Select Board Meeting - October 26, 2026

The Arlington Select Board meeting on October 26, 2026, focused on the MWRA’s Northern Extra High Pressure Zone water-infrastructure improvements, Construction Package 3. The project is estimated to cost more than $30 million, with bidding expected to begin around December or January and a contractor anticipated by late February; construction is scheduled in phases from 2027 through 2031. The board unanimously approved removal of the specified trees after discussing replacement plantings and coordination with the town tree warden. It also unanimously approved a winter closure of the Minuteman Bikeway segment needed for construction, allowing the MWRA to proceed with bid planning and develop a detailed detour-marking plan with town staff. Members raised concerns about project timing, neighborhood impacts, safety, and coordination with the town’s planned intersection improvements.

The board also unanimously approved updated alcohol-license regulations establishing a farmer-series pouring permit, with a proposed annual fee of $2,500 modeled on existing wine and malt license fees. It unanimously approved sending a letter opposing proposed state reductions to Mass Save and alternative-compliance funding, which the town relies on for energy-efficiency and capital projects, including a Hardy School heat-pump project. Residents urged the town to develop a transparent maintenance and capital plan for aging playgrounds; no playground funding or procurement action was taken. Other discussion included upcoming police body-worn camera deployment, with no contract or purchase details provided.