Billerica Select Board adopts new mission statement, launches FY 2025 goals process

BILLERICA -- June 24, 2024, Billerica Select Board unanimously adopts updated town mission statement and advances a broad FY 2025 goals agenda. The board voted 5-0 at its June 24 working session to replace a nearly decade-old vision statement with a new mission drafted by Town Manager Clancy Mann, adding language to ensure "the town's financial position is among the strongest in the state" at Selectman Mark Rosa's request. The board also voted 5-0 to grant a temporary common victualler's license to Santang Infinity at 15 Middlesex Turnpike through July 15, allowing a soft opening while alcohol license discrepancies are resolved with town counsel. Key debates centered on housing, with members struggling to define "low-impact" development in a way that is both affordable and palatable to residents, and on a proposed new senior center, with the board agreeing to study multiple locations including the Cider Mill top section and 250 Boston Road while Selectwoman Lori Conway called for listening sessions with actual senior center users first. Mann told the board he must apply by July 11 for a state park grant and, based on board direction, will apply on behalf of the Old Ditson School site, which carries $400,000 in ARPA funds and would receive automatic Article 97 open space protection if the grant is awarded. A revised goals document is due at the July 15 Select Board meeting.