The Select Board approves the Market Basket Letter to the Board of Directors and greenlights National Grid pole petitions.
Chairman Mark Kratman called the meeting to order on Tuesday, August 12th, 2025. All members of the board were present. Kratman made a motion to move into Executive Session to discuss the Trahan Housing Award and MBTA Communities.
Scheduled Items: Public Hearing
LMB Café LLC d/b/a Perfecto’s Café: 1900 Main Street – Common Victualler License
Kratman re-opened the board to the public, beginning with Perfecto’s Cafe as the first item on the agenda. While no representative came before the board, a motion was made to approve the license, and it was passed unanimously.
DMD Vehicles Sales and Appraisals: 128 Patten Road – Online Class II Auto Sales License
Anthony Boschetti appeared before the board seeking to expand his automobile appraisal and vehicle handling business with an online license. Richard Russo and James Mackey confirmed that no vehicles would be stored onsite.
The license was approved unanimously.
National Grid/Verizon Jointly Owned Pole Petition: Shawsheen Street – Pole 156-50
Alec Birdsong was present on behalf of National Grid. Eric Ryder noted that he did not see any informational letter provided by Mr. Hardiman and the DPW. Mackey noted, “It’s been our practice for a couple of years now to not action these unless they have the letter.” He suggested tabling this petition until the board received DPW correspondence. A motion was approved to do so.
National Grid/Verizon Jointly Owned Pole Petition: 1 Lincoln Road
A DPW letter was submitted with no concerns from the board. Kratman noted that if no sidewalks exist, the pole should be placed at the back of the layout to avoid future relocation if sidewalks are added. The motion to approve, incorporating DPW recommendations, passed unanimously.
National Grid/Verizon Jointly Owned Pole Petition: Shawsheen Street – Pole 59-50
Mackey questioned the need for a new pole, noting two existing ones on site. Birdsong clarified the new pole is needed to improve outage response times, as the current poles lack the necessary hardware. Separately, Kratman asked for an update on the long-broken pole at East and North Street. The motion to approve, incorporating DPW recommendations, passed unanimously.
Into Action Recover, Inc. – Road Race: 320 Pleasant Street
Russo confirmed that the race, held on Sunday, September 14th, does not conflict with other local events. The license was unanimously approved.
American Outdoor Advertising, LLC (Billboard Special Permit): 1775 Andover Street – Determination of Consent for Repetitive Petition
Attorney James Cutelis and Stephen Ross of American Outdoor Advertising requested approval to resubmit an application for an electronic billboard at the Marriott on Andover Street. Their original application was denied last year by a 3–2 vote, but they seek early resubmission due to material changes: a taller, re-angled billboard to reduce light spillover, added shrubbery for screening, and a higher upfront payment. The Planning Board unanimously agreed these changes were significant.
Town Manager John Curran reminded the board that their decision was the determination of whether this was a substantial change, not the merits of the petition itself.
Mackey opposed, citing that a 5% difference in billboard height was not a substantial enough change to merit early resubmission. Ryder and Kratman supported the move, citing potential revenue, particularly for sidewalk improvements, which are a community priority. The board voted 4–1 to allow resubmission.
Show Cause Hearing: St. Michael Corp. d/b/a White Dove Pantry: 910 Andover Street
The owner of White Dove Pantry explained to the board that an employee mistakenly sold alcohol to an 18-year-old without checking ID, trusting the customer’s claim of being a regular with their ID in the car. In response, the store has since installed an ID scanner to verify all future sales.
Police Chief Columbus emphasized the seriousness of underage alcohol sales, citing the department’s zero-tolerance policy and ongoing outreach. He recommended a one-day license suspension. The board unanimously approved the one-day suspension for August 21st, 2025, noting it as a first violation.
Residents
Two residents proposed a “Hometown Hero” banner program to honor local heroes and first responders, aiming for a launch by Memorial Day next year. Both Curran and Kratman applauded the idea but noted it must be placed on a future agenda for formal action.
