Select Board Meeting - July 27, 2026

The Arlington Community Media Inc. Select Board meeting on July 27, 2026, included extensive discussions on environmental infrastructure projects, particularly the MWRA's draft updated Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) control plan. The plan involves significant investments totaling approximately $1.29 billion (with MWRA's share about $763 million) to reduce CSO discharges into local water bodies by 2050, including construction of large storage tanks and sewer separation projects. The board and public expressed concerns about ongoing sewage pollution, public health impacts, and the financial burden on ratepayers, with projected costs for Arlington estimated at $39 million to $117 million over the life of the bonds. The meeting also covered approval of contracts, including the town manager's contract, and procurement-related approvals such as Eversource Energy petitions for conduit and guy wire installations. Additionally, the board approved a tree removal and planting plan for Veterans Memorial Park, emphasizing long-term urban forestry investments. The meeting included updates on a new water usage customer portal to provide residents near real-time water consumption data, enhancing leak detection and water conservation efforts. Finally, the board discussed the renewal process for a cannabis business host community agreement, with a decision to gather more information before proceeding. Motions were passed to approve contracts, petitions, and appointments, reflecting ongoing procurement and capital improvement activities in Arlington.