Mr. Mizikar announced that the Police Department has begun utilizing the "See It, Say It, Send It" app as a new way to communicate with the citizens of Shrewsbury. Users can submit “tips” or relevant information from the application to their communications center which is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The sender can choose to identify themselves or remain anonymous. Either way the “See It, Say It, Send It” app allows the department to communicate directly with the sender to follow-up, gather more information or even provide the sender with information about what was done to address the issue. For more information visit www.seeandsend.info.

Ruth Febo and Adeola Mbaneme, Co-Chairs of the DEI Task Force, appeared before the Board to provide an update on the work of the DEI Task Force and reviewed details contained in their quarterly report. Beginning on May 3, 2021, these meetings will be televised through Shrewsbury Media Connection.

Bernie Cahill, Town Planner, shared a proposed zoning map of the Town Center and stated that the boundaries need to be matched up which was a leftover from last town meeting. Letters were sent to each of the residents and owners of the lots included in the zoning change. Mr. Cahill then reviewed the article regarding the continuance of existing uses. This is being updated due to case law. Mr. Cahill reviewed the accessory use table which would include reformatting a table and including diagrams to make it easier to understand. More information can be found here: https://shrewsburyma.gov/636/Planning-Economic-Development

The Board voted on Water Restrictions set forth in the Water Management Act Permit #9P4-2-12-271.01 which requires seasonal limits on nonessential outdoor water use. Pursuant to Article 18, Section 4 of the General By-Laws, Nonessential outdoor watering hours are restricted to before 9:00 AM and after 5:00 PM. Based upon the street address number nonessential outdoor water use is allowed:

Even numbered addresses may engage in nonessential outdoor water use on Wednesdays and Saturdays only.

Odd numbered addresses may engage in nonessential outdoor water use on Thursdays and Sundays only.

Visit https://shrewsburyma.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=4872 for more information.

Mr. Mizikar asked that the Board adopt safety recommendations as laid out in the route 20 corridor study but also prioritize the prohibition of a left turn from South Street to Route 20. The Board voted to adopt recommendations as laid out in the Route 20 Master Plan. The Board will post a solicitation for comments specifically related to the prohibition of a left turn from South Street to Route 20. Comments are due by noon on Thursday May 6, 2021.

In consultation with the Moderator, the Board voted to reduce the quorum for the May 22, 2021 Annual Town Meeting to 100 voters pursuant to Section 7 of Chapter 92 of the Acts of 2020.

Present Board members and former Board Members, Moira Miller and Henry Fitzgerald, as well as State Representative Hannah Kane, appeared before the Board to wish a farewell to Selectman James Kane after 12 years of service. Board Members discussed his notable achievements and thanked him for his service and dedication to the Town. Mr. Kane announced that he would not be seeking re-election to the Board as he planned to run for Town Moderator.

Mr. Mizikar shared a slide regarding the January 2021 valuation of the retirement system. As of January 1, 2021, the pension will be 100.8% funded. Mr. Mizikar discussed possible next steps. The Board discussed the focus of the retirement system. The retirement board will continue to analyze the funding, if the town wanted to change the funding schedule the Town would have to petition Public Employment Retirement Administration Commission. Mr. Mizikar explained the pension as a line item in the budget and the potential flexibility according to market conditions in the future.

Mr. Snowdon gave an overview of the DPW’s proactive meter replacement project and field audits conducted. In calendar year 2020, 124 meters were scheduled and replaced. These meters were not new connections, but rather meters identified for replacement. Already in the calendar year 2021 approximately 105 meters have been replaced. Mr. Snowdon gave a billed consumption review and stated that in calendar year 2021 the billed consumption from January to April is greater by 5.5%. CY 2021 billed consumption when compared to the Five Year Average (2016-2020) is greater by 3.6% or 9,614,000 gallons. Mr. Snowdon discussed various notable discoveries for unaccounted for water. Board Members discussed the meter project and unaccounted for water. Mr. Mizikar thanked DPW Director Jeff Howland and DPW Business Manager David Snowdon for their work on this important project.

As a result of the AAA Bond Rating assigned to the Town, the refunding of the Sherwood Middle School will save the Town nearly 2 Million over the course of 10 years. The refunding, similar to refinancing a mortgage on a house, resulted in an interest rate reduction from 4.11% to 0.7542%.

The Board of Selectmen voted on warrant article recommendations for the May 22, 2021 Annual Town meeting as follows:

Articles 1-2: Recommended

Articles 3-5: Recommendations Held

Articles 6-16: Recommended

Articles 17-18: Recommendations Held

Articles 19-22: Recommended

Article 23: Recommended Defeat

Articles 24-33: Recommended

Article 34: Recommendations Held

Article 35: Not Recommended

Article 36: Recommendations Held

Articles 37-42: Recommended

The Board acted on a request from resident Kathy Musiak, pursuant to Policy 30, to designate May 2 - May 8 as Children's Mental Health Awareness Week in the Town of Shrewsbury.