[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6603466,"mediaKeyId","3000149-1c55f71b9b24bfe6323d9c898b748642","parentId",3000149,"title","Votes at a glance: Select Board approves contracts, licensing, warrants and budget items","audioSeconds",228,"startMs",2288000,"endMs",2516000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3000149-1c55f71b9b24bfe6323d9c898b748642&start=2288&end=2516","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3000149-1c55f71b9b24bfe6323d9c898b748642/thumbnail_2288000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6603466/Massachusetts/Votes-at-a-glance-Select-Board-approves-contracts-licensing-warrants-and-budget-items","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6603466-fdf84502973c4659e222c472f5ffa4fa/orig.mp4?Expires=1770546902&Signature=IpsGEwqyajXtOrXpfqrgjq11~KcD12luoWxuZ4CZa7XY~OyABhsc9pE4O9wfHbH-G4YvGIHQ~gaEsIyE3Rgd7gE9Vskj-OuQ2~G~sV7CJ8Wph8v-Rn0dpl0gdsPXsADbc6f~o64t4AJjmG7rh8NxwXl~Bq02we5MlriWoRIfWhoTB4d5bEdvGA6UF9er2sVNpZeIf9q-b5z057M4JEhgPZd31WR1c3DTK-I9PoALJNOxVPiH2AxRqmI2xElHoMYDPml-vk~t3wZ7PupN-c-WaHrjZ3BG9cLgnlPSDW~gFkmP2OhnLcSCYiB6AHRLUaUIp4w0yEFh2AQUc-oEKs35oQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Millis, MA","date","2025-04-16T00:00:00Z","article","The Millis Select Board on April 15 approved a series of motions by unanimous vote. Key outcomes:

- Comtrack Corp.: Board authorized the town administrator to sign an agreement for a network addition to the Well 3 SCADA and security upgrades, amount not to exceed $27,595.46 (funded from ARPA/grant funds).

- Microsoft licensing (SHI International Corp.): Board authorized the town administrator to sign a one‑year renewal with SHI International Corp. for Microsoft Office licensing for town departments, total cost $27,720.62; funding is available in the IT budget.

- Annual town meeting warrant (May 5, 2025): Board voted to open, then later close and sign the annual town meeting warrant after staff recommendations and edits (unanimous). Staff also confirmed a FEMA map insert and removal of one parcel from a disposition article.

- Town election warrant (May 12, 2025): Board approved and signed the election warrant (unanimous).

- Budget acceptance (as described at the meeting): Board voted to accept the budget as presented, including a small reallocation to restore $15,000 to the town clerk's election account and a split of health insurance items for clarity (unanimous).

- Minutes and adjournment: Draft minutes for several prior meetings were approved as amended; the board adjourned by unanimous vote.

Each motion was moved, seconded and approved without recorded dissents. The board recorded unanimous \"Aye\" votes on all items.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Millis, MA - Select Board 4/15/2025","oneSentenceSummary","At its April 15 meeting the Millis Select Board approved a package of routine administrative actions — contracts, software licensing, town warrants, and the budget as described — all by unanimous vote.","taxTitle","Town of Millis, Norfolk County, Massachusetts","taxId",54409,"location","Massachusetts","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6603471,"Select Board approves Comtrack fiber‑optic work for Well 3 SCADA; construction update and PFAS recognition",97,2207000,2304000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3000149-1c55f71b9b24bfe6323d9c898b748642&start=2207&end=2304","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3000149-1c55f71b9b24bfe6323d9c898b748642/thumbnail_2207000.jpg","/articles/6603471/Massachusetts/Select-Board-approves-Comtrack-fiberoptic-work-for-Well-3-SCADA-construction-update-and-PFAS-recognition","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6603471-e90f6cdb977d6c70c64b9af1650ec087/orig.mp4?Expires=1770546902&Signature=Rv~IM0jL7hp0DOaupgqFdofaplSoSTC6cb~qei2mICbqPWAvXaneyF1YFj7IejvLQCp1mhe0EsYatTY81XkLMz4l8m7DRWC1hXKTI9YBgzDUUhGD2YZfAwyQ0wAj7YyGNznB8ZCEuVIwB~2pyPkHGWgcCKJyQM0U8uFXVS2GKGra7c9INtX4uUzdoIwgNMfd0r0GOx~8QjKJy3C-XtW6LVnp2WtEup5s~79RSPGDHjfoIwHMLY~UD9hRwbwSYk3f5PVAVvqs9XgkOOWsVA0OSCgER2pCYkSFrP3WVSkIR5AsA6GsV2~zm9bon34Bo4Anu6mlWaaDUcaPmha-VixXhA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Millis Select Board unanimously authorized the town administrator to sign an agreement with Comtrack Corp. for a network addition to the Well Number 3 SCADA system and security upgrades tied to the town’s PFAS treatment work. The contract amount is not to exceed $27,595.46 and will be paid from federal ARPA grant funds earmarked for the project.

