March 2025
Town Administrator’s Corner
Message from the Town Administrator
Town Meeting is a cornerstone of local democracy, providing a unique opportunity for Groveland residents to come together and discuss the issues that directly impact the community. It’s here that citizens have a direct voice in shaping the future of the town, from approving the budget to updating local bylaws. As we approach this year’s Town Meeting, several important topics will be discussed.
Key Topics to Be Discussed
- Proposed Budget Updates and Allocations
One of the primary items on the agenda will be updates to the town’s operating budget. This includes funding allocations for town departments and essential services that allow us to meet the needs of our growing community. Additionally, we will discuss the allocation of funds through the Community Preservation Act, which supports local preservation projects. - Capital Improvement Projects
The plans for capital improvements in the upcoming year will be reviewed, focusing on key areas like infrastructure upgrades, facility enhancements, and other community improvements. - Review of Local Bylaws and Proposed Changes
Another important aspect of Town Meeting will be reviewing and potentially amending several general and zoning bylaws. The proposed changes include:
General Bylaw Changes:
- Amendments to the Council on Aging Bylaw
- Adoption of a Town Administrator Bylaw
- Updates to the Driveway Bylaw
- Modifications to the Illicit Discharge Bylaw
- Restrictions on trash collection for residential properties with fewer than 4 units
- Amendments to the Community Preservation Committee Bylaw
Zoning Bylaw Changes:
- Amendments to the Floodplain Bylaw
- Updates to the Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Bylaw
- Modifications to the Accessory Dwelling Unit Bylaw
- Adoption of the Multi-Family Zoning Overlay District
Why Your Participation Matters
Town Meeting is more than just a decision-making forum—it’s a direct avenue for active participation in the governance process. Whether you’re a long-time resident or a newcomer, your voice is crucial in shaping the future of our town. The decisions made at Town Meeting affect every aspect of life in Groveland, from the allocation of resources to the preservation of our community’s character.
We encourage everyone to attend and be part of the discussions that guide our town’s direction. Your participation helps keep Groveland strong, vibrant, and responsive to the needs of its residents.
Important Information
The warrant for this year’s Town Meeting will be posted by April 14th and will be available to residents at Town Hall. It will also be posted on the town website and can be found HERE. If you have any questions about any of the proposed warrant articles, please do not hesitate to reach out for more information.
Project Updates
Pines Recreation Access
- The retaining wall and walkways are now complete.
- Handrails installation will begin next week.
Shanahan Parking Lot and Access Improvements
- Final grading of the parking lot will start next week.
- Paving is scheduled to begin after April 15, when Asphalt Plants reopen.
Whittier Tech Regional Vocational School and Northern Essex Community College Municipal Working Group. A meeting was held to review the finalized UMDI Report. Below are the key findings and recommendations:
- Community Support and Concerns:
There is broad support for Career Technical Education (CTE) and the shared campus model, with recognition of the potential cost savings and strengthened programs. However, several concerns were raised, including logistics, curriculum alignment, financial implications, and environmental impacts, which will need to be addressed moving forward. - Recommendations:
Key suggestions from the report include:- Enhancing communication and transparency throughout the process.
- Addressing financial concerns by providing a clear breakdown of costs for taxpayers.
- Expanding programming to better meet regional workforce needs.
- Ensuring robust public transportation options and accessibility for students.
- Labor Market Analysis:
The study highlights that NECC and Whittier Tech programs align well with regional workforce demands, particularly in healthcare and trades. The largest industries in Essex County include healthcare, manufacturing, and government, with notable growth in occupations like home health aides. - Demographic and Economic Benchmarking:
The population of Essex County is projected to age significantly by 2050, which will increase the need for workforce development and credentialing. While employment levels have risen, labor force participation has declined, underscoring the need for targeted workforce solutions. - Case Studies and Best Practices:
Successful collaborations between vocational schools and higher education institutions in other regions demonstrate the importance of community involvement, expanding program inclusivity, and leveraging funding opportunities to support educational growth.