New Business
Approval of Donations
A $200 donation from the Friends of the Elderly for the August 11th ice cream social, a $30 memorial donation for Regina B. Tammaro, and a $300 contribution from the VFW’s Veterans BBQ were all unanimously accepted and appreciated by the board.
Letter of Support to Demoulas Family
A draft letter to the Market Basket Board of Directors was read publicly, expressing the Tewksbury Select Board’s gratitude for the Demoulas family’s contributions to the community and Merrimack Valley. It praised CEO Arthur T. Demoulas for his employee-focused leadership and urged the family to resolve their differences. The letter recommended reinstating Arthur T. as CEO, citing his vital role in the company’s success, and highlighted the family’s longtime support of local charities and community groups as key to Tewksbury’s identity.
Mackey commented, “I don’t think this letter is heavy-handed enough.” He urged the board to fully support Arthur T., calling him an exceptional community leader and wished more could be done.
Patrick Holland and Ryder echoed the sentiment, endorsing the letter, noting that Arthur fosters a strong work ethic and a sense of responsibility in his staff. Russo added, “I wish we could do more, but… it is a family matter, and all we can do is throw our support.”
Kratman shared a recent conversation with Arthur T., commending his dedication to Tewksbury and his concerns about stalled development at Stadium Plaza, despite ongoing family disputes. He moved to approve the letter, highlighting the importance of family unity for the community’s benefit. The motion passed unanimously.
Board and Committee Appointment Discussion
Russo moved to contact the School Facility Study Committee applicant for additional background information. Holland then motioned to schedule Zoning Board of Appeals interviews for September 9th and Conservation Committee interviews for September 23rd. Both motions were approved.
Town Manager John Curran provided several brief updates. He announced that the second annual Fall Festival will take place on Sunday, October 19th, from 1–4 PM and will be promoted on social media. He encouraged the Select Board to tour the interior of North Street School, noting its condition warrants firsthand inspection. Curran also mentioned ongoing but limited communication with Boston Hockey Academy, which has expressed continued interest in a town property.
He reported that the West Nile virus risk level is currently moderate in the region, with no confirmed cases in Tewksbury. As a precaution, the Board of Health has treated Livingston Street Park.
Regarding the Whipple and Pine Street intersection, a warrant study found no need for a traffic signal, but TEC engineers recommended safety improvements such as relocating stop signs, updating signage, and improving visibility.
Kratman thanked Town Manager Curran for addressing the Whipple and Pine Street concerns and suggested posting the safety improvements and timeline online to keep residents informed. He also requested contacting the School Committee about remaining items in North Street School to identify what’s useful and prevent it from becoming a storage site.
Ryder suggested moving attic stock to the new DPW storage and including the superintendent and facilities staff in the board walkthrough to clear trash, reduce clutter, and decide the building’s future.
Mackey moved to add this to the September 23rd agenda to allow time for walkthroughs and coordination. The motion passed.
Town Council Invoice & Meeting Minutes
Ryder moved to approve the $3,060 invoice for July 1–15, 2025, which passed unanimously.
The board also approved the Executive Session minutes from March 12th and May 2nd, 2024, and the Regular Session minutes from May 20th, 2025.
Board Member Reports
Holland noted the Community Preservation Act is forwarding an article for Town Meeting requesting $25,000 for work at Strong Field.
Mackey, Russo, and Ryder had nothing to report.
Kratman praised Jason Marshall and Brian Dorrington for creating high-quality T-shirts promoting Tewksbury Telemedia, featuring the YouTube link to watch live and recorded government meetings, sports, and community events. These shirts will be given away at upcoming events on a first-come, first-served basis, helping to increase viewership and support for Telemedia.
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The next Select Board Meeting will be held September 9th, 2025.
Kari Weinstein
Kari studied Journalism and Advertising at Boston University and lived in Boston for 10 years, most recently moving to Tewksbury in early 2024. She has experience writing and producing content for radio and television.
Just an FYI….our Town Telemedia friend’s name is Brian Dorrington.
Didn’t they rebuild Strong field in 2008 & 2016? Why not take care of it instead of always having to rebuild? Maybe take a little pride in it?