Board delays vote on complete streets policy

Select Board · Meeting of August 12, 2026

ASHBY — The Ashby Select Board discussed but did not vote on a Complete Streets policy and a proposed second police sergeant position. Planning Board Chair Andrew Leonard told the board the policy would improve the town's standing for state grants including the MassWorks Infrastructure Program, while members said they needed more time to review the "non-prescriptive" language. Police union president Owen Garhart told the board the department's sole sergeant handled "254" civil motor vehicle infractions in 2025, while the police chief said the $10,000 promotion cost, previously cut from the budget, could be absorbed using roughly $45,000 the department returned last year.

One member said she wanted "more information about the budgetary impact" before deciding, and the board asked the chief to supply written data on overnight call-outs and court days. The board separately approved a fiscal 2027 land use agent contract capped at $5,500 and three routine warrants totaling more than $173,000, then voted to enter executive session on Log Cabin Road and clerical union matters.

In the full story:

• Who Was There
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Source: the Select Board meeting of August 12, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.