The study concludes that a blended campus model, where NECC and Whittier Tech share physical space and resources while maintaining separate missions, would be an innovative and beneficial approach for students, communities, and regional workforce needs. A copy of the report can be found HERE.
- Valley Screw Update. We are working with MassDEP to request an emergency removal action for the building. The emergency removal process involves the identification and assessment of immediate environmental hazards that require urgent attention to prevent harm to public health or the environment. Once the request is reviewed and approved by the EPA, funding could be allocated to facilitate the safe and rapid removal of hazardous materials or structures. We are optimistic that this collaborative effort will lead to a successful outcome, providing the necessary resources to address the situation.
Volunteer/Employee Spotlight:
Meet Rebecca Beaucher
A Year in Review: Select Board Member Rebecca Beaucher Shares Insights
As the town of Groveland continues to grow and evolve, one of the voices shaping its future is that of Rebecca Beaucher, who is celebrating her first year on the Select Board. In a recent conversation, she shared her motivations for running, the rewards and challenges of her role, and her vision for the year ahead.
Giving Back to Groveland
For Rebecca Beaucher, who goes by Becky, the decision to run for the Select Board was a natural one, driven by a deep sense of gratitude for her hometown. “I decided to run for Groveland’s Select Board to give back to the town that has given me so much,” she explained. Raised in Groveland, raising her child here, and now living and working in the community, she feels a strong connection to the town. With the five-member board designed to represent diverse voices, she saw an opportunity to be an integral part of shaping the town’s future. “I wanted to be one of those voices,” she shared.
A Year of Growth and Contribution
Reflecting on her first year in office, Becky found the most rewarding aspect to be the contributions she’s been able to make to the board’s productive discussions. “I come to each meeting well-prepared, ready to participate and contribute strategically, while always respecting the opinions of my fellow board members and our residents,” she said. The role has also been a continuous learning experience for her, offering new insights both about herself and the community she serves.
Navigating Challenges with Care
Like many in local government, Becky has faced her share of challenges. Complex town issues with conflicting opinions are never easy to navigate, but she has a methodical approach to decision-making. “I research each issue to understand the full picture and examine how other towns have addressed similar problems,” she explained. This research, combined with her active listening skills, helps her consider all sides before making decisions. “I use active listening to genuinely consider opinions from all sides, which ultimately helps me make the best possible decisions.”
A Greater Appreciation for Local Government
Serving on the Select Board has given Becky a new appreciation for the inner workings of local government. “I’ve learned more about the extensive efforts required to run Groveland and the small group of dedicated individuals who make it happen,” she said. From town employees to volunteers on various boards and committees, her exposure to the behind-the-scenes work has deepened her gratitude for those who contribute to the town’s success.
Looking Ahead: Improving Communication
Looking toward the year ahead, Becky has set clear priorities. One of her key goals is to improve how the town communicates accurate information to residents. “With so many information sources available today, it’s easy for misinformation to spread,” she noted. By ensuring that residents have access to accurate and timely information, she hopes to alleviate any unnecessary stress caused by misunderstandings. Whether through social media, television, or print, Becky is committed to making sure that Groveland residents are always well-informed about the decisions that affect them.
Staying Connected with the Community
For Becky, staying connected with Groveland’s residents is essential. “Face-to-face conversations are incredibly valuable,” she said. Through volunteering and attending town events, she engages with the community on a personal level, learning about the concerns and perspectives of her neighbors. Public comment time during meetings also provides an opportunity for residents to share their thoughts directly. While technology has its place, Becky believes that nothing can replace the insight gained from personal interaction. “I can’t always gauge the community’s pulse through a computer, so human interaction is essential,” she explained.
As Rebecca Beaucher looks ahead to her next year on the Select Board, she remains focused on her mission to serve Groveland with integrity, respect, and a commitment to the future.
What You Might’ve Missed:
Latest News
COA Newsletter. March/April 2025
Library Newsletter. March 2025
A Special Thank You to Sergeant Sindoni and Congratulations to the 6th Grade D.A.R.E. Graduates!
