Since being elected Town Council President in November 2021, we have made significant progress across a number of key areas. While much has been accomplished, important work still lies ahead.

Below is a summary of some of the successful programs and projects we’ve completed to date. These achievements reflect the dedication and collaboration of a strong and capable team across all departments within our town government.

I extend my sincere thanks to everyone who has contributed their time, energy, and expertise to help make these initiatives a success.

Leadership & Organizational Improvements

·       Hired and welcomed Anthony Marino as Town Manager. Tony quickly took charge of several long-standing projects and brought renewed focus to increasing operational efficiency, upgrades, and revenue growth. I’m grateful for the dedication and work that Tony has accomplished for the town. We’ve made significant strides in administrative operations while maintaining a strong financial foundation and we have more to do.

Key Administrative Achievements

·       Deputy Assessor Hired: Cleared a three-year backlog of building permits, resulting in a $500,000 increase in new growth over two years. Annual growth has since stabilized between $350,000–$400,000, up from a previous average of $237,000. The Assessor’s Office has generated $526,000 in additional revenue in two years.

Website Overhaul:

·       In response to community feedback, we partnered with CivicPlus to launch a new, user-friendly municipal website, improving access to information and transparency.

Facilities Management:

·       Implemented Brightly asset management software and completed a Facilities Needs Assessment to support long-term capital planning.

Infrastructure Improvements

 Replaced 4.5 miles of water mains using ARPA funds. 

Advanced the Revere Street TIP project by securing easements and compensating affected parties, keeping the project on schedule.

Environmental & Restoration Projects

·       Planted over 125 trees using Capital Improvement funds.

·       Installed a new flagpole display and outdoor patio at the EB Newton Building.

·       Completed restoration of the historic Clock Tower at the EB Newton Building.

Public Safety Enhancements

·       Expanded the Regional Dispatch Center to include Chelsea, reducing long-term costs.

·       Gained voter approval for a Debt Exclusion to fund a new fire station and demolish the old middle school and auditorium.

Personnel & Labor Relations

·       Successfully negotiated two full union contract cycles across five unions without arbitration or contingency funding.

·       Appointed a new Assistant Town Manager to succeed the former Planning Director.

Financial Agreements

·       Finalized a 10-year agreement with Comcast.

·       Renegotiated a 5-year contract with Capital Waste with favorable terms.

·       Secured a 10-year contract with MWRA for stable, predictable funding.

Grant Funding

·       Secured $195,000 from the Green Communities Grant Program.

·       $250,000 from the Community Compact Program for town-wide fiber infrastructure upgrades.

Education

·       Established an Education Stabilization Fund and passed a School Override to prevent layoffs, preserve class sizes, and maintain programmatic and facility improvements.

New Committees & Commissions

·       Climate Commission: Focusing on flood mitigation and grant opportunities.

·       Advisory Design and Review Board: Developing architectural and aesthetic guidelines for future development.