Opening remarks: Acton-Boxborough School Committee member Glen Cote introduced himself as the School Committee liaison to the Acton Select Board, and mentioned results from consultants District Management Group’s presentation at the Sept. 4 School Committee meeting. Town manager John Mangiaratti recommended an Office of Economic Development newsletter.
Transitions: Town Manager John Mangiaratti introduced Treasurer/Collector Patrick McIntyre, who has held that position since July 7, 2025. Mr. McIntyre’s experience, since 2005, includes similar positions in several Massachusetts towns. In Acton, Mr. McIntyre has introduced a debt management system that enables tailored reporting and provides role-based access for stakeholders, including town officials and auditors. He outlined a transition from an outdated statutory investment list to a diversified Prudent Investor framework, designed to enhance the town’s investment yields. Mr. McIntyre also detailed a new banking structure to accrue interest on idle funds in payment accounts. He addressed the current investment landscape, anticipating Federal Reserve rate adjustments, and announced a shift to a new law firm to manage tax title litigation more effectively.
Fire Department lifesavers honored: Acton Fire Department Chief Anita Arnum addressed the Board, saying, “Tonight, we have the privilege of recognizing two of our own who went above and beyond while they were off duty, stepping in without hesitation to save lives at risk.” She described the events as follows: On August 4, 2025, Firefighter EMT Connor Caveney, while off duty and driving on Route 190 on an overpass known for suicide attempts, noticed a man preparing to jump. He quickly intervened, assisting a bystander in preventing the man from jumping until law enforcement and EMS arrived, ensuring the individual was safely transported for care. His swift and courageous actions exemplified his dedication to public safety, even outside his official duties.
On August 12, 2025, Firefighter Paramedic Jonathan Chan, also off duty, was playing basketball in Lowell when a 39-year-old player suffered cardiac arrest. Jonathan immediately began lifesaving measures, and took command of the situation until advanced medical support arrived, resulting in the patient’s successful resuscitation. The patient, a father of two, later thanked Jonathan via FaceTime from the hospital, having recovered neurologically intact. Both firefighters were honored with certificates of recognition and Isaac Davis challenge coins for their extraordinary off-duty heroism, reflecting their unwavering commitment to saving lives.
Fire Department staffing: Chief Arnum updated the Board with an Acton Fire Department Pilot Program Update (a program earlier reported by the Acton Exchange). The pilot program addressed staffing challenges that arose after the opening of the North Acton Fire Station in February 2022, which stretched existing personnel across four stations without adding new staff. The department tested a two-station model starting February 2025, followed by a three-station model in May, consolidating resources to improve response efficiency, safety, and training. The pilot aimed to enhance firefighter safety, align with current standards, and improve morale and recruitment. Deputy Chief Christopher Sammet highlighted efforts to recruit and train paramedics internally to address staffing shortages. The program’s results are still being analyzed, but initial feedback indicates improved operations and morale, though challenges like cross-staffing and station closures persist. The department is preparing for a temporary closure of Station 3 for infrastructure work and is evaluating future staffing models.
Consolidating staff into fewer stations allowed better supervision, mentoring, and in-house training, reducing conflicts and improving morale. Recruitment efforts included attending job fairs and sending EMTs to paramedic school, with three new paramedics expected by next year. Questions from the Board focused on future phases of the pilot and the feasibility of operating with three stations. Chief Arnum confirmed the department could function with three stations, as stations are upgraded due to aging infrastructure. Town manager John Mangiaratti emphasized the department’s adaptability and the need for community feedback to refine future operations.
Marcus Lewis Racket Club: A site-plan special permit and two use special permits for indoor tennis and pickleball courts were previously reviewed by the Board, and those permits were approved without further discussion. The large enclosures for the courts require heating, and the Board, the applicants, and Building Commissioner Ed Mullen reviewed the question of a fossil fuel bylaw waiver. (The Acton Exchange previously covered a bylaw waiver request, discussion of waiver criteria, and a waiver approval.)
The proposed tennis and pickleball courts are tension fabric structures—flexible fabric membranes stretched over a framework—rather than air-supported structures. Documentation presented included heating options, comparing natural gas and air-source heat pumps, with one scenario suggesting significant annual cost savings for gas heating. Board member David Martin challenged these calculations, highlighting potential Mass Save incentives and anticipated lower electricity costs from offshore wind. The discussion also addressed regulatory challenges, such as stretch code requirements and the inability of tension fabric structures to support solar panels, which could complicate hybrid (gas-plus-heat-pump) solutions. Addressing the Board, Mr. Lewis emphasized his commitment to sustainability (e.g., prior heat pump adoption, recycling efforts) and explained the choice of a tension fabric structure over a less efficient bubble structure for better insulation (R-value 19 vs. 3-4). He also noted the significant electrical infrastructure upgrades that may be required even if heat pumps are not installed. The discussion concluded by anticipating future re-consideration.
Hearings: The Board approved a Use Special Permit for VIBE Hot Yoga & Pilates to be located at Gould’s Plaza, 254 Great Road, with details of wastewater issues yet to be resolved with the Board of Health.