Public Works (Jim McKay) reported that Well 3 construction has broken ground behind the Wayland property off Ridge Street. McKay said the project is a few months behind schedule but is progressing; he offered to provide photo updates to the board. McKay noted substantial tree removal on the town property where the facility is sited and thanked neighbors for cooperation.

During remarks acknowledging the town’s PFAS efforts, a member of the public (a community group attendee) praised Jim McKay and town staff for Millis’s proactive PFAS remediation work and said Millis was noted positively at a regional conference.

A motion authorizing the town administrator to sign the Comtrack agreement was moved and seconded; the board recorded a unanimous vote in favor. Town staff noted the fiber run is an add‑on to the existing Well 3 project (no separate pole work cost), and that ARPA and project grant documentation will require back‑up accounting for the funds spent.","The board authorized the town administrator to sign a Comtrack Corp. contract not to exceed $27,595.46 to add a fiber‑optic network node to Well 3's SCADA and security upgrades; the meeting also included a construction progress update on the Well 3 PFAS treatment site and public recognition of town PFAS work.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6603476,"Select Board finalizes town meeting warrant; discusses senior tax-exemption special act and town clerk appointment method",218,2552000,2770000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3000149-1c55f71b9b24bfe6323d9c898b748642&start=2552&end=2770","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3000149-1c55f71b9b24bfe6323d9c898b748642/thumbnail_2552000.jpg","/articles/6603476/Massachusetts/Select-Board-finalizes-town-meeting-warrant-discusses-senior-tax-exemption-special-act-and-town-clerk-appointment-method","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6603476-a53c1620221eb27a000e2c163c8b7220/orig.mp4?Expires=1770546902&Signature=eC5q~~27i~jMfpDenoppoN7hYQG5zwfEjizKCjuuDMXLEdd2~bN0VPCrxsoSjj-EOgiKZem1UzSqUjOS3RvXXQ24Eks2j3pABdfJOo85IZPEdlniH6c6Xk-1NWsclqsdRRgFevu3LewR0meRSvo6rSUWwr-iRuD9mURW8NzGnlEXy6NRO6rdk6tyr4zY~CZ5lDr2gj0uRK-p-l3kbLv5lMupZRifXQt~T-Zer0zjRk2iaPMnM-rgo1vRTmvfkJ5URsqzZG2c5FuCub~iG3vBXveEJZhWkpKpgfOiZpJsacQN9DyF~nOEzZw2w~LsoL6hDOciYhDXkjSAotU~MsW9dQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Millis Select Board on April 15 reviewed and approved final edits to the May 5 annual town meeting warrant, and discussed several substantive warrant articles including a proposed special act (Article 12) that would create a senior property tax exemption tied to school building debt, and Article 13 proposing a change in the method of selecting the town clerk from elected to appointed via charter amendment.

Town staff recommended three amendments to Article 12 intended to clarify timing, asset limits, and how the exempted amount would be spread among taxpayers. The changes are: replacing wording so the exemption applies to projects \"which borrowing is undertaken\" (to cover projects where bonds are issued after a special act is approved); adding a sentence to section 2 that ties determinations of \"excessive assets\" to asset limits used by the Commonwealth for affordable housing eligibility (to make the standard less subjective); and changing section 3 so that the total amount exempted by the special act would be allocated proportionally across all taxpayers rather than only residential taxpayers.

John Loire of Pleasant Street, who spoke during the discussion, sought clarification on scope and mechanics. Loire asked whether the measure would apply to future school projects requiring a debt exclusion (it would) and whether asset‑test thresholds would mirror the state circuit‐breaker guidelines (staff said the draft ties the assessors’ standard to the state’s affordable‑housing asset limits rather than attempting to embed a numeric threshold in the special act). Town staff and the principal assessor said application would require an annual submission and that the Department of Revenue must certify the town tax rate before exemptions would be granted.

