Select Board Approves Fall Town Meeting Warrant

In this report: Key decisions · Next dates · Full report · Sources

What happened

The Select Board voted unanimously to award a $979,777 contract to New England Infrastructure for the Barnum Road Bridge rehabilitation, though a roughly $73,777 funding gap must be closed before spring 2027 construction. The board also unanimously approved the 12-article warrant for the October 26 Fall Special Town Meeting with no citizens' petitions filed by the deadline. The town manager flagged budget pressures including health insurance, energy, and the sunset of $800,000 in state fire department funding on June 30, 2027.

Key decisions

• 📝 Barnum Road Bridge Rehabilitation Contract. The board voted unanimously to award a $979,777 contract with New England Infrastructure of Hudson for Barnum Road Bridge rehabilitation, scheduled for spring 2027 with no road detours or lane closures required. A $906,000 MassDOT grant covers most of the cost; the town must close a roughly $73,777 funding gap through additional grants, Chapter 90 highway aid, or scope reduction. (Vote Approved unanimously). Read case details
• 📝 Water Main and Drainage Improvements Change Order. The board voted unanimously to approve Change Order No. 1 for the 2026 Water Main and Drainage Improvements Project, totaling $54,752.88 with a time extension. The scope expansion addresses a collapsed drainage segment discovered at East Main Street and Forest Street and switches the water main connection to a 'tapping sleeve' method to avoid service interruptions during construction. (Vote Approved unanimously). Read case details
• 📝 West Main Street Bridge Catch Basin Repairs. The board voted unanimously to approve Change Order No. 2 for the West Main Street Bridge Replacement Project to address catch-basin settlement. The roadway shifted from historical conditions beneath a sidewalk to active vehicle traffic during construction, requiring raising, reinforcing, and repaving the affected catch basins. Board members confirmed the bridge structure itself is not at risk. (Vote Approved unanimously). Read case details
• 👤 New Assistant Parks Director Hired. The town manager announced the hiring of a new assistant parks director, starting October 19. Parks Director Jerry Amenta plans to bring the new employee before the board at a future meeting for introduction. (Next: Oct. 19). Read case details
• 👤 IT Manager Departure and Recruitment. The town manager announced the departure of the IT manager, with a last day of October 19. The town is actively recruiting a replacement, with applications closing October 16. (Next: Oct. 19). Read case details
• 📜 Fall Special Town Meeting Warrant. The board voted unanimously to approve the 12-article warrant for the October 26 Fall Special Town Meeting. No citizens' petitions were submitted by the October 2 filing deadline. Upon approval, the warrant will be posted on the town website and mailed to all Ayer households. (Vote Approved unanimously; Next: Oct. 26, 7 p.m.). Read case details
• 📜 Wright Road Extension Layout Order. The board voted unanimously to execute the order of layout for Wright Road Extension as a public way for the Kohler Place subdivision, advancing the street toward acceptance at the October 26 Fall Special Town Meeting. The Planning Board had reviewed and supported the street-acceptance request, with one minor outstanding punch-list item. (Vote Approved unanimously; Next: Oct. 26, 7 p.m.). Read case details
• 📋 St. Nicholas Parish One-Day Liquor License. The board voted unanimously to approve a one-day liquor license for St. Nicholas Parish for a Polish dinner at St. Mary's Church on Saturday, October 17, from 4 to 9 p.m., featuring traditional dishes including stuffed cabbage and cabbage and pork soup. (Vote Approved unanimously; Next: Oct. 17, 4 to 9 p.m.). Read case details
• 📋 Habitat for Humanity One-Day Beer/Wine License. The board voted unanimously to approve a one-day beer and wine license for Habitat for Humanity of North Central Mass for a 'friend-raiser' at St. Andrews Church on October 15, 2026, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., described as a complimentary-wine event open to the public. (Vote Approved unanimously; Next: Oct. 15, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.). Read case details

Next dates

• Oct. 15: Habitat for Humanity fundraiser event
• Oct. 17: St. Nicholas Parish Polish dinner event
• Oct. 19: New assistant parks director starts; IT manager's last day
• Oct. 26: Fall Special Town Meeting; Wright Road street acceptance

Research this meeting with Townbrief AI: “Was the Barnum Road Bridge rehabilitation contract awarded and how will its funding gap be closed?” Ask this question

Full meeting report

The complete, section-by-section account of the meeting, 2,095 words, for members.