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Select Board approves NHERI school‑project survey; authorizes outreach to seniors without internet
Summary
The Select Board approved the NHERI survey to gather resident preferences on a preK–8 school project and authorized efforts to reach seniors without internet access, including a postcard mailing and a device at the senior center; the board directed staff to identify funding (estimate under $1,500) from residual NHERI appropriation funds.
The Southborough Select Board on July 15 approved the content and release plan for an NHERI survey intended to gather resident input about the preK–8 school project, and authorized steps to ensure seniors without home internet access can participate.
Select Board member Al (first name used in the meeting) presented the survey packet and told the board he had discussed outreach plans with town staff. He said the council on aging could provide a mailing list of about 600 seniors and proposed making a laptop or tablet available at the senior center so residents without home internet could complete the electronic survey. Al estimated the postcard mailing and related outreach would cost “less than $1,500” and proposed using remaining NHERI appropriation funds to cover the expense.
Town Administrator Vanessa (first name used) and senior‑center staff joined the discussion. Peg from the senior center confirmed she could produce a mailing list; board members and staff discussed volunteer help and staff time to assist seniors using an on‑site device. Resident commenters suggested the town clerk’s voter or resident list could be used to reach a broader population by age if needed. Select Board members discussed timing and said they hoped to launch the electronic survey “before the end of the month” with the survey open for roughly three weeks.
Motion and authorization: A board member moved to approve the NHERI survey as provided in the meeting packet; another member seconded the motion and the board approved it by voice vote. The board also authorized the Select Board member leading the outreach to identify funds (from the NHERI appropriation or the Select Board postage budget if necessary), arrange a postcard mailing to seniors, and place an internet‑connected device at the senior center with volunteer/staff assistance for residents who need help.
Board members and staff emphasized that the survey should remain concise to maximize response rates and that any minor final edits be coordinated with the survey lead and other staff before distribution.