Staff provided estimates and context: as of 2022, 258 taxpayers were eligible for the state senior circuit breaker program; the principal assessor estimated she would be surprised if more than about 100 taxpayers would meet the additional qualifications to apply under the proposed special act if it were enacted. Town staff noted the financial impact on other taxpayers would likely be small (examples discussed by staff indicated dollar amounts in the low tens of dollars per taxpayer under illustrative scenarios), but the actual effect depends on final borrowing, number of qualifying applicants, and timing.

On Article 13, staff proposed using the town’s charter amendment process rather than seeking a special act at the Legislature because the charter route would allow a change to take effect within 30 days after a ballot vote if town meeting approves the charter change by a two‑thirds vote and voters then approve the ballot question. The Select Board indicated that following the town charter process would likely be more efficient than pursuing a special act through the Legislature.

The board voted to open and then close and sign the warrant; those procedural votes were unanimous. The board also agreed to remove one parcel from Article 15 (a large, landlocked parcel in Brandywine Terrace) for further study.","The Select Board approved changes to the May 5 annual town meeting warrant, including revisions to a proposed special act to allow a senior property tax exemption for school building debt and an option to change the town clerk from elected to appointed via charter amendment.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6603480,"Energy committee outlines Empower Millis community aggregation, explains opt‑out options",355,776000,1131000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3000149-1c55f71b9b24bfe6323d9c898b748642&start=776&end=1131","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3000149-1c55f71b9b24bfe6323d9c898b748642/thumbnail_776000.jpg","/articles/6603480/Massachusetts/Energy-committee-outlines-Empower-Millis-community-aggregation-explains-optout-options","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6603480-bc48cf636085aedef5ad6ed3ed4e0025/orig.mp4?Expires=1770546902&Signature=nuzI~LGH-EtroUho8lYIDHmjKQi9mPhHlHrjn~0RQFzVe6DPOVSW5RPm~ndtP7FkMsLI8xQIDPR7aD~HmUPG7t2d85lFlugHLVLuZbzuH9hsD5woSmMZIE5ychbJMY6pSHYVfJpbmgTF9qemN4e05yf~l09dXslsm3QzInDNXFVRR64blRH26KOL0NPRSuWYAC1mNzjEUsMoy1DbvoGsEiZ8p1m92bS-ae~qKSCOhsiLkohjUo6IzXJVn63lnmWVrqJr1Di316fST1xzM8itxkm6IVYHspDEXlhAHps6Yg5wfKTA3TCRy-r3jFJp4BZWGIemLBLSg8Eo2tgKlLObKA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Craig Gibbons, chair of the Millis Energy Committee, and Robert Weiss briefed the Select Board on the town’s community electrical aggregation program, known as Empower Millis, explaining how the program bundles residents’ and businesses’ supply purchases to secure collective pricing.

The committee said Empower Millis currently offers three supplier options: a basic product comparable to Eversource’s default supply, a “Millis regular” option with higher renewable content, and “Millis Plus” with an even larger renewable share. The committee noted that the aggregation covers the supply portion of electric bills only; Eversource continues to deliver electricity and maintain distribution infrastructure.

Gibbons emphasized that the program’s default opt‑in enrollment is intended to deliver predictable pricing and higher renewable content; he said the town has completed two buying cycles and that supply contracts are typically two to three years, depending on market conditions. The committee reminded residents that individual customers can opt out at no charge (subject to any fees from private third‑party suppliers) and that Eversource’s supply price may be lower at times; customers who opt out can later rejoin the aggregation without penalty.

Robert Weiss described how supply prices fluctuate and noted that Eversource's most recent six‑month supply bid came in lower than Millis's current contracted supply price; he recommended residents check rates in July when Eversource re‑bids, because seasonal market differences can make Eversource's price temporarily more favorable. Committee members acknowledged website usability concerns and agreed to make the opt‑out path and contact information easier to find.

The committee also discussed contract length options (three years typical in favorable markets, two years used most recently because of volatility), the program broker Good Energy, and the town site empowermillis.millis.org as the resource for program details and enrollment instructions.

