strongly objected. The hearing was continued to October 6 at 7 p.m.
Tom Beals is the Select Board beat reporter for the Acton Exchange.