We’d like to recognize Sergeant Sindoni for his outstanding work with the D.A.R.E. program. Today, the 6th-grade class graduated, and it was inspiring to hear the students share essays about the valuable lessons they’ve learned, including making responsible choices, staying drug-free, and standing up to peer pressure.
Sergeant Sindoni has transformed the D.A.R.E. program into a dynamic and engaging experience for students. His dedication continues to make it one of the few remaining D.A.R.E. programs in the area, providing essential education for our youth.
Congratulations to the 6th graders for completing the program, and thank you, Sergeant Sindoni, for your tireless commitment to shaping the next generation!
A Special Thank You to Council on Aging Director Alyssa Lee and the Team for a Successful International Women’s Day Event. I was truly honored to participate in the International Women’s Day event organized by the Council on Aging. A special thank you to Council on Aging Director Alyssa Lee and the entire team for their hard work and dedication in making the event such a success. It was inspiring to see our community come together in such a meaningful way to celebrate and recognize the achievements of women, both locally and across generations. The event not only highlighted the importance of women’s contributions but also provided an opportunity for reflection, learning, and empowerment. Thank you to everyone involved for creating such a powerful and memorable experience for all of us.
Department/Board Spotlight:
Select Board
Understanding the Role of the Select Board in Groveland
In Groveland, the Select Board serves as the primary executive body responsible for overseeing the operations of our local government. Composed of five elected members, this board plays a crucial role in the governance of the town, with each member contributing to the decision-making and policy-setting processes that affect the daily lives of residents. Together, they ensure that town operations run smoothly and efficiently, working in partnership with other local departments, boards, and committees.
Key Responsibilities of the Select Board
One of the most important duties of the Select Board is to act as the chief policy-making body of the town. The board is tasked with making decisions on a wide range of issues that directly impact Groveland’s residents. From approving budgets to managing local services such as trash and recycling collection, the Select Board helps prioritize and allocate resources for the town. They also make decisions on field permits, oversee the use of public property, and address various other community needs.
In addition to these functions, the Select Board plays a central role in shaping Groveland’s long-term vision. By setting priorities and making recommendations, the board helps steer the town toward future growth and development, ensuring that policies are in line with the evolving needs of the community. These decisions require careful consideration and a strong understanding of the town’s resources, demographics, and long-term goals.
Overseeing Town Administration
Another vital responsibility of the Select Board is overseeing the day-to-day operations of the town. While the Select Board sets policies and priorities, it is the Town Administrator who handles the daily management of town operations. The Select Board is responsible for hiring and supervising this key town employee, ensuring that the administrator has the necessary support and direction to carry out the town’s business effectively.
Engaging with the Community
Public engagement is at the heart of the Select Board’s role. They hold regular meetings and public hearings to discuss key town issues, gather feedback from residents, and ensure that the decisions made are reflective of the community’s needs and desires. By encouraging public input, the Select Board ensures that Groveland’s policies remain aligned with the interests of its residents. This open dialogue also fosters transparency and accountability within the local government.
In addition to public meetings, the Select Board works closely with other boards and committees, such as the Finance Board and the Planning Board, to address critical town issues. By collaborating with these groups, they ensure that all aspects of governance work in harmony, ultimately supporting the town’s well-being and future development.
Expectations of Select Board Members
Members of the Select Board are held to high standards, expected to be well-informed about local laws, regulations, and the issues affecting Groveland. They represent the town in various capacities, including signing contracts, issuing licenses, and addressing legal matters. Their decisions and actions must always be in the best interest of the town, balancing the needs of the community with available resources.
Select Board members are also responsible for maintaining transparency and ensuring that the public is actively engaged in the decision-making process. This helps build trust between residents and their local government, reinforcing the idea that the Select Board works for the people of Groveland.
Shaping the Future of Groveland
The Select Board plays a vital role in shaping the direction of Groveland. Through thoughtful policy-making, effective administration, and a commitment to community engagement, they ensure that the town remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family. By working closely with residents and other town leaders, the Select Board helps to create a town that functions efficiently and is well-positioned for future growth and success.
