WESTFORD — The Town Manager’s February newsletter shared a wide range of updates, highlighting budget discussions, upcoming town meetings, infrastructure projects and opportunities for residents to get involved in local government.
Town Manager Kristen Las welcomed Sheila Dibb to the Town Manager’s Office as the new project and procurement specialist. Dibb began her role on Jan. 29 and brings extensive municipal and administrative experience, Las said. Residents are encouraged to stop by Town Hall to introduce themselves in the coming months.
Budget planning remains a major focus, as it has over the past few weeks, with FY27 budget hearings continuing on Feb. 5. The Select Board and Finance Committee will review the budget on Thursday, providing residents with an opportunity to learn about the proposed fiscal year budget and offer input before final decisions.
It was again reminded that Westford is preparing for a transition to a hybrid Pay-As-You-Throw curbside trash program in July. Residents are encouraged to attend the PAYT “Lunch and Learn” informational session, which is scheduled for Feb. 10 at the Cameron Senior Center.
Annual Town Meeting is scheduled for March 28, at Westford Academy, at 9 a.m. Meetings regarding warrant articles will take place throughout February and March. Warrant articles and motions are slated to be reviewed by the Select Board on Feb. 10, the Finance Committee on Feb. 12, the Planning Board on Feb. 19, the Select Board on Feb. 24, and the Finance Committee on Feb. 26. All registered Westford voters are welcome to attend and participate.
Several elected boards and committees have open seats, including the Select Board, Planning Board, School Committee, Housing Authority and Board of Library Trustees. Nomination papers are available at the Town Clerk’s Office and must be returned by March 18 at 5 p.m.
Town news and updates
The town clerk’s office is seeking individuals to work the upcoming elections. To participate, complete an Election Officer Profile and submit it to the Town Clerk’s Office.
The town is still offering a biweekly service for a convenient way to recycle mattresses and box springs. Pickups are every other Tuesday, and residents can schedule a collection through UTEC, Inc.’s mattress recycling page. There is a $40 per unit pickup fee.
2026 dog licensing is now open and can be renewed online, by mail, or at the Town Hall. Rabies vaccination documentation is required for licensing, and late fees will start on March 1.
Project updates
The J.V. Fletcher Library Building Renovation Project is still underway, with staff members, architects, and residents celebrating a steel beam signing ceremony last month. The Renovation will increase the library’s size by approximately 50 percent and see new additions, including additional public meeting rooms, expanded silent and collaborative study areas, centralized circulation services, bathrooms on every floor, expanded youth and children’s sections, and make the building fully ADA-compliant. The project is expected to be completed in 2027.
“Linked and Livable Neighborhoods: Littleton Road” survey is now open for residents. The community is encouraged to take the survey on walking, biking, and open space priorities for the Littleton Road area. This gives participants a chance to share their input on the most needed improvements for the Littleton Road area.
The Boston Road Reconstruction Project has concluded for the winter season and is projected to resume in April.
The town has launched the Route 40 Corridor Study, a study aimed at shaping the long-term future of Groton Road. The study will look at zoning, land use, traffic and infrastructure for the purpose of developing a shared vision for how the corridor should evolve.
Community events and highlights
Also included in the newsletter where upcoming community events and highlights to look forward to.
Amongst those are the Westford Academy Hockey Fundraiser Game which will be on Feb. 22 at 1:30 p.m. at Skate 3 in Tyngsboro. Residents are encouraged to join the event to watch the combined boys and girls WA hockey teams versus the Westford police and fire departments. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. Tickets can be purchased online.
The Cameron Senior Center has revealed new branding that was inspired by the community this past month. Through a town-wide survey and an in-person visioning workshop, residents shared feedback about how the Cameron serves the community. The input helped shape a refreshed logo that honors its role in town.
The Cameron Senior Center will also host a “Valentine Luncheon and Music” event on Feb. 13 at First Parish Church at noon.
Public health and safety updates included American Heart Month programming, with the Westford Health Department and Medical Reserve Corps offering American Heart Association training classes.
The Community Preservation Committee is also accepting applications, with hearings scheduled for Feb. 4 and 10.
The Town Manager’s newsletter can be found here.