No board vote was required; the presentation concluded with nods from board members and a commitment from the Energy Committee to improve opt‑out navigation on the program website.","The Millis Energy Committee presented details of the town's community electrical aggregation program — Empower Millis — including three supply options, enrollment mechanics and advice on how residents can opt out if market prices change.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6603483,"Millis Select Board adopts zero-emission-vehicle first procurement policy",586,1604000,2190000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3000149-1c55f71b9b24bfe6323d9c898b748642&start=1604&end=2190","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3000149-1c55f71b9b24bfe6323d9c898b748642/thumbnail_1604000.jpg","/articles/6603483/Massachusetts/Millis-Select-Board-adopts-zero-emission-vehicle-first-procurement-policy","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6603483-a6384ef9b5055e605a5173228a60918b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770546902&Signature=cWHuNKuRoEj7iiH8Tg0-saQMvutul2ZQNJ1Cylig5gOJxZfjagGqx5YabRYTtqa-74qvTtqcOwPLgrwcLU2Wh2QxeO3EWu4Qgo6LOVs8bA8E6V8KAQ3GoOr9PuVXRmF9Gi35j7DDaOEB1yllo79Qt0U47gQmBufitDFfkFupLGKoR99nsFUocASUthtbvlncgRtMAIZK7Tf6QTNsVe9A1AR-61cJYZZQy0QYbQFATfPoAGEWenV9elsE1lvsD8iCvYoKCo2XXpvKPurvvBWCh~EaZOXJykmp8N1jL3EBy-kLKHcnlQGH35~zQgksGdfQCwRWoyRPuw-5U78CAukWXQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Millis Select Board on April 15 voted unanimously to adopt the \"Millis Zero Emission Vehicle First\" procurement policy, a guideline that requires town decision-makers to consider battery-electric, hybrid, or alternative-fuel options before buying or leasing municipal vehicles.

The policy is intended to require an explicit review of higher‑efficiency options during procurement and to capture grant opportunities tied to low‑emission fleet purchases. Energy Committee members presented the draft to the board and recommended adoption.

Energy Committee Chair Craig Gibbons described the policy as a step toward longer‑term climate goals and said the committee views vehicle procurement as one piece of the town's larger plan to reduce emissions. Robert Weiss of the Energy Committee said the policy is “a speed bump” in procurement to make staff pause and evaluate lower‑emission options and potential financing or grant advantages. The committee also noted legitimate operational exemptions, such as specialized heavy equipment for which electric alternatives are not yet commercially practical.

Board members discussed integrating the policy into existing capital evaluation criteria (the Capital Planning Committee rating system was mentioned) so electric or efficient vehicles could receive additional merit in future capital requests. Officials acknowledged examples where electric vehicles would not yet be feasible—snowplows, certain heavy‑duty apparatus and emergency vehicles were cited as plausible exclusions—and the policy includes provisions for such exemptions.

A motion to approve the policy and have it adopted as written was moved and seconded; the board recorded a unanimous vote in favor.

The policy is also positioned to keep Millis eligible for Green Communities / Climate Leaders program criteria administered by the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources; the committee said the measure supports longer‑term goals (the committee referenced a target of carbon neutrality by 2050). Implementation details, including how exemptions will be documented and how the policy will be incorporated into vendor selection and capital scoring, were discussed but left to staff and future committee work.

Board action on this item will require staff to follow the policy in future vehicle procurements and to present specific procurements where exemptions are requested.

The board did not specify an implementation timetable for retrofitting or replacing existing fleet vehicles; the policy emphasizes considering alternatives at the point of procurement.

Members of the Energy Committee and select board said they will present the same policy language to the School Committee so school fleet purchases follow the same framework.","The Millis Select Board unanimously approved a policy requiring staff to evaluate zero-emission and lower‑emission alternatives before purchasing or leasing town vehicles, with limited exemptions for operational needs.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Select Board approves contracts, licensing, warrants and budget items

Select Board approves Comtrack fiber‑optic work for Well 3 SCADA; construction update and PFAS recognition

Select Board finalizes town meeting warrant; discusses senior tax-exemption special act and town clerk appointment method

Energy committee outlines Empower Millis community aggregation, explains opt‑out options

Millis Select Board adopts zero-emission-vehicle first procurement policy