Opening remarks:
A resident marveled at the rapidity and effectiveness of the response to a request made to Department of Public Works Director Corey York.
Recognition of Police Chief Cogan:
The Board, town manager, and the audience applauded Chief Cogan as the Board recognized his service on the occasion of his retirement. After remarks and reminiscences from Chief Cogan and the Board, Chair Dean Charter presented Chief Cogan with an Isaac Davis coin.
Faulkner Award Nominees:
Board Members announced their nominees for the Colonel Francis Faulkner Senior Exemplary Volunteers of the Year Award:
- Board Chair Dean Charter nominated Lori Cooney, a volunteer on a variety of committees;
- Vice-Chair Alissa Nicol nominated Joe Robb, currently chair of the Water Resources Advisory Committee;
- Clerk David Martin nominated Greg Jarboe, currently on the Finance Committee, formerly of the Select Board as well as many other current and past posts;
- Board Member Fran Arsenault nominated Nancy Cole, chair of the Acton Housing Authority;
- Board Member Jim Snyder-Grant nominated Joan Burrows, serving on the Commission on Disabilities since 1989.
Perambulation update:
Outgoing Board member Jim Snyder-Grant, who, as chair, initiated the perambulation effort, presented a Bounds Report listing the locations, status, and images of the various points marking town boundaries. The Board gratefully approved Mr. Snyder-Grant’s request to continue the documentation effort after his service on the Board.
Independence Day observances:
Director of Parks and Recreation Tim Michalski made his first appearance before the Board to request approval of a date for Independence Day observances, and to briefly describe a plan, as follows: “The event would feature an All-American BBQ, Friends and Family Parade at NARA, a Patriotic Festival Area with traditional yard games and family activities, and a USA-themed Glow Party. A ceremonial opening would feature local performers singing the National Anthem, God Bless America, and America the Beautiful, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, and conclude with a headlining band.”
Mr. Michalski asked the Board to choose between two dates for the observance – July 2 and July 3. Among other reasons to choose July 2, Mr. Snyder-Grant quoted John Adams: “the second day of July, 1776 will be the most memorable epic in the history of America.” That date would also allow scheduling of a laser light show; the Board unanimously approved the July 2 date.
Ms. Nicol strongly objected to a full reading of the Declaration, objecting to “derogatory racist language” in the closing paragraphs; discussion of the issue concluded without resolution.
Energy issues:
Acton Power Choice: On July 21, 2025, Mr. Paul Gromer, CEO of energy consulting firm Peregrine Energy Group, appeared before the Board to describe electricity rate increases necessitated by regional grid operator ISO New England’s March 2025 adoption of the Day-Ahead Ancillary Services Initiative (DASI). At that meeting, to forestall higher energy bills, the Board authorized a contract amendment that kept prices stable by reducing the fraction of some Acton Power Choice (APC) options that are directed toward renewable energy programs.
At the present meeting, Mr. Gromer described, both verbally and in a memo, the substantial changes in the energy environment since that time. After the very cold winter, DASI costs are significantly higher than expected following the July 2025 adjustment. Federal permitting of renewables has been reduced and tax credits ended. At the State level, renewables funding has been redirected to rate reductions.
Among other options, Mr. Gromer described further APC adjustment that could again mitigate some rate increases; and reminded the Board that a new contract would be required in the near future. After a discussion that explored a complex and evolving energy market, the Board authorized Town Manager John Mangiaratti to negotiate a new contract that would reduce the current three APC options to two (standard and ‘green’) and to inform APC customers of the changes in the ‘green’ option.
Municipal Electricity Contract: After a mercifully shorter discussion the Board approved a new electricity supply contract, described in a memo from Sustainability Director Andrea Becerra. As for the APC contract changes described above, the municipal contract does not purchase renewable energy credits, and the resulting contract is expected to result in substantial savings on the Town’s energy bill.
Briefly noted:
- The Board approved a motion to allow a 90-day delay for the closing of the sale of 3 and 13 School Street, to accommodate the permitting process.
- Working from a draft partial Warrant for the 2026 Town meeting, the Board voted to approve Article 9, Minuteman Regional School District Assessment; and Article 25, Transfer Station and Recycling Enterprise Budget.
Hearings:
- A much-delayed Site Plan Special Permit from Suburban Glass and Mirror was withdrawn, at the applicant’s request, “without prejudice” – meaning that the applicant may apply again.
- This Select Board meeting began in Executive Session to discuss the potential exercise of right of first refusal to purchase 46 Taylor Road, and continued a previous hearing in open session. The Board heard several pleas to exercise the purchase, but took no official action.
Tom Beals is the Select Board beat reporter for the Acton Exchange.
