Select Board meeting July 14, 2026

The Walpole Select Board meeting on July 14, 2026, focused significantly on procurement and capital improvement projects related to the town's public works and utilities. Key procurement discussions included the approval of NSTAR Electric Company's request to relocate a utility pole on East Street, and a major agenda item on transitioning the town's solid waste collection system to an automated cart-based pickup. The board voted unanimously to direct the town administrator to procure and negotiate a new solid waste contract featuring 96-gallon carts for trash and recycling, with options for 64-gallon carts and bulky item pickup by appointment. Additionally, the board discussed the potential $5.3 million emergency water system connection project with the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA), emphasizing the need for further financial clarity and regulatory approvals before proceeding. The meeting also covered broader capital budget planning, including water infrastructure improvements and PFAS mitigation projects, highlighting concerns about balancing these investments with available retained earnings and borrowing capacity. No immediate votes were taken on the water system connection, but the board agreed to revisit the topic in future meetings. Other updates included community event support and a legislative update on a new hospital bill.